JP7814205B2 - Electric Lock Monitoring Device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an electric lock monitoring device.

A locking/unlocking system is known that uses a mobile terminal to lock or unlock a lock (electric lock) built into a front door (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 6937449

The locking and unlocking system is known as a "smart lock." Electric locks are generally battery-powered, but unless you use a dedicated app (dedicated application program), you will not be able to know when the electric lock is about to become inoperable, such as when its battery runs out.

This disclosure was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an electric lock monitoring device that can notify the user that the electric lock is approaching an inoperable state without using a dedicated application program.

One aspect of the present disclosure is an electric lock monitoring device that includes a setting unit that sets a threshold value for the number of operations for a battery-operated electric lock, a monitoring unit that sequentially accumulates the number of operations and monitors whether the accumulated value exceeds the threshold value, and a warning unit that is provided in the monitoring unit and issues a warning based on a warning signal input from the monitoring unit.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electric lock monitoring device A. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a relay device 4. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric lock monitoring device A.

As shown in Figure 1, the electric lock monitoring device A according to this embodiment includes as its components an electric lock 1, a mobile terminal 2, a smart home appliance 3, a relay device 4 (determination device), and a wireless LAN router 5. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network.

Of the components of the electric lock monitoring device A, the electric lock 1, mobile terminal 2, and relay device 4 are referred to as a "smart lock" and form a locking/unlocking system that allows the electric lock 1 to be locked and unlocked contactlessly from the mobile terminal 2.

Electric lock 1 is installed at an entrance such as a front door in a building such as a typical home. Electric lock 1 is a lock that can be locked and unlocked electrically and is capable of short-range communication with mobile terminal 2 and relay device 4. The short-range communication method (communication standard) used in this embodiment is the so-called "Bluetooth (registered trademark)." Electric lock 1 communicates wirelessly (Bluetooth communication) with mobile terminal 2 and relay device 4 in accordance with the Bluetooth communication protocol.

In addition to "Bluetooth (registered trademark)," several other short-range communication methods (communication standards) are commonly known, including "ZigBee (registered trademark)." In this embodiment, "Bluetooth (registered trademark)" is used as the short-range communication method, but other short-range communication methods may also be used to construct electric lock monitoring device A as needed.

Electric lock 1 is powered by an internal battery (lock battery). The lock battery consumes its stored power each time electric lock 1 is locked or unlocked, eventually reaching a state where electric lock 1 cannot be operated normally (dead battery). In order for electric lock 1 to function normally, the lock battery must have sufficient remaining power.

When electric lock 1 receives a locking instruction from mobile terminal 2, it enters a locked state (a state in which the entrance cannot be opened or closed) based on the locking instruction. When electric lock 1 receives an unlocking instruction from mobile terminal 2, it enters an unlocked state (a state in which the entrance can be opened or closed freely) based on the unlocking instruction. Electric lock 1 notifies relay device 3 of the locked/unlocked state based on the locking or unlocking instruction received from mobile terminal 2.

The mobile terminal 2 is a mobile device, such as a smartphone, that can be carried by a human user. The mobile terminal 2 is a communication device capable of Bluetooth communication with the electric lock 1. The mobile terminal 2 is pre-loaded with a dedicated application program (electronic lock control program) that uses short-range communication to operate the electric lock 1 contactlessly.

The mobile terminal 2 is an electronic lock operating terminal that locks or unlocks the electric lock 1 by sending locking or unlocking instructions to the electric lock 1 via short-range communication based on an electronic lock control program. The electronic lock control program is compatible with the operating system (OS) of the mobile terminal 2.

When a user returns home from an outing and approaches the building entrance, they operate the electronic lock control program on their mobile device 2 to send an unlock command to the electric lock 1. When the electric lock 1 receives the unlock command from the mobile device 2, it opens and closes the entrance (unlocked state) in accordance with the unlock command.

When a user leaves the building, they operate the electronic lock control program on their mobile device 2 from outside the entrance (outside the building) to send a locking command to the electric lock 1. When the electric lock 1 receives the locking command from the mobile device 2, it disables the opening and closing of the entrance (locked state) in accordance with the locking command.

