JP4123838B2 - Equipment control system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present inventionEquipment control systemAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  When various devices such as an air conditioner are installed at a plurality of locations in the same building, it is conceivable that a certain device is connected to each other so as to operate in conjunction with another device. In this case, the plurality of devices are usually connected and installed via a power line or wirelessly, and are connected to a controller that instructs operation control.
[0003]
  For example, when a user gives an appropriate instruction to one device by a controller, the connected devices are operated in conjunction with each other, for example, by transmitting the instructions to other devices. Can do. Thereby, for example, when a plurality of air conditioners are installed, the air conditioning can be performed in a coordinated manner by operating each device in cooperation.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the above example, the devices are simply connected by a power line or the like. For this reason, for example, when a plurality of devices are installed in one room and devices are installed in other rooms, it is not known which device and which device are in the same room. As a result, when a user wants to instruct only a certain device to operate in a room where multiple devices are installed, a different device may be operated even if the remote controller sends an instruction to that device. is there. In addition, devices in other rooms close to the room may operate.
[0005]
  For this reason, for example, the user needs to perform a setting operation by, for example, inputting to the controller in advance which of the plurality of devices is to be instructed to operate.
[0006]
  In addition, for example, when installing a device newly purchased by the user to a plurality of devices already installed, the user recognizes in which room the device is installed by the controller. It is necessary to perform a setting operation to make it happen.
[0007]
  Furthermore, one of the case where a plurality of devices are installed in the room, it is necessary to advance and what equipment and what device perform setting operation to recognize whether the same room.
[0008]
  However, such a setting operation is complicated and troublesome, and increases the work load on the user.
[0009]
  An object of the present invention is to reduce a user's work load for specifying devices in the same room when a plurality of devices are installed. Another object of the present invention is to make it easy for a user to specify a device desired to be operated when a plurality of devices are installed.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  1st inventionThe device control apparatus according to the above includes a recognition unit and a control unit. The recognition unit recognizes whether or not the first device and the second device are in the same room. When the recognition unit recognizes that the first device and the second device are in the same room, and when the recognition unit recognizes that the first device and the second device are not in the same room And different control is performed.
[0011]
  In this device, when a plurality of devices are installed, the recognition unit automatically recognizes which devices are in the same room. This reduces the work burden on the user.
[0012]
  Second inventionThe device control apparatus according to the above includes a recognition unit and a control unit. The recognition part,It is recognized whether or not the second devices capable of detecting a change in the environment in the room caused by the operation of the first device are in the same room. The control unit performs different control depending on whether the recognizing unit recognizes that the second devices are in the same room or the recognizing unit recognizes that the second devices are not in the same room. Examples of the environmental change include a change in the amount of light in the room when the first device is an illumination device, and a change in the temperature in the room when the first device is an air conditioner.
[0013]
  In this apparatus, among the plurality of second devices, the second devices that have detected a change in the environment due to the first device are automatically recognized as being in the same room. This eliminates the need for setting operations and reduces the work burden on the user.
[0014]
  Third inventionThe device control device according to1st inventionOrSecond inventionIn the device control apparatus, the first device and the second device are connected to each other, or are incorporated in the first and second devices that are controlled by the control unit.
[0015]
  Here, especially when the device control apparatus is connected to or built in the first and second devices, it is possible to save the user's trouble when setting the devices.
[0016]
  Fourth inventionThe device control device according to1st inventionFromThird inventionIn any one of the device control apparatuses, the first device is a lighting device. The recognizing unit recognizes whether the first device and the second device are in the same room or whether the second devices are in the same room based on the information on the change in the light amount of the first device. .
[0017]
  In this device control apparatus, for example, when a plurality of devices are installed in a plurality of rooms, when only the device in the room where the user is located is to be operated, the change in the light amount of the lighting device installed in the room is changed. By using the information, it becomes possible to control the operation of only a device in the same room as the lighting device.
[0018]
  5th inventionThe device control device according toFourth inventionIn the device control apparatus, the recognizing unit determines whether the first device and the second device are in the same room based on information when the first device is turned on or off, or whether the second devices are in the same room. Recognize whether or not
[0019]
  In this device control apparatus, in particular, it is possible to recognize whether the first device and the second device are in the same room by using a change in the amount of light when the lighting device is turned on / off.
[0020]
  6th inventionThe device control device according to1st inventionFromThird inventionIn any one of the device control apparatuses, the first device is an inverter lighting device. The recognizing unit determines whether the first device and the second device are in the same room or whether the second devices are in the same room based on at least one of the flicker frequency and the phase of the first device. Recognize
[0021]
  In this device control apparatus, in particular, when an inverter lighting device is used, it is possible to recognize whether the first device and the second device are in the same room by using the flicker frequency and the phase.
