JP7470924B2 - Equipment management method, program, and equipment management system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure generally relates to a device management method, program, and device management system, and more specifically to a device management method and device management system that manages multiple devices, and a program related to this device management method.

Patent Document 1 is an example of a conventional technology for managing multiple devices. The power system control device described in Patent Document 1 includes a data collection unit and a digital twin generation unit. The data collection unit collects and stores data on electrical quantities in each of multiple partial systems (multiple devices) included in the power system at predetermined intervals. The digital twin generation unit generates a simulation model of the power system based on the data on electrical quantities stored by the data collection unit, and updates the model based on changes in the electrical quantities. Based on the simulation results, the administrator can understand measures to stabilize the entire system.

JP 2019-154201 A

The present disclosure aims to provide a device management method, program, and device management system that can improve convenience.

A device management method according to an aspect of the present disclosure manages a plurality of devices. The device management method includes a first process and a second process. The first process associates a plurality of cell spaces included in a target space with the plurality of devices. The plurality of devices includes at least one of an output device and an input device. The output device performs control related to a cell space associated in the first process among the plurality of cell spaces. The input device acquires spatial information related to a cell space associated in the first process among the plurality of cell spaces. The second process performs at least one of an output process and an input process. When a zone is a target for output, the output process controls the output device associated with one or more cell spaces included in the zone. The zone is a set of two or more cell spaces among the plurality of cell spaces or one cell space. The input process manages the spatial information acquired by the input device associated with one or more cell spaces included in the zone as information related to the zone. The device management method further includes a zone registration process that registers which of the multiple cell spaces are included in the zone while maintaining the correspondence between the multiple cell spaces and the multiple devices in response to user operation on a user interface.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the device management method.

An equipment management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure manages a plurality of equipment. The equipment management system has a correspondence processing unit. The correspondence processing unit associates a plurality of cell spaces included in a target space with the plurality of equipment. The plurality of equipment includes at least one of an output equipment and an input equipment. The output equipment performs control related to a cell space associated by the correspondence processing unit among the plurality of cell spaces. The input equipment acquires spatial information related to a cell space associated by the correspondence processing unit among the plurality of cell spaces. The equipment management system further has at least one of an output processing unit and an input processing unit. When a zone is a target for output, the output processing unit controls the output equipment associated with one or more cell spaces included in the zone. The zone is a set of two or more cell spaces among the plurality of cell spaces or one cell space. The input processing unit manages the spatial information acquired by the input equipment associated with one or more cell spaces included in the zone as information related to the zone. The device management system further has a zone registration unit that registers which of the multiple cell spaces are included in the zone while maintaining the correspondence between the multiple cell spaces and the multiple devices in response to user operation on a user interface.

The present disclosure has the advantage of being able to increase convenience.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a device management method according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram including a device management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a ceiling of a facility using the above-mentioned device management system. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a facility using the device management system. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the operation of the device management system.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a device management method, a program, and a device management system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. In addition, each figure described in the following embodiment is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in the figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

(1) Overview In the device management method of the present embodiment, a plurality of devices 30 (see FIG. 2) are managed. As shown in FIG. 1, the device management method includes a first process (step ST2) and a second process (steps ST5 and ST7). In the first process, a plurality of cell spaces C1 (see FIG. 4) included in a target space TS1 (see FIG. 4) are associated with a plurality of devices 30. The plurality of devices 30 include at least one of an output device 32 (e.g., a lighting fixture) and an input device 31 (e.g., an illuminance sensor). The output device 32 controls the cell space C1 associated with the plurality of cell spaces C1 in the first process. The input device 31 acquires space information related to the cell space C1 associated with the plurality of cell spaces C1 in the first process. In the second process, at least one of an output process and an input process is performed. In the output process, when a zone Z1 (see FIG. 4) is a target of output, the output device 32 associated with one or more cell spaces C1 included in the zone Z1 is controlled. The zone Z1 is a set of two or more cell spaces C1 among the multiple cell spaces C1 or one cell space C1. The input process manages spatial information acquired by an input device 31 associated with one or more cell spaces C1 included in the zone Z1 as information related to the zone Z1.

"Managing spatial information as information related to zone Z1" (input processing) includes, for example, linking the spatial information with zone Z1 and storing it in the memory unit 14 (see Figure 2).

The device management method will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example of the device management method according to this embodiment, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate.

In the device management method, first, multiple cell spaces C1 are registered (step ST1), and multiple devices 30 are associated with the multiple cell spaces C1 (step ST2). "Registering multiple cell spaces C1" means determining the range of each of the multiple cell spaces C1 and storing information on the determined range in the storage unit 14 (see Figure 2) or the like.

Next, when information for registering zone Z1 is input by user operation or the like (step ST3: YES), zone Z1 is registered based on the input information (step ST4). "Registering zone Z1" means determining which of the multiple cell spaces C1 is included in zone Z1, and storing information on the determined cell space C1 in the storage unit 14 (see FIG. 2) or the like. Here, multiple zones Z1 can be registered. By registering zone Z1, each of the multiple devices 30 belongs to at least one zone Z1.

Next, the spatial information acquired by the input device 31 is managed as information about the zone Z1 to which the input device 31 belongs (step ST5).

In addition, a user operation or the like designates one of the zones Z1 as the output target, and the content required for the zone Z1 (on/off of the device 30, settings, and brightness, air quality, and acoustic conditions of the zone Z1, etc.) is designated (step ST6: YES). After that, the output device 32 belonging to the zone Z1 that is the output target is controlled (step ST7).

The device management method may be embodied in a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded, etc.

The program according to one embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above-mentioned device management method.

The equipment management method can be realized by the equipment management system 1. The equipment management system 1 of this embodiment manages a plurality of equipment 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the equipment management system 1 has a correspondence processing unit 23. The correspondence processing unit 23 corresponds a plurality of cell spaces C1 included in the target space TS1 to a plurality of equipment 30. The plurality of equipment 30 includes at least one of an output equipment 32 and an input equipment 31. The output equipment 32 controls the cell space C1 that is associated with the correspondence processing unit 23 among the plurality of cell spaces C1. The input equipment 31 acquires spatial information regarding the cell space C1 that is associated with the correspondence processing unit 23 among the plurality of cell spaces C1. The equipment management system 1 further has at least one of an output processing unit 27 and an input processing unit 25. When the zone Z1 is the target of output, the output processing unit 27 controls the output equipment 32 that is associated with one or more cell spaces C1 included in the zone Z1. The zone Z1 is a set of two or more cell spaces C1 among the plurality of cell spaces C1 or one cell space C1. The input processing unit 25 manages the spatial information acquired by the input device 31 associated with one or more cell spaces C1 included in the zone Z1 as information related to the zone Z1.

According to the device management method, program, and device management system 1 of this embodiment, multiple devices 30 can be managed collectively for each zone Z1, thereby improving convenience.

(2) Uses The equipment management method (equipment management system 1) is adopted in a facility. The facility is, for example, a non-residential facility such as an office, commercial facility, factory, school, hospital, etc., or a residential facility such as a detached house or an apartment building. The facility may be an indoor facility, an outdoor facility, or may include both indoor and outdoor facilities. In this embodiment, as a representative example, a case will be described in which the equipment management method (equipment management system 1) is adopted in an office building. For example, multiple companies are tenants in the office building. Multiple pieces of equipment are installed in the facility. The target space TS1 is a space included in the facility.

The equipment management method (equipment management system 1) is used to manage the environment of a facility. More specifically, in the second process, the equipment management method (equipment management system 1) executes at least one of an output process related to the control of output equipment 32 (e.g., lighting equipment) and an input process related to the management of spatial information acquired by input equipment 31 (e.g., illuminance sensor). In the equipment management method (equipment management system 1) of this embodiment, in the second process, both the output process and the input process are performed. The environment of the facility is adjusted by controlling the output equipment 32. In addition, in the output process, the output equipment 32 is controlled based on the spatial information acquired by the input equipment 31.