The smart home appliances 3 are home appliances that can connect to external communication terminals and are components of a home network (domestic LAN) established in the building. In this embodiment, a home network including the smart home appliances 3 and the wireless LAN router 5 as components has been established in advance in the building.

Smart home appliance 3 is, for example, an electrical outlet or light with communication capabilities, commonly referred to as a smart outlet (smart plug) or smart lighting. Smart home appliance 3 performs wireless communication (wireless LAN communication) with wireless LAN router 5 using a communication protocol that complies with wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a communication method (communication standard) that has a longer communication distance than short-range communication.

Smart home appliances 3 perform their functions based on operational instructions received from the outside via the wireless LAN router 5. For example, when a smart outlet (smart plug) receives a power-on instruction from the outside, it starts supplying power to the electrical devices connected to it. When a smart light receives a power-on instruction from the outside, it switches from an off state to an on state.

Relay device 4 is installed near the entrance (entrance floor) inside the building. Relay device 4 is a communication device that wirelessly relays communication between electric lock 1, smart home appliance 3, and wireless LAN router 5. Relay device 4 communicates with electric lock 1 via Bluetooth, but communicates wirelessly with smart home appliance 3 and wireless LAN router 5 using a communication method (communication standard) that has a longer communication distance than Bluetooth communication.

The communication method between the relay device 4, smart home appliances 3, and wireless LAN router 5 is a wireless LAN that is generally referred to as "Wi-Fi (registered trademark)" and conforms to home networks (domestic LANs).

As shown in FIG. 2, the relay device 4 is equipped with a first DIP switch 4a, a second DIP switch 4b, a reset switch 4c, a pairing switch 4d, a battery LED 4e, a maintenance LED 4f, and a power LED 4g. The relay device 4 is equipped with a power plug 4h, a power circuit 4i, a memory 4j, an MCU 4k, a smart lock communication circuit 4m, a smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n, and a smart lock antenna 4p. The relay device 4 is equipped with a home network communication circuit 4q, a home network high-frequency circuit 4r, and a home network antenna 4s.

The first DIP switch 4a is a setting unit (first locking/unlocking count setting unit) that sets the threshold value (first locking/unlocking count N1) for the number of times the electric lock 1 operates in response to the battery running out, which powers the electric lock 1. The first locking/unlocking count N1 is the number of times the electric lock 1 operates that the user sets arbitrarily to avoid the lock battery running out (which would render the electric lock 1 inoperable). The first DIP switch 4a outputs the first locking/unlocking count N1 to the MCU 4k.

The second DIP switch 4b is a setting unit (second locking/unlocking count setting unit) that sets the threshold value (second locking/unlocking count N2) for the number of times the electric lock 1 is operated, corresponding to inspection or replacement of the electric lock 1. The second locking/unlocking count N2 is used to prevent the electric lock 1 from becoming inoperable due to factors other than a dead battery, and is the number of times the electric lock 1 is operated, as set by the user. The second DIP switch 4b outputs the second locking/unlocking count N2 to the MCU 4k.

The reset switch 4c is an operation button that instructs the MCU 4k to reset the first integrated value n1 and second integrated value n2 calculated by the MCU 4k. The first integrated value n1 and second integrated value n2 are the number of times the electric lock 1 has been operated (number of times it has been locked and unlocked) since a specified time, and are physical quantities that correlate with the battery's power consumption and inspection or replacement of the electric lock 1 other than the battery. The reset switch 4c outputs a reset signal to the MCU 4k to instruct it to reset the integrated values.

The pairing switch 4d is an operation button that instructs the MCU 4k to pair with the electric lock 1. When the user operates the pairing switch 4d, the pairing switch 4d outputs a pairing start signal to the MCU 4k. The MCU 4k establishes pairing with the electric lock 1 based on the pairing start signal.

In detail, the MCU 4k establishes a communication line with the electric lock 1 by performing short-range communication with the electric lock 1 via the smart lock communication circuit 4m, the smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n, and the smart lock antenna 4p. Once pairing is established between the electric lock 1 and the relay device 4, the electric lock 1 and the relay device 4 are able to freely communicate with each other in the short range.