[0022]
  7th inventionThe device control device according to1st inventionFromThird inventionIn any one of the device control apparatuses, the first device is an air conditioner that performs air conditioning in a room. The second device includes a device capable of detecting a temperature change by the first device. The recognizing unit determines whether the second device and the first device are in the same room based on the information on the temperature change in the room by the first device detected by the second device, or whether the second devices are in the same room. Recognize whether or not
[0023]
  In this device control apparatus, for example, when a plurality of devices are installed in a plurality of rooms, when it is desired to operate only a device in a room where a user is present, the device control device is caused by the operation of the first device installed in the room. By using the information on the temperature change, it becomes possible to control the operation of only the device in the same room as the device that detected the temperature change.
[0024]
  Eighth inventionThe device control device according to7th inventionIn the device control apparatus, the control unit determines whether the recognition unit determines whether the second device and the first device are in the same room or whether the second devices are in the same room. Control the operation of the first device. The recognizing unit recognizes that the second device and the first device are in the same room or the second devices are in the same room when the second device detects the temperature change information in the room, If the two devices do not detect a temperature change in the room, the second device and the first device are not in the same room, or the second devices are not in the same room.
[0025]
  In this device control apparatus, information on temperature change is provided by operating the first device according to an instruction from the control unit and generating a predetermined thermal space in each room.
[0026]
  Ninth inventionThe device control device according to1st inventionOrThird inventionIn the device control apparatus, the first device and the second device are connected by the first communication unit and the second communication unit, respectively. The recognizing unit recognizes that the first device and the second device are in the same room when both the first communication unit and the second communication unit can connect, and the first communication unit or the second communication unit If the two devices are not connectable, it is recognized that the first device and the second device are not in the same room.
[0027]
  In this device control apparatus, since a plurality of devices are connected by two types of communication means, whether or not the plurality of devices are in the same room depending on whether they can be connected by both communication means. To be able to recognize.
[0028]
  10th inventionThe device control system according to the above includes a recognition unit and a control unit. The recognition unit recognizes whether or not the first device and the second device are in the same room. When the recognition unit recognizes that the first device and the second device are in the same room, and when the recognition unit recognizes that the first device and the second device are not in the same room And different control is performed.
[0029]
  In this system, when multiple devices are installed, the recognition unit automatically recognizes which devices are in the same room. This reduces the work burden on the user.
[0030]
  11th inventionThe device control system according to the above includes a recognition unit and a control unit. The recognizing unit recognizes whether or not the second devices capable of detecting a change in the environment in the room caused by the operation of the first device are in the same room. The control unit performs different control depending on whether the recognizing unit recognizes that the second devices are in the same room or the recognizing unit recognizes that the second devices are not in the same room. Examples of the environmental change include a change in the amount of light in the room when the first device is an illumination device, and a change in the temperature in the room when the first device is an air conditioner.
[0031]
  In this system, among the plurality of second devices, the second devices that have detected changes in the environment due to the first device are automatically recognized as being in the same room. This eliminates the need for setting operations and reduces the work burden on the user.
[0032]
Another device control system according to invention 1 is the first 1 The first that can change the temperature of the space 1 An air conditioner, a second air conditioner capable of changing the temperature of the second space, a third device having a temperature sensor and disposed in either the first space or the second space, Among the device control unit that operates one air conditioner and the second air conditioner one by one, and the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner, the temperature sensor is operating when a temperature change is detected. A recognition unit (1a) for recognizing an air conditioner.
[0033]
The device control system according to another invention 2 is the device control system according to another invention 1, and the third device can change at least one of humidity and illuminance.
[0034]
A device control system according to another invention 3 is the device control system according to another invention 1 or 2, further comprising an interlock control unit that controls the air conditioner recognized by the recognition unit and the third device. Yes.
[0035]
A device control system according to another aspect of the invention includes a first lighting device capable of changing the amount of light in the first space, a second lighting device capable of changing the amount of light in the second space, and a change in the amount of light. A third device disposed in either the first space or the second space, an operating unit for operating either the first lighting device or the second lighting device, and an operating unit. Includes a recognition unit that recognizes a space in which the third device is located based on a change in the amount of light detected by the optical sensor when either the first lighting device or the second lighting device is operated.
[0036]
A device control system according to another invention 5 is the device control system according to another invention 4, wherein the operating section turns on / off either the first lighting device or the second lighting device.
[0037]
A device control system according to another aspect of the invention includes a first lighting device capable of changing a flicker frequency of light in a first space, and a second lighting capable of changing a flicker frequency of light in a second space. A device, an optical sensor capable of detecting a change in the flicker frequency of light, and a third device disposed in either the first space or the second space, and either the first lighting device or the second lighting device When the actuator activates either the first illumination device or the second illumination device, the space where the third device is located is recognized based on the change in the flicker frequency of the light detected by the optical sensor. A recognition unit.
