JP6555888B2 - CONTROL DEVICE, DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM, AND CONTROL SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

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

  AV (Audio Visual) equipment such as a recording / playback apparatus having a power saving mode capable of reducing power consumption is known. However, it may take time to start up the device in the power saving mode, which may impair user convenience.

  On the other hand, there has been proposed an AV device that has a function of counting the usage status of devices according to daily time zones and operates in a mode based on the past usage status of the devices (for example, see Patent Document 1). The AV device described in Patent Document 1 operates in a power saving mode during a time zone where the usage frequency is low, such as an outing time zone, and a high speed startup mode where the startup time is short, such as a time zone where the usage frequency is high, such as a home time zone. Operate.

JP2013-198003A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, an undesirable situation may occur when the user takes an action different from that of daily life. For example, if the user is at home during a time when he / she goes out regularly, the AV device operates in the power saving mode despite being at home. In this case, the startup time of the AV device becomes long, and the convenience for the user is impaired. On the other hand, for example, when the user goes out for a long time due to travel or the like, the AV device operates in the high-speed startup mode even when the user is out, and power is wasted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a control device, a device, a control method , a program, and a control system capable of reducing power consumption while maintaining convenience. .

In order to achieve the above object, a control device according to the present invention provides:
A control device that controls an operation mode of a device that operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumptions via a network,
An update unit for updating at-home status information of a user who uses the device;
A home status information storage unit that stores the home status information of the user updated by the update unit;
Based on the at-home status information stored in the at-home status information storage unit, a selection unit that selects an operation mode to be set for the device from the plurality of operation modes;
A transmission unit for transmitting the instruction information for instructing to operate in the operation mode selected by the selection unit to the equipment,
A request receiving unit for receiving an operation mode inquiry request from the device;
In response to the request receiving unit receiving the inquiry request, the operation mode information indicating the operation mode corresponding to the home status of the user indicated by the home status information stored in the home status information storage unit is A notification unit for transmitting to the device .

In the present invention, the instruction information for instructing to operate in the operation mode selected based on the home status information of the user who uses the device is transmitted to the device. Alternatively, in the present invention, the device operates in the operation mode selected based on the at- home status information of the user who uses the device and instructed by the instruction information. For this reason, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining convenience.

1 is a diagram showing a control system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control device and a digital recorder according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that the home status information table is stored in the home status information storage part which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that the user schedule table is stored in the schedule memory | storage part which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that the apparatus information table is stored in the connection apparatus information storage part which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that the recording time table is stored in the recording time memory | storage part which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the digital recorder according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of home status information update processing according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of power saving control processing according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of power saving control processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the control device and the digital recorder according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of recording processing according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of power saving control processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations of the control device, the digital recorder, and the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of recording processing according to Embodiment 3. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation mode correction process according to the fifth embodiment. It is a figure which shows a mode that the control schedule table is stored in the schedule memory | storage part which concerns on a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the power saving control process which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the control apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows a mode that the authentication table is stored in the setting information storage part which concerns on a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the schedule setting process which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, a control system 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a control device 100, a digital recorder 200, a television receiver 900, an information communication terminal 300, and a portable terminal 400. The control device 100 is connected to the digital recorder 200 and the information communication terminal 300 via a home network NT1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) provided in the dwelling unit H. For example, the control device 100 is connected to the digital recorder 200 and the information communication terminal 300 by wire or wirelessly. The digital recorder 200 is connected to the television receiver 900 via a signal line L1. In addition, the control device 100 is connected to the mobile terminal 400 via an outside network NT2 such as a public line. The control device 100, the digital recorder 200, the television receiver 900, and the information communication terminal 300 are arranged in the dwelling unit H, and the portable terminal 400 is present outside the dwelling unit H. The home network NT1 is configured by a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 includes a storage unit 101 that stores various types of information, a control unit 102 that executes various types of control, a home communication unit 103 connected to the home network NT1, and an external network NT2. And an out-of-home communication unit 104 connected thereto.

  The storage unit 101 includes a readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 101 includes a home status information storage unit 111 that stores home status information indicating whether or not the user is at home, and a schedule storage unit (schedule information storage) that stores various schedules. Part) 112 and a connected device information storage unit 113 for storing information related to devices connected to the home network NT1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the home status information storage unit 111 stores a home status information table TA11 that associates a return flag indicating whether or not the user is home (home status) with user identification information. For example, the return flag is set to off when the user is out, and is set to on when the user is home.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the schedule storage unit 112 stores a user schedule table (schedule information) TA <b> 21 that associates the user's going-out date / time and return date / time with user identification information. The contents of the user schedule table TA21 are set in advance by the user via the information communication terminal 300 or the mobile terminal 400, for example.

  The connected device information storage unit 113 stores information regarding each device connected to the home network NT1. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the connected device information storage unit 113 includes a device classification indicating the classification of each device, user identification information indicating the user, and a control target flag indicating whether the control device 100 is a control target. And a device information table TA31 for associating a mobile device flag for distinguishing between a fixed device and a mobile device and device identification information. As the device classification information, for example, “0001” for the digital recorder, “0002” for the recording device, and “0003” for the information communication terminal are assigned different identification numbers for each device classification. When there are a plurality of users of one device (for example, an information communication terminal to which device identification information IDD0 is assigned), a plurality of user identification information (for example, user identification information IDU1, IDU2) with respect to the device identification information of the device. Are matched. The control target flag is set to ON if the device is a control target of the control device 100, and is set to OFF if the device is not a control target. The portable device flag is set to ON for a portable device, and set to OFF for a fixed device. The information regarding the device whose mobile device flag is set to ON is connected device information indicating whether or not the mobile device carried by the user is connected to the home network NT1.

  In addition, the storage unit 101 stores a program for executing power saving control processing for the digital recorder 200 or the television receiver 900.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the control unit 102 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 102 controls the operation of the digital recorder 200 or the television receiver 900 by transmitting various commands to the digital recorder 200 or the television receiver 900. The control unit 102 includes a timer 102a that counts time.

  The control unit 102 implements various functions illustrated in FIG. 6 by reading a program stored in the storage unit 101 and executing a power saving control process. The communication control unit 121 executes communication control via the home network NT1 and the home communication unit 103, and also executes communication control via the outside network NT2 and the outside communication unit 104.

  The schedule management unit 122 records the user's schedule input from the information communication terminal 300 via the home network NT1 and the communication control unit 121 in the user schedule table TA21.

  When the device management unit 123 detects the connection of various devices (for example, the digital recorder 200, the information communication terminal 300, and the mobile terminal 400) to the home network NT1, the device management unit 123 records device information about the detected device in the device information table TA31. For example, when the portable terminal 400 is connected to the home network NT1, it is assumed that device identification information, device classification information, and user identification information are transmitted to the home network NT1. In this case, the device management unit 123 records device identification information, device classification information, and user identification information acquired from the home network NT1 via the communication control unit 121 in the device information table TA31.

The update unit 124 updates the home status information of the user who uses the digital recorder 200 and the television receiver 900 in the home status information table TA11 of the home status information storage unit 111 based on the user's schedule or device information. To do. Specifically, the update unit 124 refers to the a Subscriber schedule table TA21, by comparing the expected and current time of the user recorded in the user schedule table TA21, at-home situation information table TA11 Set the contents of the return flag. Further, the updating unit 124 refers to the device information table TA31 to check the connection status of the portable terminal (device with the portable device flag set to ON) 400 recorded in the device information table TA31 to the home network NT1. Accordingly, the contents of the return flag in the home status information table TA11 are set.

  The device control unit 126 controls the operation of the digital recorder 200 based on the home status information stored in the home status information storage unit 111. The device control unit 126 is a selection unit 127 that selects an operation mode to be set for the controlled device from among a plurality of operation modes (for example, “fast start mode” and “power saving mode”) of the controlled device such as the digital recorder 200. And a transmission unit 128 that transmits operation mode information (instruction information) instructing to operate in the operation mode selected by the selection unit 127.

