JP7693369B2 - Monitoring system, terminal device, and server device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technology for evaluating the usage of multiple security modes for monitoring a monitored area.

Security systems with multiple security modes are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-250745 A

The security mode is set according to the target's operation, but if the appropriate security mode is not set according to the situation, the crime prevention effect will be reduced. However, with conventional surveillance systems, it is not easy to grasp the extent to which users are making use of the surveillance system, i.e., the utilization status of the surveillance service.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable users to easily understand how they are using the monitoring service.

One aspect of the present invention provides a monitoring system that uses multiple security modes to monitor intrusions into a monitored area and evaluates the utilization status of a monitoring service based on the set security mode, comprising: a setting means for setting one of the multiple security modes; an evaluation means for evaluating the utilization status based on the total usage time of at least one security mode in a predetermined period using the security mode setting history; and an output means for outputting the evaluation result by the evaluation means.

The plurality of security modes may include at least an alert mode that monitors the monitored area and a deactivation mode that does not monitor the monitored area, and the evaluation means may give a higher evaluation to the system if the total usage time of the alert mode set during the specified period is longer or if the total usage time of the deactivation mode is shorter.

The evaluation means may evaluate the alert modes set during the specified period to be higher if they include an attended alert mode that monitors part of the monitored area than if they do not include the attended alert mode.

The alert mode may include an unmanned alert mode for monitoring the entire monitored area and an attended alert mode for monitoring a portion of the monitored area, and the evaluation means may perform the evaluation by weighting the usage time of the attended alert mode higher than the usage time of the unmanned alert mode.

The evaluation means may perform the evaluation according to the type of security mode set during the specified period and the time period during which the security mode is set.

The monitoring system may further include a detection means for detecting the status of a subject in the monitored area, and the evaluation means may further perform the evaluation based on the type of security mode set for the specified period and the detection result of the detection means.

The monitoring system may further include a storage means for storing evaluation comments corresponding to the evaluation results, and the output means may output the evaluation results of the evaluation means together with the evaluation comments corresponding to the evaluation results to the display means.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a terminal device for use in the monitoring system, the terminal device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring the evaluation result output from the output means; and a display means for displaying an evaluation image according to the acquired evaluation result.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a server device that communicates with a security device that monitors intrusions into a monitored area based on a plurality of security modes and with a terminal device carried by a user, and that evaluates the utilization status of a monitoring service based on the set security modes, the server device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a setting history of the security modes from the security device; an evaluation means for evaluating the utilization status based on the total usage time of at least one security mode in a predetermined period using the setting history; and an output means for outputting the evaluation result by the evaluation means to the terminal device.

The present invention makes it easy to understand how users are using the monitoring service.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a monitoring system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a controller. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a server device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a comment table. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a terminal device. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation for evaluating a usage status of a security mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a terminal device.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring system 10 according to an embodiment. The monitoring system 10 provides a monitoring service that monitors abnormalities such as intrusions into a monitored area where a subject is located, and a monitoring service that watches over the status of subjects such as elderly people. The monitoring system 10 also has a function of evaluating the utilization status of the monitoring service that monitors intrusions into the monitored area.

The monitoring system 10 includes a plurality of sensors 100, a controller 200, a setting unit 300, a server device 400, and a plurality of terminal devices 600. The plurality of sensors 100, the controller 200, and the setting unit 300 are installed in a monitoring area such as a subject's residence, and are connected via a communication network 11 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The server device 400 is installed in a monitoring center operated by a business that provides monitoring and watching services. The plurality of terminal devices 600 are used by the subject and the watcher, respectively. The subject and the watcher are examples of the "user" according to the present invention. The controller 200, the server device 400, and the terminal devices 600 are connected via a communication network 12 including the Internet and a mobile communication network.

The multiple sensors 100 detect the situation of a subject in a monitored area and output detection information indicating the detection result. The sensor 100 is an example of a "detection means" according to the present invention. At least a part of the multiple sensors 100 is used for intrusion monitoring purposes to detect an intruder into the monitored area. When the monitored area is a residence, the multiple sensors 100 include a sensor 100 installed inside the residence (hereinafter also referred to as an "indoor sensor 100") and a sensor 100 installed outside the residence (hereinafter also referred to as an "outdoor sensor 100"). The indoor sensor 100 is installed, for example, at an opening such as a front door or a window, a traffic line such as a passageway in the residence, or a living room. The outdoor sensor 100 is installed, for example, in a garden or a gate. In one example, the multiple sensors 100 include a window/door sensor, a human sensor, a Time Of Flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic (millimeter wave, microwave) sensor, and a lighting/home appliance operation detection sensor. Sensors for intrusion monitoring include sensors that detect opening and closing, such as window/door sensors, and motion sensors that detect the presence of people. Sensors for intrusion monitoring may also be used as monitoring sensors to monitor the situation of a target person. Other monitoring sensors include lighting/home appliance operation detection sensors.

