JP2016095809A - Center server and interface standardization system of device using the same, and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To standardize an interface for device control while reducing a load on an application providing side.SOLUTION: An interface standardization system includes a center server 3 connected to a communication network, a client terminal 4 used by a user U, and a smart device 5 installed in a usage environment H of the user U. The center server 3 includes an API part 10 for generating an object α of a device in the usage environment H on the basis of a provided application X, and outputting specification information D and control command information of a smart device 5A when the control command information is inputted to the object α, and a device interface part 11 for associating the device specification information D and the control command information of the smart device 5A with connection information M to an externally provided communication module, locating a communication module A of the smart device 5A, and transmitting the control command information based on a communication standard T-α corresponding to the smart device 5A to the corresponding smart device 5A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a center server that is connected to a communication network called a network device or a smart device and can be externally controlled, and that shares the interface of a device that transmits information held by itself, a device interface sharing system using the center server, and It relates to that method.

  In recent years, with the aim of optimizing home energy use and improving the quality of life of users, smart homes and smart devices, home appliances that can be controlled externally, and solar power generation devices In addition, a system has been proposed in which household storage batteries, electric vehicles, and the like are connected by an information network and are comprehensively controlled by various purposes HEMS (Home Energy Management System).

  For example, to operate a smart device under a communication network environment such as a smart house from the outside, for example, an air conditioner or a lighting device from the outside, a virtual device corresponding to the smart device is requested for each remote control server according to the request of the client terminal. When the device identification information and the control command information are input to the virtual device from the client terminal, it can be operated by transmitting the control command information to the target smart device by the communication module stored in the remote control server in advance. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  Considering the future smart house and HEMS market, the entity that develops and provides applications (software) that realize comfortable life in conjunction with home appliances is the developer that develops smartphone applications. The same application vendor (software developer). Such application vendors are developing applications (software) that are easy to use and easy to use.

Japanese Patent No. 4263387

  However, communication standards for transmitting and receiving signals and information between these remote control servers and smart devices, such as the Internet, wireless LAN, infrared communication method, ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), etc., vary widely. Controllers and devices Each manufacturer has decided independently. For this reason, when an application vendor develops an application that works with a smart device, it is not only aware of the application program layer that has been handled in the process of developing smartphone applications, but also the middleware and communication driver / library layers. Application programs must be designed and developed. In other words, even an application vendor specialized in software cannot develop an application that operates a smart device unless it understands the communication standard of smart devices and the program provided by the manufacturer. For this reason, even if an application is developed by understanding the communication standard of a certain smart device and its program, there is a problem that smart devices of different device manufacturers and models cannot always be operated. It is not realistic for an application vendor to design and develop an application program by understanding the communication standard and its program for all models of all manufacturers. In the conventional system described in Patent Document 1, the operation of the device is performed through the virtual device. However, the communication module that is different for each device must be understood and developed by the application vendor. There is.

  On the other hand, there is a problem on the device manufacturer side that if it is unified to a specific communication standard, conventional devices cannot be used, the degree of freedom in designing the device is lost, and the cost increases. Furthermore, if the user tries to operate the device using the application program downloaded through the client terminal, but there are cases where the device cannot be used if the device manufacturer or model is different, the range of application selection is limited, and the application for each specific device manufacturer is limited. There is a complication that it is necessary to use many differently. This hinders the spread of smart devices, smart houses, and HEMS.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and any device of any manufacturer can be manufactured from now on as long as information on the device is provided from the outside. However, it is an object of the present invention to provide a center server that can be operated and controlled without limitation, and a system for sharing an interface of the equipment using the center server and a method thereof.

  The center server according to claim 1 of the present invention is connected via a communication network to a device that performs an electrical operation that is remotely controlled and managed from the outside based on control command information according to a predetermined communication standard. When the center server receives device identification information about a device, it collects connection information to the communication module related to the device provided by the external device manufacturer, and collects device information that passes the connection information to the communication module to the outside. When the device identification information and the control command information are received for the device and the external device, the device identification information is transferred to the device information collection unit, and the connection information to the communication module related to the device received from the device information collection unit is received from the outside. A device that correlates with the received device identification information and determines a communication module corresponding to the device And a interface unit, the center server, based upon the determined communication module, and a control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device characterized by transmitting to the equipment.

  In the center server according to claim 1 of the present invention, as long as the device manufacturer providing the connection information to the communication module related to the device provides the connection information to the communication module related to the device, any communication standard device can be used. However, the degree of freedom in design is improved. As long as the information specifying the device is provided, the communication module corresponding to the device is automatically determined and the control command information is transmitted to the device. There is no need to provide or explain standard information or communication modules, which saves work. This makes it easier for device manufacturers to cooperate in the development of various application programs related to smart device control.

  The center server according to claim 2 of the present invention is a communication conversion program in which a communication module is provided by an external device manufacturer, and the communication module includes communication standard identification information and is embedded with communication standard information. The connection information to the communication module includes information for identifying which communication module to communicate with. When the device information collecting means of the center server receives the device specifying information for the device from the device interface means, the communication standard identification for the collected device is identified. The information and the connection information to the communication module are configured to be transferred to the device interface means, and the device interface means of the center server receives the communication standard identification information on the device received from the device information collection means, the connection information to the communication module, Associate with device identification information A communication module corresponding to the device is determined, and device identification information, communication standard identification information, and control command information are delivered to the determined communication module. The center server receives device identification information from the device interface means. And communication standard identification information and control command information are received by the device interface means, converted to a communication standard corresponding to the device by a communication module provided by an external device manufacturer, and corresponding to the device A communication conversion means for transmitting control command information based on the communication standard to the device is provided.

  In the center server according to claim 2 of the present invention, the device information collecting means collects communication standard identification information provided from the device manufacturer side and connection information to the communication module, and the device interface means includes communication standard identification information and Since it is only necessary to associate the connection information to the communication module with the device specifying information and to determine the communication module corresponding to the device, the work is made efficient. Since the communication module can have a plurality of pieces of communication standard information, the degree of freedom in design is further improved.

  In the center server according to claim 3 of the present invention, the device information collecting means is provided from the device manufacturer side, and is recorded and registered in the storage means of the center server or the storage means of another server connected via the communication network. It collects based on the connection information to the communication module regarding the connected device and the communication module.

  The center server according to claim 4 of the present invention is characterized in that, of the information provided from the external device manufacturer side, only the communication module, or the contents of the communication module and the communication standard information are concealed. It is said.

  In the center server according to claim 4 of the present invention, the device manufacturer providing the communication standard information and the communication module regarding the device can provide the communication module in a concealed state and knows the communication module including the secret information to others. So you can provide information with peace of mind.

  In the center server according to claim 5 of the present invention, the center server includes, on the basis of an application program linked with a device provided by an external application vendor, device identification information about a device in a user's usage environment from the outside. When the control command information is received, the device specifying information and the control command information are delivered to the device interface means.

