WO2019163144A1 - Control system, control device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch screen (24) that receives, from a user, an interlock setting operation being an operation setting interlock control for at least two infrastructure devices (300) among a plurality of infrastructure devices (300). If an interlock setting operation is received, a touch screen (24) displays an operation screen that presents an interlock instruction icon being an icon for receiving interlock instruction operations being operations that instruct the control device (100) to execute interlock control. The touch screen (24) receives interlock instruction operations from the user. A processor (11) performs interlock control of at least two infrastructure devices (300) on the basis of the content of the interlock control, if an interlock instruction operation has been performed.

Description

Control system, control device, control method, and program

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

Currently, a control system in which a control device controls a plurality of equipment via a network is known. As such a control system, for example, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) in which a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller monitors and controls a plurality of equipment installed in a house via a home network is known. Yes.

At present, in such a control system, various techniques are known in which a control device controls a plurality of facility devices in conjunction with or in cooperation with each other. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a home server that controls a first device and a second device in cooperation with each other. In order to promote the use of device cooperation control, this home server displays on the operation terminal a screen that presents operation contents that can be realized by cooperation between the first device and the second device.

JP 2006-319960 A

By the way, there is currently a demand to freely link a plurality of equipment with a simple operation. However, in the technique described in Patent Literature 1, a combination of equipment and functions that can be linked is determined in advance, and the equipment and functions cannot be freely linked. Moreover, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the operation required for setting the linkage and executing the linkage is complicated. For this reason, a highly convenient control system capable of freely interlocking a plurality of equipment with a simple operation is desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control system, a control device, a control method, and a program for freely interlocking a plurality of equipment with a simple operation.

In order to achieve the above object, a control system according to the present invention provides:
A control system comprising: a control device connected to a plurality of facility devices via a first network; and a terminal device connected to the control device via a second network,
The terminal device
Operation accepting means for accepting an interlock setting operation, which is an operation for setting interlock control of at least two equipment devices among the plurality of equipment devices, from a user;
Communication means for transmitting interlocking content information, which is information indicating the content of the interlocking control, to the control device when the interlocking setting operation is accepted;
When the interlock setting operation is accepted, a display means for displaying an operation screen that presents an interlock instruction icon that is an icon for accepting an interlock instruction operation that is an operation instructing the control device to execute the interlock control. And comprising
The controller is
Communication means for receiving the interlocking content information from the terminal device;
Storage means for storing the interlocking content information,
The operation receiving means receives the interlock instruction operation from the user,
When the interlock instruction operation is accepted, the communication means included in the terminal device transmits interlock instruction operation information, which is information indicating that the interlock instruction operation has been performed, to the control device,
The communication means included in the control device receives the interlock instruction operation information from the terminal device,
The control device further includes control means for interlockingly controlling the at least two facility devices based on the content of the interlock control indicated by the interlock content information when the interlock instruction operation information is received.

In the present invention, when the interlock setting operation is accepted, an operation screen that presents an interlock instruction icon that is an icon for accepting the interlock instruction operation is displayed. When the interlock instruction operation is accepted, at least two equipment devices are displayed. Interlocked control is performed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to freely interlock a plurality of equipment with a simple operation.

1 is a configuration diagram of a control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Functional configuration diagram of the control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention Functional configuration diagram of a terminal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Diagram showing interlock pattern information Figure showing warning interlocking pattern information The flowchart which shows the operation screen display process which the terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention performs. The flowchart which shows the setting screen display process shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the interlocking control process which the control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention performs. Diagram showing the operation screen displayed before selecting the target device The figure which shows the operation screen which is displayed after selection of the target equipment Figure showing the setting screen The figure which shows the operation screen which presents the interlocking instruction icon Diagram showing warning screen The block diagram of the control system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention Functional configuration diagram of the control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention Functional configuration diagram of a control device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention

(Embodiment 1)
First, the configuration of a control system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The control system 1000 is a system that executes interlock control of at least two equipment devices 300. In this specification, the interlock control refers to collective control for controlling a certain equipment 300 and controlling the other equipment 300 in conjunction with each other, and other equipment 300 based on information output from the equipment 300. It is a concept including both of the cooperative control for controlling the. In the present embodiment, an example in which the interlock control is batch control will be described.

The control system 1000 is set with a high degree of freedom for setting the interlock control so that the user can freely set the interlock control. In addition, the control system 1000 generates an interlock instruction icon for instructing the set interlock control so that the user can execute the interlock control with a simple operation. In addition, the control system 1000 is a system capable of setting control interlock control and executing interlock control on an operation screen instead of a management screen. The control system 1000 is, for example, HEMS (Home Energy Management Management).

As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 1000 includes a control device 100 and a terminal device 200. The control device 100 and the terminal device 200 are connected by a network 510. The control device 100 and the plurality of facility devices 300 are connected by a network 520. The network 510 and the network 520 are, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) constructed in a home. Note that the network 510 and the network 520 may be unified into one network. The first network corresponds to the network 510, for example. The second network corresponds to the network 520, for example.

The control device 100 is a device that forms the core of the control system 1000, and controls and monitors a plurality of facility devices 300. The control device 100 includes a processor 11, a flash memory 12, and a first communication interface 13. The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the control device 100. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that incorporates ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), RTC (Real Time Clock), and the like. The CPU operates according to a basic program stored in the ROM, for example, and uses the RAM as a work area.

The flash memory 12 is a nonvolatile memory that stores various types of information. For example, the flash memory 12 stores a program executed by the processor 11. The first communication interface 13 is a communication interface for connecting the control device 100 to the network 510 and the network 520. The first communication interface 13 is, for example, a wireless LAN communication interface. The control device 100 is, for example, a HEMS controller in HEMS.

