JP2024175623A - Power Monitoring System - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a power monitoring system capable of further improving the convenience of a user with an inexpensive construction of the power monitoring system.SOLUTION: A power monitoring system comprises: a main smart plug 21 that is connected to a network 10 and measures a power value supplied to a predetermined electric device 30 by being interposed between a power supply port and the predetermined electric device 30; at least one following start plug 22 that measures a power value supplied to the electric device 30 other than the predetermined electric device by being interposed between the power supply port and the electric device 30 other than the predetermined electric device; and a server 3. The following start plug 22 transmits the measured power value to the main smart plug 21, and the main smart plug 21 transmits the power value received from the following start plug 22 to the server 3 via the network 10 with the power value measured by the main smart plug 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a power monitoring system that is interposed between a power supply outlet installed in a building or the like and electrical equipment, and monitors the power consumed by the electrical equipment.

A power monitoring system is known that places a smart plug (also called a smart outlet or smart power tap) between a power supply port (electrical light outlet) of a building or the like and an electrical device, monitors the power supplied to the electrical device, and performs various processes based on the data obtained by the smart plug.

A private smart grid system is known that includes a smart power tap that is connected to a PLC network and to which electrical appliances that do not have communication functions are connected, and that measures the electrical power usage of the electrical appliances and controls their operation; a central control terminal that is connected to the PLC network and manages the measured electrical power usage; and a server that predicts future electrical power usage based on the electrical power usage managed by the central control terminal. The smart power tap includes a PLC communication unit that communicates with the central control terminal, a power measurement unit that measures the electrical power usage of the connected electrical appliances at predetermined intervals, and an IR sensor unit that transmits IR control signals to the electrical appliances based on IR sensor control signals received from the central control terminal, and transmits the measured electrical power usage to the central control terminal. (Patent Document 1)

According to Patent Document 1, the power usage of the connected devices measured in the smart power tap is transmitted to a central control terminal, and an IR sensor control signal is transmitted from the central control terminal to the smart power tap, making it possible to monitor the power usage of electrical appliances connected to the smart power tap and to remotely control the electrical appliances using the central control terminal.

JP 2014-225833 A

However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, electrical equipment is remotely controlled based on data detected by temperature sensors, etc., but each smart power tap is assigned an IP (Internet Protocol) address, and the central control terminal exchanges various information with each smart power tap based on this IP address. In such a configuration, all smart power taps are directly connected to the network, but because this connection generally requires the use of expensive connection modules, it is difficult to build a power monitoring system at low cost.

The present invention was devised to solve these problems with the conventional technology, and its purpose is to provide a power monitoring system that can be constructed inexpensively. Furthermore, another purpose of the present invention is to provide a power monitoring system that can further improve user convenience.

The present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is a power monitoring system that includes a master smart plug that is connected to a network and is interposed between a power supply port and a specified electrical device to measure the power value supplied to the specified electrical device, at least one slave smart plug that is interposed between a power supply port and an electrical device other than the specified electrical device to measure the power value supplied to the electrical device other than the specified electrical device, and a server, in which the slave smart plug transmits the measured power value to the master smart plug, and the master smart plug transmits the power value received from the slave smart plug along with the power value measured by the master smart plug to the server via the network.

As a result, the master smart plug functions as a hub in relation to the slave smart plugs, and only the master smart plug is directly connected to the network, which makes it possible to reduce the initial cost of the power monitoring system. In addition, power consumption is reduced compared to a configuration in which all smart plugs are directly connected to the network.

In addition, the present invention relates to a system in which the master smart plug and the slave smart plug are connected by a short-range wireless standard.

This makes it possible to easily and inexpensively build a network consisting of a master smart plug and a slave smart plug in a home or other building.

The present invention also provides that when the slave smart plug is attached to the master smart plug, a pairing process is performed between the master smart plug and the slave smart plug.

This formalizes the user's actions when performing the pairing process, making it possible for even those who are unfamiliar with so-called smart home appliances to easily use the power monitoring system.

In addition, the present invention provides a mounting detection unit in the master smart plug that detects that the slave smart plug is mounted.

This allows the attachment detection unit to detect that the slave smart plug has been attached to the master smart plug, which then triggers the master smart plug to send a pairing request, thereby substantially reducing the power consumption of the master smart plug.

The present invention also provides that the server estimates, based on the power value transmitted from the master smart plug, that a failure or a sign of a failure has occurred in an electrical device that receives power from the master smart plug or the slave smart plug.