The battery LED 4e is provided in the relay device 4 and is a warning unit (light emitter) that issues a warning based on a warning signal input from the relay device 4's MCU 4g. The battery LED 4e is a semiconductor light-emitting element (light-emitting diode) that issues a warning to the outside world using light. The battery LED 4e emits light in different ways based on the light-emitting signal input from the MCU 4g, thereby indicating multiple battery level conditions.

The battery LED 4e turns off in response to a light-off signal input from the MCU 4g as one of the light-emitting signals when the lock battery is in a state sufficient to power the electric lock 1. The battery LED 4e flashes in response to a warning signal input from the MCU 4g when the lock battery is depleted and nearing the end of its life, i.e., when the first cumulative value n1 exceeds the first number of locking and unlocking operations N1.

The maintenance LED 4f is provided in the relay device 4 and is a warning unit (light emitter) that issues a warning based on a warning signal input from the MCU 4g of the relay device 4. The maintenance LED 4f is a semiconductor light-emitting element (light-emitting diode) that uses light to notify the outside world that the electric lock 1 needs to be inspected or replaced. The maintenance LED 4f emits light in different modes based on the light-emitting signal input from the MCU 4g, thereby notifying the outside world that the electric lock 1 needs to be inspected or replaced.

The maintenance LED 4f turns off in accordance with a light-off signal input from the MCU 4g as one of the light-emitting signals when the electric lock 1 does not need to be inspected or replaced. The maintenance LED 4f flashes in accordance with a warning signal input from the MCU 4g when the electric lock 1 is worn out and needs to be inspected or replaced, that is, when the second integrated value n2 exceeds the second locking/unlocking count N2.

The power LED 4g is a semiconductor light-emitting element (light-emitting diode) that notifies the outside world that power is being applied to the relay device 4. When power is being applied to the relay device 4, the power LED 4g emits light in accordance with a light-emitting signal input from the MCU 4g. The light-emitting signal is a voltage signal having a voltage that can cause the power LED 4g, which is a semiconductor light-emitting element, to emit light.

The power plug 4h is a connection part that connects the relay device 4 to a commercial power source (AC power source) such as AC 100V installed in the building. As is well known, the power plug 4h has a pair of electrodes, and the pair of electrodes is connected to the commercial power source and engages with an outlet that also has a pair of electrodes, thereby connecting the relay device 4 to the commercial power source. When the power plug 4h engages with the outlet, commercial power is supplied to the relay device 4.

The power supply circuit 4i is a power conversion circuit that converts the commercial power supply (AC power supply) input from the power plug 4h into DC power supply. The power supply circuit 4i converts the commercial power supply (AC power supply) into DC power supply used by the various electronic components of the relay device 4 (first DIP switch 4a, second DIP switch 4b, reset switch 4c, pairing switch 4d, battery LED 4e, maintenance LED 4f, and power LED 4g) and various electronic circuits (memory 4j, MCU 4k, smart lock communication circuit 4m, smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n, home network communication circuit 4q, and home network high-frequency circuit 4r).

The various electronic components (first DIP switch 4a, second DIP switch 4b, reset switch 4c, pairing switch 4d, battery LED 4e, maintenance LED 4f, and power LED 4g) perform their desired functions based on the DC power supplied from the power supply circuit 4i. The various electronic circuits, such as the memory 4j and MCU 4k, perform their desired functions based on the DC power supplied from the power supply circuit 4i.

Memory 4j is a semiconductor storage device that stores the relay program executed by MCU 4k and various control data required for executing the relay program. Memory 4j consists of non-volatile memory (ROM: Read Only Memory) and volatile memory (RAM: Random Access Memory).

Memory 4j stores the relay program, the first integrated value n1 and the second integrated value n2 calculated by MCU 4k, and various control data in non-volatile memory, and stores data generated by MCU 4k during execution of the relay program in volatile memory. Data reading and writing in memory 4j is controlled by MCU 4k.

