APPARATUS MANAGEMENT DEVICE

An apparatus management device includes a display unit, an operation unit, a storage unit, a selection unit, and an apparatus control unit. The storage unit stores a correspondence relationship between a user request, an apparatus, and a control condition. The control condition is a condition for the apparatus to be in an operating state appropriate for the user request. The operation unit receives an input operation of the user request. The selection unit selects an apparatus that does not satisfy the control condition from apparatuses that are associated, in the correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit, with the user request accepted by the operation unit. The display unit displays the apparatus selected by the selection unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus management device configured to manage apparatuses.

BACKGROUND ART

As a conventional device for managing two or more apparatuses, a device configured to control two or more apparatuses using an apparatus information table in which the apparatuses are classified by area is disclosed in JP 2001-309455 A (hereinafter referred to as “Document 1”). For example, if a user wants to make his or her bedroom brighter, the device described in Document 1 selects, according to operations by the user, the “bedroom” from an area selection screen, and selects a “lighting apparatus” that is associated with the “bedroom” in the apparatus information table from a device selection screen. Thereafter, the device described in Document 1 controls the lighting apparatus such that the brightness level of the selected lighting apparatus increases to be higher than the current level.

Incidentally, in the conventional device described in Document 1, the user needs to select an apparatus to which a control content is to be changed from the two or more apparatuses, in order to change the ambient environment (living environment, for example) of the user to an environment desired by the user. The apparatuses include apparatuses that are not in operating states appropriate for the environment desired by the user, and apparatuses that are already in operating states appropriate for the environment desired by the user. However, the user does not know which apparatus is not in an operating state appropriate for the environment desired by the user. For this reason, the user needs to confirm whether the ambient environment of the user changes to the environment desired by the user, by changing the control contents of the apparatuses one by one, and as a result time and effort are required.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus management device that can easily change an ambient environment of a user to an environment desired by the user.

The apparatus management device according to the present invention is an apparatus management device configured to manage two or more apparatuses, and includes: a storage unit configured to store, for each of the two or more apparatuses, a correspondence relationship between a user request, an apparatus, and a control condition for the apparatus to be in an operating state appropriate for the user request; a first operation unit configured to accept an input operation of the user request; a selection unit configured to select an apparatus that does not satisfy the control condition from apparatuses that are associated, in the correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit, with the user request accepted by the first operation unit, among the two or more apparatuses; and a reporting unit configured to report the apparatus that is selected by the selection unit.

It is preferable that the apparatus management device further includes: a second operation unit configured to accept an input operation of a control content with respect to the apparatus reported by the reporting unit; and an apparatus control unit configured to control the apparatus reported by the reporting unit, in accordance with the control content accepted by the second operation unit.

It is preferable that, in the apparatus management device, the second operation unit is configured to accept the input operation of the control content in a range in which the control condition of the apparatus is satisfied.

It is preferable that the apparatus management device further includes a time acquiring unit configured to acquire a current time, the storage unit is configured to store the correspondence relationship for each of predetermined time slots, and the selection unit is configured to select the apparatus that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses that are associated, in the correspondence relationship of the time slot including the current time, with the user request accepted by the first operation unit.

It is preferable that the apparatus management device further includes a date acquiring unit configured to acquire a current date, the storage unit is configured to store the correspondence relationship for each of predetermined periods, and the selection unit is configured to select the apparatus that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses that are associated, in the correspondence relationship of the period including the current date, with the user request accepted by the first operation unit.

It is preferable that the apparatus management device further includes a setting unit configured to set an energy-saving mode, the storage unit is configured to store, in association with the correspondence relationship, identification information that indicates whether or not the apparatus is controllable when the energy-saving mode is set, and the selection unit is configured to, in a case where the user request is accepted by the first operation unit when the energy-saving mode is set, refer to the identification information and select the apparatus that does not satisfy the control condition from apparatuses that are controllable when the energy-saving mode is set, among the two or more apparatuses.

The apparatus management device according to the present invention selects and reports, if the ambient environment of a user is not an environment desired by the user, the apparatus that does not satisfy the control condition for the apparatus to be in the operating state appropriate for the user request, among the two or more apparatuses. Accordingly, as a result of the user inputting a control content for the reported apparatus, and the apparatus operating in accordance with the control content, the ambient environment of the user can easily be changed to the environment desired by the user, with consideration for only the apparatus that does not satisfy the control condition as the control target.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Apparatus management devices according to embodiments described below are configured to, upon receiving a user request, select and report an apparatus that does not satisfy a predetermined control condition (described later) from apparatuses that are associated in advance with the user request. That is to say, the apparatus management device according to each embodiment is configured to select and report only an apparatus that does not satisfy a predetermined control condition, instead of reporting all the apparatuses that are associated with the accepted user request. Accordingly, since apparatuses that already satisfy the control condition need not be considered, the ambient environment of the user is easily changed to the environment desired by the user. Hereinafter, a basic mode and Embodiments 1 to 4 will be described with reference to the drawings.

