DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD AND DISPLAY CONTROL DEVICE

The display control method includes determining whether each of a plurality of home appliances is a first type home appliance installed in a predetermined area or a second type home appliance movable in a plurality of areas based on first information, identifying the area where each of the plurality of home appliances exists based on second information, generating a first display object representing a state of each of the plurality of home appliances based on the first information and the third information, arranging and displaying the first display object of the first type home appliance in a first mode corresponding to the area where each of the first type home appliances is installed, and arranging and displaying the first display object of the second type home appliance in a second mode different from the first mode.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a technology for displaying a display object indicating a state of a home appliance in a home unit.

BACKGROUND ART

As a conventional display control method, a technique of Patent Literature 1 below has been known. Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique to obtain the position of a home appliance in a home unit, and display an icon indicating the state of the home appliance by superimposing at the position on a floor plan that corresponds to the position of the home appliance.

However, the conventional display control method has a problem in appropriate display of the state of a self-propelled home appliance such as a robot vacuum cleaner, and further improvement is needed.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2017-195550 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a technique for distinguishing between a self-propelled home appliance and a stationary home appliance and appropriately displaying the state of each home appliance.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a display control method performed by a display control device, including obtaining, from each of a plurality of home appliances existing in a home unit, first information that identifies a home appliance, second information that indicates an area where the home appliance is currently installed among a plurality of areas in the home unit, and third information regarding a state of the home appliance, determining whether each of the plurality of home appliances is a first type home appliance installed in a predetermined area among the areas or a second type home appliance movable in the plurality of areas based on the first information, identifying the area where each of the plurality of home appliances exists based on the second information, generating a first display object representing the state of each of the plurality of home appliances based on the first information and the third information, arranging and displaying the first display object of the first type home appliance in a first mode corresponding to the area where each of the first type home appliances is installed, and arranging and displaying the first display object of the second type home appliance in a second mode different from the first mode.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Knowledge Underlying the Present Disclosure

The present inventor is studying a display device that displays in a list, for example, card-like display objects respectively corresponding to a plurality of home appliances installed in a home unit, and allows a user to check the state of and operate each home appliance through the display objects. A plurality of the display devices is installed in main rooms such as a living room, a dining room, and a sanitary room in a home unit. This display device has, for example, a full screen mode for displaying a list of display objects of all home appliances installed in the home unit and an enlarged display mode for displaying a list of home appliances installed in a certain room.

In the full screen mode, the respective display objects are displayed, for example, separately in multiple groups according to rooms in which corresponding home appliances are installed. In the enlarged display mode, for example, only the display object of a home appliance belonging to the group of the room in which the display device is installed is displayed. Therefore, the user can grasp the installation location of the home appliance corresponding to each display object.

Home appliances installed in a home unit include stationary home appliances such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a television, and moreover include in these years a self-propelled home appliance that moves autonomously, such as a robot vacuum cleaner.

Since the positions of the stationary home appliances do not change, display of their display objects is easy in both the full screen mode and the enlarged display mode. However, the position of the self-propelled home appliance varies from time to time, and does not mean that it statically belongs to a certain group. Therefore, how to display the display object of the self-propelled home appliance in both the full screen mode and the enlarged display mode is a problem.

For example, in the enlarged display mode, a mode is conceivable in which the display object of the self-propelled home appliance is displayed if the self-propelled home appliance is located in the same room as the display device, or the display object of the self-propelled home appliance is hidden if the self-propelled home appliance is located in a different room from the display device. However, this makes it utterly impossible for a user who is in a different room from the self-propelled home appliance to grasp the current state of the self-propelled home appliance.

Next, the above-mentioned Patent Literature 1 will be considered. In Patent Literature 1, icons displayed on the floor plan are only the icons of stationary home appliances, and are not the icons of self-propelled home appliances. Thus, Patent Literature 1 cannot properly display the position and state of a self-propelled home appliance. Moreover, Patent Literature 1 displays icons of respective home appliances on a floor plan that two-dimensionally illustrates the state of a room when viewed from above. Thus, in Patent Literature 1, when displaying the icon of the self-propelled home appliance, it is required to move and display the icon in real time according to the position of the self-propelled home appliance. However, this increases the processing cost. Moreover, when the icon of the self-propelled home appliance is moved and displayed on the floor plan in real time, the amount of information on the display screen increases and bothers the user. As a result, it hinders the user to concentrate on performing some work. Thus, the floor plan as illustrated in Patent Literature 1 has a configuration that is not suitable to display of the current state of the self-propelled home appliance.

In order to solve such a problem, the present inventor has acquired knowledge that by differentiating the display mode between the display object of a stationary home appliance and the display object of a self-propelled home appliance, the state of each home appliance can be appropriately displayed in a manner that the stationary home appliance and the self-propelled home appliance are distinguished.

For example, when the self-propelled home appliance is operating in the same room as the display device, a message stating that the self-propelled home appliance is moving in this room is displayed on the display object of the self-propelled home appliance, and when the self-propelled home appliance is operating in a different room from the display device, a message stating that the self-propelled home appliance is moving in another room is displayed on the display object of the self-propelled home appliance. Thus, the state of each home appliance is appropriately displayed in a manner that the stationary home appliance and the self-propelled home appliance are distinguished.

Next, each aspect of the present disclosure will be described.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a display control method performed by a display control device, including obtaining, from each of a plurality of home appliances existing in a home unit, first information that identifies a home appliance, second information that indicates an area where the home appliance is currently installed among a plurality of areas in the home unit, and third information regarding a state of the home appliance, determining whether each of the plurality of home appliances is a first type home appliance installed in a predetermined area among the areas or a second type home appliance movable in the plurality of areas based on the first information, identifying the area where each of the plurality of home appliances exists based on the second information, generating a first display object representing the state of each of the plurality of home appliances based on the first information and the third information, arranging and displaying the first display object of the first type home appliance in a first mode corresponding to the area where each of the first type home appliances is installed, and arranging and displaying the first display object of the second type home appliance in a second mode different from the first mode.

With this configuration, it is determined whether each of the home appliances is a first type home appliance installed in a predetermined area or a second type home appliance movable in the plurality of areas based on the first information that identifies the home appliance. Moreover, an installation area of each of the home appliances is identified based on the second information that indicates an area where each of the home appliances is installed. Furthermore, a first display object representing the state of each of the plurality of home appliances is generated based on the first information and the third information.

Thus, with this configuration, the first display object of each of the home appliances is displayed in association with the area where each of the home appliances is installed. Moreover, with this configuration, the first display object of the first type home appliance is arranged and displayed in the first mode corresponding to the installation area, and the first display object of the second type home appliance is displayed in the second mode different from the first mode. Thus, in the present embodiment, the state of each of the home appliances can be appropriately displayed while distinguishing between the stationary home appliance and the self-propelled home appliance.

The above aspect may be such that the displaying of the first display object includes an all home appliance display mode and an enlarged display mode, the all home appliance display mode causes that the first display objects of all the first type home appliances are arranged and displayed in a first mode, the first display object of the second type home appliance is arranged and displayed in the second mode, and the enlarged display mode causes that the first display object of the first type home appliance installed in a specific area among the plurality of areas is arranged and displayed in a first mode, and the first display object of the second type home appliance is arranged and displayed in the second mode.

