JP2019024234A - Apparatus control system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an apparatus control system capable of suppressing a user burden to be loaded when bringing an apparatus to a state where an operation matched to a purpose can be performed, an apparatus control device, an apparatus control method and a program.SOLUTION: The apparatus control system includes: a reservation management device 100 which receives input of place identification information for identifying a place and an usage date to use the place and reserves the usage of the place and the apparatus disposed in the place at the usage date; and an apparatus control device 200 which performs control to bring the apparatus into a powered-on state on the basis of the usage date and apparatus identification information identifying the apparatus on a network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a device control system, a device control device, a device control method, and a program.

  Conventionally, a technology for supporting a conference is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a presenter makes a presentation in a room such as a conference room, the presenter controls the operation of the device and application used by the presenter based on the settings of the presenter's device and application. A technology for supporting presentation by a presenter is disclosed.

  However, in the above-described prior art, in order to receive support, a presenter or a conference participant has prepared device and application settings manually, or manually started up the device. There is a need to.

  As described above, in the case of using a device in a certain place, the conventional technology is merely for controlling the device so as to perform an operation in accordance with the purpose, so that the device can be operated according to the purpose. Requires human resources such as a user, and causes a burden on the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an apparatus control system, an apparatus control apparatus, an apparatus control method, and a program capable of suppressing the burden on the user when the apparatus is put into a state where it can perform an operation suitable for the purpose. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the device control system according to one aspect of the present invention receives input of location identification information for identifying a location and use date and time for using the location, The use date and time starts a reservation unit that reserves use of a device placed at a location at the use date and time, and a device that is reserved to be used at the use date and time based on previously notified device identification information. A control information generating unit that generates control information for controlling to be in a power-on state and connected to a network before the first time, and using the generated control information, A device control unit for controlling.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress a user burden when the device is brought into a state where an operation suitable for the purpose can be performed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device control system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the reservation management apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the device control apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of reservation information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a reservation process executed in the device control system of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of start processing executed in the device control system of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of end processing executed in the device control system of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of each device according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a device control system, a device control device, a device control method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device control system 1 of the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the device control system 1 includes devices 10-1 to 10-n (n is a natural number of 1 or more), a device 11-1, a reservation management device 100, a device control device 200, A remote management device 600 and a conference management device 700 are provided.

  In the first SITE, the devices 10-1 to 10-n, the reservation management device 100, and the device control device 200 are arranged. Note that the device 10-1 may be a device disposed (equipped) in the first conference room in the first SITE, or may be a device that can be used in the first conference room. . Each device and each device arranged in the first SITE are connected to the first network 2.

  The device 11-1 is arranged in the second SITE. The device 11-1 may be a device arranged (equipped) in the 21st conference room in the second SITE, or may be a device that can be used in the 21st conference room. . In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 11-1 is illustrated as the device and device disposed in the second SITE, but actually the same device and device as those in the first SITE are disposed. However, in the example shown in FIG. 1, illustration of these devices and apparatuses is omitted. Each device and each device such as the device 11-1 arranged in the second SITE are connected to the first network 4.

  In addition, 1st SITE and 2nd SITE are bases, such as a company, a business office, a factory, etc., for example, and shall be provided in the area where distance was physically separated. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the first SITE and the second SITE are illustrated as the bases, but the number of bases is not limited to two and may be three or more.

  The first network 2 and the first network 4 are connected via the second network 3. The remote management device 600 and the conference management device 700 are connected to the second network 3. Examples of the first network 2 and the first network 4 include a LAN (Local Area Network), and examples of the second network 3 include, but are not limited to, the Internet. For example, the second network 3 may be a dedicated line.