The equipment management system 1 constitutes a digital twin system. The digital twin system links physical space (real space) and cyberspace (virtual space). More specifically, the digital twin system is a system that forms a cyberspace based on information of the physical space acquired in real time, performs analysis in the cyberspace, and outputs the analysis results. The analysis results can be reflected in the physical space by the output device 32. In this embodiment, the input device 31 acquires information of the physical space (spatial information), the equipment management system 1 forms the cyberspace and analyzes the spatial information, and the output device 32 reflects the analysis results in the physical space.

For example, multiple departments or multiple companies belong to the target space TS1. A zone Z1 is then specified for each department or company. The equipment management system 1 stores the spatial information acquired by the input device 31 in association with the zone Z1 to which the input device 31 belongs. This allows facility managers and the like to understand the environment for each zone Z1. The equipment management system 1 also controls the output devices 32 that belong to each zone Z1 for each zone Z1. This makes it possible to adjust the environment for each zone Z1.

(3) Input Devices and Output Devices The input device 31 is an external component of the device management system 1. Examples of spatial information acquired by the input device 31 include information on illuminance, temperature, humidity, or air quality. Air quality refers to the concentration of pollutants such as dust, or the carbon dioxide concentration. For example, a sensor is used as the input device 31. Examples of sensors are an environmental sensor, a human presence sensor, and a human identification camera. Examples of environmental sensors are an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an air quality sensor.

The output device 32 is an external configuration of the device management system 1. Examples of the output device 32 are lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, air quality equipment, video equipment, audio equipment, disaster prevention equipment, actuators, and greening equipment. Examples of air conditioning equipment are air conditioners, heat pipes, and ventilation devices. The air quality equipment is equipment that adjusts air quality. Examples of air quality equipment are functional particle generators that generate functional particles such as hypochlorous acid or chlorine dioxide, charged fine water generators, ion generators, and aroma generators. Examples of video equipment are security cameras, projectors, and displays (signage equipment, etc.). Examples of disaster prevention equipment are fire detectors, fire alarms, and earthquake detectors. The actuator is, for example, provided in a distribution board, and switches between the supply of power and the absence of power by operating a relay. An example of greening equipment is equipment that supplies light, airflow, and the like to plants. In addition, the greening equipment can generate the sound of leaves rubbing together and supply the scent of the plants to a specified space by supplying airflow to the plants. Furthermore, the greening equipment can provide the plants with light, air currents, and the like, thereby creating a visual effect of the plants. Equipment that creates visual effects other than the visual effects of plants may be used as the output equipment 32. For example, equipment that creates a visual effect by changing the water current may be used as the output equipment 32.

In this embodiment, the multiple devices 30 include multiple input devices 31 and multiple output devices 32.

Each device 30 includes a memory unit 301, a communication unit 302, and a power receiving unit 303.

The storage unit 301 is, for example, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). The storage unit 301 stores identification information of the device 30.

The communication unit 302 includes a communication interface for communicating with the device management system 1. The communication unit 302 outputs the identification information stored in the memory unit 301 to a device (the device management system 1) that executes the first process (the process of associating the multiple devices 30 with the multiple cell spaces C1).

The power receiving unit 303 receives power supplied from an external source. The power receiving unit 303 includes a terminal for receiving power.

At least one of the multiple devices 30 is an attachment device. In other words, the multiple devices 30 include at least one attachment device. The attachment device can be attached to the attachment member 4 described below. The attachment device has a connection structure that can be connected to the connection portion 41 of the attachment member 4, for example.

(4) Mounting Member As shown in Fig. 3, a mounting member 4 is provided as an external component of the device management system 1. A plurality of mounting devices (devices 30) can be attached and detached to the mounting member 4. The mounting member 4 in this embodiment is a wiring duct. Wiring W1 (power supply line and communication line) is passed through the wiring duct. The wiring W1 is, for example, wiring compatible with PoE (Power over Ethernet). The wiring W1 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable.

The mounting member 4 has multiple (three in FIG. 3) connection parts 41 and a duct rail 42. In this embodiment, the connection parts 41 are ceiling hooks. A mounting device is mechanically attached to each connection part 41. Each connection part 41 also has a terminal that can be electrically connected to the terminal of the mounting device. The duct rail 42 supports the multiple connection parts 41.

The mounting member 4 is arranged, for example, along the ceiling material 50. More specifically, the mounting member 4 is arranged, for example, along the underside 501 of the ceiling material 50.

A step-down circuit 51 and a hub device 52 are provided as external components of the device management system 1.

The hub device 52 is, for example, a switching hub device. The hub device 52 accepts the input of the output power of the step-down circuit 51. The hub device 52 supplies the input power to the terminals of the multiple connection parts 41. The hub device 52 also accepts the input of signals from the multiple devices 30 and the device management system 1. The hub device 52 distributes the input signals to the terminals of the multiple connection parts 41.

The step-down circuit 51 steps down the input voltage. The step-down circuit 51 includes, for example, a power conversion circuit such as an inverter circuit or a step-down transformer. The step-down circuit 51 steps down the input voltage from the power source 53 (for example, a commercial power source, a private generator, or a storage battery). In this embodiment, the output voltage of the step-down circuit 51 is a DC voltage. The step-down circuit 51 converts the AC voltage to a DC voltage and then steps down the DC voltage. The mounting member 4 is supplied with a voltage stepped down to a predetermined voltage or lower from the step-down circuit 51. It is preferable that the predetermined voltage satisfies the following condition. The above condition is that no qualification (for example, electrician qualification) is required for the work of mounting the mounting device (device 30) to which a voltage equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage is supplied to the mounting member 4. The predetermined voltage is, for example, a DC voltage of 48 [V]. The mounting device is supplied with a voltage equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage via the mounting member 4.

The step-down circuit 51 is preferably placed above the ceiling material 50 of the structure or at the same height as the ceiling material 50. The mounting device is preferably located below the ceiling material 50 or at the same height as the ceiling material 50 when attached to the mounting member 4. Placed at the same height as the ceiling material 50 refers to a state where it is embedded in the ceiling material 50, for example. In FIG. 3, the step-down circuit 51 is placed above the ceiling material 50, and the mounting device (device 30) is located below the ceiling material 50 when attached to the mounting member 4. This separates the wiring W2 (the wiring extending from the step-down circuit 51 to the power source 53) to which the voltage before being stepped down by the step-down circuit 51 is applied and the mounting device by the ceiling material 50.

In addition, the device 30 may use a primary battery or a secondary battery provided in the device 30 as a power source.

(5) Local Controller As shown in Fig. 2, a local controller L1 is provided as an external component of the equipment management system 1. In this embodiment, a plurality of local controllers L1 are provided. Each local controller L1 corresponds to one or more output devices 32. Each local controller L1 controls the corresponding one or more output devices 32 based on a command signal Sig1 transmitted from the equipment management system 1. The command signals Sig1 transmitted to the local controllers L1 may be the same or different from each other.

The local controller L1 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. At least some of the functions of the local controller L1 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

(6) Terminal An example of the terminal T1 is a personal computer, a server computer, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone. The terminal T1 includes a communication interface for communicating with the communication unit 15 of the device management system 1. The terminal T1 stores information received from the communication unit 15. The terminal T1 also analyzes the information received from the communication unit 15.