With this configuration, in the all home appliance display mode, the first display objects of all the first type home appliances are displayed in the first mode, and the first display object of the second type home appliance is displayed in the second mode. Moreover, in the enlarged display mode, the first display object of the first type home appliance installed in a specific area among the plurality of areas is displayed in the first mode, and the first display object of the second type home appliance is displayed in the second mode. Therefore, in each of the all home appliance display mode and the enlargement mode, the state of the second type home appliance can be appropriately displayed to the user regardless of the current position of the second type home appliance.

The above aspect may be such that the all home appliance display mode causes that a first display device installed in a first area where the second type home appliance is moving displays that the second type home appliance is moving in the first area, and a second display device installed in a second area where the second type home appliance is not moving displays that the second type home appliance is moving in an area other than the second area.

With this configuration, in the all home appliance display mode, a user in the first area in which the second type home appliance is moving can confirm that the second type home appliance is located in the first area. Moreover, in the all home appliance display mode, a user in the second area where the second type home appliance is not moving can confirm that the second type home appliance is located in an area other than the second area.

The above aspect may be such that the enlarged display mode causes that a first display device installed in a first area where the second type home appliance is moving displays a first notification statement stating that the second type home appliance is moving in the first area, and a second display device installed in a second area where the second type home appliance is not moving displays a second notification statement different from the first notification statement for the second type home appliance.

With this configuration, in the enlarged display mode, a user in the first area in which the second type home appliance is moving can confirm through the first notification statement that the second type home appliance is located in the first area. Moreover, in the enlarged display mode, a user in the second area where the second type home appliance is not moving can confirm through the second notification statement different from the first notification statement that the second type home appliance is located in an area other than the second area.

In the above aspect, the second notification statement may indicate that the second type home appliance is moving in an area other than the second area.

With this configuration, in the enlarged display mode, the second display device in the second area where the second type home appliance is not moving displays a second notification statement indicating that the second type home appliance is moving in an area other than the second area. Therefore, the user in the second area can easily confirm that the second type home appliance is located outside the second area.

The above aspect may be such that the second type home appliance moves according to a travel plan that defines an order of moving through the plurality of areas, the second notification statement is displayed on one or more third display devices installed in one or more third areas to which the second type home appliance moves after the first area in the travel plan, and the second notification statement is not displayed on a fourth display device installed in a fourth area to which the second type home appliance does not move after the first area in the travel plan.

With this configuration, when the second type home appliance moves according to the travel plan, a user in a third area to which the second type home appliance moves after the first area where the second type home appliance is moving can confirm through the second notification statement that the second type home appliance is scheduled to move to the third area subsequently. On the other hand, since the second notification statement is not displayed on the fourth display device in the fourth area to which the second type home appliance does not move after the first area, the amount of information displayed on the fourth display device is reduced. Consequently, this configuration can reduce a processing cost of the fourth display device and prevent a user in the fourth area from being notified of unnecessary information.

The above aspect may be such that the second type home appliance moves according to a travel plan that defines an order of moving through the plurality of areas, and when the second type home appliance moves to the second area immediately after the first area in the travel plan, a third notification statement stating that the second type home appliance moves to the second area immediately after the first area is displayed on the second display device.

With this configuration, when the second type home appliance moves according to the travel plan, a user in the second area to which the second type home appliance is to move immediately after the first area can confirm through the third notification statement that this second area is the next destination of the second type home appliance.

The above aspect may be such that the second display device displays a second display object having a function of transmitting to the second type home appliance a command of refusing movement of the second type home appliance to the one or more third areas.

With this configuration, the second display device of where the second type home appliance is not moving displays a second display object for transmitting to the second type home appliance a command of refusing movement of the second type home appliance to the third area to which the second type home appliance is to move after the first area. Therefore, a user can prevent the second type home appliance from moving to the third area at his or her convenience.

The above aspect may be such that the second type home appliance changes the travel plan so as to exclude a third area where movement of the second type home appliance is refused out of the one or more third areas.

With this configuration, since the third area to which movement of the second type home appliance is refused is excluded from the travel plan, a user can change the travel plan just by selecting the second display object.

The present disclosure can also be implemented as a display control program that causes a computer to execute each of characteristic configurations included in such a display control method, or as a display control device that operates by the display control program. Furthermore, it is needless to mention that such a computer program can be distributed via a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a communication network such as the Internet.

Note that each of the embodiments described below illustrates a specific example of the present disclosure. Numerical values, shapes, components, steps, order of steps, and the like illustrated in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not meant to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all the embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

Hereinafter, each of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components.

EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a home appliance display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The home appliance display system includes a server100(display control device), a display device200, a self-propelled home appliance300(second type home appliance), and a stationary home appliance350(first type home appliance). Hereinafter, when the self-propelled home appliance300and the stationary home appliance350are collectively referred to, reference numeral390is given to the home appliances. In the following description, it is assumed that there is a plurality of home appliances390. The home appliance display system is installed in a certain home unit. The home unit is, for example, a single house or an apartment of a collective housing, or the like.

The server100controls the display device200based on information received from each home appliance390installed in the home unit. For example, one server100is installed in the home unit.

The display device200displays a display object indicating a state of the home appliance390installed in the home unit. The display device200is installed in each of all or part of a plurality of areas in the home unit. The area is, for example, a room in a home unit such as a living room, a dining room, and a sanitary room. However, this is an example, and the area may be an area in the home unit other than the room, such as a staircase, an entrance, or a corridor.

The self-propelled home appliance300is, for example, a robot vacuum cleaner. The self-propelled home appliance300autonomously moves in an area of the home unit and periodically transmits the current location area and operating state information to the server100. One or more self-propelled home appliances300are installed in the home unit.

The stationary home appliance350is a home appliance390for which an installation area is fixed, such as a refrigerator and a TV.

The server100, the display device200, and the self-propelled home appliance300are communicably connected to each other via a network10installed in the home unit. The network10is, for example, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a LAN in which a wired LAN and a wireless LAN are mixed.

Next, components of the server100will be described. The server100includes a processor105, a memory130, and a communication device140.

The processor105is, for example, an electric circuit such as a CPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA. The processor105includes a processing unit110and a communication control unit120. The processing unit110includes a home appliance type determination unit111, an object generation unit112, and a travel plan processing unit113.

The home appliance type determination unit111refers to a home appliance information table T1and determines whether the type of the home appliance390is the self-propelled home appliance300or the stationary home appliance350.

The object generation unit112generates a display object indicating the state of each home appliance390based on a determination result of the home appliance type determination unit111, the home appliance information table T1, a control command table T2, and an operating state table T3. The object generation unit112generates definition information that defines how to arrange generated display objects according to a display mode of the display device200. The display mode includes, for example, two modes of an all home appliance display mode and an enlarged display mode.

The display object is defined in a markup language, such as extensible markup language (XML) for example, to reduce the amount of data. Therefore, the definition information is also defined in a markup language such as XML.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of a display object404a. The display object404aexists for each of the plurality of home appliances390.