The terminal device 200 is a device that functions as a user interface of the control device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 receives an operation from the user and presents information to the user. The terminal device 200 includes a processor 21, a flash memory 22, a communication interface 23, and a touch screen 24. The processor 21 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU incorporating a ROM, RAM, RTC, and the like.

The flash memory 22 is a non-volatile memory that stores various types of information. For example, the flash memory 22 stores an application program executed by the processor 21. The communication interface 23 is a communication interface for connecting the terminal device 200 to the network 510. The communication interface 23 is, for example, a wireless LAN communication interface. The touch screen 24 detects an operation performed by the user and supplies a signal indicating the detection result to the processor 21. The touch screen 24 displays information according to control by the processor 21. The terminal device 200 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

The plurality of equipment devices 300 are devices controlled by the control device 100, for example, equipment devices installed in the house. The plurality of facility devices 300 are, for example, home appliances, crime prevention facilities, energy measurement devices, or environment measurement devices. The home appliance is, for example, a room air conditioner, a television, a lighting device, an IH (Induction Heating) cooker, a ventilation fan, an air purifier, a blower, or a water heater. The security equipment is, for example, an electric lock, an electric blind, or an electric shutter. The energy measuring device is, for example, a device that measures the amount of electricity used or a device that measures the amount of gas used. The environmental measurement device is, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a solar radiation sensor. The plurality of facility devices 300 include a communication interface (not shown) for connecting to the network 520.

Next, the function of the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 functionally includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130. The communication means included in the control device 100 corresponds to the communication unit 110, for example. The control means corresponds to the control unit 120, for example. The storage unit corresponds to the storage unit 130, for example.

The communication unit 110 connects the control device 100 to the terminal device 200 and the plurality of facility devices 300. The communication unit 110 receives the interlocking content information from the terminal device 200. The interlocking content information is information indicating the content of interlocking control of at least two facility devices among the plurality of facility devices 300. The communication unit 110 receives the link instruction operation information from the terminal device 200. The link instruction operation information is information indicating that a link instruction operation has been performed. The interlock instruction operation is an operation for instructing the control device 100 to execute interlock control. The function of the communication unit 110 is realized by the function of the first communication interface 13, for example.

The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the control device 100. The control unit 120 executes processing for setting the interlock control. Moreover, the control part 120 performs interlocking control. Functionally, the control unit 120 includes a device control unit 121, an interlock control determination unit 122, and an information transfer unit 123. When the link instruction operation information is received by the communication unit 110, the device control unit 121 performs link control of at least two facility devices based on the content of the link control indicated by the link content information. The interlocking content information is information indicating the content of interlocking control.

The interlock control determination unit 122 determines whether the interlock control that the user is trying to set is an appropriate interlock control. The interlock control determining unit 122 determines whether or not the designated interlock pattern matches any one of the alert interlock patterns among at least one alert interlock pattern. The designated interlocking pattern is an interlocking pattern designated by the user. The warning interlocking pattern is an interlocking pattern to be warned.

The information transfer unit 123 transmits the information stored in the storage unit 130 to the terminal device 200 via the communication unit 110, and supplies the information received by the communication unit 110 from the terminal device 200 to the storage unit 130. The information transfer unit 123 transmits device information, device state information, icon information, interlocking pattern information, effect information, and recommendation availability information to the terminal device 200. In addition, the information transfer unit 123 supplies the interlocking content information received by the communication unit 110 from the terminal device 200 to the storage unit 130. The function of the control unit 120 is realized by the function of the processor 11, for example.

The storage unit 130 stores information used in the linked control setting process and information used in the linked control execution process. The storage unit 130 stores device information, device state information, icon information, user information, interlocking content information, interlocking pattern information, effect information, recommendation availability information, and warning interlocking pattern information. The device information is various types of information regarding the plurality of facility devices 300. The device information indicates, for example, the type of the facility device 300, the function of the facility device 300, the details of the control that can be performed on the facility device 300, and the position where the facility device 300 is arranged for each facility device 300. Information. The equipment state information is information indicating, for example, the control state of the equipment device 300 and the value output by the equipment device 300 for each equipment device 300.

Icon information is information indicating an image constituting an individual icon and an image constituting an interlocking instruction icon. The individual icon is an icon used when individually controlling the equipment device 300. The interlock instruction icon is an icon used when interlocking control of at least two equipment devices 300 is performed. The user information is information related to the user of the control system 1000. The user information is information indicating an ID for identifying the user, a password set by the user, and an authority given to the user, for example.

Interlocking content information is information indicating the content of interlocking control set by the user. The interlocking content information is information indicating, for example, the target device, the control content for the target device, at least one interlocking device, and the control content for at least one interlocking device. The target device is any one of the at least two facility devices 300 related to the interlock control. The target device is, for example, the facility device 300 that is first selected by the user when setting the interlock control. The interlocking device is a facility device 300 other than the target device among at least two facility devices 300 related to interlock control.

Linked pattern information is information indicating a plurality of linked patterns. The interlock pattern is specified by, for example, at least two facility devices among the plurality of facility devices 300 and the control contents for the at least two facility devices 300. The interlock pattern indicated by the interlock pattern information is, for example, a typically used interlock pattern. The effect information is information in which each of the plurality of interlocking patterns is associated with at least one effect. This effect is expected to be obtained by executing the interlock control specified by the interlock pattern. This effect is, for example, one of energy saving, crime prevention, convenience improvement, and comfort improvement. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that one of the effects expected most is associated with one interlocking pattern.

The recommendation availability information is information indicating whether each of the plurality of linkage patterns is a recommended linkage pattern. For example, an interlocking pattern that can be particularly expected to have the above-described effect, an interlocking pattern recommended by the manufacturer, or an interlocking pattern highly evaluated by the user is set as the recommended interlocking pattern. The warning interlocking pattern information is information indicating at least one warning interlocking pattern. The warning interlocking pattern is an interlocking pattern to be warned. The warning interlocking pattern is an interlocking pattern indicating interlocking control that is considered to be warned to the user before execution at least from the viewpoint of energy saving or crime prevention.

