KR20050022000A - Device linkage control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A device holiday control system for extracting the user's life pattern information from the operation history of a plurality of devices and performing the control of consecutively connecting the plurality of devices in accordance with the user's life pattern by using the life pattern information. The living data recording device n107 which collects the usage information as the living data into the living data storage unit n102, and creates episode data by combining the contents related to a specific episode among the living data as element data, and combining them as element data. N103, an episode analyzing unit n104 for analyzing the relationship between the element data included in the episode data, and a lifestyle pattern characteristic of the user from the relationship between the element data is specified, and this is a living pattern storage unit as the living pattern information. Life pattern extraction which consists of the life pattern analysis part n105 recorded in (n106) A device n101 and a control device n108 which consecutively control the devices n109 to n112 using the user's life pattern information recorded in the life pattern storage unit n106 are configured.

Description

Device holiday control device {DEVICE LINKAGE CONTROL APPARATUS}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a device that controls a plurality of devices such as home appliances, in particular, and more particularly, to an apparatus for controlling a plurality of devices in accordance with a user's life.

When the user uses a plurality of devices, all of the setting contents of each function provided in the plurality of devices must be set, which requires complicated work.

Conventionally, various control systems have been proposed in view of the problems in such a large number of settings.

For example, in a plurality of AV devices connected through a communication bus, an AV device that sets and executes a timer reservation notifies the timer reservation contents to an AV device that operates in a holiday, and the AV device operates in consecutive days. An AV device system for setting timer reservation on the device side has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-177919, etc.). When the user makes a timer reservation of an AV device, the AV device system automatically transmits the same reservation content to the AV device operating in consecutive holidays.

In addition, home appliances for networks that execute scripts describing the operation of home appliances in response to events occurring in accordance with changes in the state of other home appliances have also been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-198734). According to this network home appliance, the processing associated with other devices is automatically executed.

In addition, a home appliance control network system is also proposed in which a controller is installed in a network, the controller acquires the operation state of each home appliance to be controlled and the holiday operation, and transmits the acquired data to each other home appliance. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-86572, etc.). According to this home appliance control network, the holiday operation of each home appliance and the efficient holiday operation as a whole network are performed.

However, the conventional AV device system can make the same setting repeatedly for other devices by sending reservation contents to a plurality of devices. However, in a plurality of devices having different functions, the setting of different contents can be automatically made. none.

In addition, the conventional AV device system, the home appliance for network, and the home appliance control network system merely perform control for executing a fixedly corresponding holiday operation for various events. For example, according to the conventional network household appliance, when the washing is finished, a message indicating that washing is finished is displayed on the TV, but such a holiday operation is fixed. That is, since the premise that a resident has the habit of watching TV during washing, if such a habit is eliminated, such a holiday operation is not helpful already.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a device holiday control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the device holiday control system.

3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lifestyle pattern extraction apparatus.

4 is a block diagram showing the structure of an episode creation unit.

5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the episode creation unit.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an episode creation rule.

7 is a diagram illustrating an example of living data.

8 is a diagram illustrating an example of episode data.

9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the FP-Tree.

10 is a block diagram showing the structure of an episode analyzer.

11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the episode analyzer.

12 is a diagram showing an example of the frequency of occurrence recorded in the frequency of occurrence storage.

13 is a diagram illustrating an example of rearrangement of element data included in episode data.

14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the FP-Tree constructed by the episode analyzer.

15 is a block diagram showing the structure of a life pattern analysis unit.

16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the life pattern analysis unit.

17 is a diagram illustrating an example of node search in the FP-Tree by the node search unit.

18 is a diagram illustrating an example of life pattern information stored in a life pattern storage unit.

  Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing the structure of an episode analyzing unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the episode analyzer.

21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a subtree extracted by the episode analyzing unit.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of episode data created from the subheading of FIG. 21.

23 (a) and 23 (b) are diagrams showing sub-trees rooted at node N4 and node N5 in the FP-Tree of FIG. 21, respectively.

24A and 24B are diagrams showing episode data created from the subheadings of FIGS. 23A and 23B, respectively.

FIG. 25 is a view showing the FP-Tree integrated by the sub-neck joint. FIG.

FIG. 26 (a) shows the analysis by the life pattern analysis unit for the FP-Tree shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 26 (b) shows the analysis by the life pattern analysis unit for the FP-Tree shown in FIG. To show.

27A and 27B show element data extracted from the FP-Trees of FIGS. 26A and 26B, respectively, when the search area of the FP-Tree is defined.

Fig. 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device consecutive control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

29 is a block diagram showing the structure of an episode sorting unit.

30 is a flowchart showing the rearrangement operation of episode data by the episode sorting unit.

31 is a diagram illustrating an example of episode data for explaining the rearrangement operation of episode data by the episode sort unit.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a processing state of steps G3 to G5 in FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a state (first in repetition of steps G2 to G5) of the processing of step G6 in FIG.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a state (second in repetition of steps G2 to G5) of the processing of step G6 in FIG.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a state (third in repetition of steps G2 to G5) of the processing of step G6 in FIG.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a state (fourth in the repetition of steps G2 to G5) of the processing of step G6 in FIG.

37 is a diagram illustrating an example of output episode data generated by the episode sort unit n113.

38 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an episode analysis unit.

39 is a flowchart showing the operation of the episode analyzer.

Fig. 40 is a block diagram showing the structure of the episode creation unit in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is a flowchart showing an operation of extracting episode data by the episode creation unit.

42 is a diagram illustrating an example of element data creation rules for explaining the extraction operation of episode data by the episode creation unit.

43 is a diagram illustrating an example of living data for explaining the extraction operation of episode data by the episode creating unit.

44 is a diagram illustrating an example of element data recorded in the element data storage.

45 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time relationship and a determination condition between an episode time range and use time of element data.

46 is a diagram illustrating an example of episode data created by the episode creation unit.

47 is a diagram illustrating another example of the element data creation rule.

[Fig. 48] A diagram showing another example of the temporal relationship between the time range of the episode and the usage time of the element data and the determination condition.

Fig. 49 is a block diagram showing the structure of an episode creation unit in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

50 is a flowchart showing an operation of extracting episode data by the episode creating unit.

 51 is a diagram illustrating an example of an event creation rule for explaining the extraction operation of episode data by the episode creation unit.

52 is a diagram illustrating an example of living data for explaining an extraction operation of episode data by the episode creating unit.

[Fig. 53] A diagram showing an example of a time relationship and determination condition between the episode time range and the usage time of element data.

54 is a diagram illustrating an example of episode data created by an episode creation unit.

[Fig. 55] A diagram showing another example of the temporal relationship between the time range of the episode and the usage time of the element data and the determination condition.

Fig. 56 is a block diagram showing the construction of a life pattern analysis unit in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 57 is a flowchart showing the extraction operation of the air pattern by the life pattern analysis unit.

58 is a diagram illustrating an example of the FP-Tree for explaining the extraction operation of the air pattern by the living pattern analysis unit.

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing the degree of confidence obtained for the subtree rooted at node N2 and the subtree rooted at node 10 in FIG. 58.

60 (a) and 60 (b) are diagrams showing examples of life pattern information recorded in the life pattern storage unit.

Fig. 61 is a diagram showing an example of extracting life pattern information composed of a combination of element data with a strong air relationship with the number of elements as a threshold.

Fig. 62 is a schematic block diagram of a timer consecutive holiday setting system as an application example of the present invention.

Fig. 63 is a hardware configuration diagram of the device holiday control system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

64 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration provided in common to each device.

65 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the timer managing device.

Fig. 66 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each device and the timer managing device in the process after the timer setting contents of the device are changed by the user until the timer setting of another device operating in the holiday is changed. to be.

FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example of timer holiday information stored in a timer consecutive information storage. FIG.

68A and 68B are diagrams showing examples of timer management information stored in the timer management information storage unit, respectively.

Fig. 69 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure until the timer setting contents of the device (alarm clock) change and the timer setting contents after the change are notified to the timer managing apparatus.

70 (a) and (b) show an operation procedure until the timer change information is notified to a plurality of other devices after the timer management device detects a signal notified by a user from a device (alarm clock) whose timer setting contents have been changed. It is a flowchart showing the following.

Fig. 71 is a diagram showing how the timer management information stored in the timer management information storage unit is changed.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure from when a plurality of devices detect timer change information notified from the timer management device to update the timer setting contents stored in the timer setting storage unit.

73 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a timer manager is provided in the device.

74 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a timer setting indicating device.

75 (a) and (b) are flowcharts showing the operation procedure of the timer setting indicating device.

76 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a timer managing device according to a modification.

77 is a functional block diagram of a timer managing device according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

78 (a) and 78 (b) are flowcharts showing an operation procedure until the timer managing apparatus detects a signal notified by a user (alarm clock) from which the timer setting contents have been changed and generates timer change information. .

79 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure until the timer change information is notified to each device.

80 is a diagram illustrating an example of timer change information stored in a timer change information storage unit.

Fig. 81 is a functional block diagram of the timer managing device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 82 is an operation of detecting a signal notified from a device (alarm clock) by a timer management device, specifying other devices (air conditioners and rice cookers) operating in consecutive holidays with the device (alarm clock) and creating timer change information. A flowchart illustrating the procedure.

83 is a diagram illustrating an example of condition selection information.

Fig. 84 is a diagram showing a state in which a file of timer consecutive holidays information corresponding to conditional timer consecutive holidays information is selected.

85 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a timer managing device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

86 is a diagram illustrating an example of timer management information stored in a timer management information storage.

Fig. 87 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure until the information is notified to the timer managing apparatus after the timer setting of the device is released by the user.

88 (a) and (b) show an operation procedure until the timer management device detects a signal notified by a user whose timer setting is canceled by the user and specifies another device operating in a holiday with the device; It is a flowchart.

89 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of outputting a release signal of the timer setting contents of each device.

FIG. 90 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure from when the device notified of the release signal to the timer management device detects the release signal until the timer setting contents of the device itself are released.

Fig. 91 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a timer managing device of a device holiday control system according to a eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

92 is a diagram illustrating an example of interface information stored in the interface information storage unit.

93 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a device.

94 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the timer confirmation information output unit.

FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure until notification of timer confirmation information notified from the timer management device to the interface provided in each device.

96 is a flowchart illustrating another operation example.

97 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the multiple device management apparatus.

Fig. 98 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of each device.

99 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device consecutive control system according to a modification.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the household electrical appliance system which shows various application examples of this invention.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a device holiday control apparatus that can automatically select a plurality of related devices and automatically set different contents according to a user's life pattern. .

In order to achieve the above object, the device holiday control apparatus according to the first invention of the present application is a device that controls a plurality of devices by consecutively performing the living data indicating the use by detecting the use of the device in daily life of a user. A life data storage means for generating and accumulating the generated life data, and two or more devices used together or in connection with the user's daily life based on the accumulated life data, among the plurality of devices, Life pattern information generation means for generating life pattern information indicating two or more specific devices, and control means for consecutively controlling two or more devices indicated by the generated life pattern information.

Here, the life pattern information generating means includes: an episode creation unit for creating a plurality of episode data including two or more collections of element data corresponding to each of the plurality of devices as one episode data based on the living data; And an episode analysis unit for structuring an air relationship between two or more element data included in each episode data, and a life pattern analysis unit for generating the life pattern information based on the structured air relationship. The episode analysis section is a frequency pattern in which the frequency of occurrence and combination of element data included in the plurality of episode data created by the episode creation unit correspond to each node with a frequency of incidence indicating the type of element data and the frequency of appearance. By expressing the neck, the air relationship is structured.

According to the first invention, the usage history of the device by the user and the viewing history information of the content are automatically recorded as life data, and the life pattern information characteristic of the user is extracted from the life data according to a predetermined rule. By using the pattern information, it is possible to perform consecutive holiday control of a plurality of devices in accordance with a user's life pattern or situation.

In addition, the apparatus holiday control apparatus according to the second invention of the present invention has a structure in which the episode analysis unit is the root pattern pattern tree, and the element data having the highest frequency of occurrence is the root of the tree, even for the subtree rooted at any node. It is characterized by building a frequent pattern tree having a.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the FP-Tree is constructed such that the element data having the largest frequency of occurrence is always the root of the FP-Tree in any subtree in the FP-Tree. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the distribution of the same type of nodes in the FP-Tree to a plurality of nodes, and to improve the search efficiency of the frequent pattern.

Moreover, the apparatus consecutive holiday control apparatus which concerns on 3rd invention of this application is an input episode data memory | storage part which stores the plurality of episode data created by the said episode creation part as input episode data, and the said input episode data memory | storage part. An input episode number determination unit for obtaining the number of input episode data stored in the memory; a most frequent element specifying unit for specifying element data having the highest frequency of occurrence among the input episode data; and the highest frequency of occurrence among the input episode data. The most frequent element extraction unit for extracting element data and adding the output episode data, an output episode data storage unit for storing the output episode data, an input episode classification unit for classifying input episode data for each type of element data, and Output episode data group A frequency-of-occurrence pattern generation unit for generating a frequency pattern of occurrence and combination of element data incorporated into the output episode data stored in the suppression, and a frequency pattern tree in which the frequency of incidence corresponding to the type of the element data and the frequency of occurrence appears corresponding to each node. It is characterized by having.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when constructing the FP-Tree created by the extraction of the living pattern, the FP-Tree is used by rearranging the order of input data to be mounted in the FP-Tree according to a predetermined calculation order. It is possible to reduce the number of treatments related to the construction of the system.

Moreover, in the apparatus holiday control apparatus which concerns on 4th invention of this application, the said episode creation part produces the element data which shows the use time of a device and the said device based on the said living data, and the use time of the said element data is constant. In the case of having an inclusion relationship or overlapping relationship, episode data including these element data is created.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by using episode data as a combination of devices and contents simultaneously used by the user, it is possible to extract an air pattern of device and content usage characteristic to the user.

In the device holiday control apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present application, the episode creation unit creates event data indicating an event occurring in the device and the device and an occurrence time of the event based on the living data, and generates the event data. In the case where the occurrence times of? Have constant inclusion relations or overlapping relations, episode data including element data corresponding to a device indicated by these event data is created.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by using episode data as a device or content combination used under a predetermined event from the user, it is possible to extract an air pattern of device or content use depending on an event characteristic of the user.

Moreover, in the apparatus holiday control apparatus which concerns on 6th invention of this application, the said life pattern analysis part calculates the confidence degree which shows the intensity | strength of an air relationship for every node which has the paternity relationship in the said frequent pattern tree, and connects it with a certain degree of confidence or more. It is characterized in that the life pattern information is generated only for the selected node.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the number of element data recorded in each node in the FP-Tree is calculated with confidence between nodes, and the search range of the frequency of occurrence pattern is limited to nodes with a certain degree of confidence, so that the number of occurrences is small. The air pattern included in the episode can also be extracted.

Moreover, in the apparatus holiday control apparatus which concerns on 7th invention of this application, the said 1st and 2nd apparatus are provided with timer means, respectively, The said control means changed the setting content about the timer means which the said 1st apparatus is equipped with. When it is detected that the setting content of the timer means included in the second device is changed.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the user changes timer setting contents (preset time) of an arbitrary device, the timer consecutive holidays setting system changes the timer setting contents by the timer consecutive information based on a predetermined user behavior pattern. In order to specify a device operating in a holiday, and to automatically change the contents of each timer setting of the specified device, the user can reduce the troublesome work on the timer setting in which the functions of the multiple devices are different.

Moreover, when the said control means detects that the state changed with the 1st apparatus represented by the said life pattern information, the apparatus consecutive holiday control apparatus which concerns on the 8th invention of this application detects the state of the 2nd apparatus represented by the said life pattern information. It is characterized in that the state of the second device is changed by generating and recording change information indicating the change, and controlling the second device in accordance with the change information after a predetermined time has elapsed.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when a device that cannot store a plurality of timer setting contents needs to store a plurality of timer settings, it is possible to temporarily store timer change information executed after the second time on the timer management device side. After the timer setting contents set in the apparatus are executed, the next timer change information can be notified and the timer setting contents of the apparatus can be reset. You will be able to have a timer with your device.

In addition, the apparatus holiday control apparatus according to the ninth invention of the present invention pre-selects selection condition information indicating a condition for the control means to select one of a plurality of holiday information specifying the content of the control and the plurality of holiday information. And when one of the plurality of holiday information is selected by referring to the selection condition information when the state of the first device indicated by the life pattern information is detected, the life pattern is selected according to the selected holiday information. The state of the second device is changed by controlling the second device indicated by the information.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since a combination of a plurality of other devices operating in consecutive holidays with the set device and the relationship between the timer setting times are changed by a temporary condition of the timer setting contents of the device set by the user, It is possible to automatically set timer settings of a plurality of devices that are more suitable for a user's behavior pattern matched to a temporary condition.

In the apparatus holiday control apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present application, the first and second apparatuses each include a timer means, and the control means releases the setting contents of the timer means included in the first apparatus. In the case where it is detected, the setting contents of the timer means included in the second device are released.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the user releases the timer setting of an arbitrary device, the user can collectively release the timer setting of another device operating in a holiday for the device in which the timer setting is released by the timer management device. It is possible to alleviate the work in releasing timers of multiple devices for.

In addition, in the apparatus holiday control apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present application, the first and second apparatuses each include a timer means, and the control means changes the setting contents of the timer means included in the first apparatus. And detecting the fact that the setting contents have been changed by outputting audio or display output from the second device.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm the timer setting contents after the change of the device whose timer setting contents have been changed by the timer management device by using an interface provided in any device.

In addition, the present invention can be realized not only as the apparatus holiday control apparatus as described above, but also as a method and a program thereof. Furthermore, a life pattern information generating apparatus which implements as a device holiday control system which added the control object apparatus to the said device holiday control apparatus, or consists of the life data accumulating means and the life pattern information generating means in the said device holiday control apparatus, its method, and It may be realized as a program, or as a device holiday control device excluding life data storage means from the device holiday control device, or as a life pattern information generation device excluding life data storage means from the life pattern information generating device.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described in detail using drawing.

(Embodiment 1)

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a device holiday control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus holiday control system includes a life pattern extraction device n101, a life data storage unit n102, a life pattern storage unit n106, a life data recording unit n107, a control unit n108, and a home appliance (n109 to n112). It is composed of In addition, each of these modules (components) and the device are connected by a wired network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless network represented by 802.11b, through which information is transmitted and received and controlled.