This makes it possible to advise users of the power monitoring system of the need for repairs, etc., when a failure or signs of failure occur in electrical equipment.

The present invention also provides that the server estimates the remaining life of an electrical device that receives power from the master smart plug or the slave smart plug based on the power value transmitted from the master smart plug.

This makes it possible to advise users of the power monitoring system when it is time to perform maintenance on their electrical equipment or when to replace it.

The present invention also provides that the server estimates the stability or quality of the power system to which the master smart plug or the slave smart plug is connected based on the power value transmitted from the master smart plug.

This will make it possible to advise users of the power monitoring system to consult with relevant parties such as home builders and power companies about appropriate measures.

In this way, the present invention makes it possible to construct a power monitoring system inexpensively and easily, and further provide a power monitoring system that further improves user convenience.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage mode of a smart plug 20 in a power monitoring system S1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smart plug 20. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a master smart plug 21, a slave smart plug 22, and a server 3. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a power monitoring system S1. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the power monitoring system S1. A diagram showing the functions provided by the power monitoring app

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage mode of a smart plug 20 in a power monitoring system S1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The smart plug 20 is inserted (attached) to an electric light line outlet 5 as a power supply port provided in a house or the like, and an electric device 30 such as a home appliance is connected to the smart plug 20. That is, the smart plug 20 is interposed between the power supply port and a predetermined electric device 30, and power is supplied from an electric light line 4 to the electric device 30 via the smart plug 20. Note that in the first embodiment, the electric light line 4 is assumed to be a single-phase two-wire type, but it may of course be a single-phase three-wire type.

Here, FIG. 1 shows examples of electrical devices 30 including a television 30a, an air conditioner 30b, a lighting fixture 30c, a refrigerator 30d, a washing machine 30e, a rice cooker 30f, and a microwave oven 30g, but of course other electrical devices 30 may be connected to the electric light line 4 via the smart plug 20. Note that in this embodiment, each electrical device 30 does not have at least the function of measuring power consumption and the function of transmitting the measured power value to the outside.

For example, the first smart plug 201 with a single socket is interposed between the television 30a and the power line 4 (power line outlet 5), but the sixth smart plug 206 has multiple sockets. The smart plug 20 measures the power supplied to the electrical device 30 from the power line 4 (power consumed by the electrical device 30). In the case of the sixth smart plug 206, the total power supplied to the rice cooker 30f and the microwave oven 30g is measured.

In this embodiment, a master smart plug 21 and a slave smart plug 22 are used as the smart plug 20. In FIG. 1, the first smart plug 201 corresponds to the master smart plug 21, and the second smart plug 202 to the sixth smart plug 206 correspond to the slave smart plugs 22.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of smart plug 20. The master smart plug 21 and the slave smart plug 22 differ in the target (partner) to which information is sent and received by the communication unit 20f described below, but the other configurations are substantially the same. In addition, each component of smart plug 20 is driven by power obtained from the single-phase AC line within smart plug 20.

The smart plug 20 is composed of a power measurement unit 20c, a second control unit 20d, a communication unit 20f, an environmental sensor 20m, and a power cutoff unit 20e. The power measurement unit 20c is composed of a current detection unit 20g, a first ADC 20h (Analog-to-Digital Converter), a second ADC 20i, and a power calculation unit 20j.

The power measurement unit 20c measures the power (power value) supplied to the electrical device 30 via the smart plug 20 and the electrical device plug 32. The current detection unit 20g detects the current flowing through the single-phase AC line based on the voltage difference between both ends of a first resistor R1 inserted in series to one of the single-phase AC lines drawn in the smart plug 20. The detected voltage difference is converted into digital current data by the first ADC 20h and input to the power calculation unit 20j. In addition, one of the single-phase AC lines is connected to the second ADC 20i via the second resistor R2, and the voltage value stepped down by the second resistor R2 is converted into digital voltage data by the second ADC 20i. The digital voltage data is then input to the power calculation unit 20j. The power calculation unit 20j calculates the product of the digital current data and the digital voltage data and outputs power data. The power data is then input to the second control unit 20d.

The second control unit 20d is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and operates according to a control program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random access memory) (not shown). The second control unit 20d and other components are connected by a bus (not shown), and the second control unit 20d controls the other components. The storage unit (not shown) includes, for example, a non-volatile memory (such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory)), and the non-volatile memory stores a unique identifier (ID) that identifies each smart plug 20.

