JP5016968B2 - Equipment control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a device control system that controls the operating state of a device provided inside and outside a house.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a user's physical characteristics are measured by a measuring unit such as a sensor, and various devices in a house are controlled based on the measurement result of the sensor or the like. For example, in “Personal authentication device and traffic control device” of Patent Document 1, a distance sensor is provided as a height measuring means in a traffic gate such as an entrance door, and the height of the person to be authenticated (passerby) measured by the distance sensor Accordingly, the height of the terminal unit composed of a video camera or the like is moved in the vertical direction. In addition, the identity of the person to be authenticated is confirmed based on the biometric information input by the biometric information input means, and whether or not the pass gate is allowed to pass is controlled according to the result of the identity verification. As a result, it is possible to realize an apparatus that is easy to use even for a plurality of authenticated persons having different heights.
JP 2003-308303 A

  In the existing device control technology that controls various devices in the house including the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the operation state of the device is simply adjusted according to who the user uses. In Patent Document 1, as the device control, the passage gate is simply switched between an open state and a closed state. In addition, although it is conceivable to automatically switch the volume of the television according to the user, in the existing technology, for example, the volume is simply switched from a high volume to a low volume. Therefore, considering whether the user can comfortably use the device, there is room for improvement in the comfort.

  The main object of the present invention is to provide a device control system that can greatly enhance the comfort of a user when using a device.

  Hereinafter, means and the like effective for solving the above-described problems will be described while showing functions and effects as necessary. In the following, in order to facilitate understanding, a corresponding configuration example in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, etc., but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

  In the first invention, equipment (television TV1, TV2, audio equipment AU1, etc.) provided in the house and control means (control unit m2, kitchen control device 48, lighting control device 51, etc.) for controlling the operating state of the equipment. In the apparatus control system provided with the above, the control means gradually changes the operation state when the operation state of the apparatus is changed.

  According to the said structure, in the case of the change of the driving | running state of an apparatus, a sudden change is suppressed. Therefore, it is suppressed that the operating state of an apparatus is changed unexpectedly for a user. In addition, the operating state of the device can be changed without a sense of discomfort for the user. As a result, the comfort when the user uses the device can be greatly enhanced.

  In a second aspect of the present invention, a target setting unit (control unit m2) that sets a target value of the operating state based on a request (user request or the like) is provided, and the control unit sets a target value set by the target setting unit When there is a change, the target value is gradually changed, and the device is controlled based on the gradually changing target value. According to this structure, the change of the driving | running state of an apparatus can be positively advanced or delayed.

  In a third invention, the control means executes the gradual change of the target value on condition that the amount of change of the target value set by the target setting means is a predetermined value or more. That is, the target value is gradually changed only when the change amount of the target value is relatively large, and the target amount is changed at a stroke when the change amount is relatively small. As a result, when the change amount of the target value is relatively small, it is possible to quickly shift to a desired driving state without causing the user to feel uncomfortable.

  In a fourth aspect of the invention, the control means changes the rate of change of the operation output related to the operation state of the device depending on whether the operation output is increased or decreased. That is, for example, when comparing the case where the volume of a television or the like is increased at a stroke with the case where the volume is decreased at a stroke, it is considered that the user is more likely to feel discomfort. Therefore, the volume is changed relatively slowly when increasing the volume and relatively quickly when decreasing the volume. This makes it possible to satisfy both the needs to change the operating state of the equipment without a sense of incongruity and the needs to change quickly.

  In the fifth invention, the device is a work table (kitchen work table 43) that moves up and down by driving an actuator (actuator 47), and changes its operating state by changing its height. And the said control means changes the change speed by the case where the said worktable is raised, and the case where it lowers. In other words, for example, in a configuration in which the height of a kitchen workbench is changed by driving an actuator, when the workbench is raised, its rise speed is relatively small, and when it is lowered, its descent speed is compared. Make it bigger. Or vice versa. Thereby, when the work table is raised and lowered, an operation desired by the user can be realized.

  In the sixth invention, the device is a movable device (a top plate 41a of the floor cabinet) that moves in the horizontal direction by driving an actuator (actuator 46), and changes its operating state by changing its position. And the said control means changes the change speed with the case where the said movable apparatus approaches the user side, and the case where it leaves | separates. That is, for example, in a configuration in which a kitchen floor cabinet (or a part thereof) moves, the moving speed is relatively small when the cabinet approaches the user side, and the moving speed is relatively large when the cabinet moves away. To do. Or vice versa. Thereby, when the movable device moves, an operation desired by the user can be realized.

  In the seventh invention, a portable communication device (portable devices K1 to K4) that is carried by a user and transmits identification information (ID information) given to each user, and provided in the device or in the vicinity of the device, the portable device A device control system that further includes a receiving device (communication unit m1) that receives the identification information transmitted from the communication device, and that controls the operating state of the device based on the identification information received by the receiving device. The control means gradually changes the operation state when changing the operation state in accordance with the identification information received each time.

  According to the above, automatic operation of the device is performed based on transmission information (identification information) from the portable communication device carried by the user. Thereby, even if a user does not perform input operation etc. to an operating device, appropriate apparatus control for every user is attained. In particular, since the driving state gradually changes when the driving state is changed in accordance with the user, a sense of incongruity associated with the state change can be suppressed. Thereby, both convenience and comfort can be realized when using the device.

  In an eighth aspect of the invention, the control means variably sets the change rate (change speed) of the driving state based on the identification information received each time. It is considered that some users do not feel a sense of incongruity due to a change in the state of the device, and may desire a state change earlier than that. In this regard, as described above, by setting the change rate of the driving state variably based on the identification information, the state change can be matched to the needs of each user.