The home appliances n109 to n112 are devices such as a TV, a video, a refrigerator, a stove, and lighting.

The living data recording device n107 is a device which detects the use of the device by the user, generates the living data indicating the use content, and records the living data in the living data storage unit n102.

The living data storage unit n102 is a storage unit such as a hard disk for holding such living data.

The life pattern extracting apparatus n1O1 is an apparatus for extracting life pattern information characteristic to the user from the life data recording the usage history of the device and the viewing history of the content by the user, and includes an episode creating unit n103 and an episode analyzing unit. n104 and a life pattern analysis unit n105. Here, the life pattern information is information indicating two or more devices specified by the devices n109 to n112 that specify two or more devices that are used together or in association with the user's daily life.

The episode creation unit n103 is a processing unit that creates episode data from element data constituting living data according to a predetermined rule. Here, episode data is data which consists of two or more collections of element data corresponding to each of home appliances n109-n112.

The episode analyzer n104 is a processor that analyzes the relationship of each element data included in the episode data. Therefore, the air relationship between two or more element data included in each episode data is structured.

The life pattern analysis unit n105 is a processing unit that extracts a combination of element data characteristic to the user. In short, life pattern information is generated based on the air relationship structured by the episode analysis unit n104.

The lifestyle pattern storage unit n106 is a storage unit such as a hard disk that stores lifestyle pattern information characteristic to the user generated by the lifestyle pattern analysis unit n105.

The control device n108 is a control device that controls the devices suitable for the user's life pattern and the situation by consecutively controlling the life pattern information stored in the life pattern storage unit n106.

Next, a series of operations (process A) between the devices in the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 2.

The living data recording device nl07 uses information such as the type and function of the device used, the service, the use time, the use place, the user, the use content, and the like when the user uses the devices n109 to n112 connected through a network. Is recorded as living data in the living data storage unit n102 (step A1).

The lifestyle pattern extracting apparatus n101 extracts lifestyle pattern information characteristic to the user from the lifestyle data recorded in the lifestyle data storage unit n102 according to a predetermined rule, and records it in the lifestyle pattern storage unit n106. (Step A2).

The control device n108 uses the life pattern information of the user recorded in the life pattern storage unit n106 to perform consecutive holiday control in accordance with the user's life pattern or situation for a plurality of devices connected via a network (step) A3).

Next, the method of extracting the life pattern information characteristic to the user from the life data which records the history of the user's use of the device or the viewing history of the content in the lifestyle pattern extraction device in the device holiday control system described above will be described in detail. do. Here, the living pattern extraction shown in FIG. 1 is taken as an example in which the user's operation history information on a plurality of devices is taken as living data, and the air relationship in using the device characteristic to the user is extracted as the living pattern information. The detailed configuration and operation of the device n10 will be described.

First, the operation (process B) of each module constituting the lifestyle pattern extracting apparatus n10O1 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

The episode creation unit n103 extracts the living data from the living data storage unit n102, and creates episode data by combining a part of the living data as element data according to a predetermined rule (step B1).

The episode analysis unit n104 quantitatively analyzes the relationship between the element data included in each episode data and evaluates it (step B2).

The life pattern analysis unit n105 extracts a portion characteristic to the user from the relationship of the element data as life pattern information, and records this in the life pattern information storage unit n106 (step B3).

From the above operation, in the system of FIG. 1, when the device is used by the user, the usage content is recorded as living data, and the lifestyle pattern information characteristic to the user is extracted from the living data. In addition, by using the extracted life pattern information, consecutive control of a plurality of devices according to the life pattern and the situation of the user is possible.

Next, the detailed structure and operation | movement of the episode creation part n103 with the life pattern extraction apparatus n10O1 are demonstrated.

4 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the episode creation unit n103. The episode creation unit n103 includes a living data extraction unit n401, an episode creation rule storage unit n402, an episode determination unit n403, an episode creation unit n404, an element adding unit n405, and an episode storage unit. (n406).

The living data extraction unit n401 is a processing unit that reads the contents of the living data from the living data storage unit n102.

The episode creation rule storage unit n402 is a storage unit for recording the episode creation rule describing the creation rule of the episode data.

The episode determination unit n403 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the contents of the living data read out from the living data storage unit n102 comply with the conditions of the episode creation rule.

The episode creation unit n404 is a processing unit that creates new episode data.

The element adding unit n405 is a processing unit for adding new element data to the existing episode data.

The episode storage unit n406 is a storage unit that stores episode data.

In the episode creation unit n103 configured as described above, when the episode creation rule shown in FIG. 6 is given, an operation (process C) in which episode data is created from the life data shown in FIG. 7 is shown in FIG. It demonstrates using the flowchart which becomes. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, here, life data is a data collection (data 701-712) for every operation with respect to the apparatuses n109-nl12, and each data operated the apparatuses n109-n112. Items such as "operation date and time" indicating the date and time, "device type" identifying the operated devices n109 to nl12, and "operation contents" indicating the content of the operation. As shown in Fig. 6, the episode creation rule is data describing conditions of living data to be employed as episode data.

The living data extraction unit n401 examines the contents stored in the living data storage unit n102 and determines whether there is living data that should be read for creating an episode (step C1). In the present embodiment, as a result of examining the contents of the living data shown in FIG.

The living data extraction unit n401 reads the living data in order from the living data storage unit n102 (step C2). In this embodiment, the data 701 is first taken out from the living data of FIG. 7.

The episode determination unit n402 acquires an episode creation rule from the episode creation rule storage unit n402 (step C3). In this embodiment, the episode creation rule of FIG. 6 is acquired.

The episode determination unit n403 determines whether the read living data conforms to the episode creation rule (step C4). If the content of the living data conforms to the episode creation rule, the flow advances to step C5. In the present embodiment, since the contents of the data 701 comply with the episode creation rule of FIG. 6, the process moves to step C5.

The episode determination unit n403 determines whether or not the episode data to which the content of the life data is to be added is already prepared (step C5). In the present embodiment, episodes can be created for each date according to the episode extraction conditions. If it is data 701, it is the life data of August 30, and since the episode data of August 30 is not yet prepared, it moves to step C6.

The episode creation unit n404 newly creates episode data and adds a part of the read living data to the episode data as element data (step C6). In this embodiment, the episode of August 30 is newly created according to the episode creation rule, and the device name "lighting" of the data 701 is added. When all processing is complete | finished, it moves to step C1.

Next, also in the case where the data 702 of FIG. 7 is read, steps C1 to C4 are performed in the same manner as in the case of the data 701 to move to step C5 (steps C1 to C4). Regarding this data 702, since the episode determination unit n403 determines that there is already an episode of August 30 to which the data 702 is added, the process moves to step C7 (step C5).

The element adding unit n405 adds element data to the episode data (step C7). In the present embodiment, the device name "air conditioner" of the data 702 is added to the episode data on August 30. When all processing is complete | finished, it moves to step C4.

The same processing is performed on all living data shown in FIG. An example of the result of the episode data produced by the episode creation unit n103 from the living data shown in FIG. 7 is shown in FIG. 8. For each day, episode data listing element data (device name) is generated.

Next, the method for analyzing the relationship between the element data included in each episode data by the episode analysis unit n104 will be described.

Here, as a method of expressing the relationship between the element data, a frequency-of-occurrence pattern tree (hereinafter referred to as "FP-Tree") that expresses the frequency with which the element data is included in the same episode data is constructed to construct the structure of the FP-Tree. Use the method to evaluate.

9 shows an example of the FP-Tree. In FP-Tree, a tree is constructed using nodes that record the names and the number of element data included in episode data to express the relationship between the frequency of occurrence of the element data. In FP-Tree, element data with a high frequency of occurrence has a characteristic of appearing as a node closer to the root of FP-Tree. Moreover, the set of element data contained in each episode data is represented by the node which passes when it reaches each node in the root of FP-Tree.

10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the episode analysis unit n104. The episode analyzing unit n104 includes an episode input unit n901, a frequency-of-occurrence extraction unit n902, a frequency-of-occurrence storage unit n903, a sort unit n904, an element extraction unit n905, and an element name determination unit n906. ), A node creating unit n907, an FP-Tree storage unit n908, and an element number changing unit n909.

The episode input unit n901 is input means for reading episode data from the episode storage unit n406.

The frequency-of-occurrence extraction unit n902 is a processing unit that calculates the frequency-of-occurrence indicating the ratio of element data included in each episode data. The value of the frequency of occurrence can be obtained from the following equation.

Frequency of factor A = number of episodes containing factor A / number of all episodes

The frequency-of-occurrence storage unit n903 is a storage unit such as a hard disk that records the frequency of occurrence of each element data included in the episode data.

The sort unit n904 is a processing unit that rearranges the order of the element data recorded in the episode data in the order of high frequency.

The element extraction unit n905 is a processing unit that extracts element data in order from episode data.

The element name determination unit n906 is a processing unit that determines the name of the element data recorded in each node.

The node creation unit n907 is a processing unit that newly creates nodes in the FP-Tree.

The FP-Tree storage unit n908 is a storage unit such as a memory that holds the contents of the FP-Tree.

The element number changing unit n909 is a processing unit that changes the number of element data recorded in the node.

The operation of constructing the FP-Tree when the episode data of FIG. 8 is given by the episode analyzing unit n104 configured as described above will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

The episode input unit n901 reads episode data (step D1). In the present embodiment, the episode data shown in FIG. 8 is read by the episode analyzing unit n104.

The frequency-of-occurrence extraction unit n902 obtains the frequency of occurrence of each element data included in the episode data, and records the result in the frequency-of-occurrence storage unit n9O3 (step D2). In this embodiment, the frequency of occurrence of each element data is obtained from the episode data of FIG. 8, and the frequency of occurrence is recorded in the memory unit n903. 12 shows the result recorded in the frequency-of-occurrence storage unit n903. Here, the frequency of occurrence is the ratio of episode data in which element data appears among all episode data.

The sort unit n904 rearranges the elements included in each episode data in order of high frequency (step D3). In the present embodiment, the episode data can rearrange element data as shown in FIG.

The sorting unit n907 creates a node that is the root of the FP-Tree (step D4). In this embodiment, the node N1 of FIG. 14 is created.

The element extraction unit n905 checks whether there is episode data added to the FP-Tree (step D5). If there is episode data, the flow advances to step D6, and if not, the process ends. In the present embodiment, the episode data on August 30 is selected, and the flow proceeds to step D6.

The node moves to the root of the FP-Tree (step D6). In this embodiment, it moves to the node N1 of FIG.

The element extraction unit n905 determines whether there is element data to be attached to the FP-Tree in the episode data (step D7). If element data remains, the process moves to step D8. If there is no element data in the episode data, the process proceeds to step D5. In this embodiment, since there is element data in the episode of August 30, it moves to step D8.

The element extraction unit n905 takes out the element data in order from the episode data (step D8). In this embodiment, element data "air conditioner" is first taken out from the episode on August 30.

The element name determination unit n906 determines whether there is a node having the same name as the element data extracted in the child node of the current node (step D9). If there are no child nodes of the same name here, the flow advances to step D10, and if there is a node of the same name, the flow advances to step D11. In this embodiment, since there are no child nodes in the existing node N1 (root), it moves to step D10.

The node creating unit n907 creates a child node having the same name as the element data extracted to the current node, and moves to the child node (step D10). Moreover, the number of element data recorded in the node of the moving place is set to one. In this embodiment, the node N2 named "air conditioner" is newly created in the current node N1 (root), and moves to the node N2.

When all processing is complete | finished, it moves to step D7.

Regarding the episode data on October 30, steps DO7 to D10 are similarly repeated with respect to the remaining element data, and the flow proceeds to step D5.

The element extraction unit n905 next extracts the episode data on October 31 (step D5).

The same processing as the episode data on October 30 is performed. It moves to step D9. In the present embodiment, the element data "air conditioner" is taken out in steps D6 to D8 (steps D6 to D8).

In the present embodiment, the element name determination unit n906 determines that the child node of the current node N1 (root) has a child node N2 having the same name as the element data "air conditioner". Therefore, it moves to step D11 (step D9).

The element changing unit n909 moves to the child node having the same name as the element data, and increments the number of elements held in the node by one (step D11). In this embodiment, it moves to the node N2 whose name is "air conditioning", and changes the number of element data recorded in the node N2 from 1 to 2.

Hereinafter, the process of steps D5-D11 is similarly repeated with respect to all the element data contained in each episode data, and after all the element data is attached to FP-Tree, a process is complete | finished in step D5. In the present embodiment, by performing the above process for the episode of FIG. 8, the FP-Tree shown in FIG. 14 is constructed. The node numbers of the FP-Tree in FIG. 14 are given in the order in which the nodes are created.

Next, a method of extracting the usage pattern of the device characteristic to the user from the FP-Tree in the life pattern analysis unit will be described.

15 is a block diagram showing the structure of the life pattern analysis unit n105. The life pattern analysis unit n105 includes an FP-Tree input unit n1401, a node search unit n1402, a parent node search unit n1403, and a life pattern storage unit n1404.

The FP-Tree input unit n1401 is a processing unit that extracts data of the FP-Tree from the FP-Tree storage unit n908.

The node search unit n1402 is a processing unit that searches for a place of a node whose name of element data stored in the node is a predetermined name and moves to the node.

The parent node search unit n1403 checks whether the parent node exists in the current node, and moves to the parent node if there is a parent node.

The lifestyle pattern storage unit n1404 is a processing unit that records the information stored in the searched node in the lifestyle pattern storage unit n106.

Regarding the operation (process E) of the life pattern analysis unit n105 configured as described above, an example of specifying a device to be used together with an "alarm clock" using the FP-Tree shown in FIG. It demonstrates using the flowchart shown in the following.

The FP-Tree input unit n1401 reads FP-Tree data stored in the FP-Tree storage unit n908 (step E1). In this embodiment, the FP-Tree of FIG. 14 is read.

The node search unit n1402 searches for a place of a node having a predetermined name (step E2). 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of node search in the FP-Tree. In this embodiment, the node whose name is "alarm species" is searched for and moved to N5 of FIG.

The node search unit n1402 determines whether there is an unsearched node having a predetermined node name (step E3). If there is no node, the process moves to step E7. If there is a node, the process moves to step E4. In this embodiment, since the node N5 of the name "alarm species" exists, it moves to step E4.

The parent node search unit n1403 determines whether or not a parent exists in the current node (step E4). If there is a parent node, go to step E5. If there is no parent node, the process moves to step E2. In the present embodiment, since the parent node N3 is present in the current node N5, the flow advances to step E5. However, if the parent node is "root", the process moves to step E2.

It moves to the parent node of the present node (step E5). In the present embodiment, the node N4 is moved from the current node N4 to the node N3 of its parent.

The life pattern recording unit n1404 stores the name of the element data recorded in the current node as being in the air relationship with the element data of the predetermined name which is first searched for (step E6). In this embodiment, the "rice cooker" is stored as the urea data used together with the "alarm clock."

Subsequently, steps E2 to E6 are repeated for the remaining unsearched nodes of the FP-Tree, and when it is determined that all nodes have been searched in step E3, the process moves to step E7.

The lifestyle pattern recording unit n1404 records the combination of the element data stored in step E6 in the lifestyle pattern storage unit n106 as lifestyle pattern information characteristic to the user (step E7).

In this embodiment, the life pattern information shown in FIG. 18 from the FP-Tree in FIG. 14 is stored in the life pattern storage unit n106 by the above series of processes.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to extract the air pattern for using the device characteristic to the user as the life pattern information characteristic to the user from the life data on which the user's life contents are recorded. In short, according to the present embodiment, the usage history of the device by the user and the viewing history information of the content are automatically recorded as living data, and the life pattern information characteristic to the user is extracted from the living data according to a predetermined rule. By using the life pattern information, it is possible to perform consecutive holiday control of a plurality of devices according to the life pattern and the situation of the user.

In the present embodiment, according to the episode creation rule of FIG. 6, the combination of devices in which the timer function is used between 6 and 9 o'clock every morning is used as episode data of one life. You may create episode data on condition.

For example, as in the episode creation rule shown in FIG. 6 (b), by setting the episode creation rule regarding the power supply operation and the used place of the device, it is possible to use the combination of the devices used in the specific place as the episode data. It is possible to extract the air pattern of using the device at a specific place.

For example, as shown in the episode creation rule shown in FIG. 6 (c), the air content and the human relationship of content use are provided by subjecting the content of viewing the content used, the content of the service used, and the human relationship using the same together. It is possible to extract the air relationship depending on the.

In the present embodiment, element data in strong air relation with the arbitrary node is specified by finding the parent node of the arbitrary node in the analysis of the life pattern. In addition, the characteristic of the data structure of the FP-Tree is used. A life pattern characteristic to the user may be specified.

For example, the number of element data recorded in each node can extract a combination of nodes having a predetermined threshold value or more, and these can be used as element data having a high air relationship with each other.

In addition, as the extraction of the lifestyle pattern information by the lifestyle pattern extracting apparatus n1O1, for example, it is possible to extract a combination pattern of devices in the use of AV equipment such as a TV or a video recorder by a user. This can be used to support the operation of the apparatus such as the start of the holiday season of the AV device or the end of the holiday season.

Also, for example, it is possible to extract the relationship between the viewing contents of the TV, the air conditioning, the setting of the lighting, and the like, and the air conditioning or lighting is performed on behalf of the user in accordance with the contents (content or genre, etc.) that the user is watching using this. It is possible to use the content viewing-dependent holiday device control, such as to control the holiday setting automatically.

(Embodiment 2)

Next, the device holiday control system in Embodiment 2 of this invention is demonstrated. In the second embodiment, in the episode analysis unit n104 according to the first embodiment, the FP whose element data with the highest frequency of occurrence among the element data included in the sub tree is the root of the sub tree in any sub-tree in the FP-Tree. By constructing -Tree, it is related with the episode analysis part which searches for a frequency of occurrence more efficiently.

In short, the device holiday control system according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as that of the device holiday control system of the first embodiment, but includes a new episode analysis unit n104a instead of the episode analysis unit n104 of the first embodiment. It has that characteristic.

19 is a block diagram showing the structure of the episode analysis unit n104a in the present embodiment. This episode analyzing unit n104a is in addition to the modules n901 to n909 included in the episode analyzing unit n104 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and the subheading extracting unit n910 and the episode creating unit n911 are provided. ) And sub-neck coupling part n912. In addition, since the module n901-n909 of this episode analysis part n104a is the same as that of Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

The sub tree extracting unit n910 is a processing unit which extracts a sub tree having a new root as a child node of a node which is the root of the FP-Tree.

