JP2021150711A - Home electrical appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a home electrical appliance that can enhance convenience.SOLUTION: A home electrical appliance of an embodiment of the present invention has an acceptance section and a control section. The acceptance section is capable of accepting a change instruction to change an operation status of the home electrical appliance from a first terminal device at the outside of the house by communicating with the outside through a first communication path via a relay device. The control section, in a case where the acceptance section accepts interruption information indicating that the first communication path has been interrupted, stops the operation of the home electrical appliance in response to passage of first predetermined time without accepting the change instruction after accepting the interruption information and, even in a case where the acceptance section has not accepted the interruption information, stops the operation of the house electrical appliance in response to passage of second predetermined time after accepting the most-recent change instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to home appliances.

Home appliances that can be remotely controlled from a terminal device via a server are known. Such home appliances are expected to improve convenience.

International Publication No. 2016/181486

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a home electric appliance capable of improving convenience.

The home electric appliance of the embodiment has a reception unit and a control unit. The reception unit can receive a change instruction for changing the operating state of the home electric appliance from the first terminal device outside the home by communicating with the outside through the first communication path via the relay device. When the reception unit receives the interruption information indicating that the first communication path is interrupted, the control unit receives the interruption information and then the first predetermined time elapses without receiving the change instruction. Even if the operation of the home electric appliance is stopped accordingly and the interruption information is not received by the reception unit, the home electric appliance responds to the elapse of a second predetermined time after the last reception of the change instruction. Stop the operation of the equipment.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the information processing system of embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the home electric appliance of an embodiment. The figure which shows the 1st control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the 2nd control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the 3rd control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the 4th control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the 5th control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the 6th control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the 7th control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the 8th control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the 9th control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the tenth control example of embodiment. The figure which shows the eleventh control example of embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing flow of embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing flow of embodiment.

Hereinafter, the home electric appliance of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, configurations having the same or similar functions are designated by the same reference numerals. Then, the duplicate description of those configurations may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include cases based on other factors in addition to XX. The term "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is used directly, but may also include the case where it is based on the case where calculation or processing is performed on XX. “XX or YY” is not limited to the case of either XX or YY, but may include both cases of XX and YY. “XX” and “YY” are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information).

<1. Overall configuration of information processing system>
<1.1 Equipment that constitutes an information processing system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the information processing system (remote control system) 100 of the embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes, for example, a home appliance 1, an infrared remote controller 2, a home remote controller 3, a gateway 4, a router 5, a first server S1, a second server S2, a first terminal device D1, and a second terminal device D2. .. However, the information processing system 100 does not have to have a part of these configurations. The network NW described later is an arbitrary communication standard such as the Internet, cellular network, Wi-Fi network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), public line, and dedicated line. And communication method may be used depending on the situation.

The home appliance 1 is arranged in the user's home. The home appliance 1 is, for example, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a vacuum cleaner (including a robot vacuum cleaner), a lighting device, an air purifier, a heating device, an oven range, a rice cooker, a dishwasher, a television, a radio, and the like. However, it may be another home appliance. In this embodiment, an example in which the home electric appliance 1 is an air conditioner will be described.

The home electric appliance 1 can communicate with the first server S1 through the first communication path CP1 described later. The home electric appliance 1 can communicate with the second server S2 through the second communication path CP2 described later. The home electric appliance 1 can communicate with the home remote controller 3 through the third communication path CP3 described later. The details of the home electric appliance 1 will be described later.

The infrared remote controller 2 is arranged in the same house as the home electric appliance 1, and can remotely control the home electric appliance 1 by using infrared rays. The infrared remote controller 2 is an example of a “home device”. The infrared remote controller 2 can directly transmit a change instruction (hereinafter referred to as "operation change instruction") for changing the operating state of the home electric appliance 1 to the home electric appliance 1. The "change in operating state" is not limited to changing the setting of the operating state, but also includes the start and stop of operation. This definition is the same below.

The home remote controller 3 is arranged in the same home as the home appliance 1, and can remotely control the home appliance 1 by communicating with the home appliance 1 via, for example, a gateway 4 and a router 5. The home remote controller 3 is, for example, a remote controller installed on a wall in the house. The home remote controller 3 is another example of the “home device”. The home remote controller 3 can transmit an operation change instruction to the home electric appliance 1 through the third communication path CP3. When transmitting the operation change instruction to the home electric appliance 1, the home remote controller 3 adds identification information (identifier) for identifying the in-home remote controller 3 to the operation change instruction and transmits the identification information (identifier) to the home electric appliance 1. Hereinafter, when the infrared remote controller 2 and the in-home remote controller 3 are not particularly distinguished, they are referred to as "in-home device R".

The gateway 4 is a network device that connects different networks, and connects a local area network that can communicate with a device outside the house and a network that can communicate with a device outside the house. The gateway 4 is an example of a “relay device”. In the present embodiment, the gateway 4 has a detection unit 4a that detects a communication interruption in the first communication path CP1. The detection unit 4a will be described later.

The router 5 is a network device that distributes the destinations of transmitted / received signals based on an IP address or the like. For example, the router 5 is arranged in the same house as the home electric appliance 1. Not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two or more of the above-mentioned home remote controller 3, gateway 4, and router 5 may be provided as one hardware device. Alternatively, the home remote controller 3, the gateway 4, and the router 5 may be integrally provided as one hardware device.