  In the center server according to claim 5 of the present invention, as long as the application program providing side provides information for specifying a device, a communication module corresponding to the device is automatically determined, and control command information is transmitted to the device. Therefore, it is possible to develop a variety of applications by concentrating human resources only on application development without being aware of communication standards. From the user side of the application, the range of application selection Spread. That is, if the application provider understands only the application programming interface means, the application can be developed, and it becomes easy to participate in the development of the HEMS application.

  In the center server according to claim 6 of the present invention, the application programming interface means is provided by an external application vendor and is in the user's usage environment based on an application program that enables communication between programs. It is characterized by being configured to be able to input device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server corresponding to the device.

  In the center server according to claim 7 of the present invention, when the device interface means receives at least one of the information measured or sensed by the device in the user's use environment or the information held by the device, the information A device object corresponding to the device object is determined or generated and delivered to the application programming interface means as information on the device object.

  In the center server according to claim 8 of the present invention, when the application programming interface means receives the equipment object determined or generated by the equipment interface means as information on the equipment object, the information is reflected in the application program. It is characterized by letting.

  The center server according to claim 9 of the present invention is connected so as to be able to exchange information with a device in a user's usage environment via a communication network, and the device automatically controls the device under preset conditions. It is characterized by being remotely operated and managed based on an application program to be transmitted and / or transmitting information held by the device to the outside.

  In the center server according to claim 9 of the present invention, the user is a terminal connected to the network at least one of information measured or sensed by a device under the user's usage environment or information held by the device. Can easily know. Further, the user of the device can operate or control the device under conditions set in advance in the application program without operating or controlling the device.

  In the center server according to claim 10 of the present invention, the center server is connected to the application server in which the application program is stored so as to be able to exchange information via the communication network, and the application program is based on a preset condition. The control command information of the device is inputted to the virtual device object generated on the center server.

  A center server according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is such that a center server is connected to a client terminal used by a specific user so that information can be exchanged via a communication network, and the client terminal is a preinstalled application program. Based on the above, it is configured to be able to input device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server.

  The center server according to claim 12 of the present invention comprises transmission / reception means for transmitting control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device specified by the device identification information to the device. To the device via the server according to the communication standard corresponding to this device, or to send the control command information to the remote operation control device of the device via another server, and the remote control device to the device It is characterized in that the control command information is transmitted to the device based on the corresponding communication standard.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device interface sharing system, a center server connected to a communication network, and a center server connected to the center server so that information can be exchanged, and a predetermined communication standard determined in advance. Equipment that performs an electrical operation that is remotely controlled and managed from the outside based on control command information by the device, and the center server receives the device identification information about the device and relates to the device provided by the external device manufacturer. When device information collection means for collecting connection information to the communication module and delivering the connection information to the communication module to the outside, and device identification information and control command information for a certain external device are received, the device identification information is converted to device information. The communication module related to the device is delivered to the collection unit and received from the device information collection unit. And a device interface means for determining a communication module corresponding to the device, and the center server is based on the determined communication module. The control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device is transmitted to the device.

  In the device interface sharing system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the device manufacturer can respond to any communication standard device as long as it provides connection information to the communication module related to the device. Therefore, the degree of freedom in design is improved. As long as the information specifying the device is provided, the communication module corresponding to the device is automatically determined and the control command information is transmitted to the device. There is no need to provide or explain standard information or communication modules, which saves work. This makes it easier for device manufacturers to cooperate in the development of various application programs related to smart device control.

  The device interface sharing system according to claim 14 of the present invention is a communication conversion program in which a communication module is provided by an external device manufacturer. The communication module includes communication standard identification information and communication standard information. When the device information collection means of the center server receives the device identification information about the device from the device interface means, the connection information to the communication module includes information that specifies which communication module to communicate with. The communication interface identification information and the connection information to the communication module are transferred to the device interface means, and the device interface means of the center server is transferred to the communication standard identification information and communication module related to the device received from the device information collection means. Connection information and machine In association with the specific information, the communication module corresponding to the device is determined, the device specifying information, the communication standard identification information, and the control command information are delivered to the determined communication module. When device identification information, communication standard identification information and control command information are received from the device interface means, they are determined by the device interface means and converted to a communication standard corresponding to the device by the communication module provided by the external device manufacturer. And a communication conversion means for transmitting control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device to the device.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 14 of the present invention, the device information collection means collects communication standard identification information provided from the device manufacturer side and connection information to the communication module, and the device interface means communicates. Since the standard identification information, the connection information to the communication module, and the device identification information need only be associated with each other and the communication module corresponding to the device only needs to be identified, the work efficiency is improved. Since the communication module can have a plurality of pieces of communication standard information, the degree of freedom in design is further improved.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 15 of the present invention, the device information collecting means is provided from the device manufacturer side, and is stored in the storage means of the center server or the storage means of another server connected via the communication network. The information is collected based on the connection information to the communication module regarding the recorded and registered device and the communication module.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 16 of the present invention, of the information provided from the external device manufacturer, only the communication module or the communication module and the communication standard information are provided with the contents concealed. It is characterized by that.

  In the device interface sharing system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the device manufacturer providing the communication standard information and the communication module regarding the device can provide it in a concealed state, and the secret information is included in others. Since the communication module is not known, information can be provided with peace of mind.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 17 of the present invention, the center server includes a device in an environment in which the user is used from the outside based on an application program linked to a device provided by an external application vendor. When receiving the device specifying information and the control command information, application programming interface means is provided to deliver the device specifying information and control command information to the device interface means.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 17 of the present invention, as long as the application program providing side provides information for specifying the device, the communication module corresponding to the device is automatically determined and the device is provided. Control command information is transmitted, so it is possible to develop a variety of applications by focusing human resources only on application development, without being aware of communication standards. The range of choices expands. That is, if the application provider understands only the application programming interface means, the application can be developed, and it becomes easy to participate in the development of the HEMS application.

  In the system for sharing an interface of an apparatus according to claim 18 of the present invention, the application programming interface means is provided by an external application vendor and used by a user based on an application program that enables communication between programs. It is characterized by being configured to be able to input device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server, corresponding to devices in the environment.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 19 of the present invention, the device interface means receives at least one of information measured or sensed by the device under the user's usage environment or information held by the device. A device object corresponding to the information is determined or generated, and is passed to the application programming interface means as information on the device object.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 20 of the present invention, when the application programming interface means receives the device object determined or generated by the device interface means as information on the device object, the information is received. It is characterized by being reflected in application programs.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 21 of the present invention, the center server is connected so that information can be exchanged with a device in a user's usage environment via a communication network, and the device is set in advance. It is characterized by being remotely operated and managed based on an application program that automatically controls the device under conditions and / or transmitting information held by the device to the outside.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 21 of the present invention, the user of the device connects at least one of information measured or sensed by the device in the usage environment or information held by the device to the network. It can be easily known by using the terminal. Further, the user of the device can operate or control the device under conditions set in advance in the application program without operating or controlling the device.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 22 of the present invention, a center server is connected to an application server storing an application program so as to exchange information via a communication network, and the application program is set in advance. Based on the conditions, device control command information is input to a virtual device object generated on the center server.