  In a ninth invention, the device is shared by a plurality of users, and in the device control system in which priorities are determined in advance for the plurality of users and the devices are controlled accordingly, the control means is a user When the identification information of the higher-priority user is similarly received in a state where the device is being operated based on the reception of the identification information, the operation state gradually matches the higher-priority user. Change.

  According to this configuration, when a plurality of pieces of identification information are received in duplicate, the device can be controlled without confusion, and the inconvenience that the control state is not stable can be avoided. Further, since the driving state suitable for the priority lower ranks is gradually changed from the driving state suitable for the priority lower rank ranks, it is possible to switch the driving state without the user existing before feeling uncomfortable.

  Here, as in the tenth invention, when the control unit changes the operation state of the device in response to reception of the identification information, the control unit notifies the effect of the change of the operation state by voice, display, etc. It is recommended to change the operating state. Thereby, the inconvenience that the user who used the apparatus previously feels bad can be suppressed by unexpectedly changing the operation state of the apparatus. In addition, it is also possible to make a configuration in which the user side is inquired about whether or not the operating state of the device can be changed.

  In an eleventh aspect of the invention, a storage device (memory m4) for storing user-specific information regarding the body and preferences of a user who possesses the portable communication device is provided, and the control means receives the identification received from the portable communication device. The device is controlled based on the information and the user-specific information stored in the storage device. As a result, it is possible to perform device control that meets the needs of the user. In particular, since the physical information and preference information are stored in the storage device, an optimal configuration that reflects the user's needs in detail is different from another configuration in which physical information is measured by a measuring means such as a sensor each time. Device control can be easily realized.

  In a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided history storage means (a personal computer 32) for storing the history of operating the equipment for each identification information, and the control means is based on the operation history of the equipment stored by the history storage means. To control the device. In this case, by reflecting the actual driving history, it is possible to perform device control according to the action pattern for each identification information (that is, for each user), and it is possible to realize more suitable device control.

  A thirteenth aspect of the invention is a device control system in which the devices are a plurality of lighting devices (lighting devices L1 to L9, L11 to L15) provided in at least one of the inside and outside of a house, and the lighting devices are controlled. And portable communication devices (portable devices K) that transmit identification information (ID information) that is carried by the user and that are individually assigned to the user, and that are provided scattered inside and outside the house and transmitted from the portable communication device. And receiving devices (receiving devices J1 to J9, J11 to J15) that receive the identification information, and the control means (illumination control device 51) receives the identification information by the receiving device. Based on the identification information and the reception position at that time, the target position to which the user subsequently travels is predicted and the lighting control of the lighting device is performed.

  In a building such as a house, it is considered that a destination position (destination) to be followed can be predicted to some extent depending on which user is at which position. In this regard, according to the above configuration, when the identification information is received by the receiving device, based on the identification information and the reception position at that time, the target position to which the user subsequently travels is predicted and the lighting control of the lighting device is performed. Therefore, it is possible to turn on the lighting device in a place where the user intends to go in advance. Therefore, it is possible to perform lighting control that meets the needs of the user, and to greatly enhance the convenience when the user moves in the building.

  In a fourteenth aspect, the control means predicts a travel route from the current position where the identification information is received by the receiving device to the target position, and performs lighting control for the lighting equipment provided in the travel route. carry out. Thereby, even if a user's present position and the target position (destination) are separated, the illumination device between them can be turned on and it can be made easy to reach the target position.

  In a fifteenth aspect of the invention, for each of the identification information, a reception position of the identification information and a subsequent predicted behavior pattern are associated and defined in advance, and the control unit is configured to control the lighting device based on the predicted behavior pattern. Implement the lighting control. In this case, the lighting control can be easily performed by preliminarily defining the lighting control corresponding to many predicted behavior patterns.

  In a sixteenth aspect of the invention, the control means predicts a target position to be followed by the user based on time information received in addition to the received identification information and its reception position, and performs lighting control of the lighting device. carry out. That is, it is considered that the user's destination changes depending on the time zone. In this regard, by predicting the target position (destination) based on the received identification information and the reception position in each case, and the time information at the time of reception, the prediction accuracy increases, and more suitable illumination control can be realized. .

  In a seventeenth aspect, the control means performs lighting control of the lighting device based on a life time zone set individually for each user. The information related to the life time zone includes a daily time schedule, day of the week, time for going out and going home, and the like. In this case, the illumination control that is comfortable for the user living in the building can be realized by performing the illumination control based on the individual life time zone of the user.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying a residential equipment control system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an example of the floor plan of the two-story house 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the house 10 includes an entrance 11, a corridor 12, a Japanese-style room 13, a living room 14, a dining room 15, a kitchen 16, a washroom 17, a toilet 18, and a bathroom 19 as main indoor spaces. The living room 14, the dining room 15, and the kitchen 16 are formed as a continuous integrated space (LDK space).

  The entrance 11 is provided with an entrance door D1, and the resident mainly goes in and out of the house through the entrance door D1. Between the hallway 12 and each room adjacent thereto, doors and the like for entering and exiting each room are provided. Specifically, a sliding door D2 is provided at the doorway of the Japanese-style room 13, and an indoor door D3 is provided at the doorway of the dining room 15.

  In the house 10, various devices such as home appliances are installed in each room. For example, the TV 14 and the audio device AU1 are installed in the living room 14, and the TV TV 2 is installed in the Japanese-style room 13. The audio device AU1 includes a music playback device, a radio, and the like. Each of these devices is shared by a plurality of residents living in the house 10. In addition, in the house 10, other devices (such as home appliances) such as lighting fixtures and air conditioners are installed in addition to the second floor portion, and these can also be objects of automatic operation control of this embodiment. For the sake of convenience, description of other devices is omitted here.