The display object404aincludes a name field501, an icon502, an operating state field503, and an operation field504. The name field501displays the name of the home appliance390corresponding to the display object404a. Here, since the home appliance390corresponding to the display object404ais a robot vacuum cleaner, “vacuum cleaner” is displayed in the name field501. The icon502is an icon of the home appliance390corresponding to the display object404a. Here, the icon502is configured by an inverted triangle image imitating the appearance of the robot vacuum cleaner. The operating state field503displays the operating state of the home appliance390corresponding to the display object404a. Here, since the operating state of the home appliance390corresponding to the display object404ais stopped, “stopped” is displayed in the operating state field503. The operating state includes, for example, “in operation” in addition to “stopped”.

The operation field504displays a button for transmitting a control command to the home appliance390. Here, a button described as “start operation” for starting operation of the corresponding home appliance390and a button described as “return to charging stand” for returning the corresponding home appliance390to a charging stand are displayed. Each of the buttons holds the URL of the corresponding home appliance390as internal data. Thus, when these buttons are operated by the user, the display device200can transmit a control command to the corresponding home appliance390.

Let us refer back toFIG. 1. The travel plan processing unit113calculates a travel scheduled area of the self-propelled home appliance300based on travel plan information received by a travel plan reception unit123and operating state information of the self-propelled home appliance300received by an operating state reception unit122. The travel scheduled area is, for example, an area where the self-propelled home appliance300moves after the area where the self-propelled home appliance300is currently moving in a travel plan of the self-propelled home appliance300.

The communication control unit120obtains various information from the display device200, the self-propelled home appliance300, and the stationary home appliance350via the network10by controlling the communication device140. The communication control unit120operates as, for example, a Web server, and publishes a Web API for information transmission to devices in the home unit (including home appliances390). The device transmits various kinds of information to the communication control unit120by calling a published Web API. The communication control unit120includes a home appliance information reception unit121, an operating state reception unit122, a travel plan reception unit123, a mode reception unit124, and an object transmission unit125.

The home appliance information reception unit121receives home appliance information transmitted from the self-propelled home appliance300and the stationary home appliance350via a Web API for receiving home appliance information. The home appliance information reception unit121registers the received home appliance information in the home appliance information table T1.

Moreover, the home appliance information reception unit121receives command list information transmitted from the self-propelled home appliance300and the stationary home appliance350via a Web API for receiving command list information. The home appliance information reception unit121registers the received command list information in the control command table T2.

The operating state reception unit122receives operating state information transmitted from the self-propelled home appliance300and the stationary home appliance350via a Web API for receiving operating state information. The operating state reception unit122registers the received operating state information in the operating state table T3.

The travel plan reception unit123receives travel plan information transmitted from the self-propelled home appliance300via a Web API for receiving a travel plan. The travel plan information is information indicating a travel plan of the self-propelled home appliance300. The travel plan includes, for example, an order of moving through areas for moving the self-propelled home appliance300. The areas to be moved through may be all areas in the home unit or a part of the areas. The travel plan reception unit123registers the received travel plan information in a travel plan table T6.

The mode reception unit124receives mode setting information transmitted from the display device200via a Web API for receiving mode setting information indicating the display mode set by the user. The mode reception unit124registers received mode setting information in a display device information table T5.

The object transmission unit125transmits definition information generated by the object generation unit112to the display device200.

The memory130is, for example, a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory and a hard disk. The memory130stores a home appliance information table T1, a control command table T2, an operating state table T3, a home appliance table T4, a display device information table T5, and a travel plan table T6. Details of these tables will be described later.

The communication device140is a communication interface such as a wireless LAN and a wired LAN. The communication device140transmits various information input from the communication control unit120to the display device200and the home appliance390via the network10, and inputs various information transmitted from the display device200and the home appliance390to the communication control unit120.

The above is the configuration of the server100.

Next, components of the display device200will be described. The display device200includes a processor210, an operating unit220, and a communication device230.

The operating unit220includes, for example, a display device such as a touch panel and a liquid crystal display. The operating unit220displays a display screen including a UI (User Interface) and receives an operation input from the user. The operation input by the user is, for example, an operation for the home appliance390, an operation of setting the display mode, or the like.

The processor210includes a display mode transmission unit211, a control command transmission unit212, and an object reception unit213.

The display mode transmission unit211transmits mode setting information of the display object to the mode reception unit124of the server100. The display mode transmission unit211transmits the mode setting information to the mode reception unit124of the server100at the timing when the operating unit220receives an operation for setting the display mode. The mode setting information includes information indicating a display mode specified by the user.

When the operating unit220receives an operation of selecting an operating button included in a display object of a certain home appliance390, the control command transmission unit212transmits a control command corresponding to the selected operating button to the home appliance390.

The object reception unit213receives definition information transmitted from the object transmission unit125of the server100. The object reception unit213operates as a Web server. The object reception unit213receives the definition information by publishing a Web API for receiving definition information.

The communication device230is a communication interface such as a wireless LAN and a wired LAN. The communication device230transmits mode setting information input from the display mode transmission unit211to the server100. The communication device230transmits a control command input from control command transmission unit212to the home appliance390. The communication device230receives definition information transmitted from the server100and inputs the definition information to the object reception unit213.

The above is the configuration of the display device200.

Subsequently, a configuration of the self-propelled home appliance300will be described. The self-propelled home appliance300includes a processor305, a memory330, and a communication device340. The processor305is an electric circuit such as a CPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA. The processor305includes a communication control unit310and a processing unit320.

The communication control unit310includes a home appliance information transmission unit311, an operating state transmission unit312, a travel plan transmission unit313, and a control command reception unit314.

The home appliance information transmission unit311transmits home appliance information defined in the home appliance information table T1to the home appliance information reception unit121of the server100via the network10.

The home appliance information is, for example, transmitted from the self-propelled home appliance300to the server100when the self-propelled home appliance300is initially registered. The initial registration corresponds to, for example, a time when the self-propelled home appliance300is used for the first time.

The operating state transmission unit312transmits operating state information defined in the operating state table T3to the operating state reception unit122of the server100via the network10. The operating state information includes the current operating state of the self-propelled home appliance300and area information indicating the area where the self-propelled home appliance300is currently moving, which is input from the position estimation unit321, and the like. The operating state transmission unit312may transmit the operating state information periodically, or may transmit the operating state information when the operating state of the self-propelled home appliance300is changed.

The travel plan transmission unit313transmits the travel plan information generated by a travel plan management unit322to the travel plan reception unit123of the server100via the network10. When the travel plan management unit322updates the travel plan information, the travel plan transmission unit313transmits the updated travel plan information.

The control command reception unit314receives a control command transmitted from the control command transmission unit212of the display device200via the network10and executes the control command. The control command includes various information defined in the control command table T2. Note that the control command may be transmitted from the display device200to the self-propelled home appliance300via the server100.

The processing unit320includes a position estimation unit321and a travel plan management unit322. The position estimation unit321estimates the shape of the room and the self-position, or estimates the area where the self-propelled home appliance300is currently located, using a technique such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM).