Basic Mode

First, a mode that forms a basis for each embodiment will be described. An apparatus management device according to the basic mode includes, as shown inFIG. 1, a display operation device1that includes a user interface function and a control device2that is configured to control two or more (two, in the diagram) apparatuses3.

Examples of each apparatus3include a lighting apparatus (including a dimmer lighting apparatus), an electric blind, an electric curtain, a television, a video playback apparatus (DVD player, for example), a sound panel, an electric lock, and an air-conditioner. Other examples of each apparatus3include an air cleaner, a dehumidifier, a circulator, an IH (Induction Heating) cooker, various sensors (alarm sensor, fire sensor, gas sensor, CO2sensor), a Web camera, a massage chair, and a bath (an apparatus for setting a temperature (room temperature) in a bathroom or an apparatus for setting a water temperature in a bathtub). Note that each apparatus3is not limited to the above apparatuses, and may be an apparatus other than the apparatuses described above.

Each apparatus3is given two or more kinds of properties (attributes) in advance. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 2, each apparatus3is individually given an apparatus name, a location name, a first request (first ambient property), a second request (second ambient property), and an operating value (property value). The operating value is a value showing the current operating state of the apparatus3.

The location name is a name of a place where the apparatus3is to be installed. Examples of the place where the apparatus3is to be arranged include a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, a child's room, and a bathroom. Note that the place where the apparatus3is to be arranged is not limited to the places described above, and may be a place other than the places described above.

The first request and the second request constitute a user request. The user request is a request with respect to an environment that the user wants to set in a building. The first request is, for example, “safety/security”, “comfort”, “convenience”, “atmosphere”, or the like, and represents the user request. The second request is, for example, “brightness”, “quietness”, “locked state”, “humidity”, or the like, and represents items that need to be adjusted in order to satisfy the first request. That is to say, the first request is a request that the user ultimately wants to satisfy. On the other hand, the second request is a request that is necessary for satisfying the first request. Note that the user request is not limited to the above items, and a preferable item may be set according to an application, a trend, or the like.

Each of the first requests is associated with second requests. For example, the first request “safety/security” is associated with the second requests “locked state”, “alarm state”, “monitor surveillance”, and the like. The first request “comfort” is associated with the second requests “brightness”, “quietness”, “temperature”, “humidity”, and the like. The first request “convenience” is associated with the second requests “coordinated control”, and the like. The first request “atmosphere” is associated with the second requests “soothing”, “relaxation”, “ambience”, and the like. Note that the “coordinated control” is to control two or more apparatuses3such that the apparatuses3are coordinated according to a predetermined program, such as collective control or various scene controls. The various scene controls include going out mode control, sleep mode control, or the like.

Also, the second requests are associated with the apparatuses3. For example, the second request “locked state” is associated with an electric lock. The second request “alarm state” is associated with an IH cooker, various sensors (alarm sensor, fire sensor, gas sensor, CO2sensor), or the like. The second request “monitor surveillance” is associated with a Web camera or the like. The second request “brightness” is associated with a lighting apparatus, an electric blind, an electric curtain, or the like. The second request “quietness” is associated with a television, a video reproducing apparatus, a sound panel, an air cleaner, or the like. The second request “temperature” is associated with an air-conditioner, a circulator, or the like. The second request “humidity” is associated with a dehumidifier, an air cleaner (with dehumidifier function), or the like. The second request “coordinated control” is associated with apparatuses3that are controlled in a coordinated manner due to execution of coordinated control application software. The coordinated control application software is application software that is used to control, in a coordinated manner, two or more apparatuses3that a user wants to control in a coordinated manner. The second request “soothing” is associated with a massage chair, a bathroom (for changing a set temperature for a bathtub), or the like. The second request “relaxation” is associated with a bathroom (for changing a set temperature for a bathtub), a lighting apparatus, a television, a video reproducing apparatus, a sound panel, or the like. The second request “ambience” is associated with a lighting apparatus, a television, a video reproducing apparatus, a sound panel, or the like.