  The devices 10-1 to 10-n and the device 11-1 include, for example, various electronic devices such as a projector, a fluorescent lamp, an air conditioner, a conference terminal, an electronic blackboard, a camera, a refrigerator, and a vending machine, a printing device, a copier, and a multifunction device. (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral), image forming apparatuses such as a scanner apparatus and a facsimile apparatus, and information processing apparatuses such as a PC (Personal Computer) and a tablet terminal. The multifunction peripheral has at least two functions among a copying function, a printing function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

  In the present embodiment, the devices 10-1 to 10-n are devices to be managed by the device control apparatus 200, but are not limited thereto. Below, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of apparatus 10-1 to 10-n, it may only be called the apparatus 10.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the reservation management apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the reservation management apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 110, an operation unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150.

  The communication unit 110 communicates with an external device such as the device control device 200 via a network, and can be realized by a communication device such as a NIC (Network Interface Card).

  The operation unit 120 inputs various operations and can be realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, and a touch panel.

  The display unit 130 displays various screens and can be realized by a display device such as a liquid crystal display and a touch panel display.

  The storage unit 140 stores various programs executed by the reservation management apparatus 100, data used for various processes performed by the reservation management apparatus 100, and the like. The storage unit 140 is, for example, magnetic, optical, and electrical such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, an optical disk, a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). This can be realized by at least one of storage devices that can be stored. The storage unit 140 includes a reservation information storage unit 141. Details of the reservation information storage unit 141 will be described later.

  The control unit 150 controls each unit of the reservation management device 100 and can be realized by a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Control unit 150 includes a reservation unit 151 and a determination unit 153. Details of the reservation unit 151 and the determination unit 153 will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the device control apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the device control apparatus 200 includes a communication unit 210, an operation unit 220, a display unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a control unit 250.

  The communication unit 210 communicates with external devices such as the devices 10-1 to 10-n, the reservation management device 100, the remote management device 600, and the conference management device 700 via a network, and is a communication device such as a NIC. Can be realized.

  The operation unit 220 inputs various operations and can be realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, and a touch panel.

  The display unit 230 displays various screens and can be realized by a display device such as a liquid crystal display and a touch panel display.

  The storage unit 240 stores various programs executed by the device control apparatus 200, data used for various processes performed by the device control apparatus 200, and the like. The storage unit 240 can be realized by at least one of magnetic, optical, and electrical storage devices such as an HDD, SSD, memory card, optical disk, ROM, and RAM. Details of the storage unit 240 will be described later.

  The control unit 250 controls each unit of the device control device 200 and can be realized by a control device such as a CPU. The control unit 250 includes a device information acquisition unit 251, a control information generation unit 253, and a device control unit 255. Details of the device information acquisition unit 251, the control information generation unit 253, and the device control unit 255 will be described later.

  Here, the reservation unit 151, the determination unit 153, and the reservation information storage unit 141 of the reservation management apparatus 100 will be described.

  The reservation unit 151 accepts input of place identification information for identifying a place and a use date and time for using the place, and reserves use of the place and a device arranged in the place for the use date and time.

  For example, the reservation unit 151 receives input of place identification information, use date and time, and user identification information for identifying a user who uses the place from an information processing apparatus used by the user. In addition, the reservation unit 151 acquires one or more first device identification information associated with the received location identification information, and transmits the acquired one or more first device identification information to the information processing apparatus used by the user. The user selects the first device identification information of the device used by the user from the identification information, and accepts the input of the first device identification information selected from the information processing apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, the location identification information and the first device identification information are associated with each other in advance and stored in the storage unit 140. Therefore, the location identification information is associated with the location identification information from the received location identification information. One or more pieces of first device identification information can be acquired. Further, the information processing device used by the user may be any one of the devices 10-2 to 10-n, or may be a device (not shown) other than the device 10. That is, in the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus used by the user may be a device to be managed by the device control device 200 or may not be a device to be managed by the device control device 200.

  Then, the reservation unit 151 accepts the location indicated by the received location identification information and the device arranged at the location (the device indicated by the selected first device identification information) indicated by the received user identification information. Reservation information for reserving use at the use date and time is generated and stored in the reservation information storage unit 141.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of reservation information according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the reservation information is information including reservation identification information, location identification information, use date and time, user identification information, and first device identification information, but is not limited thereto. .