The warning interlocking pattern is a prohibition interlocking pattern or a warning interlocking pattern other than the prohibition interlocking pattern. The prohibition interlocking pattern is an interlocking pattern indicating interlocking control that is prohibited from being executed from the viewpoint of energy saving or crime prevention. The warning interlocking pattern other than the prohibition interlocking pattern is, for example, an interlocking pattern indicating interlocking control that can be executed although it is preferable not to execute it from the viewpoint of energy saving or crime prevention. The warning interlocking pattern or the prohibition interlocking pattern may be different for each user. For example, the interlock pattern set as the prohibition interlock pattern for the child user may be set as a warning interlock pattern other than the prohibition interlock pattern for the adult user. The function of the storage unit 130 is realized by the function of the flash memory 12, for example.

Next, the function of the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the terminal device 200 functionally includes a communication unit 210, a control unit 220, a storage unit 230, an operation reception unit 240, and a display unit 250. The communication means included in the terminal device corresponds to the communication unit 210, for example. The operation accepting means provided in the terminal device corresponds to the operation accepting unit 240, for example. A display unit included in the terminal device corresponds to the display unit 250, for example.

The communication unit 210 connects the terminal device 200 to the control device 100. When the operation setting unit 240 receives a link setting operation, the communication unit 210 transmits link content information indicating the content of the link control instructed by the link setting operation to the control device 100. When the link instruction operation is received by the operation receiving unit 240, the communication unit 210 transmits link instruction operation information, which is information indicating that the link instruction operation has been performed, to the control device 100. The function of the communication unit 210 is realized by the function of the communication interface 23, for example.

The control unit 220 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200. The controller 220 executes a process for setting the interlock control. In addition, the control unit 220 generates a screen to be displayed on the display unit 250. In addition, the control unit 220 transmits the interlocking content information to the control device 100 via the communication unit 210, and supplies the information received by the communication unit 210 from the control device 100 to the storage unit 230. Information supplied to the storage unit 230 is device information, device state information, icon information, interlocking pattern information, effect information, and recommendation availability information. The control unit 220 functionally includes a screen generation unit 221. The screen generation unit 221 generates an operation screen, a setting screen, and a warning screen based on the device information, device state information, icon information, linkage pattern information, effect information, and recommendation availability information. The function of the control unit 220 is realized by the function of the processor 21, for example.

The storage unit 230 stores information used in the setting process of the interlock control. The storage unit 230 stores device information, device state information, icon information, interlocking pattern information, effect information, and recommendation availability information. The function of the storage unit 230 is realized by the function of the flash memory 22, for example.

The operation reception unit 240 receives various operations from the user. For example, the operation reception unit 240 receives an individual instruction operation for a plurality of individual icons from the user when an operation screen that presents the plurality of individual icons is displayed. The individual icon is an icon for accepting an individual instruction operation. The individual operation instruction is an operation for instructing the control device 100 to execute individual control for one equipment device 300.

In addition, the operation receiving unit 240 receives an interlock setting operation from the user when this operation screen is displayed. This linkage setting operation is an operation using at least one individual icon among a plurality of individual icons. The individual icon used for the interlock setting operation is an individual icon used for specifying the target device. In addition, the operation receiving unit 240 receives a link instruction operation for the link instruction icon presented on the operation screen from the user. The function of the operation reception part 240 is implement | achieved by the function of the touch screen 24, for example.

The display unit 250 displays an operation screen, a setting screen, and a warning screen. The operation screen is a screen for presenting a plurality of individual instruction icons, and is a screen for accepting a link setting operation. The operation screen further presents an interlock instruction icon when the interlock setting operation is accepted. Moreover, the display part 250 respond | corresponds to a 2nd installation apparatus, when the individual icon corresponding to a 1st installation apparatus is designated and the 1st interlocking pattern is contained in the several interlocking pattern shown by interlocking pattern information. The individual icon is displayed in a manner that clearly indicates that the individual icon can be specified. The first interlock pattern is an interlock pattern including the first equipment device and the second equipment device. The first facility device is, for example, a facility device designated first among the plurality of facility devices 300. The first facility device is a candidate for the target device. The second facility device is, for example, the facility device 300 included in the first interlocking pattern together with the first facility device among the plurality of facility devices 300. The second equipment device is a candidate for the interlocking device.

Moreover, the display part 250 respond | corresponds to a 2nd installation apparatus, when the individual icon corresponding to a 1st installation apparatus is designated and the 1st interlocking pattern is contained in the several interlocking pattern shown by interlocking pattern information. The individual icon is displayed in a mode corresponding to at least one effect associated with the first interlocking pattern by the effect information. In addition, the display unit 250 has an individual icon corresponding to the first equipment device, the plurality of interlocking patterns indicated by the interlocking pattern information includes the first interlocking pattern, and the first interlocking pattern is recommended based on the recommendation availability information. In the case where it is indicated that the link pattern is to be linked, the individual icon corresponding to the second equipment is displayed in a manner that clearly indicates that the icon is the individual icon corresponding to the equipment 300 recommended as the link target.

Further, the display unit 250 displays a warning screen when the designated interlocking pattern is a warning interlocking pattern. The warning screen is a screen that warns that the designated interlocking pattern is a warning interlocking pattern. The warning screen may be a screen that presents information for inquiring whether or not the specified interlocking pattern can be adopted. The display unit 250 displays an operation screen that presents an interlocking instruction icon corresponding to the designated interlocking pattern when the recruitment instruction operation is accepted by the operation accepting unit 240. The function of the display unit 250 is realized by the function of the touch screen 24, for example.