The episode creating unit n911 is a processing unit that finds nodes in the subtree in order from the root and combines the element data stored in the nodes to create episode data again.

The sub tree joining unit n912 is a processing unit for joining a plurality of sub trees back to one tree.

In the episode analysis unit n104a configured as described above, a series of operations (process F) from the episode data in FIG. 8 until the FP-Tree is constructed will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 20.

First, the same process as the operation of steps D1 to D11 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is performed (step F1).

The sub tree extracting unit n910 reads out data of the FP-Tree stored in the data structure storage unit (step F2). In this embodiment, the data of the FP-Tree shown in FIG. 14 is read.

The partial tree extracting unit n910 checks whether or not a child node exists in the node that is the root of the FP-Tree (step F3). If there is a child node, the process moves to step F4. If there are no child nodes, the process ends. In this embodiment, since there is node N2 as a child node of node N1, it moves to step F4.

The sub tree extracting unit n910 extracts a sub tree having a new root as a child node of a node corresponding to the root of the FP-Tree (step F4). In the present embodiment, a sub tree rooted at the node N2 is extracted. In this embodiment, the sub tree shown in FIG. 21 is created from the FP-Tree of FIG. 14, which has the node N2 as the root.

The episode creation unit n911 finds nodes of each sub tree in order from the root and combines the element data stored in the nodes to create episodes again (step F5). In this embodiment, the episode data shown in FIG. 22 is created by searching each node in order from the root in the sub tree shown in FIG.

For the episode created from the subtree, the processing F shown in Fig. 20 is recursively performed. In the embodiment, the same processing F is recursively performed on the episode data shown in FIG. 20 (step F6). For example, the subtree rooted at node N4 and node N5 with respect to FP-Tree in Fig. 21 is shown in Figs. 23A and 23B, respectively, of Figs. 23A and 23B. In the sub-tree, episode data shown in Figs. 24A and 24B, respectively, is created. This is repeated until the sub neck disappears, and the flow returns to step F7.

The sub tree joining unit n912 integrates the FP-Tree of the sub tree constructed recursively into the place of the original FP-Tree (step F7). In this embodiment, the FP-Tree of FIG. 25 is constructed by performing the above process.

26 (a) and 26 (b) are diagrams explaining how the FP-Tree constructed by the episode analysis unit n104a is interpreted by the subsequent life pattern analysis unit n105 in comparison with the first embodiment, FIG. 26A shows the analysis of the FP-Tree of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 26B shows the analysis of the FP-Tree of this embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 26 (a), in the FP-Tree of FIG. 14, since the node "radio" does not exist as a parent of the node "lighting", "radio" is used in relation to "lighting". As shown in FIG. 26 (b), in the FP-Tree of FIG. 25, the node "radio" exists as a parent of the node "lighting". Is partly an element in the air relationship in use.

As shown in Figs. 27A and 27B, the search area is defined by giving a threshold value (for example, "1") to the number of elements of each node in the search area of the FP-Tree. (For example, when only a node having an element number greater than 1 is searched), as shown in Fig. 27A, the FP-Tree of the first embodiment excludes the element data "radio", but the FP of the present embodiment In -Tree, it is possible to prevent element data " radio " from being removed from the search range by aggregating distributed elements.

As described above, in the FP-Tree constructed by the episode analysis unit n104 according to the first embodiment, element data having a high frequency of occurrence is actually moved from a root to a node farther by other element data having a higher frequency of occurrence. In order to be sent out, the same kind of element data is distributed to a plurality of nodes, and the search efficiency of the element data may decrease. However, in the episode analysis unit n104a of the present embodiment, the distribution of such element data is caused by such distribution. The fall of the search efficiency is prevented, and the air relationship is extracted more accurately. In short, according to the present embodiment, the structure of the FP-Tree created by the extraction of the life pattern is constructed, and the FP-Tree is constructed in which the element data having the largest frequency of occurrence is necessarily the root of any subtree within the FP-Tree. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the distribution of nodes of the same kind in the FP-Tree to a plurality of nodes, and to improve the search efficiency of the frequent pattern.

In addition, the FP-Tree constructed by the episode analyzing unit n104a of the present embodiment is FP-Tree based on the contents of the episode data, compared to the FP-Tree constructed by the episode analyzing unit n104 of the first embodiment. Since the number of nodes included in the network is small, the memory capacity for storing data of the FP-Tree is reduced.

As described above, as the extraction of the lifestyle pattern information of the lifestyle pattern extracting apparatus n10O1 provided with the episode analysis unit n104a in the present embodiment, the missed element data in the air relationship is reduced in use than the first embodiment. For example, it is possible to extract a combination pattern of devices in the use of an AV device such as a TV or a video recorder by the user, and use this to support device operation such as starting a holiday or ending a holiday. It becomes available.

For example, it is possible to extract the relationship between the viewing contents of the TV, the air conditioning, the setting of the lighting, and the like. According to the contents (content or genre, etc.) that the user is watching, the air conditioning can be used instead of the user. It is possible to use the content-dependent holiday equipment control, such as to control the lighting setting automatically during the holidays.

(Embodiment 3)

Next, the device holiday control system in Embodiment 3 of this invention is demonstrated. In this embodiment, the episode is constructed so that the FP-Tree having the same structure as the FP-Tree constructed by the episode analysis unit n104a in the second embodiment is constructed only by using the episode analysis unit n104 in the first embodiment. It relates to a process for changing the method of arranging element data included in data.

28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device consecutive control system according to the present embodiment. The apparatus holiday control system according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as the apparatus holiday control system according to the first embodiment, but the new episode sorting unit n113 is provided in the lifestyle pattern extracting apparatus n101a. It is characterized by having a simpler episode analyzing unit n104b instead of the episode analyzing unit n104.

The episode sort unit n113 is a processing unit that rearranges the order of elements included in the episode extracted by the episode creating unit n103.

29 is a block diagram showing the structure of an episode sorting unit. This episode sorting unit (n113) includes an episode input unit (n2801), an input episode storage unit (n2802), an input episode number determination unit (n2803), the most frequent element specifying unit (n2804), an episode extraction unit (n2805), and an output episode memory. Section n2806 and an input episode classification section n2807.

The episode input unit n2801 is input means for reading episode data from the episode storage unit n406.

The input episode storage unit n2802 is a storage unit such as a memory for storing read episode data as input episode data.

The input episode number determination unit n2803 is a processing unit that determines the number of input episode data.

The most frequent element specifying unit n2804 is a processing unit that finds the most frequent element among the input episode data.

The episode extracting unit n2805 is a processing unit which extracts the most frequent element among the input episode data.

The output episode storage unit n2806 is a storage unit such as a memory for storing element data taken out of the most frequent frequency extraction unit n2803 as output episode data.

The input episode classification unit n2807 is a processing unit that divides the input episode data after the most frequent element is removed for each type of the removed element data.

Next, a series of operations (process G) in which the contents of the episode data are rearranged in the episode sorting unit will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 30 and the episode data in FIG. 31.

Here, in describing the rearrangement of the episode data of FIG. 31, for simplicity of explanation, the names of the element data are replaced with alphabetic characters.

The episode input unit n2801 reads the episode data from the episode storage unit n406 and stores it in the input episode storage unit n2802 (step G1). In this embodiment, the episode on the left side shown in FIG. 31 is read out.

The input episode number determination unit n2803 checks whether there is input episode data including element data stored in the input episode storage unit n2802, and if there is input episode data including element data, the flow advances to step G3. If there is no movement, the process ends (step G2). In the present embodiment, since there is an input episode in the input episode storage unit, the flow advances to step G3.

The most frequent element specifying unit n2804 specifies element data having the largest frequency of occurrence among the episode data (step G3).

The most frequent element extraction unit n2805 extracts the most frequent element data from each input episode data and records it in the output episode storage unit n2806 (step G4).

The input episode classification unit n2807 classifies for each kind of episode data from which the input episode has been removed (step G5).

The state of the process of these steps G3-G5 is as showing in FIG. Here, the table on the left divided by the arrow in the figure shows the processing of G3, the table on the center shows the processing of G4, and the table on the right shows the processing of G5.

Subsequently, steps G2 to G5 are repeated for each classified input episode data (step G6). 33 to 36 show a process in which output episode data is created by repeating steps G2 to G5 with respect to the classified input episode data. 33 to 36 show the processing state in steps G3 to G5 for the first, second, third and fourth, respectively.

Through the above processing, the output episode data corresponding to the table on the right in FIG. 36, that is, the output episode data shown in FIG. 37 can be obtained.

Next, the episode analysis unit n104b in the present embodiment will be described.

38 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the episode analysis unit n104b. This episode analyzer n104b includes some modules n901, n905 to n909 of a module included in the episode analyzer n104 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Since these modules n901 and n905 to n909 are the same modules as the episode analyzing unit in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Next, the operation (process D) in the episode analyzing unit n104b will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 39 and the output episode in FIG. 37.

The episode input unit n901 reads out output episode data stored in the output episode storage unit n2806 (step D1). In this embodiment, output episode data shown in FIG. 37 is read.

The node creating unit n907 creates a node that is the root of the FP-Tree (step D4). In this embodiment, the node N1 of FIG. 14 is created.

The element extraction unit n905 determines whether there is episode data added to the FP-Tree (step D5). In this embodiment, the episode of August 30 is selected and it moves to step D6.

The node moves to the root of the FP-Tree (step D6). In this embodiment, it moves to N1 of FIG.

The element extraction unit n905 determines whether there is element data attached to the FP-Tree in the episode data (step D7). If there is element data, it moves to step D8, and if there is no element data, it moves to step D5. In the present embodiment, since the element data remains in the episode data on August 30, the flow proceeds to step D8.

The element extraction unit n905 takes out the element data in order from the episode data (step D8). In this embodiment, element data "air conditioner" is first taken out from the episode on August 30.

The element name determination unit n906 determines whether the child of the current node has a node having the same name as the element data (step D9). If there is no node of the same name, the flow advances to step D10. If there is a node of the same name, the flow advances to step D11. In this embodiment, since there is no child in the existing node N1 (root), it moves to step D10.

The node creating unit n907 creates a child node having the same name as the element name in the current node and moves to the child node (step D10). In addition, the number of elements held in the node of the child is set to one. In this embodiment, the node N2 named "air conditioner" is newly created in the node N1 (root) which exists, and it moves to the node N2. When all processing is complete | finished, it moves to step D7.

Regarding the remaining element data of the episode data on August 30, the same operation steps DO7 to D10 are repeated to move to step D5.

As for the other episode data, steps DO7 to D11 are repeated in the same manner as in the life pattern visualization unit of the first embodiment, and the process ends when it is determined in step D5 that there is no episode data to be attached to the FP-Tree.

Through the above processing, it becomes possible to construct an FP-Tree having the same structure as the FP-Tree shown in FIG. 25 obtained in the second embodiment.

In this way, the episode analysis unit n104b of the present embodiment can construct the FP-Tree constructed by the episode analysis unit of the second embodiment only by constructing the FP-Tree once for the episode data. In short, according to the present embodiment, when constructing the FP-Tree to be created in the extraction of the living pattern, the FP-Tree is used by rearranging the order of the input data to be attached to the FP-Tree according to a predetermined calculation order. It is possible to reduce the number of times of processing related to building a tree.

In the construction of the FP-Trees in the first to third embodiments, the case where the FP-Tree needs to be constructed considering only the parent-child relationship has been described so far, but the search efficiency of the FP-Tree is improved. For this purpose, since a tree structure may also be constructed in consideration of the relationship between nodes between nodes, which is not in the parent-child relationship, in this case, the FP-Tree described in Embodiment 2 is decomposed into sub-trees and rebuilt. This is accompanied by a fairly cumbersome treatment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by rearranging the element data in the episode data, it is possible to complete the optimization of the sub-items of the FP-Tree by constructing one FP-Tree, which requires complicated processing. At high speeds, it is possible to build optimized FP-Trees from subtrees.

In addition, as extraction of the life pattern information of the life pattern extraction apparatus n10Oa provided with the episode analysis part n104b in this embodiment, it is possible to perform life pattern extraction earlier than Embodiment 2, for example, a user. The combination pattern of the devices in the use of AV equipment such as a TV or a video recorder can be extracted, which can be used to support device operation, such as starting a holiday or ending a holiday.

For example, it is possible to extract the relationship between the viewing contents of the TV, the air conditioning, the setting of the lighting, and the like. According to the contents (content or genre, etc.) that the user is watching, the air conditioning can be used instead of the user. It is possible to use the content-dependent holiday equipment control, such as to control the lighting setting automatically during the holidays.

(Embodiment 4)

Next, a device holiday control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment not only classifies a part of the living data recorded in the living data storage unit n102 like the episode creating unit n103 of the first embodiment into each episode data according to the episode creation rule, but also the living data. The present invention relates to a method of extracting an air pattern of device usage characteristic to a user by newly creating element data relating to a device usage period from the device and creating episode data from a temporal use relationship between the element data.

In short, the device holiday control system according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as that of the device holiday control system of the first embodiment, but includes a new episode creation unit n103a instead of the episode creation unit n103 of the first embodiment. Characterized by the point.

First, the structure of the episode creation part n103a in this embodiment is demonstrated.

40 shows the module configuration of the episode creation unit n103a in the present embodiment. This episode creation unit n103a is added to the life data extraction unit n401, the episode creation unit n404, the element adding unit n405, and the episode storage unit n406 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. And an element data storage unit n407, an episode time range storage unit n408, an element time range comparison unit n409, and an element data creation rule storage unit n410. In addition, since the modules n401, n404, n405, n406 are the same modules as the episode creation part n103 of Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

The element data storage unit n407 is a storage unit such as a memory for temporarily storing element data extracted from the living data by the element data creation rule.

The episode time range storage unit n408 is a storage unit that stores a criterion (time condition) for determining whether element data is added to the episode data.

The element time range comparison unit n409 is a processing unit that determines whether element data is added to the episode data.

The element data creation rule storage unit n410 is a storage unit that stores element data creation rules indicating the contents of rules for creating element data.

Next, the operation (process H) in which the episode data is extracted from the living data in the episode creation unit n103a will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 41. In this embodiment, the case where the element data creation rule of FIG. 42 and the living data of FIG. 43 are provided is explained as an example.

The living data extracting unit n401 determines whether there is living data that should be taken out of the living data storage unit n102 (step H1). If there is life data, the process moves to step H2. If there is no life data, the process moves to step H6. In the present embodiment, since there is living data in the living data storage unit n102, the flow advances to step H2.

The living data extraction unit n401 reads out living data from the living data storage unit n102 and refers to the element data creation rule held in the element data creation rule storage unit n402 (step H2). In this embodiment, the data 4101 is read from the living data of FIG. 43, and the content of the element data creation rule of FIG. 42 is referred to.

The life data extraction unit n401 determines whether or not a part of the life data read out from the life data storage unit nl02 is recorded in the element data storage unit n407 as new element data in accordance with the element data creation rule (step H3). In the case of recording, the process moves to step H4. If no recording is performed, the process moves to step H1. In the present embodiment, the read-out life data 4201 is content related to the start of use of the device, and according to the content of the element data creation rule, the flow moves to step H4.

The living data extraction unit n401 records the read living data in the element data storage unit n404 in accordance with the contents of the element data creation rule (step H4). In the present embodiment, in accordance with the content of the element data creation rule shown in FIG. 42, the type, use start time, and end time information of the device used by the user are recorded in the element data storage unit n407.

The rest of the living data stored in the living data storage unit n102 is similarly performed in steps H1 to H4. After the reading of the contents stored in all the living data storage units n102 is completed, the flow advances to step H5. In the present embodiment, as a result of the processing in steps H1 to H4, new element data shown in FIG. 44 is recorded in the element data storage unit n407.

The episode creation unit n404 determines whether episode data has been created for all the element data (step H5). If episode data has been created for all the element data, the process ends. If not, the process moves to step H6. In the present embodiment, since there is element data for creating episode data, the flow advances to step H6.

The episode data creating unit n4041 extracts element data for which episode data is not created from the element data storage unit n407, and creates episode data relating to the element data (step H6). In the present embodiment, element data relating to the use of "TV" is extracted from the element data shown in FIG. 44, and episode data relating to the use of "TV" is generated.

The episode creation unit n404 records the use start time and use end time of the element data for which the episode data is created, in the episode time range storage unit n408 as the episode time range (step H7). In the present embodiment, the use start time "6:11" and the end time "8:31" of the TV are recorded in the episode time range storage unit n408, which is the time range of the episode regarding the use of the TV.

The element time range comparison unit n409 checks whether element data for comparing the time range of the episode with the use time of other element data remains in the element data storage unit n407 (step H8). If the element data to be compared remains, the control proceeds to Step H9. In this embodiment, since there exists element data, such as "air conditioner" and "range" which compare TV and use time, it moves to step H9.

The element time range comparison unit n409 reads the element data from the element data storage unit n407 and refers to the time range of the episode data recorded in the episode time range storage unit n408 (step H9). In the present embodiment, elements related to the use of the "air conditioner" are first read from the element data, and the time range "starting time 6:11 to end time 8:31" of the episode data relating to the use of the TV is referred to. do.

The element time range comparison unit n409 determines whether or not the read element data falls within the time range of the episode data (step H10). If the condition is satisfied here, the process goes to step H11. If the condition is not satisfied, the process goes to step H8. As a condition for determining the time relationship between the time range of the episode and the use time of the element data, it is assumed that the use time of each element data is in the time range of the episode data, as shown in FIG. In the embodiment, since the use time of the air conditioner is in the range of use time of the TV, the flow moves to step H11.

The element adding unit n405 adds element data to the episode data. In the present embodiment, element data "air conditioner" is added to episode data relating to the use of the TV (step H11).

By repeating steps H5 to H11, episode data relating to the use of element data is generated. 46 shows episode data created in the embodiment.

As described above, the episode creation unit n103a extracts, as episode data, a combination of devices that the user is simultaneously using from the life data.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the contents of the living data were merely classified into episodes. However, in the present embodiment, the type and duration of the device are used from the living data stored in the living data storage unit n102. Since new element data is created and episode data about air is created, it is possible to create episode data that shows the user's use of the device in more detail, and to extract the user's life pattern. It is possible to carry out in detail. In short, according to the present embodiment, by using episode data as a combination of devices and contents simultaneously used by the user, it is possible to extract an air pattern of device and content usage characteristic to the user.