  The reservation identification information is an identifier for identifying reservation information, and includes, for example, a reservation ID. The place identification information is an identifier for identifying a place, and includes, for example, a place ID. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the place is a conference room, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any place may be used as long as it can be reserved. The use date and time is the date and time when the place indicated by the place identification information is used. The user identification information is an identifier for identifying a user who uses the place indicated by the place identification information, and includes, for example, a user ID (employee ID). The first device identification information is an identifier for identifying a device arranged at a location indicated by the location identification information, and examples thereof include a serial number and a model number.

  The reservation information shown in FIG. 4 includes location identification information (001), use date and time (2014/2/1 13: 00-15: 00) received from the information processing apparatus used by the user, and user identification information. (301) and the first device identification information (101) are added with reservation identification information (201).

  That is, the reservation information of the reservation identification information (201) shown in FIG. 4 is indicated by the user indicated by the user identification information (301), the location indicated by the location identification information (001), and the first device identification information (101). This is information indicating that the device is used on the use date and time (2014/2/1 13: 00-15: 00).

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the location indicated by the location identification information (001) is the first conference room of the first SITE, and the device indicated by the first device identification information (101) is the device 10-1. Although explained, it is not limited to this.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, there is one user who uses the reserved place, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more users may be used. In the example shown in FIG. 4, there is one device 10 arranged at the reserved location, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more devices may be used.

  If the conference terminal is included in the device arranged at the reserved location, the reservation unit 151 further accepts input of identification information that can identify other conference terminals that communicate with the conference terminal, and the identification Other conference terminals may be identified from the information, the first device identification information of the identified other conference terminals may be further included in the reservation information, and the use of other conference terminals may be further reserved.

  Specific information includes location identification information of a location where another conference terminal is arranged. For example, it is assumed that the other conference terminal is the device 11-1, and the location indicated by the location identification information (specific information) is the 21st conference room of the second SITE. In this case, the reservation unit 151 uses the remote management device 600 to acquire information defining the correspondence between the location identification information and the first device identification information from the second SITE reservation management device (not shown). The first device identification information of the device 11-1 can be acquired from the location identification information (specific information). However, the specific information may be the first device identification information itself of another conference terminal.

  In addition, the reservation unit 151 may further accept input of software identification information for identifying software used in the device indicated by the received first device identification information, and further reserve use of the software together with the device. .

  In this case, the first device identification information and the software identification information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 140 in advance, and the reservation unit 151 determines the first device identification information from the received first device identification information. One or more pieces of software identification information associated with are acquired. And the reservation part 151 selects the software identification information of the software which a user uses from the said one or more software identification information by transmitting the acquired one or more software identification information to the information processing apparatus which a user uses. The input of the software identification information selected from the information processing apparatus may be accepted.

  In addition, the reservation unit 151 may further accept input of electronic data used by the device indicated by the received first device identification information, and further reserve use of the electronic data. In this case, the reservation part 151 should just receive the input of electronic data from the information processing apparatus which a user uses.

  The determination unit 153 refers to the reservation information stored in the reservation information storage unit 141, and determines whether there is reservation information whose use date starts after the first time. Then, when there is reservation information whose use date starts after the first time, the determination unit 153 notifies the device control apparatus 200 of the first device identification information included in the reservation information. The first time can be set according to the situation in which the device control system 1 is used, and can be set to 3 minutes or 5 minutes, for example.

  For example, if the reservation information whose use date and time starts after the first time is the reservation information of the reservation identification information (201) shown in FIG. 4, the determination unit 153 uses the first device identification information (101) as device control. The device 200 is notified, and the device 10-1 indicated by the first device identification information (101) is turned on.