  In the device interface sharing system according to claim 23 of the present invention, a center server is connected to a client terminal used by a specific user so that information can be exchanged via a communication network. It is characterized in that it is configured to be able to input device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server based on the applied application program.

  A device interface sharing system according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention includes a transmission / reception unit in which a center server transmits control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to a device specified by the device specifying information to the device. The means transmits to the device via another server based on the communication standard corresponding to this device, or transmits the control command information to the remote operation control device of the device via another server and performs remote control. The apparatus is characterized in that the control command information is transmitted to the equipment based on the communication standard corresponding to the equipment.

  According to a 25th aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device interface sharing method, a center server connected to a communication network, a center server connected to the center server so as to be able to exchange information, and a predetermined communication standard determined in advance. Equipment that performs an electrical operation that is remotely controlled and managed from the outside based on control command information by the device, and the center server receives the device identification information about the device and relates to the device provided by the external device manufacturer. When device information collection means for collecting connection information to the communication module and delivering the connection information to the communication module to the outside, and device identification information and control command information for a certain external device are received, the device identification information is converted to device information. Communication module related to the device delivered to the collection means and received from the device information collection means The connection information and the device identification information received from the outside are associated with the device interface means for determining the communication module corresponding to the device, and the center server is based on the determined communication module, The control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device is configured to be transmitted to the device. When the device identification information and the control command information are received from an external device, the device interface means collects the device identification information. When the device identification information is received by the device information collection device, the first step of handing over to the device collects connection information to the communication module related to the device provided from the external device manufacturer side, and sends it to the communication module for the device. A second step of handing over the connection information to the device interface means, When the interface means receives the connection information to the communication module for the device collected from the device information collection means, the device interface means associates the connection information to the communication module related to the device with the device identification information, and And a fourth step of transmitting control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device to the device based on the determined communication module. It is a feature.

  In the device interface sharing method according to claim 25 of the present invention, the device manufacturer can respond to any communication standard device as long as it provides connection information to the communication module related to the device. Therefore, the degree of freedom in design is improved. As long as the information specifying the device is provided, the communication module corresponding to the device is automatically determined and the control command information is transmitted to the device. There is no need to provide or explain standard information or communication modules, which saves work. This makes it easier for device manufacturers to cooperate in the development of various application programs related to smart device control.

  The device interface sharing method according to claim 26 of the present invention is a communication conversion program in which a communication module is provided by an external device manufacturer. The communication module includes communication standard identification information and communication standard information. When the device information collection means of the center server receives the device identification information about the device from the device interface means, the connection information to the communication module includes information that specifies which communication module to communicate with. The communication interface identification information and the connection information to the communication module are transferred to the device interface means, and the device interface means of the center server is transferred to the communication standard identification information and communication module related to the device received from the device information collection means. Connection information and device characteristics The communication module corresponding to the device is determined, and device identification information, communication standard identification information, and control command information are handed over to the determined communication module. When the device identification information, the communication standard identification information, and the control command information are received from the device interface means, the communication standard determined by the device interface means is set to the communication standard corresponding to the device by the communication module provided by the external device manufacturer. A communication conversion unit configured to convert and transmit control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device to the device; and in a fourth step, the communication conversion unit converts the device identification information and the communication standard from the device interface unit. When the identification information and the control command information are received, it is determined by the device interface means. Converting to a communication standard corresponding to the device based on the communication standard of the communication module provided by the external device manufacturer, and transmitting control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device to the device It is a feature.

  In the device interface sharing method according to claim 26 of the present invention, the device information collecting means collects the communication standard identification information provided from the device manufacturer side and the connection information to the communication module, and the device interface means communicates. Since the standard identification information, the connection information to the communication module, and the device identification information need only be associated with each other and the communication module corresponding to the device only needs to be identified, the work efficiency is improved. Since the communication module can have a plurality of pieces of communication standard information, the degree of freedom in design is further improved.

  In the device interface sharing method according to claim 27 of the present invention, the device information collection means is provided in the storage means of the center server or the storage means of another server connected via the communication network provided by the device manufacturer. In the second step, the device information collecting means is collected from the storage means of the center server or the storage means of another server. It is characterized by collecting communication module connection information and communication modules related to recorded and registered devices.

  According to claim 28 of the present invention, there is provided a device interface standardization method in which the center server is connected to an external device in a user environment based on an application program linked with a device provided by an external application vendor. When receiving the device specifying information and the control command information, the device specifying information and the control command information are delivered to the device interface means. It is characterized in that control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device is transmitted to the device under the user's usage environment.

  In the device interface sharing method according to claim 28 of the present invention, as long as the application program providing side provides information for specifying a device, a communication module corresponding to the device is automatically determined and the device is provided. Control command information is transmitted, so it is possible to develop a variety of applications by focusing human resources only on application development, without being aware of communication standards. The range of choices expands. That is, if the application provider understands only the application programming interface means, the application can be developed, and it becomes easy to participate in the development of the HEMS application.

  In the device interface sharing method according to claim 29 of the present invention, the center server is connected to an application server in which an application program is stored so as to be able to exchange information via a communication network, and the application program is set in advance. Based on the conditions, it is configured to input device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server, and in the first step, device identification information about a device whose device interface means is from an application program When the control command information is received, the device interface means delivers the device identification information to the device information collection means.

  In the system for sharing an interface between a center server and an apparatus using the center server according to the present invention and the method thereof, a provider of an application program considers a communication standard as long as it provides information for identifying an apparatus related to the application program. Therefore, it is possible to develop an application program, so that it is possible to participate in the development of a HEMS application that works with a smart device by utilizing the knowledge gained in smartphone application development. As long as the device manufacturer provides only the connection information to the communication module related to the device, the communication standard and the communication module of the device can be freely determined, and the degree of freedom of design is improved. In addition, by simply uploading information about the device to the center server, it is not necessary to provide information for each device to the application program provider side, which saves work and facilitates cooperation in the development of the HEMS application. The HEMS application user linked with the smart device can live a convenient and comfortable life using the application regardless of the device manufacturer and model. Thus, if development of HEMS applications is promoted, the market for smart devices, HEMS, and smart houses will expand. The effects of the present invention are as follows. The center server according to claim 1 of the present invention, and the device interface sharing system according to claim 13 of the present invention configured to include the center server according to claim 1 of the present invention. This also applies to the device interface sharing method according to claim 25 of the present invention including the center server according to claim 1.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a system showing a device interface sharing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a system block diagram which shows the interface common system of the apparatus of FIG. Description of the process from receiving device specifying information and control command information from the outside to transmitting the control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device to the corresponding device in the device interface sharing system of FIG. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows visually the application programming interface part and apparatus interface part of the interface common system of the apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the use environment of the user of the interface common system of the apparatus of FIG. (A), (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the use environment of the user of the interface common system of the apparatus of FIG. 1, respectively. It is explanatory drawing which shows the field | area (area | region currently handled in the process which develops the application of a smart phone) which an application vendor is good at. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which operates an apparatus based on the signal from a sensor without depending on the input from a client terminal. FIG. 2 is an explanation showing an example of extension to another field in the device interface common system of FIG. 1. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a device interface sharing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A device interface sharing system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a center server 3 connected to a communication network such as the Internet, and a center server 3 connected to the center server 3 so that information can be exchanged via the communication network. The client terminal 4 used by the user U (U1, U2... Un) and a predetermined predetermined installation installed under the usage environment H (H1, H2... Hn) such as the home of the user U1. And smart devices (devices) 5 (5A, 5B,... 5N) that receive control command information according to communication standards (communication standards: T-α, T-β,..., T-ω) and perform electrical operations. Configured. When the device interface common system 2 is connected to the communication network and receives control command information about the smart devices 5A, 5B,... 5N installed under the use environment H1 of the user U1, A controller that transmits control command information to the smart devices 5A, 5B,... 5N according to the predetermined communication standard (communication standards: T-α, T-β,... T-ω) through a communication module (communication conversion program). (Remote control device) 6 (6A, 6B... 6N).

