Patent Description:
Internet of Things (IOT) is gaining popularity, in which various types of equipment such as home appliances are connected to the Internet and control one another. By taking advantage of IoT, users become able to receive notification from equipment such as home appliances via other equipment. According to the invention described in <CIT>), for example, information that is output from a home appliance is notified to a user via another information notification equipment or the like. This enables the user who is away from the home appliance to obtain the information output from the home appliance without carrying a mobile terminal capable of receiving information from home appliances.

According to <CIT>), whether any person is present is sensed, and information notification equipment provides notification only when the presence of a person has been sensed. However, it may not be possible simply by providing notification to provide an appropriate form of notification to a person. Thus, there are cases where a person cannot adequately recognize the notification.

Patent document <CIT> discloses an adaptive notification network with a plurality of notification nodes. In this network, information related to a target user can be acquired. The plurality of notification nodes can be ranked based on the information related to the target user and one or more notification nodes that satisfy one or more specified ranking criteria can be selected. The notification can be formatted based on at least one of the information related to the target user or information related to the one or more selected notification nodes. The formatted notification can then be transmitted to the one or more selected notification nodes.

Patent document <CIT> discloses techniques for providing notification messages to a user. An example method of sending an alert messageto a user includes receiving a notification message for the user, determining a location of the user, determining one or more notification devices based the location of the user, generating the alert message based on one or more notification preferences associated with the user and the one or more notification devices, and sending the alert message to at least one of the one or more notification devices based on the notification preferences.

Patent document <CIT> discloses a technique for a customizable lighting controller. The lighting controller includes a display device to display selectable lighting functions, switches that each correspond to one of the selectable lighting functions, and a lighting controller manager to receive an input of a selectable lighting function at one of the switches of the lighting controller. The lighting controller manager can then initiate a display of the selected lighting level on the display device of the lighting controller.

In view of this, the present disclosure provides an information notification system that is capable of presenting notification information received from one apparatus in an appropriate form via another apparatus.

The information notification system according to the present disclosure is capable of presenting notification information received from one apparatus in an appropriate form via another apparatus.

In the following description, the invention is described with reference to <FIG>, while the description of the remaining figures is provided for illustrative purposes for a better understanding of the invention.

An information notification system and an information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM> will be described.

First, a configuration of the information notification system according to Embodiment <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

Information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment is a system capable of presenting notification information output from each of a plurality of apparatuses including home appliances to a user not only from the apparatus but also via another apparatus. Information notification system <NUM> includes a plurality of apparatuses and one or more servers. The plurality of apparatuses and the one or more servers carry out communications via network <NUM>. There are no particular limitations on network <NUM>, as long as it is possible to form a communication network that connects the plurality of apparatuses and the one or more servers. Network <NUM> is a wired or wireless communication network. For example, the network may be a wired network compliant with standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or may be a wireless network compliant with standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or ZigBee (registered trademark).

The one or more servers are devices that cause the apparatus located near the position of a user among the plurality of apparatuses to provide notification information to the user. The one or more servers include first server <NUM>.

The plurality of apparatuses are devices located in a predetermined space such as a house. Examples of the plurality of apparatuses include home appliances such as a washing machine, a TV receiver, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, and an air cleaner. Each of at least one of the plurality of apparatuses includes a sensor unit that senses whether any person is present and generates a presence-absence signal including person presence-absence information. For example, the plurality of apparatuses may include a sensor such as a human sensing sensor. In the present embodiment, the plurality of apparatuses include first device <NUM> and second device <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The plurality of apparatuses further include sensors 50a and 50b.

First device <NUM> is one exemplary apparatus that is used by a user and generates notification information that is to be provided to the user. First device <NUM> is the apparatus used by the user among the plurality of apparatuses, and which apparatus is to be identified as first device <NUM> is not determined until the user uses the apparatus. Thus, first device <NUM> is the apparatus temporarily identified based on the behavior of the user.

In present embodiment, first device <NUM> includes generator <NUM>, interface <NUM>, and communicator <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In <FIG> and other drawings, the interface is expressed as "I/F". In the present embodiment, first device <NUM> further includes controller <NUM> and sensor unit <NUM>.

Generator <NUM> generates a notification signal including notification information that is to be provided to the user who uses first device <NUM>. The notification information includes, for example, information that indicates operation details and operation conditions of first device <NUM>. In the case where first device <NUM> is a washing machine, the notification information includes, for example, information indicating operation details such as "washing" and "rinsing" and operation conditions such as the remaining time until the completion of laundry. Note that the notification signal may include other information. For example, the notification signal may include user information for use in identifying the user. The user information refers to information for use in identifying the person who has used first device <NUM>. For example, the user information may be information identified based on a signal input to interface <NUM> by the user. The user information may also be information about the user, acquired by sensor unit <NUM> of first device <NUM>. For example, in the case where sensor unit <NUM> includes an image capturing device or the like, the user information may be information based on a captured image of the user. Generator <NUM> may generate the notification signal with timing of changes in, for example, operation details or operation conditions of first device <NUM>, or may generate the notification signal at fixed time intervals.

Controller <NUM> controls primary operations of first device <NUM>. The primary operations differ depending on the function of first device <NUM>. For example, in the case where first device <NUM> is a washing machine, the primary operations are operations such as laundry, and in the case where first device <NUM> is a refrigerator, the primary operations are operations such as temperature control in the refrigerator.