  In the device control system of the present embodiment, a communication function is given to the devices (such as the above-described television and audio device) in the house 10 so that each device is automatically operated based on wireless communication information with the portable communication device. It has become. That is, the device is operated manually based on an input operation of an operation panel provided in the device or an input operation of a remote control device (remote operation device) for each device, and the device is connected to the portable communication device. Based on the wireless communication information, automatic driving is performed regardless of the input operation by the resident.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the present control system. In addition, FIG. 2 demonstrates the example which makes control object TVTV1 and audio equipment AU1 installed in the living room 14, and TVTV2 installed in the Japanese-style room 13. FIG.

  In FIG. 2, each home appliance such as TV TV1, TV2 and audio device AU1 has a wireless communication unit m1 for performing wireless communication with an external device, and power supply based on information received through the wireless communication unit m1. And a control unit m2 for controlling on / off, volume, program channel, and the like. The wireless communication unit m1 and the control unit m2 are configured to be supplied with a power supply system different from the main power source such as a television, and the main power source is in an off state (for example, the TV image display function is off). State).

  The televisions TV 1 and TV 2, the audio equipment AU 1, and the like are connected by a common signal line 31, and a personal computer (personal computer) 32 is connected to the signal line 31. The personal computer 32 has a built-in memory 32a. When the televisions TV1, TV2 and the audio equipment AU1 are used (when the power is turned on), information on the usage status is sequentially transmitted to the personal computer 32 through the signal line 31. Then, the use history information of the televisions TV1, TV2, audio equipment AU1, etc. is sequentially stored in the memory 32a by the personal computer 32. The usage history information includes information such as power on / off time, program, and volume.

  In this example, four inhabitants U1, U2, U3, U4 are assumed as dwellers of the house, and each of the inhabitants U1-U4 possesses portable devices K1-K4 as portable communication devices. Each of the portable devices K1 to K4 is a small portable device, and even if it is carried, it does not get in the way and is always easy to keep. For example, a bracelet-type portable device with a wristband attached to the portable device, a pendant-type portable device with a neck chain attached to the portable device, or a badge with a spring hook or badge pin attached to the portable device. It can be realized as a portable mobile device. In addition, electronic keys used in the smart key system are used as the portable devices K1 to K4, mobile phones used daily are used as the portable devices K1 to K4, and IC cards having communication functions are used as the portable devices K1 to K1. It can also be used as K4. It is also possible to use portable devices with different types and forms for each resident.

  The portable devices K1 to K4 include a wireless communication unit m3. For example, an area of about one room is set as a communication range (transmission / reception range) between the wireless communication units m1 such as the TVs TV1 and TV2 and the audio device AU1. Wireless communication is possible. The portable devices K1 to K4 are provided with a memory m4. The memory m4 includes individual ID information (identification information) that is different for each owner (residents U1 to U4) and the body of each owner. And user-specific information relating to preferences are stored.

  The ID information is information that allows at least a user who is authenticated by the control system and a plurality of users (for example, a family living together) to be authenticated individually. In addition, as information related to the body in the user-specific information, for example, information such as “age (or age group), gender, height, weight, visual ability, hearing ability” and the like are included. Similarly, information on preferences in the user-specific information includes, for example, “favorite television program, favorite radio program, favorite talent, favorite movie genre, favorite musician, favorite volume level” and the like.

  The above-mentioned user-specific information (information related to the body and preferences) is registered in the memory m4 by an input operation of each resident U1 to U4, that is, directly input, and updated (rewritten) as necessary. Specifically, a setting input unit composed of a large number of input buttons or the like is provided in the portable devices K1 to K4, and user-specific information is registered and updated by an input operation of the setting input unit. At this time, if a display unit is provided in the portable devices K1 to K4, the input operation becomes easy. In addition to direct input to the portable devices K1 to K4, a method of inputting user-specific information by the personal computer 32 or the like and transmitting the input information to the portable devices K1 to K4 by wireless or wired can be applied.

  In addition to the built-in memory, the memory m4 may be a removable storage medium such as a memory card. When the memory m4 is configured by a memory card, it is possible to easily register and update user-specific information on the personal computer side by connecting the memory card to the personal computer side.

  In the device control system configured as described above, each home appliance (TV TV1, TV2, audio device AU1, etc.) periodically transmits a request signal, while portable devices K1 to K4 enter the request signal reception area. At that time, ID information and user-specific information (information on the body and preferences) are transmitted in response to the request signal. On the home appliance side, ID information and user-specific information transmitted from the portable devices K1 to K4 are received, and automatic operation is performed based on the received information.

  The flow of automatic operation control in home appliances will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This control process is executed at a predetermined time cycle by the control unit m2 of each home appliance (TV TV1, TV2, audio device AU1, etc.).

  In FIG. 3, in step S11, a request signal transmission process is executed, and in subsequent step S12, it is determined whether or not ID information and user-specific information are received in response to the request signal. If there is no response, that is, if ID information and user-specific information have not been received, this processing is terminated as it is.

  If there is a response, that is, if ID information and user-specific information are received, the process proceeds to step S13, and user authentication is performed based on the received ID information. If the authentication is OK, step S14 is affirmed and the process proceeds to the subsequent step S15. If the authentication is NG, step S14 is denied and the process is terminated. If ID information and user-specific information are received from a plurality of portable devices, if at least one of the received information from each portable device is authenticated, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, automatic driving is executed based on the user-specific information. At this time, if ID information and user-specific information are received in the power-off state, power-on is executed. Further, as an example of automatic driving, when the home appliance is a television, the television automatically adjusts the image quality or brightness level and volume level based on the audiovisual capability information included in the user-specific information. When the home appliance is an audio device, the audio device automatically adjusts the volume level based on the hearing ability information included in the user-specific information.

