JP2023022673A - Control system, and, control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a control system capable of controlling equipment installed at a dwelling house with consideration for at-home situations of residents.SOLUTION: A control system 10 comprises: an acquisition unit 54 acquiring first information showing at-home situations of a plurality of residents at a dwelling house 60 and second information instructing remote control on equipment installed at the dwelling house 60 or timer control on the equipment; and a control unit 55 that when executing the control instructed by the acquired second information, (1) outputs first control information when the acquired first information shows that all of the plurality of residents are at home or none of them are at home and (2) outputs second control information different from the first control information when the acquired first information shows that only a specific resident of the plurality of residents is at home.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to control systems and control methods.

Techniques have been proposed for remotely controlling devices installed in a house from outside the house (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-014592 A

The present invention provides a control system and the like that can control devices installed in a house in consideration of the home status of residents.

A control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes first information indicating at-home status of a plurality of residents in a house, remote control of equipment installed in the house, or second information instructing timer control of the equipment installed in the house. and an acquisition unit that acquires information, and (1) the acquired first information is obtained when all of the plurality of residents are at home or absent when executing the control indicated by the acquired second information. (2) when the obtained first information indicates that only a specific resident among the plurality of residents is at home, the first control information is output; and a control unit that outputs second control information different from the information.

A control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes first information indicating at-home status of a plurality of residents in a house, remote control of equipment installed in the house, or second information instructing timer control of the equipment installed in the house. (1) the acquired first information is determined whether all of the plurality of residents are at home or absent when executing the control indicated by the acquired second information; (2) when the obtained first information indicates that only a specific resident among the plurality of residents is at home, the first control information is output; and a control step of outputting second control information different from the information.

A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method.

A control system or the like according to an aspect of the present invention can control devices installed in a house in consideration of the home status of the resident.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of resident information. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of operation example 1 of the control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of control rule information. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the control content determination process. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of Operation Example 2 of the control system according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements not described in independent claims will be described as optional constituent elements.

Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Moreover, in each figure, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected with respect to substantially the same structure, and the overlapping description may be abbreviate|omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to the embodiment.

The control system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device control system capable of remotely controlling devices such as lighting devices 35 and air conditioners 36 installed in a house 60 from outside the house 60 through a mobile terminal 40 . House 60 is an example of a facility. The house 60 is, for example, a detached house, but may be a collective housing. A resident of the house 60 is an example of a user of the facility (more specifically, a user who uses the facility on a daily basis). Note that the control system 10 may be applied to facilities other than the residence 60, such as an office building.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 10 includes a control terminal 20, a human sensor 31, an electric lock 32, an open/close sensor 33, a power measuring device 34, a lighting device 35, an air conditioner 36, It includes a security system 37 , a mobile terminal 40 and a server device 50 . A control terminal 20 , a human sensor 31 , an electric lock 32 , an open/close sensor 33 , a power measuring device 34 , a lighting device 35 , an air conditioner 36 , and a security system 37 are installed inside a house 60 . Mobile terminal 40 may be located inside house 60 or outside house 60 .

First, the control terminal 20 will be explained. The control terminal 20 is, for example, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller having an energy management function. The control terminal 20 is installed in the house 60 and manages power consumption of a plurality of devices installed in the house 60 . In addition, the control terminal 20 controls devices installed within the premises of the residence 60 . The control terminal 20 is not limited to the HEMS controller, and may be another home controller that does not have an energy management function, or a gateway device. The control terminal 20 specifically includes a display unit 21 , a first communication unit 22 , a second communication unit 23 , an information processing unit 24 and a storage unit 25 .

The display unit 21 is a display device having an image display function and a function of accepting manual input from the user. The display unit 21 is implemented by a touch panel and a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. The touch panel is, for example, a capacitive touch panel, but may be a resistive touch panel.

The first communication unit 22 is a communication circuit for the control terminal 20 to communicate with the mobile terminal 40 , the server device 50 and the like via the wide area communication network 70 . The first communication unit 22 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. A communication standard for communication performed by the first communication unit 22 is not particularly limited.