The terminal T1 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. At least some of the functions of the terminal T1 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

(7) Device Management System The device management system 1 includes a processing circuit 2, a receiving unit 11, a transmitting unit 12, a user interface 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The processing circuit 2, the transmitting unit 12, the user interface 13, the storage unit 14, and the communication unit 15 are integrated into one housing.

(7-1) Receiving Unit The receiving unit 11 includes a communication interface for communicating with the communication unit 302 of the device 30. The device management system 1 includes a plurality of receiving units 11 (only one is shown in FIG. 2). The plurality of receiving units 11 are housed in different housings. The receiving units 11 are provided at a plurality of locations in the facility.

(7-2) Transmitter The transmitter 12 includes a communication interface for communicating with the multiple local controllers L1. The transmitter 12 transmits a command signal Sig1 to the multiple local controllers L1. The local controller L1 controls one or more corresponding output devices 32 in response to the command signal Sig1.

(7-3) Communication Unit The communication unit 15 includes a communication interface for communicating with the terminal T1. At least a part of the configuration of the communication unit 15 may be shared with at least one of the receiving unit 11 and the transmitting unit 12.

(7-4) User Interface The user interface 13 has an operation unit that accepts operation input from a user. Examples of the operation unit are a touch panel, a touch panel display, an operation button, a keyboard, and a pointing device. The user interface 13 may also have a display that displays information related to operations on the operation unit. Users include facility managers and facility users (e.g., tenant managers and employees).

(7-5) Storage Unit The storage unit 14 is, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), etc. The storage unit 14 stores information handled by the device management system 1.

(7-6) Processing Circuit The processing circuit 2 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. At least some of the functions of the processing circuit 2 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by recording it on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

The processing circuit 2 has a cell registration unit 21, a zone registration unit 22, a correspondence processing unit 23, a contribution determination unit 24, an input processing unit 25, an analysis unit 26, and an output processing unit 27. Note that these merely indicate the functions realized by the processing circuit 2, and do not necessarily indicate a concrete configuration.

(7-7) Cell Registration Unit Information indicating the position and range of the space included in the facility is stored in the storage unit 14. The above information is stored in the storage unit 14 as, for example, BIM (Building Information Modeling). A user such as a facility manager can output the above information from the user interface 13 or the terminal T1 and store it in the storage unit 14.

Based on the above information, the cell registration unit 21 registers multiple (ten in FIG. 4) cell spaces C1 included in the target space TS1 (space included in the facility) as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the cell registration unit 21 determines (defines) multiple cell spaces C1 by taking a room in the facility as the target space TS1 and partitioning the target space TS1. The cell registration unit 21 stores information indicating the range (or boundary) of each of the multiple cell spaces C1 in the memory unit 14.

In FIG. 4, the target space TS1 is divided into five equal parts in the X-axis direction and into two equal parts in the Y-axis direction, thereby defining ten cell spaces C1. Here, the X-axis and Y-axis are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the Z-axis (the upward axis).

In the following, the ten cell spaces C1 will be referred to as cell spaces C10 to C19 to distinguish them from one another. Cell spaces C10 to C14 are lined up in this order in the positive direction of the X-axis. Cell spaces C15 to C19 are lined up in this order in the positive direction of the X-axis. Cell spaces C10 to C14 are located on the positive side of the Y-axis relative to cell spaces C15 to C19.

The cell registration unit 21 determines the multiple cell spaces C1 based on, for example, a predetermined algorithm. As a specific example, the cell registration unit 21 determines the multiple cell spaces C1 so that the area (area on the XY plane) occupied by each cell space C1 is within a predetermined range (for example, 10 ^m2 to ²⁰ m2).

Alternatively, the cell registration unit 21 determines multiple cell spaces C1 in response to operations on the user interface 13. For example, the user inputs conditions for each cell space C1 to the user interface 13, and the cell registration unit 21 determines multiple cell spaces C1 so that each cell space C1 satisfies the input conditions. One example of a condition is the range of length in the X-axis direction of each cell space C1, the range of length in the Y-axis direction of each cell space C1, and the range of area of each cell space C1. Alternatively, the user inputs information on the boundaries of multiple cell spaces C1 to the user interface 13, and the cell registration unit 21 determines multiple cell spaces C1 so that the boundaries of the multiple cell spaces C1 match the input information.

(7-8) Zone Registration Unit The zone registration unit 22 registers a set of two or more cell spaces C1 or one cell space C1 among the multiple cell spaces C1 as a zone Z1. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the zone registration unit 22 registers a set of cell spaces C10 to C12 and C15 to C17 as the zone Z1.

In FIG. 4, the multiple cell spaces C1 included in zone Z1 are connected to each other. In other words, when focusing on any one of the multiple cell spaces C1 included in zone Z1 in FIG. 4, this cell space C1 is connected to any other cell space C1 directly or via one or more cell spaces C1. However, zone Z1 may be composed of multiple spaces that are separated from each other. In other words, two or more of the multiple cell spaces C1 included in zone Z1 may not be directly connected and may not be connected via one or more cell spaces C1.

The zone registration unit 22 can register multiple zones Z1. A certain zone Z1 may share part or all of one or more cell spaces C1 contained in this zone Z1 with another zone Z1.

Alternatively, each of the multiple zones Z1 may not share a cell space C1 with other zones Z1. In other words, when focusing on an arbitrary zone Z1, none of the one or more cell spaces C1 contained in this zone Z1 may be contained in another zone Z1.

The device management method further includes a zone registration process. The zone registration process is a process of storing a set of two or more cell spaces C1 or one cell space C1 among the multiple cell spaces C1 as a zone Z1. In the zone registration process, the zone registration unit 22 registers one or more zones Z1 in response to an operation on the user interface 13. More specifically, in the zone registration process, the zone registration unit 22 stores a set of two or more cell spaces C1 selected using the user interface 13 among the multiple cell spaces C1 or one cell space C1 as a zone Z1 in the storage unit 14. That is, the user selects one or more cell spaces C1 by operating the user interface 13. Furthermore, the user inputs identification information (such as a name) of the zone Z1. The zone registration unit 22 registers the zone Z1 that includes the selected one or more cell spaces C1 and is linked to the input identification information. That is, the zone registration unit 22 stores the identification information of the cell space C1 included in the zone Z1 and the identification information of the zone Z1 in the storage unit 14. The identification information for zone Z1 may be generated automatically without user input.

The zone registration unit 22 may determine one or more zones Z1 based on a predetermined algorithm. For example, the zone registration unit 22 may determine one or more zones Z1 such that the number of multiple cell spaces C1 included in each zone Z1 is within a predetermined range (e.g., 5 to 10) and the multiple cell spaces C1 included in each zone Z1 are connected to each other.

(7-9) Correspondence Processing Unit (7-9-1) Basic Processing The correspondence processing unit 23 associates a plurality of devices 30 with a plurality of cell spaces C1. More specifically, the correspondence processing unit 23 determines one or more cell spaces C1 corresponding to the device 30 based on the position of the device 30, etc.

The response processing unit 23 identifies the position of the device 30. A specific example of a method for identifying the position of the device 30 will be described later. The response processing unit 23 associates the device 30 with a cell space C1 that overlaps with the effect range determined based on the identified position. In this way, the response processing unit 23 associates the multiple devices 30 with the multiple cell spaces C1. The response processing unit 23 stores the correspondence between the multiple devices 30 and the multiple cell spaces C1 in the storage unit 14 of the device management system 1. In addition, the response processing unit 23 stores the identification information stored in the storage unit 301 of each of the multiple devices 30 in the storage unit 14 of the device management system 1 while linking it to the device 30.