In addition, in the present embodiment, episode data is created from the relationship of usage time between element data by newly setting the type of device and the use period as element data. Element data may be created using this, and episode data may be generated from the relationship of the use time between the element data. For example, by using the element data creation rule shown in FIG. 47, it is also possible to create episode data indicating the relationship between the content data and the use time of the function using the element viewing time and the use time of the device function as the element data.

The element time range comparison unit n409 has made a determination using the time relationship as shown in FIG. 45, but may create episode data using other determination conditions. As the determination condition for creating the episode data, for example, a condition as shown in FIG. 48 may be used. 48 shows an example in which the start time or end time of the use time of each element data is in the time range of the episode data (the upper left border), and the example in which the start time of the use time of each element data is in the time range of the episode data. (Border at bottom left) is shown.

In addition, as extraction of the lifestyle pattern information of the lifestyle pattern extraction apparatus n10O1 provided with the episode creation part n103a in this embodiment, the combination pattern of the illumination which lights at the same time from the time which the lighting of each room turns on, for example. It becomes possible to extract, and it becomes possible to perform the holiday support of the operation support type, such as the holiday lighting of a lighting equipment, the holiday off, etc.

Further, for example, it is possible to extract a combination pattern of content and an application to be used simultaneously from the relationship between the execution time of the application and the viewing time of the content on the PC, such as during the start of the holiday or the end of the holiday, etc. It is possible to perform holiday control of the work content dependent type.

(Embodiment 5)

Next, the device holiday control system in Embodiment 5 of this invention is demonstrated. The present embodiment relates to a method of extracting information about an event occurring in life from the life data storage unit n102 according to the first embodiment, and creating device use relationships as episode data that are characteristic of the user depending on the event. will be.

In short, the device holiday control system according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as that of the device holiday control system of the first embodiment, but includes a new episode creation unit n103b instead of the episode creation unit n103 of the first embodiment. It has that characteristic.

Fig. 49 is a block diagram showing the structure of the episode creation unit n103b in the present embodiment. This episode creation unit n103b is provided in addition to the modules n401 to n409 included in the episode creation unit n103a according to the fourth embodiment, the element data creation rule storage unit n410, the event storage unit n411, An event time range storage unit n412 and an event creation rule storage unit n413 are provided. In addition, since the modules n401-n409 are the same modules as Embodiment 4, description is abbreviate | omitted.

The element data creation rule storage unit n410 is a storage unit that stores element data creation rules indicating the contents of rules for creating element data.

The event storage unit n411 is a storage unit such as a memory that stores event information recorded in living data.

The event time range storage unit n412 is a storage unit such as a memory that records a time range in which an event is performed.

The event creation rule storage unit n413 is a storage unit that stores an event creation rule indicating a condition for extracting an event from living data.

Next, an operation (process I) in which the episode data is extracted from the life data in the episode creation unit will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the case where the element data creation rule shown in FIG. 42 is shown, the event creation rule shown in FIG. 51, and the life data of FIG. 43 are provided as an example.

As in the present embodiment, living data is read from the living pattern storage unit n102, element data is created according to the element data creation rule, and recorded in the element data storage unit n407 (steps I1 to I4). In this embodiment, the element data is extracted from the living data of FIG. 42 according to the element data creation rule of FIG. 42, and the element data shown in FIG. 44 is recorded in the element data storage unit n407.

The life data extraction unit n401 refers to the event creation rule recorded in the event creation rule storage unit n413 (step I5). In this embodiment, the event creation rule of FIG. 51 is referred to.

  The living data extracting unit n401 determines whether the living data conforms to the event creation rule (step I6). Here, if the event creation rule is followed, the procedure goes to step I7, and if not, the procedure goes to step I1. In the embodiment, the data 4101 is first read from the living data storage unit n102, and the content thereof follows the contents of the event creation rule of "power on of the device", and the flow proceeds to step I7.

The life data extraction unit n401 records the contents of the life data in the event storage unit n411 as event information (step I7). In this embodiment, according to the content of the event creation rule, the content is recorded in the event recording unit n411 as the TV start event for 5 minutes from the start of the TV.

By repeating the processing of steps I1 to I4 and steps I5 to I7, element data and event information are created, and after the extraction of all the living data from the living data storage unit n10 is completed, the process moves to step I8. In this embodiment, the element data shown in FIG. 44 and the event data shown in FIG. 52 are created from the life data shown in FIG. 43 by step I1-I4 and step I5-I7.

The episode data creating unit n404 extracts one piece of event information for which episode data has not been created from the event storage unit n411, and creates episode data (step I9). In the present embodiment, event information relating to "TV startup" is extracted from the event data shown in FIG. 52, and episode data relating to "TV startup" event is generated.

The episode creation unit n404 records the time range of the event for which episode data is created in the event time range storage unit n412 (step I10). In this embodiment, the time range "6: 11-6: 16" of the TV start event is recorded in the event time range storage unit n412.

The element time range comparison unit n409 checks whether or not the element data that needs to be compared with the episode time range exists in the element data storage unit n407 (step I11). If there is element data to be compared, the flow advances to step I8. If there is no element data, the flow proceeds to step I12. In the present embodiment, since there is element data such as "air conditioner" and "range" for comparing the event information with the use time, the process moves to step I12.

The element time range comparison unit n409 reads the element data from the element data storage unit n407 and refers to the time range of the episode recorded in the event time range storage unit n408 (step I12). In the embodiment, the element data relating to the use of "TV" is read from the element data, and the time range "6: 11-6: 16" of the episode data relating to the "TV activation" event is referenced.

The element time range comparison unit n409 determines whether or not the read element data is included in the time range of the episode data (step I13). If the condition is satisfied here, the process moves on to step I14. If the condition is not satisfied, the process moves on to step I11. As a condition for determining the temporal relationship between the episode data and the element data, it is assumed that the time range of each element data is included in the time range of the episode data as shown in FIG. In the embodiment, since the element data "TV" is not included in the range of the episode data "TV startup", it moves to step I11.

In the case where data relating to the use of the element data "air conditioner" is taken out from the element data storage unit n407 in step I11, steps I11 and I12 are similarly performed.

Next, in step I13, since the element data "air conditioner" is included in the time range of the episode data relating to the "TV startup" event, the flow advances to step I14.

The element adding unit n405 adds element data to the episode data. In the present embodiment, the element data "air conditioner" is added to the episode data related to the "TV activation" event (step I14).

By repeatedly performing the above steps I8 to I14, the episode shown in FIG. 54 is extracted.

In this way, by adding a module for specifying the event information generated in the user from the living data, it is possible to create episode data indicating the relationship between the occurrence time of each event and the usage time of each device. It is possible to extract the usage pattern of the user's device. In short, according to the present embodiment, by setting the device or content combination used by the user under a predetermined event as episode data, it is possible to extract an air pattern of device or content use depending on the event characteristic of the user.

In the present embodiment, the type of the device is described as the element data, but the episode data indicating the relationship between the event and the air use may be created using the type of the function or content used as the element data.

The element time range comparison unit n409 has made a determination using the time relationship as shown in FIG. 53, but may create episode data using other determination conditions. As a determination condition for creating the episode data, for example, a condition as shown in FIG. 55 may be used. In FIG. 55, the example where the start time of the use time of each element data is later than the start time of the episode data, and the end time of the element data is earlier than the end time of the episode data (left upper edge), use of each element data An example is shown in which the start time or end time of the time is in the time range of the episode data (the lower left border).

In addition, in the present embodiment, episode data has been created by using the event creation rule of FIG. 51 regarding the use of other devices related to device startup, but episodes related to other events by using other event creation rules are used. Data creation can be performed.

In addition, as extraction of the lifestyle pattern information of the lifestyle pattern extracting apparatus nl01 provided with the episode creation part n103b in this embodiment, for example, the operation event of the electronic key of the door at the time of returning home and lighting of a house light By extracting the relationship of the usage time such as turning on the power supply of the TV or the air conditioner, it is possible to perform event-dependent holiday control such as performing a holiday start-up of the equipment in the home in accordance with the return event to the home.

(Embodiment 6)

Next, the device holiday control system in Embodiment 6 of this invention is demonstrated. The present embodiment relates to a method for specifying element data having a large air relation even in element data included in episode data having a low number of appearances from the FP-Tree.

In short, the device holiday control system according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as the device holiday control system of the first embodiment, but instead of the life pattern analysis unit n105 of the first embodiment, a new life pattern analysis unit n105a is provided. It has the characteristics in the point provided.

56 shows the structure of a module of the lifestyle pattern analysis unit n105a in the present embodiment. This life pattern analysis unit n105 is in addition to the modules n1401 to n1404 included in the life pattern analysis unit n105 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 15, and the inter-node reliability calculation unit n1405 and the node are provided. A search end determination unit n1407 is provided. In addition, since the modules n1401 to n1404 are the same modules as the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

The internode confidence level calculator n1405 is a processor that calculates the confidencelines between the nodes.

The node search end determination unit n1407 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the search of all nodes has ended.

The method (process J) for extracting the air pattern of the element data characteristic to the user when the FP-Tree shown in FIG. 58 is given to the life pattern analysis unit n105a configured as described above is shown in FIG. 57. It demonstrates using the flowchart shown.

The FP-Tree input unit n1401 reads FP-Tree data. In this embodiment, the FP-Tree shown in FIG. 57 is read (step J1).

The internode confidence level calculator n1405 calculates the confidence degree between each node of the read FP-Tree by the following equation (step J2).

Factor B confidence in factor A

= Number of episodes containing both element A and element B / number of episodes containing element A

In this embodiment, with respect to the subtree rooted at node N2 in FIG. 58 and the subtree rooted at node 10, the confidence degree between the root of the subtree and the node is calculated by the equation. The result of having calculated the degree of confidence is shown in FIG.

It moves to the root of FP-Tree (step J3). In this embodiment, it moves to the node N1 of FIG.

The child node search unit n1406 determines whether there is a node of a child whose confidence level is greater than or equal to the threshold value by searching for the current node (step J4). If there is a child node that satisfies the condition, the control proceeds to Step J6. In the present embodiment, the threshold of the confidence level is set to O.3, and the nodes N2 and N10 that satisfy the condition are found as a result of searching for an unsearched node having a confidence level higher than or equal to the node of the child of the node N1. Since it exists, it moves to step J5.

It moves to the child's node, and stores the element name recorded in the node as an element having a strong air relationship with the other element (step J5). In this embodiment, first, it moves to node N2, and records the element name "air conditioner" memorize | stored in node N2.

Steps J4 and J5 are repeated to move to the node having no child node satisfying the condition. At this time, the element name stored in the moved node is stored as an element having strong air relation with other elements. In this embodiment, after moving to the node N4 of FIG. 59, since the node of the child which satisfy | fills a condition disappears, it moves to step J6.

The node search end determination unit n1407 checks whether all nodes have been searched (step J6). If all nodes have been found, the process moves to step J8, and if there are unsearched nodes, the process moves to step J7. In this embodiment, since there is an unsearched node, it moves to step J7.

The parent node search unit n1403 searches for a parent node until it reaches a node having a node of a child satisfying the condition (step J7). In this embodiment, it moves from node N4 to node N3 which has the node of the child which satisfy | fills a condition.

By repeating steps J4 to J7, the search for all nodes in the tree is completed and then the procedure goes to step J8.

The life pattern recording unit n1404 records, in the life pattern storage unit n106, a combination of element data with strong air relations as a result of the search and having a confidence level equal to or higher than the threshold value (step J8). In this embodiment, the contents of FIGS. 60A and 60B are recorded in the life pattern storage unit n106 as the life pattern information.

According to the above description, in the present embodiment, the degree of confidence in the number of element data recorded in each node is obtained, so that the air relationship is strong, i.e., characteristic and meaningful to the user, regardless of the number of episode data occurrences. It is possible to extract the combination of elements. In short, according to the present embodiment, the number of occurrences is increased by obtaining a degree of confidence among the nodes regarding the number of element data recorded in each node in the FP-Tree, and limiting the search range of the frequency of occurrence pattern to a node having a degree of confidence or higher. It is also possible to extract air patterns included in fewer episodes.

In addition, as extraction of the life pattern information of the life pattern extracting apparatus n10O1 provided with the life pattern analysis part n105a in this embodiment, for example, on weekdays in a week, although PC and audio are used, Even when using a TV and a video deck, it is possible to extract a combination pattern of a PC and an audio, a TV and a video deck, regardless of the number of combinations of equipment use, and to perform holiday control such as operation support in each use. It becomes possible to do it.

In the present embodiment, a combination of element data with strong air relations is extracted using the confidence level of the root of each sub tree. However, the number of elements at each node may be converted to this confidence level. For example, as shown in FIG. 61, the same effect can be obtained even if a node having an element number of more than 10 is recorded in the life pattern storage unit n106 as a combination of element data with strong air relation.

Next, the living data recording device n107 records the usage history of the plurality of devices by the user and the viewing history of the content as the living data in the living data storage unit nl02, and uses the living pattern information of the user. Regarding the specific configuration and operation of the holiday device control device n108 for consecutively controlling the device, when the user changes the timer setting of any device, the device operating in connection with this is specified, and the specified device is A system for consecutively controlling the contents of the timer setting will be described as an example.

Here, the timer holiday setting system constituted by the living data recording device n107 and the holiday device control device n108 is a system for setting or changing timers of a plurality of devices, and at least one device is used for setting or setting a timer. Manages timer setting contents (preset time, etc.) and timer consecutive holidays information of the timer setting contents notifying unit for notifying the timer management unit of the changed contents, and based on the setting contents of the timer notified from the device, And a timer setting content changing portion for determining timer change information changed by the timer setting contents, and a timer setting contents changing portion for changing timer setting on each device side based on the timer setting contents determined by the timer management portion. If the timer settings of any device you configure change, And notifying the timer setting unit to determine the timer setting contents of the device to be holiday as timer change information based on the timer consecutive holidays information, and to notify the timer setting contents changing unit. System.

Fig. 62 is a schematic block diagram of a timer consecutive setting system according to the present invention. The main composition of the outline block diagram is the alarm clock with the alarm function and the air conditioner with the timer function, the rice cooker with the timer function, the lighting with the timer function, the ventilation line with the timer function, the washing machine with the timer function, with the timer function Baths and the like receive settings or changes of timers from a plurality of devices (103, 104, 105, 106) and a plurality of devices (103, 104, 105, 106) having different functions, and a timer for a plurality of devices A timer management device for transmitting the setting or the change is provided.

Many devices 103, 104, 105, and 106 are provided with a timer setting contents changing unit 108 for setting and changing timer contents, and a timer setting contents notifying unit 107 for notifying the timer contents to the timer managing unit. .

In addition, a plurality of devices each have a function (main function) necessary for each device, for example, an alarm clock generates an alarm, a cooker cooks grain, an air conditioner functions such as heating, cooling, and dehumidification, and a bathtub provides water. Functions such as receiving, lighting on, off, illumination adjustment, ventilation line ventilation function, washing machine has a washing function, each function is linked to the timer, the function of each device to the controller of the device according to the timer It can be controlled by.

For example, the work by each function may be started (for example, heating of the air conditioner) or terminated (for example, cooking of the rice cooker) at the set time.

Thus, many devices have different main functions, and each main function is controllable by a timer.

The timer management device 101 detects a change in the timer setting transmitted from any of the above devices, and performs consecutive holidays with the devices 104 to 106 that operate in consecutive holidays with the device 103 which notified the timer setting. The timer management unit 109 is provided to create timer change information and to notify the plurality of devices 104 to 106 of the generated timer change information. In other words, the timer managing device 101 is a timer indicating device for instructing a device to set a timer.

Specifically, the plurality of devices 103 to 106 are, for example, a timer setting contents notification unit 107 for notifying the timer management apparatus of the changed timer setting contents when the timer setting contents are changed by the user 110; When the signal notified from the other device is detected, the timer setting content changing unit 108 changes the timer setting content in accordance with the detected signal. The timer management device 101 detects the change of the timer setting transmitted from any of the above devices, and specifies the devices 104 to 106 that operate in consecutive holidays with the device 103 which notified the timer setting, The changed information is created by the timer consecutive information based on the predetermined user behavior pattern to the specified devices 104 to 106, and the plurality of devices 104 to 106 are notified of the generated timer change information. And a communication medium 102 that connects the devices 103 to 106 and the timer management device 101.

(Embodiment 7)

Next, the device holiday control system in Embodiment 7 of this invention is demonstrated. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, an alarm clock is assumed for the device 103, an air conditioner for which a timer can be reserved for the start time is assumed for the device 104, and the cooking end time (preset time) is for the device 105. Assuming a rice cooker that can be reserved, a plurality of devices 106 are assumed to be other devices (states with nothing in particular) and explained.

63 is a hardware configuration diagram of the device consecutive control system according to the present embodiment. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG. 62, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. This apparatus holiday control system is comprised of the timer management apparatus 101, the communication medium 102, the clock 103, the apparatus 104, and the rice cooker 105. As shown in FIG.

The network interface 201 is an interface for the timer management device 101 to communicate with other devices 103 to 106.

The CPU 202 is a processor that executes a predetermined operation procedure in the timer management device 101.

The main storage unit 203 is a memory for temporarily storing information used by the CPU 202.

The storage unit 204 is a storage unit such as a hard disk that stores timer ID management information, timer management information, and timer consecutive information.

The network interface 205 is an interface for the air conditioner 104 to communicate with the timer management device 101.

The CPU 206 is a processor that executes predetermined operation procedures (for example, operations such as blowing, heating, cooling, and dehumidification) in the air conditioner 104.

The storage unit 207 is a storage unit such as a memory for storing the timer ID of the air conditioner 104 and the timer setting contents.

The network interface 208 is an interface for the alarm clock 103 to communicate with the timer management device 101.

The CPU 209 is a processor that executes a predetermined operation procedure in the alarm clock 103.

The storage unit 210 is a storage unit such as a memory for storing the timer ID of the alarm clock and the timer setting contents.

The network interface 211 is an interface for the rice cooker 105 to communicate with the timer managing device 101.

The CPU 212 is a processor that executes a predetermined operation procedure (for example, a heating operation) in the rice cooker 105.

The storage unit 213 is a storage unit such as a memory for storing the timer ID of the rice cooker 105 and the timer setting contents.

The timer ID and timer setting contents will be described next.

Next, a detailed function of each device constituting the device holiday control system according to the present embodiment will be described.