[0038]
A device control system according to another aspect of the invention includes a first lighting device capable of changing the phase of light in the first space, and a second lighting device capable of changing the phase of light in the second space. , Having an optical sensor capable of detecting a change in the phase of light, and operating either a third device disposed in either the first space or the second space, and the first lighting device or the second lighting device An operation unit, and a recognition unit that recognizes a space in which the third device is located based on a change in the phase of light detected by the optical sensor when the operation unit activates either the first illumination device or the second illumination device. It is equipped with.
[0039]
The device control system according to another invention 8 may change the amplitude of light in the first space. A first lighting device, a second lighting device capable of changing the amplitude of light in the second space, and an optical sensor capable of detecting a change in the light amplitude; The third device arranged in any of the above, the operating unit for operating either the first lighting device or the second lighting device, and the operating unit operated either the first lighting device or the second lighting device And a recognition unit that recognizes a space in which the third device is located based on a change in the amplitude of light detected by the optical sensor.
[0040]
Another device control system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention provides a first lighting device capable of setting the flicker frequency of light in the first space to the first frequency, and sets the flicker frequency of light in the second space to the second frequency. A second illumination device capable of detecting light, an optical sensor capable of detecting a flicker frequency of light, a third device disposed in either the first space or the second space, and the first space at the first frequency. Corresponding information indicating that the second space corresponds to the second frequency is stored, the corresponding information is notified to the third device, and the first lighting device and the second lighting device are operated. And a recognition unit for recognizing a space in which the third device is located based on the flicker frequency of light detected by the optical sensor and the correspondence information notified from the operating unit to the third device.
[0041]
A device control system according to another invention 10 is the device control system according to any of the other inventions 4 to 9, 1 The first that can change the temperature of the space 1 An air conditioner, a second air conditioner capable of changing the temperature of the second space, an air conditioner disposed in a space recognized as having a third device by the recognition unit, and a third device Is further provided with an interlocking control unit for controlling the interlocking of and.
[0042]
Another device control system according to the invention 11 is the first 1 The second placed in space 1 An air conditioner, a second air conditioner disposed in a second space that is a discontinuous space, a first air conditioner, and a second air conditioner disposed in either the first space or the second space; The second air conditioner is communicably connected via a power line, and is connected to only the first air conditioner or the second air conditioner arranged in the same space via infrared rays. A device control device.
[0043]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  [Schematic configuration of device control device / device control system]
  The device control apparatus / system of the present invention is a device / system for controlling a plurality of devices in cooperation with each other. The plurality of devices includes a first device and a second device. The first device and the second device may be any combination of the same type of devices or different types of devices. For example, both the first device and the second device may be air conditioners, and one is a lighting device and the other is an air conditioner or the like, or one is an air conditioner and the other is a humidifier or the like. Also good.
[0044]
  In addition, as described in the second and third embodiments, when the first device is a device that causes a change in the environment in the room, as described in the second and third embodiments, the environment in the room generated by the first device. A device capable of detecting changes is used.
[0045]
  Furthermore, the device used in the present invention is preferably a device capable of exchanging various kinds of information between devices, such as an information home appliance.
[0046]
  The device control apparatus / system of the present invention is connected to one or a plurality of devices among a plurality of devices, and may be provided as a separate controller, for example, or a mobile phone such as a mobile phone owned by a user It may be built in the terminal device. Further, it may be incorporated in one or a plurality of devices that are the control target.
[0047]
  This device control apparatus / system includes a recognition unit and a control unit.
[0048]
  The recognizing unit has a function for recognizing whether the first device and the second device are in the same room or whether the second devices are in the same room. The program is incorporated.
[0049]
  The control unit performs different control between when the first device and the second device are recognized as being in the same room and when the first device and the second device are recognized as not being in the same room. Function, or a function for performing different control depending on whether the second devices are recognized as being in the same room and when the second devices are determined not to be in the same room. A predetermined program for this purpose is incorporated.
[0050]
  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically.
[0051]
  [First Embodiment]
  FIG. 1 schematically shows a state in which the device control apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of devices are connected.
[0052]
  Here, an air conditioner 15 having a function capable of communicating various information is used as the plurality of devices. Various types of information include information on operating conditions such as temperature, wind direction, and air volume for air conditioning in cooperation with other air conditioners 15, and whether or not they are in the same room as other air conditioners 15. Information about
[0053]
  Here, a plurality of air conditioners 15 are installed one by one in the room 12, and two air conditioners 15 are installed in the room 13. Each air conditioner 15 is connected to the device control apparatus 1 by communication means such as a power line or a LAN (wired or wireless).
[0054]
  Here, the device control apparatus 1 is provided as a separate controller from the plurality of air conditioners 15. Here, the recognition unit 1a of the device control device 1 recognizes which air conditioners 15 are in the same room when a plurality of air conditioners 15 are installed.