Interface <NUM> transfers information between the user and first device <NUM>. More specifically, interface <NUM> receives a user operation and converts the operation into a signal indicating the operation. Interface <NUM> may also present notification information that is provided to the user by first device <NUM>. For example, interface <NUM> may present the notification information by sounds, or may present the notification information via images such as characters. Interface <NUM> may, for example, be a touch panel, or may include a keyboard and a display.

Sensor unit <NUM> senses whether any person is present and generates a presence-absence signal including person presence-absence information. Sensor unit <NUM> may also discriminate between one or more persons and generate a presence-absence signal including presence-absence information about each of the one or more persons. Sensor unit <NUM> may, for example, be a human sensing sensor, or may include an image capturing device and an image processor. Sensor unit <NUM> may discriminate the user by capturing an image of the user with the image capturing device and processing the captured image by the image processor.

Communicator <NUM> carries out communications with the other apparatuses and the one or more servers. Communicator <NUM> is one example of a first communicator that transmits the notification signal generated by generator <NUM> to first server <NUM>. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of communicator <NUM>, as long as it is possible to carry out communications with the other apparatuses and the like via network <NUM>. In other words, there are no particular limitations on communicator <NUM>, as long as the communicator is compliant with standards or the like used by network <NUM>.

Second device <NUM> is one example of the apparatuses and a device selected by first server <NUM> as one of devices capable of presenting the notification information to the user who is in a presumed position presumed as the position of the user, when first device <NUM> has transmitted a notification signal including the notification information that is to be provided to the user. Second device <NUM> is the apparatus capable of presenting the notification information to the user who is in the presumed position among the plurality of apparatuses. The apparatus corresponding to second device <NUM> differs depending on the position of the user. In other words, the apparatus corresponding to second device <NUM> differs depending on the movement of the user. Thus, second device <NUM> is the apparatus temporality identified based on the behavior of the user. Second device <NUM> includes controller <NUM>, interface <NUM>, sensor unit <NUM>, and communicator <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> is, like controller <NUM> of first device <NUM>, a processing unit that controls primary operations of second device <NUM>.

Interface <NUM>, like interface <NUM> of first device <NUM>, transfers information between the user and second device <NUM>. In the present embodiment, interface <NUM> includes a display that displays a notification image corresponding to the notification information.

Sensor unit <NUM>, like sensor unit <NUM> of first device <NUM>, senses whether any person is present and generates a presence-absence signal including person presence-absence information.

Communicator <NUM>, like communicator <NUM> of first device <NUM>, carriers out communications with the other apparatuses and the one or more servers. Communicator <NUM> is one example of a second communicator that receives a presentation signal including the notification information transmitted from first server <NUM>.

First server <NUM> is one example of the servers and includes information acquirer <NUM> and presentation controller <NUM>. In the present embodiment, first server <NUM> further includes device information database <NUM>. In <FIG> and other drawings, the device information database is expressed as "device information DB".

Information acquirer <NUM> receives the notification signal and the presence-absence signal from first device <NUM> and acquires information including the notification information included in the notification signal and the presence-absence information included in the presence-absence signal. Information acquirer <NUM> outputs the notification information and the presence-absence information to device information database <NUM>.

Device information database <NUM> accumulates the notification information and the presence-absence information acquired by information acquirer <NUM>.

Presentation controller <NUM> determines a presumed position as the position of the user presumed based on the user information and the person presence-absence information accumulated in device information database <NUM>. Specifically, the position at which it is presumed on the basis of the presence-absence information that any person is present may be determined as the presumed position.

Presentation controller <NUM> determines the presumed position of the user as described above and causes one of apparatuses that are capable of presenting the notification information to the user who is in the presumed position among the plurality of apparatuses, i.e., second device <NUM>, to present the notification information. That is, presentation controller <NUM> selects, as second device <NUM>, the apparatus that is capable of presenting sounds, images, or the like to the presumed position, and transmits a presentation signal corresponding to the notification information to second device <NUM>. Presentation controller <NUM> may also select and transmit part of the notification information to second device <NUM>, or may transmit information indicating the form of notification of the notification information, along with the notification information. Presentation controller <NUM> further changes the form of presentation in accordance with presentation setting information that is information about the person who is in the presumed position. How the presentation controller changes the form of presentation will be described later in detail.

Sensors 50a and 50b each sense whether any person is present and generate a presence-absence signal including person presence-absence information. For example, sensors 50a and 50b may be human sensing sensors. Sensors 50a and 50b may also discriminate between one or more persons and generate a presence-absence signal including presence-absence information about each of the one or more persons. In this case, sensors 50a and 50b may include an image capturing device and an image processor and discriminate the user by capturing an image of the user with the image capturing device and processing the captured image by the image processor.

Next, an information notification method using information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment and an exemplary operation thereof. <FIG> are diagrams respectively illustrating one and another examples of a notification image displayed on interface <NUM> of second device <NUM> according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a flowchart of the information notification method according to the present embodiment.

Information notification system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes first server <NUM> and a plurality of apparatuses. The plurality of apparatuses include first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatuses 30b and 30d, and sensors 50a and 50b, which are located in given house <NUM>. House <NUM> includes rooms A to D. First device <NUM> and sensor 50a are located in room A. Equipment or device 30b and sensor 50b are located in room B. Second device <NUM> is located in room C. Equipment or device 30d is located in room D.

In the present exemplary configuration, first server <NUM> is provided outside house <NUM> via network <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>).