Window/door sensors are installed in openings such as front doors, windows, and gates, and detect the opening of doors and windows. Examples of window/door sensors include sensors that detect the opening of a door by detecting changes in a magnetic field, and sensors that detect the opening of a door by turning a tamper switch on and off. Human presence sensors, also called spatial sensors, are installed in traffic lines and rooms to detect the presence of people. Examples of human presence sensors include sensors that detect the presence of people by fluctuations in heat rays, sensors that detect the presence of people by sound waves or high frequencies, sensors that detect the presence of people from input images, and sensors that detect the presence of people by blocking incident light from a light projector. In addition to their use as human presence sensors, TOF (Time Of Flight) sensors and ultrasonic sensors are installed in traffic lines and rooms to detect the posture of a target person. Lighting/appliance operation detection sensors detect operations on home appliances. Lighting/appliance operation detection sensors may be installed in home appliances and detect operations performed using the operation buttons of the home appliances. Alternatively, the lighting/home appliance operation detection sensor may be installed in a location where it can receive an operation signal transmitted from a remote controller to a home appliance, and detect an operation on the home appliance based on this operation signal. Examples of home appliances include television receivers, lighting equipment, air conditioners, heaters, electric fans, electric kettle radios, water, gas, and electricity. For example, when it is detected that a television has been operated, it is possible to detect the movement (situation) of a subject who turned on the television in the living room from the location where the television is installed (e.g., the living room) and the time of the operation. Furthermore, a sensor that detects the usage of lifelines such as water, gas, and electricity may be used as a sensor for monitoring purposes.

The controller 200 uses the sensor 100 to monitor for intrusions into the monitored area where the subject is located. The controller 200 is an example of a "security device" according to the present invention. For example, when an intruder is detected by the sensor 100, the controller 200 notifies the server device 400 that an intruder has entered the monitored area. The controller 200 has three security modes: unmanned security mode, attended security mode, and canceled mode. The controller 200 also performs processing to watch over the subject. For example, when a period of time continues in which no detection information is output from the sensor 100, the controller 200 notifies the server device 400 that the subject has not moved for a predetermined period of time. These notifications are realized, for example, by transmitting an abnormality signal.

The unmanned alert mode is a security mode that monitors the entire monitored area. The unmanned alert mode is used when the subject goes out and the monitored area is uninhabited. In the unmanned alert mode, when detection information is output from a sensor among the multiple sensors 100 that is used for intrusion monitoring, an abnormality signal is sent from the controller 200 to the server device 400. Note that when the unmanned alert mode is set, it is preferable that the sensor 100 monitoring the subject's exit route starts detecting intruders a predetermined time after the unmanned alert mode is set, so as to avoid erroneously detecting the subject who is leaving the building as an intruder.

The manned alert mode is a security mode that monitors a part of the monitored area. The manned alert mode is used when a subject is present in the monitored area and intruders are monitored in the area where the subject is not present. For example, in the manned alert mode, a predetermined outer perimeter area such as the front door, window, gate, and the outside of the residence are monitored to detect intrusion into the monitored area from the outside. Alternatively, an area designated by the subject's operation among multiple areas included in the monitored area may be monitored. In the manned alert mode, when detection information is output from the sensor 100 used for intrusion monitoring installed in the outer perimeter area or a designated area (e.g., the second floor), an abnormality signal is transmitted from the controller 200 to the server device 400. On the other hand, even if detection information is output from the sensor 100 installed in a place other than the outer perimeter area or the designated area, this detection information is ignored, and an abnormality signal is not transmitted from the controller 200 to the server device 400. The detection information of the sensor 100 in the manned monitoring mode may be used for evaluation by the calculation means 412 and the determination means 413.

The disabled mode is a security mode in which the monitored area is not monitored. The disabled mode is used when there is a target person in the monitored area and there is no need to monitor for intruders. In the disabled mode, monitoring for intruders in the monitored area is not performed, and even if detection information is output from the sensor 100, this detection information is ignored and no abnormality signal is sent from the controller 200 to the server device 400.

The setting unit 300 accepts an operation to set the security mode of the controller 200. For example, the setting unit 300 is installed at the entrance of a residence and is used to set the security mode when going out or returning home.

When the server device 400 receives an abnormality signal from the controller 200, it outputs information about the area to be monitored and the subject, prompting the monitoring sensor controller to check on the subject and to respond to security guards rushing to the area to be monitored. As part of the monitoring service or the watching service, the server device 400 also evaluates the usage status of the security mode for monitoring the area to be monitored, and provides the evaluation result to at least one of the terminal device 600 used by the watcher and the terminal device 600 used by the subject.

The terminal device 600 is used by the subject or the watcher to view various information related to the monitoring service and the watch service. Examples of the terminal device 600 include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, and a wearable terminal.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the controller 200. The controller 200 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, an operation unit 204, a display unit 205, and a sound unit 206. The various units of the controller 200 are connected via a bus.

The control unit 201 is a processor that controls each part of the device and performs various processes. For example, the control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 202 is a memory that stores programs and various data for implementing the functions of the device. The data stored in the storage unit 202 includes information indicating the currently set security mode and an authentication code required for setting the security mode. For example, the storage unit 202 includes at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive). The communication unit 203 is a communication interface for connecting the device to the communication networks 11 and 12. The communication unit 203 is used to communicate with other devices connected via the communication networks 11 or 12.

The operation unit 204 accepts various operations for the device itself. The operations accepted by the operation unit 204 include an operation for setting a security mode and an operation for reading an authentication code from an authentication medium. For example, the operation unit 204 includes a touch sensor for accepting an operation on the screen of the display unit 205, an operation button for accepting the setting of the security mode, and a reading device for reading an authentication code from an authentication medium such as an IC card carried by the subject. The display unit 205 displays various information. The information displayed by the display unit 205 includes information indicating the currently set security mode, the state of the sensor 100, and the installation location of the sensor 100. For example, the display unit 205 includes a liquid crystal display. The display unit 205 may also be configured as a touch panel in combination with a touch sensor. The sound unit 206 outputs various sounds such as a sound notifying the occurrence of an abnormality and a message voice. For example, the sound unit 206 includes a speaker.