  In-home communication unit 103 includes a communication device that can be connected to home network NT1. The out-of-home communication unit 104 is composed of a communication device that can be connected to the out-of-home network NT2, for example.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the digital recorder 200 and the television receiver 900 can take a viewing / recording operation state and a standby state. Here, the standby state is a so-called “off” state in which power is supplied but no viewing operation or recording operation is performed. In the standby state, there are two types of operation modes: a high-speed start-up mode with a short start-up time from the stand-by state and a power-saving mode with a long start-up time and relatively low power consumption compared to the high-speed start-up mode. To do. In addition, when the digital recorder 200 and the television receiver 900 receive the operation mode acquisition request from the control device 100, the digital recorder 200 and the television receiver 900 transmit operation mode information indicating the operation mode of the own device to the control device 100.

  The digital recorder 200 includes a storage unit 201 that stores various types of information, a control unit 202 that executes various types of control, a home communication unit 204 that is connected to the home network NT1, and a recording circuit 205 that executes video recording. The digital recorder 200 maintains the recording circuit 205 in the standby state by continuously supplying power to the recording circuit 205 in the high-speed startup mode. On the other hand, the digital recorder 200 cuts off the power supply to the recording circuit 205 in the power saving mode. As a result, the digital recorder 200 in the power saving mode consumes less power than in the high speed startup mode because the power supply to the recording circuit 205 is cut off.

  The storage unit 201 includes a readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 201 includes a recording time storage unit 231 that stores a recording start time and a recording end time, and a first operation mode storage unit 232a and a second operation mode storage unit 232b that store operation mode information.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the recording time storage unit (period information storage unit) 231 stores a recording time table (period information) TA91 that associates the recording start date / time and the recording end date / time with the program identification information for identifying the program. . The recording time table TA91 is set in advance by the user.

  The first operation mode storage unit 232a stores the operation mode currently set in the digital recorder 200. The second operation mode storage unit 232b stores operation mode information managed by the control device 100 received from the control device 100. In addition, the storage unit 201 stores a program for executing recording processing and the like.

  The control unit 202 is constituted by a CPU, for example. In addition, the control unit 202 has a timer 202a that counts time. The control unit 202 reads a program stored in the storage unit 201 and executes a recording process.

  The control unit 202 implements various functions illustrated in FIG. 8 by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit 201. The communication control unit (communication unit) 221 executes communication control via the home network NT1 and the home communication unit 204. The communication control unit 221 receives, from the control device 100, operation mode information instructing to operate in the operation mode selected based on the user schedule table TA21 indicating the schedule of the user of the digital recorder 200, for example.

  The operation management unit 222 stores the operation mode information received from the control device 100 input from the communication control unit 221 in the second operation mode storage unit 232b.

  The operation control unit 223 operates the recording circuit 205 when the recording start time recorded in the recording time table TA91 stored in the recording time storage unit 231 is reached. Further, after operating the recording circuit 205, the operation control unit 223 stops the recording circuit 205 when the recording end time recorded in the recording time table TA91 is reached. Further, the operation control unit 223 operates the digital recorder 200 in the operation mode instructed by the operation mode information received by the communication control unit 221. Specifically, the operation control unit 223 supplies power to the recording circuit 205 when the operation mode information stored in the second operation mode storage unit 232b indicates the high speed start mode, and the operation mode information indicates the power saving mode. In this case, power supply to the recording circuit 205 is cut off.

  The in-home communication unit 204 is configured from an interface device of the home network NT1. The recording circuit 205 records a program and stores the recorded program in a program storage medium (not shown) such as a hard disk.

  When the portable terminal 400 exists in the dwelling unit H, it is connected to the home network NT1, and when it moves outside the dwelling unit H (see the arrow in FIG. 1), it is disconnected from the home network NT1. When digital recorder 200, television receiver 900, information communication terminal 300, and portable terminal 400 are all connected to in-home network NT1, their own device identification information, device classification information, and user identification information are transmitted to in-home network. It transmits to the control apparatus 100 through NT1.

  Next, the home state information update process for updating the home state information and the power saving control process for appropriately switching the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 and the like, which are executed by the control unit 102 of the control device 100 according to the present embodiment, are illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. The home status information update process and the power saving control process are started when the user turns on the power to the control device 100, for example. Further, the home status information update process and the power saving control process are executed in parallel.

  First, the home status information update process executed by the control unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the updating unit 124, from each of the user schedule table TA21 of the schedule storage unit 112 and the device information table TA31 of the connected device information storage unit 113, the user schedule and device information regarding the devices connected to the home network NT1. Is acquired (step S101).

  The schedule management unit 122 performs a process of updating the user schedule table TA21 every time user schedule information indicating a new user schedule is received from the information communication terminal 300 or the portable terminal 400, in parallel with the home status information update process. And execute. In addition, every time a device newly connected to the home network NT1 is detected, the device management unit 123 performs a process of recording information about the device such as device identification information of the detected device in the device information table TA31. It is executed in parallel with the information update process. For example, when the device management unit 123 detects device identification information, device classification information, and user identification information periodically transmitted from the mobile terminal 400 to the home network NT1, the device management unit 123 determines that the mobile terminal 400 is connected to the home network NT1. Then, the device information related to the source mobile terminal 400 is recorded in the device information table TA31.

  The device management unit 123 deletes the detected device from the device information table TA31 every time any of the devices recorded in the device information table TA31 detects disconnection from the home network NT1. The process of updating TA31 is also executed in parallel with the home status information update process. Specifically, among the devices recorded in the device information table TA31, the device management unit 123 detects a device that has stopped sending device identification information, device classification information, and user identification information to the home network NT1. Then, the device information regarding the detected device is deleted from the device information table TA31. Thereby, the update part 124 can acquire the apparatus information regarding the apparatus connected to the newest user schedule and the newest home network NT1.

  Next, the update unit 124 determines whether or not the user's home status has changed based on the acquired user's schedule and device information (step S102). For example, based on the user's schedule, the update unit 124 determines that the user's home status has changed from going home to going out when the determination target time (current time) is after the scheduled time for going out of the user. . Further, when the device identification information of the mobile terminal 400 is newly included in the acquired device information, the update unit 124 determines that the home status of the user of the mobile terminal 400 has changed from going out to returning home. The update unit 124 processes the determination result based on the user's schedule with priority over the determination result based on the device identification information. For example, the update unit 124 determines that the user is out based on only the device identification information, and determines that the user is home based only on the user's schedule, the user returns home. It is determined that

  If it is determined in step S102 that the user's home status does not change (step S102: No), the process of step S101 is executed as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the user's home status has changed (step S102: Yes), the update unit 124 returns the home flag recorded in the home status information table TA11 of the home status information storage unit 111. Is updated (step S103). Specifically, the update unit 124 updates the contents of the return flag recorded in the home status information table TA11. Thereafter, the process of step S101 is executed again.

  Next, the power saving control process executed by the control unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case will be described in which the control device 100 switches the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 to either a high speed startup mode with a high startup speed or a power saving mode with low power consumption. First, the selection unit 127 acquires home status information from the home status information table TA11 and also acquires device information regarding the digital recorder 200 from the device information table TA31 (step S201). Specifically, the selection unit 127 acquires the contents of the return flag in the home status information table TA11 and the user identification information of the user of the digital recorder 200 in the device information table TA31. As described above, the return flag changes according to the user's schedule or the connection status of the mobile terminal 400 to the home network NT1.

  Next, based on the user identification information corresponding to the digital recorder 200 and the acquired home status information (the contents of the return flag), the selection unit 127 determines whether the user of each controlled device including the digital recorder 200 has It is determined whether or not the user has gone out (step S202). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the user identification information of the user of the digital recorder 200 recorded in the device information table TA31 is “IDU1”, the user given the user identification information “IDU2” If the return flag of the user to whom the user identification information “IDU1” is assigned is “off”, the selection unit 127 determines that the user is out.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the user is at home (step S202: No), the selection unit 127 performs the process of step S201 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that the user is out (step S202: Yes), the selection unit 127 issues an operation mode acquisition request for requesting acquisition of operation mode information from the digital recorder 200. It transmits to the digital recorder 200 (step S203). Specifically, the selection unit 127 transmits an operation mode acquisition request to the digital recorder 200 through the communication control unit 121 and the home network NT1.

  At this time, in the digital recorder 200, when the communication control unit 221 receives an operation mode acquisition request from the control device 100, the operation control unit 223 transmits operation mode information to the control device 100. Specifically, the operation control unit 223 acquires the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a of the storage unit 201, and the communication control unit 221 displays the operation mode information indicating the acquired operation mode. Output to. The communication control unit 221 transmits the operation mode information acquired from the operation control unit 223 to the control device 100 via the home communication unit 204 and the home network NT1.