When the self-propelled home appliance300moves in the home unit, the position estimation unit321generates a home unit map indicating the arrangement of rooms in the home unit, the shapes of the rooms, and the arrangement of obstacles installed in the rooms from sensing data indicating the shapes of all the rooms, and the like. The sensing data is data obtained using, for example, a camera or a distance measurement sensor, which is not illustrated, and the like mounted on the self-propelled home appliance300. The generated home unit map is displayed on, for example, a mobile terminal or display device200owned by the user in the home. The user refers to the displayed home unit map and inputs an area name for each area included in the home unit map. Thus, area correspondence information indicating correspondence between respective areas of the home unit map and area names is generated. The area correspondence information is transmitted from the mobile terminal or the display device200to the self-propelled home appliance300and stored in the memory330. Thus, when the position estimation unit321estimates the self-position of the self-propelled home appliance300in the home unit map, it becomes possible to identify the area name of the area to which the self-position belongs from the area correspondence information.

Here, the area correspondence information is generated by input by the user, but this is an example. For example, the position estimation unit321may generate the area correspondence information by associating an area name indicated in the installation area of each display device200registered in the display device information table T5with an area to which each display device200belongs in the home unit map. Specifically, referring toFIG. 14, the position estimation unit321recognizes which display device200is installed in each area illustrated in the home unit map from a position1404of each display device200registered in the display device information table T5. Then, the position estimation unit321is just required to associate the area name registered in the installation area1402of the display device information table T5corresponding to the identified display device200with each area illustrated in the home unit map, to thereby generate area correspondence information.

The travel plan management unit322manages travel plan information of the self-propelled home appliance300. The travel plan management unit322generates travel plan information based on the order of moving through areas of the self-propelled home appliance300input by the user using the display device200or a portable terminal or the like of the user, for example. When the travel plan is changed, the travel plan management unit322updates the travel plan information according to the changed travel plan.

The memory330is, for example, a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory. The memory330stores travel plan information, an operating program of the self-propelled home appliance300, and the like.

The communication device340is a communication interface for a wireless LAN and a wired LAN, or the like. The communication device340transmits home appliance information input from the home appliance information transmission unit311to the server100, transmits operating state information input from the operating state transmission unit312to the server100, and transmits travel plan information input from the travel plan transmission unit313to the server100. The communication device340receives a control command transmitted from the display device200and inputs the control command to the control command reception unit314.

The above is the configuration of the self-propelled home appliance300.

The stationary home appliance350includes the home appliance information transmission unit311, the operating state transmission unit312, and the control command reception unit314, as well as the memory330and the communication device340, and the like from the configuration of the self-propelled home appliance300.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the home appliance information table T1. The home appliance information table T1is a database that stores home appliance information transmitted from the home appliance390at the time of initial registration, for example. In the home appliance information table T1, home appliance information of one home appliance390is registered in one record. The description of the initial registration procedure is omitted.

The home appliance information includes a home appliance ID1001, a home appliance type1002, a model number1003, a name1004, a self-propelled type1005, an icon URL1006, an IP address1007, and an installation area1008.

The home appliance ID1001indicates an ID (identifier) uniquely assigned to each home appliance390. The home appliance type1002indicates the type of the home appliance390such as a robot vacuum cleaner and a refrigerator. The model number1003indicates the model number of the home appliance390. The name1004indicates a nickname set to the home appliance by the user. The self-propelled type1005indicates whether or not the home appliance390is a self-propelled type or a stationary type. In the self-propelled type1005, true indicates that it is a self-propelled home appliance300, and false indicates that it is a stationary home appliance350.

The icon URL1006indicates the URL where the image of the icon of the home appliance390is stored. The IP address1007indicates the IP address of the home appliance390in the home network10in the home unit. The installation area1008indicates an area where the home appliance390is installed in the home unit. Note that the installation area1008of the self-propelled home appliance300indicates an area name that is input at the time of initial registration.

FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the control command table T2. The control command table T2is a database that stores command list information transmitted from the home appliance390at the time of initial registration, for example. In the control command table T2, command list information of one home appliance390is registered in one record. The command list information includes a home appliance type1101and a command list1102.

The home appliance type1101is the same as the home appliance type1002in the home appliance information table T1. The command list1102illustrates a list of control commands that each home appliance390can receive via the network10. The command list1102is defined in advance for each home appliance type. Here, control commands of start operation, end operation, return to charging stand, and skip travel plan are registered as the command list1102for the robot vacuum cleaner. Therefore, the user can issue these control commands to the robot vacuum cleaner via the network10.

FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the operating state table T3. The operating state table T3is a database that stores operating state information of each home appliance390. In the operating state table T3, a piece of operating state information is registered in one record. The operating state information includes a date and time1201, a home appliance ID1202, an operating state1203, and a current position1204.

The date and time1201indicates the date and time when the home appliance390generated operating state information. Here, an operating state indicated by the latest operating state information of each home appliance390is regarded as the current operating state of the home appliance390.

The home appliance ID1202is an ID (identifier) uniquely assigned to each home appliance. By using the home appliance ID1001as a key, various types of information registered in the home appliance information table T1are obtained.

The operating state1203indicates an operating state of the home appliance390. The operating state is, for example, in operation, stopped, charging, and the like.

The current position1204indicates an area where the home appliance390is moving. For the self-propelled home appliance300, the current position1204indicates the area where it is currently located. As for the stationary home appliance350, the current position1204is set to blank. Note that for the stationary home appliance350, an installation area may be set for the current position1204.

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the home appliance table T4. The home appliance table T4is a database that stores information indicating which home appliance390is located in each area. In the home appliance table T4, one area is associated with one record. The home appliance table T4includes an area name1301and a home appliance ID list1302.

The area name1301indicates an area name. The area name “moving” is not a real area but a virtual area. When the self-propelled home appliance300is in operation, the home appliance ID is registered in the “moving” area. The home appliance ID list1302illustrates a list of home appliance IDs of the home appliances390installed in each area. Here, the home appliance ID list1302stores the home appliance IDs of the home appliances390installed in each area in an array format.

Although the robot vacuum cleaner with a home appliance ID “1” is a self-propelled home appliance300, it is currently stopped, and thus the home appliance ID is registered in “dining room” which is the default installation area. When the robot vacuum cleaner becomes operating, the home appliance ID “1” is moved from the home appliance ID list1302of the dining room to the moving home appliance ID list1302. Since the refrigerator with a home appliance ID “2” is a stationary home appliance350installed in the dining room, the home appliance ID “2” is registered in the home appliance ID list1302of the area name “dining room”. As for the stationary home appliance350, the home appliance ID registered in the home appliance ID list1302does not change as long as moving or the like thereof does not occur. Registration and movement of the home appliance ID in the home appliance table T4are performed by the operating state reception unit122.

FIG. 14is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the display device information table T5. The display device information table T5is a database that stores display device information regarding each of the display devices200installed in the home unit. In the display device information table T5, one piece of display device information is registered in one record. The display device information includes a display device ID1401, an installation area1402, a display mode1403, and a position1404.

The display device ID1401is an identifier that uniquely identifies the display device200. The installation area1402indicates the area where the display device200is installed. The display mode1403indicates a display mode of the display device200that is currently set. When the display mode is the all home appliance display mode, the display mode1403is set to “all home appliance display”, and when the display mode is the enlarged display mode, “enlarged display” is set thereto. The position1404indicates the installation position of the display device200on the home unit map.

FIG. 15is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the travel plan table T6. The travel plan table T6is a database that stores travel plan information of the self-propelled home appliance300. In the travel plan table T6, travel plan information of one self-propelled home appliance300is registered in one record. The travel plan information includes a home appliance ID1501and a travel area list1502.