Reference values of the operating values, which are the values that combinations of the first request and the second request can take, are set as shown inFIG. 4. A reference value table4shown inFIG. 4includes a first request item41that shows the first request, a second request item42that shows the second request, and a reference value item43that shows the reference value of the operating value. The reference value item43includes a variable value item44that shows a range of a variable value, and a fixed value item45that shows a fixed value. Furthermore, the variable value item44includes a maximum value item46that shows a maximum value and a minimum value item47that shows a minimum value.

For example, in the case where the maximum value is 100 and the minimum value is 0, the apparatus3can take a value in a range from 0 to 100. Note that in the case where the control of the apparatus3includes only turning on and turning off, or opening and closing, the operating value of the apparatus3takes only two values (0 and 100, for example). In the case where the maximum value is 30 and the minimum value is 0, as another example, the apparatus3can take a value in a range from 0 to 30. Note that in the case where the control of the apparatus3includes only turning on and turning off, or opening and closing, the operating value of the apparatus3takes only two values (0 and 30, for example).

The control device2shown inFIG. 1is a device in which a computer (including a microcomputer) on which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, for example, are mounted is a main constituent element. The control device2includes a storage unit21, a display operation control unit22, a selection unit23, and an apparatus control unit24.

The storage unit21is configured to store various pieces of information. Specifically, the storage unit21is configured to store properties (refer toFIG. 2) of apparatuses3, a reference value table4(refer toFIG. 4), and an apparatus table5(refer toFIG. 3) described later.

The apparatus table5includes, as shown inFIG. 3, an apparatus item51that shows an apparatus name, a location item52that shows a location name, a first request item53that shows a first request, a second request item54that shows a second request, and an operating value item55that shows an operating value of an apparatus3. The name of an apparatus3is stored in the apparatus item51. The name of a location where an apparatus3is to be arranged is stored in the location item52. A first request is stored in the first request item53. A second request is stored in the second request item54. A value in a range of the reference value defined in the reference value table4is stored in the operating value item55. For example, a variable value from 0 to 100 or a fixed value such as “locked” may be stored in the operating value item55. Note that in the case where only turning on or turning off is controlled, or opening or closing is controlled, one of the two values (0 and 100, for example) is stored in the operating value item55.

Note that the storage unit21shown inFIG. 1is configured to store a program for the control device2(computer) to execute various functions, besides properties of the apparatuses3, the reference value table4, and the apparatus table5. That is to say, the storage unit21is configured to store a program for causing the control device2to function as the storage unit21, the display operation control unit22, the selection unit23, and the apparatus control unit24.

The display operation control unit22includes an acquiring function for acquiring an input content that is inputted to the display operation device1, and a display control function for causing the display operation device1to display various information.

The selection unit23is configured to select an apparatus3that is associated with the user request (combination of the first request and the second request) that is inputted to the display operation device1, among the two or more apparatuses3in the apparatus table5.

The apparatus control unit24is configured to control the apparatus3associated with the user request according to the control content designated by the user.

The display operation device1is a portable terminal or the like, for example, and includes a display unit (reporting unit)11that is configured to display various information, and an operation unit (first operation unit, second operation unit)12that is configured to accept an input operation of the user. The display unit11is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, for example. The operation unit12is a touch panel or two or more buttons, for example. Hereinafter, the case where the operation unit12is a touch panel will be described.

The display unit11is configured to display a location screen (not shown), a menu screen61(refer to “A” ofFIG. 5), a desiring state selection screen62(refer to “B” ofFIG. 5), or a setting screen63(refer to “C” and “D” ofFIG. 5), in accordance with the instruction of the display operation control unit22.

The menu screen61shown in “A” ofFIG. 5is formed for each of locations such as a bedroom and a living room, for example. For example, on a menu screen61corresponding to a bedroom, two or more buttons611corresponding to the first requests of “safety/security”, “comfort”, “convenience”, and “atmosphere” are displayed.

The desiring state selection screens62(one of which is shown in “B” ofFIG. 5) corresponds respectively to the buttons611on the menu screen61. That is to say, the desiring state selection screen62corresponds to the first request. For example, buttons621of “Want to brighten”, “Want to reduce humidity”, and “Want to make quieter” are displayed on the desiring state selection screen62that corresponds to the first request “comfort”. “Want to brighten” corresponds to the second request “brightness”. “Want to reduce humidity” corresponds to the second request “humidity”. “Want to make quieter” corresponds to the second request “quietness”. Also, a button (not shown) showing “Perform locking” is displayed on the desiring state selection screen that corresponds to “safety/security”. “Perform locking” corresponds to the second request “locked state”.