The second communication unit 23 is a communication circuit for the control terminal 20 to communicate with devices installed on the premises of the house 60 via a local communication network. The second communication unit 23 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. A communication standard for communication performed by the second communication unit 23 is not particularly limited.

The information processing section 24 performs information processing related to control of the device. The information processing unit 24 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be implemented by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The information processing unit 24 has an acquisition unit 26, a control unit 27, and a setting unit 28 as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 26 , the control unit 27 , and the setting unit 28 are realized, for example, by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 25 by a microcomputer or the like that constitutes the information processing unit 24 . Details of the functions of the acquisition unit 26, the control unit 27, and the setting unit 28 will be described later.

The storage unit 25 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 24 . The storage unit 25 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

Human sensor 31 is installed in house 60 , detects the presence or absence of a person within a detection range, and transmits information indicating the detection result to control terminal 20 . Further, the human sensor 31 is realized by, for example, a pyroelectric sensor that responds to infrared rays emitted from the human body, but may be an ultrasonic human sensor. Further, the human sensor 31 may be a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person by photographing the inside of the house 60 with a camera (image sensor), and the specific aspect of the human sensor 31 is not particularly limited. . In the following embodiments, human sensors 31 are assumed to be installed in each of a plurality of rooms in house 60 .

The electric lock 32 is a security device that controls unlocking and locking of the door of the house 60 . The electric lock 32 is specifically installed at the front door of the house 60 . The electric lock 32 includes a short-range wireless communication unit that acquires authentication information (key information) from an authentication medium such as a card key (IC card). The electric lock 32 can be locked or unlocked from outside the facility 90 . The electric lock 32 may be locked or unlocked by entering a personal identification number into the numeric keypad, or may be locked or unlocked by biometric authentication such as fingerprint or iris. The electric lock 32 transmits information indicating the locked or unlocked state of the electric lock 32 to the control terminal 20 .

The opening/closing sensor 33 detects opening/closing of windows installed in the house 60 and transmits information indicating the detection result to the control terminal 20 . The open/close sensor 33 is a magnetic force type sensor realized by a magnet attached to one of the window and the window frame and a magnet sensor attached to the other of the window and the window frame. The open/close sensor 33 may be a radio sensor realized by an RFID tag attached to one of the window and the window frame and an RFID reader attached to the other of the window and the window frame. Specific aspects are not particularly limited. In the following embodiment, it is assumed that the open/close sensor 33 is installed in each of a plurality of rooms in the house 60. FIG.

The power measuring device 34 measures power consumption in the house 60 and transmits the measurement results to the control terminal 20 . The power measuring device 34 is, for example, a distribution board having a power consumption measuring function, and can measure power consumption for each branch circuit. The power measuring device 34 may be a smart meter (a power meter having a communication function). It should be noted that in the following embodiment, the power measuring device 34 can measure the power consumption of each of the multiple rooms in the house 60 .

The lighting device 35 illuminates the inside (room) of the house 60 . The lighting device 35 is, for example, a ceiling light, but the specific aspect of the lighting device 35 is not particularly limited. The lighting device 35 may be a downlight, pendant light, spotlight, bracket light, or the like. Also, the lighting device 35 may be a device that illuminates the outside (outdoor) of the house 60 . The lighting device 35 is a device to be remotely controlled by the control system 10 .

The air conditioner 36 is a general household air conditioner. The air conditioner 36 is an air conditioner capable of adjusting the temperature of the air sent from the air conditioner 36 by having a heat exchanger (not shown) or the like. That is, the air conditioner 36 has a temperature adjustment function (blowing function and cooling/heating function). The air conditioner 36 is not limited to general household air conditioners, and may be industrial air conditioners. The air conditioner 36 is a device to be remotely controlled by the control system 10 .

The security system 37 is a system for crime prevention of the house 60 . The resident can change the security mode on and off from outside the house 60 through the mobile terminal 40 . In other words, the security system 37 is a device to be remotely controlled by the control system 10 .

For example, when the security system 37 detects an intruder into the house 60 using a crime prevention sensor installed in the house 60 while the security mode is on (enabled), the security system 37 considers that an abnormality has occurred in the house 60, and the security system 37 is activated. Notify the server (not shown) to that effect. Then, the operator of the business operating the security system 37 arranges for the visitor, and the visitor rushes to the residence 60. - 特許庁In addition, the operator reports to the police station or the like as necessary. An operator here means a person who operates a computer or the like. Note that the security system 37 may be a system that emits a warning sound to evacuate the intruder from the house 60 when an intruder is detected using a crime prevention sensor.

