JP5912049B2 - Power management apparatus, content distribution apparatus, and control method in power management apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power management apparatus, a content distribution apparatus, and a control method in a power management apparatus for managing the power consumption of a load device provided in a power consumer.

  In recent years, interest in energy saving has increased, and systems such as HEMS (Home Energy Management System) for power management in units of houses and BEMS (Building Energy Management System) for power management in units of buildings have attracted attention. Has been.

  In addition, a system that supports energy saving in a consumer in cooperation with a server provided outside a power consumer (hereinafter simply referred to as “customer”) has also been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  The server described in Patent Literature 1 receives power consumption information from a consumer, determines the type of power consumption that is excessive in the consumer (peak power amount, normal power amount, base power amount), and In order to reduce excessive power consumption, select one of the load devices provided to the consumer, and propose an energy saving action plan for the consumer to reduce the power consumption of the selected load device. Send.

JP 2010-176373 A

  However, although the system described in Patent Document 1 can contribute to energy saving by providing an energy saving action plan according to the amount of power consumption in the consumer, it has an added value according to the current situation of the user. High service cannot be provided.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a power management apparatus, a content distribution apparatus, and a control method in the power management apparatus that can provide a user with high added value services.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has the following features.

A power management apparatus according to the present invention is a power management apparatus that manages power consumption of a plurality of load devices provided in a consumer, and performs communication with a content distribution apparatus provided outside the consumer. A communication unit, and a control unit that controls communication with the content distribution apparatus according to the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices, wherein the control unit includes power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices. Content data belonging to a category corresponding to a user's behavior estimated based on a comparison result between the amount statistical information and the current power consumption amount is received from the content distribution device.

  When the difference between the current power consumption amount of the predetermined load device and the normal power consumption amount of the predetermined load device is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control unit is a place where the predetermined load device is installed. Content data corresponding to the user behavior estimated in response to the content may be requested from the content distribution apparatus.

  The control unit notifies the content distribution apparatus of the power consumption amount when privacy protection setting is not made, and when the privacy protection setting is made, the control unit notifies the power consumption amount of the content. The content data may be requested from the content distribution device without notifying the distribution device.

A content distribution apparatus according to the present invention is a content distribution apparatus that communicates with a power management apparatus that manages power consumption of a plurality of load devices provided in a consumer, and each of the plurality of load devices consumes power A communication unit that receives information based on the information from the power management device, and a control unit that controls distribution of content data in accordance with the information received from the power management device by the communication unit. The content data belonging to the category corresponding to the user's behavior estimated based on the comparison result between the statistical information of the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices and the current power consumption amount is transmitted to the user device. It is characterized by delivering.

  When the difference between the current power consumption amount of the predetermined load device and the normal power consumption amount of the predetermined load device is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control unit is a place where the predetermined load device is installed Content data corresponding to the user's behavior estimated according to the user's behavior may be distributed to the user's device.

  When the privacy protection setting is not made in the power management apparatus, the communication unit receives the power consumption notification from the power management apparatus, and the privacy management setting is made in the power management apparatus Alternatively, the content data distribution request may be received from the power management apparatus without receiving the notification of the power consumption amount from the power management apparatus.

The power management apparatus control method according to the present invention includes means for communicating with a content distribution apparatus provided outside a consumer, and manages power consumption of a plurality of load devices provided in the consumer. A control method in the apparatus, the step of detecting the power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices, and the comparison result between the detected statistical information of the power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices and the current power consumption Receiving from the content distribution apparatus content data belonging to a category corresponding to the user's behavior estimated based on the above.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the control method in the power management apparatus, content delivery apparatus, and power management apparatus which can provide a high value-added service with respect to a user can be provided.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a content distribution system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the installation environment of HEMS which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of HEMS concerning an embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating the operation | movement specific example which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the content server which concerns on embodiment. It is an operation | movement flowchart of HEMS which concerns on embodiment. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the content server which concerns on embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings according to the following embodiments, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

(Overall system configuration)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a content distribution system according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the content distribution system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of sensors 10 and a HEMS 100 provided in a customer's home, and a content server 200 managed by a content distribution provider.

  HEMS100 manages the power consumption of the some load apparatus 15 (refer FIG. 2) provided in a consumer based on the output signal of the some sensor 10. FIG. In the present embodiment, the HEMS 100 corresponds to a power management apparatus.

  The HEMS 100 and the content server 200 can communicate with each other via the Internet 20.