  In addition, after the start of automatic operation of each home appliance, when the ID information and the user-specific information are not received (when step S12 is denied), the power of each home appliance is automatically turned off. ing.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the user-specific information that is a control parameter when the automatic operation is performed in the televisions TV1, TV2, the audio equipment AU1, and the like is different. ”And“ Hearing ability ”are control parameters, and in the audio device AU1, information on“ Hearing ability ”among user-specific information is a control parameter. That is, for each home electric appliance such as TV TV1, TV2 or audio equipment AU1, user-specific information serving as a control parameter for automatic driving is selected and determined from among a plurality of types of information included in the user-specific information. The automatic operation is performed in each home appliance based on the control parameters determined for each home appliance.

  In such a case, the televisions TV1 and TV2 and the audio device AU1 do not perform automatic driving using all user-specific information but perform automatic driving using only a part of the user-specific information. Therefore, it is good also as a structure which communicates only required information for every household appliances. Specifically, the request signal transmitted from each home appliance may include an information specifying signal for specifying the information content desired to be received on the home appliance side. Thereby, the transmission of useless information from the portable devices K1 to K4 to the home appliance is suppressed.

  Next, a specific control operation when the resident moves in the house will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. Here, the system configuration in FIG. 2 described above is assumed. For convenience of explanation, a “resident U1” of a middle-aged person (age 40 years old, male) and a “resident U2” of an elderly person (age 75 years old, male) are assumed. Suppose that visual ability is reduced. Furthermore, in the living room 14, the main user is the resident U1 and the Japanese-style room 13 is the resident U2, and the priority of the TV 14 in the living room 14 is “resident U1> resident U2”. For TV2, the priority is “resident U2> resident U1”. Such priorities may be set by the resident himself or notified to the resident side in advance. Since each resident knows the priority order, it is possible to prevent the resident from being confused when automatic driving based on the priority order is performed.

  4A shows a control operation when each resident U1, U2 enters the Japanese-style room 13 in the order of “U2 → U1”, and FIG. 4B shows each resident in the same order of “U2 → U1”. A control operation when U1 and U2 enter the living room 14 is shown.

  In FIG. 4A, when the resident U2 first enters the Japanese-style room 13 at the timing t1, the ID information of the resident U2 and user-specific information (information on the body and preferences) are received on the TV TV 2 side. Then, upon receipt of the information, the power of the television TV 2 is turned on at timing t2 when a predetermined waiting time Ta (for example, about several seconds) elapses. At this time, the user-specific information received on the TV TV 2 side includes the hearing ability of the resident U2, a favorite TV program, and the like. In the TV TV 2, the volume is automatically adjusted according to the hearing ability of the resident U2. At the same time, the channel setting is performed for the favorite TV program of the resident U2.

  When the resident U2 enters the Japanese-style room 13 for a very short time and passes near the TV TV 2 (when the entry time is within the waiting time Ta), the power of the TV TV 2 is not turned on. However, the TV TV 2 may be turned on immediately after receiving the ID information of the resident U2 without setting the waiting time Ta.

  Thereafter, when the resident U1 enters the Japanese room 13 at timing t3, the ID information of the resident U1 and user-specific information (information on the body and preferences) are received on the TV TV 2 side. That is, in such a case, the ID information and the like of the two inhabitants U1 and U2 are received in duplicate on the TV TV2 in the Japanese-style room 13. However, since the resident U2 has a higher priority with respect to the TV TV2 in the Japanese-style room 13, the volume and programs are not changed with the entry of the resident U1, and the state according to the needs of the resident U2 continues. The

  On the other hand, in FIG. 4B, when the resident U2 first enters the living room 14 at timing t11, the ID information of the resident U2 and user-specific information (information on the body and preferences) are received on the TV TV1 side. Then, as in FIG. 4A, the volume is automatically adjusted according to the hearing ability of the resident U2, and the channel setting is performed for the favorite television program of the resident U2 (timing t12).

  Thereafter, when the resident U1 enters the living room 14 at the timing t13, the ID information of the resident U1 and user-specific information (information on the body and preferences) are received on the TV TV1 side. That is, in such a case, the ID information and the like of the two inhabitants U1 and U2 are received redundantly on the TV TV1 in the living room 14. At this time, since the resident U1 has a higher priority with respect to the TV TV1 in the living room 14, the volume, the program, and the like are changed as the resident U1 enters the room. Here, since the resident U1 has higher hearing ability than the resident U2, the TV volume is lowered.

  When the volume is changed, the volume is gradually changed from the volume level based on the resident U2 to the volume level based on the resident U1 as shown in the figure.

  The volume change will be described in detail below. That is, the control unit m2 of each home appliance (TV TV1, TV2, audio device AU1, etc.) has a function of setting a target value such as the volume of the TV TV1 based on the user ID information. Control the volume and so on. In particular, when there is a change in the target value set each time, the target value is changed in small increments (gradual change), and the volume control is performed based on the gradual change target value.

  Referring to FIG. 5, when switching from the target value TG2 (for example, the volume target value based on the resident U2) to the target value TG1 (for example, the volume target value based on the resident U1) is performed at timing t21, 1 The gradual change target value is set by limiting the range of change of the target value per turn. Then, the TV volume is controlled based on the gradual change target value. As a result, when the volume is switched, the actual volume is gradually changed (timing t21 to t22).

  In the present embodiment, the target value is gradually changed on condition that the change amount of the target value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In the case of FIG. 5 above, the change amount ΔTG of the target value is “TG1−TG2”. If the absolute value of the change amount ΔTG is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the gradual change control is executed as shown in the figure. That is, the target value is gradually changed only when the change amount of the target value is relatively large, and the target amount is changed at a stroke when the change amount is relatively small.

