WO2012086549A1

WO2012086549A1 - Controller, communication method, and network system

Info

Publication number: WO2012086549A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/079209
Authority: WO
Inventors: 洋平岩見; 野島　光典
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2010-12-24
Filing date: 2011-12-16
Publication date: 2012-06-28
Also published as: JP2012137828A; JP4976540B1

Abstract

Provided are a controller, a communication method, and a network system, whereby a user is efficaciously informed of unnecessary operation of a household appliance. A home controller (100) comprises: a memory (101) which stores correlations between a plurality of apparatuses and a plurality of presence sensors; a communication interface (105) for receiving operating states of the plurality of apparatuses; and a processor (110) for determining whether a first apparatus, which is associated with a presence sensor which does not sense the presence of a person, is in operation, and, if the first apparatus is in operation, transmitting, via the communication interface, information which denotes that the first apparatus is in operation, to a second apparatus, which is associated with a presence sensor which does sense the presence of a person.

Description

Controller, communication method, and network system

The present invention relates to a technology of a controller that is arranged in a house or the like and is connected to an electric device in the house.

There has been proposed a controller that is arranged in a house or the like and controls electric equipment in the house. For example, a technology has been proposed in which a controller controls an air conditioner, a television, a curtain opening / closing device, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a microwave oven, a solar cell, and the like, and displays the status of these devices. Yes.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-145743 (Patent Document 1) discloses a current usage detection adapter and its application system. According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-145743 (Patent Document 1), the current flow rate detection circuit unit detects the amount of current flowing into the device, and when the current amount is abnormally large, the current cutoff circuit unit receives a command from the control processing unit. The current can be cut off. Further, the communication processing unit can transmit / receive the detected current amount and current amount control information to / from the controller connected on the bus, and can grasp the use status of multiple devices and determine abnormality.

JP 09-145743 A

Currently, from the viewpoint of environmental protection, there is a demand for more effective energy conservation awareness among users who use home appliances. For example, it is beneficial if it is possible to detect that the home appliance is operating unnecessarily and to inform the user of this effectively.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a controller, a communication method, and a network system that effectively transmit an unnecessary operation of a home appliance to a user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a memory for storing correspondence relationships between a plurality of devices and a plurality of human sensors, a communication interface for receiving operation states of the plurality of devices, and a human sensor not detecting humans It is determined whether or not the first device corresponding to the sensor is operating, and when the first device is operating, the second corresponding to the human sensor that detects a person via the communication interface. And a processor for transmitting information indicating that the first device is operating to the first device.

Preferably, the processor receives a command for terminating the operation of the first device from the second device via the communication interface, and performs the operation of the first device via the communication interface according to the command. Terminate.

Preferably, the controller further includes a display and an operation unit. The processor displays information indicating that the first device is in operation on the display, receives a command for ending the operation of the first device via the operation unit, and determines a communication interface according to the command. The operation of the first device is terminated via

Preferably, the processor receives a command for ending the operation of all devices corresponding to the human sensor corresponding to the first device from the second device via the communication interface, and according to the command, The operation of all the devices corresponding to the human sensor corresponding to the first device is terminated via the communication interface.

Preferably, the controller further includes a display and an operation unit. The processor displays information indicating that the first device is in operation on the display, and terminates the operation of all devices corresponding to the human sensor corresponding to the first device via the operation unit. The command is received, and in response to the command, the operation of all devices corresponding to the human sensor corresponding to the first device is terminated via the communication interface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method in a controller including a memory storing a correspondence relationship between a plurality of devices and a plurality of human sensors, a communication interface, and a processor. In the communication method, the processor receives the operation state from each of the plurality of devices via the communication interface, and the processor receives the operation state from each of the plurality of human sensors via the communication interface. And a step of determining whether or not the first device corresponding to the human sensor not detecting the person is operating, and the processor communicates when the first device is operating. Transmitting information indicating that the first device is operating to a second device corresponding to the human sensor that has detected a person via the interface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a network system including a plurality of devices, a plurality of human sensors, and a controller is provided. Each of the plurality of devices transmits an operation state to the controller. Each of the plurality of human sensors transmits a detection result to the controller. The controller is configured to determine whether or not the memory that stores the correspondence relationship between the plurality of devices and the plurality of human sensors, the communication interface, and the first device corresponding to the human sensor that does not detect a person are operating. When the first device is in operation, information indicating that the first device is in operation is transmitted to the second device corresponding to the human sensor that has detected the person via the communication interface. And a processor.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method in a network system, which includes a plurality of devices, a plurality of human sensors, and a controller that stores a correspondence relationship between the plurality of devices and the plurality of human sensors. The In the communication method, each of a plurality of devices transmits an operation state to the controller, and each of the plurality of human sensors transmits information indicating that there is a person and information indicating that there is no person to the controller. A step in which the controller determines whether or not the first device corresponding to the human sensor that is not detecting a person is operating, and the controller is in operation of the first device. Transmitting information indicating that the first device is operating to a second device corresponding to the human sensor that has detected the person.