Next, linked pattern information will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the interlocking pattern information is information indicating a plurality of interlocking patterns. The interlock pattern includes an identification number, a target device, control content for the target device, a interlock device, and control content for the interlock device. The number of interlocking devices may be any number as long as it is one or more. The control content is specified by, for example, the operation mode and control.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which the link pattern information includes effect information and recommendation availability information. However, the interlocking pattern information may not include the effect information and the recommendation availability information. In FIG. 4, the interlock pattern with the identification number 3 is an interlock pattern that controls the air conditioner to turn on the heating and controls the blind to turn on in the automatic B mode, and is an interlock pattern that can be expected to save energy. And a recommended interlocking pattern. Also, in FIG. 4, the interlock pattern with the identification number 4 is an interlock pattern in which the air conditioner is controlled to be turned off and the blind is controlled to be the shielding C in the normal mode, and an interlock that can be expected to improve convenience. It is shown that it is a pattern and is not a recommended interlocking pattern.

Next, the warning interlocking pattern information will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the warning interlocking pattern information is information indicating a plurality of warning interlocking patterns. The warning interlocking pattern includes an identification number, a target device, control details for the target device, interlocking devices, control details for the interlocking devices, and whether or not forced interlocking is possible. The number of interlocking devices may be any number as long as it is one or more. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the control contents are simplified.

FIG. 5 shows that the warning interlock pattern with the identification number 1 is an interlock pattern for controlling the air conditioner A to cooling and controlling the air conditioner B to heating, and that forced interlock is possible. ing. Further, in FIG. 5, the warning interlocking pattern with the identification number 4 is an interlocking pattern for controlling the TV to be turned off and the electric lock to be opened, and that forced interlocking is impossible. It is shown.

Next, the operation screen display process executed by the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation screen display process is executed in response to, for example, an operation for instructing to start displaying the operation screen on the touch screen 24 included in the terminal device 200.

First, the terminal device 200 acquires screen generation information (step S101). The screen generation information is information necessary to generate the operation screen, and is information including device information, device state information, and icon information, for example. The terminal device 200 transmits a screen generation information transmission request to the control device 100 and receives the screen generation information from the control device 100. When the terminal device 200 completes the process of step S101, the terminal device 200 acquires interlocking pattern information (step S102). The terminal device 200 transmits a transmission request for interlocking pattern information to the control device 100 and receives the interlocking pattern information from the control device 100. Note that the interlocking pattern information includes effect information and recommendation availability information.

When the terminal device 200 completes the process of step S102, the terminal device 200 displays an operation screen (step S103). For example, the terminal device 200 displays a screen 600 shown in FIG. Screen 600 is an initial operation screen. On the screen 600, a cursor 610, an icon 620, an icon 630, an icon 640, an icon 650, an icon 660, and an icon 670 are presented. A cursor 610 is a cursor for designating an icon. The cursor 610 may not be displayed.

The icon 620 is an individual icon indicating lighting installed in the room A. Icon 630 is an individual icon indicating an air conditioner installed in room A. The icon 640 is an individual icon indicating a television set in the room A. Icon 650 is an individual icon indicating lighting installed in room B. Icon 660 is an individual icon indicating an air conditioner installed in room B. Icon 670 is an individual icon indicating a refrigerator installed in room B.

When the terminal device 200 completes the process of step S103, the terminal device 200 determines whether or not there is a long press operation on any individual icon (step S104). If it is determined that there is a long press operation (step S104: YES), the terminal device 200 changes the display mode of the individual icon (step S105). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the terminal device 200 displays a screen 601 that is a presentation screen in which the display mode of the individual icons is changed.

Here, it is assumed that the icon 640 is pressed for a long time. In this case, since the icon 640 is an individual icon selected by long press, the icon 640 changes to the highlighted icon 641. In addition, the icon 620 includes a selectable explicit image indicating that a combination of lighting installed in the room A and a television installed in the room A is possible, and this combination may improve comfort. Is changed to an icon 621 in a state in which a comfort-enhancement explicit image indicating is superimposed. The selectable explicit image is an image including + in a circle. The comfort improvement explicit image is an image representing a smile.

In addition, the icon 630 includes a selectable explicit image indicating that a combination of an air conditioner installed in the room A and a television installed in the room A is possible, and that this combination may improve comfort. And an icon 631 in a mode in which an energy saving explicit image indicating that this combination may lead to energy saving is superimposed. The energy saving explicit image is a leaf image. Note that the icon 631 is highlighted to clearly indicate that this combination may be a recommended combination. The icon 650 indicates that a selectable explicit image indicating that the combination of the lighting installed in the room B and the television installed in the room A is possible, and that this combination may lead to crime prevention. It changes into the icon 651 of the aspect on which the crime prevention explicit image was overlapped. In FIG. 10, an image 691 is a selectable explicit image, an image 692 is a comfort improvement explicit image, an image 693 is an energy saving explicit image, and an image 694 is a crime prevention explicit image.

In addition, the icon 660 includes a selectable explicit image indicating that a combination of an air conditioner installed in the room B and a television installed in the room A is possible, and that this combination may improve comfort. And an icon 661 in a mode in which an energy saving explicit image indicating that this combination may lead to energy saving is superimposed. On the other hand, the icon 670 changes to an icon 671 having a low luminance value to clearly indicate that the combination of the refrigerator installed in the room B and the television installed in the room A is impossible. The terminal device 200 changes the display mode of the individual icon based on the interlocking pattern information, the effect information, and the recommendation availability information.