  If the reservation includes using another conference terminal, the determination unit 153 controls the first device identification information of the other conference terminal in addition to the first device identification information (101). The device 200 may be notified. If the reservation includes using software, the determination unit 153 may notify the device control apparatus 200 of the software identification information of the software in addition to the first device identification information (101). If the reservation includes using electronic data, the determination unit 153 may notify the device control apparatus 200 of the electronic data in addition to the first device identification information (101).

  The determination unit 153 refers to the reservation information stored in the reservation information storage unit 141 and determines whether there is reservation information whose use date ends after the second time. When there is reservation information whose use date ends after the second time, the determination unit 153 refers to other reservation information including the place identification information included in the reservation information, and determines the place indicated by the place identification information. Determine whether there is a reservation to be used immediately after the end of the use date. The second time can be set according to the situation in which the device control system 1 is used, and can be set to, for example, 10 minutes or 5 minutes.

  When there is no reservation, the determination unit 153 notifies the device control apparatus 200 that there is no next reservation together with the first device identification information included in the reservation information whose use date ends after the second time, and there is a reservation. In this case, the determination unit 153 notifies the device control apparatus 200 that there is a next reservation together with the first device identification information included in the reservation information whose use date ends after the second time.

  For example, if the reservation information whose use date ends after the second time is the reservation information of the reservation identification information (201) shown in FIG. 4 and there is no next reservation, the determination unit 153 determines the first device identification information. (101) notifies device control apparatus 200 that there is no next reservation. If there is a next reservation, determination unit 153 determines that there is a next reservation together with first device identification information (101). Notify device 200.

  Next, the storage unit 240, the device information acquisition unit 251, the control information generation unit 253, and the device control unit 255 of the device control apparatus 200 will be described.

  The device information acquisition unit 251 acquires device information from the devices 10-1 to 10-n and manages it on the storage unit 240. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 251 performs communication with the devices 10-1 to 10-n using a general-purpose protocol that is generally used in device management such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). Get information. The device information acquisition method may be a method in which the device information acquisition unit 251 acquires mainly from the devices 10-1 to 10-n, or the devices 10-1 to 10-n mainly acquire the device information. Alternatively, a method of notifying the device control apparatus 200 (device information acquisition unit 251) may be used.

  The device information of this embodiment includes at least second device identification information (an example of device identification information) for identifying the device 10 on the network. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the device information is information including the first device identification information and the second device identification information, but is not limited to this.

  The first device identification information is an identifier for identifying the device 10, and examples thereof include a serial number and a model number. The second device identification information is an identifier for identifying the device 10 on the network, and examples thereof include an IP address.

  The control information generation unit 253 acquires device information including the first device identification information notified to power on the device 10 from the reservation management apparatus 100 from the storage unit 240, and uses the device information to obtain the first information. The first control information for controlling the device 10 indicated by the device identification information to at least the power-on state is generated. The first control information includes at least a power-on command for WOL (Wake On LAN) using the second device identification information. In the present embodiment, to control the power on, partial energization control (for example, energizing only a part of a plurality of substrates) or main power in the state where the main power is on is used. Including operation control such as entering control.

  In the present embodiment, when the reservation management apparatus 100 determines that it is before the first time when the usage time starts, the first apparatus identification information is notified to the apparatus control apparatus 200 in order to turn on the apparatus 10. It is assumed that the control information generation unit 253 generates the first control information after the first time before the usage time starts. However, the generation timing is not limited to this. For example, the first control information may be generated in advance.

  For example, it is assumed that the device management apparatus 200 is notified of the first device identification information (101) in order to turn on the device 10-1 from the reservation management device 100. In this case, the control information generation unit 253 obtains device information (see FIG. 5) including the first device identification information (101) from the storage unit 240, and controls the device 10-1 to be in a power-on state. As the first control information, control information including a power-on command for WOL using the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) is generated.

  The control information generation unit 253 controls the network connection state in addition to the WOL power-on command using the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) as the first control information. Control information including these commands may be generated.