  Next, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not operation mode information has been received from the digital recorder 200 within a preset time after transmitting the operation mode acquisition request (step S204). Specifically, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not the communication control unit 121 has acquired the operation mode information. If it is determined in step S204 that the operation mode information has not been received (step S204: No), the process of step S201 is executed as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S204 that the operation mode information has been received (step S204: Yes), the selection unit 127 determines whether or not the digital recorder 200 is in the power saving mode based on the acquired operation mode information. Is determined (step S205). If it is determined in step S205 that the power saving mode is set (step S205: Yes), the process of step S207 described later is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S205 that the mode is the high speed startup mode (step S205: No), the transmission unit 128 transmits operation mode information indicating the power saving mode to the digital recorder 200 (step S206).

  At this time, in the digital recorder 200, when the communication control unit 221 receives the operation mode information, the operation control unit 223 changes the operation mode from the high speed start mode to the power saving mode. Specifically, the operation control unit 223 changes from the high-speed startup mode in which power is continuously supplied to the recording circuit 205 to a power saving mode in which power supply to the recording circuit 205 is cut off. Further, the operation control unit 223 updates the operation mode information stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a to the power saving mode.

  Next, the selection unit 127 acquires home status information from the home status information storage unit 111 and also acquires device information related to the digital recorder 200 from the device information table TA31 (step S207). Specifically, the selection unit 127 acquires the contents of the return flag in the home status information table TA11.

  Next, the selection unit 127 determines whether the user is home based on the acquired home status information (step S208). Specifically, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not the content of the acquired return flag is set to ON. If the updating unit 124 determines that the user is at home within the home period recorded in the user schedule table TA21, the return flag is set on. Further, when the updating unit 124 determines the user state, if the mobile terminal 400 possessed by the user is connected to the home network NT1, and the device identification information exists in the device information table TA31, the return flag is turned on. Set to

  If it is determined in step S208 that the user is out (step S208: No), the selection unit 127 executes the process of step S207 again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S208 that the user is home (step S208: Yes), the transmission unit 128 transmits operation mode information indicating the high-speed startup mode to the digital recorder 200 (step S209). Thereafter, the selection unit 127 executes the process of step S201 again.

  At this time, in the digital recorder 200, when the communication control unit 221 receives the operation mode information, the operation control unit 223 changes the operation mode from the power saving mode to the high speed start mode. Further, the operation control unit 223 updates the operation mode information stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a to the power saving mode.

  As described above, in the control device 100 according to the present embodiment, the selection unit 127 operates the controlled device based on the user's schedule and the device information related to the device connected to the home network NT1. Determine whether to change the mode. Accordingly, for example, if the user has a portable terminal 400 that can be connected to the home network NT1, the selection unit 127 not only schedules the user but also the mobile terminal 400 owned by the user to the home network NT1. Whether or not the user is in the dwelling unit H can be indirectly determined based on whether or not it is connected. Therefore, since the user's home situation can be accurately determined, the convenience of the user can be improved while reducing power consumption.

  More specifically, the control device 100 puts the digital recorder 200 into the power saving mode when there is no need to operate the digital recorder 200 in the high speed startup mode such as when the user is out. Thereby, useless power consumption in the digital recorder 200 can be suppressed. In addition, when the user can use the digital recorder 200 such as when the user is at home, the control device 100 sets the digital recorder 200 to the high-speed activation mode. Thereby, since the waiting time when a user starts the digital recorder 200 can be shortened, the convenience of the user can be improved.

  Moreover, according to the control apparatus 100 which concerns on this Embodiment, since the digital recorder 200 can be automatically changed according to a user's at-home situation, when a user returns home, the user himself / herself However, it is not necessary to perform an operation of changing the operation mode of the digital recorder 200, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

  Furthermore, the device information table TA31 according to the present embodiment is recorded in association with the user identification information of the user for each controlled device. Then, the selection unit 127 displays the correspondence between the controlled device recorded in the device information table TA31 and the user identification information, and the user's home corresponding to each user identification information recorded in the home status information table TA11. Based on the situation, the operation mode of each controlled device is determined. Thereby, when there are a plurality of controlled devices, the control device 100 can change the operation mode to an appropriate operation mode according to the user's home status corresponding to each controlled device.

(Embodiment 2)
When recording is finished, digital recorder 200 according to the present embodiment makes an inquiry request for the operation mode managed by control device 100 to control device 100. On the other hand, when receiving a notification request from the digital recorder 200, the control device 100 notifies the digital recorder 200 of the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 managed by the own device. The configuration of control device 100 and digital recorder 200 according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of control device 100 described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8.

  A power saving control process executed by the control unit 102 of the control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment and a recording process executed by the control unit 202 of the digital recorder 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. Here, the control unit 102 executes the home status information update process described in the first embodiment in parallel with the power saving control process. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  First, the power saving control process executed by the control unit 102 of the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. As illustrated in FIG. 11, first, the selection unit 127 executes the processes of step S201 and step S202, and it is assumed that the user of the digital recorder 200 is determined to be at home in step S202 (step S202: No). In this case, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not an inquiry request for the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 managed by the control unit 102 has been received from the digital recorder 200 (step S301). Upon receiving the operation mode inquiry request, the communication control unit 121 stores the received inquiry request in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 101. The selection unit 127 determines whether or not the inquiry request has been received based on whether or not the inquiry request is stored in this storage area.

  If it is determined in step S301 that an inquiry request has been received (step S301: Yes), the selection unit 127 transmits operation mode information indicating the operation mode managed by the control unit 102 to the digital recorder 200 (step S301). S302), the process of step S201 is executed. At this time, the selection unit 127 deletes the inquiry request stored in the storage unit 101. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that an inquiry request is not received (step S301: No), the selection unit 127 executes the process of step S201.

  Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that the digital recorder 200 is operating in the fast startup mode (step S10). In this case, when the control device 100 determines that the user is out (step S202: Yes), an operation mode acquisition request is transmitted from the control device 100 to the digital recorder 200 (step S203). When the digital recorder 200 receives the operation mode acquisition request, the operation mode information of the digital recorder 200 is transmitted from the digital recorder 200 to the control device 100 (step S11). In the control device 100, it is determined from the received operation mode information that the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is the fast startup mode (step S205: No). In this case, operation mode information indicating the power saving mode is transmitted from the control device 100 to the digital recorder 200 (step S206). Upon receiving the operation mode information, the digital recorder 200 changes the operation mode from the high speed start mode to the power saving mode (step S12).

  Returning to FIG. 11, the selection unit 127 executes the processing of steps S206 to S208. If it is determined in step S208 that the user is out (step S208: No), the selection unit 127 determines whether the communication control unit 121 has received an operation mode inquiry request from the digital recorder 200 ( Step S303). The communication control unit 121 functions as a request receiving unit that receives an inquiry request. If it is determined in step S303 that an inquiry request has been received (step S303: Yes), the device control unit 126 transmits operation mode information managed by the control unit 102 to the digital recorder 200 (step S304). Specifically, in response to the communication control unit 121 receiving the inquiry request, the selection unit 127 selects the operation mode information indicating the operation mode corresponding to the home status of the user indicated by the home information table TA11. To do. Then, the transmission unit 128 transmits the operation mode information selected by the selection unit 127 to the digital recorder 200. That is, the selection unit 127 and the transmission unit 128 of the device control unit 126 function as a notification unit that notifies the operation mode information. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the inquiry request is not received (step S303: No), the process of step S207 is executed as it is.

Next, the operation of the control unit 202 of the digital recorder 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, first, the operation control unit 223 refers to the recording start time stored in the recording time storage unit 231 to determine whether or not the determination target time (current time) has reached the recording start time. Determination is made (step S13).

  The operation control unit 223 repeatedly executes the process of step S13 unless the determination target time (current time) reaches the recording start time (step S13: No). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S13 that the recording start time has been reached (step S13: Yes), the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is the high-speed startup mode. (Step S14). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the content of the operation mode information stored in the storage unit 201 is set to the high speed start mode.