The control unit 201 functions as an acquisition unit 211, a setting unit 212, and a transmission unit 213. These functions are realized by the control unit 201 executing a program stored in the storage unit 202, and the control unit 201 performing calculations or controlling each unit of the controller 200.

When an operation to set security mode is performed using the setting unit 300, the acquisition means 211 acquires operation information indicating this operation.

The setting means 212 sets one of a plurality of security modes in response to the operation of the subject. When an operation to set a security mode is performed using the operation unit 204, the setting means 212 sets a security mode in response to this operation, and when an operation to set a security mode is performed using the setting unit 300, the setting means 212 sets a security mode in response to the operation information acquired by the acquisition means 211.

The transmission means 213 transmits security mode information indicating the security mode set by the setting means 212 to the server device 400. The security mode information includes information indicating the type of security mode that has been set and the date and time when that security mode was set.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 400. The server device 400 includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, and a communication unit 403. The units of the server device 400 are connected via a bus. The control unit 401, the storage unit 402, and the communication unit 403 are basically the same as the control unit 201, the storage unit 202, and the communication unit 203 of the controller 200, respectively. However, the storage unit 402 stores a comment table 421 in addition to a program for implementing the server device 400. The storage unit 402 is an example of the "storage means" according to the present invention. The communication unit 403 is a communication interface for connecting the device to the communication network 12, and is used to communicate with other devices connected via the communication network 12.

The control unit 401 functions as an acquisition unit 411, a calculation unit 412, a determination unit 413, a generation unit 414, and an output unit 415. These functions are realized by the control unit 401 executing a program stored in the storage unit 402, and the control unit 401 performing calculations or controlling each unit of the server device 400.

The acquisition means 411 acquires security mode information from the controller 200. This security mode information constitutes the security mode setting history.

The calculation means 412 uses the security mode setting history to calculate an index value corresponding to the total usage time of each security mode during a specified period. This usage time refers to the time during which the security mode was set. The index value is a value that serves as an index for evaluating the usage status of the security mode. The index value increases as the total usage time of the security modes, including the manned security mode and the unmanned security mode, increases.

The determination means 413 uses the security mode setting history to perform an evaluation according to the total usage time of at least one security mode. Specifically, the evaluation value is determined according to the index value calculated by the calculation means 412. This evaluation value is a value indicating whether the monitoring service was fully utilized (whether the security mode was set appropriately). The larger the evaluation value, the more fully the monitoring service was utilized. Since the security mode is set according to the target person's operation, the fact that the security mode is set appropriately means that the target person has a high level of crime prevention awareness. The evaluation value becomes larger as the index value of the security mode becomes larger, that is, the total usage time of the security mode becomes larger. In other words, the evaluation value becomes smaller as the index value of the release mode becomes larger, that is, the total usage time of the release mode becomes larger. This is because if the usage time of the release mode is long, it cannot be said that the security mode was set appropriately. In one example, the evaluation value is an evaluation level from 1 to 4. Evaluation level 4 indicates the highest evaluation, evaluation level 3 indicates the second highest evaluation, evaluation level 2 indicates the third highest evaluation, and evaluation level 1 indicates the lowest evaluation. The evaluation may be performed using only the usage time of the alert mode (attended alert mode and unattended alert mode) or only the usage time of the deactivation mode. Note that the calculation means 412 and the determination means 413 have a function equivalent to the evaluation means of the present invention.

The generating means 414 refers to the comment table 421 and generates an evaluation result based on the evaluation value determined by the determining means 413 and the type of security mode set for a specified period. This evaluation result includes the evaluation value determined by the determining means 413 and a comment according to this evaluation value. The comment is an example of an "evaluation comment" according to the present invention.

The output means 415 outputs the evaluation results generated by the generation means 414 to the terminal device 600.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the comment table 421. The comment table 421 stores an evaluation level, a usage status of the security mode, and a comment according to the evaluation level and the usage status of the security mode. A comment according to the evaluation level and the usage status of the security mode is associated with each combination of the evaluation level and the usage status of the security mode. The usage status of the security mode indicates the type of security mode set during a specified period. The usage status of the security mode includes "only unmanned security mode used", "only manned security mode used", and "unmanned security mode and manned security mode used". "Only unmanned security mode used" indicates that the unmanned security mode was set during a specified period, but the manned security mode was not set. "Only manned security mode used" indicates that the manned security mode was set during a specified period, but the unmanned security mode was not set. "Unmanned security mode and manned security mode used" indicates that both the manned security mode and the unmanned security mode were set during a specified period.

The content of the comment varies depending on the evaluation level and the usage of the security mode. For example, in the case of "only using unmanned security mode" and the evaluation level is 1, the comment used is "We make good use of the security function when we leave the house. Please encourage them to use the security function even when they are at home." On the other hand, in the case of "only using unmanned security mode" and the evaluation level is 2, the comment used is "We make good use of the security function when we leave the house. Please encourage them to use the security function even when they are at home." The content of these comments differs in that the comment for evaluation level 2 includes the word "use often," while the comment for evaluation level 1 simply says "use," and does not include the word "often."

