Abstract:
A controller includes a communication interface for communicating with at least one illumination and a plurality of home appliances; a memory for storing a corresponding relationship between the plurality of home appliances and a lighting up scheme of the illumination; and a processor for obtaining, upon receiving a signal from one of the plurality of home appliances indicating the state thereof, a lighting up scheme corresponding to the home appliance on the basis of the corresponding relationship, using the communication interface, and for instructing at least one illumination to light up in accordance with the lighting up scheme.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the technique of a controller for controlling devices installed in a residence or the like. Particularly, the present invention relates to a controller that can be connected to home appliances and illumination in a residence, a method of controlling the illumination, and a network system. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    A controller provided at a residence or the like for controlling devices that are located in the residence is proposed. For example, there is proposed the technique for a controller to control home appliances such as a washing machine, microwave oven, refrigerator, air conditioner, television, and solar cell, and/or display the state of such home appliances. 
         [0003]    Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 11-146991 (PTL 1) discloses a washing machine. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 11-146991 (PTL 1), the washing machine includes a display unit and communication means (an antenna or the like) for transmitting and receiving data to constitute a network via the communication means with other home appliances similarly incorporating the communication means and display unit such as an air conditioner, television, refrigerator, personal computer, and the like. Another home appliance connected on the network by the communication means is notified of the laundry progressing state and/or occurrence of an error at the washing machine to inform the progressing state and/or error about the washing machine through another home appliance. 
         [0004]    Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-45590 (PTL 2) discloses a washing machine. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-45590 (PTL 2), the washing machine is provided with a transmission device for transmitting the progressing contents of the operation of the washing machine, and includes a portable radio reception device receiving information from the transmission device. The portable radio reception device is provided with a confirmation button for confirming the progressing contents of the operation, and any notification of information requiring emergency is immediately and automatically provided to the portable radio reception device through audio or display. 
         [0005]    Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-162626 (PTL 3) discloses an information notification system and equipment. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-162626 (PTL 3), a control unit of a microwave oven transmits, when a determination is made that a state where the user should be notified occurs at the microwave oven, the state information indicating the relevant state to a refrigerator by means of a communication unit. The control unit of the refrigerator stores, when the state information is received through the communication unit, that state information in a storage unit, and displays the state information at the display unit in response to an operation being made at an operation unit, based on a determination that the user is present in the proximity of the refrigerator. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0000]    
       
         PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 11-146991 
         PTL 2: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-45590 
         PTL 3: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-162626 
       
     
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0009]    However, there is a possibility that the state of a home appliance installed in the residence is not properly conveyed to the user at the residence. For example, in the case where the user is not in the proximity of the home appliance, or when the ambient sound is great, the possibility of the user not becoming aware of the notification from the home appliance or portable device is high. 
         [0010]    In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide a controller that can convey the state of a home appliance installed in a residence more effectively to the user of the relevant home appliance, a method of controlling illumination, and a network system. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0011]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller including a communication interface for communication with at least one illumination and a plurality of home appliances; a memory for storing a corresponding relationship between the plurality of home appliances and a lighting up scheme of the illumination; and a processor for obtaining, upon receiving a signal from one of the plurality of home appliances indicating the state thereof, a lighting up scheme corresponding to the home appliance on the basis of the corresponding relationship, using the communication interface, and for instructing at least one illumination to light up in accordance with the lighting up scheme. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the illumination can emit light of a plurality of colors. The memory stores the plurality of colors corresponding to the plurality of home appliances, respectively, as the lighting up scheme. The processor obtains, upon receiving a signal from one of the plurality of home appliances, a color corresponding to the home appliance, as the lighting up scheme, using the communication interface, and instructs at least one of the illumination to emit light of the color. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the memory stores the corresponding relationship between a state of a home appliance and a blinking rhythm of illumination. The signal indicates the state of the home appliance. The processor obtains, upon receiving the signal, a blinking rhythm corresponding to the state on the basis of the corresponding relationship, using the communication interface, and instructs at least one of the illumination to emit light in accordance with the blinking rhythm. 
         [0014]    Preferably, the communication interface establishes communication with a motion sensor installed in a room where illumination is installed. The memory stores the corresponding relationship between the motion sensor and illumination. The processor instructs the illumination installed in a room where a person is present to emit light on the basis of the signal received from the motion sensor, using the communication interface. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the communication interface establishes communication with a brightness sensor installed in the room where the illumination is installed. The processor instructs emission of light at an intensity corresponding to lightness in the room on the basis of the signal from the brightness sensor, using the communication interface. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the memory stores, for each home appliance, a state corresponding to a priority level. The processor obtains, when the processor receives a plurality of the states using the communication interface, the blinking rhythm corresponding to the state having a higher priority level, and instructs at least one of the illumination to emit light in accordance with the blinking rhythm. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the illumination includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode). 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling illumination by a controller including a communication interface for communication with at least one illumination that can emit light of a plurality of colors and a plurality of home appliances, a memory for storing a corresponding relationship between the plurality of home appliances and a lighting up scheme of the illumination, and a processor. The method for controlling includes the steps of: receiving, by the processor, a signal indicating a state of the home appliance from any of the plurality of home appliances, using the communication interface; obtaining, by the processor, a lighting up scheme corresponding to the home appliance on the basis of the corresponding relationship, referring to the memory; and instructing, by the processor, at least one of the illumination to light up in accordance with the relevant lighting up scheme, using the communication interface. 