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the center server 3 includes a CPU 3-1, a memory unit (storage unit, database) 3-2, and a transmission / reception unit (transmission / reception unit) 3-3. The client terminal 4 includes a CPU 4-1, a memory unit (storage unit) 4-2, a communication unit 4-3, an input / output unit 4-4, an application programming interface unit (application programming interface unit, hereinafter referred to as an API unit). Information that is measured or sensed by a device installed in the use environment H such as a request to the API unit 10 and an API unit 10 for exchanging information with the API unit 10 and a user U's home. And a display unit (not shown) for displaying information held by the device. The request / exchange unit 4-5 to the API unit transmits control command information to the smart device 5 to the API unit 10 according to the application program based on the information input from the input / output unit 4-4. Yes. The smart device 5 refers to a device that is in an environment where the device itself or the controller 6 that controls the operation of the device can be connected to a communication network such as the Internet and performs an electrical operation by an external operation. The smart device 5 can transmit information measured and sensed and information held by itself to the outside.

  The center server 3 may be a computer installed in a specific institution or facility, or may be a cloud server. The client terminal 4 displays information such as devices installed under the usage environment H of the user U through a screen of a display unit (not shown), and if it can be input / output by the input / output unit, a smartphone or a laptop personal computer It may be a desktop personal computer. The usage environment H of the user U may be the home of the user U, a workplace or a facility. In the usage environment H of the user U, a smart device 5 that can be operated by the user U or is authorized to operate is installed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the smart device 5 is, for example, an air conditioner 5A manufactured by a manufacturer A, a lighting device 5B manufactured by a manufacturer B, a refrigerator 5C manufactured by a manufacturer C, and a washing machine 5D manufactured by a manufacturer C as shown in FIG. Thus, any electrical device that operates based on the received control command information may be used. The smart device 5 is not limited to home appliances, but includes measuring devices (for example, temperature measuring devices, humidity measuring devices, watt-hour meters, water meters, gas meters, etc.) and sensors (acceleration sensors that detect human movements, people Or an infrared sensor that senses the presence of the sensor. Further, the smart device 5 includes a smart meter 5S. These smart devices 5 are operated from a controller 6 (6A, 6B... 6N) installed in the use environment H through predetermined communication standards (communication standards: T-α, T-β... T-ω). The control command information may be received based on the communication standard corresponding to the smart device 5 directly from the center server 3 or through the other server 3A. Further, the smart meter 5S itself may be connected to the center server 3. The smart meter 5S is a measuring instrument with a communication function that digitally measures the amount of power, gas, or water used, and has a communication function in the meter to transmit measurement data to the outside. The smart meter 5S includes one capable of stopping the consumption resources in use such as electricity and gas based on control command information from an earthquake or from the outside. The smart device 5 is provided with device identification information D (D1 to Dn) and model information for each smart device 5 used in the usage environment H of the user U. The device identification information D of the smart device 5 in the usage environment H is transmitted to the center server 3 when an identification code (not shown) of the device identification information D attached to the smart device 5 is read from the client terminal 4A. ing. When there is no identification code, when the user U1 designates the smart device 5A under the usage environment H based on the application program downloaded through the client terminal 4A and transmits the transmission request for the device identification information D1 through the center server, the smart device The device specifying information D1 is transmitted from the 5A side to the center server 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 6 includes a transmission / reception unit (communication unit) 6-1, a control unit (not shown), and a memory 6-2 in which a predetermined communication module is stored. Communication standards (communication standards: T-α, T-β... T-ω) preset between the controller 6 and the smart device 5, for example, indoor wireless LAN (communication standard: T-α), infrared Information is transmitted and received based on communication standards such as a communication method (communication standard: T-β) and ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) (communication standard: T-γ). That is, when receiving the control command information from the outside, the controller 6 transmits the control command information from the controller 6 side to the smart device 5 side, or from the smart device 5 side, for example, when the smart device 5 is an air conditioner, the set temperature Information, operation start information, room temperature information, operation off information, error information, and the like are transmitted to the controller 6 side. When the smart device 5 side is a sensor, the temperature information in the room, the state of a person's awakening or sleep is sensed, and information on the living state is transmitted to the controller 6 side. The controller 6 may be provided integrally with the smart device 5. Device side information (set temperature information, operation start information, room temperature information, operation off information, error information, etc.) delivered from the smart device 5 to the outside is transmitted to the center server 3 via the controller 6 or directly from the smart device 5. It is like that.

  The communication modules A to Z are communication conversion programs provided by an external device manufacturer. The communication modules A to Z include communication standard identification information (communication standard identification information) C1 and are embedded with communication standard information. Is done. Further, the connection information M1 to the communication module provided from the external device manufacturer side includes information for specifying which communication module A to Z is to be communicated with. That is, information provided from the external device manufacturer includes model information, communication standard identification information C (C1 to Cn), connection information M (M1 to Mn) to a communication module, and a communication module (communication) for a certain device. Conversion program) AZ.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B show communication between the controller 6 and the smart device 5, respectively. FIG. 6A shows a specific device manufacturer's controller 6A installed and the manufacturer. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the smart device 5 that is the product of the specific device manufacturer is operated in accordance with a communication standard (communication standard: T-α) of a specific device manufacturer. It can also be connected to the server 3A of the device manufacturer through a communication network. In FIG. 6B, the controller 6B is a multi-type based on a common communication standard such as ECHONET Lite (registered trademark). Although the controller 6B corresponds to the smart device 5 of a different device manufacturer based on this common communication standard, the controller 6B cannot cope with the difference in the device interface, and the operation may be uncertain in practice. For this reason, the smart device 5 can be reliably operated if the communication standard set by the device manufacturer corresponding to each smart device 5A, 5K, and 5J can be used as it is.