Next, the portable terminal 40 will be explained. The mobile terminal 40 is a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal owned by a resident of the house 60 . An application program is installed in the mobile terminal 40 for the resident to remotely control the devices in the house 60 through the mobile terminal 40. As will be described later, the resident can instruct remote control, , it is possible to receive notifications about remote control. The mobile terminal 40 has a display section 41 .

The display unit 41 is a display device having an image display function and a function of accepting manual input from the user. The display unit 41 is realized by a touch panel and a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The touch panel is, for example, a capacitive touch panel, but may be a resistive touch panel.

Next, the server device 50 will be described. The server device 50 is a computer (cloud server) located outside the house 60 . Specifically, the server device 50 receives a device control request from the mobile terminal 40 and transmits a control command to the control terminal 20 based on the received control request, thereby remotely controlling the device from outside the house 60. Realize The server device 50 includes a communication section 51 , an information processing section 52 and a storage section 53 .

The communication unit 51 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the server device 50 to communicate with the control terminal 20 and the mobile terminal 40 via the wide area communication network 70 . The communication performed by the communication unit 51 is, for example, wired communication, but may be wireless communication. The communication standard used for communication is also not particularly limited.

The information processing section 52 performs information processing related to the remote control. The information processing section 52 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be implemented by a processor. The information processing unit 52 has an acquisition unit 54, a control unit 55, and a setting unit 56 as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 54 , the control unit 55 , and the setting unit 56 are realized by, for example, executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 53 by a microcomputer or the like that constitutes the information processing unit 52 . Details of functions of the acquisition unit 54, the control unit 55, and the setting unit 56 will be described later.

The storage unit 53 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 52 . The storage unit 53 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive).

It is assumed that resident information about the resident of the house 60 as shown in FIG. 2 is registered (stored) in advance in the storage unit 53 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of resident information.

The resident information includes information on all residents in the house 60 . Specifically, the resident information includes the name of the resident, attributes of the resident (one of adult, child, and elderly in the example of FIG. 2), key information used by the resident, and the house 60. The identification information (room ID) of the room mainly used by the resident is associated with it. The key information used by the resident is the identification information of the IC card used by the resident to unlock the electric lock 32 from outside the house 60 (unique information sent from the IC card to the electric lock 32 when unlocking). information). When the electric lock 32 is unlocked by biometric authentication, the key information may be the resident's fingerprint information, iris information, or the like.

[Operation example 1]
As described above, according to the control system 10 , the resident can remotely control devices such as the lighting device 35 and the air conditioner 36 from outside the house 60 through the mobile terminal 40 . Here, at the time of remote control, the resident who instructs the remote control may not be able to grasp the situation in the house 60, and it may be dangerous if the device is controlled as it is based on the remote control instruction. . For example, when only a specific resident such as a child or an elderly person is at home in the house 60, turning off the air conditioner 36 by remote control may be dangerous depending on the season.

Therefore, the control system 10 estimates the at-home status of the residents in the house 60 (which of the plurality of residents is at home) when receiving an instruction for remote control, and based on the estimation result, performs the remote control as it is. decide whether to execute. An operation example 1 of such a control system 10 will be described below. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of an operation example 1 of the control system 10. FIG.

The first communication unit 22 of the control terminal 20 transmits to the server device 50 the first information indicating the at-home status of the plurality of residents in the house 60 (S11). In Operation Example 1, the first information is transmitted periodically, for example, but may be transmitted in response to a request from the server device 50 . Note that the first information may be transmitted in response to a request from the server device 50 immediately after step S15, which will be described later.

The communication unit 51 of the server device 50 receives the first information. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received first information and stores it in the storage unit 53 (S12).