  Moreover, it is set as the structure which sets individually the change rate (change speed) in the case of changing a target value gradually for every user. That is, as shown in the change rate setting table of FIG. 6, the change rate in the gradual change control of each device is defined for each resident. In the figure, “large”, “medium”, and “small” indicate the magnitude of the rate of change (degree of gradual change), and “none” indicates that no gradual change is performed. In this case, if the rate of change is small or if gradual change is not performed, it is not possible to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling associated with the state change of each device, but it is possible to change the state quickly. However, the change rate of the target value (that is, the change rate of the driving output) can be fixed regardless of which user.

  Furthermore, the speed of change is changed depending on whether the volume (equivalent to the driving output) of a television or the like is increased or decreased. That is, comparing the case where the volume of a television or the like is increased at once and the case where it is decreased at a stroke, it is considered that the former is more likely to cause the user to feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when the volume is increased, the volume is changed relatively slowly (change slope is relatively small), and when the volume is decreased, the volume is changed relatively quickly (change slope is relatively large). This makes it possible to satisfy both the need to change the volume of a television and the like without a sense of incongruity and the need to change the volume quickly.

  Further, when the volume is changed from the volume level based on the resident U2 to the volume level based on the resident U1, it may be notified that the volume change will be performed before the volume change. For example, a message such as “Volume down according to the needs of resident U1” is displayed on the TV screen. In addition, a message such as “Please press the xx button on the portable device if the volume change is OK” is displayed on the TV screen to ask whether the volume can be changed. It is also possible to notify these messages by voice. Thereby, the inconvenience that the user who used the apparatus previously feels bad can be suppressed by unexpectedly changing the operation state of the apparatus.

When the ID information of the two inhabitants U1 and U2 is received in duplicate, the volume is adjusted according to the priority order of each TV TV1 and TV2, as described above. Volume adjustment and the like may be performed as in (1) and (2).
(1) Take an average value of the needs of both residents U1 and U2, and adjust the volume.
(2) The level of the physical ability (in this case, hearing ability) of the inhabitants U1 and U2 is determined, and volume adjustment or the like is performed with priority given to the inhabitants with low physical ability.

  According to (1) above, when a TV or the like is used by a plurality of residents (that is, when a plurality of ID information is received on the TV side), the needs of each resident who uses the same TV are shared. It can be reflected.

  Further, in addition to the above (2), even if the resident U1 is set to have a higher priority than the resident U2 with respect to the TV TV1 in the living room 14, the hearing ability of the resident U2 who is an elderly person is low. The volume is adjusted according to the hearing ability of the resident U2. In the case of FIG. 4B described above, the sound volume is not changed even if the ID information of the inherently higher priority resident U1 is confirmed at timing t13.

  As described above, each household electrical appliance is automatically operated in accordance with a predetermined priority standard. However, when a resident performs a manual operation, the automatic operation is prioritized and the apparatus is operated by a manual operation.

  On the other hand, in the house 10, a work table and a cabinet are installed in the kitchen 16, and in the present embodiment, these facilities can be displaced by an actuator such as a motor. The outline is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the kitchen 16 is provided with a floor cabinet 41 and a wall cabinet 42, and a facing work table 43 is provided at a position facing the floor cabinet 41. A kitchen passage 44 is formed between the floor cabinet 41 and the work table 43, and the user stands in the kitchen passage 44 and performs a cooking operation or the like.

  The floor cabinet 41 is provided with a top plate 41a, and the top plate 41a can be moved back and forth (moving in the left-right direction in the figure) toward the kitchen passage 44 by driving an actuator 46 made of an electric motor or the like. ing. For example, when a wheelchair user uses the kitchen 16, the top plate 41a moves toward the kitchen passage 44, so that a part of the wheelchair can be inserted under the top plate 41a to perform cooking work or the like. Become.

  The work table 43 can be moved up and down by driving an actuator 47 made of an electric motor or the like. For example, when a young user (child) uses the kitchen 16, the work table 43 is lowered, so that it is possible to shift to a state where it is easy to work.

  The position of the top plate 41 a of the floor cabinet 41 and the height of the work table 43 are configured to be controlled by the kitchen control device 48. In this case, ID information and the like of each user transmitted from the portable devices K1 to K4 are sequentially input to the kitchen control device 48 via a kitchen receiver (not shown). And the kitchen control apparatus 48 drives each actuator 46 and 47 based on ID information etc., and controls the position of the top plate 41a and the height of the work bench 43.

  Here, when the top board 41a of the floor cabinet 41 is moved, a target position is set based on user ID information and the like, and the position of the top board 41a is controlled while gradually changing the target position. At this time, it is also possible to change the changing speed depending on whether the top board 41a approaches or moves away from the user side. For example, when the top 41a approaches the user side, the moving speed is relatively small, and when the top 41a is away from the user, the moving speed is relatively large. Or vice versa. Thereby, when the top plate 41a is moved, an operation desired by the user can be realized.

  Moreover, when raising / lowering the workbench 43, while setting target height based on user ID information etc., the height of the workbench 43 is controlled, changing the target height gradually. At this time, it is also possible to change the rate of change between when the workbench 43 is raised and when it is lowered. For example, when the work table 43 is raised, its rising speed is relatively small, and when it is lowered, its lowering speed is relatively large. Or vice versa. Thereby, when the work table 43 is raised and lowered, an operation desired by the user can be realized.