  If it is determined in step S14 that the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is the high-speed startup mode (step S14: Yes), the operation control unit 223 directly executes the process of step S16. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is the power saving mode (step S14: No), the operation control unit 223 changes the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 to the high speed start mode ( Step S15). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 starts supplying power to the recording circuit 205 to maintain the recording circuit 205 in a standby state, and also stores the operation stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a of the storage unit 201. Update mode to fast start mode.

  Subsequently, the operation control unit 223 starts recording (step S16). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 starts the recording circuit 205.

  Thereafter, the operation control unit 223 refers to the recording end time recorded in the recording time table TA91 of the recording time storage unit 231, and determines whether or not the determination target time (current time) has reached the recording end time. Determination is made (step S17). The operation control unit 223 continues operating the recording circuit 205 as long as the recording end time is not reached (step S17: No). On the other hand, when the determination target time (current time) reaches the recording end time (step S17: Yes), the operation control unit 223 ends the recording (step S18). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 stops the recording circuit 205.

  Next, the operation control unit 223 transmits an inquiry request for the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 managed by the control device 100 to the control device 100 (step S19). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 outputs an operation mode inquiry request to the communication control unit 221. Then, the communication control unit 221 transmits an operation mode inquiry request to the control device 100 through the home communication unit 204 and the home network NT1.

  Subsequently, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the communication control unit 221 has received operation mode information indicating the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 managed by the control device 100 (step S20). Here, when the operation management unit 222 receives the operation mode information from the control device 100, the operation management unit 222 stores the received operation mode information in the second operation mode storage unit 232 b of the storage unit 201. The operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the operation mode information is received based on whether or not the operation mode information is stored in the second operation mode storage unit 232b.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the operation mode information is not received within a preset time after receiving the operation mode inquiry request (step S20: No), the process of step S13 is executed again. . On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the operation mode information has been received (step S20: Yes), the operation control unit 223 determines whether the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 matches the received operation mode. Is determined (step S21). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the operation mode information stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a matches the operation mode information stored in the second operation mode storage unit 232b. Determine.

  For example, when the user returns home during recording by the digital recorder 200, the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 managed by the control device 100 is changed from the power saving mode to the high speed startup mode. In this case, the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 matches the received operation mode. On the other hand, when the user is still out, the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 managed by the control device 100 is maintained in the power saving mode. In this case, the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 and the received operation mode are different.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the operation mode information of the digital recorder 200 is different from the operation mode information notified from the control device 100 (step S21: No), the operation control unit 223 determines the operation mode of the digital recorder 200. Is changed (step S22). For example, it is assumed that the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is the fast startup mode and the received operation mode is the power saving mode. In this case, the operation control unit 223 changes the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 to the power saving mode and updates the operation mode information stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a to the power saving mode. Thereafter, the processes after step S13 are executed again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 matches the received operation mode (step S21: Yes), the processing from step S13 onward is executed as it is.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when it is determined that the recording start time has been reached (step S13: Yes), the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is set to the high speed activation mode (step S15). Next, recording is started in the digital recorder 200 (step S16). Thereafter, when it is determined that the recording end time has been reached (step S17: Yes), the recording ends (step S18). Next, an operation mode inquiry request is transmitted from the digital recorder 200 to the control device 100 (step S19). When the control device 100 receives the operation mode inquiry request, in response to this, operation mode information indicating the power saving mode is transmitted from the control device 100 to the digital recorder 200 (step S304). Then, the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is changed to the power saving mode (step S22).

  As described above, when the transmission unit 128 according to the present embodiment receives an operation mode inquiry request from the digital recorder 200, the transmission unit 128 stores the user schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 112 and the connected device information storage unit 113. Based on the device information to be stored, the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 at the time of receiving the operation mode inquiry request is specified. When the communication control unit 221 receives the operation mode information, the operation control unit 223 receives the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 when the received operation mode and the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 do not match. Change to mode. As a result, the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 managed by the control device 100 and the operation mode managed by the digital recorder 200 can be reliably matched, so that the control device 100 operates the digital recorder 200 appropriately. Can do.

  In digital recorder 200 according to the present embodiment, operation control unit 223 automatically changes the operation mode to the high-speed start mode when the recording start time is reached. Thereafter, when the recording end time is reached, the control unit 202 automatically changes to the power saving mode if the user is still out. Thereby, for example, even when the digital recorder 200 has a configuration in which the recording process cannot be executed in the power saving mode, the digital recorder 200 can appropriately execute the recording process.

(Embodiment 3)
Control device 100 according to the present embodiment causes digital recorder 200 to execute a recording process when receiving a command for recording process of digital recorder 200 from portable terminal 400 by a user operating portable terminal 400. The configuration of control device 100 according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of control device 100 described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. The storage unit 101 of the control device 100 includes a recording command storage unit (not shown) that stores recording command information (execution command) for causing the digital recorder 200 to perform recording processing from the portable terminal 400. The recording command information includes command identification information for identifying that it is a recording command, and recording end time information (time information) indicating a recording end time. When the communication control unit (execution command receiving unit) 121 receives the recording command information, the recording command information received by the device management unit 123 is stored in the recording command storage unit.
The storage unit 201 of the digital recorder 200 also includes a recording command storage unit (not shown) that stores the recording command received from the control device 100. The recording executed by the digital recorder 200 is a process executed in the high speed startup mode. The recording command information includes a recording end time, that is, a time for returning the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 to the power saving mode. When the communication control unit 221 receives the recording command information (including the recording end time information) from the control device 100, the recording command information received by the operation management unit 222 is stored in the recording command storage unit.

  The power saving control process executed by the control unit 102 of the control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment and the recording process executed by the control unit 202 of the digital recorder 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the control unit 102 executes the home status information update process described in the first embodiment in parallel with the power saving control process. 14 and 16, processes similar to those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 10 and 12.

  First, the power saving control process executed by the control unit 102 of the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. First, after executing the processing from step S201 to step S206, the selection unit 127 determines whether the communication control unit 121 has received a recording command from the portable terminal 400 (step S401). Specifically, the selection unit 127 determines that the recording command is received when the recording command information is stored in the recording command storage unit by the communication control unit 121. If the recording command information is not stored, the selection unit 127 determines that the recording command information is stored. It is determined that the command has not been received.

  If it is determined in step S401 that a recording command has not been received (step S401: No), the process of step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S401 that a recording command has been received (step S401: Yes), the transmission unit 128 transmits operation mode information indicating the high-speed startup mode to the digital recorder 200 (step S402). That is, the transmission unit 128 transmits operation mode information instructing the digital recorder 200 to operate in the high-speed startup mode in response to the communication control unit 121 receiving the recording command information. This recording command information corresponds to a command (start command) for causing the digital recorder 200 to start recording processing.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when a user performs an operation (recording command operation) for performing a recording command on the portable terminal 400 (step S1), the recording command is transmitted from the portable terminal 400 to the control device 100 (step S1). Step S2). When the control device 100 receives a recording command from the portable terminal 400 (step S401: Yes), operation mode information indicating the fast startup mode is transmitted from the control device 100 to the digital recorder 200 (step S402).

  Subsequently, the selection unit 127 transmits the recording command information to the digital recorder 200 (step S403). That is, the transmission unit 128 transmits the recording command information to the digital recorder 200 in response to the communication control unit 121 receiving the recording command information. Thereafter, the processing after step S207 is executed.

Next, recording processing executed by the control unit 202 of the digital recorder 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.
As shown in FIG. 16, first, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the communication control unit 221 has received the operation mode information (step S41). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the operation mode information received from the control device 100 is stored in the second operation mode storage unit 232b of the storage unit 201. The control unit 202 repeats the process of step S41 unless the operation mode information is received (step S41: No). On the other hand, if it determines with having received driving mode information in step S41 (step S41: Yes), the control part 202 will perform the process of step S14, S15.

  Next, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not a recording command has been received (step S42). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the recording command information is stored in the recording command storage unit of the storage unit 201.

  If it is determined in step S42 that a recording command has not been received (step S42: No), the process of step S41 is executed again. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S42 that a recording command has been received (step S42: Yes), the operation control unit 223 starts recording (step S16). The recording start time is determined when the control unit 202 determines that the recording command has been received.