The home appliance ID1501is an identifier that uniquely identifies the self-propelled home appliance300. The travel area list1502illustrates a list of areas included in the travel plan of the self-propelled home appliance300. In the travel area list1502, area names are registered in an array format according to an order of traveling included in the travel plan. Here, a travel plan in which the robot vacuum cleaner404travels in the order of “dining room” and “bedroom” is illustrated.

Note that when the travel plan is changed, the travel area list1502of the corresponding self-propelled home appliance300is updated using the home appliance ID1501as a key.

Processes performed by the display control method configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating a layout of rooms constituting a home unit400. The home unit400includes an area of a dining room401, a living room402, and a bedroom403.

In the dining room401, a display device200a, a robot vacuum cleaner404as a self-propelled home appliance, and a refrigerator405as a stationary home appliance are installed. In the living room402, a display device200band a TV406as a stationary home appliance are installed. The display device200cis installed in the bedroom403.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of an all home appliance display mode M1and a display screen of an enlarged display mode M2displayed by the display device200.

In the all home appliance display mode M1, display objects OB1of all home appliances390in the home unit are grouped and displayed for each installation area. Here, the display objects OB1are grouped and displayed for each installation area such as a dining room and a living room. The grouped display objects OB1are displayed in association with messages indicating the installation area, such as “home appliances in dining room” and “home appliance in living room”. Thus, the user can easily confirm which home appliance390is installed in which area. In particular, in the present embodiment, a moving group to which the self-propelled home appliance300in operation belongs is included as a group. This will be described later.

Note that in the all home appliance display mode M1, the display order of the grouped display objects OB1may be, for example, the order of registration in the home appliance information table T1or the order of operation frequency, and is not particularly limited.

The object generation unit112is only required to group all the home appliances390registered in the home appliance information table T1for every area, determine the arrangement order of the home appliances390in each group, and arrange the display object OB1of each home appliance390in the arrangement order, to thereby generate definition information of the all home appliance display mode M1. Note that the display order of the groups in the all home appliance display mode M1may be in descending order of the number of home appliances390, may be in descending order of the area size, may be in descending order of the number of home appliances390whose operation frequency is high, and may be in order such that an area where the display device200is installed is given the highest priority, and any order can be employed. Further, the object generation unit112determines the state of the home appliance390to be displayed on each display object OB1, for example, with reference to the operating state table T3. Moreover, the object generation unit112determines an operating button to be displayed on each display object OB1, for example, based on the command list1102registered in the control command table T2.

In the enlarged display mode M2, a display object OB2of the home appliance390installed in a specific area is displayed. In the enlarged display mode M2, only a display object OB2of the home appliance390installed in a specific area is displayed. Thus, the display object OB2in the enlarged display mode M2can be displayed larger than the display object OB1in the all home appliance display mode M1. Here, the enlarged display mode M2of the dining room is illustrated. Here, since the vacuum cleaner and the refrigerator are installed in the dining room, the display objects OB2of the vacuum cleaner and the refrigerator are displayed. Furthermore, a message indicating the specific area, such as “home appliances in dining room”, is displayed above the display objects OB2. Thus, the user can easily confirm which area is displayed in the enlarged display mode M2. Here, the specific area is, for example, an area where the display device200is installed. However, this is an example, and the specific area may be an area arbitrarily selected by the user among all areas in the home unit.

The object generation unit112is only required to extract home appliances390belonging to a specific area from the home appliance information table T1, determine the arrangement order of the extracted home appliances390, and arrange the display objects OB2in the determined arrangement order, thereby generating definition information of the enlarged display mode M2. Moreover, the object generation unit112may determine the state of the home appliance390and an operating button to be displayed on the display object OB2in the same manner as in the all home appliance display mode M1. Display contents of the display object OB2may be the same as those of the display object OB1, or may be more than those of the display object OB1.

The user can switch the display mode by inputting an operation of setting the display mode to the display device200. When an operation of setting the display mode is input in a certain display device200, the server100switches the display screen of the display object of the corresponding display device200to the set display mode.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an example of display screens in the all home appliance display mode M1. In the example ofFIG. 5, display screens G200a, G200bdisplayed by the display devices200a,200bwhen the robot vacuum cleaner404is in operation are illustrated. When the robot vacuum cleaner404that has stopped in the dining room401starts operating, operating state information is transmitted from the robot vacuum cleaner404to the server100, and the object generation unit112of the server100updates a display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner404.

The robot vacuum cleaner404is the self-propelled home appliance300and is currently in operation. Accordingly, the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner404is moved to the moving group. Here, the current position of the robot vacuum cleaner404is the dining room401. Accordingly, the display device200ainstalled in the dining room401displays the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner404in a different group from the other display objects OB1, and displays a message stating “moving in this room” near the display object404a. Thus, the user in the dining room401can confirm that the robot vacuum cleaner404is currently in operation in the dining room401.

On the other hand, the display device200binstalled in the living room402displays a message stating “moving in another room” near the display object404abecause the current position of the robot vacuum cleaner404is not the living room402. Thus, the user in the living room402can confirm that the robot vacuum cleaner404is currently in operation in another room.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an example of display screens in the enlarged display mode M2. In the example ofFIG. 6, the display screens G200a, G200bdisplayed by the display devices200a,200bwhen the robot vacuum cleaner404is in operation are illustrated. When the robot vacuum cleaner404that has been stopped in the dining room401starts operating, operating state information is transmitted from the robot vacuum cleaner404to the server100, and the object generation unit112of the server100updates the display object of the robot vacuum cleaner404.

The robot vacuum cleaner404is the self-propelled home appliance300and is currently in operation. Accordingly, the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner404is moved to the moving group. Here, the current position of the robot vacuum cleaner404is the dining room401. Accordingly, the display device200ainstalled in the dining room401displays a message stating “moving in this room” near the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner404. Thus, the user in the dining room401can confirm that the robot vacuum cleaner404is currently in operation in the dining room401. Moreover, the refrigerator405is installed in the dining room401. Accordingly, the display device200adisplays a display object405aof the refrigerator405installed in the dining room401.

On the other hand, the display device200binstalled in the living room402displays a message stating “moving in another room” near the display object404abecause the current position of the robot vacuum cleaner404is not the living room402. Thus, the user in the living room402can confirm that the robot vacuum cleaner404is currently in operation in another room. Moreover, the TV406is installed in the living room402. Accordingly, the display device200bdisplays a display object406aof the TV406.

Through the above processing, the user can confirm that the self-propelled home appliance300is currently in operation and which area it is moving.

Note that in the examples ofFIGS. 5 and 6, the display device200bdisplays the message stating “moving in another room” near the display object404a, but this is an example, and a message stating “moving in dining room” may be displayed near the display object404a. Thus, the user can directly confirm the area where the robot vacuum cleaner404is moving.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating a first example of display screens in the enlarged display mode M2when a travel plan of the self-propelled home appliance300is considered. Note that inFIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to portions overlapping withFIG. 6, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The same applies toFIGS. 8 and 9described later.

Here, a travel plan to travel in the living room402and the bedroom403in this order is set to the robot vacuum cleaner404. Here, the robot vacuum cleaner404is currently moving in the living room402. Accordingly, the display device200bin the living room displays the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner404in the moving group on the display screen G200b, and displays a message stating “moving in this room” near the display object404a.