The power cutoff unit 20e includes a relay 20k. The relay 20k is controlled based on the output of the second control unit 20d, and electrically connects/disconnects the plug unit 20a and the outlet unit 20b.

The environmental sensor 20m may include, for example, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the smart plug 20 (housing), a temperature and humidity sensor that measures the temperature (air temperature) and humidity of the external environment of the smart plug 20, a microphone that measures the sound of the external environment, an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance of the external environment, and a human presence sensor that detects infrared rays emitted by people, etc. (all not shown). Of course, it is not necessary for the smart plug 20 to include all of these sensors, and some of the measured values may be obtained from an external sensor via the communication unit 20f. The output of the environmental sensor 20m is converted into digital environmental data by, for example, the second control unit 20d.

The communication unit 20f transmits and receives information to and from external devices. Digital environmental data obtained based on the environmental sensor 20m and power data calculated by the power measurement unit 20c are transmitted to the outside via the communication unit 20f, and commands and the like are also received from the outside.

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the master smart plug 21, the slave smart plug 22, and the server 3. The communication unit 20f of the master smart plug 21 includes a first communication module (not shown) that complies with a wireless communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-M (Long Term Evolution - Machine, LTE Cat.M1), 4G, or 5G, and a second communication module (not shown) that complies with a short-range wireless standard such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). Of course, the first communication module may be one that complies with the WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) standard and connected to the network 10 via a wireless router or the like. With this configuration, the master smart plug 21 connects to the network 10.

On the other hand, the power data calculated by the slave smart plug 22 is transmitted to the master smart plug 21 via the communication unit 20f. The master smart plug 21 transmits the received power data together with the power data calculated by the master smart plug 21 to the server 3. When transmitting the power data, the slave smart plug 22 transmits its own identifier to the master smart plug 21, and the master smart plug 21 transmits both its own identifier and that of the slave smart plug 22 (i.e., multiple "sets of power data and identifiers") to the server 3. The server 3 associates the received power data with the identifiers and stores them. In the following description, the power data and the identifiers may be collectively referred to as "power data, etc." The power data, etc. may include information acquired by the above-mentioned environmental sensor 20m. In this case, various information acquired by the environmental sensor 20m is also transmitted to the server 3.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the power monitoring system S1. The power monitoring system S1 is composed of a first information terminal 1, a smart plug 20, and a server 3. As described above, the smart plug 20 is broadly divided into a master smart plug 21 and a slave smart plug 22. The master smart plug 21 (here, the first smart plug 201) is connected to the network 10 and transmits and receives information with the server 3. Of course, the system may be configured so that power and other data are transmitted from the master smart plug 21 to the first information terminal 1 as necessary.

On the other hand, the slave smart plugs 22 (here, the second smart plug 202 to the sixth smart plug 206) are wirelessly connected to the master smart plug 21 and transmit and receive information between them. As shown in the figure, the master smart plug 21 and the slave smart plugs 22 form a so-called star-connected network, and the master smart plug 21 functions as a hub in the group of smart plugs 20.

The first information terminal 1 is, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer), and is used or carried by a user of the power monitoring system S1. The first information terminal 1 includes an imaging unit 1a, a first control unit 1b, a display unit 1c, and an input unit 1d.

The imaging unit 1a includes an image sensor made up of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (COMS) or a charge coupled device (CCD). The display unit 1c is made up of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light emitting diode (OLED). The input unit 1d is made up of an input device such as a touch panel.

The first control unit 1b is composed of a CPU, etc., and operates according to a control program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM or RAM (not shown). In the first information terminal 1, the first control unit 1b and other components are connected by a bus, etc. (not shown), and the first control unit 1b controls the other components. The first control unit 1b executes application software for power monitoring/user support (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "power monitoring app"), which will be described later. The power monitoring app is installed in the first information terminal 1 by the user when using the power monitoring system S1.

The server 3 is a known computer system. The server 3 is composed of a server memory unit 3a and a third control unit 3b. The third control unit 3b is composed of a CPU and a memory unit (not shown) and controls the components of the server 3. The server memory unit 3a has a large-capacity storage composed of RAID (Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks) together with ROM and RAM. This large-capacity storage stores power data calculated by each smart plug 20 (as described above, transmitted from the main smart plug 21). Here, the power data (power consumption) and an identifier are linked and stored for each electrical device 30. The third control unit 3b then generates indicators and various statistical data (described later) based on the stored power data. Note that if the power data includes information acquired by the environmental sensor 20m, this is also linked to the identifier and stored.