MCU 4k is a control unit (microcontroller unit) of relay device 4 that controls relay device 4 in an integrated manner. MCU 4k sequentially accumulates the number of times electric lock 1 is operated corresponding to the first number of times locking/unlocking N1 as a first accumulated value n1, and sequentially accumulates the number of times electric lock 1 is operated corresponding to the second number of times locking/unlocking N2 as a second accumulated value n2.

MCU 4k stores the first integrated value n1 as first log information in memory 4j, and stores the second integrated value n2 as second log information in memory 4j. MCU 4k transmits the first integrated value n1 to cloud B via wireless LAN router 5 to store it as the first log information, and transmits the second integrated value n2 to cloud B via wireless LAN router 5 to store it as the second log information.

MCU 4k is a monitoring unit that monitors electric lock 1 based on the first integrated value n1, the second integrated value n2, the first number of locking/unlocking operations N1, and the second number of locking/unlocking operations N2. MCU 4k monitors whether the first integrated value n1 exceeds the first number of locking/unlocking operations N1, and whether the second integrated value n2 exceeds the second number of locking/unlocking operations N2, thereby monitoring the lock battery in electric lock 1 and the inspection or replacement of electric lock 1.

In detail, the MCU 4k includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes the relay program, a first DIP switch 4a, a second DIP switch 4b, a reset switch 4c, a pairing switch 4d, a battery LED 4e, a maintenance LED 4f, a power LED 4g, a memory 4j, an input/output unit that inputs and outputs data to and from the smart lock communication circuit 4m and the home network communication circuit 4q.

The MCU 4k accepts setting signals input from the first DIP switch 4a and the second DIP switch 4b based on the relay program. The MCU 4k accepts operation signals input from the reset switch 4c and the pairing switch 4d based on the relay program. The MCU 4k calculates the first integrated value n1 and the second integrated value n2 based on the relay program, and outputs light-emitting signals to the battery LED 4e and the maintenance LED 4f based on the first integrated value n1, the second integrated value n2, the first number of locking/unlocking operations N1, and the second number of locking/unlocking operations N2.

The MCU 4k outputs a light emission signal to the power LED 4g based on the power supply status of the DC power from the power supply circuit 4i. The MCU 4k outputs a transmission instruction (Bluetooth communication instruction) to the smart lock communication circuit 4m based on a relay program, thereby performing Bluetooth communication with the electric lock 1 via the smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n and the smart lock antenna 4p.

The MCU 4k outputs a transmission instruction (wireless LAN communication instruction) to the home network communication circuit 4q based on the relay program, thereby performing wireless LAN communication with the wireless LAN router 5 via the home network high-frequency circuit 4r and the home network antenna 4s. Detailed processing by the MCU 4k will be described later as the operation of the electric lock monitoring device A according to this embodiment.

The smart lock communication circuit 4m generates a communication packet (Bluetooth transmission packet) conforming to the Bluetooth communication protocol based on the Bluetooth transmission instruction input from the MCU 4k and outputs it to the smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n. The Bluetooth transmission packet includes at least the identification number of the relay device 4 as the sender, the identification number of the electric lock 1 as the destination, and transmission data indicating the transmission content.

The smart lock communication circuit 4m extracts the received data from the electric lock 1 based on the Bluetooth received packet input from the smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n. The Bluetooth received packet contains at least the identification number of the electric lock 1, which is the sender, the identification number of the relay device 4, which is the destination, and received data indicating the received content. The smart lock communication circuit 4m outputs the received data to the MCU 4k.

The smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n is a high-frequency circuit that performs high-frequency transmission processing (Bluetooth high-frequency transmission processing) that conforms to the Bluetooth communication protocol on the Bluetooth transmission packets input from the smart lock communication circuit 4m. The Bluetooth high-frequency transmission processing is a modulation process that conforms to the Bluetooth communication protocol, and converts the Bluetooth transmission packets into Bluetooth high-frequency transmission signals. The smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n outputs the Bluetooth high-frequency transmission signals to the smart lock antenna 4p.