The effect range of the device 30 may vary depending on the type and orientation of the device 30. In FIG. 4, the effect range of the output device 32 is indicated by an arrow extending from the output device 32. In FIG. 4, the output device 32 is a lighting fixture, and the effect range is, for example, a range in which the illuminance of the light emitted by the lighting fixture is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The effect range of the lighting fixture 32A in the upper left is the cell space C10 to C12. Therefore, the lighting fixture 32A is associated with the cell space C10 to C12. In addition, when the input device 31 is an illuminance sensor, the effect range is, for example, a range in which the sensitivity of the illuminance sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In FIG. 4, the effect range of the output device 32 is extended only along the X-axis, but the effect range of the output device 32 may be extended in any direction depending on the characteristics of the output device 32. Similarly, the effect range of the input device 31 may be extended in any direction depending on the characteristics of the input device 31.

Information for identifying the effective range (e.g., information on the type, orientation, and characteristics of the device 30) may be input by the user operating the user interface 13, or the device 30 may output the relevant information to the device management system 1. As an example, the relevant information may be attached to the device 30 in the form of a one-dimensional code (such as a barcode) or a two-dimensional code (such as a QR code (registered trademark)), and read by the device management system 1. Information such as the type and orientation of the device 30 may be identified by analyzing an image of the device 30 captured by a camera.

In FIG. 4, each output device 32 is associated with three or four cell spaces C1 by the correspondence processing unit 23. That is, the multiple devices 30 include a specific device (output device 32), and in the first process (process of associating the multiple devices 30 with the multiple cell spaces C1), the correspondence processing unit 23 associates the specific device with at least two of the multiple cell spaces C1. Depending on the type, characteristics, and position of the device 30, it may differ whether the device 30 is associated with one cell space C1 or two or more cell spaces C1.

The corresponding processing unit 23 also maps the position of the identified equipment 30 into the three-dimensional data of the target space TS1. The three-dimensional data is stored in the storage unit 14 as part of BIM (Building Information Modeling) data.

The user causes the device management system 1 to execute a process to identify the location of the device 30 each time the device 30 is installed, removed, or the location of the device 30 is changed. The user does not need to input the location information of the device 30. By automatically executing the process to identify the location of the device 30, it is possible to reduce the effort required to update the information of the device 30 when the device 30 is installed, removed, or the location of the device 30 is changed. The process to identify the location of the device 30 may be executed at predetermined time intervals.

It is preferable that information about the devices 30 (e.g., the type and location information of the devices 30) is sent to a management server. Alternatively, it is preferable that the device management system 1 is realized by the management server. The management server is managed by a facility manager. The manager can obtain information about the devices 30. For example, the manager can know what kind of devices 30 are installed and where in the facility.

(7-9-2) Location Detection Using Beacon Signals An example of a means for detecting (specifying) the location of the device 30 will now be described.

The correspondence processing unit 23 acquires the first distance, which is a value stored in the memory unit 14. The first distance is the distance between a certain point (virtual reference point) in the target space TS1 and the receiving unit 11. A plurality of virtual reference points are defined. Focusing on one virtual reference point, a plurality of first distances (hereinafter referred to as "first distance sets") are defined as the distances between this virtual reference point and each of the plurality of receiving units 11. In other words, a plurality of first distance sets are defined that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of virtual reference points.

The corresponding processing unit 23 uses the beacon signal to identify the location of the device 30. That is, the communication unit 302 of the device 30 outputs a beacon signal. The receiving units 11 are provided at multiple locations in the facility. At each of the multiple locations in the facility, the receiving units 11 receive the beacon signal. The corresponding processing unit 23 converts the signal strength of the beacon signal received by the receiving units 11 into a second distance, which is an estimate of the distance between the receiving units 11 and the device 30. Multiple second distances (hereinafter referred to as "second distance sets") are calculated corresponding to each of the multiple receiving units 11. That is, one second distance set is calculated.

The correspondence processing unit 23 calculates the similarity between the first distance set and the second distance set. Since a plurality of first distance sets are defined in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of virtual reference points, the correspondence processing unit 23 calculates a plurality of similarities that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of virtual reference points. The correspondence processing unit 23 extracts at least one of the plurality of similarities. For example, the correspondence processing unit 23 extracts a similarity whose value is within the top N (N is a natural number smaller than the number of similarities) from the plurality of similarities.

The correspondence processing unit 23 uses the extracted N similarities to weight the coordinates of the N virtual reference points corresponding to the N similarities. In other words, the correspondence processing unit 23 weights each virtual reference point more heavily the higher the corresponding similarity. The correspondence processing unit 23 identifies the coordinates obtained by taking the weighted average of the coordinates of the N virtual reference points after weighting as the position of the equipment 30 in the target space TS1.

The position of the device 30 may be detected based on multiple second distances using a least squares error trilateration algorithm or the like.

(7-9-3) Position Detection Using a Mounting Member An example of a means for detecting the position of the device 30 (mounted device) mounted on the mounting member 4 will now be described.

Information on the position of each mounting member 4 is provided to the processing circuit 2. For example, information on the position of each mounting member 4 is stored in the memory unit 14 of the device management system 1 and provided to the processing circuit 2. Note that the position of each mounting member 4 may be detected using a beacon signal in the same manner as in "(7-9-2) Position detection using a beacon signal" by communicating between the mounting member 4 and multiple receiving units 11. The position of the mounting member 4 referred to here is the position of a reference point on the mounting member 4.

The corresponding processing unit 23 processes the position of the mounting member 4 as being the same as the position of the mounting device attached to the mounting member 4.

As another example, the corresponding processing unit 23 identifies the connection unit 41 to which the attachment device is connected among the multiple connection units 41, and identifies the position of the attachment device based on this. For example, information on the position of each connection unit 41 is provided to the processing circuit 2, and the corresponding processing unit 23 processes the connection unit 41 as being the same as the position of the attachment device attached to the connection unit 41. For example, the information on the position of each connection unit 41 is stored in the storage unit 14 of the device management system 1 and is provided to the processing circuit 2. In order to identify the connection unit 41 to which the attachment device is connected, for example, the step-down circuit 51 and the hub device 52 realize the following function. That is, in order to identify the connection unit 41 to which the attachment device is connected, for example, the magnitude of the voltage supplied from the attachment member 4 to the attachment device, the number of times the supply voltage is temporarily stopped per unit time (stop number), or the data transmitted from the attachment member 4 to the attachment device are different for each connection unit 41.

Assume that the magnitude of the voltage supplied from the mounting member 4 to the mounting device varies for each connection 41. The power receiving unit 303 of the mounting device measures the magnitude of the voltage supplied from the connection 41. The communication unit 302 transmits the measured value of the supply voltage to the device management system 1. The processing circuit 2 is provided with first correspondence data (e.g., a data table) that is data indicating the correspondence relationship between the voltage of the connection 41 and the relative position of the connection 41 with respect to the above-mentioned reference point of the mounting member 4. The first correspondence data is stored, for example, in the memory unit 14 of the device management system 1 and provided to the processing circuit 2. The correspondence processing unit 23 identifies the position of the mounting device by referring to the measured value of the supply voltage and the first correspondence data.

Next, assume that the number of times the supply voltage from the connection part 41 is temporarily stopped per unit time (number of stops) differs for each connection part 41. The power receiving part 303 of the attached device measures the number of stops. The communication part 302 transmits the measured value of the number of stops to the device management system 1. The processing circuit 2 is provided with second correspondence data (e.g., a data table) that is data indicating the correspondence between the number of stops and the relative position of the connection part 41 with respect to the above-mentioned reference point of the mounting member 4. The second correspondence data is stored, for example, in the memory part 14 of the device management system 1 and provided to the processing circuit 2. The correspondence processing part 23 identifies the position of the attached device by referring to the number of stops and the second correspondence data.