         [0019]    According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system including at least one illumination that can emit light of a plurality of colors, a plurality of home appliances, and a controller. Each of the plurality of home appliances transmits a signal indicating a state of the relevant home appliance to the controller. The controller includes a communication interface for communicating with at least one illumination and a plurality of home appliances, a memory for storing a corresponding relationship between the plurality of home appliances and a lighting up scheme of the illumination, and a processor for obtaining, upon receiving a signal from one of the plurality of home appliances indicating the state thereof, a lighting up scheme corresponding to the home appliance on the basis of the corresponding relationship, using the communication interface, and for instructing to at least one illumination to light up in accordance with the lighting up scheme. At least one illumination emits light according to an instruction from the controller. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0020]    According to the present invention, there is provided a controller that can convey the state of a home appliance installed in a residence to the user of the relevant home appliance more efficiently, a method of controlling illumination, and a network system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a pictorial representation of an entire configuration of a network system according to an embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a pictorial representation of a lighting up operation of any of LEDs when the state of a washing machine has changed according to the present embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows a pictorial representation of a lighting up operation of any of LEDs when the state of a washing machine and refrigerator has changed according to the present embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram representing a hardware configuration of a home controller according to the present embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of a motion sensor table according to the present embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of an illumination table according to the present embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of a lighting up scheme table according to the present embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of an exemplary modification of a lighting up scheme table according to the present embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of a home appliance table according to the present embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of control data transmitted to an LED by the home controller according to the present embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  shows a pictorial representation of an entire operation of a network system according to the present embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart of the processing procedure of an illumination control method by the home controller according to the present embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart of the procedure of washing machine processing at the home controller according to the present embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart of the procedure of refrigerator processing at the home controller according to the present embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart of the procedure of microwave oven processing at the home controller according to the present embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same elements have the same reference characters allotted. Their designation and function are also identical. 
         [0037]    Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. 
         [0038]    &lt;Operation Overview of Network System&gt; 
         [0039]    First, an operation overview of a network system according to the present embodiment will be described.  FIG. 1  shows a pictorial representation of the entire configuration of a network system  1  according to the present embodiment. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , network system  1  of the present embodiment is installed in, for example, a residence, an office, or the like. Network system  1  includes a plurality of home appliances such as a washing machine  201  installed in a laundry room, a microwave oven  202  installed in a kitchen, and a refrigerator  203  installed in the kitchen. Network system  1  may also include an air conditioner, a television, and a solar cell as the home appliance. 
         [0041]    Network system  1  includes a plurality of illuminations such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode)  301  installed in the laundry room, an LED  302  installed in the kitchen, an LED  303  installed in a living room, an LED  304  installed in a dining room, an LED  305  installed in a children&#39;s room, and an LED  306  installed in a bedroom. 
         [0042]    LEDs  301 - 306  preferably emit light of a plurality of colors according to an externally applied instruction. Accordingly, the types of the lighting up scheme of LEDs  301 - 306  can be increased to allow more information of home appliances and status thereof to be conveyed to the user. 
         [0043]    Preferably, LEDs  301 - 306  can modify the blinking interval (blinking rhythm) of light according to an externally applied instruction. Accordingly, the types of the lighting up scheme of LEDs  301 - 306  can be increased to allow more information of home appliances and status thereof to be conveyed to the user. 
         [0044]    Further, LEDs  301 - 306  preferably modifies the light intensity (luminance) according to an externally applied instruction. Accordingly, the types of the lighting up scheme of LEDs  301 - 306  can be increased to allow more information of home appliances and status thereof to be conveyed to the user. 
         [0045]    Although network system  1  includes LEDs  301 - 306  in the present embodiment, other illumination may be used. However, it is preferable to use illumination that is less unlikely to have the service lifetime shortened by ON/OFF switching. Further preferably, the illumination can emit light of a plurality of colors. Furthermore, illumination that can readily modify its intensity is preferably used. 
         [0046]    Network system  1  further includes a motion sensor  401  installed in the laundry room, a motion sensor  402  installed in the kitchen, a motion sensor  403  installed in the living room, a motion sensor  404  installed in the dining room, a motion sensor  405  installed in the children&#39;s bedroom, and a motion sensor  406  installed in the bedroom. 
         [0047]    Network system  1  further includes a brightness sensor  501  installed in the laundry room, a brightness sensor  502  installed in the kitchen, a brightness sensor  503  installed in the living room, a brightness sensor  504  installed in the dining room, a brightness sensor  505  installed in the children&#39;s room, and a brightness sensor  506  installed in the bedroom. 