The first server S1 communicates with the home electric appliance 1 through the first communication path CP1 and can remotely control the home electric appliance 1. The second server S2 communicates with the home electric appliance 1 through the second communication path CP2, and can remotely control the home electric appliance 1. Each of the first server S1 and the second server S2 is composed of one or more server devices (for example, a cloud server). However, each of the first server S1 and the second server S2 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The first server S1 and the second server S2 may be referred to as a "first server system" and a "second server system", respectively. Hereinafter, when the first server S1 and the second server S2 are not particularly distinguished, they are referred to as "server S".

For example, the management entity is different between the first server S1 and the second server S2. The user may remotely control the home electric appliance 1 by using the service provided by the first server S1 according to the user's own preference, or remotely control the home electric appliance 1 by using the service provided by the second server S2. You may operate it. In the following, the user U1 of the first terminal device D1 mainly uses the first server S1 to remotely control the home appliance 1, and the user U2 of the second terminal device D2 mainly uses the second server S2 to control the home appliance. An example of remotely controlling the device 1 will be taken. The two users U1 and U2 may be a family living together (for example, a husband and a wife), or a family living a long distance and using a watching service (for example, a parent and a child).

Each of the first terminal device D1 and the second terminal device D2 is, for example, a mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. The first terminal device D1 and the second terminal device D2 can remotely control the home electric appliance 1 from outside the home by communicating with the server S via the network NW. However, the first terminal device D1 and the second terminal device D2 may be able to remotely control the home electric appliance 1 from outside the home without going through the server S, for example, by using a predetermined communication method described later. Hereinafter, when the first terminal device D1 and the second terminal device D2 are not particularly distinguished, they are referred to as "terminal device D".

A first application program for using the service provided by the first server S1 is installed in the first terminal device D1. A second application program for using the service provided by the second server S2 is installed in the second terminal device D2. However, in addition to the above, the second application program may be installed in the first terminal device D1, or the first application program may be installed in the second terminal device D2.

The terminal device D can transmit an operation change instruction to the home electric appliance 1 via, for example, the server S. The terminal device D provides a notification instruction (instruction to respond to an inquiry about the operating state, hereinafter referred to as "status notification instruction") for notifying the terminal device D of the operating state of the home electric appliance 1 via, for example, the server S. It can be transmitted to the device 1. When the terminal device D transmits an operation change instruction or a status notification instruction to the home electric appliance 1, the terminal device D adds identification information (identifier) for identifying the terminal device D to the operation change instruction or the status notification instruction and transmits the operation change instruction or the status notification instruction to the home electric appliance 1. .. Instead of / in addition to this, the terminal device D accepts the input of the identification information for identifying the user when logging in to the service provided by the server S, and transmits the received identification information of the user to the server S. .. When the operation change instruction or the status notification instruction is transmitted from the terminal device D to the home appliance 1 via the server S, the server S adds the user's identification information to the operation change instruction or the status notification instruction to the home appliance 1. May be sent to.

<1.2 Communication path>
<1.2.1 First communication path>
The first communication path CP1 is a communication path in which the home appliance 1 communicates with the outside (outside the house) via the gateway 4. For example, the first communication path CP1 includes a router 5, a gateway 4, and a first server S1 between the home electric appliance 1 and the terminal device D. The instruction transmitted from the terminal device D reaches the home electric appliance 1 via the first server S1, the router 5, the gateway 4, and the router 5 in this order.

In the present embodiment, the gateway 4 has a detection unit 4a that detects a communication interruption in the first communication path CP1. For example, the detection unit 4a periodically transmits and receives a signal between the detection unit 4a and the first server S1 and monitors the communication state between the gateway 4 and the first server S1. When the detection unit 4a detects the interruption of the communication of the first communication path CP1, the detection unit 4a provides the interruption information (hereinafter referred to as "first communication path interruption information") indicating that the communication of the first communication path CP1 is interrupted to the home electric appliance. Send to 1. When the detection unit 4a detects the recovery of the communication interruption of the first communication path CP1, the detection unit 4a provides the recovery information (hereinafter referred to as "first communication path recovery information") indicating that the communication of the first communication path CP1 has been recovered. It may be transmitted to the home electric appliance 1.

<1.2.2 Second communication path>
The second communication path CP2 is a communication path in which the home appliance 1 communicates with the outside (outside the house) without going through the gateway 4. For example, the second communication path CP2 includes a router 5 and a second server S2 between the home electric appliance 1 and the terminal device D. The instruction transmitted from the terminal device D reaches the home electric appliance 1 via the second server S2 and the router 5 in this order. The first communication path CP1 and the second communication path CP2 are both communication paths that connect the home electric appliance 1 and the terminal device D, but one of them is used in addition to whether or not the gateway 4 is used. Even if the communication is interrupted, the other communication is not necessarily interrupted, and the communication routes are different from each other. The communication standards and communication methods used may be different or the same. You may. For example, even if there is no problem with the function of the gateway 4, the communication of the first communication path CP1 is interrupted due to the failure of the first server S1 or the communication base station (not shown), while the communication of the second communication path CP2 can be connected. There can be situations.

In the present embodiment, the second communication path CP2 is a communication path in which the communication state is detected by the detection unit 32 (described later) of the home electric appliance 1. The detection unit 32 of the home electric appliance 1 periodically transmits and receives a signal between the detection unit 32 and the second server S2, and monitors the communication state between the home electric appliance 1 and the second server S2. The detection unit 32 of the home electric appliance 1 will be described in detail later.

However, the first communication path CP1 and the second communication path CP2 are not limited to the above examples. For example, the first communication path CP1 and the second communication path CP2 may be communication paths in which the home appliance 1 or the gateway 4 directly communicates with the terminal device D without going through the server S. In this case, the detection unit 4a of the gateway 4 may detect the interruption of communication in the first communication path CP1 based on the communication state between the gateway 4 and the terminal device D. The detection unit 32 of the home electric appliance 1 may detect the interruption of communication in the second communication path CP2 based on the communication state between the home electric appliance 1 and the terminal device D.