  Subsequently, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the recording end time has been reached (step S17). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the recording end time included in the recording command information stored in the recording command storage unit matches the determination target time (current time). As long as the recording end time is not reached (step S17: No), the control unit 202 maintains the standby state. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the recording end time has been reached (step S17: Yes), the processing after step S18 is executed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, during operation of the digital recorder 200 in the power saving mode (step S12), when operation mode information indicating the fast startup mode is transmitted from the control device 100 to the digital recorder 200 (step S402), The operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is changed to the high speed start mode (step S15). Thereafter, when a recording command is transmitted from the control device 100 to the digital recorder 200 (step S403), recording is started in the digital recorder 200 (step S16). When the recording end time is reached (step S17: Yes), the recording ends (step S18). Thereafter, an inquiry request for the operation mode is transmitted from the digital recorder 200 to the control device 100 (step S19). Here, when the user is out, the operation mode information indicating the power saving mode is transmitted from the control device 100 to the digital recorder 200 (step S304). Then, the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is changed to the power saving mode (step S22).

  As described above, according to the control device 100 according to the present embodiment, after going out, the user transmits a recording command to the digital recorder 200 from the outside using the mobile terminal 400, and sends the recording command to the digital recorder 200. Recording processing can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user while realizing power saving of the controlled device.

  In addition, when receiving a recording command from mobile terminal 400 through outside network NT2, control device 100 according to the present embodiment transmits operation mode information indicating a fast startup mode to digital recorder 200, and then starts a recording start command. Send. As a result, the control device 100 can cause the digital recorder 200 to perform recording even when the digital recorder 200 cannot execute the recording process when the digital recorder 200 is in the power saving mode, for example.

  Furthermore, when the transmission unit 128 according to the present embodiment receives an operation mode inquiry request from the digital recorder 200 after the recording process is completed in the digital recorder 200, the transmission unit 128 based on the user schedule table TA21 or the device information table TA31. The identified operation mode is transmitted to the digital recorder 200. Thereby, for example, when the user is out, the transmission unit 128 notifies the power saving mode, so the control unit 202 of the digital recorder 200 changes the operation mode to the power saving mode. Therefore, power consumption in the digital recorder 200 can be reduced.

(Embodiment 4)
While operating in the power saving mode, digital recorder 200 according to the present embodiment is managed by its own device by comparing the operation mode periodically managed by its own device with the operation mode managed by control device 100. The operation mode is corrected so that the operation mode matches the operation mode managed by the control device 100. The configuration of digital recorder 200 according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of digital recorder 200 described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the same configuration as that of Embodiment 1 will be described using the same reference numerals as those in FIG. The storage unit 201 of the digital recorder 200 is an operation mode confirmation time storage unit (not shown) that stores information about the time at which the operation mode managed by the control device 100 and the operation mode currently set in the digital recorder 200 are confirmed. )). The operation mode confirmation time storage unit stores information indicating a time interval (confirmation time interval) for periodically confirming the operation mode and a time (confirmation execution time) at which the operation mode confirmation is performed.

  The operation mode correction process performed by the control unit 202 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 202 executes the operation mode correction process in parallel with the recording process described in the second embodiment or the third embodiment. First, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the operation mode confirmation time has been reached (step S51). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 acquires the confirmation time interval and the latest confirmation execution time from the operation mode confirmation time storage unit. Then, the control unit 202 determines whether or not the determination target time (current time) matches a time that has passed a confirmation time interval from the latest confirmation execution time. When it is determined that they match, the control unit 202 determines that the operation mode confirmation time has been reached.

  The operation control unit 223 repeats the process of step 51 unless the operation mode confirmation time is reached (step S51). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S51 that the operation mode confirmation time has been reached (step S51: Yes), the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the operation mode of the own device is the high speed start mode (step S51). S52). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the operation mode stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a of the storage unit 201 is the high speed start mode.

  If it is determined in step S52 that the operation mode is the high speed startup mode (step S52: Yes), the process of step S54 is executed as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S52 that the operation mode is the power saving mode (step S52: No), the operation control unit 223 changes the operation mode of the own device to the high speed start mode. At this time, the operation control unit 223 updates the operation mode stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a to the high speed start mode.

  Subsequently, the operation control unit 223 transmits an operation mode inquiry request to the control device 100 (step S54).

  Thereafter, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not operation mode information has been received from the control device 100 (step S55). If it is determined in step S55 that the operation mode information has been received (step S55: Yes), the process of step S57 is executed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S55 that the operation mode information has not been received (step S55: No), the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the reception period has elapsed (step S56). The operation control unit 223 repeats the process of step S55 as long as the reception period has not elapsed (step S56: No). If it is determined in step S56 that the reception period has elapsed (step S56: Yes), the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 matches the received operation mode ( Step S57). Specifically, the operation control unit 223 determines whether or not the operation mode stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a matches the operation mode stored in the second operation mode storage unit 232b.

  If it is determined in step S57 that the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 matches the received operation mode (step S57: Yes), the process of step S51 is executed as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S57 that the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 and the received operation mode do not match (step S57: No), the operation control unit 223 changes the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 (step S57). S58). Specifically, for example, when the received operation mode is the power saving mode, the operation control unit 223 changes the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 from the fast startup mode to the power saving mode. At this time, the operation control unit 223 updates the operation mode stored in the first operation mode storage unit 232a to the power saving mode. Thereafter, the process of step S51 is executed.

  By the way, the digital recorder 200 can be configured to reduce power consumption in the in-home communication unit 204 by not operating the in-home communication unit 204 and the communication control unit 221 in the power saving mode, for example. On the other hand, according to the digital recorder 200 according to the present embodiment, the home communication unit 204 and the communication control are regularly performed even when the home communication unit 204 and the communication control unit 221 do not operate in the power saving mode. The unit 221 is activated to check the operation mode. As a result, for example, even if the power supply to the home communication unit 204 is cut off in the power saving mode, it can be changed to the fast startup mode as necessary, so that the power consumption is reduced while maintaining convenience. Can be achieved.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the control device 100 changes the digital recorder 200 from the power saving mode to the high speed start mode by transmitting the operation mode information indicating the high speed start mode to the digital recorder 200 has been described. However, for example, when transmitting operation mode information indicating the power saving mode, the control device 100 may be configured to transmit time information indicating the time when the operation mode is changed to the high speed operation mode next time. In this case, the control device 100 refers to, for example, the user schedule table TA21, acquires the user's return time, and transmits the operation mode information indicating the power saving mode when the user goes out. Time information indicating the time of returning home (operation mode change time) may be transmitted. Then, after changing the operation mode to the power saving mode, the digital recorder 200 may change the operation mode to the high speed activation mode based on the time information received from the control device 100. As the timer 202a for measuring the change time, a timer that operates even in the power saving mode may be used. In this case, when the control unit 202 detects that the time indicated by the time information has been reached after operating the digital recorder 200 in the power saving operation mode indicated by the operation mode information received from the control device 100, The operation mode of the digital recorder 200 is returned to the high speed operation mode.

For example, it is assumed that the digital recorder 200 is configured to reduce power consumption in the home communication unit 204 by not operating the home communication unit 204 and the communication control unit 221 in the power saving mode. In this case, even if the control device 100 transmits the operation mode information to the digital recorder 200 through the home network NT1, the digital recorder 200 cannot receive the operation mode information.
On the other hand, according to the present configuration, the digital recorder 200 can change the operation mode to the high-speed operation mode at the time when the user returns home even if the digital recorder 200 cannot be connected to the home network NT1 in the power saving mode. That is, the control device 100 can change the operation mode of the digital recorder 200 in a form suitable for the user's schedule. In addition, since the digital recorder 200 can save power supplied to the home communication unit 204 for connection to the home network NT1 in the power saving mode, the power consumption of the digital recorder 200 can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which the user's home status is two types of going out or at home has been described. For example, it is determined whether the user is awake and active or the user is sleeping. It may be configured to. In this case, the selection unit 127 determines, for example, whether the user is awake or active based on activity information indicating the activity status obtained from an activity meter worn by the user. You may do it. Or the structure which the selection part 127 changes to a power saving mode during sleep based on a user's sleep schedule may be sufficient. In this case, the schedule memory | storage part 112 memorize | stores the schedule information table which shows a user's sleeping period. And the selection part 127 should just select a power saving mode, if it detects having arrived at the time when a user goes to bed. Further, when the selection unit 127 detects that the user has reached the time to wake up, the selection unit 127 may select the fast startup mode.