Setting screens63shown in “C” and “D” ofFIG. 5are screens that correspond to respective combinations of a button611selected in the menu screen61and a button621selected on the desiring state selection screen62. That is to say, the setting screen63displays an apparatus3that is associated with the combination of a first request selected in the menu screen61and a second request selected in the desiring state selection screen62. On the setting screen63, a button631for changing the operation of the apparatus3is displayed for each apparatus3.

Next, operations of the apparatus management device according to the basic mode will be described with reference toFIG. 1. First, the display operation control unit22of the control device2is configured to control the display operation device1such that the location screen (not shown) is displayed. The display unit11of the display operation device1is configured to display the location screen (not shown) in accordance with an instruction of the display operation control unit22. Thereafter, the operation unit12accepts an input operation regarding a location selection by a user who viewed the location screen.

The display operation control unit22is configured to, upon acquiring the input content regarding the location selection by the user, control the display operation device1such that the menu screen61(refer to “A” ofFIG. 5) that corresponds to the input content is displayed. The display unit11is configured to display the menu screen61in accordance with the instruction of the display operation control unit22. Thereafter, the operation unit12is configured to accept an input operation regarding the first request (menu selection) by the user who viewed the menu screen61.

The display operation control unit22is configured to, upon acquiring the input content regarding the menu selection by the user, control the display operation device1such that the desiring state selection screen62(refer to “B” ofFIG. 5) that corresponds to the input content is displayed. The display unit11is configured to display the desiring state selection screen62in accordance with the instruction of the display operation control unit22. Thereafter, the operation unit12is configured to accept an input operation regarding the second request (desiring state selection) by the user who viewed the desiring state selection screen62.

When the display operation control unit22accepts the input content on the desiring state selection screen62inputted by the user, the selection unit23selects an apparatus3that is associated, in the apparatus table5stored in the storage unit21, with the user request that has been accepted by the operation unit12, among the two or more apparatuses3.

The display operation control unit22is configured to control the display operation device1such that the apparatus3selected by the selection unit23is displayed. The display unit11is configured to display the apparatus3selected by the selection unit23in accordance with the instruction of the display operation control unit22(refer to “C” and “D” ofFIG. 5).

Thereafter, the operation unit12is configured to accept an input operation of the control content regarding the apparatus3displayed in the display unit11of the display operation device1within the range of the variable value with respect to the apparatus3. When the display operation control unit22acquires the control content, the apparatus control unit24controls the apparatus3displayed in the display unit11in accordance with the control content accepted by the operation unit12.

For example, if the user selects “Comfort” in the menu screen61, and selects “Want to brighten” in the desiring state selection screen62after screen transition, the setting screen63displays apparatuses3that are associated with the first request “comfort” and the second request “brightness”, as shown in “C” ofFIG. 5. Also, if the user selects “Comfort” in the menu screen61, and selects “Want to make quieter” in the desiring state selection screen62after screen transition, the setting screen63displays apparatuses3that are associated with the first request “comfort” and the second request “quietness”, as shown in “D” ofFIG. 5. Here, the operating values of the apparatuses3displayed on the setting screen63take the operating values stored in the apparatus table5shown inFIG. 3. Then, the user can designate an apparatus3on the setting screen63and change the operation of the apparatus3.

The apparatus management device according to the basic mode described above can select, report, and furthermore control all the apparatuses3that are associated with the user request (combination of the first request and the second request) among the two or more apparatuses3.

Incidentally, the apparatus management device according to the basic mode displays all the apparatuses3that are associated with the user request, and therefore the apparatus management device cannot select and display an apparatus3that does not satisfy the user request from the apparatuses3that are associated with the user request. Accordingly, in each of Embodiments 1 to 4 described below, an apparatus management device that is configured to select and display the apparatus3that does not satisfy the user request, from the apparatuses3that are associated with the user request, will be described.

Unlike the apparatus management device according to the basic mode, an apparatus management device according to Embodiment 1 is configured to select and display an apparatus3that does not satisfy a user request, from apparatuses3that are associated with the user request. Hereinafter, the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that constituent elements similar to those in the apparatus management device according to the basic mode are provided with the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

A control device2according to the present embodiment includes, as shown inFIG. 1, a storage unit21, a display operation control unit22, a selection unit23, and an apparatus control unit24, similarly to the control device2according to the basic mode.