Next, assume that the data transmitted from the mounting member 4 to the mounting device differs for each connection section 41. The data is, for example, data in an Ethernet frame (Ether Frame value). The communication section 302 transmits the Ethernet Frame value to the device management system 1. The processing circuit 2 is provided with third correspondence data (for example, a data table) that is data indicating the correspondence between the Ethernet Frame value and the relative position of the connection section 41 with respect to the reference point of the mounting member 4. The third correspondence data is, for example, stored in the memory section 14 of the device management system 1 and provided to the processing circuit 2. The correspondence processing section 23 identifies the position of the mounting device by referring to the Ethernet Frame value and the third correspondence data.

In this way, the position of the attached device is identified based on the position information of the attachment member 4. The correspondence processing unit 23 associates the attached device with at least one cell space C1 according to the position of the attached device. In other words, in the first process (the process of associating multiple devices 30 with multiple cell spaces C1), the correspondence processing unit 23 associates the attached device attached to the attachment member 4 with at least one cell space C1 based on the position information of the attachment member 4.

The mounting member 4 may be associated with at least one of the multiple cell spaces C1. This association may be determined in advance and stored in the memory unit 14. In the first process (the process of associating multiple devices 30 with multiple cell spaces C1), the correspondence processing unit 23 may associate the mounting device attached to the mounting member 4 with at least one cell space C1 associated with the mounting member 4 among the multiple cell spaces C1.

Also, a cell space C1 may be associated with each connection 41. In other words, the cell space C1 corresponding to one connection 41 may be different from the cell space C1 corresponding to another connection 41. The correspondence processing unit 23 may associate the attachment device attached to the connection 41 with at least one cell space C1 associated with the connection 41 among the multiple cell spaces C1.

(7-9-4) Position Detection Using Multipath Signals Next, an example of a means for detecting the position of the device 30 using multipath signals will be described.

The device management system 1 includes multiple position signal generators and multiple receivers. Each position signal generator and each device 30 transmits an identification pulse signal. Each receiver receives the identification pulse signal. Position information of each position signal generator and each receiver is provided to the processing circuit 2. Position information of each position signal generator and each receiver is stored, for example, in the memory unit 14 of the device management system 1 and provided to the processing circuit 2.

The identification pulse signals transmitted by each position signal generator and each device 30 are multipath signals because they may be reflected by walls, ceilings, floors, etc. in the target space TS1. The corresponding processing unit 23 compares the identification pulse signals transmitted from each position signal generator and received by the receiver with the identification pulse signals transmitted from each device 30 and received by the receiver, and identifies the position of each device 30 based on the comparison results.

By inverting the identification pulse signals transmitted from each device 30 and received by the receiver in chronological order and transmitting them from the receiver's position, the signals converge through the reverse multipath, and an impulse signal can be transmitted to the device 30. By repeating the transmission of the identification pulse signal and the reception of the impulse signal in the device 30, the accuracy of position detection of the device 30 can be improved.

The position of the mounting member 4 may also be detected using a multipath signal.

(7-9-5) Position Detection by Image Sensing Next, an example of a means for detecting the position of the device 30 by image sensing will be described.

An identification symbol is attached to the device 30. The identification symbol is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). The identification symbol is, for example, painted with near-infrared paint. A camera is also installed in the target space TS1 or the space surrounding it. Information on the position and orientation of the camera is provided to the processing circuit 2. Information on the position and orientation of the camera is, for example, stored in the memory unit 14 of the device management system 1 and provided to the processing circuit 2. The camera captures an image of the identification symbol attached to the device 30 and generates a captured image. The correspondence processing unit 23 identifies the position of the device 30 from the size of the identification symbol in the captured image and the degree of deformation of the identification symbol.

The corresponding processing unit 23 may also identify the orientation of the device 30 by analyzing the orientation of the identification symbol in the captured image.

The position of the mounting member 4 may also be detected by image sensing.

(7-9-6) Position Detection by Near Field Communication Next, an example of a means for detecting the position of the device 30 by NFC (Near field communication) will be described.

The device management system 1 includes multiple NFC authenticated devices. Each NFC authenticated device communicates with device 30 via NFC. Location information of each NFC authenticated device is provided to the processing circuit 2. Location information of each NFC authenticated device is stored, for example, in the memory unit 14 of the device management system 1 and provided to the processing circuit 2. When an NFC authenticated device communicates with device 30, the corresponding processing unit 23 processes the communication by assuming that the location of this NFC authenticated device matches the location of device 30.

The position of the mounting member 4 may also be detected by short-range wireless communication.

(7-10) Contribution Degree Determination Unit The device management method further includes a third process. The third process is performed by the contribution degree determination unit 24. In the third process, the contribution degree determination unit 24 determines the contribution degree of each of the multiple devices 30 to each of the multiple cell spaces C1.

In addition, in the third process, the contribution degree determination unit 24 determines the contribution degree of each of the multiple devices 30 based on at least one of the positions and orientations of the multiple devices 30.

In FIG. 4, the output device 32 is a lighting fixture. The illuminance of the light emitted by a lighting fixture is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the lighting fixture. Therefore, the contribution degree determination unit 24 reduces the contribution degree of the lighting fixture as the distance between the lighting fixture and the cell space C1 increases. For example, the contribution degrees of lighting fixture 32A to cell spaces C10, C11, and C12 are 14, 11, and 9, respectively, and the contribution degree of lighting fixture 32A to the remaining cell space C1 is 0. Also, for example, the contribution degree of lighting fixture 32A at the top left to cell space C11 in FIG. 4 is 11, the contribution degree of lighting fixture 32B at the top right is 9, and the contribution degrees of the remaining lighting fixtures 32C and 32D are 0.

In addition, in FIG. 4, the input device 31 is an illuminance sensor. The detection range of the illuminance sensor is anisotropic. The orientation of the illuminance sensor is defined as the direction from the illuminance sensor toward the center of the detection range of the illuminance sensor. For example, in FIG. 4, assume that the orientation of the illuminance sensor 31A arranged in the cell space C12 is downward (negative direction of the Z axis). In this case, the contribution of the illuminance sensor 31A to the cell spaces C11, C12, and C13 is, for example, 10, 13, and 10, respectively, and the contribution of the illuminance sensor 31A to the remaining cell space C1 is 0.

Also, for example, in FIG. 4, assume that the orientation of the illuminance sensor 31A is diagonally downward (an orientation including a negative component of the Z axis and a positive component of the X axis). In this case, the contributions of the illuminance sensor 31A to the cell spaces C12, C13, and C14 are, for example, 10, 13, and 7, respectively, and the contribution of the illuminance sensor 31A to the remaining cell space C1 is 0.

Note that, although the minimum unit for the position of the device 30 that the contribution determination unit 24 refers to to determine the contribution degree has been described as the cell space C1, the minimum unit may be a smaller unit. For example, the minimum unit may be a unit of coordinates within the cell space C1.

(7-11) Input Processing Unit As described above, the zone registration unit 22 registers a set of two or more cell spaces C1 or one cell space C1 among the multiple cell spaces C1 as a zone Z1. The correspondence processing unit 23 associates multiple devices 30 with the multiple cell spaces C1.

That is, zone Z1 includes one or more cell spaces C1 (first cell spaces), and device 30 is associated with one or more cell spaces C1 (second cell spaces). The first cell space refers to the cell space C1 registered as being included in zone Z1. The second cell space refers to the cell space C1 associated with device 30. If the first cell space and the second cell space overlap partially or completely, the input processing unit 25 determines that device 30 belongs to zone Z1. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, if zone Z1 is composed of cell spaces C10 to C12 and C15 to C17, the input processing unit 25 determines that all lighting fixtures 32A to 32D belong to zone Z1. As another example, if zone Z1 is composed of cell spaces C13, C14, C18, and C19, the output processing unit 27 determines that lighting fixtures 32B and 32D belong to zone Z1.