First device <NUM> and second device <NUM> are a washing machine and an air cleaner, respectively. Interface <NUM> of second device <NUM> includes a touch panel. Interface <NUM> may receive input of information for use in identifying the user.

Equipment or devices 30b and 30d are an electromagnetic range and an air conditioner, respectively.

In the information notification method according to the present embodiment, first, first device <NUM> in information notification system <NUM> is operated by a user as illustrated in <FIG>. In response to this, generator <NUM> of first device <NUM> generates a notification signal including notification information (S12). In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, when user U0 has operated interface <NUM> of first device <NUM>, i.e., the washing machine, first device <NUM> starts to operate in accordance with the operation of user U0. Generator <NUM> of first device <NUM> generates a notification signal that includes notification information corresponding to the operation.

Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the plurality of apparatuses in information notification system <NUM> each sense whether any person is present and generate a presence-absence signal including person presence-absence information (S14). In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, whether any person is present near each apparatus is sensed on the basis of the presence-absence signals received from first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatuses 30b and 30d, and sensors 50a and 50b included in the plurality of apparatuses.

In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, a description is given of the operation performed by information notification system <NUM> when user U0 who uses first device <NUM> located in room A has operated first device <NUM> and then moved to room C.

In this case, after user U0 has operated first device <NUM> in room A and moved to room C, first device <NUM> senses with at least one of interface <NUM> or sensor unit <NUM> that any person such as user U0 is not present near first device <NUM>. Similarly, sensor 50a senses that any person such as user U0 is not present near the sensor. Thus, first device <NUM> transmits, to first server <NUM>, a notification signal that includes notification information corresponding to the operation of user U0 and a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that any person is not present near first device <NUM>. Sensor 50a transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that any person is not present near sensor 50a.

Equipment or device 30b and sensor 50b, located in room B, each transmit, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that any person such as user U0 is not present near the apparatus or the sensor. Equipment or device 30d located in room D transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that any person such as user U0 is not present near apparatus 30d. As described above, whether any person such as user U0 is present in each room can be sensed using the plurality of apparatuses.

Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, information acquirer <NUM> of first server <NUM> receives the notification signal and the presence-absence signals and acquires the notification information included in the notification signal and the presence-absence information included in the presence-absence signal (S16). In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, first server <NUM> receives the notification signal from first device <NUM> and receives the presence-absence signals from first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatuses 30b and 30d, and sensors 50a and 50b. First server <NUM> also acquires the notification information and the presence-absence information from each signal. Note that first device <NUM> is not identified until first server <NUM> receives the notification signal. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, when first server <NUM> has received the notification signal, the washing machine, which is the apparatus serving as the transmission source of the notification signal, is identified as first device <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, presentation controller <NUM> of first server <NUM> determines the position of the person presumed based on the user information and the presence-absence information, i.e., a presumed position, and selects second device <NUM> as one of apparatuses that are capable of presenting the notification information to the person who is in the presumed position among the plurality of apparatuses. Presentation controller <NUM> changes the form of presentation in accordance with presentation setting information that is information about the person who is in the presumed position. In the present embodiment, the presentation setting information includes presence-absence information. To be more specific, the presentation setting information includes distance D0 from the presumed position of the user to second device <NUM>. Second device <NUM> also includes a display that displays a notification image corresponding to the notification information.

Presentation controller <NUM> determines whether distance D0 is less than a predetermined threshold value (S18). If distance D0 is less than the predetermined threshold value (Yes in S18), presentation controller <NUM> presents short-distance notification information (S20). On the other hand, if distance D0 is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value (No in S18), presentation controller <NUM> presents long-distance notification information (S22). Here, as the form of presentation of the notification information, the form of a notification image will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The notification image illustrated in <FIG> is one example of the form of presentation of the long-distance notification information, and includes only character information indicating the remaining time for laundry. On the other hand, the notification image illustrated in <FIG> is one example of the form of presentation of the short-distance notification information, and includes information such as the course name of laundry operations ("standard course") and characters indicating the time required for each operation and the remaining time, the information being displayed with smaller characters than numerals illustrated in <FIG>.

If distance D0 from the presumed position of user U0 to second device <NUM> is greater than the predetermined threshold value, presentation controller <NUM> causes second device <NUM> to present a notification image with a small amount of information as illustrated in <FIG>, because it is difficult for user U0 to read small characters displayed on the display of second device <NUM>. On the other hand, if distance D0 is less than the predetermined threshold value, presentation controller <NUM> causes second device <NUM> to present a notification image with a large amount of information as illustrated in <FIG>, because user U0 is able to read small characters displayed on the display of second device <NUM>. The predetermined threshold value may be appropriately set depending on the configuration of the display or the like, and may be approximately <NUM>, for example.

As described above, the notification information received from first device <NUM> can be presented via the other apparatus, i.e., second device <NUM>, to user U0 who uses first device <NUM>. As the notification information, for example, it is possible to provide information or the like that indicates the completion of laundry at first device <NUM>, i.e., the washing machine. This enables user U0, even if away from first device <NUM>, to immediately know the completion of laundry.

Information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method using this system according to the present embodiment make is possible to provide the notification information with an appropriate amount of information for distance D0 from user U0 to second device <NUM>. Accordingly, the notification information can be presented with appropriate sizes, e.g., character sizes, for distance D0 from user U0 to second device <NUM>. That is, it is possible to present the notification information in an appropriate form.