Here, the first information will be specifically described. The first information includes, for example, first sensing information indicating detection results of the human sensor 31 in each of the plurality of rooms in the house 60 . The information processing unit 24 of the control terminal 20 manages the detection results of the human sensor 31 in each of the plurality of rooms, so that the information obtained by assigning the room ID to the detection result of the human sensor 31 is used as the first sensing information in the server device. 50 can be provided.

The first information also includes, for example, second sensing information indicating detection results of the window opening/closing sensor 33 in each of the plurality of rooms in the house 60 . The information processing unit 24 of the control terminal 20 manages the detection results of the opening/closing sensor 33 in each of the plurality of rooms in the house 60, and uses the information obtained by assigning the room ID to the detection result of the opening/closing sensor 33 as the second sensing information. It can be provided to the server device 50 .

The first information also includes power consumption information indicating power consumption in each of the plurality of rooms in the house 60 . The information processing unit 24 of the control terminal 20 manages the power consumption in each of the multiple rooms in the house 60 based on the power consumption of each branch circuit measured by the power measuring device 34 . Therefore, the information processing unit 24 of the control terminal 20 can provide the server device 50 with information obtained by assigning the room ID to the power consumption in each room as the power consumption information.

Further, the first information includes unlocking history information of the electric lock 32 . The information processing unit 24 of the control terminal 20 stores (manages) key information (IC card identification information) used for unlocking the electric lock 32 from outside the house 60 each time. Therefore, the information processing section 24 of the control terminal 20 can provide the unlocking history information to the server device 50 .

Note that the first information does not necessarily include all of the first sensing information, the second sensing information, the power consumption information, and the unlocking history information. The first information may include at least one of first sensing information, second sensing information, power consumption information, and unlock history information.

After step S<b>12 , the target person, who is one of the plurality of residents, performs an operation to instruct remote control of the devices in the house 60 to the portable terminal 40 from outside or the like. Note that the target person is, for example, a person whose attribute is "adult" in the resident information of FIG. 2 (that is, a person whose attribute is other than "elderly" and "child"). When such an operation is accepted by the display unit 41 (S13), the mobile terminal 40 transmits second information instructing remote control to the server device 50 (S14).

The communication unit 51 of the server device 50 receives the second information. The acquisition unit 54 acquires the received second information (S15). Based on the first information (the latest first information) acquired and stored in step S12, the control unit 55 estimates the at-home status of the resident in the house 60 (S16).

As described above, the first information includes the first sensing information indicating the detection result of the human sensor 31 in each of the multiple rooms in the house 60 . For example, when the first sensing information indicates that a person exists in a certain room, the control unit 55 estimates that the resident who mainly uses the room determined by the resident information (FIG. 2) is at home. can do. Similarly, for example, when the first sensing information indicates that no one is in the room, the control unit 55 determines that the resident who mainly uses the room determined by the resident information (FIG. 2) is absent. It can be assumed that there is

The first information also includes second sensing information indicating the detection result of the window opening/closing sensor 33 in each of the plurality of rooms in the house 60 . For example, when the second sensing information indicates that the window of a certain room is open, the control unit 55 can estimate that the resident who mainly uses the room determined by the resident information is at home. .

The first information also includes power consumption information indicating power consumption in each of the plurality of rooms in the house 60 . For example, by specifying a room whose power consumption indicated by the power consumption information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 55 estimates that the resident who mainly uses the room determined by the resident information is at home. can be done. Similarly, the control unit 55, for example, by specifying a room whose power consumption indicated by the power consumption information is less than a predetermined value, determines that there is no resident who mainly uses the room determined by the resident information. can be estimated.

Further, the first information includes unlocking history information of the electric lock 32 . The control unit 55 can, for example, presume that the resident who unlocked the electric lock 32 within the most recent predetermined period (such as one hour) determined by the unlocking history information and the resident information is at home.

After obtaining the estimation result based on the first sensing information, the estimation result based on the second sensing information, the estimation result based on the power consumption information, and the estimation result based on the unlocking history information, the control unit 55 obtains these four types. The final estimation result is obtained by integrating the estimation results of the above. For example, the control unit 55 determines whether or not the resident is at home based on the majority of four types of estimation results. Further, the control unit 55 may logically determine whether the resident is at home or not by logically summing each of the four types of estimation results as being at home: 1 and absent: 0.