Then, the input processing unit 25 manages the spatial information acquired by the input device 31 as information related to the zone Z1 to which the input device 31 belongs. In other words, the input processing unit 25 manages the spatial information acquired by the input device 31 associated with one or more cell spaces C1 included in the zone Z1, among the multiple devices 30, as information related to the zone Z1.

"Managing spatial information as information relating to zone Z1" (input processing) includes performing processing such as analysis based on information linking the spatial information to zone Z1. Also, "managing spatial information as information relating to zone Z1" includes linking the spatial information to zone Z1 and outputting it to an external device (terminal T1) of the device management system 1, and storing it in the storage unit 14. Terminal T1, for example, performs processing such as analysis based on information linking the spatial information to zone Z1. Also, terminal T1, for example, stores the spatial information by linking it to zone Z1. Linking the spatial information to zone Z1 is performed, for example, by attaching identification information of zone Z1 to the spatial information.

In this embodiment, the input processing unit 25 at least associates the spatial information with zone Z1 and stores it in the memory unit 14.

(7-12) Analysis Unit The device management method further includes an analysis process for performing an analysis based on the spatial information acquired by the input device 31. The analysis process is performed by the analysis unit 26. In this embodiment, the analysis process will be described as being a part of the input process.

The analysis process is performed, for example, on a zone Z1 basis. In other words, the analysis process is performed based on information linking spatial information with zone Z1. One example of information obtained by the analysis process is the illuminance, temperature, humidity, and air quality of each zone Z1, and the distribution of these within each zone Z1.

The analysis process is performed based on the contribution degree determined by the contribution degree determination unit 24. In other words, in the input process, information about zone Z1 is calculated based on the contribution degree and the spatial information acquired by the input device 31.

More specifically, the analysis unit 26 weights the spatial information according to the degree of contribution. The greater the contribution of the input device 31, the greater the weighting of the spatial information acquired by the input device 31 that the analysis unit 26 assigns. Since multiple input devices 31 are provided, multiple pieces of spatial information are acquired. The analysis unit 26 generates information about zone Z1, for example, by adding together the multiple pieces of spatial information after weighting.

(7-13) Output Processing Unit As described above, the zone Z1 includes one or more cell spaces C1 (first cell spaces), and the device 30 is associated with one or more cell spaces C1 (second cell spaces). As described above, when the first cell space and the second cell space overlap partially or completely, the input processing unit 25 determines that the device 30 belongs to the zone Z1.

The output processing unit 27 performs the following output processing. When a certain zone Z1 is the output target, the output processing unit 27 controls the output device 32 (the control target) that belongs to this zone Z1. In other words, when a certain zone Z1 is the output target, the output processing unit 27 controls, of the multiple devices 30, the output device 32 that is associated with one or more cell spaces C1 included in this zone Z1.

Information on whether zone Z1 is a target for output is input to the user interface 13 by a user operation. Note that information on whether zone Z1 is a target for output may be generated automatically without a user operation.

The output processing unit 27 controls the output device 32 in response to user operations on the user interface 13. The user's operations can specify content related to the control of the output device 32. Examples of content related to the control of the output device 32 are the on/off and setting values of the device 30, as well as the brightness, air quality, and acoustic conditions of zone Z1. Acoustic conditions are, for example, conditions related to the volume and song selection of the music to be provided. The user can, for example, specify one or more pieces of content from a plurality of pre-registered pieces of content.

The content related to the control of the output device 32 may be determined automatically without user operation. For example, the output processing unit 27 may determine the content related to the control of the output device 32 based on information related to at least one of the date and the time period.

The output process includes a process for starting or stopping the operation of the output device 32, and a process for adjusting the operating state of the output device 32. For example, if the output device 32 is a lighting fixture, the output process includes a process for turning the lighting fixture on or off, and a process for increasing or decreasing the brightness of the lighting fixture.

The output processing unit 27 causes the transmission unit 12 to transmit a command signal Sig1. The command signal Sig1 is input to a plurality of local controllers L1. The command signal Sig1 includes identification information of the output device 32 that corresponds to the control target. The local controller L1 controls the corresponding one or more output devices 32 in response to the command signal Sig1. Note that the output processing unit 27 may control the output device 32 without going through the local controller L1.

The output processing unit 27 controls the output device 32 based on the contribution degree determined by the contribution degree determination unit 24. That is, in the output process, the output processing unit 27 controls the output device 32 based on the contribution degree. For example, when the multiple input devices 31 include a human presence sensor, the output processing unit 27 may generate a judgment parameter by weighting the detection result of the human presence sensor by the contribution degree, and control the output device 32 based on the judgment parameter.

The analysis unit 26 performs an analysis process based on the contribution degree, and the output processing unit 27 controls the output device 32 based on the result of the analysis process. The output processing unit 27 performs feedback control so that a certain physical quantity (e.g., illuminance) of the zone Z1 converges to a set value set by the user, for example.

In FIG. 4, each lighting fixture 32A-32D is associated with cell space C1 within the range to which the arrow extends. Lighting fixture 32A is associated with cell spaces C10-C12. Lighting fixture 32B is associated with cell spaces C11-C14. Lighting fixture 32C is associated with cell spaces C15-C17. Lighting fixture 32D is associated with cell spaces C16-C19.

When zone Z1, which is the target of the output, is made up of cell spaces C10-C12, C15-C17, the output processing unit 27 controls lighting fixtures 32A-32D. When zone Z1, which is the target of the output, is made up of cell spaces C13, C14, C18, and C19, the output processing unit 27 controls lighting fixtures 32B and 32D.

(8) Example of Control Figures 5A and 5B show an example of the relationship between the input devices 31, the output devices 32, the cell spaces C1, and the zones Z1. Figures 5A and 5B show the same space (target space TS1), and the output devices 32 are omitted in Figure 5A, and the input devices 31 are omitted in Figure 5B. In Figures 5A and 5B, the target space TS1 is divided into six cell spaces C21 to C26, the cell spaces C21 and C22 form the zone Z11, the cell space C23 forms the zone Z12, and the cell spaces C24 to C26 form the zone Z13. Arrows 300 extending from each input device 31 and each output device 32 represent the effective range of each input device 31 and each output device 32. For example, the effective range of the illuminance sensor 31A among the multiple input devices 31 is the cell spaces C21 and C22. As described above, the correspondence processing unit 23 associates the cell space C1 that overlaps with the effect range of the device 30 with the device 30.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the illuminance sensor 31A is associated with the cell spaces C21 and C22, and the cell spaces C21 and C22 each belong to the zone Z11. Therefore, the detection value of the illuminance sensor 31A is obtained as the spatial information of the zone Z11.

The illuminance sensor 31B is associated with the cell spaces C22 and C23, with the cell space C22 belonging to zone Z11 and the cell space C23 belonging to zone Z12. Therefore, the detection value of the illuminance sensor 31B is acquired as the spatial information of the zones Z11 and Z12. A description of the illuminance sensors 31C and 31D will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5B, zone Z11 is composed of cell spaces C21 and C22, and lighting fixtures 32A and 32B are associated with cell spaces C21 and C22. Therefore, when zone Z11 is the output target, lighting fixtures 32A and 32B are controlled based on command signal Sig1 for controlling output device 32 (lighting fixture).

Zone Z12 is composed of cell space C23, and lighting fixture 32B is associated with cell space C23. Therefore, when zone Z12 is the output target, lighting fixture 32B is controlled based on command signal Sig1 for controlling output device 32 (lighting fixture).