Note that the configuration of information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to the present embodiment are not limited thereto. For example, in the exemplary configuration described above, although presentation controller <NUM> changes the notification image in accordance with the relationship between distance D0 and the predetermined threshold value, controller <NUM> of second device <NUM> may change the notification image. Specifically, if distance D0 is less than the predetermined threshold value, controller <NUM> of second device <NUM> may control interface <NUM> so as to present the notification image as instructed by presentation controller <NUM>, and if distance D0 is greater than the predetermined threshold value, controller <NUM> of second device <NUM> may control interface <NUM> so as to present the notification information with a reduced amount of information.

In the exemplary configuration described above, although presentation controller <NUM> presents the notification information in the form of a notification image, the notification information may be presented by sounds. For example, second device <NUM> may include a sound ejector that ejects notification sounds corresponding to the notification information. In the case where distance D0 from the presumed position of user U0 to second device <NUM> is less than the predetermined threshold value, presentation controller <NUM> may cause second device <NUM> to lower the volume level of notification sounds from the volume level used in the case where distance D0 is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value. Also, presentation controller <NUM> may cause second device <NUM> to increase the volume level of notification sounds with increasing distance D0 from the presumed position of user U0 to second device <NUM>. By so doing, when user U0 is present relatively near second device <NUM>, the notification information is presented at a relatively low volume level and accordingly user U0 feels less annoyed by the notification. When user U0 is present relatively away from second device <NUM>, the notification information is presented at a relatively high volume level, which reduces the occurrence of a situation in which user U0 cannot here the notification information.

As described above, information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method using this system according to the present embodiment make it possible to present the notification information in an appropriate form of presentation in accordance with conditions relating to the user.

An information notification system and an information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM> will be described. The information notification system and the information notification method according to the present embodiment differ from information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM> mainly in that the user is discriminated based on the presence-absence information. The following description of the information notification system and the information notification method according to the present embodiment focuses on the differences from information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM>.

First, a configuration of the information notification system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, like information notification system <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, includes a plurality of apparatuses and one or more servers. In the present embodiment, each of at least one of the plurality of apparatuses discriminates between one or more persons and generates a presence-absence signal including presence-absence information about each of the one or more persons. Information notification system <NUM> includes first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, and sensors 50a and 50b. The one or more servers include first server <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the notification signal generated by generator <NUM> of first device <NUM> includes user information for use in identifying user, in addition to the notification information that is to be provided to the user who uses first device <NUM>. The user information is information for use in identifying a person who has used first device <NUM>. For example, the user information may be information identified based on a signal input to interface <NUM> by the user. The user information may be information about the user, acquired by sensor unit <NUM> of first device <NUM>. For example, in the case where sensor unit <NUM> includes an image capturing device or the like, the user information may be information based on a captured image of the user.

First server <NUM> includes information acquirer <NUM>, presentation controller <NUM>, discriminator <NUM>, and device information database <NUM>.

Presentation controller <NUM> according to the present embodiment determines the position of a person presumed based on the user information and the presence-absence information, i.e., a presumed position, and causes one of apparatuses that are capable of presenting the notification information to the person who is in the presumed position among the plurality of apparatuses, i.e., second device <NUM>, to present the notification information.

Discriminator <NUM> discriminates the user on the basis of the user information acquired by information acquirer <NUM>. Discriminator <NUM> associates the user with the notification information acquired by information acquirer <NUM>. For example, the user information may include image information about the user, and discriminator <NUM> may discriminate the user on the basis of the image information. Discriminator <NUM> may use this image information and image information included in the presence-absence information generated by the other apparatuses to sense whether the user is present near the other apparatuses.

Next, the information notification method using information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment and an exemplary operation thereof.

First device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatus 30d, sensors 50a and 50b have similar configurations to the configurations of first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatus 30d, and sensors 50a and 50b according to Embodiment <NUM>. In the present embodiment, apparatus 30b located in room B is an electromagnetic range. Equipment or device 30b is used by person U1 different from user U0.

In the present exemplary configuration, first, when user U0 has operated interface <NUM> of first device <NUM>, i.e., the washing machine, first device <NUM> starts to operate in accordance with the operation of user U0. Generator <NUM> of first device <NUM> generates a notification signal that includes notification information corresponding to the operation and user information corresponding to user U0.

Then, in the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, whether user U0 is present near each apparatus is sensed by detecting whether any person is present near each apparatus on the basis of the presence-absence signals received from first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatuses 30b and 30d, and sensors 50a and 50b included in the plurality of apparatuses and discriminating user U0 on the basis of the image information or other information.

In this case, after user U0 has operated first device <NUM> in room A and moved to room C, first device <NUM> senses with at least one of interface <NUM> or sensor unit <NUM> that user U0 is not present near first device <NUM>. Similarly, sensor 50a senses that user U0 is not present near the sensor. Thus, first device <NUM> transmits, to first server <NUM>, a notification signal that includes notification information corresponding to the operation of user U0 and user information indicating that the first device is used by user U0, and a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near first device <NUM>. Sensor 50a transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near sensor 50a.