Next, the control unit 55 performs a control content determination process based on the final estimation result in step S16 and the control rule information stored in advance in the storage unit 53 (S17). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of control rule information. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the control content determination process.

For example, assume that the second information acquired in step S15 is information instructing to turn off the air conditioner 36 . In this case, the control unit 55 makes a determination based on the final estimation result in step S16 (S17a). , rather than immediately turning off the air conditioner 36, the first notification information for notifying in advance that the air conditioner 36 will be turned off is output (S17b). The output first notification information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40 by the communication unit 51 .

When receiving the first notification information, the mobile terminal 40 displays a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 41 based on the received first notification information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 41 of the mobile terminal 40. As shown in FIG.

It should be noted that, when consent to turning off the air conditioner 36 is obtained from the subject through such a confirmation screen, the control unit 55 outputs a control command for turning off the air conditioner 36 . The output control command is transmitted to the control terminal 20 by the first communication unit 22 . The first communication unit 22 of the control terminal 20 receives the control command, and the information processing unit 24 turns off the air conditioner 36 based on the received control command. Specifically, a control signal for turning off the air conditioner 36 is transmitted from the second communication unit 23 to the air conditioner 36 .

On the other hand, in step S17a, when the control unit 55 determines that only children are at home (only children in S17a), the control unit 55 turns off the air conditioner 36 (instructed by the second information) based on the control rule information in FIG. control). In this case, the control unit 55 outputs second notification information for notifying that the air conditioner 36 will not be turned off (S17c). The output second notification information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40 by the communication unit 51 .

When receiving the second notification information, the mobile terminal 40 displays a notification screen as shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 41 based on the received second notification information. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the display unit 41 of the mobile terminal 40. As shown in FIG.

Further, for example, when all of the plurality of residents are at home or absent, and the determination result in step S17a is other than the above (other in S17a), the control unit 55, based on the control rule information in FIG. A control command for turning off the air conditioner 36 is output (S17d). The output control command is transmitted to the control terminal 20 by the first communication unit 22 . The first communication unit 22 of the control terminal 20 receives the control command, and the information processing unit 24 turns off the air conditioner 36 based on the received control command. Specifically, a control signal for turning off the air conditioner 36 is transmitted from the second communication unit 23 to the air conditioner 36 .

As described above, the control system 10 is an acquisition unit that acquires the first information indicating the at-home status of a plurality of residents in the residence 60 and the second information instructing remote control of the equipment installed in the residence 60. 54 and when executing control (for example, control to turn off the air conditioner 36) indicated by the acquired second information, (1) the acquired first information indicates that all of the plurality of residents are at home or output the first control information if it indicates that the resident is absent; (2) output the first control information if the acquired first information indicates that only a specific resident among the plurality of residents is at home; and a control unit 55 that outputs second control information different from the above.

The first control information is a control instruction to the equipment for executing the control instructed by the acquired second information as instructed.

The second control information is first notification information for notifying in advance that the control indicated by the obtained second information will be executed when the specific resident is an elderly person, and the target person is output to the portable terminal 40 held by the . Further, the second control information is second notification information for notifying that the control indicated by the obtained second information is not executed when the specific resident is a child. is output to the portable terminal 40 held by the .

Such a control system 10 can remotely control the devices installed in the residence 60 in consideration of the status of the resident at home.

In operation example 1, turning off the air conditioner 36 is exemplified as the control instructed by the second information. Control for devices other than the air conditioner 36 installed in the house 60, such as turning on the device 35 (illustrated in the control rule information in FIG. 4), may also be performed.

In addition, as shown in the control rule information in FIG. 4, the control indicated by the second information is to turn off the air conditioning equipment 36 or to turn on the lighting equipment 35. is at home, the contents of control are different. In this way, the control unit 55 may output the second control information with different contents depending on the type of device.

Note that the control rule information in FIG. 4 is an example, and the control rule information may be appropriately determined empirically or experimentally. For example, requirements such as "at least one adult is at home" and "only children and the elderly are at home" may be defined as the stay-at-home status in the control rule information.