  By the way, in the device interface sharing system 2 according to the present embodiment, the center server 3 includes an API unit 10, a device interface unit (device interface means) 11, and a device information collection unit (device) as shown in FIG. (Information collecting means) 12 and a communication conversion unit (communication conversion means) 13. In the memory unit 3-2 of the center server 3, model information, communication standard identification information C (C 1 to Cn), and connection information M (M 1 to Mn) to the communication module for each smart device 5 from the external device manufacturer side. And communication modules (communication conversion programs) A to Z are provided and recorded in different sections.

  The API unit 10 is provided from an external application vendor and corresponds to the smart devices 5A to 5D under the usage environment H of the user U1 based on the application program X1 that enables communication between programs, and the center server 3 Regardless of the input operation of the user U1, the control instruction information of the smart devices 5A to 5D can be input to the virtual device objects α, β, and γ generated above. In other words, when the user U1 installs the application program X1 on the client terminal 4A, the API unit 10 has no relation to the virtual device objects α, β, γ generated on the center server 3 regardless of the user U1. Based on conditions preset by the user U1 by the application program X1, device identification information D1 and control command information of the smart device 5A are delivered to the device interface unit 11. In addition, the API unit 10 receives information that is measured or sensed by the smart device 5 under the use environment H of the user U and information held by the smart device 5 and corresponds to these information. When the device objects α, β, γ are determined or generated, they are received from the device interface unit 11 as information related to the device objects α, β, γ.

  Further, the API unit 10 receives information that is measured or sensed by the smart device 5 under the usage environment H of the user U and information held by the smart device 5 and corresponds to these information. When the device objects α, β, and γ are determined or generated, they are received from the device interface unit 11 as information about the device objects α, β, and γ, and the information is reflected in the application program. That is, when information measured or held from the smart device 5 side is sent to the center server 3, the API unit 10 reflects these information in the application program, and the control command information reflecting these information is transmitted to the device interface. It is designed to be handed over to the department. The user U can also check the state of the device at the client terminal 4 through the application program X1. For example, a temperature sensor 8 (8-A) that senses the temperature of the environment H of the user U and transmits temperature information to the outside as a sensing signal is provided around the user U. Based on the sensing signal, the application X determines the sensing signal in the sensing signal response unit 9 based on a preset condition without the user U operating the client terminal 4, and the smart corresponding to the sensing signal. Control command information for the device 5 (for example, the air conditioner 5A) is transmitted. Such a temperature sensor 8-A may be provided in the controller 6. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the acceleration sensor 8 (8-B) is installed at the bedside of the bedroom of the user U, it is detected whether the user U has fallen asleep, and the user U senses that he has fallen asleep. Based on the detection signal of the acceleration sensor 8-B, the user U does not operate the client terminal 4 at all, and the detection signal is converted into the detection signal based on the determination of the detection signal response unit 9 incorporated in the application X in advance. The control command information of the corresponding smart device 5 (for example, the air conditioner 5A) may be output, and for example, the air conditioner 5A may be set to be turned off after the sleep is detected. In addition, the API unit 10 displays the generated virtual device objects α to δ for each device model.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when receiving the device specifying information D1 and the control command information of the smart device 5A from the API unit 10 based on the application X1, the device interface unit 11 collects the device specifying information D1. It is designed to be handed over to the section 12. Upon receiving the communication standard identification information C1 related to the device 5A and the connection information M1 to the communication module from the device information collection unit 12, the device interface unit 11 receives the received communication standard identification information C1 and the connection information to the communication module. M1 is associated with the device specifying information D1 received from the API unit 10, and the communication module A corresponding to the device 5A is determined. Further, the device interface unit 11 delivers the device specifying information D1, the communication standard identification information C1, and the control command information to the communication conversion unit 13 for the determined communication module A. In addition, the device interface unit 11 externally uses the user's usage environment H information (for example, home temperature information and humidity information, the amount of electricity and water used) and information on the operation status of the device (for example, the smart device 5A is an air conditioner. In this case, when receiving information such as operation stop information and standby information, which is measured or sensed by the device 5 under the use environment H1 of the user U1 or information held by the device 5) via the transmission / reception unit 3-3, A device object corresponding to the information is determined or generated and delivered to the API unit 10 as information related to the device object. Furthermore, the device interface unit 11 records communication standard identification information C including model information related to a device provided from the outside and connection information M to the communication module in the memory unit 3-2 in association with the device specifying information D. A device information registration unit 11A to be registered and a device-side information registration unit 11B to record and register the information from the smart device 5 side in the memory unit 3-2 in association with the device identification information D are provided. The device interface unit 11 associates the communication standard identification information C1 received from the device information collection unit 12 and the connection information M1 to the communication module with the device identification information D1, and determines the communication module A corresponding to the device 5A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication modules A to Z are configured to include the communication standard identification information C and the communication standard information T-α to T-ω, and at least the communication module. As long as the connection information M1 is received, the communication module A corresponding to the device 5A may be determined in association with the device identification information D1.

  As described above, when the API unit 10 receives the information measured or sensed by the smart device 5 under the use environment H1 of the user U1 or the information held by the smart device 5 via the transmission / reception unit 3-3, the information is received. Are collected and reflected in the application program. Further, when the API unit 10 receives the information measured or sensed or held by the smart device 5 as described above, the embedded application program is based on the conditions set in advance by the user U as described above. Then, the information received by the API unit 10 is determined, and control command information for the smart device 5A is delivered to the device interface unit 11. Further, the API unit 10 automatically controls the devices 5A to 5N under the preset conditions for the devices 5A to 5N under the usage environment H of the user U1 based on a pre-installed application program. You may make it manage. For example, when the smart device 5A is an air conditioner, the smart device 5A may be automatically operated when the room temperature rises from a set value for a certain time zone. As described above, the device is automatically controlled under a preset condition to be remotely operated and managed. In addition, the API unit 10 may transmit information held by the smart device 5 to the outside via the transmission / reception unit 3-3.

  Upon receiving the device specifying information D1 for the smart device 5A from the device interface unit 11, the device information collecting unit 12 is recorded and registered in the memory unit 3-2 and communication standard identification information C provided from the external device manufacturer side. From (C1 to Cn) and the connection information M (M1 to Mn) to the communication module, the communication standard identification information C1 regarding the smart device 5A and the connection information M1 to the communication module are collected, and these are collected in the device interface unit 11 The collected communication standard identification information C1 and connection information M1 to the communication module are delivered. Further, as described above, when the device information collection unit 12 receives the device identification information D1 for the smart device 5A from the device interface unit 11, only the connection information M (M1 to Mn) to the communication module is transmitted to the device interface unit 11. You may make it deliver. Furthermore, the device information collection unit 12 includes communication standard identification information C (C1 to Cn) provided from the external device manufacturer registered in the memory unit 3-2 of the center server 3 and connection information M ( M1 to Mn), but is not limited to this. Information is received from the server 3A to 3N on the equipment manufacturer side connected to the center server 3 through the communication network so that information can be exchanged. May be collected.