  The content server 200 distributes content data to the HEMS 100 based on information received from the HEMS 100 via the Internet 20. In the present embodiment, the content server 200 corresponds to a content distribution device. The content data is, for example, an electronic coupon or advertisement information.

  Here, the content server 200 is not limited to distributing content data to the HEMS 100, and may distribute content data to the user's mobile terminal 30 (see FIG. 2) or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an installation environment of the HEMS 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in a customer's home, a sensor 10-1 for measuring the power consumption of a load device 15-1 in a living room (for example, a lighting device) and a load device 15-2 in a kitchen (for example, And a sensor 10-2 for measuring the power consumption of a rice cooker or an IH cooker.

  The HEMS 100 acquires the power consumption of the load device 15-1 in the living room based on the output signal of the sensor 10-1. Moreover, HEMS100 acquires the power consumption of the load apparatus 15-2 of a kitchen based on the output signal of the sensor 10-2.

  The HEMS 100 controls communication with the content server 200 according to the power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices 15. In the present embodiment, the HEMS 100 requests the content server 200 for content data corresponding to the user behavior estimated based on the power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices 15.

  The HEMS 100 may notify the content server 200 of the power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices 15 when the privacy protection setting is not made.

  On the other hand, when privacy protection is set, the HEMS 100 requests the content server 200 for content data without notifying the content server 200 of the power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices 15. To do.

  In response to the information received from the HEMS 100, the content server 200 obtains content data corresponding to the user's behavior estimated based on the power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices 15 (for example, the HEMS 100 and / or the user's device). Delivered to the portable terminal 30).

(Configuration of HEMS)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the HEMS 100.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the HEMS 100 includes a sensor interface 110, a user interface 120, a communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150.

  The sensor interface 110 periodically acquires output signals of the plurality of sensors 10 by communicating with the plurality of sensors 10 under the control of the control unit 150. Communication with the plurality of sensors 10 may be wired communication or wireless communication. The sensor interface 110 outputs the output signal of the sensor 10 to the control unit 150.

  The user interface 120 outputs information to the user and inputs information from the user under the control of the control unit 150. The user interface 120 includes, for example, a display for displaying an image, a speaker for outputting sound, and various buttons for receiving user operations. However, the display and the button may be integrated as a touch panel.

  The communication unit 130 is connected to the Internet 20 via a router or the like, and communicates with the content server 200 under the control of the control unit 150.

  The storage unit 140 is, for example, an HDD and / or a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 140 stores in advance a program executed by the control unit 150, information on the load device 15, and information on content data to be requested to the content server 200. The storage unit 140 stores power consumption of the load device 15 and statistical information based on the power consumption under the control of the control unit 150.

  The control unit 150 is a CPU, for example. The control unit 150 performs the following control by executing a program stored in the storage unit 140.

  First, the control unit 150 acquires the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices 15 based on the output signals of each of the plurality of sensors 10, and the acquired power consumption amount for each load device 15 and for each time zone. Accumulate in the storage unit 140. The control unit 150 obtains statistical information (power consumption fluctuation tendency) for each load device 15 by performing statistical processing on the power consumption accumulated in the storage unit 140. The fluctuation tendency of power consumption means, for example, an average power consumption (normal power consumption) for each time zone.

  Secondly, the control unit 150 compares the current power consumption amount with the fluctuation tendency of the power consumption amount for each load device 15. When there is a load device 15 in which the difference between the current power consumption and the fluctuation tendency of the power consumption is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 150 determines that the load device 15 is in a state different from the normal use state. to decide.

  Thirdly, the control unit 150 estimates the user's behavior according to the place (kitchen, living room, etc.) where the load device 15 determined to be in a state different from the normal use state is installed. The control unit 150 refers to the storage unit 140 and determines a category of content data corresponding to the estimated user behavior.

  Fourth, the control unit 150 controls the communication unit 130 to transmit a content data distribution request including information on the determined category to the content server 200.

  In this way, by transmitting the content data distribution request to the content server 200, it is possible to prevent the information on the power consumption from leaking to the outside of the consumer, so that the user's privacy can be protected.

  However, when such privacy protection is not required, the control unit 150 may notify the content server 200 of the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices 15. In this case, the content server 200 performs the same processing as the first processing to the third processing described above.

  Information on the presence / absence of the privacy protection setting is stored in advance in the storage unit 140, for example. The information may be updated manually by a user operation, or may be automatically updated by the control unit 150.

  Here, a specific example of the above-described first to fourth processes will be described. FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining a specific example in the case where the difference between the normal power consumption and the power consumption on a specific day is detected and content data is requested.