         [0048]    Network system  1  includes a home controller  100  for controlling home appliances  201 - 203 , illuminations  301 - 306 , motion sensors  401 - 406 , and brightness sensors  501 - 506 . In other words, home controller  100  can establish data communication with home appliances  201 - 203 , illuminations  301 - 306 , motion sensors  401 - 406 , and brightness sensors  501 - 506  via a wired or wireless network  600 . Home controller  100  employs, as network  600 , a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a PLC (Power Line Communications), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. 
         [0049]    Home controller  100  according to the present embodiment receives a signal from a plurality of home appliances  201 - 203  installed in the residence via network  600 . Home controller  100  obtains a state of home appliances  201 - 203  based on a relevant signal. Home controller  100  determines a lighting up scheme of illumination according to information (signal) to identify any of home appliances  201 - 203 . Home controller  100  transmits a lighting up instruction (blinking instruction) to LEDs  301 - 306  via network  600 . 
         [0050]    More specifically, home controller  100  determines the illumination lighting up scheme according to information (signal) identifying any of home appliances  201 - 203 , and information (signal) identifying any state of relevant home appliances  201 - 203 . Home controller  100  transmits to LEDs  301 - 306  a lighting up instruction (blinking instruction) via network  600 . For example, home controller  100  can store each of home appliances  201 - 203  associated with a color, and each state associated with a blinking rhythm (blinking interval or the like of each color). 
         [0051]    Home controller  100  transmits a lighting up instruction to LEDs  301 - 306  installed in a room where a person is present based on the signals from motion sensors  401 - 406 . Home controller  100  does not have to transmit a lighting up instruction to any of LEDs  301 - 306  when the user is present in a room where home appliances  201 - 203  of interest are installed. This is because the possibility of the user to identify the state of home appliances  201 - 203  of interest is high. 
         [0052]    Further, home controller  100  instructs each of LEDs  301 - 306  to light up at a level according to the lightness of the relevant room, based on a signal from brightness sensors  501 - 506  located at the room where a relevant one of LEDs  301 - 306  is installed. 
         [0053]    For example, home controller  100  instructs LEDs  301 - 306  located at a light room to light up at high intensity to promote the user to become aware of the light emitted from LEDs  301 - 306 . This is because the user will be less likely to become aware of the light from LEDs  301 - 306  during the day time or in a light room. 
         [0054]    In contrast, home controller  100  instructs LEDs  301 - 306  located at a dark room to light up at a lower intensity. This is because the user is more likely to become aware of the light from LEDs  301 - 306  during the night time or while in bed. Another reason is that the user may be bothered by the light from LEDs  301 - 306  while in bed. 
         [0055]    Moreover, home controller  100  may transmit a lighting up instruction to all LEDs  301 - 306 , or to only a predetermined LED  301  (or, LED  302 ,  303 ,  304 ,  305 ,  306 ). 
         [0056]      FIG. 2  shows a pictorial representation of a lighting up operation of any of LEDS  301 - 306  when the state of washing machine  201  has changed according to the present embodiment.  FIG. 3  shows a pictorial representation of the lighting up operation of any of LEDs  301 - 306  when the state of washing machine  201  and refrigerator  203  according to the present embodiment has changed. It is assumed that home controller  100  of the present embodiment stores the information of washing machine  201  associated with the color of blue, and refrigerator  203  associated with the color of green. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , when a first state occurs at washing machine  201  (an error occurring at washing machine  201 ), home controller  100  receives a first state message from washing machine  201 . Home controller  100  sends a first blue color blinking instruction to LED  301  located at a room where a person is present. LED  301  responds to the first blue color blinking instruction from home controller  100  to emit light of white and blue according to a series of first blue color blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds, blue for 1 second, white for 1 second, and blue for 1 second. Accordingly, the user can identify that the first state has occurred at washing machine  201 . 
         [0058]    Then, when the first state of washing machine  201  is canceled (the lid of washing machine  201  is open), home controller  100  receives a normal state message from washing machine  201 . Home controller  100  sends, for example, a white color lighting up instruction to LED  301  located at the room where a person is present. LED  301  responds to the lighting up instruction from home controller  100  to emit light of white color. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , when a second state occurs at washing machine  201  (the cleaning operation ends), home controller  100  receives a second state message from washing machine  201 . Home controller  100  sends a second blue color blinking instruction to LED  301  located at the room where a person is present. LED  301  responds to the second blue color blinking instruction from home controller  100  to emit light of white and blue according to a series of second blue color blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds and blue for 1 second. Accordingly, the user can identify that the second state has occurred at washing machine  201 . 
         [0060]    Then, when a first state occurs at refrigerator  203  (the door is open for more than a predetermined time), home controller  100  receives a first state message from refrigerator  203 . Home controller  100  sends, for example, a blue-green color blinking instruction to LED  301  located at the room where a person is present. LED  301  responds to the blue-green color blinking instruction from home controller  100  to emit light of white, blue, and green based on a series of blue-green color blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds, blue for 1 second, white for 1 second and blue for 1 second. Accordingly, the user can identify that the state at the washing machine and refrigerator has changed. 