The smart lock high frequency circuit 4n extracts a Bluetooth reception packet from the Bluetooth high frequency reception signal by performing high frequency reception processing (Bluetooth high frequency reception processing) that complies with the Bluetooth communication protocol on the Bluetooth high frequency reception signal input from the smart lock antenna 4p. The Bluetooth high frequency reception processing is a demodulation process that complies with the Bluetooth communication protocol. The Bluetooth reception packet is output from the smart lock high frequency circuit 4n to the smart lock communication circuit 4m.

The smart lock antenna 4p is a high-frequency component that radiates the Bluetooth high-frequency transmission signal input from the smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n into the air as radio waves (Bluetooth transmission waves). The Bluetooth transmission waves are high-frequency waves in the 2.4 GHz band that contain the contents of the Bluetooth transmission packet, and when received by the electric lock 1, which is the destination, the contents of the Bluetooth transmission packet are reproduced.

The smart lock antenna 4p converts radio waves (Bluetooth reception waves) received from the air into Bluetooth high-frequency reception signals and outputs them to the smart lock high-frequency circuit 4n. The Bluetooth reception waves are high-frequency waves in the 2.4 GHz band that contain the contents of the Bluetooth reception packet and are transmitted from the electric lock 1, which is the source of the transmission. The Bluetooth reception packet is a Bluetooth transmission packet generated by the electric lock 1.

The home network communication circuit 4q generates a communication packet (wireless LAN transmission packet) conforming to the wireless LAN communication protocol based on the wireless LAN transmission instruction input from the MCU 4k, and outputs it to the home network high-frequency circuit 4r. The wireless LAN transmission packet includes at least the identification number of the relay device 4 as the sender, the identification number of the wireless LAN router 5 as the destination, and transmission data indicating the transmission content.

The home network communication circuit 4q extracts the received data from the electric lock 1 based on the wireless LAN received packet input from the home network high-frequency circuit 4r. The Bluetooth received packet contains at least the identification number of the wireless LAN router 5, which is the sender, the identification number of the relay device 4, which is the destination, and received data indicating the received content. The home network communication circuit 4q outputs the received data to the MCU 4k.

The home network high-frequency circuit 4r is a high-frequency circuit that performs high-frequency transmission processing (wireless LAN high-frequency transmission processing) that conforms to the wireless LAN communication protocol on wireless LAN transmission packets input from the home network communication circuit 4q. The wireless LAN high-frequency transmission processing is a modulation process that conforms to the wireless LAN communication protocol, and converts the wireless LAN transmission packets into wireless LAN high-frequency transmission signals.

The home network high frequency circuit 4r extracts wireless LAN reception packets from the wireless LAN high frequency reception signals by performing high frequency reception processing (wireless LAN high frequency reception processing) that conforms to the wireless LAN communication protocol on the wireless LAN high frequency reception signals input from the home network antenna 4s. The wireless LAN reception packets are output from the home network high frequency circuit 4r to the home network communication circuit 4q. The wireless LAN high frequency reception processing is a demodulation process that conforms to the wireless LAN communication protocol.

The home network antenna 4s is a high-frequency component that radiates the wireless LAN high-frequency transmission signal input from the home network high-frequency circuit 4r into the air as radio waves (wireless LAN transmission waves). The wireless LAN transmission waves are high-frequency waves in the 2.4 GHz band that contain the contents of the wireless LAN transmission packets, and when received by the wireless LAN router 5, which is the destination, the contents of the wireless LAN transmission packets are reproduced.

The home network antenna 4s converts radio waves (wireless LAN reception waves) received from the air into wireless LAN high-frequency reception signals and outputs them to the home network high-frequency circuit 4r. The wireless LAN reception waves are high-frequency waves in the 2.4 GHz band that contain the contents of wireless LAN reception packets and are transmitted from the wireless LAN router 5, which is the source of the signals. The wireless LAN reception packets are wireless LAN transmission packets generated by the wireless LAN router 5.