As described above, according to the present invention, there are provided a controller, a communication method, and a network system that effectively convey an unnecessary operation of a home appliance to a user.

It is an image figure which shows the whole structure of the network system 1 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the display 102 of the home controller 100 which concerns on this Embodiment, or the display 202 of the television 200B. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the home controller 100 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the household appliance table 101A which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the sensor table 101B which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the television 200B which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the information processing in the home controller 100 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the 1st modification of the structure which receives an erasure | elimination command. It is an image figure which shows the 2nd modification of the structure which receives an erasure | elimination command. It is an image figure which shows the 3rd modification of a structure which receives an erasure | elimination command. It is an image figure which shows the whole structure of the network system 1B which concerns on this Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
<Overall configuration of network system>
First, the overall configuration of the network system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing an overall configuration of a network system 1 according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, network system 1 according to the present embodiment is installed in, for example, a house or an office. The network system 1 is installed in a child room, an air conditioner 200A installed in a living room, a television 200B installed in the living room, an air conditioner 200C installed in a children's room, a television 200D installed in a children's room, and the like. Home appliances (electric equipment) such as the light 200E.

The network system 1 includes a human sensor 240A installed in the living room, a human sensor 240B installed in the child room, and a human sensor (not shown) installed in another room. It is preferable that a human sensor is installed in each room.

The network system 1 includes a home controller 100 for controlling home appliances 200A to 200E,

human sensors

240A and 240B, and the like. The home controller 100 can perform data communication with the home appliances 200A to 200E, the

human sensors

240A and 240B, and the like via a wired or wireless network 401. The home controller 100 uses, for example, a wireless LAN, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wired LAN (Local Area Network), or a PLC (Power Line Communications) as the network 401. The home controller 100 may be portable, may be detachable from a base placed on a table, or may be fixed to a wall of a room.

<Overview of network system operation>
Next, an outline of the operation of the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing display 102 of home controller 100 or display 202 of television 200B according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, home controller 100 according to the present embodiment receives power consumption of home appliances 200A to 200E from each of a plurality of home appliances 200A to 200E installed in a house via network 401. Receives operating status and input commands. Further, the home controller 100 receives information (information indicating whether or not a person has been detected) indicating whether or not there is a person in the room where the

human sensors

240A and 240B are disposed from the

human sensors

240A and 240B. To do.

The home controller 100 stores

human sensors

240A and 240B and home appliances 200A to 200E in association with each other via room IDs as will be described later. However, a human sensor may be arranged for each of the home appliances 200A to 200E. Home appliances 200A to 200E and

human sensors

240A and 240B may be directly associated with each other.

When home controller 100 receives from each of

human sensors

240A and 240B information indicating that there is no person in the room where

human sensors

240A and 240B are located (near

human sensors

240A and 240B). Then, it is determined whether or not the home appliances 200A to 200E arranged in the room (corresponding to the

human sensors

240A and 240B) are operating. That is, home controller 100 determines whether or not home appliances 200A to 200E are likely to be forgotten to be turned off. In other words, the home controller 100 determines whether or not the home appliances 200A to 200E are operating unnecessarily.

When the home controller 100 determines that there is a high possibility that any of the home appliances in the room where there is no person is forgotten to be turned off, the home controller 100 displays information on the power consumption of any of the home appliances on the display 102. Alternatively, home controller 100 causes display 202 of television 200B to display information regarding the power consumption of any of home appliances 200A to 200E.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the home controller 100 determines that any of the home appliances 200A to 200E is likely to be forgotten to be turned off, any of the home appliances 200A to 200E is selected. A pop-up window 102A (also referred to as a notification image) is displayed on the display 102, indicating that there is a high possibility that the user has forgotten to disappear. Alternatively, the home controller 100 displays a pop-up window 102A on the display 202 of the television 200B.