Also, the control rule information in FIG. 4 is predetermined by the designer of the control system 10 or the like, but may be arbitrarily changed by the resident (subject). In this case, the setting unit 56 of the server device 50 changes the control rule information based on a setting change request transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 to the server device 50 in response to the operation of the mobile terminal 40 by the resident. The setting unit 56 can, for example, change the setting of the content of the second control information that is output when only a specific resident is at home, in response to the subject's request.

[Operation example 2]
The control system 10 can also perform timer control (control to turn on or off the equipment at a preset time) of the equipment installed in the house 60 . Even in timer control, it is difficult to grasp the situation inside the house 60 at the time when the device is actually turned on or off when the timer control is instructed. Therefore, it may be dangerous if the timer control is executed as it is. For example, when only a specific resident such as a child or an elderly person is at home in the house 60, it may be dangerous depending on the season if the air conditioner 36 is turned off by timer control.

Therefore, the control system 10 estimates the at-home status of the residents in the house 60 (which of the plurality of residents is at home) immediately before executing the timer control, and directly executes the timer control based on the estimation result. to judge whether An operation example 2 of such a control system 10 will be described below. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of Operation Example 2 of the control system 10 (more specifically, the control terminal 20).

A target person among the plurality of residents operates the control terminal 20 to instruct the timer control of the devices in the house 60 . When such an operation is accepted by the display unit 21 of the control terminal 20 (S21), the acquisition unit 26 acquires second information instructing timer control based on the accepted operation, and stores the acquired second information. is stored in the storage unit 25 (S22). The second information is, specifically, timer control setting information indicating a device to be controlled and a designated time for turning on or off the device.

After that, when the acquisition unit 26 detects that the specified time (more specifically, the time immediately before the specified time) has arrived (S23), the acquisition unit 26 acquires the first information indicating the home status of the plurality of residents in the house 60. Acquire (S24). Specifically, the acquisition unit 26 acquires the first sensing information, the second sensing information, the power consumption information, and the unlocking history information as the first information via the second communication unit 23 . The specific information of each of the first sensing information, the second sensing information, the power consumption information, and the unlocking history information is the same as in the operation example 1, so the explanation is omitted. The first information may include at least one of first sensing information, second sensing information, power consumption information, and unlocking history information.

Next, based on the first information (the latest first information) acquired in step S23, the control unit 27 estimates the at-home status of the resident in the house 60 (S25). Since the method of estimating the home status of the resident is the same as in Operation Example 1, the description is omitted. In operation example 2, the resident information (FIG. 2) is stored in advance in the storage unit 25 of the control terminal 20, and the control unit 27 appropriately refers to the resident information stored in the storage unit 25. , the at-home situation can be estimated in the same manner as in the operation example 1. FIG.

Next, the control unit 27 determines the content of control based on the final estimation result in step S24 and the control rule information for timer control stored in advance in the storage unit 25 (S26). In the following description, for convenience, the control rule information for timer control is assumed to be the same as the control rule information for remote control (FIG. 4). Rules may be prepared individually.

For example, assume that the second information acquired in step S22 is information instructing to turn off the air conditioner 36 at a specified time. In this case, when the control unit 27 determines that only the elderly are at home (only the elderly in S26), the control unit 27 turns off the air conditioner 36 instead of turning off the air conditioner 36 immediately based on the control rule information. The first notification information for giving advance notice of the fact is output (S27). The output first notification information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40 via the server device 50 by the first communication unit 22 .

When receiving the first notification information, the mobile terminal 40 displays a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 41 based on the received first notification information.

It should be noted that, when consent to turning off the air conditioner 36 is obtained from the subject through such a confirmation screen, the control unit 27 outputs a control command for turning off the air conditioner 36 . The output control command is transmitted from the second communication unit 23 to the air conditioner 36 as a control signal for turning off the air conditioner 36 .

On the other hand, in step S26, when the control unit 27 determines that only the child is at home (only the child in S26), the control unit 27 turns off the air conditioner 36 (control instructed by the second information) based on the control rule information. don't run In this case, the control unit 27 outputs second notification information for notifying that the air conditioner 36 will not be turned off (S28). The output second notification information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 40 via the server device 50 by the first communication unit 22 .

When receiving the second notification information, the mobile terminal 40 displays a notification screen as shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 41 based on the received second notification information.