  In addition, if the device 10-1 is a conference terminal, the control information generation unit 253 turns on the power for WOL using the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) as the first control information. In addition to the command, the second apparatus identification information based on the first apparatus identification information of the other conference terminal notified from the reservation management apparatus 100 is included, and the conference terminal is brought into a state in which the conference terminal can conference with the other conference terminal. Control information including a command for this may be generated.

  For example, if the other conference terminal is the device 11-1, the control information generation unit 253 uses the remote management device 600 to acquire other device information from the second SITE device control device (not shown). The second device identification information can be acquired from the first device identification information of the conference terminal.

  In addition to the WOL power-on command using the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) as the first control information, the control information generation unit 253 performs reservation management on the device 10-1. Control information for executing software indicated by the software identification information notified from the apparatus 100 may be generated.

  In addition, the control information generation unit 253 acquires device information including the first device identification information notified from the reservation management apparatus 100 together with the presence or absence of the next reservation from the storage unit 240, and uses the device information to use the date and time of use. Second control information for causing the device 10 to output an image or a sound indicating that the end of the use date and time or the end time of the use date is approaching.

  In this embodiment, when the reservation management apparatus 100 determines that the second time before the end of the usage time, the first apparatus identification information is notified to the apparatus control apparatus 200 together with the presence or absence of the next reservation. It is assumed that the generation unit 253 generates the second control information after the second usage time ends. However, the generation timing is not limited to this, and for example, the second control information may be generated in advance.

  For example, it is assumed that the device management apparatus 200 is notified of the first device identification information (101) together with the fact that there is no next reservation from the reservation management device 100. In this case, the control information generation unit 253 acquires device information (see FIG. 5) including the first device identification information (101) from the storage unit 240, and uses the second device identification information ( xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) is used to generate control information for causing the device 10-1 to output an image or sound with or without extension of the use date. For the image or sound with or without extension of the use date and time, data may be stored in advance in the storage unit 240 and used.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that the device management apparatus 200 is notified of the first device identification information (101) together with the fact that there is a next reservation from the reservation management device 100. In this case, the control information generation unit 253 acquires device information (see FIG. 5) including the first device identification information (101) from the storage unit 240, and uses the second device identification information ( xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) is used to generate control information for causing the device 10-1 to output an image or sound indicating that the end date of use date and time is approaching. Even for an image or sound indicating that the end time of use date and time is approaching, data may be stored in advance in the storage unit 240 and used.

  The device control unit 255 controls the device 10 to be in a power-on state based on the use date / time of the reservation information and the second device identification information of the device 10. Specifically, when it is determined by the reservation management apparatus 100 that the use date / time starts before the first time, the device control unit 255 uses the first control information generated by the control information generation unit 253, The device 10 is controlled to be at least powered on.

  For example, it is assumed that the first control information is control information including a power-on command for WOL using the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx). In this case, the device control unit 255 controls the device 10-1 to be in a power-on state using the first control information.

  Also, for example, the first control information includes control information including a command for controlling the network connection state in addition to the WOL power-on command using the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx). Suppose that In this case, the device control unit 255 controls the device 10-1 to be in a power-on state and a network connection state using the first control information.

  Also, for example, the first control information includes the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) in addition to the power-on command for WOL using the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx). xxx) and the second device identification information of another conference terminal, and control information including a command for bringing the device 10-1 as the conference terminal into a state in which a conference with the other conference terminal is possible. In this case, the device control unit 255 uses the first control information to control the device 10-1 that is the conference terminal to be in a power-on state, and to change the device 10-1 that is the conference terminal to another conference terminal. Control the conference to be ready. Specifically, the device control unit 255 controls the device 10-1 that is the conference terminal to be in a power-on state, and sends the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.) To the device 10-1 that is the conference terminal. xxx.xxx) and the second device identification information of other conference terminals are transmitted to the conference management apparatus 700. Thereby, the conference management apparatus 700 controls the apparatus 10-1 which is a conference terminal, and another conference terminal in the state which can be conferenced.