<12.3 Third communication path>
The third communication path CP3 is a communication path limited to the same home as the home appliance 1, and is used for communication between the home appliance 1 and the home remote controller 3. For example, the third communication path CP3 includes a router 5 and a gateway 4 between the home electric appliance 1 and the home remote controller 3. The instruction transmitted from the home remote controller 3 reaches the home appliance 1 via the gateway 4 and the router 5 in this order.

A part or all of each of the first to third communication paths CP1, CP2, and CP3 described above may be wired or wireless. For example, the router 5 is a wireless router, and communication is performed between the home electric appliance 1 and the router 5 by wireless communication.

<2. Home appliances configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the home electric appliance 1. The home appliance 1 includes, for example, an actuator 10, a timer 20, an information processing unit 30, a communication module 40, and a storage unit 50.

The actuator 10 is an actuator that operates the home electric appliance 1. For example, when the home appliance 1 is an air conditioner, the actuator 10 is a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a fan that generates an air flow, a motor that moves blades for changing the direction of the air flow, and the like.

The timer 20 includes, for example, a clock transmitter and can count the elapsed time. Counting of the first predetermined time T1, the second predetermined time T2, the third predetermined time T3, etc., which will be described later, is performed by the control unit 35, which will be described later, using the timer 20.

The information processing unit 30 is realized by executing a program (software) by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the home electric appliance 1. However, all or part of the information processing unit 30 is realized by hardware (including circuit unit; circuitry) such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). It may be done, or it may be realized by the collaboration of software and hardware. The information processing unit 30 includes, for example, a reception unit 31, a detection unit 32, an identification information determination unit 33, an information output unit 34, and a control unit 35.

The reception unit 31 can receive an operation change instruction and a status notification instruction from the terminal device D outside the home by communicating with the outside (for example, the first server S1) through the first communication path CP1 via the gateway 4. Further, the reception unit 31 can receive an operation change instruction and a status notification instruction from the terminal device D outside the home by communicating with the outside (for example, the second server S2) through the second communication path CP2 that does not go through the gateway 4. be. "The instruction (operation change instruction or status notification instruction) can be accepted from the terminal device" is not limited to the case where the home appliance 1 can accept the control command generated by the terminal device D and transferred by the server S, and the terminal. This includes the case where the home appliance 1 can receive the control command generated by the server S based on the information indicating the instruction content transmitted from the device D to the server S. That is, the "instruction" transmitted from the terminal device D is conceptual and is not limited to a direct control command for the home electric appliance 1.

The operation change instruction and the status notification instruction received by the reception unit 31 are accompanied by identification information that identifies the terminal device D (or the user of the terminal device D) who transmitted the instruction. In the following, when referred to as an "operation change instruction" or a "status notification instruction", it is assumed that the identification information of the terminal device D (or the user of the terminal device D) who transmitted the instruction is included.

When the detection unit 4a of the gateway 4 detects the communication interruption of the first communication path CP1, the reception unit 31 receives the first communication path interruption information from the detection unit 4a of the gateway 4. When the detection unit 4a of the gateway 4 detects the recovery of the communication interruption of the first communication path CP1, the reception unit 31 may receive the first communication path recovery information from the detection unit 4a of the gateway 4. The reception unit 31 outputs the received operation change instruction, status notification instruction, first communication path interruption information, and first communication path recovery information to other functional units of the information processing unit 30.

The detection unit 32 detects the interruption of communication in the second communication path CP2. The detection unit 32 periodically transmits and receives signals between the detection unit 32 and the second server S2, and monitors the communication state between the home electric appliance 1 and the second server S2. When the detection unit 32 detects the interruption of communication in the second communication path CP2, the detection unit 32 outputs the interruption information (second communication path interruption information) indicating that the second communication path CP2 is interrupted to the control unit 35. Further, when the detection unit 32 detects the recovery from the interruption of the second communication path CP2, the detection unit 32 outputs the recovery information (second communication path recovery information) indicating that the second communication path CP2 has recovered to the control unit 35. You may.

When a plurality of operation change instructions or status notification instructions are received by the reception unit 31, the identification information determination unit 33 is based on the identification information of the terminal device D (or the user of the terminal device D) added to the received instructions. It is determined whether or not the terminal device D (or the user of the terminal device D) that has transmitted the plurality of instructions is the same. The determination result of the identification information determination unit 33 is output to the control unit 35.

When the status notification instruction is received by the reception unit 31, the information output unit 34 generates status information indicating the status of the home electric appliance 1 inquired by the status notification instruction, and outputs the generated status information. When the status notification instruction arrives from the first terminal device D1, the information output unit 34 transmits the status information to the first terminal device D1. When the status notification instruction arrives from the second terminal device D2, the information output unit 34 transmits the status information to the second terminal device D2.

The control unit 35 operates the home electric appliance 1 by operating the actuator 10 based on, for example, a preset algorithm. When the operation change instruction is received by the reception unit 31, the control unit 35 changes the operating state of the home electric appliance 1 based on the content of the operation change instruction. Further, the control unit 35 of the present embodiment automatically stops the operation of the home electric appliance 1 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. This function will be described in detail later.

The communication module 40 is, for example, a wireless communication module and includes a high frequency circuit and an antenna. The information processing unit 30 communicates with the outside (for example, the router 5) via the communication module 40.

The storage unit 50 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or a combination of a plurality of these. The upper limit time information 51 is stored in the storage unit 50. In the upper limit time information 51, time lengths such as a first predetermined time T1, a second predetermined time T2, and a third predetermined time T3, which will be described later, are registered.