The home controller 100 displays a detail button 102B in the pop-up window 102A. Alternatively, the home controller 100 causes the detail button 102B to be displayed in the pop-up window 102A on the display 202 of the television 200B.

As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the home controller 100 consumes any of the home appliances 200A to 200E on the display 102 or the display 202 in response to a display instruction for the detail screen from the user (pressing the detail button 102B). A graph showing the transition of power is displayed. At this time, the home controller 100 preferably causes the display 102 or the display 202 to display a comment corresponding to the accumulated value of the power consumption of the home appliances 200A to 200E over a predetermined period, a comment regarding the operation state, and the like.

In the present embodiment, home controller 100 includes a next button 102C for displaying the next page and a determination button for terminating the operation of home appliances 200A to 200E arranged in a room where the person is not present. 102D and an ignore button 102E for permitting the operation of the home appliances 200A to 200E are displayed. For example, the home controller 100 accepts selection of the next button 102C for displaying the next page, and displays detailed screens of other home appliances 200A to 200E arranged in a room where no person is present on the display 102 or the display 202. Display.

The home controller 100 receives the selection of the decision button 102D and stops the operation of the home appliances 200A to 200E displayed on the details screen. The home controller 100 accepts the selection of the ignore button 102E and closes the detail screen and the pop-up window. That is, the home controller 100 displays the original content.

As described above, when it is determined that there is a high possibility that one of the home appliances 200A to 200E is forgotten to be turned off, the network system 1 according to the present embodiment can notify the user of that fact. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will leave the home appliances 200A to 200E forgotten to be turned off.

Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the network system 1 for realizing such a function will be described in detail.

<Hardware configuration of home controller 100>
One aspect of the hardware configuration of home controller 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of home controller 100 according to the present embodiment.

The home controller 100 includes a memory 101, a display 102, a tablet 103, a button 104, a communication interface 105, a speaker 107, a clock 108, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110.

The memory 101 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk, and the like. For example, the memory 101 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), which is used via an interface for reading. Memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM It is also realized by a medium for storing the program in a nonvolatile manner such as EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

The memory 101 stores a control program executed by the CPU 110, a home appliance table 101A, and a sensor table 101B.

FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing home appliance table 101A according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, home appliance table 101A is associated with the home appliance ID for each of home appliances 200A to 200E, the home appliance name, the ID and name of the room in which the home appliance is installed, and the home appliance is operating. Information indicating whether or not there is, information indicating whether or not the home appliance has a function of outputting information (such as a display or a speaker), and power consumption are stored. More specifically, home appliance table 101A stores operating states received from each of home appliances 200A to 200E.

FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing the sensor table 101B according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, sensor table 101B includes a room ID, a room name, a human sensor ID, and information indicating whether there is a person in the room or in the vicinity of the human sensor (human sensor). Information indicating whether or not a person has been detected.

3, the display 102 displays the operation state of the home appliances 200A to 200E by being controlled by the CPU 110. The tablet 103 detects a touch operation with a user's finger and inputs touch coordinates or the like to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 receives a command from the user via the tablet 103.

In the present embodiment, the tablet 103 is laid on the surface of the display 102. That is, in the present embodiment, display 102 and tablet 103 constitute touch panel 106. However, the home controller 100 may not have the tablet 103.

The button 104 is disposed on the surface of the home controller 100. A plurality of buttons such as a determination key, a direction key, and a numeric keypad may be arranged on the home controller 100. The button 104 receives a command from the user. The button 104 inputs a command from the user to the CPU 110.

The communication interface 105 transmits / receives data to / from the home appliances 200A to 200E via the network 401 under the control of the CPU 110. CPU 110 also transmits / receives data to / from

human sensors

240A and 240B using communication interface 105. As described above, the communication interface 105 transmits and receives data to and from the home appliances 200A to 200E by using, for example, a wireless LAN, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), wired LAN, or PLC.

Speaker 107 outputs sound based on a command from CPU 110. For example, the CPU 110 causes the speaker 107 to output sound based on the sound data.

The clock 108 inputs the current date and time to the CPU 110 based on a command from the CPU 110.