  Upon receiving the device identification information D1, the communication standard identification information C1, and the control command information from the device interface unit 11, the communication conversion unit 13 is determined by the device interface 11 and is transmitted by the communication module provided from the external device manufacturer side. The control command information is converted into the communication standard T-α corresponding to the smart device 5A, and the control command information based on the communication standard T-α corresponding to the smart device 5A is transmitted to the smart device 5A through the transmission / reception unit 3-3. It has become. The communication modules A to Z are communication conversion programs provided in advance by the device manufacturer, and the communication conversion unit 13 receives at least the device identification information D (D1 to Dn) and the control command information from the device interface unit 11. It can be converted into control command information based on the communication standard T-α corresponding to the smart device 5A.

  Of the information provided by the device manufacturer, only the communication modules A to Z for the device or the communication modules A to Z and the communication standard information T-α to T-ω are concealed. To offer. By providing the information in a concealed state in this way, the device manufacturer that provides the information does not know the communication module containing the secret information from others, and thus can provide the information with peace of mind. By the way, it is needless to say that if the device manufacturer does not need to keep the contents of the communication modules A to Z and the contents of the communication standards T-α to T-ω secret, they may be provided without performing concealment processing. .

  The center server 3 stores device model information, communication standard identification information C (C1 to Cn), communication module connection information M (M1 to Mn), and communication modules A to Z provided by the device manufacturer. In addition to being connected to the device manufacturer side servers 3A to 3N via a communication network, it is also possible to connect to a large number of application servers 7A to 7N that provide application programs. Each application server 7A to 7N stores a specific application program (software) that performs remote operation and control of the device in conjunction with the smart device 5, and can be freely downloaded and used according to the selection of the user U. Can be done.

  The external application vendor is a developer who develops software (application) related to the control of the smart device 5 and proposes how to use and use the smart device attractive to the user U. The application vendor side proposes an application to the user U through each application server 7 (7A, 7B... 7N). Equipment manufacturers themselves may become application vendors. The user U side selects and uses from a large number of applications X1 to XN through the center server 3. The center server 3 and the client terminal 4 are connected to the application vendor side server 7 through a communication network so that information can be exchanged.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the application vendor does not need to understand the middleware and communication driver / library layers and develop an application program, and controls the smart device 5 by utilizing the knowledge of developing smartphone applications. It is possible to develop an application program for Therefore, it is possible to develop various application programs by concentrating human resources only on software development.

  FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which the device interface sharing system 2 according to the above embodiment can be extended not only to the field of smart houses and HEMS, but also to other fields and other fields such as smart mobility and healthcare. FIG.

  Next, the device interface sharing method of the present invention will be described based on the operation of the device interface sharing system 2 according to the first embodiment. The device interface sharing system 2 according to the first embodiment is used by a specific user U connected to the center server 3 connected to the communication network and the center server 3 so as to be able to exchange information via the communication network. Control command information according to a predetermined communication standard (communication standard: T-α to T-ω) installed under the usage environment H of the user terminal 4 and the user U is received through the controller 6 And a smart device 5 that performs a typical operation.

  First, the user U1 installs the application X1 provided from the external application servers 7A to 7Z in the client terminal 4. The operation and control of the smart device 5 are performed based on the downloaded application program X1. When the user U1 designates the smart device 5A under the usage environment H and transmits a transmission request for the device identification information D1 through the center server 3 based on the application program by the client terminal 4A, the user device U1 transmits his / her device from the smart device 5A side. The specific information D1 is transmitted to the center server 3. In the center server 3, the device identification information D1 is recorded and registered in the memory unit 3-2 by the used device side information registration unit 11B.

  Next, when the center server 3 receives the measured or sensed information or the retained information from the smart device 5, the center server 3 uses the embedded application program X1 to receive the received information based on conditions set in advance by the user U1. The device identification information D1 and the control command information for the smart device 5A are transferred from the API unit 10 to the device interface unit 11, and the device interface unit 11 receives the device identification information D1 received from the API unit 10 and the control command information. Among them, the device identification information D1 is delivered to the device information collection unit 12 (first step S1).

  Then, when the device information collection unit 12 receives the device identification information D1 from the device interface unit 11, the device information collection unit 12 uses the device identification information D1 to provide the model of the device provided from the external device manufacturer side. Communication standard identification information C (C1 to Cn) related to information and devices and connection information M (M1 to Mn) to the communication module are collected from the memory unit 3-2 or the external servers 3A to 3N, and the collected communication standard identification information C1 and connection information M1 to the communication module are delivered to the device interface unit 11 (second step S2).

  Next, upon receiving the communication standard identification information C1 and the connection information M1 to the communication module collected from the device information collection unit 12, the device interface unit 11 receives the communication standard identification information C1 and the connection information M1 to the communication module. Are associated with the device identification information D1, and the communication module corresponding to the smart device 5A is determined, and the device identification information D1, communication standard identification information C1, and control command information for the determined communication module A are determined. Are handed over to the communication converter 13 (third step S3).

  When the communication conversion unit 13 receives the device identification information D1, the communication standard identification information C1, and the control command information from the device interface unit 11, the communication conversion unit 13 is determined by the device interface unit 11 and provided from the external device manufacturer side. The communication module converts the communication standard T-α corresponding to the smart device 5A, and transmits control command information based on the communication standard T-α corresponding to the smart device 5A to the smart device 5A through the transmission / reception unit 3-3. (Fourth step S4).

  When the smart device 5A is operated through the controllers 6A and 6B, when the controllers 6A and 6B receive control command information based on the communication standard T-α corresponding to the smart device 5A from the center server 3, the smart device 5A Send to. The smart device 5A performs an electrical operation based on the control command information. Since the communication standard T-α is designed by the manufacturer so as to correspond to the smart device 5A, the control command information can be reliably transferred to the smart device 5 and can operate.

  As described above, the device interface sharing system 2 and the device interface sharing method according to the present embodiment are configured as described above. Therefore, the device manufacturer side has connection information M to the communication module regarding the smart device 5. As long as the information for providing is provided, the smart device 5 of any communication standard can be handled, and the degree of freedom in design is improved. The device manufacturer does not need to provide or explain the device communication module or communication standard information to the application providing side, and can easily cooperate with the development of the application program. As long as the application program provider identifies the device, the communication module corresponding to the smart device is automatically determined and control command information is transmitted to the device. Application programs can be developed without awareness. That is, the application program provider can develop an application and can easily participate in the development of a HEMS application as long as the application programming interface means is understood. For this reason, development of various application programs related to control of smart devices is promoted.