<3. Control example>
Next, a control example by the control unit 35 will be described. However, the control unit 35 does not have to be able to implement all the control examples described below, and may implement only some control examples. In FIGS. 3 to 13 below, it means that the home electric appliance 1 operates during the period of the thick black line portion in the figure. In the following description, "the instruction is input from the gateway" means that the instruction is input from the server S (or the terminal device D) through the first communication path CP1. Similarly, "the instruction is input from the second communication path" means that the instruction is input from the server S (or the terminal device D) through the second communication path CP2.

<3.1 First control example>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first control example. In the first control example, an operation change instruction (for example, an operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t11, and then the first communication path interruption information is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t12. After that, the case where the operation change instruction is not input is shown.

In this case, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. Next, when the first communication path interruption information is received at the time t12, the control unit 35 starts counting the first predetermined time T1 from the time t12. Then, the control unit 35 stops the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at the time t13 when the first predetermined time T1 elapses without newly accepting the operation change instruction. The first predetermined time T1 is, for example, 24 hours.

The operation change instruction input at time t11 is not limited to the operation start instruction, and may be an instruction for changing the setting of the operation state. In this case, the operation of the home electric appliance 1 that has been continued before the time t11 is stopped at t13. Of course, if the instruction input to the home electric appliance 1 from the outside is an instruction to stop the operation, the operation is stopped as it is.

Even when the first control example is implemented, the control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2, which will be described later, from the time t11. Then, when the first communication path interruption information is not accepted, the second control example is performed instead of the first control example.

<3.2 Second control example>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second control example. In the second control example, the operation change instruction (for example, the operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t11, and then the first communication path interruption information and the new operation change instruction are not input.

In this case, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. Then, even if the reception unit 31 does not receive the first communication path interruption information, the control unit 35 receives the home appliance 1 at the time t14 when the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the last reception of the operation change instruction. Stop the operation of. For example, the second predetermined time T2 is set longer than the first predetermined time T1. The second predetermined time T2 is, for example, 36 hours.

The "predetermined time" referred to here is a concept that includes not only a time whose length is predetermined but also a time whose calculation method is predetermined. That is, the length of the "predetermined time" is not limited to a fixed time, and may be variable depending on the situation. For example, when the end time of the second predetermined time T2 is earlier than the end time of the first predetermined time T1, such as when the first communication path interruption information is input shortly before the lapse of the second predetermined time T2. , The length of the first predetermined time T1 may be adjusted so that the end time of the first predetermined time T1 coincides with the end time of the second predetermined time T2.

<3.3 Third control example>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third control example. In the third control example, an operation change instruction (for example, an operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t11, and then the first communication path interruption information is not input and the second communication path is counted from time t11. The case where the operation change instruction is newly input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at the time t21 before the lapse of the predetermined time T2 is shown.

In this case, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. Then, at time t21, the control unit 35 resets the count of the second predetermined time T2 and restarts the count of the second predetermined time T2 in response to the new reception of the operation change instruction. Then, the operation of the home electric appliance 1 is stopped at the time t22 when the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the control unit 35 finally received the operation change instruction.

<3.4 Fourth control example>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a fourth control example. In the fourth control example, the operation change instruction (for example, the operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at the time t11, and then the operation change instruction is not input from the gateway 4 and is counted from the time t11. The case where the operation change instruction is input from the second communication path CP2 at the time t31 before the elapse of the predetermined time T2 is shown.

In this case, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. Then, the control unit 35 cancels the operation stop of the home electric appliance 1 at the time t14, which is the time when the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed, in response to the operation change instruction being received from the second communication path CP2 at the time t31. 2 The operation of the home electric appliance 1 is not stopped (continues the operation) regardless of the elapse of the predetermined time T2.

In one modification, the control unit 35 does not stop the operation of the home electric appliance 1, but instead operates the home electric appliance 1 with respect to the lapse of the second predetermined time T2 (time t14) counted from the time t11. The time may be extended (suspension of operation may be postponed). For example, when the operation change instruction is received from the second communication path CP2 at the time t31, the control unit 35 resets the count of the second predetermined time T2 at the time t31 and restarts the count of the second predetermined time T2. , The operation of the home electric appliance 1 may be stopped when the second predetermined time T2 counted by the restart has elapsed. In another modification, when the operation change instruction is received from the second communication path CP2 at the time t31, the control unit 35 starts counting another predetermined time from the time t31, and when the predetermined time elapses, the home electric appliance The operation of 1 may be stopped.

<3.5 5th control example>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fifth control example. In the fifth control example, an operation change instruction (for example, an operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t11, an operation change instruction is input from the second communication path CP2 to the reception unit 31 at time t31, and then. , The case where the detection unit 32 detects the interruption of communication in the second communication path CP2 at time t41 is shown.

In this case, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. Then, the control unit 35 cancels the operation stop of the home electric appliance 1 at the time t14, which is the time when the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed, in response to the operation change instruction being received from the second communication path CP2 at the time t31.

Next, the control unit 35 starts counting the third predetermined time T3 from the time t41 in response to the detection of the interruption of communication in the second communication path CP2 at the time t41. Then, the control unit 35 stops the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at the time t42 when the third predetermined time T3 elapses without newly accepting the operation change instruction from the time t41. For example, the third predetermined time T3 is set shorter than the second predetermined time T2. The length of the third predetermined time T3 may be the same as the length of the first predetermined time T1. The third predetermined time T3 is, for example, 24 hours.