After completing the process of step S105, the terminal device 200 determines whether or not there is an individual icon selection operation (step S106). When the terminal device 200 determines that there is an individual icon selection operation (step S106: YES), the terminal device 200 executes a setting screen display process (step S107). The setting screen display process will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the terminal device 200 displays a setting screen (step S201). As illustrated in FIG. 11, for example, a screen 700 that is a setting screen is displayed so as to overlap with a screen 601 that is an operation screen. It is assumed that an operation for selecting an individual icon corresponding to an air conditioner installed in room A (hereinafter referred to as “air conditioner A”) is performed. In this case, the screen 700 is a setting screen on which the control content for the television and the control content for the air conditioner A can be set. On the screen 700, a button 710, a button 720, and an image 692 are presented. The button 710 is a button that is pressed when the interlock setting A is employed. The button 720 is a button that is pressed when canceling the linkage setting A. The image 692 is an image showing that the interlock control to be set may improve comfort. As described above, the screen 700 may include an image showing an effect that can be expected by the interlock control to be set. Note that the terminal device 200 can generate the screen 700 based on the device information.

When the terminal device 200 completes the process of step S201, the terminal device 200 accepts the setting of the interlock control (step S202). When the terminal device 200 completes the process of step S202, the terminal device 200 determines whether there is a setting stop operation (step S203). The setting stop operation is, for example, a pressing operation on the button 720. If the terminal device 200 determines that there is a setting cancellation operation (step S203: YES), the terminal screen 200 ends the setting screen display process. On the other hand, when determining that there is no setting cancellation operation (step S203: NO), the terminal device 200 determines whether there is a setting completion operation (step S204). The setting completion operation is a pressing operation on the button 710, for example.

If it is determined that there is no setting completion operation (step S204: NO), the terminal device 200 returns the process to step S202. On the other hand, when determining that there is a setting completion operation (step S204: YES), the terminal device 200 transmits the interlocking content information to the control device 100 (step S205). When completing the process of step S205, the terminal device 200 receives the determination result information from the control device 100 (step S206). When the terminal device 200 completes the process of step S206, it determines whether or not the designated interlocking pattern is a warning interlocking pattern based on the determination result information (step S207).

When the terminal device 200 determines that the designated interlocking pattern is not a warning interlocking pattern (step S207: NO), it transmits interlocking content confirmation information to the control device 100 (step S212) and completes the setting screen display process. On the other hand, when the terminal device 200 determines that the designated interlocking pattern is a warning interlocking pattern (step S207: YES), the terminal device 200 displays a warning screen (step S208). FIG. 13 shows a screen 800 that is a warning screen. Screen 800 is a screen that presents that the selected interlocking setting is not recommended, inquires whether or not to adopt the selected interlocking setting, and receives an operation for instructing whether or not to adopt the selected interlocking setting. Screen 800 presents button 810 and button 820. The button 810 is a button that is pressed when the interlock setting A is employed. The button 820 is a button that is pressed when canceling the interlock setting A.

When the terminal device 200 completes the process of step S208, it determines whether or not the designated interlocking pattern is a prohibited interlocking pattern based on the determination result information (step S209). If the terminal device 200 determines that the designated interlocking pattern is a prohibited interlocking pattern (step S209: YES), the terminal device 200 returns the process to step S202. On the other hand, when determining that the designated interlocking pattern is not the prohibited interlocking pattern (step S209: NO), the terminal device 200 accepts a forced setting instruction operation (step S210).

When the terminal device 200 completes the process of step S210, it determines whether or not there is a forced setting instruction operation (step S211). If the terminal device 200 determines that there is a forced setting instruction operation (step S211: YES), the terminal device 200 transmits interlocking content confirmation information to the control device 100 (step S212), and the setting screen display processing is completed. In step S212, the terminal device 200 ends the display of the setting screen and updates the operation screen.

FIG. 12 shows a screen 602 that is a setting screen after the update. The screen 602 presents a link instruction icon 680 that is an icon corresponding to the set link setting. The interlock instruction icon 680 is, for example, a style icon in which the icon 630 is superimposed on the icon 640. On the other hand, when determining that there is no forced setting instruction operation (step S211: NO), the terminal device 200 returns the process to step S202. The terminal device 200 determines that there is a forced setting instruction operation when the button 810 is pressed, and determines that there is no forced setting instruction operation when the button 820 is pressed.

When the terminal device 200 completes the process in step S107, determines that there is no long press operation (step S104: NO), or determines that there is no individual icon selection operation (step S106: NO), It is determined whether or not there is an individual instruction operation (step S108). If it is determined that there is an individual instruction operation (step S108: YES), the terminal device 200 transmits individual instruction operation information to the control device 100 (step S109). The individual instruction operation information is information indicating that an individual instruction operation has been performed. For example, the individual instruction operation information is information indicating the equipment 300 to be subjected to individual control and the control content. When the process of step S109 is completed or when it is determined that there is no individual instruction operation (step S108: NO), the terminal device 200 determines whether there is an interlocking instruction operation (step S110).

When it is determined that there is no interlocking instruction operation (step S110: NO), the terminal device 200 returns the process to step S104. On the other hand, if the terminal device 200 determines that there is an interlocking instruction operation (step S110: YES), the terminal device 200 transmits interlocking instruction operation information to the control device 100 (step S111), and the process returns to step S104.

Next, the interlock control process executed by the control device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The interlock control process is executed, for example, when the control device 100 is powered on.

First, the control device 100 determines whether or not there is an acquisition request for screen generation information from the terminal device 200 (step S301). When determining that there is a request for acquiring screen generation information (step S301: YES), the control device 100 transmits the screen generation information to the terminal device 200 (step S302). When the process of step S302 is completed, the control device 100 transmits interlocking pattern information (step S303). When the control device 100 completes the process of step S303 or determines that there is no request for acquisition of screen generation information (step S301: NO), the control device 100 determines whether or not the interlocking content information has been received from the terminal device 200. (Step S304).