Zone Z13 is composed of cell spaces C24 to C26, with lighting fixture 32B associated with cell space C24 and lighting fixture 32C associated with cell spaces C25 and C26. Therefore, when zone Z13 is the output target, lighting fixtures 32B and 32C are controlled based on command signal Sig1 for controlling output device 32 (lighting fixture).

(9) Advantages According to the device management method and device management system 1 of the present embodiment, multiple devices 30 can be collectively managed for each zone Z1, thereby improving convenience. For example, a zone Z1 is specified for each department or company belonging to the target space TS1. The device management system 1 controls the output devices 32 belonging to the zone Z1 for each zone Z1. This makes it possible to adjust the environment for each zone Z1. In addition, for each zone Z1, spatial information related to the zone Z1 is acquired from the input devices 31, and the output devices 32 can be controlled according to the spatial information. In addition, the effort required for setting up multiple devices 30 can be reduced compared to setting up the devices 30 separately for each device 30.

In addition, each device 30 is associated with the cell space C1. Therefore, even if the range of zone Z1 is changed, each device 30 can be associated with the new zone Z1 without having to re-determine the correspondence between each device 30 and the new zone Z1 one by one. In this way, according to each of the device management method and device management system 1, the effort required to change zone Z1 can be reduced.

In addition, when a facility such as an office or store changes tenants, or when the layout of the facility is changed, equipment 30 may be installed, removed, or relocated. By automatically identifying the location of equipment 30, the effort required to update the information on equipment 30 when equipment 30 is installed, removed, or relocated can be reduced. Information other than the location of equipment 30 (e.g., information on the type and characteristics of equipment 30) may be input by the user operating user interface 13, or the equipment 30 may output the relevant information to the equipment management system 1. In addition, the relevant information may be attached to equipment 30 in the form of a one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code, or the like, and read by equipment management system 1.

In addition, when multiple devices 30 arranged in a certain space and belonging to a certain zone Z1 are moved to another space, it is not necessary to update the location information of the multiple devices 30. In other words, as long as the information that the multiple devices 30 belong to zone Z1 is maintained, the multiple devices 30 belonging to zone Z1 can be collectively controlled even after the multiple devices 30 are moved, just as they were before the move. In this way, the effort required to update the location information of the multiple devices 30 can be reduced.

(Modification)
Modifications of the embodiment will be listed below. The following modifications may be implemented in appropriate combination.

The input device 31 is not limited to a sensor. For example, the input device 31 may be a communication device that receives a signal including spatial information, or an information processing device that performs processing to calculate spatial information.

The device management system 1 may reflect the spatial information acquired by the input device 31 in VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), etc.

The device management system 1 of the embodiment communicates with the input device 31, the local controller L1, and the terminal T1. Here, the communication method may be wired communication or wireless communication. The wireless communication may be, for example, communication compliant with Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE).

Zone Z1 may include cell spaces C1 for each of a number of rooms.

At least two of the multiple cell spaces C1 may be aligned in the Z-axis direction.

The device 30 may be located in a set of two or more cell spaces C1 corresponding to the device 30 or outside one cell space C1.

The corresponding processing unit 23 may set the number of cell spaces C1 corresponding to each device 30 to one.

The correspondence processing unit 23 may associate each device 30 with the cell space C1 in which the device 30 exists. When a device 30 exists across two or more cell spaces C1, the device 30 may be associated with one of the two or more cell spaces C1, or may be associated with two or more cell spaces C1.

The mounting member 4 is not limited to a duct. For example, the mounting member 4 does not need to have a duct rail 42, and may have a structure that at least includes a connection part 41 that is an electrical outlet or a ceiling hook. In addition, it is not essential that the connection part 41 has a terminal that can electrically connect to the terminal of the mounting device, and the connection part 41 must at least have a structure that can mechanically mount the mounting device.

Instead of supplying power to each device 30 via POE, power may be supplied via USB-Power Delivery.

In the embodiment, the absolute position of each device 30 is detected, but the relative position of each device 30 with respect to a certain position may also be detected.

Alternatively, the connection relationships and parent-child relationships between the multiple devices 30 may be detected as location information of the multiple devices 30. As a result, even if the multiple devices 30 are moved, if the connection relationships and parent-child relationships between the multiple devices 30 do not change, there is no need to re-register the location information of the multiple devices 30, and the location information before the movement can be continuously used.

It is not essential that the cell space C1 handled in the output process and the cell space C1 handled in the input process are the same; they may be different.

It is not essential that the zone Z1 handled in the output process and the zone Z1 handled in the input process are the same; they may be different.

The device management system 1 may include at least one of a device 30, an attachment member 4, a local controller L1, and a terminal T1.

The device management system 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. At least a part of the functions of the device management system 1 in the present disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided through an electric communication line, or recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI here are called differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be used as a processor. The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed across multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

In addition, it is not essential for the device management system 1 that multiple functions are concentrated in one device, and the components of the device management system 1 may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, a device equipped with a user interface 13 and a device equipped with a processing circuit 2 may be provided. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the device management system 1, for example, some of the functions of the analysis unit 26, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like. Also, the first process, second process, third process, zone registration process, and analysis process may be executed in a distributed manner by multiple devices.

(summary)
The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

The device management method according to the first aspect manages a plurality of devices (30). The device management method includes a first process and a second process. The first process associates a plurality of cell spaces (C1) included in a target space (TS1) with a plurality of devices (30). The plurality of devices (30) includes at least one of an output device (32) and an input device (31). The output device (32) performs control related to the cell space (C1) associated in the first process among the plurality of cell spaces (C1). The input device (31) acquires spatial information related to the cell space (C1) associated in the first process among the plurality of cell spaces (C1). In the second process, at least one of an output process and an input process is performed. In the output process, when a zone (Z1) is a target of output, the output device (32) associated with one or more cell spaces (C1) included in the zone (Z1) is controlled. A zone (Z1) is a collection of two or more cell spaces (C1) among a plurality of cell spaces (C1) or one cell space (C1). The input process manages spatial information acquired by an input device (31) associated with one or more cell spaces (C1) included in the zone (Z1) as information related to the zone (Z1).

The above configuration allows multiple devices (30) to be managed collectively for each zone (Z1), improving convenience.

In the device management method according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the plurality of devices (30) includes a predetermined device. In the first process, the predetermined device is associated with at least two cell spaces (C1) among the plurality of cell spaces (C1).

With the above configuration, the equipment (30) and the cell space (C1) do not need to correspond one-to-one, so the arrangement of the equipment (30) is not restricted by the shape and arrangement of the cell space (C1).

The device management method according to the third aspect further includes a third process in the first or second aspect. The third process determines the contribution of each of the multiple devices (30) to each of the multiple cell spaces (C1).

According to the above configuration, obtaining information on the degree of contribution makes it easier to manage the device (30).

In addition, in the device management method according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the second process performs at least one of controlling the output device (32) based on the contribution degree in the output process and calculating information about the zone (Z1) based on the contribution degree and spatial information acquired by the input device (31) in the input process.

According to the above configuration, by using the contribution degree, it is possible to improve the accuracy of control of the output device (32) and the accuracy of processing spatial information.

In addition, in the device management method according to the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, in the third process, the contribution degree is determined based on at least one of the positions and orientations of the multiple devices (30).

The above configuration can improve the accuracy of the contribution rate.

The device management method according to the sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, and further includes a zone registration process. The zone registration process stores a set of two or more cell spaces (C1) selected from the multiple cell spaces (C1) using a user interface (13) or one cell space (C1) as a zone (Z1).

The above configuration allows users to register zones (Z1), further increasing convenience.

In addition, in the device management method according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the second process performs both output processing and input processing.

The above configuration increases convenience.

The device management method according to the eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, and further includes an analysis process. The analysis process performs an analysis based on spatial information acquired by the input device (31).