  Also, for example, the first control information is control information for causing the device 10-1 to execute software in addition to the WOL power-on command using the second device identification information (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx). Suppose that In this case, the device control unit 255 controls the device 10-1 to be in a power-on state using the first control information, and causes the software indicated by the software identification information to be executed.

  Further, for example, when electronic data is notified from the reservation management device 100, the device control unit 255 controls the device 10-1 to be in a power-on state using the first control information, and also stores the electronic data. To deliver.

  In addition, when it is determined by the reservation management apparatus 100 that the use time is before the second time, the device control unit 255 uses the second control information generated by the control information generation unit 253 to determine the use date and time. The device 10 is made to output an image or sound indicating that there is an extension or the end time of use date and time is approaching.

  For example, it is assumed that the second control information is control information for causing the device 10-1 to output an image or sound indicating whether or not the use date is extended. In this case, the device control unit 255 causes the device 10-1 to output an image or sound indicating whether or not the use date / time has been extended, using the second control information. In this case, the device 10-1 may be any device capable of outputting an image or sound, and examples thereof include a projector, a conference terminal, an electronic blackboard, an image forming apparatus, and an information processing apparatus.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that the second control information is control information for causing the device 10-1 to output an image or sound indicating that the end time of the use date and time is approaching. In this case, the device control unit 255 uses the second control information to cause the device 10-1 to output an image or sound indicating that the end time of the use date is approaching. In this case, the device 10-1 may be any device capable of outputting an image or sound, and examples thereof include a projector, a conference terminal, an electronic blackboard, an image forming apparatus, and an information processing apparatus.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a reservation process executed in the device control system 1 of the present embodiment.

  First, the reservation unit 151 of the reservation management apparatus 100 receives an input of the selected use date and time from the information processing apparatus used by the user (step S101).

  Subsequently, the reservation unit 151 receives input of place identification information indicating the selected place from the information processing apparatus used by the user (step S103).

  Subsequently, the reservation unit 151 receives input of device identification information indicating the selected device 10 from the information processing apparatus used by the user (step S105).

  Subsequently, the reservation unit 151 uses software together with the selected device 10 (Yes in Step S107), and when the software can be selected (Yes in Step S109), inputs software identification information indicating the selected software. Is received (step S111).

  Here, examples of the software used together with the device 10 include a conference application used when the device 10 is a conference terminal. In addition, as a case where software can be selected, for example, the software is managed by a license, and the license remains at the use date and time input in step S101 under the condition that only the number of contracted licenses can be used simultaneously. Cases.

  If software is not used with the selected device 10 (No in step S107) or if software cannot be selected (No in step S109), the process in step S111 is not performed.

  Subsequently, if the reservation unit 151 receives a confirmation input for confirming the reservation from the information processing apparatus used by the user (Yes in step S113), the reservation unit 151 stores the received information as reservation information in the reservation information storage unit 141, The reservation is confirmed (step S115).

  If the reservation unit 151 does not accept a confirmation input for confirming the reservation from the information processing apparatus used by the user (No in step S113), the reservation unit 151 returns to step S101 and accepts correction of selection and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a start process executed by the device control system 1 of the present embodiment.

  First, the determination unit 153 refers to the reservation information stored in the reservation information storage unit 141, and checks whether there is reservation information whose use date starts after the first time (step S201). If there is no reservation information whose use date starts after the first time (No in step S201), the process returns to step S201.

  If there is reservation information whose use date and time starts after the first time (Yes in step S201), the determination unit 153 indicates the first device identification information included in the reservation information by the first device identification information. In order to turn on the device at least, the device control apparatus 200 is notified, and the control information generation unit 253, based on the notified first device identification information, at least the device 10 indicated by the first device identification information. First control information for controlling the power-on state is generated (step S203).

  Subsequently, the device control unit 255 uses the first control information to control the device 10 to at least a power-on state (step S205).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the end process executed in the device control system 1 of the present embodiment.