The CPU 110 executes various types of information processing by executing various programs stored in the memory 101. In other words, the processing in the home controller 100 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 110. Such software may be stored in the memory 101 in advance. The software may be stored in a storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet.

Such software is read from the storage medium by using a reading device (not shown), or downloaded by using the communication interface 105 and temporarily stored in the memory 101. The CPU 110 stores the software in the form of an executable program in the memory 101 and then executes the program.

As storage media, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk , Magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) And the like, for example, a medium for storing the program in a nonvolatile manner.

The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

More specifically, the CPU 110 according to the present embodiment receives the power consumption and the operating state of the home appliances 200A to 200E from each of the plurality of home appliances 200A to 200E installed in the house via the communication interface 105. Receive commands. The CPU 110 stores the power consumption of the home appliances 200A to 200E, the current operation state, and the input command in the memory 101 as time series data. CPU 110 displays information on home appliances 200A to 200E on display 102 based on a user's command. Alternatively, the CPU 110 transmits information to the television 200B via the communication interface 105.

The CPU 110 receives information indicating whether or not the

human sensors

240A and 240B have detected a person from the

human sensors

240A and 240B via the communication interface 105. Whether CPU 110 is likely to be forgotten to be turned off based on the operating state of each of home appliances 200A to 200E and whether or not there is a person in the room where each of home appliances 200A to 200E is placed. Judge whether or not. In other words, CPU 110 determines whether or not home appliances 200A to 200E are operating unnecessarily.

For example, when the CPU 110 receives information indicating that there is no person in the room where the

human sensors

240A and 240B are arranged from each of the

human sensors

240A and 240B, the CPU 110 is arranged in the room. It is determined whether or not home appliances 200A to 200E (corresponding to

human sensors

240A and 240B) are operating. As a result, the home controller 100 determines whether or not the home appliances 200A to 200E are likely to be forgotten to be turned off.

The CPU 110 displays the information on the display 202 of the television 200B via the communication interface 105 when any of the home appliances 200C to 200E in the child room where no person is detected is operating. More specifically, the CPU 110 detects, through the communication interface 170, information (notification information) on the home appliances 200C to 200E in use corresponding to the human sensor 240B that has not detected a person, a human sensor that has detected the person. It transmits to the household appliance 200B which has a notification function corresponding to 240A.

In the present embodiment, when any of household appliances 200C to 200E in the child room in which no person is detected is operating, CPU 110 indicates that any of the household appliances 200C to 200E is operating. Is also displayed on the display 102.

Note that the CPU 110 determines whether or not any of the home appliances 200C to 200E corresponding to the target human sensor 240B is operating when the room changes from a person to a person. You may judge.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the CPU 110 determines that there is a high possibility that any of the home appliances 200C to 200E is forgotten to be turned off, any of the home appliances 200C to 200E is turned off. A pop-up window 102A (also referred to as a notification image) indicating that there is a high possibility of being forgotten is displayed on the display 102. Alternatively, CPU 110 causes pop-up window 102 </ b> A to be displayed on display 202 of television 200 </ b> B via communication interface 105.

The CPU 110 displays a detail button 102B in the pop-up window 102A. Alternatively, the CPU 110 causes the detail button 102B to be displayed in the pop-up window 102A on the display 202 of the television 200B via the communication interface 105.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the CPU 110 displays the power consumption of any one of the home appliances 200A to 200E on the display 102 or the display 202 in response to a display instruction for the detail screen from the user (pressing the detail button 102B). A graph showing the transition is displayed. At this time, CPU 110 preferably causes display 102 or display 202 to display a comment corresponding to the accumulated value of the power consumption of home appliances 200A to 200E over a predetermined period, a comment regarding the operating state, and the like.

At this time, the CPU 110 displays a next button 102C for displaying the next page on the display 102 or the display 202, and a determination button 102D for ending the operation of the home appliances 200A to 200E arranged in a room where the person is not present. And an ignore button 102E for permitting the operation of the home appliances 200A to 200E.

For example, CPU 110 accepts selection of next button 102C for displaying the next page, and causes display 102 or display 202 to display a detailed screen regarding other home appliances 200A to 200E arranged in a room where no person is present. . For example, the display 102 or the display 202 displays a detailed screen related to the television 200D next to the detailed screen related to the air conditioner 200C.