  Fig.4 (a) is a graph which shows the average power consumption according to the time zone of the load apparatus 15-2 of a kitchen. As shown to Fig.4 (a), the load apparatus 15-2 of a kitchen tends to increase power consumption in the time zone of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  FIG. 4B is a graph showing the average power consumption for each time zone of the load device 15-2 in the kitchen and the load device 15-1 in the living room. As shown in FIG. 4 (b), when power is consumed in the load device 15-1 in the living room (that is, when it is estimated that the user is at home), this consumer has breakfast and lunch. The power consumption of the load device 15-2 in the kitchen tends to increase during the dinner time.

  The control unit 150 derives these tendencies by statistical processing and manages each load device 15 as a normal power consumption state.

  FIG. 4C is a graph showing the transition of power consumption on a specific day. As shown in FIG.4 (c), although there is a high possibility that the user is at home from the power consumption of the load device 15-1 in the living room, the load device in the kitchen tends to rise from before 18:00 The power consumption of 15-2 has not increased.

  Using such a state as a trigger, the control unit 150 estimates that the user will eat out or buy a lunch without cooking for dinner. Then, the control unit 150 requests content data (such as an electronic coupon) belonging to the home delivery category such as a lunch box from the content server 200.

  In FIG.4 (c), although the power consumption of the load apparatus 15-1 of the living room before 18:00 is a normal state, when the said power consumption also reduces, the control part 150 is a user. The content server 200 is requested to request content data (such as an electronic coupon) belonging to a restaurant category such as a restaurant.

  For example, the storage unit 140 stores in advance the load device 15, the user's behavior related to the load device 15, and the content data category related to the behavior. The control unit 150 can estimate the user's behavior and determine the category of the content data by referring to the storage unit 140.

(Content server configuration)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the content server 200.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the content server 200 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

  The communication unit 210 is connected to the Internet 20 via a router or the like, and communicates with the HEMS 100 under the control of the control unit 230.

  The storage unit 220 is, for example, an HDD and / or a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 220 stores in advance a program executed by the control unit 230, information about the load device 15, and information about content data to be distributed. In addition, the storage unit 220 stores power consumption of the load device 15 and statistical information based on the power consumption under the control of the control unit 230.

  The control unit 230 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 230 performs the following control by executing a program stored in the storage unit 220.

  When the communication unit 210 receives a content data distribution request from the HEMS 100, the control unit 230 sends content data matching the category to the HEMS 100 according to the category (home delivery, restaurant, etc.) included in the content data distribution request. The communication unit 210 is controlled so as to be distributed. However, when another distribution destination (for example, the address of the mobile terminal 30) associated with the HEMS 100 is set in advance, the content data may be distributed to the other distribution destination.

  On the other hand, when the communication unit 210 receives the power consumption amount notification from the HEMS 100, the control unit 230 performs the following control.

  First, the control unit 230 accumulates the power consumption in the storage unit 220 for each load device 15 and for each time zone. The control unit 230 acquires statistical information (power consumption fluctuation tendency) for each load device 15 by performing statistical processing on the power consumption accumulated in the storage unit 220. The fluctuation tendency of power consumption means, for example, an average power consumption (normal power consumption) for each time zone.

  Secondly, the control unit 230 compares the current power consumption amount with the fluctuation tendency of the power consumption amount for each load device 15. When there is a load device 15 in which the difference between the current power consumption and the fluctuation tendency of the power consumption is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 230 determines that the load device 15 is in a state different from the normal use state. to decide.

  Thirdly, the control unit 230 estimates the user's behavior according to the place (kitchen, living room, etc.) where the load device 15 determined to be in a state different from the normal use state is installed. The control unit 230 refers to the storage unit 220 and determines a category of content data corresponding to the estimated user behavior.

  For example, the storage unit 220 stores in advance the load device 15, the user behavior related to the load device 15, and the category of content data related to the behavior. The control unit 230 can estimate the user's behavior and determine the category of the content data by referring to the storage unit 220.

  Fourth, the control unit 230 controls the communication unit 210 so as to distribute content data that matches the determined category to the HEMS 100. However, when another distribution destination (for example, the address of the mobile terminal 30) associated with the HEMS 100 is set in advance, the content data may be distributed to the other distribution destination.

(Operation flow)
Hereinafter, operation flows of the HEMS 100 and the content server 200 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the HEMS 100.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in step S101, the control unit 150 acquires the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices 15 based on the output signals of the plurality of sensors 10, and uses the acquired power consumption amount as the load device. The data is accumulated in the storage unit 140 every 15 times.