  In the device interface sharing system 2 and the device interface sharing method according to the present embodiment, the device information collection unit 12 includes the communication standard identification information C provided from the device manufacturer side and the connection information M to the communication module. The device interface unit 11 associates the communication standard identification information C, the connection information M to the communication module, and the device identification information D, and only determines the communication modules A to Z corresponding to the smart device 5 concerned. As a result, work is made more efficient. In addition, since the communication module can have a plurality of pieces of communication standard information, the degree of freedom in design is further improved.

  Furthermore, in the device interface sharing system 2 and the device interface sharing method according to the present embodiment, the device information collection unit 12 uses the device identification information D1 to determine the device provided by the external device manufacturer. The model information, the communication standard identification information C (C1 to Cn) relating to the device, and the connection information M (M1 to Mn) to the communication module are not limited to the memory unit 3-2 of the center server 3 but also from external servers 3A to 3N. Since collection is performed, the degree of freedom of system configuration is improved.

  In the device interface sharing system 2 and the device interface sharing method according to the present embodiment, the API unit 10 is provided from an external application vendor and is based on an application program X1 that enables communication between programs. The control command information of the devices 5A to 5D can be input regardless of the input operation of the user U. That is, since the smart device 5 can be controlled and operated based on the conditions set by the user U in advance by the application program, the user U does not need to be aware of the operation of the smart device 5. Operation and control of the smart device 5 can be automated by the application program X1. Further, the API unit 10 reflects information from the smart device 5 side in the application program. That is, when the API unit 10 receives information measured or sensed by the smart device 5 under the usage environment H of the user U or information held by the smart device 5 via the device interface unit 11, the device object α, Since it is received as information related to β and γ, and the information is reflected in the application program, a more comfortable use environment H for the user U can be realized. In addition, the device manufacturer side and the application program provider side have attribute information on the user U, operating conditions of the smart device 5, control command information, information measured or sensed by the device under the use environment H, or use environment H. By recording and analyzing information held by the underlying device in association with time data, it can be used to improve applications (software) and to develop new smart devices.

  In the above-described embodiment, the smart device 5 is operated and controlled by the application program without interposing the user U. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user U can use the client terminal 4A through the use environment. When control command information is input to the device object α of the smart device 5A under H, the smart device 5A may be specified and delivered to the device interface unit 11 as control command information for the device 5A. In the above-described embodiment, when the communication conversion unit (communication conversion unit) 13 receives the device identification information, the communication standard identification information, and the control command information from the device interface unit, the communication interface is determined by the device interface unit. The communication module provided by the manufacturer converts it to a communication standard corresponding to the device and is configured to send control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device to the device. When the communication module includes a plurality of communication standards, when the device identification information D, the communication standard identification information C, and the control command information for the communication module determined by the device interface unit 11 are received, the communication standard identification information C Communication to the device among a plurality of communication standards of the determined communication module Determine the rank T-alpha, and converts the control command information based on the determined communication standard T-alpha, it can also transmit the converted control command information to the device via the transceiver unit 3-3.

2 Equipment interface sharing system 3 Center server 5 Smart equipment (equipment)
11 Device interface section (device interface means)
12 Device information collection unit (device information collection means)
A to Z Communication module D (D1 to Dn) Device identification information M (M1 to Mn) Connection information to communication module T-α to T-ω Communication standard

Claims (29)