CPU110 receives selection of decision button 102D, and stops operation | movement of household appliances 200A-200E currently displayed on the detail screen. The CPU 110 accepts the selection of the ignore button 102E and closes the detail screen and the pop-up window. That is, the CPU 110 displays the original content.

<Hardware configuration of

TV

200B, 200D>
One aspect of the hardware configuration of television 200B arranged in the living room according to this embodiment will be described. Since the hardware configuration of television 200D arranged in the child room according to the present embodiment is the same as that of television 200B arranged in the living room, description thereof will not be repeated here. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of television 200B according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, television 200B includes a memory 201, a display 202, a button 204, a communication interface 205, a speaker 207, a sensor 209, and a CPU 210.

The memory 201 can be realized in the same manner as the memory 101 of the home controller 100. The memory 201 stores a control program executed by the CPU 210, power consumption of the television 200B, instructions input to the television 200B, an operation state of the television 200B, and the like.

The display 202 is controlled by the CPU 210. More specifically, the display 202 displays a still image or a moving image based on data from a TV tuner or VRAM (Video RAM) (not shown).

The button 204 is disposed on the surface of the television 200B. The television 200B may include a plurality of buttons 204 such as a determination key, a direction key, and a numeric keypad. The button 204 receives a command from the user and inputs the command to the CPU 210.

The communication interface 205 transmits / receives data to / from the home controller 100 via the network 401 under the control of the CPU 210. As described above, the communication interface 205 uses the wireless LAN, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), wired LAN (Local Area Network), PLC (Power Line Communications), or the like, so that the home controller 100 is used. Send and receive data.

Speaker 207 outputs sound based on a command from CPU 210. For example, the CPU 210 causes the speaker 207 to output sound based on the sound data.

The clock 208 inputs the current date and time to the CPU 210 based on a command from the CPU 210.

The sensor 209 measures the power consumption of the television 200B and transmits the power consumption to the CPU 210.

The CPU 210 executes various types of information processing by executing various programs stored in the memory 201. In other words, the processing in the television 200B is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 210. Such software may be stored in the memory 201 in advance. The software may be stored in a storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet.

Such software is read from the storage medium by using a reading device (not shown), or downloaded by using the communication interface 205 and temporarily stored in the memory 201. The CPU 210 stores the software in the form of an executable program in the memory 201 and then executes the program. Note that the storage medium and the program can be realized in the same manner as the recording medium and program according to the home controller 100.

For example, the CPU 210 receives information (notification information) about the home appliances 200C to 200E in use corresponding to the human sensor 240B that has not detected a person from the home controller 100 via the communication interface 205. As shown in FIG. 2A, the CPU 210 of the television 200B causes the display 202 to display a pop-up window 102A and a detail button 102B for indicating that the television 200D is in use. When the detail button 102B is selected, the CPU 210 of the television 200B displays the next button 102C, the decision button 102D, and the ignore button 102E on the display 202 together with text and images indicating the transition of power consumption and the operating state of the television 200B. Display.

When the next button 102C is pressed, the CPU 210 of the television 200B displays the next button 102C and the text and images indicating the transition of power consumption and the operating state of another home appliance (light 200E) placed in the target room. The determination button 102D and the ignore button 102E are displayed. When the determination button 102D is selected, the CPU 210 of the television 200B transmits a command for turning off the power of the displayed home appliance to the home controller 100 via the communication interface 205. When the ignore button 102E is selected, the CPU 210 of the television 200B causes the display 202 to close the screen showing the home appliance information. The CPU 210 transmits a command to be ignored to the home controller 100 via the communication interface 170.

<About other home appliances>
Other home appliances 200A to 200E according to the present embodiment also have a sensor 209 for measuring power consumption and an input unit (button 204) for receiving a command from the user, similarly to television 200B shown in FIG. The communication interface 205 for transmitting the power consumption and the operation state to the home controller 100 may be included.

<Information Processing in Home Controller 100>
Next, information processing in home controller 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of information processing in home controller 100 according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 110 determines whether or not data has been received from

human sensors

240A and 240B via communication interface 105 (step S102). CPU110 repeats the process from step S102, when data are not received from

human sensor

240A, 240B (when it is NO in step S102).

When CPU 110 receives data from

human sensors

240A and 240B (in the case of YES in step S102), the room in which

human sensors

240A and 240B are arranged changes from a person to a person. It is determined whether or not the change has occurred (step S104). That is, the CPU 110 refers to the sensor table 101B and determines whether or not the state corresponding to the

human sensors

240A and 240B has changed.