In the display device200cof the bedroom403, the bedroom403belongs to a travel scheduled area. Accordingly, the display device200cdisplays the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner404in the moving group on the display screen G200c, and displays a message stating “moving in another room” near the display object404a.

On the other hand, the dining room401is not included in the travel plan of the robot vacuum cleaner404. Accordingly, the display device200ain the dining room does not display the display object404abelonging to the moving group on the display screen G200a.

By the above processing, display of unnecessary information for a user in an area where the self-propelled home appliance300does not move is avoided.

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating a second example of the display screens in the enlarged display mode M2when the travel plan of the self-propelled home appliance300is considered. In the first example, on the display screen G200cof the display device200cin the bedroom403, the message stating “moving in another room” is displayed near the display object404a. On the other hand, in the second example, a message stating “to move next in this room” is displayed on the display screen G200c. Accordingly, the user in the bedroom403can confirm that the robot vacuum cleaner404is currently in operation in another room and that the robot vacuum cleaner404is to move to the bedroom403next.

Note that inFIG. 8, if an area after the bedroom403is included in the travel plan, the display device200in this area is only required to display a message “moving in another room” near the robot vacuum cleaner404.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating a third example of the display screens in the enlarged display mode M2when the travel plan of the self-propelled home appliance300is considered. In the third example, a user interface (UI)404bfor refusal is displayed on the display object404acorresponding to the bedroom403. The configuration of the third example other than this is the same as the first example. The UI404bfor refusal is an operating button for refusing entry of the robot vacuum cleaner404to the room.

When the user inputs an operation to select the UI404bfor refusal, the control command transmission unit212of the display device200ctransmits a control command to skip the bedroom403in the travel plan to the robot vacuum cleaner404. The robot vacuum cleaner404having received this control command skips the bedroom while traveling. Here, since the travel plan includes the living room402and the bedroom403, when the cleaning of the living room402is completed, the robot vacuum cleaner404returns to, for example, the charging stand. Note that if the travel plan includes an area next to the bedroom403, the robot vacuum cleaner404skips the bedroom403and moves to the next area when the cleaning of the living room402is completed.

Note that if the travel plan includes one or more areas to which the robot vacuum cleaner404is to move after the bedroom403, the display device200installed in the one or more areas may display the UI404bfor refusal. Alternatively, only the display device200cinstalled in the bedroom403to which it is to move immediately after the living room402may display the UI404bfor refusal. Moreover, if one or more areas to which the robot vacuum cleaner404is to move after the bedroom403are included in the travel plan, the display device200in the subsequent areas is only necessary to display a message stating that the robot is moving in another area.

By the above processing, entry of the robot vacuum cleaner404can be refused when the user is staying in an area included in the travel plan of the robot vacuum cleaner404. Note that when an operation of selecting the UI404bfor refusal is input and a travel plan skip control command is transmitted, the robot vacuum cleaner404skips traveling in the corresponding area only this time. Therefore, the travel plan of the robot vacuum cleaner404registered in the travel plan table T6illustrated inFIG. 15is not changed. Consequently, when the robot vacuum cleaner404travels according to the travel plan next time, the robot vacuum cleaner404does not skip the bedroom403unless an operation of selecting the UI404bfor refusal corresponding to the bedroom403is input.

Next, processes of the home appliance display system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using flowcharts.FIG. 16is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of the server100when operating state information is received.

In step S101, when the operating state reception unit122has received operating state information from a home appliance390(YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, when the operating state reception unit122has not received the operating state information (NO in step S101), the process returns to step S101and waits for receiving the operating state information.

In step S102, the object generation unit112obtains the latest operating state information for all the home appliances390registered in the home appliance information table T1. In this case, the object generation unit112may obtain the latest operating state information of all the home appliances390by referring to the operating state table T3. Alternatively, the object generation unit112may obtain the latest operating state information of each home appliance390by transmitting a request to transmit the operating state information to a home appliance390other than the home appliance390whose operating state information is received in step S101.

In step S103, the object generation unit112refers to the display device information table T5, and obtains display device information of all the display devices200installed in the home unit.

In step S104, all the home appliances390are sequentially set as target home appliances to be processed, and a processing loop A1for applying the following processing to each target home appliance is started.

In step S105, the home appliance type determination unit111determines whether or not the target home appliance is a self-propelled home appliance300and is in operation. Here, the home appliance type determination unit111determines whether or not the target home appliance is a self-propelled home appliance300with reference to the home appliance information table T1. Moreover, the home appliance type determination unit111determines whether or not the target home appliance is in operation based on the operating state information obtained in step S102.

If the target home appliance is self-propelled and in operation (YES in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106. If the target home appliance is a stationary home appliance350or is stopped (NO in step S105), the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S106, the home appliance type determination unit111adds the target home appliance to the moving group by registering the target home appliance in a record of moving of the home appliance table T4. For example, if the target home appliance is a robot vacuum cleaner and is in operation, the home appliance ID “1” of the robot vacuum cleaner is registered in the record of moving of the home appliance table T4. Hereinafter, in the home appliance table T4, a group including the home appliances390registered in the record of moving is referred to as a moving group.

In step S107, the home appliance type determination unit111registers the target home appliance in the record of the area where the target home appliance is installed in the home appliance table T4, to thereby add the target home appliance to the group of the area where the target home appliance is installed. For example, if the target home appliance is a refrigerator, since the installation area1008of the refrigerator in the home appliance information table T1is “dining room”, the home appliance ID “2” of the refrigerator is added to the record of dining room of the home appliance table T4. Hereinafter, in the home appliance table T4, each group including home appliances390registered in each record other than the moving will be referred to as an installation area group.

In step S108, the home appliance type determination unit111ends the processing loop A1if application of the processing loop A1to all the home appliances has been completed. On the other hand, if application of the processing loop A1to all the home appliances has not been completed, the home appliance type determination unit111sets an unprocessed home appliance390as the target home appliance, and returns the process to step S105. Thus, the processing of the processing loop A1is applied to the next target home appliance.

In step S109, all the display devices200are sequentially set as target display devices to be processed, and a processing loop A2for applying the following processing to each target display device is started.

In step S110, the object generation unit112determines whether or not the display mode of the target display device is the all home appliance display mode based on the display device information obtained in step S103. When the display mode of the target display device is the all home appliance display mode (YES in step S110), the process proceeds to step S111. When the display mode of the target display device is not the all home appliance display mode (NO in step S110), the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S111, the object generation unit112executes an all home appliance display mode process for displaying the display screen of the target display device in the all home appliance display mode. Details of the all home appliance display mode process will be described with reference toFIG. 17.

In step S112, the object generation unit112executes an enlarged display mode process for displaying the display screen of the target display device in the enlarged display mode. Details of the enlarged display mode process will be described with reference toFIG. 18.

In step S113, if application of the processing loop A2to all the display devices200has been completed, the object generation unit112ends the processing loop A2. On the other hand, if application of the processing loop A2to all the display devices200has not been completed, an unprocessed display device200is set as the target display device, and the process returns to step S110.

FIG. 17is a flowchart illustrating an example of the all home appliance display mode process. In step S201, the object generation unit112sequentially sets all installation area groups as a target installation area group, and starts a processing loop B1for applying the following processing to each target installation area group.