<3.6 Sixth control example>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sixth control example. In the sixth control example, the operation change instruction (for example, the operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at the time t11, and then the operation change instruction is not input from the gateway 4 and is counted from the time t11. The case where the operation change instruction is input from the home device R at the time t31 before the elapse of the predetermined time T2 is shown.

In this case, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. Then, the control unit 35 cancels the operation stop of the home electric appliance 1 at the time t14, which is the lapse of the second predetermined time T2, in response to the operation change instruction being received from the home appliance R at the time t31, and the second predetermined time. The operation of the home electric appliance 1 is not stopped (continues the operation) regardless of the passage of time T2.

In one modification, the control unit 35 extends the operating time of the home electric appliance 1 with respect to the lapse of the second predetermined time T2 counted from the time t11, instead of stopping the operation of the home electric appliance 1. May be good. For example, when the operation change instruction is received from the home appliance R at the time t31, the control unit 35 resets the count of the second predetermined time T2 at the time t31, restarts the count of the second predetermined time T2, and restarts. The operation of the home electric appliance 1 may be stopped when the second predetermined time T2 counted by the above has elapsed. In another modification, when the operation change instruction is received from the home appliance R at the time t31, the control unit 35 starts counting another predetermined time from the time t31, and operates the home electric appliance 1 when the predetermined time elapses. May be stopped.

<3.7 7th control example>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a seventh control example. In the seventh control example, an operation change instruction (for example, an operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t11, and then the first communication path interruption information is not input from the gateway 4, and the gateway 4 is not input at time t51. Indicates a case where a status notification instruction is input from.

In this case, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. Then, the control unit 35 extends the operating time of the home electric appliance 1 with respect to the lapse of the second predetermined time T2 counted from the time t11 in response to the status notification instruction being received from the gateway 4 at the time t51. For example, the control unit 35 resets the count of the second predetermined time T2 at the time t51, restarts the count of the second predetermined time T2, and is the time when the second predetermined time T2 counted by the restart has elapsed. The operation of the home electric appliance 1 is stopped at t52. Instead of the above, the control unit 35 may start counting a predetermined time different from the second predetermined time T2 from the time t51, and stop the operation of the home electric appliance 1 when the predetermined time elapses. For example, the control unit 35 extends the operating time of the home electric appliance 1 each time a status notification instruction is input to the home electric appliance 1.

<3.8 8th control example>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an eighth control example. In the eighth control example, an operation change instruction (for example, an operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t11, and then the first communication path interruption information is not input from the gateway 4, and the second communication path is not input at time t61. The case where the state notification instruction is input from the communication path CP2 is shown. In the eighth control example, the identification information (or user identification information) of the terminal device D added to the operation change instruction input from the gateway 4 and the status notification instruction input from the second communication path CP2 are added. The following control is performed regardless of whether or not the identification information (or user identification information) of the terminal device D matches.

In this case, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. Then, the control unit 35 sets the operating time of the home electric appliance 1 with respect to the lapse of the second predetermined time T2 counted from the time t11 in response to the status notification instruction being received from the second communication path CP2 at the time t61. Extend. For example, the control unit 35 resets the count of the second predetermined time T2 at the time t61, restarts the count of the second predetermined time T2, and is the time when the second predetermined time T2 counted by the restart has elapsed. The operation of the home electric appliance 1 is stopped at t62. Instead of the above, the control unit 35 may start counting a predetermined time different from the second predetermined time T2 from the time t61, and stop the operation of the home electric appliance 1 when the predetermined time elapses. For example, the control unit 35 extends the operating time of the home electric appliance 1 each time a status notification instruction is input to the home electric appliance 1.

<3.9 9th control example>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a ninth control example. The ninth control example is a modification of the eighth control example. In the ninth control example, an operation change instruction (for example, an operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t11, and then the first communication path interruption information is not input from the gateway 4, and the second communication path is not input at time t61. The case where the state notification instruction is input from the communication path CP2 is shown. In the ninth control example, the identification information (or user identification information) of the terminal device D added to the operation change instruction input from the gateway 4 and the status notification instruction input from the second communication path CP2 are added. This is a case where the identification information (or user identification information) of the terminal device D does not match.

In this case, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. In this control example, when the status notification instruction is received from the second communication path CP2 at time t61, the identification information determination unit 33 identifies the identification information (or the terminal device D) added to the previously input operation change instruction. It is determined whether or not the identification information of the terminal device D (or the identification information of the user) added to the status notification instruction input later matches the identification information of the user). When these identification information match, the control unit 35 executes the eighth control example described above. On the other hand, when these identification information do not match, the control unit 35 does not reset the count of the second predetermined time T2 at the time t61, but at the time t14, which is the time when the second predetermined time T2 counted from the time t11 has elapsed. Stop the operation of the home appliance 1.

<3.10 10th control example>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a tenth control example. In the tenth control example, an operation change instruction (for example, an operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t11, and then the first communication path interruption information is not input from the gateway 4, and at time t71, the first communication path is not input. 1 Indicates a case where route valid information indicating that the communication path CP1 is valid (hereinafter referred to as “first communication path valid information”) is input from the second communication path CP2.

In this control example, the detection unit 4a (or the first server S1) of the gateway 4 monitors the communication state between the home appliance 1 and the first server S1. The communication state monitoring method is performed, for example, by periodically transmitting and receiving signals between a plurality of devices as described above. The detection unit 4a (or the first server S1) of the gateway 4 transmits the monitoring result of the communication state between the home electric appliance 1 and the first server S1 to the terminal device D (the first terminal device D1 or the second terminal device D2). Send.