CPU110 repeats the process from step S102, when the state corresponding to

human sensor

240A, 240B did not change (when it is NO in step S104). When the state corresponding to human sensor 240B changes (YES in step S104), CPU 110 determines whether there are any home appliances 200C to 200E in use in the room where human sensor 240B is placed. (Step S106). More specifically, CPU 110 refers to home appliance table 101A to determine whether home appliances 200C to 200E corresponding to the room ID corresponding to human sensor 240B are in use.

However, the CPU 110 may simply determine whether or not there is a person in the room where the

human sensors

240A and 240B are arranged. Then, when there is no person in the room where the human sensor 240B is arranged, the CPU 110 determines whether any of the home appliances 200C to 200E is in use in the room where the human sensor 240B is arranged. May be.

CPU 110 repeats the processing from step S102 when there is no home appliance 200C-200E in use in the room where human sensor 240B is arranged (NO in step S106). When there are home appliances 200C to 200E in use in the room in which human sensor 240B is placed (YES in step S106), CPU 110 refers to sensor table 101B and identifies the room in which the person is present (step S110). S108). The CPU 110 refers to the home appliance table 101A to identify the television 200B having a notification function among the home appliances 200A to 200B arranged in a room where a person is present (step S110).

The CPU 110 transmits information indicating that the television 200D (and the light 200E) is in use (even though there is no person in the room) to the television 200B via the communication interface 105 (step S112). At this time, the CPU 110 also transmits information indicating the transition of the power consumption and the operation state of the home appliances 200C to 200E in the target room via the communication interface 170 to the television 200B.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 2A, the CPU 210 of the television 200B causes the display 202 to display a pop-up window 102A and a detail button 102B for indicating that the television 200D is in use. In addition, when the detail button 102B is selected, the CPU 210 of the television 200B displays, on the display 202, the next button 102C, the decision button 102D, and the ignore button, together with text and images indicating the transition of power consumption and the operating state of the television 200B. 102E is displayed.

When the next button 102C is pressed, the CPU 210 of the television 200B displays the next button 102C and the text and images indicating the transition of power consumption and the operating state of another home appliance (light 200E) placed in the target room. The determination button 102D and the ignore button 102E are displayed. When the determination button 102D is selected, the CPU 210 of the television 200B transmits a command for turning off the power of the displayed home appliance to the home controller 100 via the communication interface 205. When the ignore button 102E is selected, the CPU 210 of the television 200B causes the display 202 to close the home appliance control screen. The CPU 210 transmits a command to be ignored to the home controller 100 via the communication interface 170.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 110 also displays on the display 102 a pop-up window 102A for indicating that the television 200D is in use (step S114). CPU 110 determines whether or not a command (erase command) for turning off power to home appliance 200D is received from television 200B via communication interface 170 (step S116).

When CPU 110 receives the delete command (YES in step S116), it instructs home appliance 200D to turn off the power via communication interface 170 (step S118). When CPU 110 has not received an erasure command (NO in step S116), CPU 110 determines whether or not a command to be ignored is received from television 200B via communication interface 170 (step S120).

CPU110 complete | finishes this communication process, when the command to ignore is received (when it is YES in step S120). CPU110 repeats the process from step S116, when the command to ignore is not received (when it is NO in step S120).

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the CPU 110 of the home controller 100 receives the operation state from each of the home appliances 200A to 200E via the communication interface 105. However, in step S106, CPU 110 may inquire home appliances 200A to 200E corresponding to

human sensors

240A and 240B, via communication interface 105, whether the home appliance is operating.

<First Modification of Configuration for Accepting Erase Instruction>
Next, a description will be given of a first modification of the configuration for receiving an erase command. FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing a first modification of the configuration for accepting an erase command.

As described above, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the network system 1 and the home controller 100 according to the first embodiment display the determination button 102D and the ignore button 102E after the detail button 102B is selected. It was something to do. On the other hand, in this modified example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 110 of the home controller 100 pops up on the display 102 or the television 200B to indicate that household appliances 200A to 200E that are not in the vicinity are in use. When displaying the window 102A, a decision button 102D and an ignore button 102E are displayed (along with the detail button 102B).