64 shows the configuration of a functional block commonly provided in an alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker. 65 shows the configuration of the functional blocks included in the timer managing device 101. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 64 and FIG. 65, what shows the same thing as FIG. 62 is attached | subjected with the same code | symbol, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

First, each function block provided in each apparatus 103-106 of an alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker is demonstrated. Each of the devices 103 to 106 is functionally a user input detection unit 301 as a timer setting content notification unit 107, a setting information output unit 302, a timer setting storage unit 303, and a timer ID storage unit. 304, a timer setting updating unit 305 and a setting information detecting unit 306 as the timer setting contents changing unit 108 are provided.

The user input detection unit 301 is an input device that detects the presence or absence of an operation from the user, and notifies the setting information output unit 302 of the operation from the user when there is an operation.

The timer setting storage unit 303 is a storage unit such as a memory that stores contents of timer settings of the devices 103 to 106.

The timer ID storage unit 304 is a storage unit such as a memory for recording a timer ID uniquely assigned to distinguish the timer setting contents of the devices 103 to 106 from other timer setting contents.

When there is a notification from the user input detection unit 301, the setting information output unit 302 sets the timer ID and the timer of the device itself when there is a change in the timer setting contents stored in the timer setting storage unit 303. It is an output unit which notifies the timer management apparatus 101 of the content. In the present embodiment, the timer setting contents are read out from the timer setting storage section 303, the timer ID is read out from the timer ID storage section 304, and it is detected whether or not there is a change in the timer setting contents or timer ID or timer. Notification processing of the setting contents is performed.

 The timer setting updating unit 305 is a processing unit for updating the timer setting contents stored in the timer setting storage unit 303.

The setting information detection unit 306 detects the presence or absence of a signal notified from the timer management device 101, and when the signal is detected, the timer ID stored in the timer ID storage unit 304 and the timer itself are stored. By comparing the timer ID included in the signal notified from 101, it is a processing unit that determines whether the signal notified from the timer management device 101 is a signal to the device itself.

Next, the functions of the respective function blocks included in the timer managing apparatus 101 will be described. As shown in FIG. 65, the timer management device 101 is functionally provided with a signal detector 401, a timer management information updater 402, a timer consecutive analysis unit 403, and a timer consecutive information storage unit 404. ), A timer ID management information storage unit 406, a timer management information storage unit 407, and a signal output unit 409.

The signal detector 401 is a processor that detects the presence or absence of a signal notified from an arbitrary device, and determines whether the detected signal is a signal notified to the timer managing apparatus 101 when the signal is detected.

The timer management information updating unit 402 is a processing unit for updating the timer management information stored in the timer management information storage unit 407.

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 is a processing unit that specifies, by the user, another device that operates by consecutively operating a device whose timer setting is changed, and the specified device creates new timer setting content as timer change information.

The timer consecutive information storage unit 404 is a storage unit such as a memory for storing timer consecutive information for determining a consecutive method of timer setting between the multiple devices 103 to 106 based on a predetermined user behavior pattern.

The timer ID management information storage unit 406 is a storage unit such as a memory for storing timer IDs of all the devices 103 to 106 constituting the timer setting system of the present invention.

The timer management information storage unit 407 is a storage unit such as a memory for storing timer management information of all the devices 103 to 106 constituting the timer setting system of the present invention.

The signal output unit 409 is an output unit that notifies the apparatuses 103 to 106 of the timer change information created by the timer consecutive analysis unit 403.

Next, a timer setting method of the device holiday control system (here, the timer management system) according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, in the present embodiment, after the timer setting contents of the device 103 are changed by the user 110, in the process until the timer setting of the device 104 operating in the holiday of the device 103 is changed. The operational relationship between the device 103, the timer management device 101, and the device 104 is shown by the sequence diagram of FIG. 66. The operation relationship shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 66 is described below.

First, the operator (user) 110 sets and changes the contents of the timer of a certain device 103.

The device 103 detects that the timer setting has been changed by the user (step 501).

The device 103 notifies the timer management device 101 of the timer ID and the changed timer setting contents (step 502).

The timer management device 101 detects a signal notified from the device 103 (step 503).

The timer managing apparatus 101 specifies a device to be connected with the device 103 (step 504).

The timer managing apparatus 101 determines timer change information (timer ID, timer setting contents) of the device 104 specified in step 504 (step 505).

The timer management device 101 notifies the device 104 of the timer change information (step 506).

The device 104 detects a signal notified from the timer management device 101 (step 507).

The device 104 updates the timer setting contents to the timer change information notified by the timer management device 101 (step 508).

Next, an operation procedure in each functional block shown in FIGS. 64 and 65 will be described.

Here, in this embodiment, the memory map shown in FIG. 68 (a) is stored in the timer management information storage unit 407, and the memory map shown in FIG. 67 is stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404, respectively. Assume the case.

Moreover, when the timer setting (alarm) of the apparatus 103 (alarm clock) is changed by a user, the apparatus 103 (alarm clock), the apparatus 104 (air conditioner), the apparatus 105 (rice cooker), The operation procedure of the device 106 (other devices, where there is nothing here) and the timer managing device 101 will be described.

First, an operation procedure until the timer setting contents (the preset time, for example, the time when an alarm sounds) of the device 103 (alarm clock) is changed, and the timer setting contents after the change are notified to the timer managing apparatus 101 is shown in FIG. 69 is shown in the flowchart.

Hereinafter, the operational procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 69 will be described.

The user input detection unit 301 detects the presence or absence of an operation from the user with respect to the arbitrary device 103 (step 601). When the operation from the user is detected here, the user input detection unit 301 informs the setting information output unit 302 that the operation has been performed by the user. The process then moves to step 602. If no operation from the user is detected, step 601 is repeated. In the present embodiment, the alarm clock that has been operated by the user moves to step 602, and the air conditioner and the rice cooker repeat step 601.

The setting information output unit 302 refers to the timer setting storage unit 303, and refers to the timer setting contents of the device 103 (step 602). In this embodiment, the alarm clock refers to the alarm set time.

The setting information output unit 302 checks whether there is any change in the timer setting contents referred to in step 602 (step 603). If there is a change in the timer setting here, the flow proceeds to step 604. If there is no change in the alarm setting, the flow returns to step 601. In the present embodiment, the alarm clock is moved to step 604 because the alarm setting time has been changed by the user.

The setting information output unit 302 reads out the timer ID of the device 103 stored in the timer ID storage unit 304 and notifies the timer management apparatus 101 (step 604). In the present embodiment, the timer ID of the alarm clock is notified to the timer managing device 101.

The setting information output unit 302 notifies the timer managing apparatus 101 of the timer setting contents stored in the timer setting storage unit 303 of the device 103 (step 605). In the present embodiment, the alarm clock informs the timer management device 101 of the alarm setting contents.

Here, step 604 and step 605 are performed in order, but can also be performed in parallel.

From the above description, the device 103 whose timer setting contents have been changed by the user notifies the timer management device 101 of the timer ID of the device 103 and the timer setting contents after the change.

In the present embodiment, when the device 103 notifies the timer management device 101 of the device's timer ID and the changed timer setting contents, the device 103 notifies the timer ID and the notification is received. The timer management device 101 may read the timer setting contents of the device 103. Or simply, when there is a change in the setting from the device 103, a signal indicating the effect is notified to the timer managing device, and the timer managing device 101 reads the timer ID and timer setting contents of the device 103. You may also do it.

In addition, the timer managing apparatus 101 may periodically check whether the apparatus 103 has changed the timer setting contents, and read the changed timer setting contents to the timer managing apparatus when there is a change.

Next, the timer management device 101 detects a signal notified by the device 103 (alarm clock) whose timer setting contents have been changed by the user, and then operates the device consecutively with the device 103 (alarm clock). In the operation procedure up to 104-105 (air conditioner and rice cooker), the timer change information of the apparatuses 104-105 (air conditioner and rice cooker) is prepared and notified to a number of other devices 103-106. This will be described using the flowcharts of Figs. 70A and 70B. In addition, the detail of the process (b) shown to FIG. 70 (a) is corresponded to FIG. 70 (b).

The signal detection unit 401 detects the presence or absence of notification to the timer management device 101 from the outside (step 701). If no signal is detected here, step 701 is repeated. In the present embodiment, the timer managing device 101 detects a signal from the alarm clock and moves to step 702.

The signal detection unit 401 determines whether the signal detected in step 701 is a signal notified from the device 103 to the timer management device 101 (step 702). If it is determined that the signal detected here is a signal transmitted to the timer managing apparatus 101, the flow proceeds to step 703. If the detected signal is a signal notified from the device 103 to other devices 104 to 106, the process returns to step 701. In this embodiment, since the signal transmitted from the alarm clock is a signal transmitted to the timer managing apparatus 101, it moves to step 703.

The signal detection unit 401 refers to the timer ID management information storage unit 406, specifies which device the signal is notified from, and updates the specified device information (timer ID, timer setting contents) with the timer management information. It conveys to the part 402 (step 703). In this embodiment, the signal management unit 401 informs the timer management information update unit 402 that the detected signal is information on alarm setting of the alarm clock.

The timer management information updating unit 402 updates the timer management information of the device 103 stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 with the timer setting contents transmitted from the device 103 (step 704).

In this embodiment, among the memory maps of FIG. 68 (a) stored in the timer management information storage unit 407, timer management information of the alarm clock is updated to the state shown in the memory map of FIG. 68 (b). do. In this case, as shown in the figure, the timer management information includes a "timer ID" which is an identifier of a device, a "date" of a timer, a "time" of a timer, a "name of a device", "Operation contents of the apparatus" is shown.

For example, if the time of the timer setting contents of the alarm clock is changed from 7:00 to 6:00, the timer management information refers to the timer ID of the alarm clock, and the time of the corresponding timer ID is shown in Fig. 68 (a). As shown in 68 (b), the change is from 7:00 to 6:00.

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 obtains, from the timer management information update unit 402, the timer ID of the device 103 in which the timer management information has been changed (step 705). In the present embodiment, the timer consecutive analysis unit 403 acquires the timer ID 002 of the alarm clock.

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 refers to timer consecutive holiday information (shown in FIG. 67) based on a predetermined user behavior pattern stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404. The operation information obtained during consecutive holidays is acquired (step 706). In this embodiment, with reference to the memory map of FIG. 67 stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404, timer consecutive information for determining the operation time relationship of each timer setting of the alarm clock, air conditioner, and rice cooker is obtained. .

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 specifies the devices 104 to 106 operating in consecutive holidays with the device 103 from the timer ID acquired in step 705 and the timer consecutive information obtained in step 706 (step 707). If there is no device operating during the holiday, the flow returns to step 701.

In the present embodiment, when the timer ID as the key is set to 002 from the timer consecutive information of FIG. 67 and the timer ID of the alarm clock, it is specified that the air-conditioner and the rice cooker operate in consecutive holidays.

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 refers to the timer management information storage unit 407 and acquires the timer setting contents after the change of the device 103 (step 708). In this embodiment, the setting content (6 AM) of the alarm of the alarm clock is acquired from FIG. 68 (b) stored in the timer management information storage unit 407.

The timer consecutive holidays analysis unit 403 refers to the timer consecutive holidays information stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404, and determines the time of the timer setting contents of the device 104 and the apparatus 103 specified in step 707. A relationship is obtained (step 709). In the present embodiment, the relative time (-30 minutes) of the timer setting contents of the air conditioner for the alarm clock is first obtained from the timer consecutive information shown in FIG. 67.

Here, the timer consecutive information is a time relationship between the timer setting functions of each device, and in this embodiment, the timer setting time of the device to be the key and the timer setting time of the device to be connected to this time. Relative time relationship is shown. For example, when the user changes the timer of the alarm clock, the air conditioner and the rice cooker change the timer by consecutively using the timer setting contents of the alarm clock. In addition, when the user changes the timer setting of the air conditioner, the alarm clock and the rice cooker are held consecutively using the timer setting content of the air conditioner as a key to change the timer content.

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 determines the device (from the time relationship between the timer setting contents of the device 103 acquired in step 708 and the timer setting contents of the device 104 with respect to the device 103 acquired in step 709). The timer change information of 104 is determined (step 710). In the present embodiment, timer change information (5:30 am) of the air conditioner is set from the time relationship (-30 minutes) of the setting contents (6 AM) of the alarm of the alarm clock and the timer setting contents of the air conditioner for the alarm clock. Is determined.

The signal output unit 409 refers to the timer ID management information storage unit 406 and notifies the plurality of devices 103 to 106 of the timer ID of the device 104 (step 711). In this embodiment, the timer ID for identifying the timer setting contents of the air conditioner is notified from the timer ID management information storage unit 406 to the alarm clock, the air conditioner, and the rice cooker.

The signal output unit 409 notifies a plurality of devices 103 to 106 of the timer change information (step 712). In this embodiment, timer change information of the air conditioner is notified to the alarm clock, the air conditioner, and the rice cooker.

The timer management information updating unit 402 updates the timer management information of the device 104 stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 with timer change information of the device 104 (step 713). In this embodiment, timer management information (6:30 am) of the air conditioner of the memory map shown in FIG. 68 (b) stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 is shown in FIG. 71, It is updated with timer change information (5:30 am).

If any of the devices 105 to 106 are connected to the device 103, the process moves to step 709 (step 714). If there is no device to be held, the flow returns to step 701. In the present embodiment, since a rice cooker other than an air conditioner is operated as a device operating in consecutive holidays with the alarm clock, the flow returns to step 709.

Regarding the rice cooker, the same steps 709 to 714 as in the air conditioner are repeated, the timer change information storage unit 408 stores the new timer setting contents of the rice cooker, and returns to step 701.

From the above description, the timer management device 101 detects the timer setting contents notified from the device 103 whose timer setting contents have been changed, and operates in a row with the device 103 from timer consecutive information based on a predetermined user behavior pattern. The timer change information of other devices 104 to 106 can be created, and the other devices 103 to 106 can be notified of this.

In addition, in this embodiment, although step 709-714 was repeated each of a rice cooker and an air conditioner, you may process simultaneously with a rice cooker and an air conditioner.

In addition, it is efficient to perform steps 704, 710, and 713 within the same process.

Next, a plurality of devices 103 to 106 (air conditioners and rice cookers) detect timer change information notified from the timer management device 101, and the timer setting contents stored in the timer setting storage unit 303 are used as timer change information. The operation procedure up to update is described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 72.

The setting information detection unit 306 detects the presence or absence of a signal transmitted from the timer managing device 101 (step 801). If no signal is detected here, step 801 is repeated. In this embodiment, notification from the timer management apparatus 101 of an alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker is detected, and it moves to step 802.

The setting information detection unit 306 refers to the timer ID storage unit 304 and acquires a timer ID (step 802). In the present embodiment, each of the alarm clock, the air conditioner, and the rice cooker refers to the timer ID storage unit 304 in the setting information detection unit 306, and acquires a timer ID for identifying each timer function.

The setting information detection unit 306 compares the timer ID included in the signal transmitted from the timer management device 101 with the timer ID of the device itself acquired in step 802 (step 803). If the timer IDs match here, the flow advances to step 804. If the timer IDs do not match, the flow returns to step 801. In this embodiment, since the timer ID of an air conditioner and a rice cooker is transmitted from the timer management apparatus 101, an air conditioner and a rice cooker move to step 804, respectively. The alarm clock returns to step 801.

The timer setting updating unit 305 updates the timer setting contents stored in the timer setting storage unit 303 with timer change information notified from the timer managing device 101 (step 804). The timer ID is referred to here, and the timer setting contents related to the matched timer ID are changed. In this embodiment, the timer setting update unit 305 changes the timer setting time of the air conditioner to 5:30 am and the timer setting contents of the rice cooker to 6:30 am, respectively.

From the above description, the timer setting contents of the devices 103 to 106 are changed to the new timer setting contents by the timer ID and timer change information notified from the timer management device 101. Therefore, when the user changes the timer setting for one device, the user can automatically reflect the change in other devices without making the same setting change for all other related devices. In short, according to the present embodiment, when the user changes the timer setting contents of an arbitrary device, the timer consecutive setting system operates in consecutive holidays with the device whose timer setting contents have been changed by timer consecutive information based on a predetermined user behavior pattern. By specifying a device to be changed and automatically changing the contents of each timer setting of the specified device, the user can reduce the troublesome work on the timer setting in which the functions of the multiple devices are different.

In addition, in this embodiment, although it demonstrated using the alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker, it cannot be overemphasized that the objective of this invention is achieved also when using the apparatus provided with the timer function other than this.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the timer management part 109 was provided only in the timer management apparatus 101, and was not provided in another apparatus, it used the case where the timer management part 109 is similar to the functional block shown in FIG. Needless to say, the object of the present invention is achieved even if it is included in any device 103a.

In addition, in this embodiment, FIG. 67 is shown as a memory map stored in the timer consecutive information storage part 404, and FIG. 68 (a), FIG. 68 (b) is a memory map stored in the timer management information storage part 407. FIG. 71 is used, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can be achieved by using a memory map other than this.

In addition, in this embodiment, although description was made about the change of timer setting content, the same effect is exhibited also when setting the timer setting content of a device newly, and a setting operation includes a change, a new setting, etc., too.

In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated using alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker, it cannot be overemphasized that the same effect is exhibited also when using the apparatus provided with other timer functions.

In the present embodiment, the timer management device 101 has a function of storing and managing timer setting contents of all devices by using the timer management information updating unit 402 and the timer management information storage unit 407. Although the case has been shown, by taking the same function configuration as the timer setting indicating device 111 shown in FIG. 74, a timer of a device that does not manage timer setting contents of another device and which is connected with a device whose timer setting contents have been changed by the user The setting contents are changed based on the timer consecutive holidays information, and the changed timer setting information can be notified.

74 is a functional block diagram of the timer setting indicating device 111 as described above. This timer setting instruction apparatus 111 is configured by only a part of the module group included in the timer managing apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 65. 75 (a) and (b) are flowcharts showing an operation procedure of the timer setting indicating device 111 as described above. In addition, the detail of the process (b) shown to FIG. 75 (a) is corresponded to FIG. 75 (b).

The signal detection unit 401 detects the presence or absence of notification from the outside to the timer setting instruction device 111. If no signal is detected here, step 3401 is repeated (step 3401).

The signal detection unit 401 determines that the signal detected in step 3401 is a signal notified from the device 103 to the timer setting indicating device 111 (step 3402). If it is determined that the signal detected here is the signal transmitted to the timer setting indicating device 111, the flow proceeds to step 3403. If the detected signal is a signal notified from the device 103 to other devices 104 to 106, the process returns to step 3401.