The storage unit21according to the present embodiment is configured to store a correspondence table7shown inFIG. 6. The correspondence table7is a table that shows a correspondence relationship between user requests (combinations of a first request and a second request) and predetermined control conditions. The correspondence relationship between the user requests and the apparatuses3is shown in the apparatus table5(refer toFIG. 3). The predetermined control condition is a condition for an apparatus3to be in an operating state that is appropriate for the user request. That is to say, the control condition is a condition that defines a range of operating values of an apparatus3when the apparatus3operates so as to satisfy the user request.

The correspondence table7includes a first request item71, a second request item72, and a reference value item73that shows reference values with respect to the second request item72, as shown inFIG. 6. The reference value item73includes a first reference value item74that shows a first reference value, a second reference value item75that shows a second reference value, and a third reference value item76that shows a fixed value. The first reference value is a value that is used when it is desired to increase a predetermined physical quantity from the current value. On the other hand, the second reference value is a value that is used when it is desired to decrease a predetermined physical quantity from the current value. In the case of lighting, for example, the first reference value is a value that is used when it is desired to increase brightness. On the other hand, the second reference value is, in the case of lighting, for example, a value that is used when it is desired to decrease brightness. Also, in the case of sound volume, for example, the first reference value is a value that is used when it is desired to increase the sound volume. On the other hand, the second reference value is a value that is used when it is desired to decrease the sound volume.

In the case where the second request is to increase a predetermined physical quantity, the control condition is that the operating value of an apparatus3is larger than the first reference value in the first reference value item74. In the case where the second request is to increase “brightness”, for example, an apparatus3can be said to satisfy the control condition if the operating value of the apparatus3is larger than the first reference value in the first reference value item74. On the other hand, an apparatus3can be said to not satisfy the control condition if the operating value of the apparatus3is the first reference value or less in the first reference value item74.

In the case where the second request is to decrease a predetermined physical quantity, the control condition is that the operating value of an apparatus3is less than the second reference value in the second reference value item75. In the case where the second request is to decrease “brightness”, for example, an apparatus3can be said to satisfy the control condition if the operating value of the apparatus3is less than the second reference value in the second reference value item75. On the other hand, an apparatus3can be said to not satisfy the control condition if the operating value of the apparatus3is the second reference value or more in the second reference value item75.

The selection unit23according to the present embodiment is configured to select an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition, with reference to the correspondence table7, from the apparatuses3that are associated with the user request.

In the display operation device1according to the present embodiment, the display unit11is configured to display a location screen (not shown), a menu screen61(refer to “A” ofFIG. 7), a desiring state selection screen62(refer to “B” ofFIG. 7), an event notification screen64(refer to “C” ofFIG. 7), and a setting screen65(refer to “D” ofFIG. 7).

The menu screen61shown in “A” ofFIG. 7is formed for each location such as a bedroom or a living room. For example, two or more buttons611that correspond to the first requests of “safety/security”, “comfort”, “convenience”, and “atmosphere” are displayed on the menu screen61corresponding to a bedroom.

The desiring state selection screens62(one of which is shown in “B” ofFIG. 7) correspond respectively to the buttons611on the menu screen61. That is to say, the desiring state selection screen62corresponds to the first request. For example, buttons621“Want to brighten”, “Want to reduce humidity”, and “Want to make quieter” are displayed on the desiring state selection screen62that corresponds to “comfort”. “Want to brighten” corresponds to the second request “brightness”. “Want to reduce humidity” corresponds to the second request “humidity”. “Want to make quieter” corresponds to the second request “quietness”. Also, a button (not shown) “Perform locking” is displayed on the desiring state selection screen62that corresponds to “safety/security”. “Perform locking” corresponds to the second request “locked state”.

The event notification screen64shown in “C” ofFIG. 7is a screen that corresponds to the combination of a button611selected on the menu screen61and a button621selected on the desiring state selection screen62. That is to say, the event notification screen64is configured to display an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition, from the apparatuses3that are associated with the combination of a first request selected on the menu screen61and a second request selected on the desiring state selection screen62. A button641for selecting whether or not to change the operation of an apparatus3is displayed on the event notification screen64.

The setting screen65shown in “D” ofFIG. 7is for accepting an input of a control content by a user. A button651for changing the operation of an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition is displayed on the setting screen65.

Next, operations of the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B. First, the display operation control unit22of the control device2controls the display operation device1such that a location screen (not shown) is displayed (S1). The display unit11of the display operation device1displays the location screen in accordance with the instruction of the display operation control unit22(S2). Thereafter, the operation unit12accepts an input operation with respect to the location selection by a user who viewed the location screen (S3).