  According to this configuration, the selection unit 127 can select the operation mode of the controlled device in accordance with the user's going to sleep, so that the convenience of the controlled device is maintained during the time when the user is active. In addition, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the controlled device during the user's sleeping period.

  The digital recorder 200 according to the second and third embodiments has been described with respect to the example in which the process of automatically changing the operation mode to the power saving mode is not performed even when the recording in the high speed start mode is completed. The configuration may be such that the operation mode is automatically changed to the power saving mode immediately after the end of the recording.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the example in which the control device 100 transmits the operation mode information to the digital recorder 200 via the home network NT1 has been described. However, the method of transmitting the operation mode information to the digital recorder 200 is limited to this. is not. For example, the control device 100 may include an infrared transmitter (not shown) that transmits an infrared signal including operation mode information. In this case, the digital recorder 200 is configured to include an infrared receiver (not shown) that receives an infrared signal transmitted from, for example, a remote controller, and acquires the operation mode information via the infrared receiver. .

  According to this configuration, it is possible to employ a digital recorder 200 that reduces power consumption by stopping the function of the home communication unit 204 and maintaining only the function of the infrared receiver in the power saving mode. it can.

  In the third embodiment, an example in which the recording end time is included in the recording command information received from the mobile terminal 400 and the transmission unit 128 transmits the recording command information to the digital recorder 200 has been described. The method of notifying the recording end time is not limited to this. For example, when the recording command information includes program identification information for identifying a program to be recorded, the control device 100 uses the remote communication unit 104 based on the program identification information included in the recording command information received from the mobile terminal 400. The recording end time may be acquired from an external program server (not shown) via the.

  In the second and third embodiments, the example has been described in which the digital recorder 200 makes an inquiry request for the operation mode to the control device 100 after the recording process is completed. However, the configuration is not necessarily limited to the configuration in which the digital recorder 200 makes an inquiry request. For example, the digital recorder 200 may transmit recording end notification information for notifying the end of the recording process to the control device 100 immediately after the end of the recording process. In this case, in the control device 100, when the communication control unit 121 receives the end notification information from the digital recorder 200, the transmission unit 128 may transmit the operation mode information indicating the power saving mode to the digital recorder 200.

  The control device 100 according to the third embodiment has described the example in which the operation mode information indicating the fast start mode and the recording command information are transmitted to the digital recorder 200 when receiving the recording command from the portable terminal 400. The types of commands and controlled devices received from are not limited to this. For example, when the control device 100 receives an instruction from the portable terminal 400 to function as a server for a device (certified device) that has been certified by DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), a high-speed startup mode is indicated to the certified device. Operation mode information may be transmitted.

  In the second embodiment, the example in which the digital recorder 200 starts recording and ends recording based on the recording start time and the recording end time stored in the recording time storage unit 231 of the own device has been described. 100 may be configured to control recording of the digital recorder 200.

  The control device 100 according to this modification has the same configuration as that of the control device 100 according to the second embodiment, and the schedule storage unit 112 stores control schedules for each controlled device in addition to the user schedule table TA21. The point of storing the control schedule table TA22 shown is different from the second embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the control schedule table TA22 is recorded in a form in which control start time and end time, user identification information, device identification information of a controlled device, and an identification number indicating control content are associated with each other. ing.

The power saving control process executed by the control unit 102 of the control device 100 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the control unit 102 executes the home status information update process described in the first embodiment in parallel with the power saving control process. In FIG. 19, processes similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 10.
First, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not the recording start time has been reached after executing the processing from step S201 to step S206 (step S601). Specifically, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not the determination target time (current time) matches the start time recorded in the control schedule table TA22.

  If it is determined in step S601 that the recording start time has not been reached (step S601: No), the processing from step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S601 that the recording start time has been reached (step S601: Yes), the selection unit 127 transmits an operation mode acquisition request to the digital recorder 200 (step S602).

  Next, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not operation mode information has been received from the digital recorder 200 (step S603). If it is determined in step S603 that the operation mode has not been received (step S603: No), the process of step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S603 that the operation mode has been received (step S603: Yes), the selection unit 127 determines whether or not the received operation mode information indicates the high speed start mode (step S604). . The received operation mode information indicates the high-speed startup mode when the digital recorder 200 is operating in the high-speed startup mode, and indicates the power-saving mode when the digital recorder 200 is operating in the power-saving mode.

  If it is determined in step S604 that the received operation mode information indicates the high speed start mode (step S604: Yes), the process of step S606 described later is executed as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the received operation mode information indicates the power saving mode (step S604: No), the transmission unit 128 transmits the operation mode information indicating the high speed startup mode to the digital recorder 200 (step S604). S605). Upon receiving the operation mode information, the digital recorder 200 changes the operation mode from the power saving mode to the high speed start mode.

  Subsequently, the selection unit 127 transmits a recording command to the digital recorder 200 (step S606). When the digital recorder 200 receives the recording command, the digital recorder 200 starts the recording process.

  Thereafter, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not the recording end time has been reached (step S607). Specifically, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not the determination target time (current time) has reached the end time recorded in the control schedule table TA22. The selection unit 127 repeats the process of step S607 unless the recording end time is reached (step S607: No). On the other hand, when it is determined in step 607 that the recording end time has been reached (step S607: Yes), the selection unit 127 transmits a recording stop command for stopping the recording to the digital recorder 200 (step S608).

  Next, the selection unit 127 acquires the home status information recorded in the home status information table TA11 (step S609).

  Subsequently, the selection unit 127 determines whether or not the user is home based on the acquired home status information (step S610). If it is determined in step S610 that the user is home (step S610: Yes), the process of step S201 is executed as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S610 that the user is out (step S610: No), the transmission unit 128 transmits operation mode information indicating the power saving mode to the digital recorder 200 (step S611). Upon receiving the operation mode information, the digital recorder 200 changes the operation mode from the high speed start mode to the power saving mode. Thereafter, the process of step S201 is executed again.

  According to this configuration, since the control device 100 controls the recording process of the digital recorder 200, the digital recorder 200 does not need to voluntarily change the operation mode or perform the recording process. Therefore, since the function of the control unit 202 of the digital recorder 200 can be omitted, it is possible to reduce power consumption by simplifying the configuration of the digital recorder 200.

  If the control schedule table TA22 further records schedule identification information for identifying a control schedule and a schedule name, the control device 100 displays the schedule identification information and the schedule name at the start of recording. The information shown may be transmitted to the digital recorder 200. In this case, the digital recorder 200 can display the schedule name received from the control device 100 and display the control content based on the schedule identification information. According to this configuration, when the user returns home during the recording process of the digital recorder 200, the user can check the contents of the recording process.

  In the first embodiment, the schedule management unit 122 may perform a user authentication when receiving a schedule setting request from the information communication terminal 300, for example.

  As illustrated in FIG. 20, the control device 800 according to the present modification includes a setting information storage unit 814 that stores an authentication table TA41 for user authentication, and a user according to a schedule setting request from the information communication terminal 300. A providing unit 829 that provides a user interface for updating the schedule table TA21. The schedule management unit 822 has a function of performing user authentication in addition to the functions described in the first embodiment. In addition to the functions described in the first embodiment, the device management unit 823 has a function of updating the device information table TA31 according to the user authentication status. In FIG. 20, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 are assigned to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment.

  In addition to the authentication table TA41, the setting information storage unit 814 also stores login web page information and schedule input web page information serving as a user interface for updating the contents of the user schedule table TA21. In the authentication table TA41, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, the login name and password of the user are recorded in a form associated with the user identification information.

The schedule setting process executed by the control unit 802 of the control device 800 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the control unit 802 executes the at-home status information update process and the power saving control process described in Embodiment 1 in parallel with the schedule setting process. Here, the information communication terminal 300 will be described as transmitting a schedule setting request to the control device 100.
First, the providing unit 829 determines whether a schedule setting request is received from the information communication terminal 300 (step S801). The providing unit 829 repeats the process of step S801 unless a schedule setting request is received (step S801: No). On the other hand, when the schedule setting request is received in step S801 (step S801: Yes), the providing unit 829 transmits the login web page information acquired from the setting information storage unit 814 to the information communication terminal 300 (step S802). .