The signal detection unit 401 refers to the timer ID management information storage unit 406, specifies which device the signal is notified from, and sends the specified device information (timer ID, timer setting contents) to the timer consecutive analysis unit. It transfers to 403 (step 3403).

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 obtains, from the signal detection unit 401, the timer ID of the device 103 in which the timer setting contents have been changed (step 3404).

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 refers to the timer consecutive holiday information (shown in FIG. 67) based on a predetermined user behavior pattern stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404. Information obtained during consecutive holidays is obtained (step 3405).

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 specifies the devices 104 to 106 operating in consecutive holidays with the device 103 from the timer ID acquired in step 3404 and the timer consecutive information obtained in step 3405 (step 3406). If there is no device operating during the holiday, the flow returns to step 3401.

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 refers to the signal detection unit 401 and acquires the timer setting contents after the change of the device 103 (step 3407).

The timer consecutive holidays analyzing unit 403 refers to the timer consecutive holidays information stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404, and determines the time of the timer setting contents of the device 104 and the apparatus 103 specified in step 3405. A relationship is obtained (step 3408).

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 determines the device (from the time relationship between the timer setting contents of the device 103 acquired in step 3407 and the timer setting contents of the device 104 with respect to the device 103 acquired in step 3408). The timer change information of 104 is determined (step 3409).

The signal output unit 409 refers to the timer ID management information storage unit 406 and notifies the plurality of devices 103 to 106 of the timer ID of the device 104 (step 3410).

The signal output unit 409 notifies the multiple devices 103 to 106 of the timer change information (step 3411).

If any of the devices 105 to 106 are connected to the device 103, the flow advances to step 3408. If there is no device to be held, the flow returns to step 3401 (step 3412).

In the present embodiment, the configuration and operation of the timer management device 101 have been described assuming that timer holiday information is prepared in advance. However, as with the timer management device 101e shown in FIG. The timer management information 101 may be provided with the timer consecutive information preparation unit 450 having the function of the lifestyle pattern extracting apparatus n101 according to the forms 1 to 6.

In addition, about the creation method of the timer consecutive information shown in FIG. 67 in this embodiment, the timer consecutive information preparation part 450 is performed by a timer consecutive information preparation part 450 similarly to the lifestyle pattern extracting apparatus demonstrated in Embodiment 1-6, among a countless apparatus. In the use of the function, a combination of devices having a strong air relationship can be specified, and the time relationship of the operation can be created by statistically obtaining the relationship of the time at the time of using the timer function from the use history of each specified device.

(Embodiment 8)

Next, the device holiday control system in Embodiment 8 of this invention is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, the timer change information determined by the timer management device 101 is once stored inside the timer management device, and then notified to a number of other devices, whereby devices that cannot store a large number of timer setting contents are different from each other. In a timer holiday with other devices.

In short, the device holiday control system according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as that of the device holiday control system of the seventh embodiment, but includes a new timer management device 100a instead of the timer management device 101 of the seventh embodiment. It has that characteristic. In addition, the functional blocks with which the apparatuses 103-106 in this embodiment are provided are the same as the 7th aspect which concerns on this invention.

77 is a functional block diagram of the timer managing device 101a according to the present embodiment. This timer management device 101a is provided with a timer change information updater in addition to the modules 401 to 404, 406, 407, and 409 included in the timer management device 101 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 405, a timer change information storage unit 408, a timer change information execution unit 410, and a clock unit 411. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG. 65, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

The timer change information updating unit 405 is a processing unit for updating the contents of the timer change information storage unit 408.

The timer change information storage unit 408 is a storage unit such as a memory that stores timer change information created by the timer consecutive holidays analysis unit 403.

The timer change information execution unit 410 is a processing unit that manages timing for notifying the devices 103 to 106 of timer change information stored in the timer change information storage unit 408.

The clock unit 411 is a timer for notifying the timer change information execution unit 410 of the current time.

Next, the operation procedure of the timer management apparatus 100a configured as described above will be described. Here, it is assumed that the memory map shown in FIG. 68 (a) is stored in the timer management information storage unit 407, and the memory map shown in FIG. 67 is stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404, respectively. Will be explained.

Devices 104-106 which operate by operating the device 103 (alarm clock) in a manner detected by the timer management device 101a by detecting a signal notified by the device 103 (alarm clock) in which the timer setting contents have been changed by the user. The operation procedure until specifying (air conditioner and rice cooker) and creating this timer change information is as shown to the flowchart of FIG. 78 (a) and (b). In addition, the detail of the process (b) shown to FIG. 78 (a) is corresponded to FIG. 78 (b). The operation stop until the timer change information created by the operation procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 78A and 78B is notified to each device is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 79.

Hereinafter, the operation procedure of the flowcharts of FIGS. 78A, 78B, and 79 will be described. The operating procedures of steps 2901 to 2910 are the same as those of the steps 701 to 710 of the seventh embodiment.

The timer change information updating unit 405 records the new timer setting contents of the device 104 and the device 103 obtained by the timer holiday analysis unit 403 in the timer change information storage unit 408 (step 2911). In the present embodiment, timer change information (5:30 am) of the air conditioner obtained in step 2910 is stored in the timer change information storage unit 408. The timer change information (6:00 AM) of the alarm clock 103 is also stored.

If any of the devices 105 to 106 are connected to the device 103, the flow advances to step 2909. If there is no device to be held, the flow returns to step 2901 (step 2912). In the present embodiment, as an apparatus operating in a holiday with the alarm clock, there is a rice cooker in addition to the air conditioner, and the flow returns to step 2909.

The rice cooker also repeats steps 2909 to 2911 similarly to the air conditioner, stores the timer change information of the rice cooker in the timer change information storage unit 408, and returns to step 2901.

In addition, in this embodiment, after the above process is complete | finished, the memory map of FIG. 80 is memorize | stored in the timer change information memory | storage part. Here, the timer change information includes a "change ID" for identifying each timer change information created by the timer consecutive holidays analyzing unit 403, a "change date" for indicating a date for changing a timer, and a "change" for indicating a time for changing a timer. Time "," change device name "indicating the device to be changed," change content "indicating the change of the device, and" setting time "indicating the time to change and set.

Next, an operation of transmitting the timer change information to the devices 103 to 106 by the timer managing device 101a will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 79.

When the predetermined time has come, the timer change information execution unit 410 obtains the current time from the time releasing unit 411 (step 3001).

The timer change information execution unit 410 refers to the timer change information stored in the timer change information storage unit 408, and acquires time information for notifying the multiple devices 103 to 106 of the timer change information. (Step 3002). In this embodiment, the time which changes the timer setting time of an air conditioner and a rice cooker is not specified, and the information which is designated to run immediately is acquired.

The timer change information execution unit 410 compares the current time acquired in step 3001 with the time information for notifying the multiple devices 103 to 106 of the timer change information acquired in step 3002 (step 3003).

If the timer change information is to be notified to the multiple devices 103 to 106 here, the flow proceeds to step 3004. If the timer change information is not the time to be notified to the multiple devices 103 to 106, the process returns to step 3001. In this embodiment, since it is specified to immediately notify the timer change information of the air conditioner and the rice cooker, the flow proceeds to step 3004.

The signal output unit 409 refers to the timer ID management information storage unit 406 and notifies the multiple devices 103 to 106 of the timer ID of the device 104 (step 3004). In the present embodiment, the timer ID for identifying the timer setting contents of the air conditioner is notified to the alarm clock, the air conditioner, and the rice cooker from the timer ID management information storage unit 406.

The signal output unit 409 notifies the plurality of devices 103 to 106 of the timer change information (step 3005). In this embodiment, timer change information of the air conditioner is notified to the alarm clock, air conditioner, and rice cooker.

The timer management information updating unit 402 updates the timer management information of the device 104 stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 with timer change information of the device 104 (step 3006).

In addition, if there is a device that needs to change the timer setting, steps 3001 to 3006 are repeated.

In this embodiment, the timer management information (6:30 am) of the air conditioner of the memory map shown in FIG. 68 (b) stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 is a new time (5:30 am). Is updated. In the same manner as in the case of the air conditioner, the steps of 3001 to 3006 are repeated, and the memory map stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 is changed to FIG.

From the above description, the timer management device 101a detects the timer setting contents notified from the device 103 whose timer setting contents have been changed, and creates timer change information of other devices 103 to 106 operating in consecutive holidays. The timer change information is notified to the plurality of devices 103 to 106.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the case where the timer management information storage part and the timer change information memory part were provided separately was demonstrated, it is common and the timer change information update part updates timer change information to the timer management information memory part, and changes a timer. The information execution unit can also transmit the timer change information from the timer management information storage unit to the signal output unit.

In addition, the information processing method of notifying the timer management apparatus 101a of the setting content changed by the user in the apparatuses 103-106 is the same as the operation procedure shown by the flowchart of FIG. The information processing method of updating the timer setting contents of the devices 103 to 106 with the timer change information notified from the timer management device 101a is the same as the operation procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 72 in the seventh embodiment.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a device that cannot store a large number of timer settings needs to store a large number of timer settings, the timer change information executed after the second time on the timer management device 101a side is temporarily set. After the timer setting contents set in the apparatus are executed, the next timer change information can be notified and the timer setting contents of the apparatus can be reset. Therefore, a device that cannot store a large number of timer setting contents can be stored at different times. You can have timer holidays with other devices. In short, according to the present embodiment, when a device that cannot store a plurality of timer setting contents needs to store a plurality of timer settings, the timer change information temporarily stored after the second time on the timer management device side is temporarily stored. After the timer setting contents set in the apparatus are executed, the next timer change information can be notified and the timer setting contents of the apparatus can be reset. You can have timer holidays with other devices.

In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated using alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker, Needless to say, even if the apparatus provided with the other timer function is used, the objective of this invention is achieved.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the timer management part 109 was provided only in the timer management apparatus 10a, and was not provided in another apparatus, it used the case where the timer management part 109 arbitrarily like the function block shown in FIG. Needless to say, the object of the present invention is achieved even when included in the device.

In this embodiment, although FIG. 80 is used as a memory map stored in the timer change information storage unit 408, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can be achieved by using other memory maps.

(Embodiment 9)

Next, the device holiday control system in Embodiment 9 of this invention is demonstrated. This embodiment is related with the method by which the means for changing the timer setting on the other device 104-106 side changes with the content of the timer setting notified from the device 103. As shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the case where the time relationship of the timer change information of each air conditioner and a rice cooker, and the alarm setting time of an alarm clock will change with the alarm setting time of the alarm clock which changed the timer setting is demonstrated as an example.

Although the apparatus holiday control system in this embodiment has a structure substantially the same as the apparatus holiday control system of Embodiment 7, it provides a new timer management apparatus 101b instead of the timer management apparatus 101 of Embodiment 7. Has its features.

81 is a functional block diagram of the timer management device 101b according to the present embodiment. This timer management device 101b includes a timer consecutive information selection unit 412 in addition to the modules 401 to 411 included in the timer management device 101a in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 77. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG. 77, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

The timer holiday information storage unit 404 according to the present embodiment maintains a large number of timer holiday information based on a predetermined user behavior pattern, and defines usage information regarding which timer holiday information should be selected from among a plurality of timer holiday information. Maintain information.

The timer holiday information selecting unit 412 refers to the timer setting information of the device 103 that has notified the timer setting contents after the change from the timer management information storage unit 407, and the timer consecutive information storage unit 404. A timer holiday information selection unit which selects timer holiday information referred to by the timer holiday analyzer 403 from the use condition information held at.

In this embodiment, each of the functional blocks provided in the devices 103 to 106 is the same as in the seventh and eighth embodiments of the present invention.

Next, an operation procedure of the timer management device 101b according to the present embodiment will be described. The timer management device 101b detects the signal notified from the device 103 (alarm clock), specifies other devices (air conditioners and rice cookers) operating in consecutive holidays with the device 103 (alarm clock), and changes the timer. The operation procedure until creating the information is as shown in the flowcharts of Figs. 82 (a) and (b). In addition, the detail of the process (b) shown to FIG. 82 (a) is corresponded to FIG. 82 (b).

The signal detection unit 401 detects the presence or absence of a signal notified from the outside to the timer management device 101b (step 1501). If no signal from the outside is detected here, step 1501 is repeated. In the present embodiment, the timer managing device 101b detects the signal notified from the alarm clock and moves to step 1502.

The signal detection unit 401 determines that the signal detected in step 1501 is a signal notified from the device 103 to the timer managing apparatus 101b (step 1502). If it is determined that the signal detected here is a signal in the timer setting contents notified to the timer managing apparatus 101b, the flow proceeds to step 1503. If the detected signal is a signal notified from the device 103 to other devices 104 to 106, the process returns to step 1501. In this embodiment, since the signal transmitted from the alarm clock is a signal transmitted to the timer managing apparatus 101b, it moves to step 1503.

The signal detection unit 401 refers to the timer ID management information storage unit 406, specifies whether the detected signal is a signal notified from the timer setting of which device, and sets the specified result to the timer management information update unit 402. ) (Step 1503). In the present embodiment, the timer management information updating unit 402 is notified from the signal detecting unit 401 that the detected signal is information about an alarm of the alarm clock.

The timer management information updating unit 402 updates the timer management information of the device 103 stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 with the timer setting contents notified from the device 103 (step 1504). In the present embodiment, the operation time of the alarm of the alarm clock is updated in the memory map of FIG. 68 (a) stored in the timer management information storage unit 407, and updated in the memory map of FIG. 68 (b).

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 obtains a timer ID with reference to the timer setting contents of the device 103 (step 1505). In the present embodiment, the timer consecutive holidays analyzing unit 403 acquires the timer ID 002 of the alarm clock.

The timer consecutive information selection unit 412 obtains timer management information after the change of the device 103 from the updated timer management information storage unit 407 (step 1506).

The timer consecutive information selection unit 412 compares the timer management information of the device 103 with the usage condition information stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404, thereby making the timer consecutive information used in the timer consecutive analysis unit 403. (Step 1507). In the present embodiment, since the alarm of the alarm clock is set to 6 am, the second timer consecutive information is selected from the condition selection information shown in FIG.

Here, the timer consecutive information ID (shown in FIG. 83) is a code of "O02", and a file of timer consecutive information of ID: 002 of the timer consecutive information with the condition shown in FIG. 84 by this code (detailed in FIG. The same as that shown in 67), and a user behavior pattern is selected in this file and processing is performed.

Processing The operation procedures of steps 1507 to 1512 of FIG. 82 (b) are the same as the operation procedures of steps 2907 to 2912 of process (b) of FIG. 78.

Moreover, the operation procedure until the timer change information of the apparatuses 103-106 created by the operation procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 82 (a) and (b) is notified to each device 104-106 is, It is the same as the operation procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In addition, the information processing method of notifying the timer management apparatus 101b of the setting content in the apparatus 103-106 is the same as the said operation procedure shown by the flowchart of FIG. The information processing method of updating the timer setting contents of the devices 103 to 106 with the timer change information notified from the timer management device 101b is the same as the operation procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

From the above description, the combination of the devices 104 to 106 and the method of consecutively operating the functions change depending on the time when the user uses the device 103. It is possible to set the timer of the device. In short, according to the present embodiment, a combination of a plurality of other devices operating in a holiday with the device on which the timer setting contents are set or the relationship between the timer setting time is changed by the temporary condition of the timer setting contents of the device set by the user. It is possible to automatically set timer settings of a plurality of devices that are more suitable for a user's behavior pattern matched to a temporary condition.

In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated using alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker, it cannot be overemphasized that the objective of this invention is achieved also when using the apparatus provided with another timer function.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the timer management part 109 was provided only in the timer management apparatus 101b, and was not provided in another apparatus, the timer management part 109 is arbitrary like the function block shown in FIG. Needless to say, the object of the present invention is achieved even when included in the device.

In this embodiment, although the memory map shown in Fig. 83 is used as the use condition information, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can be achieved by using other memory maps.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the example which selects timer holiday information only with reference to the time information as the content of the use condition information was shown, the date and time information such as date, day of the week, month, year, holiday, weekday, etc. is used in addition to the time information. Needless to say, even if the timer holiday information is changed, the object of the present invention is achieved.

(Embodiment 10)

Next, the device holiday control system in Embodiment 10 of this invention is demonstrated. This embodiment relates to canceling the timer setting in a plurality of devices in which the timer setting operates consecutively.

In short, the device holiday control system according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as that of the device holiday control system of the seventh embodiment, but includes a new timer management device 101c instead of the timer management device 101 of the seventh embodiment. It has that characteristic.

85 is a functional block diagram of the timer management device 101c according to the present embodiment. This timer management device 101c includes a timer release analyzer 413 in addition to the modules 401 to 412 included in the timer management device 101b of the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 81. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG. 81, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

The timer release analyzing unit 413 is a processing unit for specifying to the user a plurality of other devices operating in consecutive holidays with the device 103 whose timer setting contents have been released, and outputting timer release information for releasing the timer setting.

As the memory map stored in the timer management information storage 407, a memory map shown in FIG. 86 is used to store a state of whether the timer function is enabled or released.

The functional blocks provided in the devices 103 to 106 are the same as those in FIG. 64.

Next, the device 103 (alarm clock), the device 104 (air conditioner), the device 105 (rice cooker), the device 106 (other devices, and the case where there is nothing here) in this embodiment are assumed. And an operation procedure of each functional block of the timer managing apparatus 101c.

When the timer setting of the device 103 is released by the user, the operation procedure until the information indicating that the timer setting of the device 103 is released is notified to the timer management device 101c is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 87. As shown. The operation procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 87 will be described below.

The user input detection unit 301 detects the presence or absence of an operation from the user on the device 103 (step 1801). When the operation from the user is detected here, the user input detection unit 301 notifies the setting information output unit 302 that the operation has been performed by the user. If the operation from the user is not detected here, step 1801 is repeated. In this embodiment, since there was operation from a user about an alarm clock, an alarm clock moves to step 1802, and the other air conditioner and a rice cooker repeat step 1801 as it is.

The setting information output unit 302 refers to the contents of the timer setting storage unit 303 and acquires the timer setting contents (step 1802). In the present embodiment, the alarm clock refers to the storage unit 210 and acquires the setting contents of the alarm.

Regarding the timer setting contents acquired in step 1802, the presence or absence of a change by the user is detected (step 1803). If there is no change in the alarm setting here, the process returns to step 1801. In the present embodiment, since the timer setting is released by the user, the alarm clock goes to step 1804.