Furthermore, the server storage unit 3a has a database (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "device information database") regarding the electrical devices 30 that are the monitoring targets of the power monitoring system S1. The device information database stores, for each electrical device 30, the product name (category of electrical device 30 such as television 30a, air conditioner 30b, refrigerator 30d), model number, multiple exterior images, images of the interior of refrigerator 30d, manufacturing date, manufacturer, power pattern (described later), etc.). The server storage unit 3a also has a database (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "power monitoring database") that stores identifiers of individual smart plugs 20 in association with power usage. The power monitoring database may sequentially store the following degradation indicators and abnormality indicators derived by the third control unit 3b.

Here, a first deterioration index and a second deterioration index are defined as the deterioration index. The first deterioration index is an index based on the relationship between the cumulative value of the operation time of the electrical device 30 and the failure rate. The first deterioration index is determined, for example, based on information collected in advance by a home appliance retail store (for example, the time of sale of each model number of the electrical device 30, the date of the failure, and the useful life published by the manufacturer). In other words, the first deterioration index changes according to the cumulative operation time of the electrical device 30.

The second deterioration index is an index based on the change in the power pattern associated with the deterioration of the electrical device 30 over time. Here, the power pattern refers to, for example, time series data of power consumption over a predetermined period (e.g., several minutes) sampled at a predetermined cycle (e.g., one second) while the electrical device 30 is operating.

For each model number of electrical equipment 30, the power pattern when it is new and the power pattern at the time when the cumulative operating time has elapsed for a predetermined period (for example, every month) (i.e., the power pattern when it has deteriorated over time) are acquired in advance, and these are learned using a predetermined learning model. The third control unit 3b then inputs the power pattern based on the actually received power data into the learning model, determines the similarity with the learned power pattern, and extracts the power pattern that is most similar to the input power pattern based on this similarity. Since the extracted power pattern is linked to the cumulative operating time, a second deterioration index indicating the degree of deterioration over time is derived from this. Furthermore, the third control unit 3b integrates the first deterioration index and the second deterioration index to derive the deterioration index. Note that the weighting of the first deterioration index and the second deterioration index can be determined appropriately, and either one may be used as the deterioration index.

The third control unit 3b derives the power pattern of the electrical device 30 connected to the smart plug 20 based on the newly acquired power data, etc., and stores the power pattern in the device information database for each model number of the electrical device 30. The third control unit 3b then performs additional learning on the learning model using the power pattern and the cumulative operating time of the electrical device 30.

The abnormality index is an index based on a change in the power pattern associated with a decrease in efficiency or failure of the electrical device 30 or a precursor thereof. For example, it is known that the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 30d decreases or it may lead to failure if dust accumulates on or around the compressor. For the abnormality index, the power pattern when a failure occurs in each electrical device 30 (each model number) or in the process leading up to the failure is learned. The third control unit 3b inputs the power pattern based on the actually received power data into the learning model, and extracts the closest power pattern from the learned power pattern in the same way as the second deterioration index. Then, it determines whether the extracted power pattern indicates a failure of the electrical device 30 or a precursor (if a precursor, what point in the process leading up to the failure has been reached), etc., to derive the abnormality index.

Here, not only new electrical devices 30 are connected to the smart plug 20, but also electrical devices 30 that have been purchased a considerable amount of time ago may be connected. The power monitoring system S1 of the first embodiment is capable of deriving a degradation index and an abnormality index for both new and aged electrical devices 30 by referring to the power monitoring database and the device information database. The degradation index and the abnormality index are expressed as values ranging from 0 to 100, for example, and the larger the value, the higher the degree of degradation or abnormality is judged to be.

For example, if the deterioration index is 0, the electrical equipment 30 is determined to be new, and if it is 100, the electrical equipment 30 is determined to be at the end of its useful life. Here, since the useful life is known from past data, etc., the third control unit 3b estimates how long the electrical equipment 30 will be able to operate based on the deterioration index and the useful life, i.e., the remaining life of the electrical equipment 30.

The network 10 can be, for example, the Internet, but if the building is an accommodation facility or a hospital, it may be a LAN (Local Area Network) established in these facilities, or a WAN (Wide Area Network) established across the facilities.