When it is determined that the interlocking content information has been received (step S304: YES), the control device 100 determines whether or not the designated interlocking pattern is a warning interlocking pattern (step S305). The control device 100 determines whether or not the designated interlocking pattern is a warning interlocking pattern based on the interlocking content information and the alarm interlocking pattern information. When completing the process of step S305, the control device 100 transmits the determination result information to the terminal device 200 (step S306). When the control device 100 completes the process of step S306, the control device 100 determines whether or not the interlocking content confirmation information is received from the terminal device 200 (step S307).

When it is determined that the interlocking content confirmation information has been received (step S307: YES), the control device 100 confirms the interlocking content (step S308). The control device 100 completes the process of step S308, determines that the interlocking content information is not received (step S304: NO), or determines that the interlocking content confirmation information is not received (step S307: NO), it is determined whether or not the individual instruction operation information has been received (step S309). When determining that the individual instruction operation information has been received (step S309: YES), the control device 100 individually controls the facility device 300 (step S310).

When the process of step S310 is completed or when it is determined that the individual instruction operation information is not received (step S309: NO), the control device 100 determines whether or not the link instruction operation information is received (step S309: NO). Step S311). When determining that the interlock instruction operation information has been received (step S311: YES), the control device 100 performs interlock control of the plurality of facility devices 300 (step S312). For example, the control device 100 sequentially controls the target device and at least one interlocking device according to the interlocking content indicated by the interlocking content information. When the control device 100 completes the process of step S312 or determines that the link instruction operation information is not received (step S311: NO), the control device 100 returns the process to step S301.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the interlock setting operation is accepted on the operation screen, the interlock setting instruction icon is presented on the operation screen, and the interlock control is executed when the interlock setting instruction icon is operated. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the interlock control can be set with a simple operation, and the interlock control can be executed with a simple operation. Further, according to the present embodiment, the interlock control can be set freely.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the target device is selected, an individual icon corresponding to the equipment device 300 that can be selected as the interlocking device to be interlocked with the target device is presented in a specific manner. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily notify the user of the equipment device 300 that can be selected as the interlocking device.

In this embodiment, the individual icon corresponding to the equipment device 300 that can be selected as the interlocking device is presented in a manner corresponding to the effect expected to be obtained when it is selected as the interlocking device. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to inform the user of the effects expected to be obtained when selected as the interlocking device.

In the present embodiment, the individual icon corresponding to the equipment device 300 that can be selected as the interlocking device is presented in a manner that clearly indicates whether or not the individual icon corresponding to the facility device 300 related to the recommended interlocking control. The Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to inform the user in an easy-to-understand manner whether or not the equipment device 300 that can be selected as the interlocking device is the equipment device 300 related to the recommended interlocking control.

Further, in this embodiment, when the interlock pattern to be selected is a warning interlock pattern, a warning screen is presented. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily inform the user whether or not the interlocking pattern to be selected is an unrecommended interlocking pattern.

In this embodiment, when the interlock pattern to be selected is a warning interlock pattern and not a prohibition interlock pattern, it can be specified whether or not the interlock pattern to be selected is adopted at the discretion of the user. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to widen the user's choice and increase the degree of freedom of interlocking setting.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, an example in which the control system 1100 includes a cloud server 400 in addition to the control device 101 and the terminal device 200 as illustrated in FIG. 14 will be described. The control device 101 is connected to the cloud server 400 via the broadband router 410 and the network 530. The broadband router 410 is a device for connecting the control device 101 to the network 530. The network 530 is a wide area communication network, for example, the Internet. The third network corresponds to the network 530, for example.

The control device 101 includes a second communication interface 14 in addition to the processor 11, the flash memory 12, and the first communication interface 13. The second communication interface 14 is a communication interface for connecting the control device 101 to the network 530 via the broadband router 410. The second communication interface 14 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

The cloud server 400 is a server that provides various services in cloud computing. The cloud server 400 collects information (hereinafter referred to as “evaluation information”) indicating evaluation for the interlock control from at least one control apparatus 101. The cloud server 400 identifies a recommended interlocking pattern that is a recommended interlocking pattern based on the collected evaluation information. The cloud server 400 provides the recommended interlock pattern information, which is information indicating the recommended interlock pattern, to the control apparatus 101. The cloud server 400 has a function of connecting to the network 530.

The cloud server 400 includes a processor 41, a hard disk 42, and a communication interface 43. The processor 41 controls the overall operation of the cloud server 400. The processor 41 is a CPU incorporating a ROM, RAM, RTC, and the like, for example. The hard disk 42 is a device that stores various types of information. The hard disk 42 stores a program executed by the processor 41. The hard disk 42 stores evaluation information and recommended interlocking pattern information. The communication interface 43 is a communication interface for connecting the cloud server 400 to the network 530. The communication interface 43 includes a NIC, for example.

Next, the function of the control device 101 will be described with reference to FIG. Functionally, the control device 101 includes a communication unit 111, a control unit 125, and a storage unit 131. The communication unit 111 connects the control device 101 to the terminal device 200, the plurality of facility devices 300, and the cloud server 400. The function of the communication unit 111 is realized by, for example, the function of the first communication interface 13 and the function of the second communication interface 14.

The control unit 125 controls the overall operation of the control device 101. The control unit 125 includes an evaluation information management unit 124 in addition to the device control unit 121, the interlock control determination unit 122, and the information transfer unit 123. The evaluation information management unit 124 manages evaluation information. The evaluation information management unit 124 acquires evaluation information from the terminal device 200 and transmits the acquired evaluation information to the cloud server 400 via the communication unit 111. In addition, the evaluation information management unit 124 supplies the recommended interlock pattern information received from the cloud server 400 by the communication unit 111 to the storage unit 131. The function of the evaluation information management unit 124 is realized by the function of the processor 11, for example. The storage unit 131 stores the recommended interlocking pattern information supplied from the evaluation information management unit 124. The function of the storage unit 131 is realized by the function of the flash memory 12, for example.