         [0061]    Then, when the second state of washing machine  201  is canceled, home controller  100  receives a normal state message from washing machine  201 . Home controller  100  transmits, for example, a first green color blinking instruction to LED  301  located at the room where a person is present. LED  301  responds to the first green color blinking instruction from home controller  100  to emit light of white and green based on a series of first green color blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds, and green for 1 second. Then, when the first state of refrigerator  203  is canceled, home controller  100  receives a normal state message from refrigerator  203 . Home controller  100  sends, for example, a white color lighting up instruction to LED  301  located at the room where a person is present. LED  301  responds to the white color lighting up instruction from home controller  100  to emit white light. 
         [0062]    Thus, since LEDs  301 - 306  emit light by a lighting up scheme corresponding to the home appliance and state thereof in network system  1  of the present embodiment, the state of a home appliance installed in the residence can be conveyed more effectively to the user of the relevant home appliance. More specifically, the user can readily identify a home appliance and a specific state thereof by visually utilizing three dimensional information of the color, blinking rhythm, and intensity of LEDs  301 - 306 . 
         [0063]    This technique is particularly effective when the sound around the user is great or for a user who is hearing impaired. In other words, the relevant home appliance and state of the home appliance can be identified even if the user is not in the proximity of home controller  100  or home appliances  201 - 203 , or is present in a room different from the room where home controller  100  and/or home appliances  201 - 203  are located. 
         [0064]    A specific configuration of network system  1  to implement such functions will be described in detail hereinafter. 
         [0065]    &lt;Hardware Configuration of Home Controller  100 &gt; 
         [0066]    An aspect of a hardware configuration of home controller  100  according to the present embodiment will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of home controller  100  according to the present embodiment. 
         [0067]    Home controller  100  includes a memory  101 , a display  102 , a tablet  103 , a button  104 , a communication interface  105 , and a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  110 . 
         [0068]    Memory  101  includes various RAMs (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), hard disk, or the like. Memory  101  stores an illumination control program executed by CPU  110 , the state of home appliances  201 - 203 , and the like. Memory  101  stores a motion sensor table  101 A, an illumination table  101 B, a lighting up scheme table  101 C, a home appliance table  101 D, and a brightness sensor table  101 E. 
         [0069]      FIG. 5  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of motion sensor table  101 A according to the present embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the motion sensor table stores the corresponding relationship between a sensor ID for identifying motion sensors  401 - 406 , and a room ID identifying the room where a relevant one of motion sensors  401 - 406  is installed. 
         [0070]    The data structure of brightness sensor table  101 E is similar to the data structure of motion sensor table  101 A. Therefore, description thereof will not be repeated. 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of illumination table  101 B according to the present embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 6 , illumination table  101  B stores the corresponding relationship between an illumination ID for identifying illuminations  301 - 306  and a room ID identifying the room where a relevant one of illuminations  301 - 306  is installed. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of lighting up scheme table  101 C according to the present embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 7 , lighting up scheme table  101 C stores the corresponding relationship between a home appliance and a lighting up scheme. In the present embodiment, lighting up scheme table  101 C stores the corresponding relationship between a home appliance and a color of light. For example, washing machine  201  is associated with the blue color, refrigerator  203  is associated with the green color, and microwave oven  202  is associated with the yellow color. 
         [0073]      FIG. 8  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of an exemplary modification of lighting up scheme table  101 C according to the present embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 8 , lighting up scheme table  101 C stores the corresponding relationship between a home appliance, a home appliance state, a notification priority level, and a lighting up scheme. In the present modification, the lighting up scheme table  101 C stores, not only the corresponding relationship between a home appliance and color of light, but also the corresponding relationship between a home appliance state and a blinking rhythm. 
         [0074]    For example, lighting up scheme table  101 C stores the corresponding relationship between a home appliance and the color of light. For example, washing machine  201  is associated with the blue color, refrigerator  203  is associated with the green color, and microwave oven  202  is associated with the yellow color. 
         [0075]    Then, the state having the highest priority is stored associated with the first blinking rhythm (blinking twice), and the state having the second highest priority is stored associated with the second blinking rhythm (blinking once). For example, with regard to washing machine  201 , a breakdown is associated with the first blinking rhythm as the state having highest priority. The completion of the cleaning operation is associated with the second blinking rhythm as the state having the second highest priority. 
         [0076]    Specifically, the user registers the ID of a home appliance at home controller  100  via a touch panel  106  or button  104 , and also registers the state of the relevant home appliance in the descending order of the priority level. CPU  110  associates the ID of a home appliance with a color of light in lighting up scheme table  101 C in memory  101 . CPU  110  stores a plurality of states related to a relevant home appliance in association with the input order, a first blinking rhythm and a second blinking rhythm in lighting up scheme table  101 C in memory  101 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 9  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of a home appliance table  101 D according to the present embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 9 , home appliance table  101 D stores the corresponding relationship between a home appliance ID for identifying home appliances  201 - 203  and a room ID for identifying the room where each of home appliances  201 - 203  is installed. 