  Next, the schedule management unit 822 determines whether or not the user has input login information including a login name and a password from the information communication terminal 300 (step S803). Specifically, the schedule management unit 822 determines whether login information has been received from the information communication terminal 300. The login information is transmitted to the control device 800 when, for example, the user inputs the login information on the login web page displayed on the screen of the information communication terminal 300 and then operates the input completion button displayed on the screen. . The schedule management unit 822 repeats the process of step S803 unless login information is input (step S803: No). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S803 that the login information has been input (step S803: Yes), the schedule management unit 822 compares the input login information with the login information recorded in the authentication table TA41. (Step S804), it is determined whether or not the authentication is successful (Step S805).

  If it is determined in step S805 that authentication has not been performed normally (step S805: No), the schedule management unit 822 transmits an error message to the information communication terminal 300 (step S806). Subsequently, the device management unit 823 updates the device information table TA31 by deleting the device information related to the information communication terminal 300 from the device information table TA31 (step S807). Thereafter, the process of step S801 is executed again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S805 that the authentication has been normally performed (step S805: Yes), the providing unit 829 transmits the schedule input web page information acquired from the setting information storage unit 814 to the information communication terminal 300 ( Step S808).

  Next, the schedule management unit 822 determines whether the user has input his / her schedule from the information communication terminal 300 (step S809). Specifically, the schedule management unit 822 determines whether information related to the user's schedule has been received from the information communication terminal 300. For example, when the user inputs information related to the schedule on the schedule input web page displayed on the screen of the information communication terminal 300 and operates the input completion button displayed on the screen, the information related to the schedule is sent to the control device 800. Sent. If it is determined in step S809 that the user has not input a schedule (step S809: No), the process of step S811 described later is executed as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S809 that the user has input a schedule (step S809: Yes), the schedule management unit 822 records the input user schedule in the user schedule table TA21 (step S810). Then, it is determined whether or not a scheduled input end command has been received from the information communication terminal 300 (step S811).

  If it is determined in step S811 that the scheduled input end command has not been received (step S811: No), the process of step S809 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S811 that the scheduled input end command has been received (step S811: Yes), the device management unit 823 deletes device information related to the information communication terminal 300 from the device information table TA31. The table TA31 is updated (step S812). Thereafter, the process of step S801 is executed again.

  According to this configuration, when the user is not normally authenticated in the user's schedule input from the information communication terminal 300, the information communication terminal 300 is deleted from the device information table TA31. Thus, for example, it is possible to prevent other users other than the regular user from impersonating the regular user and inputting the user's schedule, so that the security of the user schedule table TA21 can be improved. When the information communication terminal 300 is not normally authenticated, or when the user's schedule input from the information communication terminal 300 is completed, the device management unit 823 selects the device related to the information communication terminal 300 from the device information table TA31. Delete information. As a result, the controlled device such as the digital recorder 200 can be prevented from operating in the fast start-up mode unnecessarily, and the power consumption of the controlled device can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the storage unit 201 of the digital recorder 200 includes the recording time storage unit 231 that stores the recording start time and the recording end time has been described. For example, the recording start time and the recording period are stored. The structure provided with a period information storage part may be sufficient. Then, when the control unit 202 detects that the recording start time stored in the period information storage unit has been reached, the control unit 202 may operate the digital recorder 200 in the high-speed startup mode.

  Note that the setting information storage unit 814 may store electricity rate system information. In this case, the control device 800 can be configured to transmit the operation mode information to the digital recorder 200 based on the electricity bill system. In addition, the setting information storage unit 814 may store communication setting information including an encryption method that conforms to a communication standard used, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In this case, the control device 800 can detect a device newly connected to the home network NT1 based on the communication setting information.

  In the first embodiment, the home status information table TA11 records the user identification information and the return flag, but the recorded information is not limited to this. For example, the at-home status information table may further include a user name, device identification information of the mobile terminal 400 used by the user, and a user e-mail address. In this case, the control device 100 refers to, for example, the device information table TA31, and selects controlled devices that can be used by the user at home based on the device identification information of the mobile terminal 400 possessed by the user at home. Identify. Then, the control device 100 sends the device identification information of the controlled device that can be used by the users who are at home, along with the names of the users who are at home, to the email addresses of all the users via the outside network NT2. You may make it transmit to. If the mobile terminal 400 is configured to have a device name table (not shown) that associates device identification information and device names, for example, a user who is out of the office has the name of the user who is at home, The name of the controlled device that can be used by the user can be confirmed on the portable terminal 400.

  In each embodiment, the example in which the user's home status is determined based on the user's schedule or the connection status of the mobile terminal 400 owned by the user to the home network NT1 has been described. The method of determining is not limited to this. For example, a human sensor (not shown) may be installed in the dwelling unit H, and the control device may periodically acquire detection information from the human sensor. In this case, the selection unit may be configured to determine whether to change the operation mode of the controlled device such as a digital recorder based on the human detection information of the human sensor. Specifically, the selection unit may determine that the user is out when the human sensor no longer detects a person for a predetermined reference time or more. In addition, when the dwelling unit H is provided with a plurality of rooms, the user's home status may be managed in units of rooms.

  Or the watt-hour meter which measures the power consumption used by the dwelling unit H may be installed, and a control apparatus may be made to acquire electric energy data regularly from an watt-hour meter. In this case, the selection unit may be configured to determine whether to change the operation mode of the controlled device such as a digital recorder based on the electric energy measured by the watt-hour meter. Specifically, for example, the selection unit may determine that the user is out when the power amount continues for a period equal to or greater than a predetermined reference time for a period of time equal to or lower than a predetermined power amount threshold value. That's fine. Then, the selection unit may determine that the user is going home if the state in which the power amount exceeds the predetermined power amount threshold value continues for a period of time equal to or greater than the predetermined reference time.

  In each embodiment, the digital recorder 200 and the television receiver 900 have been described as controlled devices. However, the types of controlled devices are not limited thereto. Other types of devices having a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption may be used.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the control device 100 transmits the operation mode information to the digital recorder 200 through the home network NT1 has been described. However, the method of transmitting the operation mode information is not limited to this. For example, the control device 100 may be configured to transmit the operation mode information to the digital recorder 200 through the outside network NT2. In this case, for example, a broadband router (not shown) connected to the home network NT1 and the outside network NT2 may be installed in the dwelling unit H. The broadband router can transmit the operation mode information received from the control device 100 through the outside network NT2 to the digital recorder 200 through the home network NT1. According to this configuration, since the home communication unit 103 can be omitted for the control devices 100 and 500, the configuration of the control devices 100 and 500 can be simplified.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the control device 100 includes the out-of-home communication unit 104 connected to the out-of-home network NT2 has been described. However, the configuration is not necessarily limited to the configuration including the out-of-home communication unit 104. For example, when a broadband router (not shown) is installed in the dwelling unit H, the control device 100 may be connected to the outside network NT2 via the home communication unit 103 connected to the broadband router (not shown). . In this case, control information such as a recording command transmitted from the mobile terminal 400 can be acquired through the broadband router and the home communication unit 103.

  Further, various functions of the control device 100 according to the present invention can be realized by using a normal computer system, not by a dedicated system. For example, to a computer connected to a network, a program for executing the above operation is stored in a non-transitory recording medium (CD-ROM or the like) that can be read by a computer system, and the program is distributed to the computer. You may comprise the control apparatus 100 which performs the above-mentioned process by installing in a system.

  Further, the method for providing the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, the program may be uploaded to a bulletin board (BBS) on a communication line and distributed to a computer via the communication line. Then, the computer activates this program and executes it like other applications under the control of the OS. Accordingly, the computer functions as the control device 100 that executes the above-described processing.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment and modification (including what was written in the description. The same is true hereinafter) of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention includes a combination of the embodiments and modifications as appropriate, and a modification appropriately added thereto.

  The present invention is suitably used for a control device that controls the operation mode of a device that operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption, a device that operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption, a control method, a program therefor, and the like. be able to.