Further, when the determination result in step S26 is other than the above (other in S26), such as when all of the plurality of residents are at home or absent, the control unit 27 outputs a control command to turn off the air conditioner 36. (S29). The output control command is transmitted from the second communication unit 23 to the air conditioner 36 as a control signal for turning off the air conditioner 36 .

As described above, the control system 10 is an acquisition unit that acquires the first information indicating the at-home status of a plurality of residents in the residence 60 and the second information instructing the timer control of the equipment installed in the residence 60. 26, and when executing control (for example, control to turn off the air conditioner 36) indicated by the acquired second information, (1) the acquired first information indicates that all of the plurality of residents are at home or output the first control information if it indicates that the resident is absent; (2) output the first control information if the acquired first information indicates that only a specific resident among the plurality of residents is at home; and a control unit 27 that outputs second control information different from the above.

The first control information is a control instruction to the equipment for executing the control instructed by the acquired second information as instructed.

The second control information is first notification information for notifying in advance that the control indicated by the obtained second information will be executed when the specific resident is an elderly person, and the target person is output to the portable terminal 40 held by the . Further, the second control information is second notification information for notifying that the control indicated by the obtained second information is not executed when the specific resident is a child. is output to the portable terminal 40 held by the .

Such a control system 10 can timer-control the devices installed in the house 60 in consideration of the status of the resident at home.

In operation example 2, turning off of the air conditioner 36 is exemplified as the control instructed by the second information. Control for devices other than the air conditioner 36 installed in the house 60, such as turning on the device 35 (illustrated in the control rule information in FIG. 4), may also be performed.

In addition, as shown in the control rule information in FIG. 4, the control indicated by the second information is to turn off the air conditioning equipment 36 or to turn on the lighting equipment 35. is at home, the contents of control are different. In this way, the control unit 27 may output the second control information with different contents depending on the type of device.

Note that the control rule information in FIG. 4 is an example, and the control rule information may be appropriately determined empirically or experimentally. For example, requirements such as "at least one adult is at home" and "only children and the elderly are at home" may be defined as the stay-at-home status in the control rule information.

Also, the control rule information in FIG. 4 is predetermined by the designer of the control system 10 or the like, but may be arbitrarily changed by the resident (subject). In this case, the setting unit 28 of the server device 50 changes the control rule information based on a setting change request transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 to the server device 50 in response to the operation of the mobile terminal 40 by the resident. The setting unit 28 can, for example, change the setting of the content of the second control information that is output when only a specific resident is at home, in response to the subject's request.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the lighting equipment 35, the air conditioning equipment 36, the security system 37, etc. are exemplified as devices to be controlled by remote control or timer control. is not limited to For example, an electric shutter or the like can be cited as another control target device for remote control or timer control.

Further, in the operation example 1 above, the main information processing is performed by the server device 50 , but a part or all of the processing may be performed by the control terminal 20 . For example, the control terminal 20 includes functional components corresponding to the acquisition unit 54, the control unit 55, and the setting unit 56, thereby performing part or all of the information processing explained to be performed by the server device 50. can be executed.

In the operation example 2 above, the main information processing is performed by the control terminal 20 , but part or all of the processing may be performed by the server device 50 . For example, the server device 50 includes functional components corresponding to the acquisition unit 26, the control unit 27, and the setting unit 28, thereby performing part or all of the information processing explained to be performed by the control terminal 20. can be executed.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the control system 10 includes first information indicating the home status of a plurality of residents in the house 60 and second information indicating remote control of equipment installed in the house 60 or timer control of the equipment. an acquisition unit (acquisition unit 54 or acquisition unit 26) that acquires information, and when executing control indicated by the acquired second information, (1) the acquired first information is a plurality of residents Output the first control information if all the residents are at home or absent, and (2) if the obtained first information indicates that only a specific resident among the plurality of residents is at home. and a control unit (control unit 55 or control unit 27) that outputs second control information different from the first control information.

Such a control system 10 can control the devices installed in the residence 60 in consideration of the status of the resident at home.

Also, for example, the first control information is a control instruction to the device for executing the control instructed by the acquired second information as instructed.