The display operation control unit22, upon acquiring the input content with respect to the location selection by the user (S4), determines the menu screen61(refer to “A” ofFIG. 7) that corresponds to the input content (S5), and controls the display operation device1such that the determined menu screen61is displayed (S6). The display unit11displays the menu screen61in accordance with the instruction of the display operation control unit22(S7). Thereafter, the operation unit12accepts an input operation with respect to the first request (menu selection) by the user who viewed the menu screen61(S8).

The display operation control unit22, upon acquiring the input content with respect to the menu selection by the user (S9), determines the desiring state selection screen62(refer to “B” ofFIG. 7) corresponding to the input content (S10), and controls the display operation device1such that the determined desiring state selection screen62is displayed (S11). The display unit11displays the desiring state selection screen62in accordance with the instruction of the display operation control unit22(S12). Thereafter, the user performs an operation, and the operation unit12accepts an input operation with respect to the second request (desiring state selection) by the user who viewed the desiring state selection screen62(S13).

When the display operation control unit22accepts the input content on the desiring state selection screen62by the user (S14), the selection unit23selects an apparatus3, with reference to the correspondence table7(refer toFIG. 6) stored in the storage unit21, that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses3that are associated with the second request accepted by the operation unit12(S15).

The display operation control unit22controls the display operation device1such that the apparatus3selected by the selection unit23is displayed on the event notification screen64(refer to “C” ofFIG. 7) (S16). The display unit11displays the apparatus3selected by the selection unit23on the event notification screen64in accordance with the instruction of the display operation control unit22(S17). Thereafter, the operation unit12accepts an indication of intention by the user as to whether or not to control the apparatus (S18).

The display operation control unit22, upon receiving the indication of intention by the user to control the apparatus (S19), controls the display operation device1such that the setting screen65(refer to “D” ofFIG. 7) is displayed (S20). The display unit11displays the setting screen65in accordance with the instruction of the display operation control unit22(S21). Thereafter, the operation unit12accepts an input operation of the control content (setting value) with respect to the apparatus3displayed in the display unit11in a range in which the control condition of the apparatus3is satisfied (S22). When the display operation control unit22acquires the control content (S23), the apparatus control unit24controls the apparatus3displayed on the display unit11in accordance with the control content accepted by the operation unit12(S24).

For example, when a user selects “Comfort” on the menu screen61, and selects “Want to brighten” on the desiring state selection screen62after screen transition, the control device2searches for an apparatus3that is associated with the second request of “brightness” and has operating value of “40” or less. If an apparatus3that satisfies the above condition exists, the control device2selects the apparatus3. The display operation device1displays the apparatus3selected by the control device2on the event notification screen64. If the user selects “Yes” on the event notification screen64, the screen transitions to the setting screen65of the apparatus3, which is the target of the event notification, and the operation of the apparatus3can be changed. Accordingly, a subjective judgment by the user can be sought.

Another example is as follows. When a user selects “Comfort” on the menu screen61, and selects “Want to make quieter” on the desiring state selection screen62after screen transition, the control device2searches an apparatus3that is associated with the second request “quietness” and has an operating value of “50” or more. If an apparatus3that satisfies the above condition exists, the control device2selects the apparatus3. The display operation device1displays the apparatus3selected by the control device2on the event notification screen64. The screen transitions to the setting screen65of the apparatus3, which is the target of the event notification, according to the operation by the user on the event notification screen64, and the user can change the operation of the apparatus3.

The apparatus management device according to the present embodiment described above is an apparatus management device that is configured to control two or more apparatuses3. The apparatus management device includes the storage unit21, the first operation unit (operation unit12), the selection unit23, and the reporting unit (display unit11). The storage unit21is configured to store, for each of the two or more apparatuses3, a correspondence relationship between a user request, the apparatus3, and a control condition for the apparatus3to be in an operating state appropriate for the user request. The first operation unit is configured to accept an input operation of the user request. The selection unit23is configured to select an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses3that are associated, in the correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit21, with the user request accepted by the first operation unit among the two or more apparatuses3. The reporting unit is configured to report the apparatus3selected by the selection unit23.

If the ambient environment of a user is not an environment desired by the user, the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment selects and reports an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition for the apparatus3to be in the operating state appropriate for the user request, among two or more apparatuses3. Accordingly, as a result of the user inputting a control content for the reported apparatus3, and the apparatus3operating in accordance with the control content, the ambient environment of the user can easily be changed to the environment desired by the user, with consideration for only the apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition as the control target.