         [0078]    Returning to  FIG. 4 , display  102  shows the state of home appliances  201 - 203  under control by CPU  110 . Tablet  103  detects a touch operation by the user&#39;s finger to apply the touch coordinates or the like to CPU  110 . CPU  110  receives an instruction from the user via tablet  103 . 
         [0079]    In the present embodiment, tablet  103  is provided at the surface of display  102 . More specifically, display  102  and tablet  103  constitute a touch panel  106  in the present embodiment. 
         [0080]    Button  104  is arranged at the surface of home controller  100 . A plurality of buttons such as the ten-key may be arranged at home controller  100 . Button  104  serves to accept an instruction from the user. Button  104  applies an instruction from the user to CPU  110 . 
         [0081]    Communication interface  105  transmits and receives data, under control of CPU  110 , to and from home appliances  201 - 203 , LEDs  301 - 306 , motion sensors  401 - 406  and brightness sensors  501 - 506 , via network  200 . 
         [0082]    CPU  110  executes various programs stored in memory  101 . The processing at home controller  100  is realized by each hardware and software executed by CPU  110 . Such software may be prestored in memory  101 . Alternatively, the software may be stored in a storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be presented as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected on the Internet. 
         [0083]    Such software is read out from the storage medium by utilizing a reader not shown, or downloaded by using communication interface  105  to be temporarily stored in memory  101 . CPU  110  stores the software in the form of an executable program in memory  101 , and then executes the relevant program. 
         [0084]    The recording medium includes a medium that stores a program in a non-volatile manner such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, and EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). 
         [0085]    The program referred to herein includes, not only a program that can be directly executed by a CPU, but also a program in a source program form, a program subjected to compression, an encrypted program, and the like. 
         [0086]    CPU  110  receives the state of relevant home appliances  201 - 203  from home appliances  201 - 203  via communication interface  105 . For example, CPU  110  receives an error message from washing machine  201 . CPU  110  refers to lighting up scheme table  101 C to obtain the color corresponding to washing machine  201  and the blinking rhythm corresponding to the error. 
         [0087]    CPU  110  refers to motion sensor table  101 A based on the signals from motion sensors  401 - 406  to obtain a room ID of the room where a person is present. CPU  110  refers to illumination table  101 B to identify LED  301  to which a lighting up instruction is to be transmitted based on the room ID. CPU  110  transmits a blue color blinking message to LED  301  via communication interface  105 . At this stage, CPU  110  preferably stores the former lighting up state of LED  301  in memory  101 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 10  shows a pictorial representation of a data structure of control data  105 D transmitted to LEDs  301 - 306  by home controller  100  according to the present embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 10 , control data  105 D includes STX data, illumination ID, function data, red color luminance, green color luminance, blue color luminance, ETX data, and check sum data. 
         [0089]    STX data represents the start code. Illumination ID represents the ID number ( 00  to  99 ) of an LED illumination apparatus. The red color luminance represents the lightness ( 0 - 255 ) of the red color LED. The green color luminance represents the lightness ( 0 - 255 ) of the green color LED. The blue color luminance represents the lightness ( 0 - 255 ) of the blue color LED. ETF data represents an end code. The check sum data represents the code for error detection. 
         [0090]    For example, when LEDs  301 - 306  are to emit white light, home controller  100  transmits to LEDs  301 - 306  red color luminance  255 , green color luminance  255 , and blue color luminance  255 . When LEDs  301 - 306  are to emit blue light, home controller  100  transmits to LEDs  301 - 306  red color luminance  0 , green color luminance  0 , and blue color luminance  255 . When LEDs  301 - 306  are to emit green light, home controller  100  transmits to LEDs  301 - 306  red color luminance  0 , green color luminance  255 , and blue color luminance  0 . When LEDs  301 - 306  are to emit yellow light, home controller  100  transmits to LEDs  301 - 306  red color luminance  255 , green color luminance  255  and blue color luminance  0 . 
         [0091]    In a case where LEDs  301 - 306  are capable of more lighting up schemes, control data  105 D may include, as the function data, a lighting off instruction ( 00 ), an always-on instruction ( 01 ), a first notification instruction ( 10 ), and a second notification instruction ( 11 ). 
         [0092]    LED  301  emits light of white and blue according to a series of blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds, blue for 1 second, white for 1 second, and blue for 1 second according to control data  105 D sequentially sent from home controller  100 . Accordingly, the user can recognize that an error has occurred at washing machine  201 . 
         [0093]    Then, CPU  110  receives a normal state message from washing machine  201  via communication interface  105 . CPU  110  reads out the former lighting up state of LED  301  from memory  101 . CPU  110  transmits to LED  301  a lighting up instruction indicating the former lighting up state (light off instruction) via communication interface  105 . 
         [0094]    &lt;Overall Operation of Network System  1 &gt; 
         [0095]    An overall operation of network system  1  according to the present embodiment will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 11  shows a pictorial representation of an overall operation of network system  1  according to the present invention. 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , the operation of each device in network system  1  and the data flow in network system  1  will be described in time series. 