  In step S <b> 102, the control unit 150 performs statistical processing on the power consumption accumulated in the storage unit 140, thereby acquiring statistical information (power consumption fluctuation trend) for each load device 15.

  In step S103, the control unit 150 confirms the presence / absence of privacy protection settings. When the privacy protection setting has been made (step S103; YES), the control unit 150 advances the process to step S104. On the other hand, when the privacy protection setting is not made (step S103; NO), the control unit 150 advances the process to step S106.

  In step S104, the control unit 150 compares the current power consumption for each load device 15 with the normal power consumption (fluctuation tendency).

  When there is a load device 15 in which the difference between the current power consumption and the fluctuation tendency of the power consumption is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S104; YES), the control unit 150 determines that the load device 15 is different from the normal use state. It is determined that the state is present, and the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, when there is no load device 15 in which the difference between the current power consumption and the fluctuation tendency of the power consumption is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S104; NO), the control unit 150 returns the process to step S101.

  In step S105, the control unit 150 estimates the user's behavior according to the place (kitchen, living room, etc.) where the load device 15 determined to be in a state different from the normal use state is set, and A category of content data corresponding to the estimated user behavior is determined.

  In step S <b> 106, the control unit 150 controls the communication unit 130 to transmit a content data distribution request including information on the determined category or a notification of power consumption to the content server 200.

  In step S <b> 107, the communication unit 130 receives content data from the content server 200. When reception of the content data is completed (step S108; YES), in step S109, the control unit 150 controls the user interface 120 to display the content data. Alternatively, when another delivery destination (for example, the address of the mobile terminal 30) is preset, the control unit 150 controls the communication unit 130 to transfer the content data to the other delivery destination. Also good.

  FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the content server 200.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in step S <b> 201, the control unit 230 confirms whether the communication unit 210 has received a power consumption amount notification from the HEMS 100 or a content data distribution request. When the notification of the power consumption is received (step S201; YES), the control unit 230 advances the process to step S202. On the other hand, when the content data distribution request is received (step S201; NO), the control unit 230 advances the process to step S205.

  In step S202, the control unit 230 acquires the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices 15 by the communication unit 210, and accumulates the power consumption amount in the storage unit 220 for each load device 15 and for each time zone. The control unit 230 acquires statistical information (power consumption fluctuation tendency) for each load device 15 by performing statistical processing on the power consumption accumulated in the storage unit 220.

  In step S <b> 203, the control unit 230 compares the current power consumption amount with the fluctuation tendency of the power consumption amount for each load device 15. When there is a load device 15 in which the difference between the current power consumption and the fluctuation tendency of the power consumption is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S203; YES), the control unit 150 determines that the load device 15 is different from the normal use state. The process is determined to be in a state, and the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, when there is no load device 15 in which the difference between the current power consumption and the fluctuation tendency of the power consumption is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S203; NO), the control unit 150 returns the process to step S201.

  In step S204, the control unit 230 estimates the user's behavior according to the place (kitchen, living room, etc.) where the load device 15 that is determined to be in a state different from the normal use state is estimated, and A category of content data corresponding to the estimated user behavior is determined.

  In step S <b> 205, the control unit 230 controls the communication unit 210 to distribute content data matching the category to the HEMS 100. However, when another distribution destination (for example, the address of the mobile terminal 30) associated with the HEMS 100 is set in advance, the content data may be distributed to the other distribution destination.

(Summary)
As described above, the HEMS 100 requests the content server 200 for content data corresponding to the user behavior estimated based on the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices 15. Thereby, the user can receive a service according to his / her behavior from the content server 200.

  In the present embodiment, when the difference between the current power consumption of the predetermined load device 15 among the plurality of load devices 15 and the normal power consumption of the predetermined load device 15 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the HEMS 100 Requests the content server 200 for content data corresponding to the user behavior estimated according to the place where the predetermined load device 15 is installed. As a result, the user's behavior is estimated according to the place where the load device 15 is installed, triggered by the fact that the power consumption amount of a certain load device 15 is different from the normal state. Can be estimated.

  In the present embodiment, the HEMS 100 notifies the content server 200 of the power consumption amount when the privacy protection setting is not made, and if the privacy protection setting is made, the HEMS 100 notifies the content server 200 of the power consumption amount. Content data is requested to the content server 200 without notification. Thereby, in the case where the privacy of the user is to be protected, the information on the power consumption amount can be kept in a secret state without being uploaded.