Also, as in the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the apparatus management device further includes the second operation unit (operation unit12) and the apparatus control unit24. The second operation unit is configured to accept an input operation of the control content with respect to the apparatus3reported by the reporting unit (display unit11). The apparatus control unit24is configured to control the apparatus3reported by the reporting unit in accordance with the control content accepted by the second operation unit.

The apparatus management device according to the present embodiment can control the apparatus3with consideration for a subjective judgment by a user, instead of automatically controlling the apparatus3in a state in which the user is not aware of the control content.

Note that, in the apparatus management device, the screen transition may be limited to transition up to the event notification screen64(refer to “C” ofFIG. 7). That is to say, the apparatus management device may not have a function for displaying the setting screen65(refer to “D” ofFIG. 7). Even in this case, it is possible to indicate only the apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition (condition for the apparatus3to be in the operating state appropriate for the user request) to the user.

An apparatus management device according to Embodiment 2 differs from the apparatus management device according to Embodiment 1 in that a correspondence relationship between a user request, an apparatus3, and a control condition differs for each of time slots. Note that constituent elements similar to those in the apparatus management device according to Embodiment 1 are provided with the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

A storage unit21according to the present embodiment is configured to store a correspondence table7athat shows a correspondence relationship that is different for each of predetermined time slots, as shown inFIG. 9. Note that description of functions similar to those of the storage unit21according to Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

The correspondence table7aaccording to the present embodiment further includes a time slot item77that shows a time slot, as shown inFIG. 9. Time slots such as “morning”, “daytime”, and “evening”, are stored in the time slot item77. Note that the time slot may not be set depending on the user request (combination of a first request and a second request). In the case where the user request does not relate to the time slot, “ALL” representing all the time slots is stored in the time slot item77. Note that description of functions similar to those of the correspondence table7(refer toFIG. 6) according to Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

Also, the control device2according to the present embodiment further includes an acquiring unit25that is configured to acquire a current time and a current date, as shown inFIG. 1. The acquiring unit25is configured to acquire the current time from a clock unit8. The clock unit8is a real time clock (RTC) or the like.

The selection unit23according to the present embodiment is configured to select an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses3that are associated, in the correspondence relationship of a time slot including the current time, with the user request accepted by an operation unit12. That is to say, the selection unit23is configured to select an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses3for which the time slot including the current time is set in the time slot item77. Note that description of functions similar to those of the selection unit23according to Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

An operation unit12according to the present embodiment is configured to accept an input operation of the control content, in a range in which the control condition is satisfied, for the apparatus3selected by the selection unit23, that is, the apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition in the correspondence relationship of the time slot including the current time. Note that description of functions similar to those of the operation unit12according to Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

As in the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment, as described above, the apparatus management device preferably further includes a time acquiring unit (acquiring unit25). The time acquiring unit is configured to acquire the current time. In this case, the storage unit21is configured to store the correspondence relationship for each predetermined time slot. The selection unit23is configured to select an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses3that are associated, in the correspondence relationship of the time slot including the current time, with the user request accepted by the first operation unit (operation unit12).

The apparatus management device according to the present embodiment can perform apparatus notification (event notification) and apparatus control according to the time slot, even when the environment desired by the user differs for each time slot.

Note that the operations of the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment are similar to the operations of the apparatus management device according to Embodiment 1, except that the time slot is considered.

An apparatus management device according to Embodiment 3 differs from the apparatus management device according to Embodiment 2 in that a correspondence relationship between a user request, an apparatus3, and a control condition differs for each of seasons. Note that constituent elements similar to those in the apparatus management device according to Embodiment 2 are provided with the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

A storage unit21according to the present embodiment is configured to store a correspondence table7bthat shows a correspondence relationship that is different for each of predetermined seasons (periods), as shown inFIG. 10. Note that description of functions similar to those of the storage unit21according to Embodiment 2 will be omitted.

The correspondence table7baccording to the present embodiment further includes a season item78that shows a season, as shown inFIG. 10. Seasons such as “spring”, “summer”, “autumn”, and “winter” are stored in the season item78. Note that the season may not be set depending on a user request (combination of a first request and a second request). In the case where the user request does not relate to the season, “ALL” representing all the seasons is stored in the season item78. Note that description of functions similar to those of the correspondence table7a(refer toFIG. 9) according to Embodiment 2 will be omitted.