[0055]
  Here, when the control unit 1b of the device control apparatus 1 recognizes that the plurality of air conditioners 15 are in the same room 12, the plurality of these air conditioners 15 perform coordinated air conditioning by operating in cooperation. The operation of the air conditioner 15 is controlled. On the other hand, when it is determined that the plurality of air conditioners 15 are not in the same room, such operation control is not performed.
[0056]
  When a plurality of air conditioners 15 are installed in one room, the air conditioners 15 are simply connected by a power line or the like. For this reason, for example, when the user instructs the remote controller 15 to operate with a remote controller, an air conditioner 15 different from the air conditioner 15 operates or a room where the user desires air conditioning. There are cases where the air conditioner 15 of another room installed adjacently operates. Therefore, when the user wants to perform air conditioning in the room 12 in which a plurality of air conditioners 15 are installed, the device control device determines which air conditioner 15 and which air conditioner 15 are in the same room. It is necessary to perform a predetermined setting operation such as input to the
[0057]
  However, since the recognizing unit 1a automatically recognizes which of the plurality of air conditioners 15 are in the same room, the user can set the device control device. This eliminates the need for operation and saves time when instructing driving.
[0058]
  And in this apparatus control apparatus 1, about the air conditioners 15 recognized as being in the same room, the control part 1b operates in cooperation with those air conditioners 15, and performs coordinated air conditioning. Control the operation. That is, operation control different from the operation control performed for the air conditioners 15 that are recognized not to be in the same room is performed.
[0059]
  In addition, since the air conditioners 15 in the same room can communicate various information with each other, the air conditioner 15 can be finely adapted to the user's request.
[0060]
  [Second Embodiment]
  FIG. 2 schematically shows a state where the device control system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of devices are connected.
[0061]
  Here, a plurality of lighting devices 27 and one portable terminal device 29 are used as the first device, and a plurality of air conditioners 25 are used as the second device. In the device control system 1, the recognition unit is built in the mobile terminal device 29, and the control unit is built in the plurality of air conditioners 25. In addition, one air conditioner 25 and one lighting device 27 are installed in each of the rooms 22a and 22b. The lighting device 27 is installed in the room 22a with a frequency of 50 Hz, and the room 22b is installed with a frequency of 55 Hz.
[0062]
  The plurality of air conditioners 25 and the lighting device 27 are connected to each other by a power line and to a gateway 23 installed in the room 22a. The gateway 23 is connected to a mobile terminal device 29 such as a mobile phone owned by the user by wireless communication means such as Bluetooth, and can exchange various information with the mobile terminal device 29. .
[0063]
  As will be described later, the gateway 23 incorporates a predetermined program for determining the operating status of the plurality of lighting devices 27 and storing the frequencies of the lighting devices 27 in the rooms 22a and 22b. Yes.
[0064]
  The portable terminal device 29 is provided with an optical sensor 31 capable of detecting the flicker frequency of light emitted from the lighting device 27. The optical sensor 31 has a function of notifying the mobile terminal device 29 of detected information.
[0065]
  Based on the flicker frequency of the lighting device 27 detected by the optical sensor 31 of the portable terminal device 29, the recognition unit built in the portable terminal device 29 determines whether the lighting device 27 and the air conditioner 25 are in the same room 22 or not. It has a function to recognize whether or not.
[0066]
  Moreover, the portable terminal device 29 has a function for performing necessary operations shown in FIG. 3 such as a function of notifying the air conditioner 25 of the recognition result by the recognition unit through the gateway 23.
[0067]
  Here, based on FIG. 3, the operation when the device control system is connected to the plurality of air conditioners 25, the plurality of lighting devices 27, and the portable terminal device 29 will be described. Here, a case where the user operates the mobile terminal device 29 in the room 22b will be described as an example.
[0068]
  First, in step S1, the portable terminal device 29 instructs the gateway 23 to operate the air conditioner 25. Then, in step S <b> 2, it is determined whether all the lighting devices 27 are operating in the gateway 23. If it is determined that all of the lighting devices 27 are operating, the process proceeds to step S3, and the mobile terminal device 29 is notified of the frequency of the lighting devices 27 in the rooms 22a and 22b from the gateway 23. On the other hand, when it is determined that only some of the lighting devices 27 are operating, the process proceeds to step S8, and all the lighting devices 27 are operated.
[0069]
  When the frequency of each lighting device 27 is notified to the portable terminal device 29 in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, and the flicker frequency in the room 22b is detected by the optical sensor 31. In step S5, the recognition unit of the mobile terminal device 29 compares the flicker frequency detected by the optical sensor 31 with the frequency of each lighting device 27 notified in step S3, That is, it is determined which room the user is in. Here, it is determined that there is a user in the room 22b.
[0070]
  Next, in step S <b> 6, the mobile terminal device 29 instructs the air conditioner 25 in the room 22 b determined to have a user in step S <b> 6 to start operation via the gateway 23. And it transfers to step S7 and the air conditioner 25 of the room 22b starts a driving | operation.