The terminal device 200 accepts an operation for designating evaluation of the interlock control from the user via the operation accepting unit 240. The control unit 220 included in the terminal device 200 transmits evaluation information indicating the evaluation of the interlock control to the control device 101. Further, the terminal device 200 receives the recommended interlock pattern information from the control device 101 and stores it in the storage unit 230. The terminal device 200 presents a recommended interlocking pattern indicated by the recommended interlocking pattern information when setting of interlocking control is started on the operation screen.

In this embodiment, an operation screen for presenting a recommended interlocking pattern obtained from the evaluation information is displayed when interlocking control is set. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of the interlocking pattern recommended from the results.

(Embodiment 3)
In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the control device 102 has the functions of the terminal device 200. That is, the control apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment includes a user interface similar to the user interface that the terminal apparatus 200 has. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the control device 102 functionally includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 127, a storage unit 130, an operation reception unit 140, and a display unit 150. The control means provided in the control device corresponds to the control unit 127, for example. The storage means included in the control device corresponds to the storage unit 130, for example. The operation accepting means provided in the control device corresponds to the operation accepting unit 140, for example. The display means provided in the control device corresponds to the display unit 150, for example.

The communication unit 110 connects the control device 102 to a plurality of facility devices 300. The function of the communication unit 110 is realized by the function of the first communication interface 13, for example. The control unit 127 controls the overall operation of the control device 102. Functionally, the control unit 127 includes a device control unit 121, an interlock control determination unit 122, and a screen generation unit 126. The screen generator 126 has the same function as the screen generator 221. That is, the screen generation unit 126 generates an operation screen, a setting screen, and a warning screen. The function of the screen generation unit 126 is realized by the function of the processor 11, for example. The storage unit 130 stores various types of information used for setting the interlock control and executing the interlock control. The function of the storage unit 130 is realized by the function of the flash memory 12, for example.

The operation reception unit 140 receives various operations from the user. The operation receiving unit 140 receives, for example, a link setting operation, a link instruction operation, and an individual instruction operation from the user. The function of the operation reception part 140 is implement | achieved by the function of a touch screen (not shown), for example. The display unit 150 displays various screens according to control by the control unit 127. The display unit 150 displays, for example, an operation screen, a setting screen, and a warning screen generated by the screen generation unit 126. The function of the display unit 150 is realized by the function of a touch screen (not shown), for example.

In the present embodiment, the control device 102 includes a user interface. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to freely set and execute the interlock control with a simple operation even without the terminal device 200.

(Modification)
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, when implementing this invention, a deformation | transformation and application with a various form are possible.

In the present invention, which part of the configuration, function, and operation described in the above embodiment is adopted is arbitrary. Further, in the present invention, in addition to the configuration, function, and operation described above, further configuration, function, and operation may be employed. Moreover, the structure, function, and operation | movement demonstrated in the said embodiment can be combined freely.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the appearance of the individual icon is changed by superimposing various images on the individual icon has been described. The method of changing the appearance of the individual icon is not limited to this example. For example, the appearance of the individual icon may be changed by changing the color of the individual icon, the size of the individual icon, the brightness of the individual icon, and the like. For example, the individual icon of the interlocking device that can be expected to improve comfort can be red, the individual icon of the interlocking device that can be expected to save energy can be green, and the individual icon of the interlocking device that can be expected to prevent crime can be blue. For example, increase the size of individual icons for linked devices that can be expected to improve comfort, reduce the size of individual icons for linked devices that can be expected to save energy, and reduce the size of individual icons for linked devices that can be expected to prevent crime. Can do. For example, increase the brightness of individual icons of interlocking devices that can be expected to improve comfort, moderate brightness of individual icons of interlocking devices that can be expected to save energy, and increase the brightness of individual icons of interlocking devices that can be expected to prevent crime. It can be darkened.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the interlock control is substantially collective control has been described. In the present invention, the linkage control may be linkage control. In this case, for example, an interlocking pattern including a target device that is a sensor and an interlocking device that is a controllable home appliance is set. Then, for example, when the value output from the sensor becomes a predetermined value after the interlock control icon is generated, predetermined control is performed on the home appliance.

By applying an operation program that defines the operations of the control device 100, the control device 101, the control device 102, the terminal device 200, and the cloud server 400 according to the present invention to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, the personal computer or the like can be used. It is also possible to function as the control device 101, the control device 102, the terminal device 200, and the cloud server 400 according to the present invention. The distribution method of such a program is arbitrary. For example, the program is stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a memory card. Alternatively, it may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

The present invention is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiments but by the claims. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is applicable to a control system in which a control device controls a plurality of equipment.

11, 21, 41 processor, 12, 22 flash memory, 13 first communication interface, 14 second communication interface, 23, 43 communication interface, 24 touch screen, 42 hard disk, 100, 101, 102 control device, 110, 111, 210 communication unit, 120, 220, 125, 127 control unit, 121 device control unit, 122 interlock control determination unit, 123 information transfer unit, 124 evaluation information management unit, 130, 131, 230 storage unit, 200 terminal device, 126, 221 screen generation unit, 140, 240 operation reception unit, 150, 250 display unit, 300 equipment, 410 broadband router, 510, 520, 530 network, 600, 601, 602, 700 screen, 610 cursor , 620, 621, 630, 631, 640, 641, 650, 651, 660, 661, 670, 671 icon, 680 interlocking instruction icon, 691, 692, 693, 694 image, 710, 720, 810, 820 button, 800 Screen, 1000, 1100 control system

Claims (11)