  Next, an example in which a control target device is a lighting device will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the floor plan of the first floor part and the second floor part of the house 10 and the installation status of lighting devices on each floor. As described above, the entrance 11, the corridor 12, the Japanese-style room 13, the living room 14, the dining room 15, the kitchen 16, the washroom 17, the toilet 18, and the bathroom 19 are provided on the first floor. In addition, a staircase hall 21, a main bedroom 22, child rooms 23 and 24, and a toilet 25 are provided on the second floor portion. In the following description, for convenience, each space of the first floor portion 10 described above is also referred to as “first floor spaces 11 to 19”, and each space of the second floor portion 20 is also referred to as “second floor spaces 21 to 25”.

  Lighting devices L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9 are provided in the first floor spaces 11-19, respectively, and lighting devices L11, L12, L13, L14, respectively in the second floor spaces 21-25. L15 is provided. These lighting devices L1 to L9 and L11 to L15 are provided so as to be suspended from the ceiling of each space, for example, or lean against a wall surface.

  Further, in this control system, wireless communication is performed with a portable device (portable communication device) carried by the user at each location on the first floor portion and the second floor portion, and illumination control is performed based on the communication information at that time. To be done. As a configuration for performing wireless communication with the portable device, the first floor spaces 11 to 19 are provided with receiving devices J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7, J8, J9, respectively, and the second floor spaces 11 to 19 are provided. Are provided with receiving devices J11, J12, J13, J14, and J15, respectively.

  Receiving devices J1 to J9 and J11 to J15 are provided integrally with lighting devices L1 to L9 and L11 to L15 in each space, respectively, and the same space in which the receiving devices J1 to J9 and J11 to J15 are provided. When a portable device K (see FIG. 9) enters, various information transmitted from the portable device K can be received.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the illumination control system will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, lighting devices L <b> 1 to L <b> 9 and L <b> 11 to L <b> 15 in the first floor portion and the second floor portion are connected to the lighting control device 51 via a network line 52. Similarly, the lighting control device 51 is connected to receiving devices J <b> 1 to J <b> 9 and J <b> 11 to J <b> 15 of the first floor portion and the second floor portion via a network line 53. The illumination control device 51 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a memory, and the like, and the illumination control device 51 performs illumination control with the illumination devices L1 to L9 and L11 to L15 as control targets. At this time, each of the lighting devices L1 to L9 and L11 to L15 has a dimming function, and the illuminance, color temperature (light color), direction, and the like are appropriately adjusted according to a control signal from the lighting control device 51. It has become so.

  The portable device K includes the wireless communication unit m3 as described above, and wireless communication is possible between the receiving devices J1 to J9 and J11 to J15. The memory m4 stores individual ID information (identification information) that is different for each owner (user) and user-specific information corresponding to each owner.

  In the lighting control system configured as described above, the receiving devices J1 to J9 and J11 to J15 periodically transmit request signals, whereas the portable device K responds to the request signal when entering the request signal reception area. ID information and user-specific information (user physical information) are transmitted. The lighting control device 51 inputs the ID information and user-specific information transmitted from the portable device K through the receiving devices J1 to J9 and J11 to J15, and based on the input information, the lighting devices L1 to L9 and L11. The illumination control of ~ L15 is implemented.

  Here, details of illumination control will be described. In this embodiment, when the ID information transmitted from the portable device K is received by any of the receiving devices J1 to J9 and J11 to J15, the received ID information, the reception position, the reception time (reception time zone) at that time, Based on the above, it is assumed that the destination position (destination) to which the user proceeds thereafter is predicted to perform the lighting control. In this case, for each ID information (that is, for each user), a plurality of predicted behavior patterns are defined in advance in association with the reception position and the reception time, and control data related to the pattern is stored in the memory of the lighting control device 51. . The predicted behavior pattern is determined based on life time zone information (a time schedule for a day, a day of the week, going out / home time, etc.) set for each user. The predicted behavior pattern includes the travel route from the current position to the target position and the user travel speed. And the lighting control apparatus 51 implements lighting control of a lighting device based on the predicted behavior pattern.

  Illustrated is the lighting control based on the predicted behavior pattern.

  (1) When ID information is received at the entrance 11 during the time when the user returns home, the user who returns home goes directly to his / her room (in other words, the room where the user is the primary user). Is assumed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, a travel route RA from the entrance 11 to his / her room is defined as a predicted behavior pattern, and the lighting control device 51 sequentially turns on the lighting devices existing on the travel route RA. At this time, the lighting control device 51 performs user determination in the return home time zone based on the reception result of the receiving device J1 provided in the entrance 11.

  For example, when it is predicted that the destination position of the user (child) who has returned home is the child room 23 on the second floor, the lighting devices may be lit in the order of “L1 → L2 → L11 → L13” (see FIG. 10). Thereby, when a user comes home, he can easily go to his room. In addition, since the return time zone differs for each user, the determination time zone used for the return home determination may be determined in advance for each user.

  (2) When ID information is received at the entrance / exit of a bedroom (such as the main bedroom 22) during the nighttime bedtime, it is assumed that the user goes to the toilet. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, a travel route RB to the toilet (here, the second-floor toilet 25) is determined as a predicted behavior pattern, and the lighting control device 51 sequentially turns on the lighting devices existing on the travel route RB. Let At this time, the lighting control device 51 performs user determination in the bedtime based on the reception result of the receiving device J11 provided in the staircase hall 21. It is also possible to provide a separate receiving device at or near the entrance door of the main bedroom 22 and perform user determination in the bedtime based on the reception result of the receiving device.

  For example, in the case of a user who goes to bed in the main bedroom 22, the lighting devices may be turned on in the order of “L11 → L15” (see FIG. 10). This makes it possible to achieve lighting control that is convenient when going to the toilet at midnight. In the bedtime, it is preferable to perform control to reduce the illuminance for anti-glare (for example, 30% lighting is performed with respect to normal 100% lighting). In the above (1) and (2), the speed at which the lighting devices are turned on in order may be determined for each user. It is also possible to turn on all lighting devices to be turned on simultaneously.