As described above, the master smart plug 21 and the slave smart plug 22 are connected, for example, by BLE, and in BLE communication, the master smart plug 21 functions as a central (master) and the slave smart plug 22 functions as a peripheral (slave). The second control unit 20d of the master smart plug 21 and the slave smart plug 22 controls the communication unit 20f according to the BLE communication protocol, and the master smart plug 21 receives power data, etc. from the slave smart plug 22 after making a connection request to the slave smart plug 22 and establishing the connection.

When the power monitoring system S1 is started to be used, or when a slave smart plug 22 is newly added to the power monitoring system S1, so-called pairing is performed between the master smart plug 21 and the slave smart plug 22. In the pairing process, a pairing request is first sent from the master smart plug 21 (central) to the slave smart plug 22 (peripheral). In response to this, the peripheral returns a pairing response. Identifiers are exchanged in the pairing request and response, and each smart plug 20 performs authentication processing (authentication) using each other's identifiers. After the authentication processing is successful, encrypted information is exchanged (pairing in the narrow sense). The encrypted information is stored (bonding) in a storage unit (non-volatile memory) (not shown) of the smart plug 20, and is used the next time the smart plug 20 communicates with the same partner. After the encryption information is exchanged, encrypted information is exchanged based on the encryption information.

When using the power monitoring system S1, the user inserts the plug portion 20a of the master smart plug 21 into the power line outlet 5 (see FIG. 1) (operation [A]). This supplies power to the master smart plug 21, and the components of the master smart plug 21 start to operate. In this state, the user further inserts the plug portion 20a of the slave smart plug 22 into the outlet portion 20b of the master smart plug 21 (operation [B]). This supplies power to the slave smart plug 22, and the components of the slave smart plug 22 start to operate. With power supplied to both the master smart plug 21 and the slave smart plug 22 in this manner, the pairing and bonding described above are performed.

In this way, in this embodiment, the pairing process is formalized. This makes it possible for even those who are unfamiliar with so-called smart home appliances to easily use the power monitoring system S1.

The procedures for operation [A] and operation [B] are shown to the user as guidance by the power monitoring app. The user performs the operations according to the guidance. For example, in operation [A], the user is advised to insert the master smart plug 21 into an electric light line outlet 5 that is as easy to insert and remove as possible. This is because if the master smart plug 21 is inserted into an electric light line outlet 5 that is installed in a high or narrow place (for example, an electric light line outlet 5 to which an air conditioner 30b or a refrigerator 30d is connected), the user's operations will become complicated if a slave smart plug 22 is added in the future.

According to the first embodiment, the master smart plug 21 has the configuration for connecting to both the network 10 and the slave smart plug 22, and the slave smart plug 22 only needs to have the configuration for connecting to the master smart plug 21. In other words, the slave smart plug 22 can configure the communication unit 20f with a lower-cost communication module (e.g., a module that complies with the BLE standard), which can reduce the cost of the entire power monitoring system S1. Furthermore, by connecting the master smart plug 21 and the slave smart plug 22 with BLE, which consumes less power in the communication module, power consumption can be reduced compared to a configuration in which all smart plugs 20 are directly connected to the network 10.

3, the master smart plug 21 has one outlet 20b, but multiple outlets 20b may be provided. One of the outlets may be used for pairing (hereinafter, may be referred to as the "second outlet 20n"), and the slave smart plug 22 may be inserted into the second outlet 20n. In this case, a push switch or the like may be further provided in the master smart plug 21, and the push switch may be turned ON when the slave smart plug 22 is attached to the master smart plug 21. That is, the push switch functions as an attachment detection unit for the slave smart plug 22 with respect to the master smart plug 21. The second control unit 20d detects the transition from OFF to ON, and this triggers the master smart plug 21 to transmit a pairing request. This can substantially reduce the power consumption of the master smart plug 21.

Thus, the power monitoring system S1 of the first embodiment includes a master smart plug 21 that is connected to the network 10 and is interposed between a power supply port (power line outlet 5) and a specific electrical device 30 to measure the power value supplied to the specific electrical device 30, at least one slave smart plug 22 that is interposed between the power supply port and an electrical device 30 other than the specific electrical device to measure the power value supplied to the electrical device 30 other than the specific electrical device, and a server 3, and the slave smart plug 22 transmits the measured power value to the master smart plug 21, and the master smart plug 21 transmits the power value measured by the master smart plug 21 and the power value received from the slave smart plug 22 to the server 3 via the network 10.

Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a modified example of the power monitoring system S1. In this modified example, a second information terminal 12 is used instead of the master smart plug 21 (first smart plug 201 (see Figure 4)). Here, the configuration of the second information terminal 12 is the same as that of the first information terminal 1. The function of the second information terminal 12 as a hub is the same as that of the master smart plug 21 described above. However, since the second information terminal 12 functions as a hub for the slave smart plugs 22 (second smart plug 202 to sixth smart plug 206), it is not preferable for it to be so far away that wireless communication cannot be performed between the slave smart plugs 22 (for example, for the user to carry it when going out). From this perspective, it is preferable for the second information terminal 12 to be a stationary tablet or PC, etc.

In the modified example, when the slave smart plug 22 is inserted into the power line outlet 5 (see FIG. 1), the power monitoring app displays guidance for setting up pairing, and the user follows the guidance to establish pairing between the second information terminal 12 and the slave smart plug 22. Note that in the modified example, a robot or the like serving as a personal assistant may be used instead of the second information terminal 12, as long as it fulfills the above-mentioned function as a hub.

The initial setting process of the power monitoring system S1 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. A user of the power monitoring system S1 starts up a power monitoring app installed on the first information terminal 1. When the user then inserts the electrical device plug 32 of the electrical device 30 into the first smart plug 201, the power used by the electrical device 30 is periodically transmitted to the server 3 together with an identifier indicating the first smart plug 201. When the third control unit 3b of the server 3 receives the power data, it stores it in the power monitoring database of the server storage unit 3a together with the date and time of receipt.

During initial setup, the power monitoring app prompts the user to input information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "device information") about the electrical device 30 that receives power from the first smart plug 201. This device information includes, for example, the type of electrical device 30 (product names such as televisions may be displayed in a pull-down format and selected, or multiple electrical devices 30 may be selected), the product name, model number (official name of the electrical device 30), and an image of the exterior. When the user inputs this device information by operating the input unit 1d or the imaging unit 1a, the device information is transmitted to the server 3. Note that for electrical devices 30 with a unique interior layout such as the refrigerator 30d, the device information may include an image of the interior.

It is not necessary for all of this equipment information to be input. If the received equipment information includes an exterior image (or an image of the interior), the third control unit 3b of the server 3 searches the equipment information database to estimate the model number. If the equipment information includes a model number, the third control unit 3b searches the equipment information database to identify the product name and complete the equipment information.

Then, the third control unit 3b associates the acquired device information with the power monitoring database. As a result, the power monitoring database stores power data, etc. for a specific electrical device 30 connected to a specific smart plug 20 (here, the first smart plug 201) together with the date and time when the power data, etc. were acquired.

The above describes the initial setup process for the power monitoring system S1. After the initial setup, if the user wants to add a new slave smart plug 22 to the power monitoring system S1, the user will follow the guidance provided by the power monitoring app to set it up. At this time, the user is also required to obtain the device information described above for the electrical device 30 connected to the slave smart plug 22.

When a user operates the power monitoring app and multiple electrical devices 30 are selected for one smart plug 20 (here, the master smart plug 21 and the slave smart plug 22), it is considered that a multi-tap is attached to the smart plug 20 and power is supplied to the multiple electrical devices 30 from the multi-tap. In this case, the power data includes the power values consumed by the multiple electrical devices 30. The third control unit 3b recognizes that multiple electrical devices 30 are connected to the smart plug 20 based on the device information, and performs a so-called disaggregation process on the power consumed by the smart plug 20 to separate the power used by each electrical device 30. As described above, the model numbers, etc. of the electrical devices 30 connected to the smart plug 20 are known, so the separation accuracy by disaggregation is greatly improved.

This also applies when the smart plug 20 itself has multiple outlets 20b (for example, in FIG. 1, a rice cooker 30f and a microwave oven 30g are connected to the sixth smart plug 206).

The operation and functions of the power monitoring system S1 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As described above, a power monitoring database is constructed in the server storage unit 3a of the server 3. The third control unit 3b derives a power pattern based on the power data etc. received from the smart plug 20, and derives a degradation index and an abnormality index based on this. Note that these indexes are derived based on the power data etc. stored in the server storage unit 3a, for example, when the third control unit 3b receives a specific request from the power monitoring app (first information terminal 1).