[0071]
  When the device control system is used in this way, the recognition unit automatically recognizes whether the lighting device 27 and the air conditioner 25 are in the same room. Therefore, the air conditioner 25 that the user desires to drive can be easily identified. Therefore, according to this device control system, the user's work can be saved compared with the conventional system.
[0072]
  When the lighting device 27 and the air conditioner 25 are in the same room, the controller controls the air conditioning of the room 22b. Thereby, the user can enjoy the air-conditioned space in the room 22b.
[0073]
  In the present embodiment, the recognition unit of the device control system 1 may further have a function of recognizing whether or not the plurality of air conditioners 25 and the mobile terminal devices 29 are in the same room 22. . When the controller recognizes that the plurality of air conditioners 25 and the mobile terminal devices 29 are in the same room 22, the air conditioner 25 and the mobile terminal device 29 in the same room cooperate with each other. These controls may be configured to operate. In this case, as the second device, not only the portable terminal device 29 but also the air conditioner 25 includes an optical sensor that can detect the flicker frequency of the lighting device 27 and the like.
[0074]
  When such a device control system is used, the recognition unit recognizes that the same information detected among the plurality of second devices is in the same room. That is, here, among the plurality of second devices, the air conditioner 25 and the mobile terminal device 29 that have detected the same flicker frequency or the like communicate with each other through the recognition unit, thereby detecting the same information. Confirm and recognize that they are in the same room. Thereby, the portable terminal device 29 and the air conditioner 25 recognized as being in the same room can operate in cooperation via the gateway 23.
[0075]
  [Third Embodiment]
  FIG. 4 schematically shows a state where the device control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of devices are connected.
[0076]
  The plurality of devices are installed in the plurality of rooms 32a and 32b as in the second embodiment. The following description will be made with attention paid to differences from the second embodiment.
[0077]
  Here, a plurality of air conditioners 35 are used as the first device, and a humidifier 39 and a plurality of lighting devices 37 are used as the second device. The air conditioner 35 used here has a function of adjusting the room temperature.
[0078]
  As with the second embodiment, one air conditioner 35 and one lighting device 37 are installed in each of the rooms 32a and 32b, but the humidifier 39 is installed only in the room 32b. The air conditioner 35 and the lighting device 37 are connected to each other by a power line and to a humidifier 39.
[0079]
  The humidifier 39 has a temperature sensor (not shown) that can detect a temperature change in the room caused by the air conditioner 35 installed in the room 32b. Further, the humidifier 39 incorporates the device control device 1.
[0080]
  The recognition unit of the device control device 1 recognizes whether or not the humidifier 39 and the air conditioner 35 are in the same room based on the information on the temperature change in the room detected by the temperature sensor of the humidifier 39. It has a function.
[0081]
  When the recognition unit determines whether the humidifier 39 and the air conditioner 35 are in the same room, the control unit of the device control device 1 controls the plurality of air conditioners 35 to operate one by one. . And the recognition part is the humidifier 39 about the air conditioner 35 which was operating when the humidifier 39 detected the temperature change among the plurality of air conditioners 35 operated one by one under the control of this control part. It is recognized that the air conditioner 35 that was operating when the humidifier 39 did not detect a temperature change is not in the same room as the humidifier 39.
[0082]
  Further, the humidifier 39 performs necessary operations shown in FIG. 5 such as a function for transmitting that the air conditioner 35 and the lighting device 37 are connected and a function for determining whether a significant temperature change is detected. Has the function to do.
[0083]
  Here, based on FIG. 5, the operation | movement at the time of connecting the apparatus control apparatus 1, the some air conditioner 35, the humidifier 39, and the illuminating device 37 is demonstrated.
[0084]
  First, in step S1, for example, when the user installs the humidifier 39 in the room 32b, the humidifier 39 broadcasts that all the air conditioners are connected to the plurality of air conditioners 35 and the lighting devices 37. 35 lighting devices 37 are notified. Next, in step S <b> 2, it is determined by the humidifier 39 whether or not the operation for each of the air conditioners 35 has been completed. As a result, when it is determined that the air conditioner 35 is not completed, the air conditioners 35 that are not yet completed are operated one by one. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the air conditioners 35 have been completed, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined that there is no air conditioner 35 to be interlocked with the humidifier 39, and the process ends.
[0085]
  In step S4, it is determined whether or not a significant temperature change is detected by the humidifier 39. As a result, when it is determined that a significant temperature change is detected, the process proceeds to step S5, and the control unit of the device control device 1 operates the air conditioner 35 and the humidifier 39 that are operating at that time. Control to drive. Here, the humidifier 39 operates in conjunction with the air conditioner 35 in the room 32b.
[0086]
  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that a significant temperature difference is not detected, the process returns to step S2, and it is determined whether or not the operation of each of the air conditioners 35 has been completed.