Such a control system 10 can perform control as instructed when all residents are presumed to be at home or absent.

Also, for example, the second control information is first notification information for notifying in advance that the control indicated by the acquired second information will be executed, and is different from a specific resident among the plurality of residents. It is output to the mobile terminal 40 owned by the subject.

Such a control system 10 can provide advance notice when only certain residents are presumed to be home.

Also, for example, the second control information is second notification information for notifying that the control indicated by the acquired second information is not to be executed, and the target different from the specific resident among the plurality of residents It is output to the portable terminal 40 owned by the person.

Such a control system 10 can cancel control execution against instructions if it is presumed that only a particular resident is at home.

Also, for example, the control unit (control unit 55 or control unit 27) outputs second control information with different contents depending on the type of device.

Such a control system 10 can control the equipment installed in the house 60 in consideration of the type of the equipment and the status of the resident at home.

Further, for example, the control system 10 further includes a setting unit (the setting unit 56 or the setting unit 28 ).

Such a control system 10 can control the devices installed in the house 60 based on the setting of the subject, taking into account the home status of the resident.

In addition, the control method executed by a computer such as the control system 10 includes first information indicating the home status of a plurality of residents in the house 60, remote control of equipment installed in the house 60, or timer control of the equipment. When executing the control indicated by the second information obtained, (1) the first information obtained indicates that all of the plurality of residents are at home or Output the first control information if it indicates that the resident is absent, and (2) output the first control information if the acquired first information indicates that only a specific resident among the plurality of residents is at home. and a control step of outputting second control information different from.

Such a control method can control the equipment installed in the residence 60 in consideration of the home status of the resident.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, although the control system was realized by a plurality of devices in the above embodiments, it may be realized by a single device. For example, the control system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to the control terminal or server device of the above embodiments. When the control system is implemented by multiple devices, the components included in the control system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. In addition, the order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

Also, in the above embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor.

Also, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. These circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits.

Also, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media may be implemented.

For example, the present invention may be implemented as a control terminal or server device according to the above embodiments, or may be implemented as a control system corresponding to the control terminal or server device. Further, the present invention may be implemented as a control method executed by a computer such as a control system, or may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method. The present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium in which such a program is recorded.

In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art can think of, or realized by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also included in the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 control system 20 control terminal 21, 41 display unit 22 first communication unit 23 second communication unit 24, 52 information processing unit 25, 53 storage unit 26, 54 acquisition unit 27, 55 control unit 28, 56 setting unit 31 human sensation Sensor 32 Electric lock 33 Open/close sensor 34 Power measuring device 35 Lighting device 36 Air conditioner 37 Security system 40 Portable terminal 50 Server device 51 Communication unit 60 House 70 Wide area communication network

Claims (8)

an acquisition unit that acquires first information indicating at-home status of a plurality of residents in a house and second information instructing remote control of equipment installed in the house or timer control of the equipment;
When executing the control indicated by the obtained second information, (1) the first control if the obtained first information indicates that all of the plurality of residents are at home or absent; (2) outputting second control information different from the first control information when the obtained first information indicates that only a specific resident among the plurality of residents is at home; A control system comprising a controller for 2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the first control information is a control instruction to the device for executing the control instructed by the obtained second information as instructed. The second control information is first notification information for notifying in advance that the control indicated by the obtained second information will be executed, and is different from the specific resident among the plurality of residents. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information is output to a mobile terminal owned by a subject. The second control information is second notification information for notifying that the control indicated by the acquired second information is not executed, and is a target different from the specific resident among the plurality of residents. 3. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the information is output to a portable terminal owned by a person. 5. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit outputs the second control information having different content according to the type of the device. 6. The setting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a setting unit that changes the content of the second control information according to a request from a target person different from the specific resident among the plurality of residents. control system. an acquisition step of acquiring first information indicating at-home status of a plurality of residents in a house and second information instructing remote control of equipment installed in the house or timer control of the equipment;
When executing the control indicated by the obtained second information, (1) the first control if the obtained first information indicates that all of the plurality of residents are at home or absent; (2) outputting second control information different from the first control information when the obtained first information indicates that only a specific resident among the plurality of residents is at home; and a control method. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 7.

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