In addition, when the evaluation level is 1 and "only unmanned alert mode is used", the comment "We use the security function when we are away from home. Please encourage them to use the security function when they are at home as well." is used. On the other hand, when the evaluation level is 1 and "only manned alert mode is used", the comment "We use the security function when we are at home. Please encourage them to use the security function when they are out as well." is used. In addition, when the evaluation level is 1 and "both unmanned and manned alert modes are used", the comment "We use the security function when we are at home as well. Please encourage them to use the security function even more when they are at home and away as well." is used. The comment for "only unmanned alert mode is used" includes advice recommending the use of manned alert mode, whereas the comment for "only manned alert mode is used" includes advice recommending the use of unmanned alert mode. In addition, the comment for "both unmanned and manned alert modes are used" includes advice recommending further use of both manned and unmanned alert modes. The content of these comments differ in that the security modes recommended for use are different. In this way, even for the same evaluation level, the content of the comments differs depending on the usage of the security modes. Although not shown, if neither the unmanned nor manned security mode has been used for a specified period of time, a comment to the effect that the security functions are not being used is displayed, along with advice to encourage the use of the security functions when going out. In this case, the security level may be set to 0.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 600. The terminal device 600 includes a control unit 601, a storage unit 602, a communication unit 603, an operation unit 604, and a display unit 605. The units of the terminal device 600 are connected via a bus. The control unit 601, the storage unit 602, the communication unit 603, the operation unit 604, and the display unit 605 are basically the same as the control unit 201, the storage unit 202, the communication unit 403, the operation unit 204, and the display unit 205 of the controller 200, respectively. However, the storage unit 602 stores an application program for realizing the functions of the terminal device 600. The operation unit 604 includes, for example, a touch sensor that accepts operations on the screen of the display unit 605, and operation buttons that accept various operations. The display unit 605 is an example of a "display means" according to the present invention.

The control unit 601 functions as an acquisition unit 611 and a display control unit 612. These functions are realized by the control unit 601 executing a program stored in the storage unit 602, and the control unit 601 performing calculations or controlling each unit of the terminal device 600.

The acquisition means 611 acquires the evaluation results from the server device 400. The display control means 612 displays the evaluation results acquired by the acquisition means 611 on the display unit 605.

OPERATION Fig. 6 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation for evaluating the usage status of the security mode. In one example, this operation is started at a predetermined time interval. Note that the terminal device 600 may be the terminal device 600 used by the watcher, may be the terminal device 600 used by the subject, or may be both the terminal device 600 used by the watcher and the terminal device 600 used by the subject.

In step S11, the setting means 212 of the controller 200 determines whether the security mode has been changed. For example, if the subject has not performed an operation to change the security mode, the determination in step S11 is NO. In this case, the processing ends. On the other hand, if the subject has performed an operation to change the security mode and the setting means 212 has changed the security mode in response to this operation, the determination in step S11 is YES. In this case, the processing proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the transmission means 213 of the controller 200 transmits the security mode information to the server device 400. For example, if the manned security mode is changed to the unmanned security mode at 10:00 on December 1, 20XX, the security mode information includes information indicating the type "unmanned security mode" and the set date and time of "December 1, 20XX, 10:00". The acquisition means 411 of the server device 400 receives the security mode information from the controller 200.

In step S13, the acquisition means 411 of the server device 400 stores the received security mode information in the memory unit 402. In this way, the security mode information received from the controller 200 is stored in the memory unit 402 each time the security mode is changed. The multiple pieces of security mode information stored in the memory unit 402 form a security mode setting history.

In step S14, the calculation means 412 of the server device 400 performs an accumulation process to calculate the total usage time of each security mode in the first predetermined period using the security mode setting history stored in the memory unit 402. Here, the first predetermined period is assumed to be one day. The security mode setting history stored in the memory unit 402 includes the setting date and time of each security mode. From the setting date and time of each security mode, the time period during which each security mode was set can be obtained. For example, if the manned security mode is set from 0:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 24:00 on December 1, 20XX, the total usage time of the manned security mode on this day is 15 hours, which is the 9 hours from 0:00 to 9:00 plus the 6 hours from 18:00 to 24:00. Also, if the unmanned security mode is set from 9:00 to 15:00 on December 1, 20XX, the total usage time of the unmanned security mode on this day is 6 hours from 9:00 to 15:00. Furthermore, if the disabled mode is set from 15:00 to 18:00 on December 1, 20XX, the total usage time of the disabled mode on this day will be three hours, from 15:00 to 18:00.

In step S15, the calculation means 412 of the server device 400 calculates an index value according to the total usage time of the alert mode in the second predetermined period. Here, the second predetermined period is one week. The alert mode includes the manned alert mode and the unmanned alert mode, excluding the deactivation mode, among the three security modes. For example, the total usage time of the manned alert mode for this week is obtained by adding up the total usage time of the unmanned alert mode for each day from December 1 to December 7, 20XX. Similarly, the total usage time of the unmanned alert mode for this week is obtained by adding up the total usage time of the unmanned alert mode for each day from December 1 to December 7, 20XX. Next, the total usage time of the unmanned alert mode for this week is obtained by adding up the total usage time of the manned alert mode and the total usage time of the unmanned alert mode for this week from December 1 to December 7, 20XX. For example, if the total usage time of the attended alert mode from December 1st to December 7th, 20XX is 65 hours, and the total usage time of the unattended alert mode is 35 hours, then the total usage time of the alert mode for this one week will be 100 hours. In one example, the index value is the percentage of the total usage time of the alert mode in one week. Since there are 168 hours in one week, if the total usage time of the alert mode for one week is 100 hours, the index value will be 100 hours/168 hours x 100 = approximately 60%.