[0087]
  When the device control apparatus 1 is used in this way, the recognition unit automatically recognizes whether the humidifier 39 and the air conditioner 35 are in the same room. It is possible to easily identify the air conditioner 35 that the user desires to operate from the inside. Therefore, according to this apparatus control apparatus 1, the labor of a user's work can be saved compared with the past.
[0088]
  When the humidifier 39 and the air conditioner 35 are in the same room, the control is controlled by the control unit so as to perform coordinated air conditioning. Thereby, the user can enjoy the air-conditioned space in the room 32b.
[0089]
  In the present embodiment, the recognition unit of the device control apparatus 1 may further have a function of recognizing whether or not the humidifier 37 and the plurality of lighting devices 37 are in the same room 22. Then, when it is recognized that the humidifier 39 and the lighting device 37 are in the same room 22, the control unit controls the humidifier 39 and the lighting device 37 in the same room to operate in cooperation with each other. May be configured to perform. In this case, as the second device, not only the humidifier 39 but also the lighting device 37 is provided with a temperature sensor that can detect a temperature change by the air conditioner 35.
[0090]
  When such a device control apparatus 1 is used, the recognition unit recognizes that the same information detected among a plurality of second devices are in the same room. That is, here, among the plurality of second devices, the humidifier 39 and the lighting device 37 that have detected the same temperature change confirm that the same information has been detected by communicating through the recognition unit. Recognize that they are in the same room. Thereby, the humidifier 39 and the illumination device 37 recognized as being in the same room can operate in cooperation.
[0091]
  [Fourth Embodiment]
  FIG. 6 schematically shows a state where the device control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of devices are connected. FIG. 6 shows two examples (a) and (b). Here, these two examples will be described in comparison.
[0092]
  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, two air conditioners 45 are installed, the air conditioner 45a is installed in the two rooms 42a, and the air conditioner 45b is installed in the room 42b. The two air conditioners 45a and 45b are connected to each other and connected to the device control apparatus 201 by two kinds of communication means of a power line and an infrared ray.
[0093]
  The device control apparatus 201 is provided as a separate controller from the plurality of air conditioners 45a and 45b, and is installed in a room 42b in which the air conditioner 45b is installed.
[0094]
  In the example shown in FIG. 6B, three air conditioners 46 are installed, two air conditioners 46a and 46b are installed in the room 43b, and an air conditioner 46c is installed in the room 43a. Has been. Also in this example, the air conditioners 46a, 46b, and 46c are connected to each other by the power line and the infrared rays, and are connected to the device control device 301. The device control apparatus 201 is installed in a room 43b in which air conditioners 46c and 46d are installed.
[0095]
  6A and 6B, the recognition unit 201a of the device control apparatus 201 can receive instructions from the device control apparatus 201 by all of the plurality of air conditioners using both power lines and infrared rays. The air conditioners are recognized as being in the same room, and only some of the air conditioners receive instructions from the device control apparatus 201 via both power lines and infrared rays. If possible, it is recognized that some of the air conditioners and other air conditioners are not in the same room.
[0096]
  When the device control apparatus 201 is used in this way, in the example of FIG. 6A, when the instruction from the device control apparatus 201 is transmitted through the power line, both the air conditioners 45a and 45b are connected from the device control apparatus 201. Can be received. On the other hand, when the instruction from the device control apparatus 201 is transmitted by infrared rays, the air conditioner 45b installed in the room 42b in which the controller 201 is installed can receive the instruction from the apparatus control apparatus 201. The air conditioner 45a cannot receive the instruction from the device control apparatus 201 because the infrared rays are blocked by the wall between the room 43b and the air conditioner 45a.
[0097]
  Therefore, in this example, the recognition unit 201a of the device control device 201 recognizes that the air conditioner 45a and the air conditioner 45b are not in the same room. In this example, an instruction for operation control is sent from the control unit 201b to the air conditioner 45b so that the air conditioner 45b performs air conditioning in the room 42b.
[0098]
  On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 6B, when an instruction from the device control apparatus 201 is transmitted through the power line, all the air conditioners 46a, 46b, and 46c can receive the instruction from the apparatus control device 201. . When the instruction from the device control apparatus 201 is transmitted by infrared rays, the two air conditioners 46a and 46b installed in the room 43b in which the controller 201 is installed receive the instruction from the apparatus control apparatus 201. Although possible, the air conditioner 46c cannot receive an instruction from the device control apparatus 201 because the infrared rays are blocked by the wall between the room 43b.
[0099]
  Therefore, in this example, the recognition unit 201a of the device control device 201 recognizes that the air conditioner 45a and the air conditioner 45b are in the same room, while the air conditioners 45a and 45b and the air conditioner 45b Are recognized not to be in the same room. In this example, an instruction for operation control is sent from the control unit 201b to the air conditioners 45a and 45b so that the air conditioning of the room 43b is performed by the two air conditioners 45a and 45b.