The wireless LAN router 5 is a communication device (connection device) that connects a home network (domestic LAN) to an external communication line such as the Internet. The wireless LAN router 5 performs wireless LAN communication with smart home appliances 3 and relay devices 4 in accordance with the wireless LAN communication protocol, and also performs communication with external communication lines in accordance with the communication protocol of the external communication line.

The wireless LAN router 5 receives operation instructions (external operation instructions) for the smart home appliance 3, for example, via an external communication line. The wireless LAN router 5 converts the external operation instructions into wireless LAN transmission waves that comply with the wireless LAN communication protocol and transmits them to the smart home appliance 3. The smart home appliance 3 operates in accordance with the external operation instructions.

The wireless LAN router 5 receives wireless LAN transmission waves containing transmission data indicating the operating status of the electric lock 1 and information on whether the user has arrived home or left home as wireless LAN reception waves, for example, from the relay device 4. The wireless LAN router 5 extracts the reception data (transmission data of the wireless LAN transmission waves) from the wireless LAN reception waves and saves the operating status of the electric lock 1 and the information on whether the user has arrived home or left home as log information.

Wireless LAN router 5 sends log information to cloud B as needed. Cloud B is a storage device installed on an external communication line. Cloud B stores the log information received from wireless LAN router 5.

The operation of the electric lock monitoring device A according to this embodiment will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 3.

In electric lock monitoring device A, initial configuration is first performed using the first DIP switch 4a and the second DIP switch 4b (step S1). The user sets the first number of locking/unlocking operations (N1) in the first DIP switch 4a and the second number of locking/unlocking operations (N2) in the second DIP switch 4b.

When the initial settings are complete and the user operates the reset switch 4c, an operation signal is input from the reset switch 4c to the MCU 4k. The MCU 4k determines the user's operation mode based on the operation signal (step S2) and executes the processing of step S3 or step S4 depending on the operation mode.

If the reset switch 4c is operated by pressing it for a period of 5 to 20 seconds, the MCU 4k resets the first integrated value n1 stored in the memory 4j as the first log information (step S3). If the reset switch 4c is operated by pressing it for a period of 20 seconds or more, the MCU 4k resets the second integrated value n2 stored in the memory 4j as the second log information (step S4). If the reset switch 4c is not operated, the MCU 4k enters a standby state without performing any processing.

When the user replaces the lock battery with a new one, the user presses the reset switch 4c for 5 to 20 seconds to reset the first log information (first integrated value n1) in the memory 4j. When the user inspects or replaces the electric lock 1, the user presses the reset switch 4c for 20 seconds or more to reset the second log information (second integrated value n2) in the memory 4j.

After executing the processing of step S3 or step S4, or when the MCU 4k receives a locking/unlocking notification from the electric lock 1 while the reset switch 4c is in a standby state where it is not operated (step S5), it determines whether the electric lock 1 has performed a locking or unlocking operation (step S6).

If the MCU 4k determines that the electric lock 1 has performed a locking operation, it increments the control parameter, locking count na (step S7). If the MCU 4k determines that the electric lock 1 has performed an unlocking operation, it increments the control parameter, unlocking count nb (step S8). The MCU 4k calculates a first cumulative value n1 and a second cumulative value n2 by adding together the locking count na and the unlocking count nb, and stores the first cumulative value n1 as first log information in memory 4j and the second cumulative value n2 as second log information in memory 4j.

The first cumulative value n1 is the number of times the electric lock 1 has been locked and unlocked since the first log information (first cumulative value n1) in memory 4j was reset in step S3. The second cumulative value n2 is the number of times the electric lock 1 has been locked and unlocked since the second log information (second cumulative value n2) in memory 4j was reset in step S4.

The MCU 4k determines whether the first log information (first cumulative value n1) exceeds the first number of locking/unlocking operations N1 set by the first DIP switch 4a (step S9). When the first cumulative value n1 exceeds the first number of locking/unlocking operations N1, the MCU 4k outputs a warning signal to the battery LED 4e, causing the battery LED 4e to flash.