In step S16, the determination means 413 of the server device 400 determines the evaluation level by comparing the index value calculated in step S15 with a threshold. This threshold is set in advance. Here, the first threshold is 20%, and the second threshold is 40%. If the index value is less than the first threshold, evaluation level 1 is determined. If the index value is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, evaluation level 2 is determined. If the index value is equal to or greater than the second threshold, evaluation level 3 is determined. For example, if the index value is 60%, it is equal to or greater than the second threshold, so evaluation level 3 is determined.

The determination means 413 also adjusts the evaluation level according to the type of security mode set during the second specified period indicated by the security mode setting history. That is, the determination means 413 determines the final evaluation level according to the type of security mode set during the second specified period in addition to the index value calculated in step S15. Specifically, if the security modes set during the second specified period include a manned alert mode, the determination means 413 increases the evaluation level by one, since it is considered that the subject is appropriately using the security modes. For example, if the security modes set from December 1 to December 7, 20XX include a manned alert mode, the evaluation level of 3 determined according to the index value is changed to 4.

In step S17, the generating means 414 of the server device 400 generates an evaluation result according to the evaluation level determined in step S16. The evaluation result includes the evaluation level and a comment according to the evaluation level and the usage status of the security mode indicated by the security mode setting history.

For example, if the evaluation level from December 1st to December 7th, 20XX is 4, the evaluation result will include this evaluation level 4. Also, if the security modes set from December 1st to December 7th, 20XX include both unmanned alert mode and manned alert mode, the comment "They are highly security conscious both when they are out and at home, and make good use of the security functions. Please continue to make use of the security functions as usual.", which is associated with the combination of evaluation level 4 and "Uses unmanned alert mode and manned alert mode", is read from comment table 421 shown in FIG. 4, and this comment will be included in the evaluation result.

In step S18, the output means 415 of the server device 400 transmits to the terminal device 600 the accumulation information indicating the result of the accumulation process in step S14, the security mode information for the second predetermined period stored in the memory unit 402, and the evaluation result generated in step S17. The accumulation information includes information indicating the first predetermined period and the total usage time of each security mode. The security mode information for the second predetermined period includes information indicating the type of security mode set for the second predetermined period and the setting date and time of that security mode. The acquisition means 611 of the terminal device 600 receives the accumulation information, security mode information, and evaluation result from the server device 400.

In step S19, the display control means 612 of the terminal device 600 uses the received integrated information and security mode information to display information corresponding to the total usage time of each security mode during the first predetermined period and the time periods during which each security mode was set during the first predetermined period on the display unit 605. The display control means 612 also displays the received evaluation results on the display unit 605.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 650 displayed on the display unit 605. The screen 650 includes a daily screen 650A and a weekly screen 650B. These screens 650A and 650B can be switched in response to an operation using the operation unit 604. For example, screen 650A can be switched to screen 650B in response to an operation to switch a switch 690 included in screen 650A. Similarly, screen 650B can be switched to screen 650A in response to an operation to switch a switch 690 included in screen 650B.

Screen 650A includes a doughnut-shaped chart 655 that indicates the time periods when each security mode was set. Here, it is assumed that the target date of screen 650A is December 1, 20XX. In the above example, manned security mode is set from 0:00 to 9:00 on December 1, 20XX, unmanned security mode is set from 9:00 to 15:00, deactivation mode is set from 15:00 to 18:00, and manned security mode is set from 18:00 to 24:00. In this case, along the time axis of the circumference, element 656 indicating manned security mode is displayed in the time periods from 0:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 24:00, element 657 indicating unmanned security mode is displayed in the time period from 9:00 to 15:00, and element 658 indicating deactivation mode is displayed in the time period from 15:00 to 18:00. Elements 656 to 658 are displayed to be distinguished from one another by using different colors, shades of colors, or patterns.

By looking at chart 655, the watcher or the subject can see the time periods during which each security mode was set. For example, after checking the total usage time of the deactivation mode in graph 651 described below, the watcher or the subject can see at what time of day the deactivation mode was actually set by looking at chart 655.

Screen 650B displays graphs 651, which show the total usage time of each security mode for each day of the week, arranged horizontally. Graph 651 is a stacked bar graph showing the total usage time of each security mode in a day. The vertical axis of graph 651 shows the time of day. Bars 652, 653, and 654 show the total usage time of the attended security mode, the total usage time of the unattended security mode, and the total usage time of the deactivated mode, respectively. Bars 652 to 654 are displayed to be distinguished from one another by using different colors, shades of colors, or patterns. In graph 651, bar 652 is stacked first, and bars 653 and 654 are stacked on top of bar 652 in order. In other words, bar 652, which shows the total usage time of the attended security mode, is placed first.

For example, if the total usage time of the attended security mode on Monday, December 1, 20XX is 15 hours, bar 652 included in graph 651 for Monday has a length corresponding to the proportion of this total usage time in the day. Also, if the total usage time of the unattended security mode on Monday, December 1, 20XX is 6 hours, bar 653 included in graph 651 for Monday has a length corresponding to the proportion of this total usage time in the day. Furthermore, if the total usage time of the deactivated mode on Monday, December 1, 20XX is 3 hours, bar 654 included in graph 651 for Monday has a length corresponding to the proportion of this total usage time in the day. By looking at graph 651, the watcher or target can see the total usage time of each security mode in the day.