The terminal device D (first terminal device D1 or second terminal device D2) that receives the monitoring result of the communication status between the home electric appliance 1 and the first server S1 is a communication between the home electric appliance 1 and the first server S1. When the status monitoring result is normal, the first communication path valid information is generated, and the first communication path valid information is transmitted to the home electric appliance 1 through the second communication path CP2. The terminal device D for transmitting the first communication path valid information may be different from the terminal device D for transmitting the operation change instruction received last.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. The control unit 35 receives the first communication path valid information from the second communication path CP2 at the time t71, and the home appliance 1 with respect to the lapse of the second predetermined time T2 counted from the time t11 in response to the reception unit 31 receiving the first communication path valid information. Extend the operating time of. For example, the control unit 35 resets the count of the second predetermined time T2 at the time t71, restarts the count of the second predetermined time T2, and is the time when the second predetermined time T2 counted by the restart has elapsed. The operation of the home electric appliance 1 is stopped at t72. Instead of the above, the control unit 35 may start counting a predetermined time different from the second predetermined time T2 from the time t71, and stop the operation of the home electric appliance 1 when the predetermined time elapses. For example, the control unit 35 extends the operating time of the home electric appliance 1 each time the first route valid information is input to the home electric appliance 1.

<3.11 11th control example>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an eleventh control example. In the eleventh control example, an operation change instruction (for example, an operation start instruction) is input from the gateway 4 to the reception unit 31 at time t11, and then the first communication path interruption information is not input from the gateway 4, and the home appliance is used at time t81. Indicates a case where information indicating the user's driving intention regarding the device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “driving intention information”) is input from the second communication path CP2 (or the first communication path CP1).

In this control example, the information output unit 34 of the home electric appliance 1 transmits a notification (hereinafter referred to as “operation notification”) indicating that the home electric appliance 1 is in operation to the terminal device D. For example, the information output unit 34 of the home electric appliance 1 transmits a driving notification to the terminal device D, for example, in the form of a push notification. The operation notification is transmitted to the terminal device D at a predetermined cycle (for example, once a day). The operation notification may include the operating state (operating content) of the home electric appliance 1 in addition to the fact that the home electric appliance 1 is in operation. The predetermined cycle in which the operation notification is transmitted is, for example, a time interval shorter than the second predetermined time T2.

Upon receiving the operation notification, the terminal device D displays the content of the operation notification on the display screen of the terminal device D, and confirms the user's clear intention to continue the operation of the home electric appliance 1. For example, the terminal device D accepts a user's input indicating whether or not he / she intends to continue the operation of the home electric appliance 1. Then, the terminal device D generates the driving intention information when the input of the user's intention to continue the operation of the home electric appliance 1 is received. The terminal device D transmits the generated driving intention information to the home electric appliance 1 through the second communication path CP2 (or the first communication path CP1).

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the home electric appliance 1 at time t11. The control unit 35 starts counting the second predetermined time T2 from the time t11. The control unit 35 extends the operation time of the home electric appliance 1 with respect to the lapse of the second predetermined time T2 counted from the time t11 in response to the reception unit 31 receiving the driving intention information at the time t81. For example, the control unit 35 resets the count of the second predetermined time T2 at the time t81, restarts the count of the second predetermined time T2, and is the time when the second predetermined time T2 counted by the restart has elapsed. The operation of the home electric appliance 1 is stopped at t82. Instead of the above, the control unit 35 may start counting a predetermined time different from the second predetermined time T2 from the time t81, and stop the operation of the home electric appliance 1 when the predetermined time elapses. For example, the control unit 35 extends the operating time of the home electric appliance 1 each time the driving intention information is input to the home electric appliance 1.

<4. Control flow>
14 and 15 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of processing by the control unit 35. A, B, C, D, and E in FIG. 14 are connected to A, B, C, D, and E in FIG. 15, respectively. 14 and 15 are flows when an operation start instruction is input from the first communication path CP1.

The control unit 35 first determines whether or not there is an operation change instruction (for example, an operation start instruction) from the first communication path CP1 (S101). When there is no operation change instruction from the first communication path CP1 (S101: NO), the control unit 35 repeats the process of S101 at a predetermined cycle. When there is an operation change instruction from the first communication path CP1 (S101: YES), the control unit 35 operates the home electric appliance 1 based on the operation change instruction and starts counting the second predetermined time T2 (S102).

Next, the control unit 35 determines whether or not there is the first communication path interruption information (S103). When there is no first communication path interruption information (S103: NO), the control unit 35 proceeds to the process of S107. On the other hand, when there is the first communication path interruption information (S103: YES), the control unit 35 starts counting the first predetermined time T1 (S104).

Next, the control unit 35 determines whether or not there is the first communication path recovery information (S105). When there is the first communication path recovery information (S105: YES), the control unit 35 resets the count of the first predetermined time T1 (S106), and returns to the process of S103. On the other hand, when there is no first communication path recovery information (S105: NO), the control unit 35 proceeds to the process of S107.

Next, the control unit 35 determines whether or not there is an operation change instruction from the first communication path CP1 (S107). The operation change instruction received in the process of S107 is not limited to the operation state setting change instruction, but may be an operation stop instruction. When there is an operation change instruction from the first communication path CP1 (S107: YES), the control unit 35 resets the count of the second predetermined time T2 and restarts the count of the second predetermined time T2 (S108), and S107. Return to the processing of.

When there is no operation change instruction from the first communication path CP1 (S107: NO), the control unit 35 determines whether or not there is an operation change instruction from the second communication path CP2 (S109). The operation change instruction received in the process of S109 is not limited to the instruction for changing the setting of the operation state, and may be an operation stop instruction. When there is an operation change instruction from the second communication path CP2 (S109: YES), the control unit 35 proceeds to the process of S121 described later.