Equipment or device 30b and sensor 50b, located in room B, each transmit, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near the apparatus or the sensor and that person U1 different from user U0 is near the apparatus or the sensor. Specifically, apparatus 30b and sensor 50b each may transmit image information about person U1 or information indicating features of the image as the presence-absence information, or in the case where it is possible to identify person U1 corresponding to the image, may transmit information indicating that identified person U1 is near the apparatus or the sensor as the presence-absence information. Second device <NUM> located in room C transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is present near the second device. Specifically, second device <NUM> may transmit image information about user U0 or information indicating features of the image as the presence-absence information, or in the case where it is possible to identify user U0 corresponding to the image, information indicating that identified user U0 is present near the second device may be transmitted as the presence-absence information. Also, distance D0 from user U0 to second device <NUM> may be transmitted as presentation setting information. Equipment or device 30d located in room D transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near apparatus 30d. As described above, whether user U0 is present in each room can be sensed using the plurality of apparatuses.

Then, first server <NUM> receives the notification signal from first device <NUM> and the presence-absence signals from first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatuses 30b and 30d, and sensors 50a and 50b. First server <NUM> also acquires the user information, the notification information, and the presence-absence information from each signal.

Then, on the basis of the user information received from first device <NUM> and the presence-absence information received from second device <NUM>, first server <NUM> presumes that user U0 who uses first device <NUM> is present in room C. That is, first server <NUM> determines room C as the presumed position of user U0. First server <NUM> selects second device <NUM> as one of apparatuses capable of presenting the notification information to user U0 who is in the presumed position. That is, first server <NUM> identifies the air cleaner, which is the apparatus located in room C, as second device <NUM> on the basis of the presumed position of user U0. Then, first server <NUM> transmits, to second device <NUM>, a presentation signal including notification information that is to be presented by second device <NUM>. Here, as in Embodiment <NUM>, presentation controller <NUM> of first server <NUM> changes the form of presentation in accordance with the presentation setting information, which is the information about user U0 who is in the presumed position.

Second device <NUM> receives the presentation signal and presents the notification information included in the presentation signal to user U0. For example, second device <NUM> presents the notification information via interface <NUM>.

Accordingly, information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method using this system according to the present embodiment can achieve similar effects to the effects achieved by information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method using this system according to Embodiment <NUM>.

According to information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method using this system according to the present embodiment, user U0 who uses first device <NUM> is discriminated, and notification information is presented only to second device <NUM>, which is the apparatus located near user U0. This reduces the possibility that the notification information may be presented to the other persons such as person U1. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which persons other than user U0 may feel annoyed by the notification.

Note that the configuration of information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the presentation setting information may include at least one of the user information or the presence-absence information. In the case where the presentation setting information includes the user information, presentation controller <NUM> may change the form of presentation depending on the user. For example, in the case where the user is an aged person, a notification image with a smaller amount of information than in the case where the user is not an aged person may be presented, because it may be difficult for the user to read small characters. In the case where the user is an aged person, notification information may be presented at a higher volume level of sounds than in the case where the user is not an aged person, because it may be difficult for the user to hear quiet sounds. Accordingly, it is possible to present notification information in a more appropriate form of presentation depending on the user.

An information notification system and an information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM> will be described. The information notification system and the information notification method according to the present embodiment differ from information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM> mainly in that the first server causes the second device to present notification information via another server. The following description of the information notification system and the information notification method according to the present embodiment focuses on the differences from information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM>.

First, a configuration of the information notification system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, like information notification system <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, a plurality of apparatuses and one or more servers.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of apparatuses include first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, and sensors 50a and 50b as illustrated in <FIG>. The one or more servers include first server <NUM> and second server <NUM>.

Presentation controller <NUM> according to the present embodiment, like presentation controller <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, determines the position of a person presumed based on the user information and the presence-absence information, i.e., a presumed position, and causes one of apparatuses that are capable of presenting the notification information to the person who is in the presumed position among the plurality of apparatuses, i.e., second device <NUM>, to present the notification information. In the present embodiment, presentation controller <NUM> causes second device <NUM> to present the notification information via second server <NUM>. In this way, presentation controller <NUM> according to the present embodiment is capable of causing the apparatuses operated by the other server to provide the notification information.

Second server <NUM> is a server that controls second device <NUM>, and includes database <NUM>. In <FIG> and other drawings, the database is expressed as "DB".

Database <NUM> is a database in which data for use in controlling second device <NUM> is accumulated. Database <NUM> receives signals from external devices and controls second device <NUM> on the basis of the received signals. In the present embodiment, database <NUM> receives a presentation signal from first server <NUM>, converts the received presentation signal into a presentation signal for allowing second device <NUM> to perform operations corresponding to the presentation signal, and transmits the converted presentation signal to second device <NUM>.

Second device <NUM> is, like second device <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, one example of the apparatuses, and receives the presentation signal from second server <NUM> and presents the notification information on the basis of the presentation signal. In the present embodiment, second device <NUM> is, for example, a so-called smart speaker or smart display controlled by second server <NUM>. Second device <NUM>, like second device <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, incudes controller <NUM>, interface <NUM>, sensor unit <NUM>, and communicator <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> is, like controller <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, a processing unit that controls primary operations of second device <NUM>.

Interface <NUM>, like interface <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, transfers information between the user and second device <NUM>. For example, in the case where second device <NUM> is a smart speaker, interface <NUM> includes a microphone that receives sounds, and a sound ejector (in other words, a speaker) that ejects sounds on the basis of signals received from controller <NUM> and second server <NUM>. In the case where second device <NUM> is a smart display, interface <NUM> includes a microphone that receives sounds, a sound ejector that ejects sounds on the basis of signals received from controller <NUM> and second server <NUM>, and a display that displays an image on the basis of the signals received from controller <NUM> and second server <NUM>.

Sensor unit <NUM>, like sensor unit <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, discriminates between one or more persons and generates a presence-absence signal including presence-absence information about each of the one or more persons.