Screen 650B also includes an evaluation field 660. Evaluation field 660 is an example of an "evaluation image" according to the present invention. Evaluation field 660 includes star-shaped marks 661 representing the evaluation level included in the evaluation result, and comments 662 included in the evaluation result. The marks 661 are filled in as many as correspond to the evaluation level. The remaining marks 661 are not filled in and become the background color. For example, when the evaluation level is 4, all four marks 661 are filled in as shown in FIG. 7. Evaluation field 660 also displays comment 662 included in the evaluation result, "You are highly security-conscious both when you are out and at home, and you make good use of the security function. Please continue to make use of the security function as usual."

The above-mentioned processes of steps S14 to S18 may be performed at a predetermined time interval, such as once a week. In this case, in step S18, the accumulated information, security mode information, and evaluation results are sent from the server device 400 in a push-type manner. Alternatively, the above-mentioned processes of steps S14 to S18 may be performed in response to a request from the terminal device 600. In this case, in step S18, the accumulated information, security mode information, and evaluation results are sent from the server device 400 in a pull-type manner in response to a request from the terminal device 600. In one example, when an application program for providing a monitoring service function is started in the terminal device 600, the terminal device 600 requests the server device 400 to obtain the accumulated information, security mode information, and evaluation results, and the processes of steps S14 to S18 are performed in response to this request.

In addition, in the case of pull-type transmission in response to a request from the terminal device 600, when a request to obtain real-time information is made from the terminal device 600, the period from the start time of the specified period to the current time becomes the specified period. For example, when a request to obtain real-time information is made at 15:00 on December 3, 20XX, the total percentage of usage time of the alert mode in the period from 00:00 on December 1, 20XX, which is the start day of the week to which this day belongs, to 15:00 on December 3, 20XX, is calculated as an index value, and the evaluation level is determined using this index value. In this case, the evaluation result including the evaluation level for the period from 00:00 on December 1, 20XX to 15:00 on December 3, 20XX and a comment according to this evaluation level is transmitted from the server device 400 to the terminal device 600 and displayed on the terminal device 600.

According to the above-described embodiment, the evaluation level according to the total usage time of the alert mode is displayed on the terminal device 600, so that it is easy to recognize whether or not multiple security modes are being used appropriately, and the degree of utilization of the monitoring service can be easily understood. Furthermore, if the evaluation level is low, the watcher can call on the subject to set the alert mode, or the subject himself can notice and actively try to set the alert mode. Furthermore, if the manned alert mode is set, the evaluation level is increased, so that an evaluation level that is more in line with the actual situation is determined. Furthermore, the terminal device 600 displays the evaluation level together with a comment according to the evaluation level, so that the watcher or the subject can know how to improve the way in which the security mode is used.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiment may be modified as in the following examples. In this case, two or more of the following modifications may be used in combination.

Variation 1
In the above-described embodiment, the index value is not limited to the percentage of the total usage time of the alert mode in a predetermined period. The index value may be the total usage time of the alert mode, or a score according to the total usage time of the alert mode. The score increases as the total usage time of the alert mode increases. For example, when the index value is a score according to the total usage time of the alert mode, evaluation level 1 is determined when the score according to the total usage time of the alert mode is less than a first threshold, evaluation level 2 is determined when the score is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold, and evaluation level 3 is determined when the score is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

The index value may also be weighted according to the type of security mode set during a specified period. Here, the index value is the sum of a score according to the total usage time of the attended security mode and a score according to the total usage time of the unattended security mode. In this case, the score according to the total usage time of the attended security mode may be weighted using a weighting coefficient greater than 1, such as 1.5 or 2, so that this score is increased. This makes it easier to raise the evaluation level when attended security mode is included in the security modes set during a specified period.

Alternatively, the threshold value may be changed depending on the type of security mode set during the specified period. For example, if the security modes set during the specified period include an attended security mode, the threshold value may be lowered. Even with this method, if the security modes set during the specified period include an attended security mode, the evaluation level is more likely to be increased.

Variation 2
In the above-described embodiment, the evaluation level may be determined according to the type of security mode set in a predetermined period indicated by the setting history of the security mode and the time period in which the security mode was set, in addition to the index value according to the total usage time of each security mode. In one example, the evaluation level is adjusted according to the type of security mode set in the second predetermined period and the time period in which the security mode was set. For example, when the security mode is set in a nighttime time period, the evaluation level is increased by one because a security mode suitable for this time period is set. On the other hand, when the release mode is set in a late-night time period, for example, it is considered that an inappropriate security mode is set even though it is a time period in which the security mode should be set, so the evaluation level is decreased by one. Alternatively, instead of increasing the evaluation level, the threshold value may be decreased, and instead of decreasing the evaluation level, the threshold value may be increased. According to this modified example, an appropriate evaluation level that is more in line with the actual situation is determined, taking into account the time period in which the security mode is set and the type of the security mode, so that the subject or the watcher feels more satisfied. In addition, by outputting a comment that is in line with the actual situation, the watcher or the subject can grasp the actions necessary to increase the evaluation level.