100, 500, 800: Control device, 101, 201: Storage unit, 102, 202, 802: Control unit, 102a, 202a: Timer, 103, 204: In-home communication unit, 104: Out-of-home communication unit, 111: At-home status Information storage unit 112: Schedule storage unit 113: Connected device information storage unit 121, 221: Communication control unit 122, 822: Schedule management unit 123, 823: Device management unit 124: Update unit 126: Device Control unit, 127: selection unit, 128: transmission unit, 200: digital recorder, 205: recording circuit, 222: operation management unit, 223: operation control unit, 231: recording time storage unit, 232a: first operation mode storage unit 232b: second operation mode storage unit, 300: information communication terminal, 400: portable terminal, 814: setting information storage unit, 829: provision unit, 900: television Communication device, 1000: control system, L1 signal line, NT1: home network, NT2: outside network, TA11: home status information table, TA21: user schedule table, TA22: control schedule table, TA31: device information table, TA41 : Authentication table, TA91: Recording time table

Claims (12)

A control device that controls an operation mode of a device that operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumptions via a network,
An update unit for updating at-home status information of a user who uses the device;
A home status information storage unit that stores the home status information of the user updated by the update unit;
Based on the at-home status information stored in the at-home status information storage unit, a selection unit that selects an operation mode to be set for the device from the plurality of operation modes;
A transmission unit that transmits instruction information to the device to instruct to operate in the operation mode selected by the selection unit;
A request receiving unit for receiving an operation mode inquiry request from the device;
In response to the request receiving unit receiving the inquiry request, the operation mode information indicating the operation mode corresponding to the home status of the user indicated by the home status information stored in the home status information storage unit is A notification unit for transmitting to the device,
Control device. A control device for controlling the operation mode of a device that operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption, including a high-speed activation mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the high-speed activation mode, via a network,
An update unit for updating at-home status information of a user who uses the device;
A home status information storage unit that stores the home status information of the user updated by the update unit;
Based on the at-home status information stored in the at-home status information storage unit, a selection unit that selects an operation mode to be set for the device from the plurality of operation modes;
A transmission unit that transmits instruction information to the device to instruct to operate in the operation mode selected by the selection unit;
An execution command receiving unit for receiving an execution command for executing the processing executed in the high-speed startup mode,
In response to the execution command receiving unit receiving the execution command, the transmission unit receives instruction information for instructing the device to operate in the high-speed startup mode together with a start command for starting the processing. Send to device,
Control device. In response to detecting that the processing has been completed, the transmission unit transmits instruction information for instructing to operate in the power saving mode to the device.
The control device according to claim 2 . A device that is connected to a control device via a network and operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption,
A communication unit that receives, from the control device, instruction information for instructing to operate in the operation mode selected from the plurality of operation modes based on the at-home status information of the user of the device;
A control unit that operates the device in an operation mode instructed by the instruction information received by the communication unit,
The plurality of operation modes include a fast startup mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the fast startup mode,
The communication unit can communicate with the control device when the operation mode of the device is the fast startup mode, and cannot communicate with the control device when the operation mode of the device is the power saving mode. ,
When the control unit changes the operation mode of the device to the power saving mode according to the instruction information when the device is in the high speed startup mode, the control unit temporarily changes the operation mode of the device to the high speed startup mode. Processing to transmit the operation mode inquiry request to the control device to the communication unit, and the operation indicated by the operation mode information notified from the control device to the communication unit in response to the inquiry request A process for determining whether or not the mode is the high speed start mode, and when the operation mode indicated by the operation mode information is determined to be the high speed start mode, the operation mode of the device To return to the fast boot mode,
machine. Further comprising a time information storage unit that stores period information indicating a period for operating the device in front SL Fast Start mode,
The controller is
When it is detected that the start time of the period indicated by the period information stored in the period information storage unit has been reached, the device is operated in the high-speed startup mode.
The device according to claim 4 . A device that is connected to a control device via a network and operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption, including a fast start mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the fast start mode,
A communication unit that receives, from the control device, instruction information for instructing to operate in the operation mode selected from the plurality of operation modes based on the at-home status information of the user of the device;
A control unit for operating the device in an operation mode instructed by the instruction information received by the communication unit;
A period information storage unit that stores period information indicating a period during which the device is operated in the fast start-up mode,
The controller is
When detecting that the start time of the period indicated by the period information stored in the period information storage unit has been reached, the device is operated in the fast startup mode,
When the end time of the period indicated by the period information stored in the period information storage unit is reached, the communication unit transmits an operation mode inquiry request to the control device, and the control device responds to the inquiry request from the control device. The operation mode information transmitted is received by the communication unit, and when the operation mode indicated by the operation mode information received by the communication unit is the power saving mode, the device is operated in the power saving mode.
machine. A control method for controlling an operation mode of a device that operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumptions via a network,
An updating unit updating home status information of a user who uses the device;
A home status information storage unit storing the updated home status information of the user;
A selection unit selecting an operation mode to be set in the device from the plurality of operation modes based on the at-home status information;
A step of transmitting instruction information instructing to operate in the selected operation mode to the device;
A request receiving unit receiving an operation mode inquiry request from the device;
In response to receiving the inquiry request, the notification unit includes a step of transmitting operation mode information indicating an operation mode corresponding to the user's home status indicated by the home status information to the device. ,
Control method. A control method for controlling an operation mode of a device that operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption, including a high speed start mode and a power saving mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the high speed start mode, via a network,
An updating unit updating home status information of a user who uses the device;
A home status information storage unit storing the updated home status information of the user;
A selection unit selecting an operation mode to be set in the device from the plurality of operation modes based on the at-home status information;
A step of transmitting instruction information instructing to operate in the selected operation mode to the device;
An execution command receiving unit receiving an execution command for executing a process executed in the fast startup mode;
In response to receiving the execution command, the transmission unit transmits to the device instruction information that instructs the device to operate in the high-speed startup mode together with a start command to start the processing. ,including,
Control method. Computer
An update unit that updates the home status information of users who use devices that operate in multiple operation modes with different power consumption,
A home status information storage unit that stores the home status information of the user updated by the update unit,
Based on the at-home status information stored in the at-home status information storage unit, a selection unit that selects an operation mode to be set for the device from the plurality of operation modes,
A transmitter that transmits instruction information to the device to instruct to operate in the operation mode selected by the selector;
A request receiving unit for receiving an operation mode inquiry request from the device,
In response to the request receiving unit receiving the inquiry request, the operation mode information indicating the operation mode corresponding to the home status of the user indicated by the home status information stored in the home status information storage unit is Function as a notification unit to send to the device,
program. Computer
An update unit that updates home status information of a user who uses a device that operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption, including a fast start mode and a power saving mode in which power consumption is lower than the fast start mode,
A home status information storage unit that stores the home status information of the user updated by the update unit,
Based on the at-home status information stored in the at-home status information storage unit, a selection unit that selects an operation mode to be set for the device from the plurality of operation modes,
A transmitter that transmits instruction information to the device to instruct to operate in the operation mode selected by the selector;
A program that functions as an execution command receiving unit that receives an execution command for executing processing executed in the high-speed startup mode,
In response to the execution command receiving unit receiving the execution command, the transmission unit receives instruction information for instructing the device to operate in the high-speed startup mode together with a start command for starting the processing. Send to device,
program. A device that operates in multiple operation modes with different power consumption;
An update unit for updating at-home status information of a user who uses the device;
A home status information storage unit that stores the home status information of the user updated by the update unit;
Based on the at-home status information stored in the at-home status information storage unit, a selection unit that selects an operation mode to be set for the device from the plurality of operation modes;
A transmission unit that transmits instruction information to the device to instruct to operate in the operation mode selected by the selection unit;
A request receiving unit for receiving an operation mode inquiry request from the device;
In response to the request receiving unit receiving the inquiry request, the operation mode information indicating the operation mode corresponding to the home status of the user indicated by the home status information stored in the home status information storage unit is A notification unit for transmitting to the device,
Control system. A device that operates in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption, including a fast startup mode and a power saving mode in which the power consumption is smaller than the fast startup mode;
An update unit for updating at-home status information of a user who uses the device;
A home status information storage unit that stores the home status information of the user updated by the update unit;
Based on the at-home status information stored in the at-home status information storage unit, a selection unit that selects an operation mode to be set for the device from the plurality of operation modes;
A transmission unit that transmits instruction information to the device to instruct to operate in the operation mode selected by the selection unit;
An execution command receiving unit for receiving an execution command for executing the processing executed in the high-speed startup mode,
In response to the execution command receiving unit receiving the execution command, the transmission unit receives instruction information for instructing the device to operate in the high-speed startup mode together with a start command for starting the processing. Send to device,
Control system.

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