  The content server 200 distributes content data corresponding to the user's behavior estimated based on the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices 15 to the user's device (for example, the mobile terminal 30 or the HEMS 100). . Thereby, the service according to a user's action can be provided with respect to the user concerned.

  In the present embodiment, when the difference between the current power consumption of the predetermined load device 15 among the plurality of load devices 15 and the normal power consumption of the predetermined load device 15 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the content The server 200 distributes content data corresponding to the user behavior estimated according to the place where the predetermined load device 15 is installed to the user device (for example, the mobile terminal 30 or the HEMS 100). As a result, the user's behavior is estimated according to the place where the load device 15 is installed, triggered by the fact that the power consumption amount of a certain load device 15 is different from the normal state. Can be estimated.

  In the present embodiment, the content server 200 receives a power consumption notification from the HEMS 100 when the privacy protection setting is not performed in the HEMS 100, and the power consumption amount when the privacy protection setting is performed in the HEMS 100. The content data distribution request is received from the HEMS 100 without receiving the notification from the HEMS 100. Thereby, in the case where the privacy of the user is to be protected, the information on the power consumption amount can be kept in a secret state without being received from the HEMS 100.

[Other Embodiments]
The discussion and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the HEMS 100 as the power management apparatus according to the present invention has been described. However, not only the HEMS 100 but also a BEMS that performs power management in units of buildings may be used as the power management apparatus according to the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Sensor, 15 ... Load apparatus, 20 ... Internet, 30 ... Portable terminal, 100 ... HEMS, 110 ... Sensor interface, 120 ... User interface, 130 ... Communication part, 140 ... Memory | storage part, 150 ... Control part, 200 ... Content Server 210 ... Communication unit 220 ... Storage unit 230 ... Control unit

Claims (11)

A power management device that manages the power consumption of a plurality of load devices provided to a consumer,
A communication unit for communicating with a content distribution device provided outside the consumer;
A control unit that controls communication with the content distribution device according to the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices,
The control unit distributes content data belonging to a category corresponding to a user's behavior estimated based on a comparison result between statistical information of power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices and a current power consumption , to the content distribution A power management apparatus that receives data from the apparatus. In a case where the difference between the current power consumption of the predetermined load device and the normal power consumption based on the statistical information of the power consumption of the predetermined load device is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control unit the power management system of claim 1, the load device of the content data corresponding to the behavior of the user to be estimated in accordance with the installation location, characterized in that a request to the content distribution device. The power management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes contents to be transmitted to the content distribution apparatus according to presence / absence of a privacy protection setting. The controller is
If privacy protection settings have not been made, the content delivery device is notified of the power consumption,
If the privacy protection setting is made, the content distribution device is requested for the content data without notifying the content distribution device of the power consumption amount.
The power management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that. The power management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the content data includes at least one of an electronic coupon and advertisement information. A content distribution device that communicates with a power management device that manages power consumption of a plurality of load devices provided in a consumer,
A communication unit that receives information based on the power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices from the power management device;
A control unit that controls distribution of content data in accordance with information received from the power management apparatus by the communication unit;
The control unit is configured to extract content data belonging to a category corresponding to a user's behavior estimated based on a comparison result between the statistical information of the power consumption amount of each of the plurality of load devices and the current power consumption amount of the user. A content distribution apparatus for distributing to a device. In a case where the difference between the current power consumption of the predetermined load device and the normal power consumption based on the statistical information of the power consumption of the predetermined load device is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control unit The content distribution apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the content data corresponding to the user behavior estimated according to a place where the load device is installed is distributed to the user device. The content delivery device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the communication unit changes the content received from the content delivery device according to the presence or absence of a privacy protection setting. The communication unit is
When privacy protection setting is not made in the power management device, the power management device receives a notification of the power consumption amount,
When the privacy protection setting is made in the power management device, the content data distribution request is received from the power management device without receiving the power consumption amount notification from the power management device.
The content distribution device according to claim 6 , wherein the content distribution device is a content distribution device. The content distribution apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the content data includes at least one of an electronic coupon and advertisement information. A control method in a power management apparatus comprising means for communicating with a content distribution apparatus provided outside a consumer, and managing power consumption of a plurality of load devices provided in the consumer,
Detecting power consumption of each of the plurality of load devices;
The content data belonging to the category corresponding to the detected comparison result user's action that is estimated based on the statistics and the current power consumption of the plurality of load devices each power consumption, from the content distribution device control method in the power management apparatus characterized by comprising the steps of: receiving, a.

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