Communicator <NUM> carries out communications with the other apparatuses and the one or more servers. Communicator <NUM> is one example of a second communicator that receives a presentation signal including the notification information transmitted from first server <NUM>. Communicator <NUM> receives the presentation signal including the notification information transmitted from first server <NUM> via second server <NUM>.

Information notification system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes first server <NUM>, second server <NUM>, and a plurality of apparatuses. The plurality of apparatuses include first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatuses 30b, 30c, and 30d, and sensors 50a and 50b, which are located in given house <NUM>. House <NUM> includes rooms A to D. First device <NUM> and sensor 50a are located in room A. Equipment or device 30b and sensor 50b are located in room B. Second device <NUM> and apparatus 30c are located in room C. Equipment or device 30d is located in room D.

Each apparatus located in rooms A, B, and D is similar to each apparatus located in rooms A, B, and D in the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>. In the present exemplary configuration, apparatus 30c and second device <NUM> are located in room C. Equipment or device 30c is, for example, an air cleaner. Second device <NUM> is, for example, a smart speaker.

In the present exemplary configuration, a description is given of the information notification method performed when user U0 has operated first device <NUM> and then moved to room C as in the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>.

First, user U0 operates interface <NUM> of first device <NUM>, i.e., the washing machine. Generator <NUM> of first device <NUM> generates a notification signal that includes notification information corresponding to the operation and user information corresponding to user U0.

Then, whether the user is present near each apparatus is sensed by detecting whether any person is present near each apparatus and discriminating the user on the basis of image information or other information.

After user U0 has moved from room A to room C, first device <NUM> transmits, to first server <NUM>, a notification signal that includes notification information corresponding to the operation of user U0 and user information indicating that the first device is used by user U0, and a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near first device <NUM>.

Equipment or device 30b and sensor 50b, located in room B, each transmit, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near the apparatus or the sensor and that person U1 different from user U0 is present near the apparatus or the sensor. At least one of second device <NUM> or apparatus <NUM>, located in room C, transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is present near the second device or the apparatus. Equipment or device 30d located in room D transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near apparatus 30d. As described above, whether user U0 is present in each room can be sensed using the plurality of apparatuses.

Then, first server <NUM> receives the notification signal from first device <NUM> and the presence-absence signals from first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatuses 30b, 30c, and 30d, and sensors 50a and 50b. First server <NUM> also acquires the user information, the notification information, and the presence-absence information from each signal. Note that first server <NUM> may receive the presence-absence signal from second device <NUM> via second server <NUM>.

Then, on the basis of the user information received from first device <NUM> and the presence-absence information received from at least one of second device <NUM> or apparatus 30c, first server <NUM> presumes that user U0 who uses first device <NUM> is present in room C. That is, first server <NUM> determines room C as the presumed position of user U0. First server <NUM> selects second device <NUM> as one of apparatuses capable of presenting the notification information to user U0 who is in room C and transmits, to second server <NUM> serving as a server for controlling second device <NUM>, a presentation signal including notification information that is to be presented by second device <NUM>. Second server <NUM> receives the presentation signal from first server <NUM>, converts the received presentation signal into a presentation signal corresponding to second device <NUM>, and transmits the converted presentation signal to second device <NUM>.

In the present embodiment as well as in Embodiment <NUM>, presentation controller <NUM> of first server <NUM> changes the form of presentation in accordance with the presentation setting information, which is the information about user U0 who is in the presumed position.

Second device <NUM> receives the converted presentation signal and presents the notification information included in the presentation signal to user U0. For example, second device <NUM> presents the notification information by sounds via interface <NUM>.

An information notification system and an information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM> will be described. The information notification system and the information notification method according to the present embodiment differ from information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM> mainly in that notification is provided in consideration of the behavior of a user. The following description of the information notification system and the information notification method according to the present embodiment focuses on the differences from information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM>.

First, a configuration of the information notification system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, like information notification system <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, includes a plurality of apparatuses and one or more servers.

First server <NUM> includes information acquirer <NUM>, presentation controller <NUM>, discriminator <NUM>, device information database <NUM>, behavior extractor <NUM>, and behavior information database <NUM>.

Behavior extractor <NUM> extracts behavior information that is information about the behavior of the user who uses first device <NUM>, on the basis of the user information, the notification information, and the presence-absence information accumulated in device information database <NUM>.

Behavior information database <NUM> accumulates behavior information about each user, extracted by behavior extractor <NUM>. For example, behavior information database <NUM> may accumulate the behavior information about each user over a predetermined period of time and delete the information in order from the older piece of information.

Presentation controller <NUM> according to the present embodiment, like presentation controller <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, determines the position of a person presumed based on the user information and the presence-absence information, i.e., a presumed position, and causes one of apparatuses that are capable of presenting the notification information to the person who is in the presumed position among the plurality of apparatuses, i.e., second device <NUM>, to present the notification information. In the present embodiment, presentation controller <NUM> also uses the behavior information accumulated in behavior information database <NUM> as a basis to cause second device <NUM> to present the notification information. Presentation controller <NUM> determines a predetermined behavior as a standby target behavior. If the presumed behavior of user U0 matches the standby target behavior, presentation controller <NUM> does not cause second device <NUM> to present the notification information, and if the presumed behavior of user U0 is a behavior other than the standby target behavior, presentation controller <NUM> causes second device <NUM> to present the notification information. Presentation controller <NUM> also determines a predetermined position as a standby target position. If the presumed position of the user matches the standby target position, presentation controller <NUM> does not cause second device <NUM> to present the notification information, and if the presumed position is a position other than the standby target position, presentation controller <NUM> causes second device <NUM> to present the notification information. Specific operations of presentation controller <NUM> will be described later in detail.