  The illumination control will be further described. That is, the illumination control device 51 performs illumination control based on the ID information received from the portable device K and the user-specific information. Specifically, at least one of illuminance, light temperature (light color), blinking pattern, and illumination direction of the lighting device is adjusted based on the user-specific information. For example, the illuminance may be increased for a user with low visual ability.

  It is also assumed that a plurality of different pieces of ID information are simultaneously received from a plurality of portable devices K and the same lighting device is a control target. In such a case, lighting control is performed based on a predetermined priority order. For example, when the visual ability (sight) of each user is different, the priority order may be determined based on the visual ability. In other words, lighting control is performed with priority given to users with relatively low visual ability. Thereby, it is possible to realize illumination control suitable for a user with relatively low visual ability (visual acuity). At this time, when the lighting control device 51 shifts from the control state based on the ID information of the lower priority person (high vision user) to the control state based on the ID information of the higher priority person (low vision user), Gradually change the illuminance and color temperature. Specifically, the lighting control device 51 gradually increases or decreases the control command value output to the lighting device to be controlled each time.

  When a plurality of different pieces of ID information are simultaneously received from a plurality of portable devices K and the same lighting device is to be controlled, lighting control is performed using the average value of the control output of the lighting device corresponding to each ID information. May be. For example, the illuminance of the lighting device is controlled by the average value of the illuminance values corresponding to a plurality of users. This makes it possible to reflect the needs of users who use the same lighting device at the same time.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

  The devices provided in the house 10 (TVs TV1, TV2, audio device AU1, etc.) are configured to gradually change the same volume when changing the volume, etc., so that the user is prevented from being surprised when the volume changes. The In addition, the volume can be changed without discomfort for the user. As a result, the comfort when the user uses each device can be greatly enhanced.

  When there is a change in the target value (target value related to the operating state of each device) set based on the ID information received each time, the target value is gradually changed and each device is controlled by the gradually changing target value. Since it was set as the structure which carries out, it can accelerate or delay the change of the driving | running state of an apparatus actively.

  Since the change amount of the target value is gradually changed on condition that the change amount of the target value is a predetermined value or more, when the change amount of the target value is relatively small, without causing the user to feel uncomfortable, It is possible to quickly shift to a desired operation state.

  Since automatic operation of the device is performed based on the transmission information (ID information) from the portable devices K1 to K4, it is possible to perform appropriate device control for each user without the user performing an input operation or the like to the device operation unit. Become. Moreover, since the driving state gradually changes during the device control, it is possible to suppress a sense of discomfort associated with the state change. Thereby, both convenience and comfort can be realized when using the device.

  Since priorities are defined in advance for a plurality of users (user ID information), when a plurality of ID information is received in duplicate, the device can be controlled without confusion and the control state is not stable. Can be avoided. Further, since the driving state suitable for the priority lower ranks is gradually changed from the driving state suitable for the priority lower rank ranks, it is possible to switch the driving state without the user existing before feeling uncomfortable.

  Since each device is controlled based on the ID information and user-specific information received from the portable devices K1 to K4, device control that meets the user's needs can be implemented. In particular, since the user-specific information (physical information and preference information) is stored in the memories of the portable devices K1 to K4, it is different from another configuration in which physical information or the like is measured by measuring means such as a sensor each time. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize optimal device control that closely reflects the user's needs.

  In addition, the following effects can be obtained with respect to illumination control. ID information from the portable device K is received by the receiving devices J1 to J9 and J11 to J15 provided integrally with the lighting devices L1 to L9 and L11 to L15 in the house, and the received ID information, the reception position, and the reception time at that time Based on the (reception time zone), the target position where the user proceeds thereafter is predicted and the lighting control is performed, so that the lighting device in the place where the user is going to go can be turned on in advance. Therefore, it is possible to perform lighting control that meets the needs of the user, and to greatly enhance the convenience when the user moves in the building.

  In particular, since the target position (destination) is predicted based on the reception ID information, the reception position, and the reception time (reception time zone) each time, the prediction accuracy of the target position is increased and more suitable lighting control is realized. it can.

  Because it is configured to perform lighting control of lighting equipment based on a predicted behavior pattern determined in advance for each ID information, lighting control corresponding to the same pattern can be easily performed even when a large number of predicted behavior patterns are assumed can do.

  Since the predicted behavior pattern is determined based on the life time zone set for each user, it is possible to realize lighting control that is comfortable for the user living in the house.

  Since the illumination control is performed based on the ID information received from the portable device K and the user-specific information, it is possible to perform the illumination control that meets the user's needs. In particular, since the user-specific information (physical information) is stored in the memory m4 of the portable device K, the user's needs are different from another configuration in which the physical information is measured by measuring means such as a sensor each time. It is possible to easily realize optimal lighting control that reflects the details.

  The present invention is not limited to the description of the above embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example.

  A history of operation of each device (usage record) may be stored for each ID information in a memory or the like of the personal computer 32, and the operation state of each device may be controlled based on the operation history. For example, volume control of a television or the like is performed reflecting the driving history.

  Moreover, regarding lighting control, it is good also as a structure which memorize | stores the log | history which lighted the lighting equipment for every ID information in the memory of the lighting control apparatus 51. FIG. In this case, the lighting control device 51 predicts the target position (destination) based on the received ID information each time based on the lighting history of the lighting device stored in the memory. In this structure, the prediction accuracy of the target position for every ID information (namely, for every user) can be improved by reflecting the past lighting history. Thereby, more suitable illumination control can be realized.