Variation 3
In the above-described embodiment, the evaluation level may be determined based on the total usage time of each security mode, as well as on the detection result of the sensor 100 in a predetermined period, the type of security mode set in a predetermined period indicated by the security mode setting history, and the time period in which this security mode was set. In one example, the evaluation level is adjusted based on the detection result of the sensor 100 in a second predetermined period, the type of security mode set in the second predetermined period, and the time period in which this security mode was set. The detection result of the sensor 100 is indicated by the detection information of the sensor 100. The detection result of the sensor 100 may include attribute information such as the installation location and type of the sensor 100.

For example, if the indoor sensor 100 detects a subject indoors during a certain time period within the second predetermined period and this state continues for a predetermined time, such as two hours, and the security mode set for this time period is the off mode, it is considered that an inappropriate security mode has been set even though an attended security mode should have been set, and the evaluation level is lowered by one. Alternatively, the threshold value may be raised instead of lowering the evaluation level.

In addition, if the window sensor does not detect an open window during a certain time period within the second specified period for a specified time, such as two hours, and the security mode set for this time period is the off mode, it is considered that an inappropriate security mode has been set even though an attended security mode or an unattended security mode should have been set, and the evaluation level is lowered by one. Alternatively, the threshold value may be raised instead of lowering the evaluation level.

On the other hand, if the outdoor sensor 100 and the window sensor detect a subject outdoors or detect an open window during a certain time period within the second specified period for a predetermined period or more, and the security mode set for this time period is the deactivation mode, it is considered that the subject was engaged in outdoor work, ventilation, or other activities during this time period, and the situation required the deactivation mode to be set, so the evaluation level is increased by one. Alternatively, the threshold value may be lowered instead of increasing the evaluation level.

According to this modified example, an appropriate evaluation level that is more in line with the actual situation is determined by taking into account the detection results of the sensor 100 and the type of security mode that has been set, which increases the satisfaction of the subject or the watcher.

Variation 4
In the above-described embodiment, the evaluation level may be increased according to the number of times the attended alert mode is set in the second predetermined period. In one example, if the attended alert mode is set a predetermined number of times or more, such as three times a week, the evaluation level may be increased by one. In another example, if the attended alert mode is set once or more per day for a week, the evaluation level may be increased by one.

The evaluation level may be increased according to the length of time that the attended alert mode is used during the second predetermined period. In one example, if the total amount of time that the attended alert mode is used during a week is equal to or exceeds a threshold value such as 42 hours, the evaluation level may be increased by one.

Variation 5
In the above-described embodiment, the evaluation result may include a comment according to the detection result of the sensor 100 and the type of security mode set during a predetermined period indicated by the security mode setting history. The detection result of the sensor 100 is indicated by detection information of the sensor 100. The detection result of the sensor 100 may include attribute information such as the installation location and type of the sensor 100.

For example, if the deactivation mode is set during the hours when the subject is sleeping, the evaluation result may include a comment such as, "We recommend that you use the security function even when you are sleeping." The hours when the subject is sleeping are identified, for example, from the detection results of the indoor sensor 100. By displaying this comment, the watcher or the subject can understand in more detail how to improve the way they use the security mode.

The evaluation result may also include comments related to events other than crime prevention, depending on the detection information of the sensor 100 and the setting history of the security mode or the type of security mode set during a predetermined period indicated by this setting history. Here, it is assumed that the sensor 100 includes a sensor for measuring carbon dioxide concentration. For example, if the carbon dioxide concentration measured by this sensor is equal to or higher than the threshold value, but the window sensor does not detect that the window is open, or the manned security mode is set, the evaluation result may include a comment recommending opening a window, such as "You make good use of the security function, but you may want to open the window to ventilate." Furthermore, the evaluation result may include crime prevention information, such as theft and fraud, in the area where the subject lives, acquired by the server device 400 from an external device. By displaying this comment or the crime prevention information in the area, the watcher or the subject can obtain various information regarding the subject's danger.

Variation 6
In the above-described embodiment, in addition to the evaluation level for the second predetermined period, the evaluation level for the first predetermined period may be determined. Here, the first predetermined period is assumed to be one day. In this modified example, an index value according to the total usage time of the security mode in one day is calculated, and an evaluation level according to this index value is determined. The target day may be selected by the operation of the watcher or the target person, or may be set based on the current date, such as the previous day. Then, the evaluation result including the evaluation level for one day and a comment corresponding to the evaluation level is transmitted from the server device 400 to the terminal device 600 and displayed. In this case, the evaluation level for one day and the comment corresponding to the evaluation level are displayed on the screen 650A. As in the above-described embodiment, the evaluation level for one week and the comment corresponding to the evaluation level are displayed on the screen 650B. According to this modified example, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the multiple security modes are appropriately used for each of the first and second predetermined periods.

Variation 7
In the above-described embodiment, the method of notifying the evaluation result may differ depending on the evaluation level. Specifically, when the evaluation level is equal to or lower than a threshold, the evaluation result may be actively notified. For example, when the evaluation level is 3 or higher, when the watcher or the target performs an operation to start an application program for providing the function of the monitoring service, the screen 650A or 650B is displayed, but the evaluation result is not notified. On the other hand, when the evaluation level is 2 or lower, the output means 415 notifies the terminal device 600 that the evaluation level is 2 or lower by a push notification method even if the watcher or the target does not perform an operation. In this case, in the terminal device 600, even if the watcher or the target does not perform an operation, a process of notifying the watcher or the target that the evaluation level is 2 or lower is performed by outputting a notification sound, displaying a notification message, changing an icon display, or the like. According to this modification, when the evaluation level is equal to or lower than a threshold, the watcher or the target can know the evaluation result even if they do not perform an operation.