The setting information output unit 302 acquires the timer ID of the device 103 from the timer ID storage unit 304 and notifies the timer managing apparatus 101c (step 1804). In this embodiment, the alarm clock will notify the timer management device 101c of the timer ID indicating that the alarm of the alarm clock is set.

The setting information output unit 302 notifies the timer managing apparatus 101c of the information from which the timer setting contents have been released from the timer setting storage unit 303 of the device 103 (step 1805). In the present embodiment, the alarm clock notifies the timer managing apparatus 101c of the information for which the alarm setting is released.

In this way, the device 103 in which the timer setting is released by the user notifies the timer management device 101c of the information in which the timer setting contents are released.

Next, the operation procedure until the timer management device 101c detects a signal notified by the device 103 from which the timer setting has been canceled by the user and specifies another device operating in consecutive holidays with the device 103 is described. This will be described using the flowcharts in Figs. 88 (a) and (b). In addition, the detail of the process (b) shown to FIG. 88 (a) is corresponded to FIG. 88 (b). Moreover, the operation procedure until outputting the release signal of the timer setting content of each apparatus 104-106 specified by the operation procedure shown to the flowchart of FIG. 88 (a) and (b) is shown in FIG. It is like a flowchart. Hereinafter, the operation procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 88 (a), (b) and FIG. 89 is demonstrated.

The signal detection unit 401 detects the presence or absence of a signal notified from the outside to the timer managing apparatus 101c (step 1901). If no signal from the outside is detected here, step 1901 is repeated. In the present embodiment, the timer managing device 101c detects a signal from the alarm clock and moves to step 1902.

The signal detection unit 401 determines that the signal detected in step 1901 is a signal notified from the device 103 to the timer managing apparatus 101c (step 1902). If it is determined that the signal detected here is a signal transmitted to the timer managing apparatus 101c, the flow proceeds to step 1903. If the detected signal is a signal notified from the device 103 to other devices 104 to 106, the process returns to step 1901. In this embodiment, since the signal transmitted from the alarm clock is a signal transmitted to the timer managing apparatus 101c, it moves to step 1903.

The signal detection unit 401 refers to the timer ID management information storage unit 406, specifies whether the detected signal is a signal notified from the timer setting of which device, and sets the specified result to the timer management information update unit 402. ) (Step 1903). In the present embodiment, the signal detection unit 401 tells the timer management information update unit 402 that the detected signal is information about an alarm of the alarm clock.

The timer management information updating unit 402 updates the timer management information of the device 103 stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 to the released state from the timer setting contents notified from the device 103 (step). 1904). In the present embodiment, the timer management information of the alarm clock stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 is updated to the released state.

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 refers to the timer management information of the device 103 and acquires a timer ID (step 1905). In the present embodiment, the timer consecutive analysis unit 403 acquires the timer ID 002 of the alarm clock.

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 acquires timer consecutive information stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404 (step 1906). In this embodiment, the memory map of FIG. 67 stored in the timer consecutive information storage unit 404 is acquired.

The timer consecutive analysis unit 403 specifies the devices 104 to 106 that operate in consecutive holidays with the device 103 from the timer ID acquired in step 1905 and the timer consecutive information obtained in step 1906 (step 1907). If there are no devices 104 to 106 operating in consecutive holidays with the device 103, the process returns to step 1901. In this embodiment, from the memory map of FIG. 67 and the timer ID 002 of the alarm clock, it is specified that the alarm of the alarm clock, the air conditioner, and the rice cooker operate in consecutive holidays.

The timer change information updating unit 405 records, in the timer change information storage unit 408, timer release information for notifying the apparatus specified by the timer consecutive analysis unit that the timer setting is to be released (step 1908). . In the present embodiment, first, timer release information of the air conditioner obtained in step 1907 is recorded in the timer change information storage unit 408.

If there are other devices that operate in a holiday with the device 103 in the timer consecutive analysis unit 403, the process moves to step 1908 (step 1909). If no devices 105 to 106 operate in succession, the flow returns to step 1901. In the present embodiment, since a rice cooker other than an air conditioner is a device that operates in consecutive holidays with the alarm clock, the flow returns to step 1908.

The rice cooker also repeats steps 1908 to 1909 in the same manner as the air conditioner, records the timer release information of the rice cooker in the timer change information storage unit 408, and returns to step 1901.

The timer change information execution unit 410 obtains the current time from the time unit 411 (step 2001).

The timer change information execution unit 410 refers to timer release information stored in the timer change information storage unit 408, and acquires a time for notifying the other device of the timer release information (step 2002). In the present embodiment, the time for notifying the timer release information of the air conditioner and the rice cooker is not specified, and the information designated to be executed immediately is acquired.

The timer change information execution unit 410 compares the current time acquired in step 2001 with the time for notifying the other device of the timer release information acquired in step 2002 (step 2003). If it is time to notify the other device of the timer release information here, the flow advances to step 2004. If it is not the time to notify, the flow returns to step 2001. In this embodiment, since the time to cancel the timer setting of the air conditioner and the rice cooker is not specified, and it is designated to be executed immediately, the flow proceeds to step 2004.

The signal output unit 409 refers to the timer ID management information storage unit 406 and notifies the plurality of devices 103 to 106 of the timer ID of the device 104 whose timer setting contents are released (step 2004). In this embodiment, the timer ID of timer setting of an air conditioner is notified to the many apparatuses 103-106 from the timer management apparatus 101c.

The signal output unit 409 notifies the plural devices 103 to 106 of the timer release information of the device 104 (step 2005). In the present embodiment, the timer release information of the air conditioner is notified to the plurality of devices 103 to 106 from the timer management device 101c.

The timer management information updating unit 402 updates the timer management information of the device 104 stored in the timer management information storage unit 407 to a released state (step 2006). When the processing in the step ends, the process returns to step 2001.

In this manner, the timer managing apparatus 101c detects a signal notified by the device 103 from which the timer setting is released by the user, and specifies other devices 104 to 106 that operate in consecutive holidays with the device 103. The plurality of devices 104 to 106 are notified of the timer release information of the specified device.

Next, the operation procedures of the devices 103 to 106 that have been informed of the release signal from the timer management device 101c detect the release signal and until the timer setting contents of the devices 103 to 106 themselves are released, FIG. It demonstrates using the flowchart shown in 90. FIG.

The setting information detection unit 306 detects the presence or absence of timer release information from the timer managing device 101c (step 2101). If no signal is detected here, step 2101 is repeated.

In this embodiment, when timer release information is notified from timer management apparatus 101c, each device of an alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker detects timer release information, and moves to step 2102.

The setting information detection unit 306 refers to the timer ID storage unit 304 to acquire a timer ID included in the device itself. In the present embodiment, the alarm clock, the air conditioner, and the rice cooker acquire timer ID information from each setting information detector 306 (step 2102).

The setting information detection unit 306 compares the timer ID included in the signal notified by the timer management device 101c with the timer IDs of the devices 103 to 106 themselves acquired in step 2102 (step 2103). Here, when the timer IDs coincide with each other, the timer ID informs the timer setting update unit 305 that the signal has been transmitted to the timer ID. If the timer IDs do not match, the flow returns to step 2101.

In this embodiment, since the timer ID is notified from the timer management device 101c to the air conditioner and the rice cooker together with the timer release information, the air conditioner and the rice cooker move to step 2104. Since the alarm clock is not notified of the timer ID from the timer management device 101c, the alarm clock returns to step 2101.

The timer setting updating unit 305 updates the timer setting contents to the released state using the timer release information transmitted from the timer managing device 101c (step 2104). In the present embodiment, the timer setting updating unit 305 releases the timer setting of the air conditioner and the timer setting of the rice cooker, respectively.

In this manner, the timer setting of the multiple devices is automatically released from the timer ID and the timer release information transmitted from the timer management device 101c regarding the timer setting contents of the multiple devices 103 to 106. In short, according to the present embodiment, when the user releases the timer setting of any device, the timer setting of another device operating in a holiday can be collectively released to the device in which the timer setting is released by the timer managing device. It is possible to alleviate the work of the timer release of a plurality of devices of the user.

In addition, in this embodiment, although it demonstrated using the alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker, it cannot be overemphasized that the objective of this invention is achieved also when using the apparatus provided with another timer function.

In the present embodiment, the timer manager 109 is used only in the timer manager 101c and is not provided to other devices. However, the timer manager 109 is similar to the functional block shown in FIG. Needless to say, even if it is included in any device, the object of the present invention is achieved.

In addition, in this embodiment, although FIG. 33 was used as a memory map memorize | stored in the timer management information storage part 407, it cannot be overemphasized that the objective of this invention is achieved even if other memory maps are used.

(Embodiment 11)

Next, the device holiday control system in Embodiment 11 of this invention is demonstrated. In this embodiment, the timer management device 101 converts the contents of the timer change information notified to a plurality of devices into a signal that can be checked in an interface provided in an arbitrary device, and notifies the user of the changed contents of the timer setting. It is about a method.

In short, the device holiday control system according to the present embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as that of the device holiday control system of the seventh embodiment, but includes a new timer management device 101d instead of the timer management device 101 of the seventh embodiment. It has that characteristic.

  91 is a functional block diagram of the timer management device 101d of the device consecutive control system according to the present embodiment. This timer management device 101d includes a timer confirmation information output unit 419 in addition to the modules 401 to 413 included in the timer management device 101c in the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 85. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to showing the same thing as FIG. 85, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

The timer confirmation information output unit 419 converts the timer change information of the devices 104 to 106 that are notified of the timer setting from the timer management device 101d into signals that can be checked by the interface provided in the device 103, An information converting unit 418 and an interface determining unit 420, which are processing units for notifying the device 103, comprising a text information converting unit 415, a voice information converting unit 416, and a light pattern information converting unit 417. And an interface information storage unit 414.

The interface determination unit 420 is a processing unit that refers to the interface information storage unit 414 and specifies an interface provided in the device that is notified of the timer confirmation information from the timer confirmation information output unit 419.

The interface information storage unit 414 is a storage unit such as a memory for storing interface information included in each of the devices 103 to 106 shown in FIG. 92.

The character information conversion unit 415 is a processing unit that converts timer change information into character information that can be displayed on the display, for a device having a display as an interface.

The voice information converting unit 416 is a converting unit that converts timer change information into voice information coming from the speaker for a device having a speaker as an interface.

The light pattern information converting section 417 is a converting section for converting timer change information into light pattern information displayed in the light emitting section for a device having a light emitting section as an interface.

The information conversion unit 418 is a processing unit that converts timer change information into information that can be output on each interface.

93 is a functional block diagram of each of the devices 103a to 106a in the present embodiment. Each device 103a-106a is added to the module 301-306 with which each device 103-106 in this embodiment shown in FIG. 64 is equipped with the timer confirmation information output part 307, And a signal discrimination unit 308 and a timer confirmation interface 309. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to showing the same thing as FIG. 64, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

The signal discriminating unit 308 is a processing unit that determines whether the signal notified from the timer managing apparatus 101d is a signal relating to the change of the timer setting or is information related to the confirmation of the timer setting.

The timer confirmation information output unit 307 is an output unit for outputting the timer confirmation information on the interface provided in the devices 103a to 106a from the signal notified from the timer management device 101d.

The timer confirmation interface 309 is an interface that can confirm the timer setting contents included in the devices 103a to 106a.

Next, an operation procedure between the respective functional blocks constituting the timer confirmation information output section 419 shown in FIG. 91 will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 94. Here, as a specific embodiment, when the timer setting of the alarm clock having a speaker is changed by the timer managing apparatus 101d, the timer change information of the air conditioner is converted into the voice information by the timer confirmation information output section 419. The case where the signal is output from the speaker of the alarm clock will be described.

The timer change information execution unit 410 obtains the current time from the time clock unit 411 (step 2501).

The timer change information execution unit 410 refers to the timer change information stored in the timer change information storage unit 408, and acquires the time of notifying the change information of the timer setting contents (step 2502). In this embodiment, the time which changes the timer setting time of an air conditioner is not specified, and the information which is designated to run immediately is acquired.

The timer change information execution unit 410 compares the current time acquired in step 2501 with the time for notifying the timer change information acquired in step 2502 (step 2503). If it is time to notify the other devices 103a to 106a of the timer change information here, the flow advances to step 2504. If it is not the time to notify the timer setting, the flow returns to step 2501. In this embodiment, since the time to change the timer setting of the air conditioner is not specified, and it is designated to execute immediately, it moves to step 2504.

The interface determination unit 420 refers to the interface information stored in the interface information storage unit 414 and acquires interface information included in the device 103 whose timer setting contents have been changed from the user (step 2504). In this embodiment, it is referred that the interface provided in the alarm clock whose timer setting is changed by the user is a speaker rather than the memory map of FIG. 92.

The interface determination unit 420 determines whether the display is provided in the device 103 in which the timer setting contents have been changed by the user (step 2505). If the display is provided, the timer change information output from the timer change information is transmitted to the character information conversion unit. If no display is provided, the flow proceeds to step 2507. In the present embodiment, the alarm clock does not have a display for displaying the timer change information.

The character information conversion unit 415 converts the timer change information output from the timer change information execution unit 410 into character information (step 2506).

The interface determining unit 420 determines whether the speaker is provided in the device 103 whose timer setting is changed from the user (step 2507). If the speaker is provided, the timer change information output from the timer change information is transmitted to the voice information conversion unit 416, and the flow proceeds to step 2508. If no display is provided, the flow goes to step 2509. In the present embodiment, since the alarm clock is equipped with a speaker, the flow proceeds to step 2508.

The voice information conversion unit 416 converts the timer change information output from the timer change information execution unit 410 into voice information (step 2508). In this embodiment, timer change information of the air conditioner is converted into an audio signal, and the flow proceeds to step 2511.

The interface determining unit 420 determines whether the light emitting unit is provided in the device 103 whose timer setting is changed from the user (step 2509). If the light emitting unit is provided, the timer change information output from the timer change information is transmitted to the light pattern information converting unit, and the flow proceeds to step 2510. If the light emitting portion is not provided, the flow returns to step 2501.

The light pattern information conversion unit 417 converts the timer change information output from the timer change information execution unit 410 into light pattern information (step 2510).

The signal output unit 409 refers to the timer ID management information storage unit 406 and notifies the other device 103a to 106a of the timer ID of the device 103 whose timer setting contents have been changed from the user (step 2511). . In this embodiment, the timer ID of the alarm clock is notified to the other devices 104 to 106 from the signal output unit 409.

The signal output unit 409 converts the timer change information stored in the timer change information storage unit 408 into a signal which can be notified by an interface provided in the device 103 in which the user has changed the timer setting. Other devices are notified (step 2512). When the processing in the step ends, the process returns to step 2501.

In this way, the timer change information of the air conditioner is notified to the alarm clock, the air conditioner, and the rice cooker from the timer management device 101d as voice information.

Next, an operation procedure up to notifying the timer confirmation information notified from the timer managing device 101d to the interface provided in the devices 103a to 106a will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 95.

The setting information detection unit 306 detects the presence or absence of a signal notified from the timer managing device 101d. If no signal is detected here, step 2601 is repeated (step 2601). In the present embodiment, when a signal is transmitted from the timer managing device 101d, each of the alarm clock, the air conditioner, and the rice cooker detects the signal and moves to step 2602.

The setting information detection unit 306 refers to the timer ID storage unit 304 to obtain a timer ID of the devices 103a to 106a itself (step 2602). In the present embodiment, the alarm clock, the air conditioner, and the rice cooker each acquire timer ID information from the setting information detector 306.

The setting information detection unit 306 compares the timer ID included in the signal transmitted from the timer management device 101d with the timer IDs of the devices 104-106 itself acquired in step 2602 (step 2603). If the timer IDs do not match here, the flow returns to step 2601. In the present embodiment, since the timer ID is not notified of the air conditioner and the rice cooker from the timer management device 101d, the air conditioner and the rice cooker return to step 2601, respectively. Since the timer ID is notified by the timer managing apparatus 101d, the alarm clock goes to step 2604.

The signal discriminating unit 308 determines whether the signal transmitted from the timer managing apparatus 101d is information on updating of the timer setting or information on confirming the timer setting (step 2604). If the information is about checking the timer setting, the flow proceeds to step 2605. If the information is about updating the timer setting, the flow proceeds to step 2606. In the present embodiment, since the confirmation information of the timer change information of the air conditioner is transmitted from the timer managing device 101d, the routine advances to step 2605.

The timer confirmation information output unit 307 outputs confirmation information of the timer setting contents transmitted from the timer management device 101d to the timer confirmation interface provided in the device 103 (step 2605). When the process in step is complete | finished, it returns to step 2601. In this embodiment, the new timer setting contents of the air conditioner are output as audio information from the speaker of the alarm clock.

The timer setting updating unit 305 updates the timer setting contents stored in the timer setting storage unit 303 by using the timer change information transmitted from the timer managing device 101d (step 2606). When the process in step is complete | finished, it returns to step 2601.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the contents of the timer change information of the device notified of the timer change information from the timer management device 101d can be confirmed using the interface provided in the devices 103a to 106a. Therefore, the user can check the timer setting of the device connected to the network without preparing a special interface. In short, according to the present embodiment, the timer management device enables the user to confirm the timer setting contents after the change of the apparatus whose timer setting contents have been changed by using an interface provided in any device.

In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated using alarm clock, an air conditioner, and a rice cooker, it cannot be overemphasized that the objective of this invention is achieved also when using the apparatus provided with the other timer function.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the timer management part 109 was provided only in the timer management apparatus 101d, and was not provided in another apparatus, even if the timer management part 109 is contained in arbitrary apparatuses, this invention is used. Needless to say, the purpose of this is achieved.

In addition, although the display, the speaker, and the light emitting unit are shown as an example of the interface provided in the apparatus in the present embodiment, the object of the present invention can be achieved even when using an interface that allows the user to understand the timer change information even with other interfaces. Needless to say.

In the determination of the interface provided in the device, in the present embodiment, the presence or absence of the interface was found in the order of the display, the speaker, and the light emitting unit. However, the object of the present invention can be achieved even if the interface is found in the other order. There is no need.

In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the timer change information is notified by selecting any one of the text information, the voice information, and the light pattern information is shown, for example, a large number is obtained by using the operation procedure as shown in the flowchart of FIG. It is needless to say that the object of the present invention is achieved even when a plurality of interfaces are simultaneously used for a device having an interface of and the confirmation information of the timer is notified.