When there is no operation change instruction from the second communication path CP2 (S109: NO), the control unit 35 determines whether or not there is an operation change instruction from the home device R (S110). When the home device R gives an operation change instruction (S110: YES), the control unit 35 proceeds to the process of S122 described later.

When there is no operation change instruction from the home device R (S110: NO), the control unit 35 determines whether or not there is the first communication path route valid information or the driving intention information (S111). When the control unit 35 has the first communication path route valid information or the driving intention information (S111: YES), the control unit 35 resets the count of the second predetermined time T2 and restarts the count of the second predetermined time T2 (S108). , Return to the process of S107. On the other hand, when the control unit 35 has the first communication path route valid information or the driving intention information (S111: NO), the control unit 35 gives a higher priority as a condition for stopping the operation among the first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2. It is determined whether or not the count of the predetermined time set with the attachment has reached the upper limit time of the predetermined time (S112).

When the count of the predetermined time reaches the upper limit time (S112: YES), the control unit 35 stops the operation of the home electric appliance 1 (S113). In this case, the control unit 35 returns to the process of S101 and repeats the above-mentioned flow at a predetermined cycle.

On the other hand, when the count of the predetermined time has not reached the upper limit time (S112: NO) and the control unit 35 has received the first communication path interruption information, the control unit 35 returns to the process of S105 (FIG. FIG. See "E" inside). When the count of the predetermined time has not reached the upper limit time (S112: NO) and the control unit 35 has not received the first communication path interruption information, the control unit 35 returns to the process of S103 by a flow (not shown). ..

Next, in the process of S109, a case where it is determined that there is an operation change instruction from the second communication path CP2 will be described. When there is an operation change instruction from the second communication path CP2 (S109: YES), the control unit 35 determines whether or not a communication interruption in the second communication path CP2 is detected (S121).

When the interruption of communication in the second communication path CP2 is not detected (S121: NO), the control unit 35 determines whether or not there is an operation stop instruction for the home electric appliance 1 (S122). The operation stop instruction may be an instruction from the first communication path CP1 or an instruction from the second communication path CP2. When there is an instruction to stop the operation of the home electric appliance 1 (S122: YES), the control unit 35 proceeds to the process of S113 and stops the operation of the home electric appliance 1. On the other hand, when there is no instruction to stop the operation of the home electric appliance 1 (S1222: NO), the control unit 35 returns to the process of S121.

When the communication interruption of the second communication path CP2 is detected (S121: YES), the control unit 35 starts counting the third predetermined time T3 (S131). Next, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the recovery of the communication interruption of the second communication path CP2 is detected (S132). When the recovery of the communication interruption of the second communication path CP2 is detected (S132: YES), the control unit 35 returns to the process of S107.

When the recovery of the communication interruption of the second communication path CP2 is not detected (S132: NO), the control unit 35 determines whether the count of the third predetermined time T3 has reached the upper limit time of the third predetermined time T3 (S133). ). When the count of the third predetermined time T3 has not reached the upper limit time (S133: NO), the control unit 35 returns to the process of S132. On the other hand, when the count of the third predetermined time T3 reaches the upper limit time (S133: YES), the control unit 35 proceeds to the process of S113 and stops the operation of the home electric appliance 1.

<5. Action>
Here, as a comparative example, consider a home electric appliance whose operation is not restricted by the second predetermined time T2. In such a comparative example, when the communication between the gateway 4 and the outside is interrupted, the interruption information is transmitted from the gateway 4 to the home electric appliance 1. The home electric appliance 1 automatically stops the operation of the home electric appliance 1 as a predetermined time elapses without receiving the operation change instruction after receiving the interruption information. This avoids a situation in which the user wants to instruct the user to stop the operation, but cannot send the operation stop instruction due to communication blackout, and the home electric appliance leaves the user's control and continues to operate for a long time. Can be done.

However, in the configuration of the above comparative example, for example, when some trouble occurs in the gateway 4 and the communication interruption information is not sent from the gateway 4 even though the communication between the gateway 4 and the outside is interrupted, the home appliance The device may leave the user's control and continue to operate for a long time. In this case, the convenience of the home electric appliance 1 may be reduced.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the reception unit 31 receives the interruption information, the control unit 35 of the home electric appliance 1 responds to the elapse of the first predetermined time T1 without receiving the operation change instruction after receiving the interruption information. Even if the operation of the home electric appliance 1 is stopped and the reception unit 31 does not accept the interruption information, the home electric appliance 1 responds to the elapse of the second predetermined time T2 from the last reception of the operation change instruction. Stop the operation of. According to such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the home electric appliance 1 leaves the control of the user and continues to operate for a long time even if the communication interruption information is not sent from the gateway 4. Thereby, the convenience of the home electric appliance 1 can be enhanced.

In the present embodiment, the second predetermined time T2 is set longer than the first predetermined time T1. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the chance that the home electric appliance 1 is automatically shut down against the intention of the user. Thereby, the convenience of the home electric appliance 1 can be further enhanced.

In the present embodiment, if the operation change instruction is received through the second communication path CP2 before the second predetermined time T2 elapses, the control unit 35 operates the home electric appliance 1 even after the second predetermined time T2 elapses. Do not stop, or postpone the shutdown of home appliance 1. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the chance that the home electric appliance 1 is automatically shut down against the intention of the user. Thereby, the convenience of the home electric appliance 1 can be further enhanced.