  First, the determination unit 153 refers to the reservation information stored in the reservation information storage unit 141 and checks whether there is reservation information whose use date ends after the second time (step S301). If there is no reservation information whose use date ends after the second time (No in step S301), the process returns to step S301.

  If there is reservation information whose use date ends after the second time (Yes in step S301), the determination unit 153 refers to other reservation information including the location identification information included in the reservation information, and the location identification information Whether or not there is a reservation to use the location indicated by immediately after the use date and time is determined (step S303).

  When there is no reservation (No in step S303), the determination unit 153 notifies the device control apparatus 200 that there is no next reservation together with the first device identification information included in the reservation information whose use date ends after the second time. Then, the control information generation unit 253 generates second control information for causing the device 10 indicated by the first device identification information to output an image or sound indicating whether or not the use date / time has been extended (step S305).

  On the other hand, when there is a reservation (Yes in step S303), the determination unit 153 indicates that there is a next reservation together with the first device identification information included in the reservation information whose use date ends after the second time. 200, the control information generation unit 253 generates second control information for causing the device 10 indicated by the first device identification information to output an image or sound indicating that the end time of the use date and time is approaching. (Step S307).

  Subsequently, if the second control information is the control information generated in step S305, the device control unit 255 outputs an image or sound indicating whether the use date / time has been extended to the device 10 indicated by the first device identification information. If the second control information is the control information generated in step S307, an image or sound indicating that the end date of use date and time is approaching is output to the device 10 indicated by the first device identification information (step S309).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, device control of devices arranged at a reservation place is performed using reservation information and device information. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the device so that the device can be operated in accordance with the purpose, such as turning on the device automatically, without intervention of the user or the like at the start of the usage time. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when the device is put into a state where it can be operated in accordance with the purpose.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the reservation information includes a plurality of pieces of first device identification information, and the device 10 indicated by the first device identification information is an electronic blackboard. In this case, when the sharing operation is performed by the user, the device 10 that is the electronic blackboard transmits output information (for example, screen information) output by the device 10 to the reservation management apparatus 100 together with its own first device identification information. Then, the reservation management device 100 transmits other first device identification information included in the reservation information including the first device identification information together with the output information to the device control device 200, and the device control unit 255 The output information may be distributed to the device 10 indicated by the first device identification information.

  In this way, data sharing during a meeting or the like can be automated.

  In the above embodiment, some or all of the functions of the reservation management device 100 and the device control device 200 may be integrated into one device.

(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the reservation management device 100 and the device control device 200 (hereinafter, referred to as each device of the embodiment) according to the embodiment. Each device of the embodiment includes a control device 801 such as a CPU, a storage device 802 such as a ROM and a RAM, an external storage device 803 such as an HDD, a display device 804 such as a display, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. 805 and a communication I / F (interface) 806, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  The program executed in each device of the above embodiment is an installable or executable file, such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, memory card, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), flexible disk (FD), etc. The program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided.

  Further, the program executed by each device of the above-described embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by each device of the above embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the program executed by each device of the above embodiment may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by each device of the above embodiment has a module configuration for realizing the above-described units on a computer. As actual hardware, the CPU reads out a program from the HDD to the RAM and executes the program, whereby the above-described units are realized on the computer.

1 device control system 2 first network 3 second network 4 first network 10-1 to 10-n (10) device 11-1 device 100 reservation management device 110 communication unit 120 operation unit 130 display unit 140 storage unit 141 reservation information Storage unit 150 Control unit 151 Reservation unit 153 Determination unit 200 Device control device 210 Communication unit 220 Operation unit 230 Display unit 240 Storage unit 250 Control unit 251 Device information acquisition unit 253 Control information generation unit 255 Device control unit 600 Remote management device 700 Conference Management device 801 Control device 802 Storage device 803 External storage device 804 Display device 805 Input device 806 Communication I / F

Japanese Patent No. 5088153

The present invention relates to a device control system.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a device control system which can suppress the user burden upon the ready for operation tailored equipment to purpose.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a device control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes at least one device, information for identifying a place reserved by a user, and a date and time when the place is used. wherein the information, the reservation management unit for storing, information identifying the device to be used in the place on the date and time, and a device control apparatus that performs control to start the device via the network, the reservation management The device transmits information for identifying the device used at the place to the device control device according to the date and time information, and the device control device is configured to transmit the information based on the received information for identifying the device. Control to start.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of such a device control system in the present invention in detail.