         [0097]    (1) Washing machine  201  ends the cleaning operation. 
         [0098]    (2) Washing machine  201  transmits to home controller  100  data indicating that the cleaning operation has ended via network  600 . The relevant data indicates the home appliance ID of washing machine  201  and the end state at washing machine  201 . CPU  110  of home controller  100  receives the relevant data from washing machine  201  via communication interface  105 . CPU  110  causes motion sensors  401 - 406  to detect whether a person is present in respective rooms via network  600 . 
         [0099]    (3) Motion sensors  401 ,  402 ,  403 ,  404  and  406  determine that a person is not present in the relevant room. 
         [0100]    (4) Motion sensors  401 ,  402 ,  403 ,  404  and  406  transmit to home controller  100  a message indicating that a person is not present in the relevant room. 
         [0101]    (5) Motion sensor  405  determines that a person is present in the relevant room. 
         [0102]    (6) Motion sensor  405  transmits a message indicating that a person is present in the room to home controller  100 . 
         [0103]    (7) CPU  110  of home controller  100  refers to lighting up scheme table  101 C in memory  101  to determine the lighting up scheme based on the data from washing machine  201 . CPU  110  transmits control data  105 D based on the relevant lighting up scheme to LED  305  corresponding to motion sensor  405  (LED  305  corresponding to the room ID of the room where motion sensor  405  is installed) via communication interface  105 . CPU  110  stores the former lighting up state of LED  305  into memory  101 . 
         [0104]    (8) LED  305  emits light according to a series of blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds and blue for 1 second according to control data  105 D from home controller  100 . In the present embodiment, home controller  100  continues to transmit control data  105 D that is more specific than the lighting up scheme until ( 11 ) based on the lighting up scheme. In the case where LED  305  includes a computer that can execute processing of a higher level, control data  105 D may include a lighting up scheme. 
         [0105]    (9) The lid of washing machine  201  is opened. 
         [0106]    (10) Washing machine  201  transmits to home controller  100  data indicating that the lid has been opened via network  600 . The relevant data indicates the home appliance ID of washing machine  201  and the opened state of washing machine  201 . CPU  110  of home controller  100  receives the relevant data from washing machine  201  via communication interface  105 . 
         [0107]    (11) Based on the data from washing machine  201 , CPU  110  of home controller  100  transmits, via communication interface  105 , control data  105 D according to the former lighting up scheme control data  105 D to LED  305  that has transmitted control data  105 D at (8). 
         [0108]    (12) LED  305  emits white light according to control data  105 D from home controller  100 . 
         [0109]    &lt;Illumination Control Method&gt; 
         [0110]    A method of controlling illumination by home controller  100  according to the present embodiment will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 12  is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the illumination control method by home controller  100  according to the present embodiment. 
         [0111]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , CPU  110  monitors an operation state change notification from home appliances  201 - 203  via communication interface  105  (step S 102 ). 
         [0112]    CPU  110  determines whether an operation state change notification is received from washing machine  201  via communication interface  105  (step S 104 ). When an operation state change notification is received from washing machine  201  (YES at step S 104 ), CPU  110  executes the washing machine processing (step S 200 ). The washing machine processing (step S 200 ) will be described afterwards. CPU  110  repeats the processing from step S 102 . 
         [0113]    When an operation state change notification is not received from washing machine  201  (NO at step S 104 ), CPU  110  determines whether an operation state change notification is received from refrigerator  203  via communication interface  105  (step S 106 ). When an operation state change notification is received from refrigerator  203  (YES at step S 106 ), CPU  110  executes the refrigerator processing (step S 300 ). The refrigerator processing (step S 300 ) will be described afterwards. CPU  110  repeats the processing from step S 102 . 
         [0114]    When an operation state change notification is not received from refrigerator  203  (NO at step S 106 ), CPU  110  determines whether an operation state change notification is received from microwave oven  202  via communication interface  105  (step S 108 ). When an operation state change notification is received from microwave oven  202  (YES at step S 108 ), CPU  110  executes the microwave oven processing (step S 400 ). The microwave oven processing (step S 400 ) will be described afterwards. CPU  110  repeats the processing from step S 102 . 
         [0115]    When an operation state change notification is not received from microwave oven  202  (NO at step S 108 ), CPU  110  repeats the processing from step S 102 . 
         [0116]    &lt;Washing Machine Processing&gt; 
         [0117]    The washing machine processing at home controller  100  according to the present embodiment will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 13  is a flowchart of the procedure of the washing machine processing at home controller  100  of the present embodiment. 
         [0118]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , CPU  110  determines whether an abnormal stop notification is received from washing machine  201  via communication interface  105  (step S 202 ). When an abnormal stop notification is received (YES at step S 202 ), CPU  110  obtains the state of motion sensor  401  located in the laundry room (step S 204 ). Specifically, CPU  110  receives data from motion sensor  401  via communication interface  105 . Alternatively, CPU  110  reads out from memory  101  the data received in advance from motion sensor  401 . 