In step S202, the object generation unit112generates a display object of a home appliance390belonging to the target installation area group with reference to the home appliance table T4. In the example ofFIG. 13, if the target installation area group is “living room”, a television with a home appliance ID “3” is registered in the “living room”, and thus the display object of the television is generated. In this case, the object generation unit112is only required to generate the display object of the television with reference to the operating state information of the television obtained in step S102, and the name1004and the icon URL1006of the television and the like registered in the home appliance information table T1. This is similarly applied to the display objects of other home appliances390.

In step S203, if application of the processing loop B1to all the installation area groups has been completed, the object generation unit112advances the process to step S204. On the other hand, if application of the processing loop B1to all the installation area groups has not been completed, the object generation unit112sets an unprocessed installation area group as the target installation area group, and returns the process to step S202.

In step S204, the object generation unit112sequentially sets all self-propelled home appliances300belonging to the moving group as a target home appliance, and starts a processing loop B2for applying the following processing to each target home appliance. For example, if the robot vacuum cleaner with the home appliance ID “1” is registered in the record of moving of the home appliance table T4inFIG. 13, this robot vacuum is set as the target home appliance.

In step S205, the object generation unit112determines whether or not the target home appliance is moving in the area where the target display device is installed. If the target home appliance is moving (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S206. If the target home appliance is not moving (NO in step S205), the process proceeds to step S207.

For example, assuming that the target display device is the display device200in the dining room and the target home appliance is the robot vacuum cleaner with the home appliance ID “1”, if the current position in the latest operating state information of the robot vacuum cleaner obtained in step S102indicates the dining room, it is determined that the target home appliance is moving in the area where the target display device is installed. On the other hand, if the current position of the latest operating state information of the robot vacuum cleaner obtained in step S102does not indicate the dining room, it is determined that the target home appliance is not moving in the area where the target display device is installed.

In step S206, the object generation unit112generates a message stating that the target home appliance is moving in the area where the target display device is installed, and a display object of the target home appliance. For example, it is assumed that the area where the target display device is installed is the dining room, and the robot vacuum cleaner is moving in the dining room. In this case, as illustrated in the display screen G200aofFIG. 5, the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner and a message stating “moving in this room” are generated.

In step S207, the object generation unit112generates a message stating that the target home appliance is moving in an area other than the area where the target display device is installed, and the display object of the target home appliance. For example, if the area where the target display device is installed is the living room and the robot vacuum cleaner is moving in the dining room, as illustrated in the display screen G200bofFIG. 5, the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner and a message stating “moving in another room” are generated.

In step S208, if application of the processing loop B2to all the home appliances belonging to the moving group has been completed, the object generation unit112ends the processing loop B2. On the other hand, if application of the processing loop B2to all the home appliances belonging to the moving group has not been completed, an unprocessed self-propelled home appliance300belonging to the moving group is set as the target home appliance, and the process returns to step S205.

In step S209, the object generation unit112generates definition information of the all home appliance display mode for displaying the display objects generated by the above-described processing separately in the installation area group and the moving group, and displays a message stating that it is moving, or the like near the display object of the self-propelled home appliance300belonging to the moving group. The generated definition information of the all home appliance display mode is transmitted to the target display device. Thus, the target display device displays the display screens G200a, G200bin the all home appliance display mode as illustrated inFIG. 5.

FIG. 18is a flowchart illustrating an example of the enlarged display mode process. In step S301, the object generation unit112generates a display object of a stationary home appliance350belonging to the installation area group corresponding to the area where the target display device is installed. For example, in the example ofFIG. 13, if the target installation area group is the living room, the display object of the television with the home appliance ID “3” is generated.

In step S302, the object generation unit112sequentially sets all the self-propelled home appliances300belonging to the moving group as a target home appliance to be processed, and starts a processing loop C1for applying the following processing to each target home appliance.

In step S303, the object generation unit112determines whether or not the target home appliance is moving in the area where the target display device is installed. If the target home appliance is moving in the area where the target display device is installed (YES in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the target home appliance is not moving in the area where the target display device is installed (NO in step S303), the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S304, the object generation unit112generates a message stating that the target home appliance is moving in the area where the target display device is installed, and a display object of the target home appliance. For example, it is assumed that the area where the target display device is installed is the dining room, and the robot vacuum cleaner is moving in the dining room. In this case, as illustrated in the display screen G200aofFIG. 6, the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner and a message stating “moving in this room” are generated.

In step S305, the object generation unit112displays a message stating that the target home appliance is moving in an area other than the area where the target display device is installed, and the display object of the target home appliance. For example, it is assumed that the area where the target display device is installed is the living room, and the robot vacuum cleaner is moving in the dining room. In this case, as illustrated in the display screen G200bofFIG. 6, the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner and a message stating “moving in another room” are generated.

In step S306, if application of the processing loop C1to all the home appliances belonging to the moving group has been completed, the object generation unit112ends the processing loop C1. On the other hand, if application of the processing loop C1to all the home appliances belonging to the moving group has not been completed, an unprocessed self-propelled home appliance300belonging to the moving group is set as target home appliances, and the process returns to step S303.

In step S307, the object generation unit112generates definition information for displaying the display object, the message, and the like generated by the above-described processing in the enlarged display mode. The generated definition information of the enlarged display mode is transmitted to the target display device. Thus, the target display device displays the display screens G200a, G200bin the enlarged display mode as illustrated inFIG. 6.

FIG. 19is a flowchart illustrating another example of the enlarged display mode process. In another example of the enlarged display mode process, the travel plan information of the self-propelled home appliance300is referred to. In step S401, the object generation unit112generates a display object of the stationary home appliance350belonging to the installation area group corresponding to the area where the target display device is installed.

In step S402, the object generation unit112sequentially sets all self-propelled home appliances300belonging to the moving group as a target home appliance to be processed, and starts a processing loop D1for applying the following processing to each target home appliance.

In step S403, the object generation unit112obtains the travel plan information of the target home appliance by referring to the travel plan table T6.

In step S404, it is determined whether or not the target home appliance is moving in the area where the target display device is installed. If the target home appliance is moving in the area where the target display device is installed (YES in step S404), the process proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if the target home appliance is not moving in the area where the target display device is installed (NO in step S404), the process proceeds to step S406.

In step S405, the object generation unit112generates a message stating that the target home appliance is moving in the area where the target display device is installed, and a display object of the target home appliance.

In step S406, the object generation unit112refers to the travel plan information obtained in step S403, and determines whether or not the area where the target display device is installed is included in travel scheduled areas. If the area where the target display device is installed is included in the travel scheduled areas (YES in step S406), the process proceeds to step S408. On the other hand, when the area where the target display device is installed is not included in the travel scheduled areas (NO in step S406), the process proceeds to step S410. For example, it is assumed that the travel plan information indicates a travel plan for traveling in the bedroom after the living room. Moreover, it is assumed that the current position of the target home appliance is the living room. In this case, if the target display device is the display device200of the bedroom, it is determined that the bedroom in which the target display device is installed is a travel scheduled area. If the target display device is the display device200of other than the bedroom, it is determined that the area where this target display device is installed is not a travel scheduled area.