Claims (10)

A device control system for controlling devices connected via a network,
A reservation unit that accepts input of place identification information for identifying a place and a use date and time for using the place, and reserves the use of the place and a device arranged in the place on the use date and time;
Based on the device identification information notified in advance, a device reserved for use at the use date and time is in a power-on state and connected to the network before the first time when the use date and time starts. A control information generation unit that generates control information to be controlled,
A device control unit that controls the device using the generated control information;
A device control system comprising: The device is a conference terminal;
The reservation unit further accepts input of specific information that can specify another conference terminal that communicates with the conference terminal, specifies the other conference terminal from the specific information,
The control information generation unit further acquires device information including at least device identification information for identifying the other conference terminal on the network, and uses the device information of the conference terminal and the device information of the other conference terminal. , As the control information, generating information for making the conference terminal in a state capable of conferencing with the other conference terminal,
The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the device control unit controls the conference terminal so as to be able to conference with the other conference terminal using the control information. The reservation unit further receives software identification information for identifying software used in the device, further reserves the use of the software together with the device,
The control information is information for causing the device to execute the software.
The device control system according to claim 1, wherein the device control unit causes the device to execute the software using the control information. The reservation unit further accepts electronic data to be used by the device, further reserves to use the electronic data,
The device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device control unit further distributes the electronic data to the device before the first time when the use date and time starts. The device is a device capable of image output or sound output,
The control information generation unit uses the device information including at least device identification information for identifying the device on the network, and the image or sound indicating that the use date is extended or the end date of the use date is approaching Further generating control information for causing the device to output,
The device control unit uses the control information before the second time when the use date / time ends, to display an image or sound indicating that the use date / time has been extended or that the use date / time is approaching. The device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device is output.   The control information generation unit, when the place is not reserved immediately after the use date and time, as the control information, to generate information for causing the device to output an image or sound with or without extension of the use date and time, If the place is reserved immediately after the use date and time, information for causing the device to output an image or sound indicating that the end time of the use date and time is approaching is generated as the control information. The device control system described. There are a plurality of the devices,
The said apparatus control part distributes the output information which one apparatus output to the apparatuses other than the said 1 apparatus among the said several apparatuses after the start of the said use date. Equipment control system. A device control device used in a device control system for controlling devices connected via a network,
A reservation unit that accepts input of place identification information for identifying a place and a use date and time for using the place, and reserves the use of the place and a device arranged in the place on the use date and time;
Based on the device identification information notified in advance, a device reserved for use at the use date and time is in a power-on state and connected to the network before the first time when the use date and time starts. A control information generation unit that generates control information to be controlled,
A device control unit that controls the device using the generated control information;
A device control device comprising: A device control method executed by a device control system that controls devices connected via a network,
A reservation step of accepting input of place identification information for identifying a place and a use date and time for using the place, and reserving use of the place and a device arranged in the place on the use date and time;
Based on the device identification information notified in advance, a device reserved for use at the use date and time is in a power-on state and connected to the network before the first time when the use date and time starts. A control information generation step for generating control information to be controlled;
A device control step of controlling the device using the generated control information;
A device control method including: In a computer used in a device control system that controls devices connected via a network,
A reservation step of accepting input of place identification information for identifying a place and a use date and time for using the place, and reserving use of the place and a device arranged in the place on the use date and time;
Based on the device identification information notified in advance, a device reserved for use at the use date and time is in a power-on state and connected to the network before the first time when the use date and time starts. A control information generation step for generating control information to be controlled;
A device control step of controlling the device using the generated control information;
A program for running

Images