The MCU 4k determines whether the second log information (second cumulative value n2) exceeds the second number of locking/unlocking operations N2 set by the second DIP switch 4b (step S11). When the second cumulative value n2 exceeds the second number of locking/unlocking operations N2, the MCU 4k outputs a warning signal to the maintenance LED 4f, causing the maintenance LED 4f to flash.

First log information (first integrated value n1) and second log information (second integrated value n2) are stored in cloud B based on the operation of electric lock monitoring device A shown in Figure 3. The first log information (first integrated value n1) and second log information (second integrated value n2) in cloud B can be viewed by persons with viewing authority. By viewing in this manner, persons with viewing authority can easily check the state of the lock battery in electric lock 1 and the inspection or replacement status of electric lock 1.

This embodiment provides an electric lock monitoring device A that can notify the user that the electric lock 1 is approaching an inoperable state without using a dedicated application program.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.
(1) In the above embodiment, the dead battery of the battery lock in the electric lock 1 and the inspection or replacement of the electric lock 1 are separately monitored. However, it is also possible to monitor only the dead battery of the battery lock.

(2) In the above embodiment, the relay device 4 is provided with the functions of a setting unit, a monitoring unit, and a warning unit. However, the warning unit function may also be provided in the electric lock 1 in addition to the relay device 4. By providing an LED equivalent to the battery LED 4e of the relay device 4, it becomes possible to issue an alarm in the electric lock 1 as well.

(3) In this embodiment, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used as the short-range communication method, but this disclosure is not limited to Bluetooth. For example, ZigBee (registered trademark) may be used as a short-range communication method other than Bluetooth.

(4) In this embodiment, the first log information (first integrated value n1) and the second log information (second integrated value n2) are stored in cloud B in addition to relay device 4. However, the first log information (first integrated value n1) and the second log information (second integrated value n2) may be stored only in relay device 4.

A...Electric lock monitoring device, B...Cloud, 1...Electric lock, 2...Mobile terminal, 3...Smart home appliance, 4...Relay device (monitoring unit), 4a...First DIP switch (setting unit), 4b...Second DIP switch (setting unit), 4c...Reset switch, 4d...Pairing switch, 4e...Battery LED (warning unit, light source), 4f...Maintenance LED (warning unit, light source), 4g...Power LED, 4h...Power plug, 4i...Power circuit, 4j...Memory, 4k...MCU, 4m...Smart lock communication circuit, 4n...Smart lock high-frequency circuit, 4p...Smart lock antenna, 4q...Home network communication circuit, 4r...Home network high-frequency circuit, 4s...Home network antenna, 5...Wireless LAN router

Claims (7)

a setting unit for setting a threshold value for the number of times the battery-operated electric lock is operated;
a monitoring unit that sequentially accumulates the number of operations and monitors whether the accumulated value exceeds the threshold value;
a warning unit provided in the monitoring unit and configured to issue a warning based on a warning signal input from the monitoring unit,
The setting unit, the monitoring unit, and the warning unit are provided in a relay device that relays wireless communication between a home network and the electric lock. The electric lock monitoring device described in claim 1, wherein the threshold values are a first number of locking/unlocking operations corresponding to a dead battery that drives the electric lock, and a second number of locking/unlocking operations corresponding to inspection or replacement of the electric lock. The electric lock monitoring device of claim 1 or 2 further includes a reset switch for resetting the integrated value. The electric lock monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the warning unit is a light emitter . The electric lock monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The electric lock and
An electric lock monitoring system comprising: An electric lock monitoring method in which a relay device that relays wireless communication between a home network and a battery-operated electric lock sets a threshold value for the number of times the electric lock is operated, sequentially accumulates the number of times the electric lock is operated, and generates a warning signal by monitoring whether the accumulated value exceeds the threshold value, and issues a warning based on the warning signal. An electric lock monitoring program executed by a relay device that relays wireless communication between a home network and a battery-operated electric lock,
An electric lock monitoring program that sets a threshold value for the number of operations for the electric lock, sequentially accumulates the number of operations, monitors whether the accumulated value exceeds the threshold value, generates a warning signal, and controls a warning unit to issue a warning based on the warning signal.