Furthermore, the third control unit 3b performs statistical processing and predictions based on statistical processing based on the power data and other data stored in the server storage unit 3a based on instructions received from the first control unit 1b, and outputs advice information. Note that the advice information also includes information based on degradation indicators and abnormality indicators. The third control unit 3b transmits the degradation indicators, abnormality indicators, and advice information to the first information terminal 1, and in the first information terminal 1, this information is displayed on the display unit 1c by the power monitoring app, or the information is provided by voice via a speaker or the like (not shown).

The power monitoring application provides the user with, for example, the following information: The power monitoring application can be used as an energy concierge in a home, a facility, or other building.
Advice on the user's electricity usage Advice on the user's daily living behavior Advice on how to use the electrical appliances 30 to save energy Advice on a healthy lifestyle Advice on replacing home appliances with energy-saving ones Advice on improving household problems

Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the functions provided by the power monitoring app. Hereinafter, the explanation will continue using Figure 6 in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4. In Figure 6, "monitoring of current changes in home appliances" corresponds to the derivation of the power pattern of the electrical appliance 30 described above. "Analysis and diagnosis" corresponds to statistical processing, etc. by the third control unit 3b. "Prediction and proposal" corresponds to prediction, etc. based on statistical processing. All of these are included in the advice information. Here, the advice information is presented to the user by the power monitoring app from the perspectives of "power," "home appliances," "people," and "home" as shown in the figure.

In the following explanation, it is assumed that the processes of "monitoring current changes in home appliances," "analysis and diagnosis," and "estimates and suggestions" are executed by the third control unit 3b, and that presentation to the user is executed by the first information terminal 1. However, all of these processes may be executed by the power monitoring app (the first control unit 1b of the first information terminal 1), or the processes may be shared and executed by the first information terminal 1 and the server 3. In the former case, the server 3 transmits power data, etc. to the first information terminal 1 in response to a request from the first information terminal 1. In the latter case, the server 3 transmits part of the power data, etc. and advice information to the first information terminal 1 in response to a request from the first information terminal 1.

From the perspective of "electricity," by grasping the amount of electricity used and the electricity consumption pattern, the third control unit 3b identifies which home appliance (electrical device 30) is consuming the most electricity, the time periods when electricity is at its peak, etc. Then, actions to save electricity bills and measures to improve energy efficiency are presented to the user.

Here, weather information (weather information) is also utilized. The weather information is obtained, for example, from an external site (not shown) via the first information terminal 1. Since the weather information is part of the environmental information, the weather information may also include the output of the environmental sensor 20m of the smart plug 20 (the external environment of the smart plug 20, i.e., the temperature (air temperature), humidity, illuminance, noise, etc. of the user's living space). By combining the actual power usage with the weather information, it is possible to predict how the home appliances will be used from the next day onwards and to save energy by providing optimal usage in advance.

From the perspective of "home appliances," by grasping the amount of power usage and consumption patterns, the third control unit 3b identifies which home appliance is consuming the most power and the peak power usage time period. Then, actions to save on electricity bills and measures to improve energy efficiency are presented to the user. In addition, by monitoring the power consumption of the home appliances, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in a specific home appliance based on the abnormality indicators described above. For example, if there is a sudden change in power (power pattern) or if a current (power) greater than a predetermined value is detected, it is determined that there is a possibility that the electrical appliance 30 is broken, a sign of a breakdown, or an abnormality is occurring in the electrical system. Then, the power monitoring app advises the user that a problem (breakdown or a sign of a breakdown) has been detected in the electrical appliance 30 that receives power from the smart plug 20 and that repairs or the like are necessary.

When there is a particularly high risk to the user (for example, when the environmental sensor 20m shown in FIG. 3 detects that the housing of the smart plug 20 is hotter than a predetermined temperature), the second control unit 20d of the smart plug 20 controls the power cut-off unit 20e to turn off the relay 20k and cut off the electrical device 30 from the power grid. The control to turn off the relay 20k may be performed by either the second control unit 20d of the smart plug 20 or the third control unit 3b of the server 3 that has received power and other data from the smart plug 20. In the latter case, a power cut-off command is sent from the server 3 to the smart plug 20.

In addition, the third control unit 3b estimates the remaining life of the electrical equipment 30 as described above, and advises the user via the power monitoring app when to perform maintenance or when to replace the equipment.