A center server connected via a communication network to a device that performs electrical operations that are remotely controlled and managed from the outside based on control command information according to a predetermined communication standard determined in advance,
When receiving device identification information about the device, it collects connection information to the communication module related to the device provided from the external device manufacturer, and device information collection means for handing over the connection information to this communication module,
When device identification information and control command information are received for an external device, the device identification information is transferred to the device information collection unit, and the connection information to the communication module related to the device received from the device information collection unit and the device received from the outside Device interface means for associating specific information and determining a communication module corresponding to the device,
The center server, based on the determined communication module, transmits control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device to the device. The communication module is a communication conversion program provided by an external device manufacturer. The communication module includes the identification information of the communication standard and is embedded with the communication standard information. Contains information identifying whether to communicate,
The device information collecting means of the center server is configured to deliver the communication standard identification information about the collected device and the connection information to the communication module to the device interface means when receiving device specifying information about the device from the device interface means,
The device interface unit of the center server associates the communication standard identification information related to the device received from the device information collecting unit, the connection information to the communication module, and the device identification information, and determines the communication module corresponding to the device. Configured to deliver device identification information, communication standard identification information, and control command information to the communication module,
When the center server receives device identification information, communication standard identification information, and control command information from the device interface means, it is determined by the device interface means and corresponds to the device by the communication module provided by the external device manufacturer. The center server according to claim 1, further comprising: a communication conversion unit that converts the communication command to a communication standard and transmits control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device to the device.   The device information collecting means is provided from the device manufacturer side, and is connected to the communication module related to the communication module and the communication module recorded and registered in the storage means of the center server or the storage means of another server connected via the communication network. The center server according to claim 1, wherein the center server is collected based on.   4. The center server according to claim 2, wherein, of the information provided from an external device manufacturer, only the communication module, or the communication module and the communication standard information are provided with concealed contents. .   When the center server receives device identification information and control command information about the device in the user's usage environment from the outside based on an application program linked to the device provided by an external application vendor, the device identification is performed. 5. The center server according to claim 1, further comprising application programming interface means for passing information and control command information to the equipment interface means.   The application programming interface means is generated on the center server corresponding to the device under the user's usage environment based on the application program provided by an external application vendor and enabling communication between programs. 6. The center server according to claim 5, wherein device control command information can be input to a virtual device object.   Upon receiving at least one of information measured or sensed by a device under the user's usage environment or information held by the device, the device interface means calculates or generates a device object corresponding to the information, The center server according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the center server is handed over to the application programming interface means as information on the device object.   8. The application programming interface unit according to claim 7, wherein when the device object determined or generated by the device interface unit is received as information about the device object, the information is reflected in the application program. Center server. The center server is connected to devices in the user's usage environment so that information can be exchanged via a communication network.
The device is remotely operated and managed based on an application program that automatically controls the device under preset conditions, and / or transmits information held by the device to the outside. The center server according to any one of 1 to 8. The center server is connected to an application server in which application programs are stored so that information can be exchanged via a communication network.
The application program inputs device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server based on a preset condition. The center server described in. The center server is connected to a client terminal used by a specific user so that information can be exchanged via a communication network.
11. The client terminal is configured to be able to input device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server based on an application program installed in advance. The center server according to any one of the above. The center server includes transmission / reception means for transmitting control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device identified by the device identification information to the device,
The transmission / reception means transmits to the device via another server based on the communication standard corresponding to this device, or transmits control command information to the remote operation control device of the device via another server and remotely The center server according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control device is configured to transmit control command information to a device based on a communication standard corresponding to the device. A center server connected to a communication network;
A device that is connected to the center server via a communication network so as to be able to exchange information, and that performs an electrical operation that is remotely controlled and managed from the outside based on control command information according to a predetermined communication standard determined in advance.
In the center server,
When receiving device identification information about the device, it collects connection information to the communication module related to the device provided from the external device manufacturer, and device information collection means for handing over the connection information to this communication module,
When device identification information and control command information are received for an external device, the device identification information is transferred to the device information collection unit, and the connection information to the communication module related to the device received from the device information collection unit and the device received from the outside A device interface means for associating specific information and determining a communication module corresponding to the device;
The center server transmits a control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device to the device based on the determined communication module. The communication module is a communication conversion program provided by an external device manufacturer. The communication module includes the identification information of the communication standard and is embedded with the communication standard information. Contains information identifying whether to communicate,
The device information collecting means of the center server is configured to deliver the communication standard identification information about the collected device and the connection information to the communication module to the device interface means when receiving device specifying information about the device from the device interface means,
The device interface unit of the center server associates the communication standard identification information related to the device received from the device information collecting unit, the connection information to the communication module, and the device identification information, and determines the communication module corresponding to the device. Configured to deliver device identification information, communication standard identification information, and control command information to the communication module,
When the center server receives device identification information, communication standard identification information, and control command information from the device interface means, it is determined by the device interface means and corresponds to the device by the communication module provided by the external device manufacturer. 14. The device interface sharing system according to claim 13, further comprising communication conversion means for converting to a communication standard and transmitting control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device to the device.   The device information collecting means is provided from the device manufacturer side, and is connected to the communication module related to the communication module and the communication module recorded and registered in the storage means of the center server or the storage means of another server connected via the communication network. 15. The device interface sharing system according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that:   16. The device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, of the information provided from an external device manufacturer, only the communication module or the communication module and the communication standard information are provided concealed. Interface common system.   When the center server receives device identification information and control command information about the device in the user's usage environment from the outside based on an application program linked to the device provided by an external application vendor, the device identification is performed. 17. The device interface sharing system according to claim 13, further comprising application programming interface means for transferring information and control command information to the device interface means.   The application programming interface means is generated on the center server corresponding to the device under the user's usage environment based on the application program provided by an external application vendor and enabling communication between programs. 18. The device interface sharing system according to claim 17, wherein device control command information can be input to a virtual device object.   Upon receiving at least one of information measured or sensed by a device under the user's usage environment or information held by the device, the device interface means calculates or generates a device object corresponding to the information, 19. The device interface sharing system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the device object information is handed over to an application programming interface means.   The application programming interface means, when receiving the device object determined or generated by the device interface means as information on the device object, reflects the information in the application program. Equipment interface common system. The center server is connected to devices in the user's usage environment so that information can be exchanged via a communication network.
The device is remotely operated and managed based on an application program that automatically controls the device under preset conditions, and / or transmits information held by the device to the outside. The device interface sharing system according to any one of 13 to 20. The center server is connected to an application server in which application programs are stored so that information can be exchanged via a communication network.
The application program inputs device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server based on a preset condition. The interface standardization system for the equipment described in 1. The center server is connected to a client terminal used by a specific user so that information can be exchanged via a communication network.
23. The client terminal is configured to be capable of inputting device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server based on an application program installed in advance. The interface common system of the apparatus of any one of these. The center server includes transmission / reception means for transmitting control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device identified by the device identification information to the device,
The transmission / reception means transmits to the device via another server based on the communication standard corresponding to this device, or transmits control command information to the remote operation control device of the device via another server and remotely 24. The device interface sharing system according to claim 13, wherein the control device transmits control command information to the device based on a communication standard corresponding to the device. A center server connected to a communication network;
A device that is connected to the center server via a communication network so as to be able to exchange information, and that performs an electrical operation that is remotely controlled and managed from the outside based on control command information according to a predetermined communication standard determined in advance.
In the center server,
When receiving device identification information about the device, it collects connection information to the communication module related to the device provided from the external device manufacturer, and device information collection means for handing over the connection information to this communication module,
When device identification information and control command information are received for an external device, the device identification information is transferred to the device information collection unit, and the connection information to the communication module related to the device received from the device information collection unit and the device received from the outside A device interface means for associating with specific information and determining a communication module corresponding to the device,
The center server is configured to transmit control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device to the device based on the determined communication module,
A first step in which device interface means delivers device identification information to device information collection means upon receipt of device identification information and control command information for an external device;
When the device information collection means receives the device identification information, it collects connection information to the communication module related to the device provided by the external device manufacturer, and delivers the connection information to the communication module for the device to the device interface means. A second step;
When the device interface means receives the connection information to the communication module about the device collected from the device information collection means, the device interface means associates the connection information to the communication module related to the device with the device identification information, and A third step of determining a communication module corresponding to the device;
And a fourth step of transmitting, to the device, control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device based on the determined communication module. The communication module is a communication conversion program provided by an external device manufacturer. The communication module includes the identification information of the communication standard and is embedded with the communication standard information. Contains information identifying whether to communicate,
The device information collecting means of the center server is configured to deliver the communication standard identification information about the collected device and the connection information to the communication module to the device interface means when receiving device specifying information about the device from the device interface means,
The device interface unit of the center server associates the communication standard identification information related to the device received from the device information collecting unit, the connection information to the communication module, and the device identification information, and determines the communication module corresponding to the device. Configured to hand over the device identification information, communication standard identification information and control command information to the communication module
When the center server receives device identification information, communication standard identification information, and control command information from the device interface means, it is determined by the device interface means and corresponds to the device by the communication module provided by the external device manufacturer. A communication conversion means for converting to a communication standard and transmitting control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device to the device;
In the fourth step, when the communication conversion means receives the device identification information, the communication standard identification information, and the control command information from the device interface means, the communication module determined by the device interface means and provided from the external device manufacturer side 26. The interface of the device according to claim 25, wherein the device is converted into a communication standard corresponding to the device based on the communication standard, and control command information based on the communication standard corresponding to the device is transmitted to the device. Common method. Device information collection means provided from the equipment manufacturer side, and information on connection to communication modules and communication modules related to the equipment recorded and registered in the storage means of the center server or the storage means of other servers connected via the communication network To collect based on and
In the second step, the device information collecting unit collects connection information to the communication module and the communication module related to the device recorded and registered from the storage unit of the center server or the storage unit of another server. Item 27. A method for sharing an interface of a device according to Item 25 or 26. When the center server receives device identification information and control command information about the device in the user's usage environment from the outside based on an application program linked to the device provided by an external application vendor, the device identification is performed. Comprising an application programming interface means for passing information and control command information to the equipment interface means,
28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein in the fourth step, control command information based on a communication standard corresponding to the device is transmitted to the device by the application program in a user's usage environment. 2. A method for sharing the interface of the device according to claim 1. The center server is connected to an application server in which application programs are stored so that information can be exchanged via a communication network.
The application program is configured to input device control command information to a virtual device object generated on the center server based on a preset condition,
26. In the first step, when the device interface means receives device specifying information and control command information for a device from an application program, the device interface means transfers the device specifying information to the device information collecting means. 29. A method for sharing an interface of the device according to any one of 28 to 28.

Images