         [0119]    CPU  110  determines whether a person is present or not in the room where motion sensor  401  is installed based on the data from motion sensor  401 . CPU  110  determines whether there is a person in the proximity of washing machine  201  (step S 206 ). When a person is in the proximity of the washing machine (YES at step S 206 ), CPU  110  ends the washing machine processing. This is because the possibility of a user becoming aware of an abnormal stop of the washing machine is high when the user is in the proximity of the washing machine. 
         [0120]    When a person is not in the proximity of washing machine  201  (NO at step S 206 ), CPU  110  obtains the state of a motion sensor and a brightness sensor located at another room (step S 208 ). CPU  110  obtains the room ID corresponding to the motion sensor sensing a person (step S 210 ). CPU  110  obtains the illumination ID corresponding to that room ID (step S 212 ). 
         [0121]    CPU  110  refers to lighting up scheme table  101 C to obtain the lighting up scheme corresponding to the abnormal stop notification (step S 214 ). More specifically, CPU  110  obtains the blue color corresponding to washing machine  201  and the blinking rhythm corresponding to the abnormal stop notification (a series of blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds, blue for 1 second, white for 1 second, blue for 1 second). 
         [0122]    CPU  110  produces a control telegraphic message corresponding to the relevant illumination ID based on the illumination ID and lighting up scheme (step S 216 ). CPU  110  transmits the control telegraphic message to the LED corresponding to the relevant illumination ID via communication interface  105  (step S 218 ). 
         [0123]    When an abnormal stop notification is not received (NO at step S 202 ), CPU  110  determines whether a washing end notification is received from washing machine  201  via communication interface  105  (step S 222 ). When a washing end notification is received (YES at step S 222 ), CPU  110  obtains the state of the motion sensor located at the laundry room (step S 224 ). 
         [0124]    CPU  110  determines whether a person is in the proximity of washing machine  201  (step S 226 ). When there is a person in the proximity of washing machine  201  (YES at step S 226 ), CPU  110  ends the washing machine processing. 
         [0125]    When a person is not in the proximity of washing machine  201  (NO at step S 226 ), CPU  110  obtains the state of a motion sensor and a brightness sensor located at another room (step S 228 ). CPU  110  obtains the room ID corresponding to the motion sensor that has sensed a person (step S 230 ). CPU  110  obtains the illumination ID corresponding to the room ID (step S 232 ). 
         [0126]    CPU  110  obtains the lighting up scheme corresponding to washing machine  201  and washing machine end notification based on lighting up scheme table  101 C (step S 234 ). More specifically, CPU  110  obtains the blue color corresponding to washing machine  201  and a blinking rhythm corresponding to the washing end notification (a series of blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds, blue for 1 second). 
         [0127]    CPU  110  produces a control telegraphic message based on the illumination ID and lighting up scheme (step S 236 ). CPU  110  transmits via communication interface  105  the control telegraphic message to the LED corresponding to the illumination ID (step S 238 ). CPU  110  ends the washing machine processing. 
         [0128]    When a washing end notification is not received (NO at step S 222 ), CPU  110  determines whether a lid open operation notification of washing machine  201  is received or not via communication interface  105  (step S 242 ). When a lid open operation notification of washing machine  201  is not received (step S 242 ), CPU  110  ends the washing machine processing. 
         [0129]    When a lid open operation notification of washing machine  201  is received (YES at step S 242 ), CPU  110  produces a control telegraphic message to return the LED that has transmitted the lighting up scheme to the former lighting up state (step S 244 ). CPU  110  transmits the control telegraphic message to the relevant LED via communication interface  105  (step S 246 ). CPU  110  ends the washing machine processing. 
         [0130]    &lt;Refrigerator Processing&gt; 
         [0131]    The refrigerator processing at home controller  100  of the present embodiment will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 14  is a flowchart of the procedure of the refrigerator processing at home controller  100  according to the present embodiment. 
         [0132]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , CPU  110  determines whether a message indicating that the door has been open for a long time is received from refrigerator  203  via communication interface  105  (step S 302 ). 
         [0133]    When the relevant message has been received (YES at step S 302 ), CPU  110  obtains the state of motion sensor  402  located in the kitchen (step S 304 ). In other words, CPU  110  determines whether a person is present in the kitchen (step S 306 ). When a person is present in the kitchen (YES at step S 306 ), CPU  110  ends the refrigerator processing. 
         [0134]    When a person is not present in the kitchen (NO at step S 306 ), CPU  110  obtains the state of a motion sensor and a brightness sensor located at another room (step S 308 ). CPU  110  obtains the room ID corresponding to the motion sensor that has detected a person (step S 310 ). CPU  110  obtains the illumination ID corresponding to the room ID table (step S 312 ). 
         [0135]    CPU  110  refers to lighting up scheme table  101 C to obtain the lighting up scheme based on refrigerator  203  and the message (step S 314 ). More specifically, CPU  110  obtains the green color corresponding to refrigerator  203 , and a blinking rhythm corresponding to the message indicating that the door is open (a series of blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds, green for 1 second) (step S 314 ). 