Next, the information notification method using information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of information notification system <NUM> according to the present embodiment and an exemplary operation thereof. <FIG> is a flowchart of the information notification method according to the present embodiment.

In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, information notification system <NUM> includes first server <NUM>, second server <NUM>, and a plurality of apparatuses. The plurality of apparatuses include first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, and apparatuses 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are located in given house <NUM>. First device <NUM> is located in room A. Equipment or device 30b is located in room B. Second device <NUM> and apparatus 30c are located in room C. Equipment or device 30d is located in room D.

First device <NUM> and second device <NUM> are a washing machine and a smart speaker, respectively. Equipment or devices 30b, 30c, and 30d are a bath water heater, a refrigerator, and an air conditioner, respectively.

In the information notification method according to the present embodiment, first, first device <NUM> of information notification system <NUM> is operated by a user as illustrated in <FIG>. In response to this, generator <NUM> of first device <NUM> generates a notification signal including notification information and user information (S12). In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, when user U0 has operated interface <NUM> of first device <NUM>, i.e., the washing machine, first device <NUM> starts to operate in accordance with the operation of user U0. Generator <NUM> of first device <NUM> generates a notification signal that includes notification information corresponding to the operation and user information corresponding to user U0.

Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the plurality of apparatuses in information notification system <NUM> each discriminate between one or more persons and generate a presence-absence signal including presence-absence information about each of the one or more persons (S14). In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, whether user U0 is present near each apparatus is sensed by detecting whether any person is present in each apparatus on the basis of the presence-absence signals received from first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, and apparatuses 30b, 30c, and 30d included in the plurality of apparatuses and discriminating user U0 on the basis of image information or other information.

In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, a description is given of the operation performed by information notification system <NUM> when user U0 who uses first device <NUM> located in room A has operated first device <NUM> and then moved to room B and further to room C.

In this case, after user U0 has operated first device <NUM> in room A and moved to room B, first device <NUM> senses with at least one of interface <NUM> or sensor unit <NUM> that user U0 is not present near first device <NUM>. Similarly, sensor 50a senses that user U0 is not present near the sensor. Thus, first device <NUM> transmits, to first server <NUM>, a notification signal that includes notification information corresponding to the operation of user U0 and user information indicating that the first device is used by user U0, and a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near first device <NUM>. Sensor 50a transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near sensor 50a.

Equipment or device 30b located in room B transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is present near the apparatus. Second device <NUM> and apparatus 30c, located in room C, each transmit, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near the second device or the apparatus. Equipment or device 30d located in room D transmits, to first server <NUM>, a presence-absence signal that includes presence-absence information indicating that user U0 is not present near apparatus 30d. As described above, whether user U0 is present in each room can be sensed using the plurality of apparatuses.

Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, information acquirer <NUM> of first server <NUM> receives the notification signal and the presence-absence signals and acquires the user information and the notification information, which are included in the notification signal, and the presence-absence information, which is included in the presence-absence signal (S16). In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, first server <NUM> receives the notification signal from first device <NUM> and the presence-absence signals from first device <NUM>, second device <NUM>, apparatuses 30b, 30c, and 30d. First server <NUM> also acquires the user information, the notification information, and the presence-absence information from each signal.

Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, presentation controller <NUM> of first server <NUM> presumes the behavior of the user (S218). Specifically, the behavior of the person is presumed based on the user information and the presence-absence information. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, room B, i.e., the bathroom, is determined as the presumed position of user U0 on the basis of the presence-absence information received from apparatus 30b. From this, behavior extractor <NUM> presumes that the current behavior of user U0 is taking a bath. Behavior information database <NUM> accumulates the behavior information indicating that user U0 is taking a bath.

Presentation controller <NUM> determines room B as the presumed position of user U0 and determines taking a bath as the presumed behavior on the basis of the presence-absence information received from device information database <NUM> and the behavior information received from behavior information database <NUM>.

Then, presentation controller <NUM> determines whether the presumed behavior of user U0 matches the standby target behavior during which notification is waited for, or determines whether the presumed position of user U0 matches the standby target position (S220). The standby target behavior as used herein refers to, among behaviors of user U0, an inappropriate behavior for user U0 to receive the notification information. For example, in the case where user U0 exhibits a behavior such as taking a bath, even if notification information is presented, it is difficult for the user to take immediate action for the notification information. That is, it is difficult for user U0 to immediately move from room B, i.e., the bathroom, to room A where first device <NUM> is located. Accordingly, in the present exemplary configuration, the behavior of taking a bath is determined as the standby target behavior. The standby target position as used herein refers to, among presumed positions of user U0, an inappropriate position for user U0 to receive the notification information. For example, in the case where the presumed position of user U0 is room B, i.e., the bathroom, it is presumed that user U0 is taking a bath. Thus, even if notification information is presented, it is difficult for user U0 to take immediate action for the notification information, as in the above-described case of the standby target behavior. Accordingly, in the present exemplary configuration, room B, i.e., the bathroom, is determined as the standby target position.