In the present embodiment, the second communication path CP2 is a communication path in which the communication state is detected by the home electric appliance 1. According to such a configuration, even if the home electric appliance 1 is controlled to continue the operation until the user gives a clear instruction without performing the process of automatically stopping the operation of the home electric appliance 1, the home electric appliance 1 is the user. It is possible to avoid the situation where the operation is continued for a long time without the control of the electric appliance. Thereby, the convenience of the home electric appliance 1 can be further enhanced. This is the same even when there is an operation change instruction from the home device R.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 35 postpones the shutdown of the home electric appliance 1 when the reception unit 31 receives the status notification instruction before the second predetermined time T2 elapses. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the chance that the home electric appliance 1 is automatically shut down against the intention of the user. Thereby, the convenience of the home electric appliance 1 can be further enhanced.

In the present embodiment, when the terminal device D or the user who has transmitted the status notification instruction is different from the terminal device D or the user who has transmitted the last received operation change instruction, the control unit 35 counts the second predetermined time T2. Do not reset. According to such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the home electric appliance 1 continues to operate for a long time without being managed by the user who has started the operation. Thereby, the convenience of the home electric appliance 1 can be further enhanced.

In addition, when the instruction input to the home electric appliance 1 from the outside is an instruction to stop the operation, the operation is stopped as it is as described above, but even in the case of the instruction to stop the operation, it is not an immediate stop but a predetermined time. In the case of a reservation stop such as stopping after the lapse of time, if the above-mentioned operation stop condition is satisfied because the subsequent operation change instruction is not given for a predetermined time before the reservation time arrives, the operation is stopped. When the condition is satisfied, the operation may be stopped after waiting for the timing of the reservation stop instructed by the user without stopping the operation. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the chance of stopping the operation in a mode not intended by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation may be stopped when the above-mentioned operation stop condition is satisfied before the reserved time according to the user's instruction arrives. In this way, even if the maximum reservation time until the operation is stopped is designed on the assumption that the user is near the home appliance 1, the elapsed operating time allowed when the user is not near the home appliance 1 Can be stopped with.

According to at least one embodiment described above, even when the communication interruption information of the communication path is not received, the home appliance is subjected to a predetermined time after the last reception of the operation state change instruction. Convenience can be improved by stopping the operation of the device.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 ... Home appliances, 2 ... Infrared remote control (home equipment), 3 ... Home remote control (home equipment), 4 ... Gateway, 31 ... Reception, 32 ... Detection, 35 ... Control, CP1 ... First communication path, CP2 ... second communication path, D ... terminal device, D1 ... first terminal device, D2 ... second terminal device.

Claims (12)

A reception unit that can accept change instructions to change the operating state of home appliances from the first terminal device outside the home by communicating with the outside through the first communication path via the relay device.
When the reception unit receives the interruption information indicating that the communication of the first communication path is interrupted, the first predetermined time elapses without accepting the change instruction after receiving the interruption information. Even if the operation of the home electric appliance is stopped and the reception unit does not accept the interruption information, the operation of the home electric appliance is performed according to the lapse of a second predetermined time after the last reception of the change instruction. With the control unit to stop
Home appliances equipped with. The second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.
The home electric appliance according to claim 1. If the reception unit newly receives the change instruction before the second predetermined time elapses, the control unit resets the count of the second predetermined time.
The home electric appliance according to claim 1 or 2. The reception unit can receive the change instruction from the first terminal device or the second terminal device outside the home by communicating with the outside through the second communication path that does not go through the relay device.
If the change instruction is received through the second communication path before the second predetermined time elapses, the control unit does not stop the operation of the home electric appliance regardless of the elapse of the second predetermined time, or Extending the operating time of the home appliances,
The home electric appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second communication path is a communication path in which a communication state is detected by the home electric appliance.
The home electric appliance according to claim 4. When the change instruction is received through the second communication path and then the communication interruption of the second communication path is detected, the control unit changes after the communication interruption of the second communication path is detected. The operation of the home electric appliance is stopped according to the elapse of the third predetermined time without accepting the instruction.
The home appliance according to claim 4 or 5. The reception unit can receive the change instruction from a home appliance arranged in the same home as the home appliance.
When the reception unit receives the change instruction from the home appliance before the second predetermined time elapses, the control unit does not stop the operation of the home electric appliance regardless of the elapse of the second predetermined time. Or extend the operating time of the home appliances,
The home electric appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The reception unit can receive a notification instruction for notifying the operating state of the home electric appliance to the outside.
The control unit extends the operating time of the home electric appliance when the reception unit receives the notification instruction before the second predetermined time elapses.
The home electric appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The reception unit can receive an instruction from the terminal device together with the identification information that identifies the terminal device or the user of the terminal device.
The control unit does not reset the count for the second predetermined time when the terminal device or the user who has transmitted the notification instruction is different from the terminal device or the user who has transmitted the change instruction that was last received. ,
The home electric appliance according to claim 8. The reception unit can receive route valid information indicating that the communication of the first communication path is not interrupted through the second communication path that does not go through the relay device.
The control unit extends the operating time of the home electric appliance when the reception unit receives the route valid information before the second predetermined time elapses.
The home electric appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The reception unit can receive driving intention information indicating the user's driving intention regarding the home electric appliance.
When the reception unit receives the operation intention information before the second predetermined time elapses, the control unit extends the operation time of the home electric appliance.
The home electric appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 10. By communicating with the outside through the first communication path via the relay device, a change instruction for changing the operating state of the home appliance can be received from the first terminal device outside the home, and the communication state is detected by the home appliance. A reception unit capable of receiving the change instruction from the first terminal device or the second terminal device outside the home by communicating with the outside through a possible second communication path.
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the last reception of the change instruction through the first communication path, the operation of the home electric appliance is stopped, and the change instruction is received through the second communication path before the predetermined time elapses. A control unit that does not stop the operation of the home electric appliance regardless of the elapse of the predetermined time
Home appliances.

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