Here, steps 2801 to 2805, 2807, 2809, 2811, and 2812 in FIG. 96 are the same as the steps shown in FIG. 94, except that the character information conversion unit 415 performs the timer change information execution unit in step 2806. After the timer change information output from 410 is converted into the character information to generate the character information, the flow advances to step 2807.

In step 2808, the voice information conversion unit 416 converts the timer change information output from the timer change information execution unit 410 into voice information to create voice information, and then moves to step 2809.

In the above, the seventh to eleventh embodiments have been described as examples in which the contents of timer settings of multiple devices are changed in accordance with the user's life pattern as an example, but the holiday operation by the device holiday control system is not limited to the timer setting. Instead, it is possible to consecutively control a plurality of functions, support the user's operation, or provide information or a service in accordance with the situation or life pattern placed by the user.

In addition, the apparatus consecutive holiday system which controls a plurality of apparatuses in accordance with the user's life pattern including the consecutive timer setting also performs the multiple apparatus management apparatus n6501 which takes the module structure shown in FIG. 97, and is shown in FIG. It is comprised by the apparatuses n109a-n112a which take a module structure.

As shown in FIG. 97, the multiple device management apparatus n6501 controls the life pattern extraction apparatus n101, the life data storage part n102, the life pattern storage part n106, and the life data recording apparatus n107, and controls it. A device n108, a control signal detection unit n6502, a control signal output unit n6503, and a device identification information storage unit n6504 are provided.

The control signal detection unit n6502 is a detection unit that detects the control information notified from any device in the device holiday system, and specifies the device that has notified the information and its contents.

The control signal output unit n6503 is a signal output unit for distinguishing and notifying the target device of the control information of the device created by the multiple device management apparatus.

The device identification information storage unit n6504 is a storage unit that stores device identification information for identifying control information notified from any device in the device holiday system.

The modules n101, n102, n106, n107, and n108 are the same as in the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 98, the apparatuses n109a to n112a include an operation input interface n6401, a user input detector n6402, an apparatus motion detector n6403, a control information output unit n6404, and a control information detector. (n6405), an operation content changing unit n6406, and a device control unit n6407.

The operation input interface n6401 is an input unit that receives operation input from a user. The user input detector n6402 is a processor that detects that there is an operation input from the user and specifies the content thereof.

The device motion detection unit n6403 is a detection unit that monitors the control content performed inside the device and specifies the content.

The control information output unit n6404 is an output unit which notifies the holiday control management apparatus of the control content performed inside the apparatus.

The control information detection unit n6405 is a detection unit that detects control information notified from the multiple device management apparatus.

The operation content changing unit n6406 is processing for changing the operation contents of the device in accordance with the contents notified from the multiple device management apparatus.

The device controller n6407 is a device controller that controls the operation of the device.

In the above module configuration, in the timer management device and the multiple device management device n6501 of the seventh embodiment to seventh embodiment, the signal detection unit 401 is connected to the control signal detection unit n6502, and the timer ID management information storage unit 406 is provided. In the device identification information storage unit n6504, the timer management information update unit 402 is in the life data recording device n107, the timer management information storage unit 407 is in the life data storage unit n102, and the timer consecutive holidays analysis unit 403 outputs a signal to the control device n108, a timer consecutive holiday information storage unit 404 to a life pattern information storage unit n106, and a timer consecutive holiday information creating unit 450 to a lifestyle pattern extracting unit n101. The unit 409 corresponds to the control signal output unit n6503, respectively, and as a relation between the devices 103 to 106 and the devices n109a to n112a, the user input detection unit 301 is connected to the user input detection unit n6402. The setting information output section 302 is set to the device motion detection section n6403 and the control information output section n6404. Detecting section 306 to control information detection section (n6405), update timer setting unit 305 and respectively corresponding to the information change operation unit (n6406).

In the above embodiment, although one type of life pattern information as shown in FIG. 18 is generated by the life pattern extracting apparatus n1O1, various types of life pattern information are generated and various generation environments, users, and the like. Therefore, a method of separating and using a plurality of life pattern information may be adopted. For example, like the device holiday control system shown in FIG. 99, the learning unit n120 and the selection unit n121 are added to the device holiday control system shown in FIG. 1. The learning unit n120 identifies the current date and time (season) or the operator by the user ID transmitted from the user through a built-in calendar function, a remote controller, or the like, and then uses the life pattern information generated by the life pattern extracting apparatus n1O1. According to the current date and time (seasonal season) and the user, it is stored in the life pattern storage unit n106 in a mode distinguished as life pattern information for "summer use", "winter use" and user "taro use". On the other hand, the selection unit n121 also identifies the current date and time (seasonal) and the user by the user ID transmitted from the user through a built-in calendar function, a remote controller, or the like, and identifies the current date and time (seasonal) and the life corresponding to the user. The pattern information is read out from the life pattern storage unit n106 and transmitted to the control device n108. As a result, detailed device holiday control that distinguishes the date and time and the user can be performed. In this way, the device holiday control can be performed by distinguishing between weekdays and holidays.

In addition, the threshold values such as the confidence level when extracting a strong air node from the FP-Tree are set according to time zone, day of week, weekday / holiday, user, gender, age, etc., or executed holiday control. By feeding back the user's evaluation of the system and updating the threshold, a method of advancing to a suitable threshold while learning may be employed.

In addition, as an application example of the device holiday control system, the present invention is not limited to the timer holiday setting shown in the seventh to eleventh embodiments, and can be applied to various holiday control in the home appliance system shown in FIG. 100, for example. Specifically, the following various convenient controls can be realized.

For example, in the case of extracting a lighting pattern or a pattern of use of air conditioning characteristic to the user, a plurality of lights 501 may be turned on, turned off or the temperature of the air conditioner 500 may be changed by a simple switch operation according to the user's situation. The operation support type control in the living environment of the person becomes possible.

For example, the electronic key operation of the door 506 is detected at the time of returning home or when going out, and the operation pattern of the lighting 501, the TV 507, the air conditioner 500, etc. which are operated in connection with this is extracted. In this case, simply by operating the key of the door 506, it becomes possible to perform event-dependent holiday control, such as automatically completing the operation of the device according to the outing or returning home.

For example, when a user extracts a function usage pattern of using a web browser from the PC 504 after finishing the dinner (after starting the dish washer 510), the PC or PDA 504, portable Among devices having a web browser function such as a telephone 503, the role sharing type holiday control between devices having the same function of executing the web browser function by turning on the power of the device most suitable for use according to the user's situation It becomes possible to do it.

For example, when a user views a TV program or music on the TV 507, an audio device 509, or the like, or browses a web page on the PC 504, the air conditioner 500, the lighting 501, or the like. In the case where the air pattern of the viewing of the content and the use of the device is extracted when the setting of the device is changed, the content viewing-dependent consecutive holidays of controlling the setting of the air conditioner 500 or the lighting 501 are controlled according to the start of the use of the content. Control can be performed.

For example, when using a cooking appliance such as an oven 511, a washing machine, or the like, watching TV programs, listening to music on a TV 507 or an audio device 509, a web page, etc. In the case of extracting the air pattern of the use of the device and viewing of the content of viewing the content, the control of turning on the power of the PC 504 in advance in accordance with the waiting time in the use of the oven 511 or the washing machine, It is possible to perform a situation-dependent holiday control such as switching the line of video output between the TV 507 and the DVD player 508 and collecting recommended content from the home server 505 or the web.

The present invention can be used as a control device for controlling a plurality of devices by consecutively, in particular, a home appliance controller that automatically controls the devices such as air conditioning, lighting, TV, etc. in the home according to the user's life pattern.

Claims (31)

In the apparatus for controlling a plurality of devices by consecutively, Life data accumulating means for generating life data representing the use by detecting the use of the device in daily life of a user, and accumulating the generated life data; Life pattern information for identifying two or more devices used together or in connection with the user's daily life, based on the accumulated life data, and generating life pattern information indicating two or more devices. Generating means, And a control means for consecutively controlling two or more devices indicated by the generated life pattern information. According to claim 1, The life pattern information generating means, An episode creation unit for creating a plurality of episode data using two or more collections of element data corresponding to each of the plurality of devices as one episode data based on the living data; An episode analysis unit for structuring an air relationship between two or more element data included in each of the episode data; And a life pattern analysis unit for generating the life pattern information based on a structured air relationship. 3. The episode creation unit according to claim 2, wherein the episode creation unit organizes the plurality of episode data by arranging element data included in each of the living data accumulated in the living data storage means in accordance with the rules for creating episode data stored in advance. The apparatus holiday control apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The episode analysis unit according to claim 2, wherein the episode analysis unit determines a frequency of occurrence and combination of element data included in a plurality of episode data created by the episode creation unit, and a frequency of indicating the type of element data and the frequency of appearance. A device holiday control apparatus characterized in that the air relationship is structured by expressing it with a frequency of occurrence pattern corresponding to a node. The method of claim 4, wherein the episode analysis unit, A frequency of occurrence extraction unit for calculating the frequency of occurrence of each element data included in the plurality of episode data; A sorting unit for rearranging element data in the episode data in order of increasing frequency of the plurality of episode data; With respect to the plurality of episode data, element data is taken out in order and the extracted element data is arranged as a new node of the frequent pattern tree, or the frequency of occurrence of the already arranged node is increased to generate the frequent pattern tree. Apparatus holiday control device having a frequent pattern tree generating unit. The device holiday control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the life pattern analysis unit generates, as the life pattern information, information indicating a combination of devices corresponding to nodes in a parent-child relationship in the frequent pattern tree. Device. The method of claim 6, wherein the life pattern analysis unit, A node search unit for searching for a node of interest in the frequency of occurrence pattern; A parent node search unit for searching for all nodes parented to the searched node, And a life pattern output unit for outputting, as the life pattern information, information indicating that the device corresponding to the found parent node is in air relation with the device corresponding to the node of interest. 5. The frequency analysis unit according to claim 4, wherein the episode analyzing unit constructs a frequency pattern tree having a structure in which the element data having the largest frequency of occurrence is the root of the sub tree, as the frequency pattern tree as a root of any node. Device holiday control device, characterized in that. The method of claim 8, wherein the episode analysis unit, A frequency of occurrence extraction unit for calculating the frequency of occurrence of each element data included in the plurality of episode data; A sorting unit for rearranging element data in the episode data in order of the frequency of the plurality of episode data; With respect to the plurality of episode data, the frequency of occurrence pattern tree is generated by extracting element data in order and placing the extracted element data as a new node of the frequency of occurrence pattern or by increasing the frequency of occurrence of the already arranged node. A frequent pattern tree generating unit A parting tree extracting unit for dividing the generated frequent pattern tree into a tree having a new root as a node which is a child of the root, An episode rewrite section that creates episode data from the separated subsections, Reconstructing unit which reconstructs the subtree by repeating the calculation by the frequency-of-occurrence extraction section, rearrangement by the sorting section, and generation of the pattern-of-occurrence pattern by the frequency-of-occurrence pattern tree generation section, with respect to the created episode data. Wow, A device holiday control apparatus, comprising: a parting neck joining portion for integrating the reconstituted parting wood into the original frequent patterning wood. The method of claim 8, wherein the episode analysis unit, An input episode data storage section for storing a plurality of episode data created by the episode creation section as input episode data; An input episode number determination section for obtaining the number of input episode data stored in the input episode data storage section; The most frequent element specifying unit specifying the most frequent element data among the input episode data; The most frequent element extraction unit for extracting the most frequent element data from each input episode data and adding the same to the output episode data; An output episode data storage section for storing the output episode data; An input episode classification unit for classifying input episode data for each type of element data; Generating a frequency pattern pattern in which the frequency of occurrence and combination of the element data included in the output episode data stored in the output episode data storage unit correspond to each node with the type of the element data and the frequency of occurrence representing the frequency of appearance; An apparatus holiday control apparatus having a frequent pattern tree generating unit. The case of claim 2, wherein the episode creation unit generates element data indicating a use time of the device and the corresponding device based on the living data, and the use time of the element data has a constant inclusion relationship or overlapping relationship. The equipment holiday control apparatus characterized by creating episode data including these element data. The said episode creation part produces | generates the event data which shows the event which generate | occur | produced in the device and the said device, and the occurrence time of the said event based on the said life data, and the occurrence time of the said event data is constant, The relationship of Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Or episode data including element data corresponding to a device indicated by these event data when there is an overlapping relationship. The method according to claim 6, wherein the life pattern analysis unit calculates a degree of confidence indicating the strength of the air relationship for each node in the parent-child relationship in the frequency of occurrence pattern, and targets only nodes connected with a certain level of confidence or higher. And generating the life pattern information. The state of the second device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the second device indicated by the life pattern information when detecting that the state has changed in the first device indicated by the life pattern information. The apparatus holiday control apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and second devices each include a timer means, And the control means changes the setting contents for the timer means included in the second device when detecting that the setting contents for the timer means included in the first device have changed. The second device according to claim 15, wherein the control means makes a difference between the time before the change and the time after the change when the setting of the preset time for the timer means included in the first device is changed. A device holiday control apparatus, characterized in that for changing the setting of the preset time for the timer means provided. The change information indicating that the control means changes the state of the second device indicated by the life pattern information when detecting that the state has changed in the first device indicated by the life pattern information. And generate and record the data, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, controlling the second device to change the state of the second device according to the change information. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first and second devices each include a timer means, When the control means detects that the setting contents for the timer means included in the first device is changed, the control means is instructed to change the setting contents for the timer means included in the second device and the time to be changed. Generate and record the change information including the designation, and change the setting contents of the timer means included in the second device by controlling the second device according to the change information when the time arrives. Device holiday control device, characterized in that. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control means stores in advance a plurality of consecutive holiday information specifying the content of the control and selection condition information indicating a condition for selecting one of the plurality of consecutive holiday information. In the case where it is detected that the state has changed in the first device to be indicated, one of the plurality of holiday information is selected by referring to the selection condition information, and the second device indicated by the life pattern information is controlled according to the selected holiday information. Thereby changing the state of the second device. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first and second devices each comprise a timer means, The holiday information indicates a difference in preset time with respect to timer means included in the first and second devices, The selection condition information indicates a correspondence between a preset value of a preset time for the timer means included in the first device and the holiday information to be selected, When the control means detects that the setting contents of the preset time for the timer means included in the first device are changed, the control means refers to the selection condition information, and thus, the plurality of pieces of consecutive holiday information corresponding to the preset time after the change. And selecting from consecutive holiday information, and changing a preset time for a timer means included in the second device according to the selected holiday information. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and second devices each include a timer means, And the control means releases the setting contents for the timer means included in the second device when the setting means for the timer means included in the first device is released. . 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and second devices each include a timer means, When the control means detects that the setting contents of the timer means included in the first apparatus is changed, the control means controls the second apparatus to output a voice or display output from the second apparatus to indicate that the setting contents have changed. Device holiday control device, characterized in that. As a method of consecutively controlling a plurality of devices, A life data accumulation step of generating life data representing the use by detecting the use of the device in the daily life of the user, and accumulating the generated life data; Life pattern information for generating life pattern information indicating two or more devices by specifying two or more devices which are used together or in connection with the user's daily life based on the accumulated living data, and generating two or more devices. Generating step, And a control step of consecutively controlling two or more devices indicated by the generated life pattern information. A program for a device that controls a plurality of devices by consecutively, A life data accumulation step of generating life data representing the use by detecting the use of the device in the daily life of the user, and accumulating the generated life data; A life pattern that specifies two or more devices that are used together or in association with each other in the daily life of the user, based on the accumulated life data, and generates life pattern information indicating two or more devices. Information generation step, And a control step of consecutively controlling two or more devices indicated by the generated life pattern information.  An apparatus holiday control system comprising a plurality of devices connected in a transmission path and a control device for consecutively controlling the plurality of devices. The control device, Life data accumulating means for generating life data representing the use by detecting the use of the device in daily life of a user, and accumulating the generated life data; A life pattern that specifies two or more devices that are used together or in association with each other in the daily life of the user, based on the accumulated life data, and generates life pattern information indicating two or more devices. Information generating means, And control means for consecutively controlling two or more devices indicated by the generated life pattern information. An apparatus for generating the life pattern information for a device holiday control device for consecutively controlling a plurality of devices based on the life pattern information, Life data accumulating means for generating life data representing the use by detecting the use of the device in daily life of a user, and accumulating the generated life data; Generation means for specifying two or more devices used together or in connection with the user's daily life, based on the accumulated life data, to generate life pattern information indicative of the specific two or more devices; Life pattern information generation device, characterized in that provided. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said generating means An episode creation unit for creating a plurality of episode data using two or more collections of element data corresponding to each of the plurality of devices as one episode data based on the living data; An episode analysis unit structuring an air relationship between two or more element data included in each episode data; And a life pattern analysis unit for generating the life pattern information based on a structured air relationship. A method of generating the life pattern information for a device holiday control device for consecutively controlling a plurality of devices based on the life pattern information, A life data accumulation step of generating life data representing the use by detecting the use of the device in the daily life of the user, and accumulating the generated life data; A generation step of specifying two or more devices which are used together or in association with each other in the daily life of the user, based on the accumulated living data, and generating life pattern information indicating the two or more devices specified; Life pattern information generation method comprising a. A program for generating the life pattern information for a device holiday control device for consecutively controlling a plurality of devices based on the life pattern information, A life data accumulation step of generating life data representing the use by detecting the use of the device in the daily life of the user, and accumulating the generated life data; A generation step of specifying two or more devices which are used together or in association with each other in the daily life of the user, based on the accumulated living data, and generating life pattern information indicating the two or more devices specified; The program comprising a.        An apparatus for connecting to and using a living data storage device that accumulates living data indicating usage of a plurality of devices in daily life of a user, wherein the plurality of devices are consecutively controlled. A life pattern indicating two or more devices, which specify two or more devices that are used together or in association with the user's daily life based on the living data accumulated in the living data storage device, and which specify two or more devices. Life pattern information generating means for generating information, And a control means for consecutively controlling two or more devices indicated by the generated life pattern information. For a device holiday control device that is connected to a life data storage device that accumulates life data indicating the use of a plurality of devices in daily life of a user, and which controls a plurality of devices consecutively based on the life pattern information. An apparatus for generating the life pattern information, A life pattern indicating two or more devices, which specify two or more devices that are used together or in association with the user's daily life based on the living data accumulated in the living data storage device, and which specify two or more devices. And a generating means for generating information.