  It is also possible to change the predicted behavior pattern for each ID information (for each user) (that is, to rewrite the memory data) based on the lighting history of the lighting device stored in the memory. In addition, based on the lighting history of the lighting device stored in the memory, it is possible to change the return time zone and bedtime time zone of each user (that is, rewrite the memory data).

  In the above embodiment, the target position (destination) is predicted based on each reception ID information, reception position, and reception time (reception time zone). However, based on each reception ID information and reception position, the target position ( It is also possible to change the configuration to predict the destination).

  In addition, regarding the control of the lighting equipment, instead of the configuration in which the receiving devices J1 to J9 and J11 to J15 are provided corresponding to all the lighting devices L1 to L9 and L11 to L15, the receiving devices are provided only at the main locations of the building. It is good also as a structure which provides. That is, the receiving device is installed only at a place where the user's action starts. For example, the reception apparatus is installed with the entrance 11, the living room 14, and the main bedroom 22 as the starting point of action. Accordingly, appropriate lighting control (including prediction of a traveling route and setting of a predicted behavior pattern) can be realized with a minimum of receiving devices. In addition, it is desirable that the starting point of the action is determined for each user.

  In the said embodiment, although the structure which implements the illumination control of each illuminating device L1-L9, L11-L15 about each room and space in a building (house) was also implemented, the illumination control about a building exterior is also implemented. Also good. In this case, an illumination device and a receiving device are also provided outdoors, and the lighting control device 51 performs lighting control based on ID information input from the indoor and outdoor receiving devices.

  It is good also as a structure which changes the operation state gradually about apparatuses other than the above, for example, an air conditioner, a door opening / closing apparatus, etc.

The figure which shows the example of a floor plan of the 1st floor part of a house. The block diagram which shows the outline | summary of an apparatus control system. The flowchart which shows the flow of the automatic driving | operation control in household appliances. The time chart shown about a specific control action. The time chart for demonstrating gradually changing the volume of a television. The figure which shows a change rate setting table. Schematic of the control system regarding kitchen equipment. The figure which shows the example of installation of the illuminating device and receiving apparatus in each space of a 1st floor part and a 2nd floor part. The figure which shows the electrical constitution of a lighting control system. The figure for demonstrating the user's prediction action pattern in a house.

Explanation of symbols

  10 ... Housing, 11 ... Entrance, 12 ... Corridor, 13 ... Japanese-style room, 14 ... Living, 15 ... Dining, 16 ... Kitchen, 17 ... Washroom, 18 ... Toilet, 19 ... Bathroom, 21 ... Stair hall, 22 ... Master bedroom , 23, 24 ... Children's room, 25 ... Toilet, 32 ... PC, 32a ... Memory, 41 ... Floor cabinet, 41a ... Top plate, 43 ... Work table, 46, 47 ... Actuator, 48 ... Kitchen controller, 51 ... Lighting Control device, TV1, TV2 ... TV, AU1 ... audio equipment, K1-K4 ... portable device, U1-U4 ... resident, L1-L9, L11-L15 ... lighting equipment, J1-J9, J11-J15 ... receiving device.

Claims (6)

Equipment installed in a house and shared by multiple users;
Control means for controlling the operating state of the device;
A portable communication device that is carried by a user and transmits identification information assigned to each user;
A receiving device that is provided near the device or near the device and that receives the identification information transmitted from the portable communication device;
A priority order is determined in advance for each of the plurality of users for the device, and the control unit controls the operating state of the device based on the identification information received by the receiving device, A device control system that controls the operating state of the device according to the priority when the user identification information is received in duplicate,
The device is capable of adjusting the volume output from the device, and capable of turning on and off the power source.
The control means includes
When changing the volume of the device in accordance with the identification information received by the receiving device, and the gradual change control means for gradually changing the sound volume,
The volume of the device, the change rate changing means for changing the rate of change thereof with the case of reducing the case of increasing the volume,
Including
The gradual change control means is configured to receive the higher priority user identification information when the device is operated at a volume based on reception of the identification information of a certain user and the higher priority user identification information is received. Gradually change the volume to suit the user ,
When the receiving device receives the identification information transmitted from the portable communication device in a state in which the power of the device is turned off, the control information includes the identification information even if a predetermined waiting time elapses. Is turned on, the volume is changed without waiting time,
The change speed changing means reduces the slope of the change when increasing the volume of the device, and increases the slope of the change when decreasing the volume. Is a device control system characterized by changing the volume quickly . A storage device that stores user physical information related to a user's body that possesses the portable communication device; and the identification information received from the portable communication device and the user physical information stored in the storage device. A device control system for controlling the volume of the device based on
Even if the control means receives the identification information of a plurality of users in duplicate and the volume of the device is controlled in accordance with the user with higher priority among them, each user is controlled based on the user physical information. 2. The device control system according to claim 1 , wherein if it is determined that there is a difference in hearing ability among the physical abilities of the device, the volume of the device is controlled in accordance with a user with low hearing ability regardless of the priority. Comprising target setting means for setting a target value of the volume based on the identification information received by the receiving device;
The target setting means sets a gradual change target value that gradually changes the target value when there is a change in the target value set based on the identification information;
The device control system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the volume of the device based on the gradual change target value when the target value is changed. When the target value set based on the identification information is changed, the target setting means gradually changes the target value if the change amount is a predetermined value or more, and the target value change amount is predetermined. The device control system according to claim 3 , wherein the target value is not gradually changed unless the value is greater than or equal to the value. 5. The device control system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit variably sets a change rate when changing the volume based on the identification information received by the receiving device. Wherein, when changing the volume of the device in response to receipt of said identification information, after notifying the fact of volume change, the device control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 changing the volume .

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