[0100]
  [Other Embodiments]
  (A) In the second embodiment, instead of recognition based on the flicker frequency or the like, recognition by the recognition unit may be performed based on a change in the light amount of the illumination device 27. In this case, the timing at which the optical sensor 31 detects the change in the light amount is preferably when the lighting device 27 is turned on or off.
[0101]
  (B) In the second embodiment, when an inverter lighting device is used as the lighting device 27, it is recognized based on the flicker phase whether the lighting device 27 and the air conditioner 25 are in the same room. May be. In this case, it is not necessary to use special lighting equipment.
[0102]
  (C) In 2nd Embodiment, it may replace with the light which the illuminating device 27 emits, for example, you may make it use the infrared rays which the air conditioner 25 emits in the case of communication with another apparatus. Further, instead of recognizing based on the flicker frequency or the like, the recognizing unit may make a determination based on light or infrared rays emitted from the lighting device 27 including some information.
[0103]
  (D) In the second embodiment, a communication device capable of communicating information based on flicker such as frequency modulation, phase modulation, and amplitude modulation of flickering of the lighting device 27 with other devices is attached to the lighting device 27 and this communication is performed. The mobile terminal device 29 may be provided with a receiving unit having a function of receiving information from the apparatus and transmitting the information to the recognition unit. In this case, information based on the flicker of the lighting device 27 is transmitted from the communication device, and the mobile terminal device 29 in the same room as the lighting device 27 receives the information and sends it to the recognition unit. A predetermined operation is performed.
[0104]
  (E) The operations described with reference to the drawings in the second and third embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.
[0105]
【The invention's effect】
  1st inventionIn the invention according to the present invention, when a plurality of devices are installed, the recognition unit automatically recognizes which devices are in the same room. This eliminates the need for operation and saves time when instructing driving.
[0106]
  Second inventionIn the invention according to the above, since the second devices that have detected the environmental change by the first device among the plurality of second devices are automatically recognized as being in the same room, the user is troublesome as before. This eliminates the need for manual setting operations and reduces the work burden on the user.
[0107]
  Third inventionIn the invention according to the present invention, especially when the device control apparatus is connected to or built in the first and second devices, the work load on the user is reduced.
[0108]
  Fourth inventionIn the invention according to the above, for example, when a plurality of devices are installed in a plurality of rooms, when only the device in the room where the user is located is to be operated, the information on the change in the amount of light of the lighting device installed in the room. By using this, it becomes possible to control the operation of only the equipment in the same room as the lighting equipment.
[0109]
  5th inventionIn the invention according to the above, in particular, it is possible to recognize whether the first device and the second device are in the same room by using a change in the amount of light when the lighting device is turned on / off.
[0110]
  6th inventionIn the invention according to the present invention, in particular, when an inverter lighting device is used, it is possible to recognize whether the first device and the second device are in the same room by using the flicker frequency and the phase.
[0111]
  7th inventionIn the invention according to the present invention, for example, when a plurality of devices are installed in a plurality of rooms, when it is desired to operate only the device in the room where the user is located, it is caused by the operation of the second device installed in the room. By using the temperature change information, it becomes possible to control the operation of only a device in the same room as the device that detected the temperature change.
[0112]
  Eighth inventionIn the invention according to the above, temperature change information is provided by operating the second device in accordance with an instruction from the control unit to generate a predetermined thermal space in each room.
[0113]
  Ninth inventionIn the invention according to the above, since a plurality of devices are connected by two types of communication means, a plurality of devices can be connected depending on whether they can be connected by both communication means or only by one communication means. It is possible to recognize whether the device is in the same room.
[0114]
  10th inventionIn the invention according to the present invention, when a plurality of devices are installed, the recognition unit automatically recognizes which devices are in the same room. This eliminates the need for operation and reduces the work burden on the user.
[0115]
  11th inventionIn the invention according to the above, since the second devices that have detected the environmental change by the first device among the plurality of second devices are automatically recognized as being in the same room, the user is troublesome as before. This eliminates the need for manual setting operations and reduces the work burden on the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a state in which a device control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of devices are connected.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a state in which a device control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of devices are connected.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the device control apparatus of the second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a device control apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of devices are connected.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the device control apparatus of the third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a device control apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of devices are connected.
[Explanation of symbols]
    1,101,201 Device control device / device control system
    1a, 101a, 201a recognition unit
    1b, 101b, 201b control unit
  12, 22, 32, 42, 43 rooms
  15, 25, 35, 45, 46 Air conditioner
  27, 37 Lighting equipment
  29 Mobile terminal equipment
  39 Humidifier

Claims (11)

  First 1 The first that can change the temperature of the space (A) 1 An air conditioner (35),
  A second air conditioner (35) capable of changing the temperature of the second space (B);
  A third device (39) having a temperature sensor and disposed in either the first space (A) or the second space (B);
  A device control unit (1) for operating the first air conditioner (35) and the second air conditioner (35) one by one;
  Of the first air conditioner (35) and the second air conditioner (35), a recognition unit that recognizes the air conditioner (35) that is operating when the temperature sensor detects a temperature change ( 1a)
Equipment control system equipped with.   The third device is capable of changing at least one of humidity and illuminance.