1. A control system comprising: a control device connected to a plurality of facility devices via a first network; and a terminal device connected to the control device via a second network,
   The terminal device
   Operation accepting means for accepting an interlock setting operation, which is an operation for setting interlock control of at least two equipment devices among the plurality of equipment devices, from a user;
   Communication means for transmitting interlocking content information, which is information indicating the content of the interlocking control, to the control device when the interlocking setting operation is accepted;
   When the interlock setting operation is accepted, a display means for displaying an operation screen that presents an interlock instruction icon that is an icon for accepting an interlock instruction operation that is an operation instructing the control device to execute the interlock control. And comprising
   The controller is
   Communication means for receiving the interlocking content information from the terminal device;
   Storage means for storing the interlocking content information,
   The operation receiving means receives the interlock instruction operation from the user,
   When the interlock instruction operation is accepted, the communication means included in the terminal device transmits interlock instruction operation information, which is information indicating that the interlock instruction operation has been performed, to the control device,
   The communication means included in the control device receives the interlock instruction operation information from the terminal device,
   The control device further includes control means for interlockingly controlling the at least two equipment devices based on the content of the interlock control indicated by the interlock content information when the interlock instruction operation information is received.
   Control system.
2. The operation screen presents a plurality of individual icons for accepting an individual instruction operation that is an operation for instructing the control device to execute individual control for each of the plurality of facility devices,
   The operation accepting unit performs the individual instruction operation for the plurality of individual icons and the interlock setting operation using at least one individual icon among the plurality of individual icons when the operation screen is displayed. Accept from the user,
   The control system according to claim 1.
3. The storage means stores interlocking pattern information that is information indicating a plurality of interlocking patterns including at least two facility devices among the plurality of facility devices and control contents for the at least two facility devices;
   The display means is configured such that an individual icon corresponding to a first equipment device among the plurality of equipment devices is designated, and the second equipment device among the first equipment device and the plurality of equipment devices is designated in the plurality of interlocking patterns. When the first interlocking pattern that includes the interlocking pattern is included, the individual icon corresponding to the second facility device is displayed in a mode that clearly indicates that the icon can be specified.
   The control system according to claim 2.
4. The storage means stores effect information in which each of the plurality of interlocking patterns is associated with at least one effect among energy saving, crime prevention, convenience improvement, and comfort improvement,
   In the case where the individual icon corresponding to the first equipment device is designated and the first interlocking pattern is included in the plurality of interlocking patterns, the display means displays the individual icon corresponding to the second facility equipment, Displaying in a manner corresponding to at least one effect associated with the first interlocking pattern by the effect information;
   The control system according to claim 3.
5. The storage unit stores recommendation propriety information indicating whether each of the plurality of interlocking patterns is a recommended interlocking pattern;
   In the display means, the individual icon corresponding to the first equipment is specified, the first interlock pattern is included in the plurality of interlock patterns, and the first interlock pattern is recommended according to the recommendation availability information. If the pattern is indicated, the individual icon corresponding to the second facility device is displayed in a mode that clearly indicates that the icon is an individual icon corresponding to the facility device recommended as the interlocking target.
   The control system according to claim 3.
6. The storage means stores warning interlocking pattern information that is information indicating at least one warning interlocking pattern that is an interlocking pattern to be warned;
   The display means, when a specified interlock pattern that is an interlock pattern specified by the user matches any one of the at least one warning interlock pattern, the specified interlock pattern to be warned Display a warning screen to warn you that it is a pattern,
   The control system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.
7. The warning screen is a screen that presents information for inquiring whether or not to adopt the designated interlocking pattern,
   The display means presents the interlock instruction icon corresponding to the designated interlock pattern when the operation accepting section accepts an adoption instruction operation that is an operation of instructing the adoption of the designated interlock pattern from the user. Display the operation screen,
   The control system according to claim 6.
8. A cloud server connected to the control device via a third network;
   The cloud server
   Storage means for storing recommended interlock pattern information indicating a recommended interlock pattern that is a recommended interlock pattern;
   Communication means for transmitting the recommended interlocking pattern information stored in the storage means provided in the cloud server to the control device;
   The communication means included in the control device receives the recommended interlock pattern information from the cloud server, transmits the received recommended interlock pattern information to the terminal device,
   The communication means included in the terminal device receives the recommended interlock pattern information from the control device,
   The display means displays the operation screen presenting the recommended interlock pattern when the operation accepting means accepts the interlock setting operation from the user.
   The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. A control device connected to a plurality of equipment via a first network,
   Operation accepting means for accepting an interlock setting operation, which is an operation for setting interlock control of at least two equipment devices among the plurality of equipment devices, from a user;
   When the interlock setting operation is accepted, storage means for storing interlocking content information that is information indicating the content of the interlocking control;
   When the interlock setting operation is accepted, a display means for displaying an operation screen that presents an interlock instruction icon that is an icon for accepting an interlock instruction operation that is an operation instructing the control device to execute the interlock control. When,
   When the operation accepting unit accepts the interlocking instruction operation from the user, the control unit performs interlocking control of the at least two equipment devices based on the content of the interlocking control indicated by the interlocking content information.
   Control device.
10. An interlock setting operation that is an operation for setting interlock control of at least two equipment devices among a plurality of equipment devices is accepted from the user,
    When the interlock setting operation is accepted, an operation screen that presents an interlock instruction icon that is an icon for accepting an interlock instruction operation that is an operation for instructing the control device to execute the interlock control is displayed.
    When the interlock instruction operation is received from the user, the at least two equipment devices are interlocked and controlled.
    Control method.
11. A computer provided in a control device connected to a plurality of equipment via the first network,
    Operation accepting means for accepting an interlock setting operation, which is an operation for setting interlock control of at least two equipment devices among the plurality of equipment devices, from a user;
    When the interlock setting operation is accepted, a display means for displaying an operation screen that presents an interlock instruction icon that is an icon for accepting an interlock instruction operation that is an operation instructing the control device to execute the interlock control. ,
    When the operation accepting unit accepts the interlock instruction operation from the user, it functions as a control unit that interlocks and controls the at least two equipment devices.
    program.

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