         [0136]    CPU  110  produces a control telegraphic message based on the illumination ID and lighting up scheme (step S 316 ). CPU  110  transmits the control telegraphic message to the LED corresponding to the illumination ID via communication interface  105  (step S 318 ). 
         [0137]    When the aforementioned message is not received (NO at step S 302 ), CPU  110  determines whether a message indicating that the door of the refrigerator is closed is received via communication interface  105  (step S 320 ). When the relevant message is not received (NO at step S 320 ), CPU  110  ends the refrigerator processing. 
         [0138]    When the relevant message is received (YES at step S 320 ), CPU  110  produces a control telegraphic message to return the LED that has transmitted the lighting up scheme to the former lighting up scheme (step S 322 ). CPU  110  transmits the control telegraphic message to the relevant LED via communication interface  105  (step S 324 ). CPU  110  ends the refrigerator processing. 
         [0139]    &lt;Microwave Oven Processing&gt; 
         [0140]    The microwave oven processing at home controller  100  according to the present embodiment will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 15  is a flowchart of the procedure of the microwave oven processing at home controller  100  according to the present embodiment. 
         [0141]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , CPU  110  determines whether a forgotten item notification is received from microwave oven  202  via communication interface  105  (step S 402 ). 
         [0142]    When a forgotten item notification is received (YES at step S 402 ), CPU  110  obtains the state of motion sensor  402  located in the kitchen (step S 404 ). CPU  110  determines whether a person is present in the kitchen (step S 406 ). When a person is present in the kitchen (YES at step S 406 ), CPU  110  ends the microwave oven processing. 
         [0143]    When a person is not present in the kitchen (NO at step S 406 ), CPU  110  obtains the state of a motion sensor and a brightness sensor located in another room (step S 408 ). CPU  110  obtains the room ID corresponding to the motion sensor that has sensed a person (step S 410 ). CPU  110  obtains the illumination ID based on the room ID (step S 412 ). 
         [0144]    CPU  110  refers to lighting up scheme table  101 C to obtain the lighting up scheme based on microwave oven  202  and the forgotten item notification (step S 414 ). More specifically, CPU  110  obtains the yellow color corresponding to microwave oven  202  and a blinking rhythm corresponding to the forgotten item notification (a series of blinking rhythm constituted of white for 10 seconds, yellow for 1 second) (step S 414 ). 
         [0145]    CPU  110  produces a control telegraphic message based on the illumination ID and lighting up scheme (step S 416 ). CPU  110  transmits the relevant control telegraphic message to the LED corresponding to the illumination ID via communication interface  105  (step S 418 ). CPU  110  ends the microwave oven processing. 
         [0146]    When a forgotten item notification is not received (NO at step S 402 ), CPU  110  determines whether a door open notification of microwave oven  202  is received or not via communication interface  105  (step S 420 ). When a door open operation notification of the microwave oven is not received (NO at step S 420 ), CPU  110  ends the microwave oven processing. 
         [0147]    When a door open operation notification of microwave oven  202  is received (YES at step S 420 ), CPU  110  produces a control telegraphic message to return the LED that has transmitted the lighting up scheme to the former lighting up scheme (step S 422 ). CPU  110  transmits the relevant control telegraphic message to the relevant LED via communication interface  105  (step S 424 ). CPU ends the microwave oven processing. 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0148]    The present invention is also applicable to the case achieved by supplying the program to a report display device and/or server. The advantage of the present invention can be offered by supplying to a system or device the storage medium storing the program represented by the software directed to achieving the present invention, and then reading out and executing the program codes stored in the storage medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of that system or device. 
         [0149]    In this case, the program codes per se read out from the storage medium realize the function of the embodiment set forth above, and the storage medium storing the program codes constitutes the present invention. 
         [0150]    In addition to realizing the functions of the embodiment set forth above by executing program codes read out by a computer, the function of the above-described embodiment may be realized by a process according to an OS (operating system) running on the computer performing a part of or all of the actual process, based on the commands of the program codes. 
         [0151]    Furthermore, the program codes read out from the storage medium may be written to a memory included in a functionality expansion board inserted to a computer or a functionality expansion unit connected to a computer. Then, the function of the aforementioned embodiment may be realized by a process according to a CPU or the like provided on the functionality expansion board or the functionality expansion unit, performing a part of or all of the actual process, based on the commands of the program codes. 
         [0152]    It is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are only by way of example, and not to be taken by way of limitation. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the description above, but rather by the terms of the appended claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0153]      1  network system;  100  home controller;  101  memory;  101  A motion sensor table;  101 B illumination table;  101 C lighting up scheme table;  101 D home appliance table;  101 E brightness sensor table;  102  display;  103  tablet;  104  button;  105  communication interface;  105 D control data;  106  touch panel;  201  washing machine;  202  microwave oven;  203  refrigerator;  301 - 306  LED;  401 - 406  motion sensor;  501 - 506  brightness sensor;  600  network.