Accordingly, if the presumed behavior of user U0 matches the standby target behavior or if the presumed position of user U0 matches the standby target position (Yes in S220), the procedure returns to step S14, in which whether user U0 is present is sensed again. That is, presentation controller <NUM> waits until user U0 completes the standby target behavior or until the presumed position of user U0 becomes out of the standby target position, before presenting the notification information. In this way, if the presumed behavior of user U0 matches the standby target behavior or if the presumed position of user U0 matches the standby target position, presentation controller <NUM> of first server <NUM> does not cause second device <NUM> to present the notification information.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, while user U0 is in room B, i.e., the bathroom, it is determined that user U0 is taking a bath, i.e., exhibits the standby target behavior (or the user is in the standby target position), so that the presentation of the notification information is waited for.

As illustrated in <FIG>, if the presumed behavior of user U0 is not the standby target behavior or if the presumed position of user U0 is not the standby target position (No in S220), presentation controller <NUM> proceeds to the step of presenting the notification information in accordance with the presentation setting information in the same manner as in the information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, when it is sensed on the basis of the presence-absence information or other information that user U0 has moved from room B to room C, presentation controller <NUM> determines that the presumed behavior of user U0 is not the standby target behavior (or the presumed position of the user is not the standby target position) and presents the notification information. In the exemplary configuration illustrated in <FIG>, presentation controller <NUM> causes second device <NUM> located near user U0 to present the notification information.

In this way, if the presumed behavior of user U0 is a behavior other than the standby target behavior or if the presumed position of user U0 is a position other than the standby target position, presentation controller <NUM> of first server <NUM> causes second device <NUM> to present the notification information.

Then, in the present embodiment as well, step S18 and step S20 or S22 are performed in the same manner as in Embodiment <NUM>. Here, presentation controller <NUM> of first server <NUM> changes the form of presentation in accordance with the presentation setting information, which is the information about user U0 who is in the presumed position, in the same manner as in Embodiment <NUM> or <NUM>.

As described above, information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to the present embodiment can achieve similar effects to the effects achieved by information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to Embodiment <NUM>.

Moreover, in information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to the present embodiment, the presentation of the notification information is waited for if conditions are not appropriate for the presentation of the notification information. This reduces the occurrence of a situation in which it is difficult to make effective use of the presentation of the notification information. That is, information notification system <NUM> and the information notification method according to the present embodiment enable presenting the notification information with more efficiency.

Each of the one or more servers may be located inside a predetermined space such as a house, or may be integrated with one or more apparatuses.

The sensor units of the apparatuses may have the same configuration, or may have different configurations.

Each step in the information notification methods according to the above-described embodiments and variations thereof may be executed by a computer (computer system). The present disclosure may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute the steps included in these methods. The present disclosure may also be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for recording that program, such as a CD-ROM.

For example, in the case where the present disclosure is implemented as a program (software), each step is executed by executing the program using hardware resources such as the CPU, memory, and input/output circuit of the computer. That is, each step is executed by the CPU acquiring and computing data from the memory or the input/output circuit and outputting the result of computation to the memory and the input/output circuit.

The plurality of constituent elements included in the information notification systems according to the above-described embodiments each may be implemented as a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose circuit. These constituent elements may be implemented as a single circuit, or may be implemented as a plurality of circuits.

The plurality of constituent elements included in the information notification systems according to the above-described embodiments may be implemented in the form of large scale integration (LSI), i.e., an integrated circuit (IC). These constituent elements may be individually packaged into a single chip, or some or all of them may be packaged into a single chip. LSI may also be referred to as a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

The integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented as a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. As described above, it is possible to use a programmable FPGA or a reconfigurable processor capable of reconfiguring connection and settings of circuit cells inside LSI.

Moreover, if other circuit integration techniques that replace LSIs make their debuts with the advance of semiconductor technology or with derivation from another technology, such techniques may be used to integrate the constituent elements included in the information notification systems into an integrated circuit.

Claim 1:
An information notification system comprising:
a plurality of devices (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a first device, each of the plurality of devices (<NUM>, <NUM>) including
a sensor unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to sense whether a person is present and to generate a presence-absence signal including person presence-absence information, the first device (<NUM>) further including
a generator (<NUM>) configured to generate a notification signal including notification information that is to be provided to a user who uses the first device (<NUM>) and user information identifying said user,
the information notification system further comprising a server (<NUM>) including:
a behavior extractor (<NUM>) configured to extract behavior information that is information about a behavior of the user who uses first device (<NUM>), on the basis of the user information, the notification information, and the presence-absence information;
a behavior information database (<NUM>) configured to accumulate the behavior information extracted by the behavior extractor (<NUM>);
an information acquirer (<NUM>) configured to acquire the notification information included in the notification signal and the person presence-absence information included in the presence-absence signal; and
a presentation controller (<NUM>) configured
to determine a presumed position of the user based on the person presence-absence information,
to determine a presumed behavior of the user based on the person presence-absence information and the behavior information accumulated in the behavior information database (<NUM>),
to determine, by using the behavior information accumulated in behavior information database (<NUM>), a predetermined behavior as a standby target behavior,
to select a second device (<NUM>) among the plurality of devices (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is capable of presenting the notification information to a person who is at the presumed position,
to causes a second device (<NUM>) to present the notification information,
to change a form of presentation in accordance with presentation setting information that is information about the person who is in the presumed position, and
to determine whether the presumed behavior matches the predetermined standby target behavior and to cause the second device (<NUM>) to present the notification information only if the presumed behavior is a behavior other than the standby target behavior.