From the perspective of a "person," by grasping the amount of power usage and consumption patterns, the third control unit 3b judges the user's lifestyle from the usage of the home appliances. For example, the lifestyle (life rhythm) is estimated based on the time of waking up, the time of going to bed, the length of sleep, etc. When the life rhythm changes, advice on lifestyle improvements, such as methods for getting better sleep, is given. For example, if the time period for watching television 30a changes from daytime to late at night, and microwave oven 30g is used late at night, it is understood that meals are eaten late at night. From these, it can be inferred that the user has a reversed day and night lifestyle, and if this state continues, a warning is issued that there is a risk of physical discomfort such as drowsiness, headaches, or fatigue.

In addition, if the power data etc. sent from the smart plug 20 connected to the television 30a includes information from the environmental sensor 20m (human presence sensor), and the television 30a operates for a long period of time, and the human presence sensor continues to detect a person for several days during the same period, this can be taken as a sign of dementia. By capturing and notifying the user of signs of "pre-illness" or "dementia" based on such changes in the user's situation, it is possible to promote behavioral change and a doctor's diagnosis.

From the perspective of the "home", by grasping the amount of power usage and consumption patterns, the third control unit 3b grasps, for example, the amount of power usage by the air conditioner 30b and judges the effectiveness of the air conditioner 30b. After also referring to the temperature inside the room, if the amount of power usage is higher than usual compared to the previous day, for example, it is possible that a window or door is open, and the power monitoring app prompts the user to check whether a door, etc. is open. Similarly, if the power consumption of the refrigerator 30d is significantly higher than a predetermined time ago (for example, one hour ago), the app prompts the user to check whether the door of the refrigerator 30d is open. Furthermore, if the amount of power usage is relatively high compared to other houses with a similar living area, it is possible that the insulation effect of the house is poor, and advice for improvement can be given.

Furthermore, the third control unit 3b estimates and evaluates the stability and quality of the power based on voltage fluctuations, instantaneous voltage drops, etc., by monitoring changes in current (power). When the electrical device 30 is in a non-operating state and there are current or voltage fluctuations that differ from the power pattern acquired in advance, there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply (power system) or the smart plug 20. The power monitoring app advises the user to take appropriate measures and to consult with relevant parties such as the house manufacturer or power company. In addition, if the environmental sensor 20m includes a microphone, by detecting sounds in the room when it is quiet, such as late at night, it is possible to grasp the situation, such as the presence or absence of water leakage from the water pipes, noise and abnormal sounds associated with the intrusion of a suspicious person, etc., and to request the user to confirm it.

The power monitoring system S1 of the present invention can be constructed inexpensively and easily, and can improve user convenience, so it can be widely used in homes, commercial facilities, and other places where users live.

Reference Signs List 1 First information terminal 1b First control unit 3 Server 3a Server storage unit 3b Third control unit 5 Power line outlet 10 Network 12 Second information terminal 20 Smart plug 20f Communication unit 20g Current detection unit 20j Power calculation unit 20m Environmental sensor 21 Master smart plug 22 Slave smart plug 30 Electrical device S1 Power monitoring system

Claims (7)

A main smart plug is connected to the network and is interposed between a power supply port and a predetermined electrical device to measure the value of power supplied to the predetermined electrical device;
At least one slave smart plug that is interposed between a power supply port and an electric device other than the predetermined electric device and that measures a value of electric power supplied to the electric device other than the predetermined electric device;
A server;
Equipped with
The slave smart plug transmits the measured power value to the master smart plug;
A power monitoring system characterized in that the master smart plug transmits the power value measured by the master smart plug as well as the power value received from the slave smart plug to the server via the network. The power monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the master smart plug and the slave smart plug are connected by a short-range wireless standard. The power monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that when the slave smart plug is attached to the master smart plug, a pairing process is performed between the master smart plug and the slave smart plug. The power monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that the master smart plug is provided with an attachment detection unit that detects that the slave smart plug is attached. The power monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the server estimates that a failure or a sign of a failure has occurred in an electrical device that receives power from the master smart plug or the slave smart plug based on the power value transmitted from the master smart plug. The power monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the server estimates the remaining life of an electrical device supplied with power from the master smart plug or the slave smart plug based on the power value transmitted from the master smart plug. The power monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the server estimates the stability or quality of the power system to which the master smart plug or the slave smart plug is connected based on the power value transmitted from the master smart plug.

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