The above configuration makes it possible to obtain analysis results.

In addition, in the device management method according to the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the output process controls the output device (32) based on the results of the analysis process.

The above configuration provides a more comfortable space.

In addition, in the device management method according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the multiple devices (30) include a mounting device that can be mounted on a mounting member (4). The mounting member (4) is associated with at least one of the multiple cell spaces (C1). In the first process, the mounting device attached to the mounting member (4) is associated with at least one cell space (C1) associated with the mounting member (4) among the multiple cell spaces (C1).

According to the above configuration, when the mounting device is attached to the mounting member (4), the mounting device and the cell space (C1) are automatically associated with each other. This makes it possible to realize a more convenient equipment management method.

In addition, in the device management method according to the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the multiple devices (30) include a mounting device that can be mounted on the mounting member (4). In the first process, the mounting device mounted on the mounting member (4) is associated with at least one cell space (C1) based on the position information of the mounting member (4).

According to the above configuration, when the mounting device is attached to the mounting member (4), the mounting device and the cell space (C1) are automatically associated with each other. This makes it possible to realize a more convenient equipment management method.

In the device management method according to the twelfth aspect, in the tenth or eleventh aspect, the mounting member (4) is a wiring duct.

The above configuration allows space to be secured within the wiring duct to pass the wiring (W1) connected to the device (30).

In addition, in the device management method according to the thirteenth aspect, in any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the attachment member (4) is supplied with a voltage that is stepped down to a predetermined voltage or lower from a step-down circuit (51) that steps down the input voltage. A voltage that is the predetermined voltage or lower is supplied to the attached device via the attachment member (4).

According to the above configuration, a stepped-down voltage is supplied to the mounting member (4), making it easy to handle the mounting member (4).

In addition, in the equipment management method according to the fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the step-down circuit (51) is disposed above the ceiling material (50) of the structure or at the same height as the ceiling material (50). When the mounted equipment is mounted to the mounting member (4), it is positioned below the ceiling material (50) or at the same height as the ceiling material (50).

According to the above configuration, the wiring (W2) to which the voltage before being stepped down by the step-down circuit (51) is applied can be placed above the ceiling material (50) or at the same height as the ceiling material (50).

Configurations other than the first aspect are not essential to the device management method and may be omitted as appropriate.

The program according to the fifteenth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the device management method according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects.

The above configuration allows multiple devices (30) to be managed collectively for each zone (Z1), improving convenience.

In addition, the equipment management system (1) according to the sixteenth aspect manages a plurality of equipment (30). The equipment management system (1) has a correspondence processing unit (23). The correspondence processing unit (23) associates a plurality of cell spaces (C1) included in the target space (TS1) with a plurality of equipment (30). The plurality of equipment (30) includes at least one of an output equipment (32) and an input equipment (31). The output equipment (32) performs control related to the cell space (C1) associated by the correspondence processing unit (23) among the plurality of cell spaces (C1). The input equipment (31) acquires spatial information related to the cell space (C1) associated by the correspondence processing unit (23) among the plurality of cell spaces (C1). The equipment management system (1) further has at least one of an output processing unit (27) and an input processing unit (25). When the zone (Z1) is the output target, the output processing unit (27) controls an output device (32) associated with one or more cell spaces (C1) included in the zone (Z1). The zone (Z1) is a set of two or more cell spaces (C1) among the multiple cell spaces (C1) or one cell space (C1). The input processing unit (25) manages spatial information acquired by an input device (31) associated with one or more cell spaces (C1) included in the zone (Z1) as information related to the zone (Z1).

The above configuration allows multiple devices (30) to be managed collectively for each zone (Z1), improving convenience.

Not limited to the above aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the device management system (1) according to the embodiment can be embodied in a device management method and program.

Reference Signs List 1: Equipment management system 4: Mounting member 13: User interface 23: Correspondence processing section 25: Input processing section 27: Output processing section 30: Equipment 31: Input equipment 32: Output equipment 50: Ceiling material 51: Step-down circuit C1: Cell space TS1: Target space Z1: Zone

Claims (15)

A device management method for managing a plurality of devices, comprising the steps of:
A first process of associating a plurality of cell spaces included in a target space with the plurality of devices,
the plurality of devices include at least one of an output device that performs control regarding a cell space associated by the first process among the plurality of cell spaces, and an input device that acquires spatial information regarding a cell space associated by the first process among the plurality of cell spaces,
The device management method further includes a second process,
In the second process,
an output process for controlling the output device associated with one or more cell spaces included in a zone when the zone is a set of two or more cell spaces or one cell space among the plurality of cell spaces, which is a target of output;
an input process for managing the spatial information acquired by the input device associated with one or more cell spaces included in the zone as information related to the zone ;
the device management method further includes a zone registration process for registering which of the plurality of cell spaces is included in the zone while maintaining the correspondence between the plurality of cell spaces and the plurality of devices in response to a user operation on a user interface;
Equipment management methods. the plurality of devices includes a predetermined device,
In the first process, the predetermined device is associated with at least two cell spaces among the plurality of cell spaces.
The device management method according to claim 1 . and a third process for determining a contribution of each of the plurality of devices to each of the plurality of cell spaces.
The device management method according to claim 1 or 2. In the second process,
controlling the output device based on the contribution in the output process;
and calculating information about the zone based on the contribution degree and the spatial information acquired by the input device in the input processing.
The device management method according to claim 3 . In the third process, the contribution degree is determined based on at least one of positions and orientations of the plurality of devices.
The device management method according to claim 3 or 4. In the second process, both the output process and the input process are performed.
The device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The method further includes an analysis process for performing an analysis based on the spatial information acquired by the input device.
The device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. In the output process, the output device is controlled based on a result of the analysis process.
The device management method according to claim 7. The plurality of devices includes an attachment device that can be attached to an attachment member,
the attachment member is associated with at least one of the plurality of cell spaces;
In the first process, the attachment device attached to the attachment member is associated with at least one of the plurality of cell spaces that is associated with the attachment member.
The device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The plurality of devices includes an attachment device that can be attached to an attachment member,
In the first process, the attachment device attached to the attachment member is associated with at least one cell space based on position information of the attachment member.
The device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The mounting member is a wiring duct.
The device management method according to claim 9 or 10. A voltage stepped down to a predetermined voltage or lower is supplied to the mounting member from a step-down circuit that steps down an input voltage,
A voltage equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage is supplied to the mounting device via the mounting member.
The device management method according to any one of claims 9 to 11. the step-down circuit is disposed above a ceiling material of a structure or at the same height as the ceiling material;
When the mounting device is attached to the mounting member, the mounting device is located below the ceiling material or at the same height as the ceiling material.
The device management method according to claim 12. A method for causing one or more processors to execute the device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Program. A device management system for managing a plurality of devices,
a correspondence processing unit that associates a plurality of cell spaces included in a target space with the plurality of devices;
The plurality of devices include at least one of an output device that performs control regarding a cell space associated by the corresponding processing unit among the plurality of cell spaces, and an input device that acquires spatial information regarding a cell space associated by the corresponding processing unit among the plurality of cell spaces,
The device management system further includes at least one of an output processing unit and an input processing unit,
when a zone that is a set of two or more cell spaces or one cell space among the plurality of cell spaces is a target for output, the output processing unit controls the output device associated with one or more cell spaces included in the zone;
the input processing unit manages the spatial information acquired by the input device associated with one or more cell spaces included in the zone as information relating to the zone;
the device management system further comprises a zone registration unit which registers which of the plurality of cell spaces is included in the zone while maintaining the correspondence between the plurality of cell spaces and the plurality of devices in response to a user operation on a user interface;
Equipment management system.

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