In step S407, the object generation unit112determines whether or not the area where the target display device is installed is the area to which the target home appliance moves next. If this area is the area to which it moves next (YES in step S407), the process proceeds to step S408. On the other hand, if this area is not the area to which it moves next (NO in step S407), the process proceeds to step S409.

In step S408, the object generation unit112generates a message stating that the area where the target display device is installed is the area to which the target home appliance moves next, a display object of the target home appliance, and a UI for refusal. For example, it is assumed that the area to which the target home appliance moves next is the bedroom. In this case, the object generation unit112generates the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner, a message of “to move next in this room”, and a UI404bfor refusal, as illustrated in a display screen G200cofFIG. 9.

In step S409, the object generation unit112generates a message stating that the target home appliance is moving in an area other than the area where the target display device is installed, and the display object of the target home appliance.

In step S410, if application of the processing loop D1to all the self-propelled home appliances300belonging to the moving group has been completed, the object generation unit112ends the processing loop D1. On the other hand, if application of the processing loop D1to all the self-propelled home appliances300belonging to the moving group has not been completed, an unprocessed self-propelled home appliance300is set as the next target home appliance, and the process returns to step S403.

In step S411, the object generation unit112generates definition information for displaying the display object, the message, the UI for refusal, and the like generated by the above-described processing in the enlarged display mode. The generated definition information of the enlarged display mode is transmitted to the target display device.

The above is the contents of processing in the present embodiment.

As described above, by the home appliance display system according to the embodiment, in each of the all home appliance display mode and the enlarged display mode, the display object of the self-propelled home appliance300is displayed in a manner different from the display object of the stationary home appliance350. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the state of each home appliance can be appropriately displayed while distinguishing the stationary home appliance and the self-propelled home appliance.

Note that the configuration ofFIG. 1is summarized as follows.

The home appliance information reception unit121and the operating state reception unit122correspond to an example of an obtainment unit that obtains, from each of a plurality of home appliances existing in a home unit, first information that identifies a home appliance, second information that indicates an area where the home appliance is currently installed among a plurality of areas in the home unit, and third information regarding a state.

The home appliance ID1001in the home appliance information table T1corresponds to an example of the first information that identifies a home appliance. In the stationary home appliance350, the installation area1008of the home appliance information table T1corresponds to an example of the second information that indicates an area where the home appliance is currently installed among a plurality of areas in the home unit. In the self-propelled home appliance300, the current position1204of the operating state table T3corresponds to an example of the second information. Operating state information registered in each record of the operating state table T3corresponds to an example of the third information regarding the state of the home appliance.

The home appliance type determination unit111corresponds to an example of a determination unit that determines whether each of the plurality of home appliances is a first type home appliance installed in a predetermined area among the areas or a second type home appliance movable in the plurality of areas based on the first information.

Moreover, the home appliance type determination unit111corresponds to an example of an identification unit that identifies the area where each of the plurality of home appliances exists based on the second information.

The object generation unit112corresponds to an example of a generation unit that generates a first display object representing the state of each of the plurality of home appliances based on the first information and the third information.

Moreover, the object generation unit112corresponds to an example of a display control unit that arranges and displays the first display object of the first type home appliance in a first mode corresponding to an installation area of each of the first type home appliances, and arranges and displays the first display object of the second type home appliance in a second mode different from the first mode.

The display object of the self-propelled home appliance300corresponds to an example of the first display object. The display object of the stationary home appliance350corresponds to an example of a second display object.

The mode in which the display objects OB1of the stationary home appliances350are displayed in groups by area in the all home appliance display mode M1illustrated inFIG. 3corresponds to an example of the first mode.

The mode in which the display objects OB1of the stationary home appliances350installed in a specific area are displayed in the enlarged display mode M2illustrated inFIG. 3corresponds to an example of the first mode.

The mode in which the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner404is grouped and displayed in a group different from the display objects OB1of the stationary home appliances350in the all home appliance display mode M1illustrated inFIG. 5corresponds to an example of the second mode.

The mode in which the display object404ais displayed with a message “moving in this room” or a message “moving in another room” added near the display object404aof the robot vacuum cleaner404in the enlarged display mode M2illustrated inFIG. 6corresponds to an example of the second mode.

In the all home appliance display mode M1illustrated inFIG. 5, the dining room401where the robot vacuum cleaner404is moving corresponds to an example of a first area. At this time, the display device200aof the dining room401corresponds to an example of a first display device.

The living room402where the robot vacuum cleaner404is not moving in the all home appliance display mode M1illustrated inFIG. 5corresponds to an example of a second area. At this time, the display device200bof the living room402corresponds to an example of a second display device.

In the enlarged display mode M2illustrated inFIG. 6, the dining room401where the robot vacuum cleaner404is moving corresponds to an example of the first area. At this time, the display device200aof the dining room401corresponds to an example of the first display device. Moreover, at this time, the message “moving in this room” displayed on the display screen G200aof the dining room401corresponds to an example of a first notification statement.

In the enlarged display mode M2illustrated inFIG. 6, the living room402where the robot vacuum cleaner404is not moving corresponds to an example of the second area. At this time, the display device200bof the living room402corresponds to an example of the second display device. Moreover, at this time, the message “moving in another room” displayed on the display screen G200bof the living room402corresponds to an example of a second notification statement.

The bedroom403to which the robot vacuum cleaner404moves next in the enlarged display mode M2illustrated inFIG. 7corresponds to an example of one or more third areas to which the second type home appliance moves after the first area. At this time, the display device200cof the bedroom403corresponds to an example of a third display device.

In the enlarged display mode M2illustrated inFIG. 7, the dining room401not included in the travel plan of the robot vacuum cleaner404corresponds to an example of a fourth area to which it does not move after the first area. At this time, the display device200aof the dining room401corresponds to an example of a fourth display device.

The “to move next in this room” displayed on the display device200cof the bedroom403to which the robot vacuum cleaner404moves next in the enlarged display mode M2illustrated inFIG. 8corresponds to an example of a third notification statement stating that it moves to the second area immediately after the first area.

In the enlarged display mode M2illustrated inFIG. 9, the UI404bfor refusal displayed by the display device200cof the bedroom403to which the robot vacuum cleaner404moves next corresponds to an example of the second display object.

Hereinafter, modification examples of the above embodiment will be described.

(1) The function that the server100includes inFIG. 1may be provided in the display device200. Note that when a plurality of display devices200exists, one of the plurality of display devices200is defined as a master display device. Then, the master display device may have the function of the server100illustrated inFIG. 1. In this case, the master display device becomes a display control device.

(2) In the present disclosure, the server100may detect the position of a self-propelled home appliance300. At this time, the self-propelled home appliance300has a beacon transmission function using a near-field communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy. Furthermore, the display device200has a beacon receiving function. While the self-propelled home appliance300is moving, the server100compares signal strength of a beacon received by the display device200in every display device200. Then, the server100may assume the area where the display device200having the largest signal strength is installed as the current position of the self-propelled home appliance300.

(3) In the above embodiment, the object generation unit112has been described to generate definition information that defines how to arrange display objects according to the display mode, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the object generation unit112may generate a display screen instead of generating the definition information and transmit the display screen to the display device200.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A display control method according to the present disclosure is useful for implementing a function of controlling display of a display object of a self-propelled home appliance in a home unit in a display control device.