A selection unit23according to the present embodiment is configured to select an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses3that are associated, in the correspondence relationship of a season (period) including the current date, with the user request accepted by an operation unit12. That is to say, the selection unit23is configured to select an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses3for which the season including the current date in the season item78is set. Note that description of functions similar to those of the selection unit23according to Embodiment 2 will be omitted.

An operation unit12according to the present embodiment is configured to accept an input operation of the control content, in a range in which the control condition is satisfied, for the apparatus3selected by the selection unit23, that is, the apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition in the correspondence relationship of the season including the current date. Note that description of functions similar to those of the operation unit12according to Embodiment 2 will be omitted.

As in the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment, as described above, the apparatus management device preferably further includes a date acquiring unit (acquiring unit25). The date acquiring unit is configured to acquire the current date. In this case, the storage unit21is configured to store the correspondence relationship for each predetermined period. The selection unit23is configured to select the apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses3that are associated, in the correspondence relationship of the period including the current date, with the user request accepted by the first operation unit (operation unit12).

The apparatus management device according to the present embodiment can perform apparatus notification (event notification) and apparatus control according to the season, even when the environment desired by the user differs for each season (period).

Note that the operations of the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment are similar to the operations of the apparatus management device according to Embodiment 2, except that the season (period) is considered.

Also, although the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment uses both the time slot and the season, only the season may be used.

An apparatus management device according to Embodiment 4 differs from the apparatus management device according to Embodiment3 in that the apparatus management device according to Embodiment 4 includes an energy-saving mode. Note that constituent elements similar to those in the apparatus management device according to Embodiment 3 are provided with the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The apparatus control unit24according to the present embodiment includes a function serving as a setting unit for setting the energy-saving mode. That is, the apparatus control unit24according to the present embodiment includes, other than apparatus control in a normal mode described in Embodiments 1 to 3, a function for performing apparatus control in the energy-saving mode in which the electric power consumption of an apparatus3can be reduced compared with the apparatus control in the normal mode.

A storage unit21according to the present embodiment is configured to store a correspondence table7c, in which an energy-saving flag (identification information) that indicates whether or not the apparatus3is controllable when the energy-saving mode is set is associated with the apparatus3. Note that description of functions similar to those of the storage unit21according to Embodiment 3 will be omitted.

The correspondence table7caccording to the present embodiment further includes an energy-saving flag item79that shows the energy-saving flag, as shown inFIG. 11. The energy-saving flag, which is “ON” or “OFF”, is stored in the energy-saving flag item79. Note that, if the apparatus3is not dependent on the energy-saving mode, “ALL” is stored in the energy-saving flag item79. Also, the energy-saving flag may be changed during operation.

A selection unit23according to the present embodiment is configured to refer to the energy-saving flag in the correspondence table7cin the case where a user request is accepted by the operation unit12when the energy-saving mode is set in the apparatus control unit24. Thereafter, the selection unit23is configured to select an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition from the apparatuses3that are controllable when the energy-saving mode is set. That is to say, in the case where the energy-saving mode is set, an apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition among the apparatuses3having energy-saving flag of “ON” is the target of an event notification. Note that description of functions similar to those of the selection unit23according to Embodiment 3 will be omitted.

As in the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment, as described above, the apparatus management device preferably further includes the setting unit (apparatus control unit24). The setting unit is configured to set the energy-saving mode. In this case, the storage unit21stores, in association with the correspondence relationship, identification information that indicates whether or not the apparatus3is controllable when the energy-saving mode is set. In the case where a user request is accepted by the first operation unit (operation unit12) when the energy-saving mode is set, the selection unit23is configured to refer to the identification information and select the apparatus3that does not satisfy the control condition from apparatuses3that are controllable when the energy-saving mode is set, among the two or more apparatuses3.

In the case where the user wants, in advance, to control an apparatus3to realize energy saving, the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment can perform apparatus notification (event notification) and apparatus control based on energy saving.

Note that the operations of the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment are similar to the operations of the apparatus management device according to Embodiment 3, except that the energy-saving mode is considered.

Although the apparatus management device according to the present embodiment uses both the time slot and the season, only the time slot may be used, or only the season may be used.

Also, in each embodiment, the display operation device1and the control device2may be separately provided, or may be integrally provided.

Although, in each embodiment, the display unit11is used as the reporting unit, a sound output unit may be used as the reporting unit. The sound output unit includes a speaker, or the like. The sound output unit can notify an apparatus3selected by the selection unit23by sound. Note that the display unit11and the sound output unit may be used in combination as the reporting unit.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a certain preferred embodiment, numerous modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention, namely claims.