In other words, in the present modification, the timing at which the CPU 110 of the home controller 100 and the CPU 210 of the television 200B accept the erasure command and the ignore command, and the text displayed in the pop-up window 102A are different from those in the first embodiment. Is. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated here.

<Second Modification of Configuration for Accepting Erase Instruction>
Next, a second modification of the configuration for receiving an erasure command will be described. FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing a second modification of the configuration for accepting an erase command.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 2B, the network system 1 and the home controller 100 according to the first embodiment described above accept an erasure command for each of the home appliances 200A to 200D, that is, for each of the home appliances 200A to 200D. The determination button 102D and the ignore button 102E are displayed.

On the other hand, in the present modification, as shown in FIG. 9B, the CPU 110 of the home controller 100 displays the home appliance table 101A corresponding to the human sensor 240B that does not detect a person on the display 102 or the television 200B. It accepts erase commands for all registered home appliances 200C to 200E. In other words, the CPU 110 of the home controller 100 determines the decision button 102D or ignores all of the home appliances 200C to 200E registered in the home appliance table 101A installed in the room without a person on the display 102 or the television 200B. Button 102E is displayed.

More specifically, in step S118 of FIG. 7, when CPU 110 receives an erasure command (YES in step S116), home appliance 200C associated with human sensor 240B via communication interface 170. Command ~ 200E to power off.

That is, in this modification, the application range of the erase command and the ignore command is different from that of the first embodiment. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated here.

<Third Modification of Configuration for Accepting Erase Instruction>
Next, a third modification of the configuration for accepting an erasure command will be described. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a third modification of the configuration for accepting an erase command.

As described above, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the network system 1 and the home controller 100 according to the second modification display the determination button 102D and the ignore button 102E after the detail button 102B is selected. It was a thing. On the other hand, in this modified example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the CPU 110 of the home controller 100 pops up on the display 102 or the television 200B to indicate that home appliances 200A to 200E that are not in the vicinity are in use. When the window 102A is displayed, a decision button 102D and an ignore button 102E are displayed (along with the detail button 102B).

That is, in the present modification, the timing at which the CPU 110 of the home controller 100 and the CPU 210 of the television 200B receive an erasure command and an ignore command, and the text displayed on the pop-up window 102A are different from those in the second modification. It is. Since other configurations are the same as those of the second modification, description thereof will not be repeated here.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the network system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the home appliances 200A to 200E transmit the operation state and power consumption to the home controller 100. On the other hand, in network system 1B according to the present embodiment, each of home appliances 200A to 200E cannot transmit an operating state to home controller 100. That is, instead of the home appliances 200A to 200E, a communication device (smart tap) attached to an outlet for supplying power to the home appliances 200A to 200E measures the power consumption of each of the home appliances 200A to 200E, and calculates the power consumption. This is transmitted to the home controller 100.

<Overall configuration of network system>
The overall configuration of network system 1B according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing an overall configuration of network system 1B according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, network system 1B according to the present embodiment is also installed in, for example, a house or an office. The network system 1 is installed in a child room, an air conditioner 200A installed in a living room, a television 200B installed in the living room, an air conditioner 200C installed in a children's room, a television 200D installed in a children's room, and the like. Home appliances (electric equipment) such as the light 200E.

In network system 1B according to the present embodiment, communication device 400A for air conditioner 200A is installed between air conditioner 200A and the outlet of air conditioner 200A. In other words, communication device 400A is plugged into an outlet of air conditioner 200A, and adapter 250A of air conditioner 200A is plugged into communication device 400A.

A communication device 400C for the air conditioner 200C is installed between the air conditioner 200C and the outlet of the air conditioner 200C. In other words, the communication device 400C is plugged into the outlet of the air conditioner 200C, and the adapter 250C of the air conditioner 200C is plugged into the communication device 400C.

A communication device 400D for the television 200D is installed between the television 200D and the outlet of the television 200D. In other words, communication device 400D is plugged into the outlet of television 200D, and adapter 250D of television 200D is plugged into communication device 400D.