The device control system according to claim 1.   An interlock control unit (1) for controlling the air conditioner (35) and the third device (39) recognized by the recognition unit (1a);
The device control system according to claim 1 or 2.   A first lighting device (27) capable of changing the amount of light in the first space (A);
  A second lighting device (27) capable of changing the amount of light in the second space (B);
  A third device (29) having an optical sensor (31) capable of detecting a change in the amount of light and disposed in either the first space (A) or the second space (B);
  An operating section (23) for operating either the first lighting device (27) or the second lighting device (27);
  Based on the change in the amount of light detected by the optical sensor (31) when the operating unit (23) operates either the first lighting device (27) or the second lighting device (27). A recognition unit (29) for recognizing a space (A, B) with three devices (29);
Equipment control system equipped with.   The operating section (23) turns on or off either the first lighting device (27) or the second lighting device (27).
The device control system according to claim 4.   A first lighting device (27) capable of changing a flicker frequency of light in the first space (A);
  A second lighting device (27) capable of changing a flicker frequency of light in the second space (B);
  A third device (29) having an optical sensor (31) capable of detecting a change in the flicker frequency of light, and disposed in either the first space (A) or the second space (B);
  An operating section (23) for operating either the first lighting device (27) or the second lighting device (27);
  Based on a change in flicker frequency of light detected by the optical sensor (31) when the operating unit (23) operates either the first lighting device (27) or the second lighting device (27). A recognition unit (29) for recognizing a space (A, B) in which the third device (29) is located,
Equipment control system equipped with.   A first lighting device (27) capable of changing a phase of light in the first space (A);
  A second lighting device (27) capable of changing a phase of light in the second space (B);
  A third device (29) having an optical sensor (31) capable of detecting a change in the phase of light and disposed in either the first space (A) or the second space (B);
  An operating section (23) for operating either the first lighting device (27) or the second lighting device (27);
  Based on a change in the phase of light detected by the optical sensor (31) when the operating unit (23) operates either the first lighting device (27) or the second lighting device (27). A recognition unit (29) for recognizing a space (A, B) in which the third device (29) is located;
Equipment control system equipped with.   A first lighting device (27) capable of changing an amplitude of light in the first space (A);
  A second lighting device (27) capable of changing the amplitude of light in the second space (B);
  A third device (29) having an optical sensor (31) capable of detecting a change in amplitude of light and disposed in either the first space (A) or the second space (B);
  An operating section (23) for operating either the first lighting device (27) or the second lighting device (27);
  Based on the change in the amplitude of the light detected by the optical sensor (31) when the operating unit (23) operates either the first lighting device (27) or the second lighting device (27). A recognition unit (29) for recognizing a space (A, B) in which the third device (29) is located;
Equipment control system equipped with.   A first lighting device (27) capable of setting the flicker frequency of light in the first space (A) to the first frequency;
  A second lighting device (27) capable of setting the flicker frequency of light in the second space (B) to the second frequency;
  A third device (29) having an optical sensor (31) capable of detecting a flicker frequency of light and disposed in either the first space (A) or the second space (B);
  Correspondence information that the first space (A) corresponds to the first frequency and the second space (B) corresponds to the second frequency is stored, and the correspondence information is stored in the first space. Operating unit (23) for notifying three devices and operating the first lighting device (27) and the second lighting device (27);
  A space in which the third device (29) is located based on the flicker frequency of light detected by the optical sensor (31) and the correspondence information notified from the operating unit (23) by the third device (29). A recognition unit (29) for recognizing (A, B);
Equipment control system equipped with.   First 1 The first that can change the temperature of the space (A) 1 An air conditioner (35),
  A second air conditioner (35) capable of changing the temperature of the second space (B);
  An interlocking control unit that interlocks and controls the air conditioner (35) disposed in the space in which the third device (29) is recognized by the recognition unit (29) and the third device (39). (1) further provided,
The equipment control system according to any one of claims 4 to 9.   First 1 No. arranged in space (A) 1 An air conditioner (35),
  A second air conditioner (35) disposed in the second space (B) which is a discontinuous space with the first space (A);
  It is arranged in either the first space (A) or the second space (B) and can communicate with the first air conditioner (35) and the second air conditioner (35) via a power line. Connected to the first air conditioner (35) or the second air conditioner (35) disposed in the same space so as to be communicable via infrared rays (201 )When,
Equipment control system equipped with.

Images