Variation 8
In the above-described embodiment, the evaluation levels are not limited to four levels from 1 to 4. The evaluation levels may be three levels or less, or five levels or more. The evaluation levels are not limited to numbers, and may be expressed by letters or symbols such as "high", "medium", and "low".

Furthermore, the evaluation value is not limited to the evaluation level. For example, instead of or in addition to the evaluation level, an index value may be used as the evaluation value. In this case, the evaluation result including the index value is transmitted from the server device 400 to the terminal device 600 and displayed. This index value is not limited to the proportion of the total usage time of the alert mode in a predetermined period according to the embodiment, but may be the total usage time of the alert mode according to the above-mentioned variant example 1 or a score according to the total usage time of the alert mode. Even with this method, it is possible to easily recognize whether multiple alert modes are being used appropriately.

Variation 9
In the above-described embodiment, the server device 400 may generate web screens corresponding to the screens 650A and 650B and provide them to the terminal device 600.

Modification 10
In the above-described embodiment, the functions of one device may be distributed among a plurality of devices, or the functions of a plurality of devices may be collectively included in one device. For example, the controller 200 does not necessarily have both a function for monitoring intrusions into the monitored area and a function for watching over the subject. Instead of the controller 200, a first controller having a function for monitoring intrusions into the monitored area and a second controller having a function for watching over the subject may be used.

Variation 11
In the above-described embodiment, the subject of each function in the monitoring system 10 is an example, and is not limited to this example. The controller 200 or the terminal device 600 may have the function of the server device 400. In other words, the controller 200 or the terminal device 600 may perform the processing performed by the server device 400. In one example, the controller 200 or the terminal device 600 may have at least a part of the acquisition means 411, the calculation means 412, the determination means 413, the generation means 414, and the output means 415 of the server device 400. In another example, each terminal device 600 may have the generation means 414 instead of the server device 400, and the comment table 421 may be stored in the storage unit 602 of each terminal device 600.

Modification 12
In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the monitoring system 10 is not limited to the above-described example. The order of the processing steps of the monitoring system 10 may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. In addition, some of the processing steps of the monitoring system 10 may be omitted.

Modification 13
Another aspect of the present invention may provide a method having processing steps performed in at least one of the monitoring system 10, the sensor 100, the controller 200, the setting unit 300, the server device 400, and the terminal device 600. Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention may provide a program executed in the sensor 100, the controller 200, the setting unit 300, the server device 400, or the terminal device 600. This program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided by downloading via the Internet or the like.

10: Monitoring system, 100: Sensor, 200: Controller, 211: Acquisition means, 212: Setting means, 213: Transmission means, 300: Setting unit, 400: Server device, 411: Acquisition means, 412: Calculation means, 413: Determination means, 414: Generation means, 415: Output means, 600: Terminal device, 605: Display unit, 611: Acquisition means, 612: Display control means

Claims (9)

A monitoring system that monitors for intrusions into a monitoring target area using a plurality of security modes and evaluates a utilization status of a monitoring service based on the set security modes,
A setting means for setting one of the plurality of security modes;
an evaluation means for evaluating the utilization status based on a total usage time of at least one security mode in a predetermined period of time using the setting history of the security mode;
and an output unit that outputs an evaluation result by the evaluation unit. The plurality of security modes include at least an alert mode in which the monitoring target area is monitored and a release mode in which the monitoring target area is not monitored,
The surveillance system according to claim 1 , wherein the evaluation means evaluates the surveillance system higher as the total usage time of the alert mode set in the predetermined period is longer or as the total usage time of the deactivation mode is shorter. The surveillance system according to claim 2, characterized in that the evaluation means evaluates a situation in which the alert modes set during the specified period include an attended alert mode for monitoring a portion of the monitored area higher than a situation in which the attended alert mode is not included. the alert mode includes an unmanned alert mode in which the entire area to be monitored is monitored, and an attended alert mode in which a portion of the area to be monitored is monitored;
4. The surveillance system according to claim 3, wherein the evaluation means performs the evaluation by weighting the usage time of the attended alert mode higher than the usage time of the unattended alert mode. The surveillance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the evaluation means performs the evaluation depending on the type of security mode set during the specified period and the time period during which the security mode is set. Further comprising a detection means for detecting the status of a subject in the monitoring area,
6. The surveillance system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation means performs the evaluation further depending on the type of security mode set for the predetermined period and the detection result of the detection means. Further, a storage means for storing the evaluation comment in association with the evaluation value is provided,
The evaluation means evaluates the utilization status to determine an evaluation value,
The monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the output means outputs, as the evaluation result, the evaluation value determined by the evaluation means together with an evaluation comment corresponding to the evaluation value to a display means. A terminal device for use in the monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
an acquisition means for acquiring the evaluation result output from the output means;
and a display means for displaying an evaluation image according to the acquired evaluation result. A server device that communicates with a security device that monitors intrusions into a monitored area based on a plurality of security modes and a terminal device carried by a user, and evaluates the utilization status of a monitoring service based on the set security modes,
An acquisition means for acquiring a setting history of the security mode from the security device;
an evaluation means for evaluating the utilization status based on a total utilization time of at least one security mode in a predetermined period using the setting history;
and an output unit for outputting an evaluation result by said evaluation unit to said terminal device.

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