The communication device 400E for the light 200E is installed between the light 200E and the outlet of the light 200E. In other words, the communication device 400E is plugged into the outlet of the light 200E, and the adapter 250E of the light 200E is plugged into the communication device 400E.

human sensors

In network system 1B according to the present embodiment, home controller 100 acquires the power consumption of home appliances 200A to 200E via communication devices 400A to 400E as compared to network system 1 according to the first embodiment. Is different. More specifically, the CPU 110 of the home controller 100 receives the power consumption of the home appliances 200A to 200E from the communication devices 400A to 400E via the communication interface 170. The CPU 110 determines that the home appliances 200A to 200D are in use when the power consumption of the home appliances 200A to 200E is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the power consumption of the home appliances 200A to 200E is less than the predetermined value, the home appliance 200A It is determined that ~ 200E is not used.

Other configurations according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will not be repeated.

<Other embodiments>
Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the program is achieved by supplying a program to the home controller 100, the home appliances 200A to 200E, and other mobile phones. Then, a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program code stored in the storage medium It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention also by reading and executing.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code However, it is needless to say that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1, 1B network system, 100 home controller, 101 memory, 101A home appliance table, 101B sensor table, 102 display, 102A graph, 102B detailed screen display button, 102C “close” button, 103 tablet, 104 button, 105 communication interface, 106 Touch panel, 107 speaker, 108 clock, 110 CPU, 200 home appliance, 200A air conditioner, 200B television, 200C air conditioner, 200D television, 200E light, 201 memory, 202 display, 204 button, 205 communication interface, 207 speaker, 209 sensor, 210

CPU

240A, 240B human sensor, 250A-250E adapter, 00A-400E communication device 401 network.

Claims

A memory for storing correspondence between a plurality of devices and a plurality of human sensors;
A communication interface for receiving operating states of the plurality of devices;
It is determined whether or not a first device corresponding to a human sensor that has not detected a person is operating, and when the first device is operating, a person is detected via the communication interface. And a processor for transmitting information indicating that the first device is operating to a second device corresponding to the human sensor.
The processor is
Accepting a command for terminating the operation of the first device from the second device via the communication interface;
The controller according to claim 1, wherein operation of the first device is terminated via the communication interface in response to the command.
It further includes a display and an operation unit,
The processor is
Displaying on the display information indicating that the first device is operating;
Accepting a command for terminating the operation of the first device via the operation unit,
The controller according to claim 1, wherein operation of the first device is terminated via the communication interface in response to the command.
The processor is
Accepting a command for ending the operation of all devices corresponding to the human sensor corresponding to the first device from the second device via the communication interface;
2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein in response to the command, the operation of all devices corresponding to the human sensor corresponding to the first device is terminated via the communication interface.
It further includes a display and an operation unit,
The processor is
Displaying on the display information indicating that the first device is operating;
Accepting a command for terminating the operation of all devices corresponding to the human sensor corresponding to the first device via the operation unit,
2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein in response to the command, the operation of all devices corresponding to the human sensor corresponding to the first device is terminated via the communication interface.
A communication method in a controller comprising a memory storing a correspondence relationship between a plurality of devices and a plurality of human sensors, a communication interface, and a processor,
The processor receiving an operating state from each of the plurality of devices via the communication interface;
The processor receiving an operating state from each of the plurality of human sensors via the communication interface;
The processor determining whether a first device corresponding to a human sensor not detecting a person is operating;
The processor indicates that the first device is operating to a second device corresponding to a human sensor that has detected a person via the communication interface when the first device is operating. Transmitting the information.
A network system comprising a plurality of devices, a plurality of human sensors, and a controller,
Each of the plurality of devices transmits an operating state to the controller,
Each of the plurality of human sensors transmits a detection result to the controller,
The controller is
A memory for storing a correspondence relationship between the plurality of devices and the plurality of human sensors;
A communication interface;
It is determined whether or not the first device corresponding to the human sensor not detecting the person is operating, and the person is detected via the communication interface when the first device is operating. And a processor for transmitting information indicating that the first device is operating to a second device corresponding to the human sensor.
A communication method in a network system comprising a plurality of devices, a plurality of human sensors, and a controller that stores a correspondence relationship between the plurality of devices and the plurality of human sensors,
Each of the plurality of devices transmitting an operating state to the controller;
Each of the plurality of human sensors transmits information indicating that there is a person and information indicating that there is no person to the controller;
Determining whether the controller is operating a first device corresponding to a human sensor not detecting a person;
The controller transmitting information indicating that the first device is operating to a second device corresponding to a human sensor that detects a person when the first device is operating; A communication method comprising: