JP2006308270A - Display device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further accelerate promotion of saving and energy saving by changing a display method when hot water amount remaining in a hot water storing tank becomes less than a certain level, and to notify a user to boil hot water urgently. <P>SOLUTION: In the display device 1, a hot water remaining amount received by a hot water remaining amount receiving means 21 is compared with a reference hot water remaining amount input from a hot water remaining amount reference value inputting means 23 by the user by using a hot water remaining amount comparing means 24. The hot water remaining amount comparing means 24 outputs its result to a display method changing means 25. In the display method changing means 25, if the hot water remaining amount received by the hot water remaining amount receiving means 21 is less than (or equal to or less than) the reference hot water remaining amount input from the hot water remaining amount reference value inputting means 23 as a result of comparing the hot water remaining amount received by the hot water remaining amount receiving means 21 with the reference hot water remaining amount input from the hot water remaining amount reference value inputting means 23 by the user by the hot water remaining amount comparing means 24, the display method of the hot water remaining amount received by the hot water remaining amount receiving means 21 displayed by a hot water remaining amount displaying means 22 is changed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device and a program for displaying a state in a system that realizes functions of a hot water supply, a bath, and a water heater that are mainly configured in a home.

  Conventionally, the following is common for this type of system (see Patent Document 1). This is a description of a hot water heater as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as it is a device that uses gas, a device that burns gas, or a device that supplies hot water.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional usage comparison system for gas appliances (hot water heaters). In FIG. 11, there is a water heater 101 in a certain home. The water heater 101 is connected to the center apparatus 103 through the communication line 102, and communication is performed between the water heater 101 and the center apparatus 103 in each home.

  Useful information for investigating how to use water heater usage data, etc., and identifying the water heater such as the model number and manufacturing number of the water heater, for communication from the water heater 101 to the center device 103 as communication content Information.

  In addition, the center device 103 to the water heater 101 includes, as a reply to the above-mentioned notification, an evaluation result of usage, life prediction, a failure content at the time of failure, a repair estimate, etc. obtained by comparing use status data of the water heater. . These are notified to the user by the display means 104 provided in the water heater 101. The display means 104 is, for example, a liquid crystal display of a water heater remote controller, and is connected to the water heater 101 by a signal line 106.

  Next, FIG. 12 shows a configuration block diagram of the water heater 101 and the center apparatus 103 shown in FIG. The water heater 101 includes a gas usage amount measuring means 111 for measuring the gas usage amount of the gas equipment, a hot water supply temperature setting means 112 for setting the hot water supply temperature, a hot water supply amount measuring means 113 for measuring the hot water supply amount, an operating time of the gas equipment or Operation status recording means 114 that measures the combustion time, gas usage amount measurement means 111, hot water supply temperature setting means 112, hot water supply amount measurement means 113, and operation time measurement means 114 collectively record the output as usage status data. Means 115, a transmission means 116 that is connected to a communication line and transmits usage data to the center apparatus 103, and a device control means 117 that controls the operation of the water heater 101.

  By using these, the gas usage amount, the hot water supply temperature, the hot water supply amount and the usage status data of the operation time of the hot water heater 101 are recorded and transmitted to the center device 103.

  The frequency of transmission is periodically transmitted by the clock means 118, such as once a day, and in addition, it is different from the normal use such as when the amount of gas used exceeds a predetermined range or when the daily operation time exceeds 20 hours. Sometimes send. The use status recording unit 115 issues such a transmission request.

  On the other hand, the center apparatus 103 includes a receiving unit 130 connected to a communication line to receive usage status data from a plurality of gas appliances, a statistical processing unit 131 that aggregates usage status data, performs statistical processing, and compares the statistical data. Output means 132 for outputting the processing result. Further, it comprises a database means 133 for storing the model number notified from the water heater 101 and outputting the data of the gas equipment to the statistical processing means 131 if necessary at the time of statistical processing.

  As described above, the usage data of gas usage, hot water supply temperature, hot water supply, and operation time of multiple water heaters are collected by the central unit and statistical processing is performed, so the average, median, and standard values of the usage data of multiple water heaters are used. Statistical values such as deviations are obtained. If you compare it with the usage data of a household water heater based on this, the amount of gas used by the water heater is more or less than the average value, if it is more, the hot water temperature is not too high, It is possible to investigate whether the amount of hot water supply is too much or whether the operation time is too long.

  Further, the database means 133 of the center apparatus 103 has device information of gas appliances at each home and user information at each home. The equipment information includes information indicating the characteristics of the gas equipment such as the manufacturer, model number, and manufacturing number, and the user information includes information indicating the characteristics of the family such as the number of family members, age, etc. included.

  Each household gas appliance is assigned an identification code (ID) for communication. When communicating with the hot water supply apparatus 101 and the center apparatus 103, the communication partner is recognized using this ID. This ID is registered in the database means 133, and the statistical processing means 131 searches the household device information and user information for performing statistical processing using the ID.

  As described above, the statistical processing means 131 can increase the accuracy of the usage comparison by statistically processing and comparing the usage status data for a plurality of water heaters having the same conditions using the device information and the user information.

  The device information such as the serial number is stored in each water heater at the time of shipment, and after installation in each home, it is transmitted to the center apparatus 103 via a communication line and registered in the database means 133. Also, the user information such as the family structure, the usage environment such as the housing style and the residential area is heard from the user by telephone or postcard, and the administrator of the center apparatus 103 registers it in the database means 133.

As described above, the center unit 103 uses the database means 133 to evaluate the usage by comparing multiple households that have the same model number, family structure, usage environment, etc., in the usage data of the hot water heaters of the multiple households. Therefore, the accuracy of the usage comparison can be further increased.
JP 11-337384 A

  However, the configuration of the background art described above cannot easily encourage the user to save energy. Certainly, in the above background art configuration, it is possible to analyze the gas usage situation in detail and give advice to the user to reduce the amount of gas used. It is a premise that various advice is given.

  In order to promote energy conservation, it is necessary to promote cooperation between the public and private sectors, but it is also important to inform the user easily and casually and with a little ingenuity. There is also a surface that will be pressed against, and in some cases it will hinder propulsion. With this little ingenuity and ease of use, there is a need for a degree of freedom, for example, when a user easily sets a threshold by himself and calls attention when the threshold is exceeded, but there is no such viewpoint in the background technology .

On the other hand, in the background art described above, a gas water heater is taken as an example. Of course, it is not limited to this as long as it is a device that supplies hot water, but for example, another element is added to a heat pump water heater. That is, the heat pump water heater has a hot water storage tank, and the water stored in the hot water storage tank is boiled using electricity and used for hot water supply or a bath. For boiling the hot water storage tank, the user can keep the electricity cost to a minimum by using midnight power, which is mainly cheap.

  Here, users usually boil the amount of hot water that will be used in a day in a hot water storage tank. For example, a bathing method that overflows a large amount of hot water in a bathtub, If you take a bath in time or use luxurious water to wash dishes with hot water, you will use more hot water from the hot water tank than necessary, and if you want to bathe urgently, there is enough hot water in the hot water tank It will disappear.

  In such a situation, the user must immediately or manually boil the hot water storage tank, but if this situation is not immediately notified to the user, the user wants to use hot water. However, there is a problem that the background art does not have such a viewpoint.

  Furthermore, in order to deal with such problems, for example, when the amount of hot water in the hot water tank of the heat pump water heater is displayed using a remote controller of the heat pump water heater, the hot water in the hot water tank depends on the type of the heat pump water heater. There are cases where the method of expressing the amount of information is different, and it is necessary to examine the surface method in a form that absorbs the difference between the models, but there is a problem that the above background art does not have such a viewpoint.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is a display device that performs communication with a hot water heater to perform necessary operations and displays, and the display device receives the amount of hot water remaining in a hot water storage tank of the hot water heater. Remaining hot water amount receiving means; Remaining hot water amount display means for displaying the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means; Remaining hot water amount reference value input means capable of inputting at least one remaining hot water amount reference value; The remaining hot water amount comparison means for comparing the remaining hot water amount information received by the means with the remaining hot water amount reference value input from the remaining hot water amount reference value input means, and the remaining hot water amount comparison means as a result of comparison, the remaining hot water amount information indicates the remaining hot water amount. If it is smaller than the reference value, the display method changing means for changing the display method of the remaining hot water amount displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means solves the problem, and conserves electricity bills Energy savings associated with reduction The it is possible to facilitate the planting to the user, it is possible to realize improvement of convenience of the user can be informed in early user hot water runs out situation in the hot water storage tank.

  The present invention is based on whether or not the actual amount of remaining hot water has exceeded the reference value of the remaining hot water set easily by the user. It is possible to promote the planting of energy saving awareness associated with the reduction, and further accelerate the saving and the promotion of energy saving. In addition, it is possible to notify the user that the hot water tank has run out of hot water or that the remaining capacity is low, and can prompt the user to perform necessary operations such as boiling water quickly. Convenience can be further improved.

  Also, by changing the display of the amount of remaining hot water depending on the type of water heater, it will be possible to switch the display of the amount of remaining hot water depending on the model of the water heater, and the display device itself should be made in a cheap and diverse manner. In addition, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the grade of the hot water heater itself due to changes in customer preferences and changes in the model due to other reasons, thereby accelerating the spread of the system.

1st invention is a display apparatus which communicates between hot water supply units and performs required operation and a display, The said display apparatus receives the remaining hot water amount receiving means which receives the remaining hot water quantity of the hot water storage tank which the said hot water supply machine has And a remaining hot water amount display means for displaying the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means, a remaining hot water amount reference value input means capable of inputting at least one remaining hot water amount reference value, and the remaining hot water amount receiving means. The remaining hot water amount comparison means for comparing the remaining hot water amount information with the remaining hot water amount reference value input from the remaining hot water amount reference value input means, and the result of comparison between the remaining hot water amount comparison means that the remaining hot water amount information is more than the remaining hot water amount reference value. When it is small, it has display method change means for changing the display method of the remaining hot water amount displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means.

  And, users can easily become aware of overuse of hot water, and can encourage users to instill awareness of saving electricity bills and energy savings associated with reducing power consumption. Immediate notification to the user that the tank has run out of hot water or when the remaining capacity is low, can prompt the user to perform necessary operations such as boiling water quickly and improve the convenience of the system. Can be realized.

  A second aspect of the invention is a display device for performing necessary operations and display by communicating with a hot water heater, wherein the display device receives a remaining hot water amount receiving means for receiving a remaining hot water amount of a hot water storage tank of the hot water heater. A remaining hot water amount display means for displaying the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means, a storage learning means for storing and learning the remaining hot water amount information during a predetermined period, and a result of the storage learning means storing and learning A remaining hot water amount reference value calculating means for calculating at least one remaining hot water amount reference value in the user household, remaining hot water amount information received by the receiving means, and a remaining hot water amount reference value calculated by the remaining hot water amount reference value calculating means. As a result of comparison between the remaining hot water amount comparing means and the remaining hot water amount comparing means, if the remaining hot water amount information is smaller than the remaining hot water amount reference value, the display method of the remaining hot water amount information displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means is changed. How to display It is those composed of the changing means.

  And while omitting user's effort and unnecessary setting, it is possible to promote awareness of saving electricity bills, awareness of energy saving accompanying power reduction, planting to users, and lack of hot water It is possible to realize the optimal notification. It is also possible to build a system that suits the user's usage. Furthermore, it is possible to freely construct the best system according to the user's ease of use, and to accelerate the spread of this system.

  A third aspect of the invention is a display device that performs communication with a water heater to perform necessary operations and displays, and also performs communication with a server to transmit and receive necessary information. Remaining hot water amount receiving means for receiving the remaining hot water amount of the hot water storage tank of the water heater, remaining hot water amount display means for displaying the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means, and at least one remaining hot water amount reference value from the server. Receiving remaining hot water reference value receiving means, remaining hot water amount information received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means, and remaining hot water amount comparing means for comparing the remaining hot water amount reference value received by the remaining hot water amount reference value receiving means, and the remaining hot water amount comparing means As a result of comparison, when the remaining hot water amount information is smaller than the remaining hot water amount reference value, the remaining hot water amount display means includes display method changing means for changing the display method of the remaining hot water amount information displayed.

  For example, in a system where the electricity bill of each household is calculated based on the amount of hot water used, by placing the reference remaining hot water amount at the boundary where the electricity bill changes or a little less than the reference remaining hot water amount, As well as raising awareness of electricity bill savings, it is possible to change the standard remaining hot water volume remotely at the same time for each home, increasing system convenience and reducing system running costs. You can also. In addition, it is possible to easily and individually respond to needs that are diversified for each user, and the spread of this system can be realized.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the remaining hot water amount display means is configured to switch and display the remaining hot water amount information at predetermined time intervals.

  And this animation display makes it easy for users to be intrigued by overuse of hot water, and instills awareness of savings on electricity costs and energy savings associated with reducing power consumption. Can be promoted.

  In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the display method changing unit is configured to change the predetermined time of the remaining hot water amount information displayed by the remaining hot water amount display unit and / or change the contents displayed at the predetermined time. Is.

  And, for example, by changing the animation display, it is easy for users to be intrigued by overuse of hot water, and users are aware of savings in electricity bills and energy savings associated with reducing power consumption. Can be promoted to plant.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the display device includes a remaining hot water reference value storage means having at least one remaining hot water reference value, and the remaining hot water reference value input means is stored in the remaining hot water reference value storage means. At least one remaining hot water amount reference value is selected from the remaining hot water amount reference values.

  And the user does not have to input the reference remaining hot water amount by himself / herself, and can more easily promote the improvement of energy saving awareness, thereby accelerating the spread of the system.

  A seventh aspect of the invention is a display device that communicates with a hot water supply device and performs necessary operations and displays, wherein the display device receives model information of the hot water supply device, and the model information receiving means. Model information storage means for storing the model information received by the information receiving means, remaining hot water amount receiving means for receiving the remaining hot water amount of the hot water storage tank of the hot water supply device, and remaining hot water amount displayed by the remaining hot water amount receiving means Hot water amount display means, remaining hot water volume reference value changing means for changing the remaining hot water volume reference value according to the model information stored in the model information storage means, remaining hot water volume information received by the remaining hot water volume receiving means, and the remaining hot water amount A remaining hot water amount comparing means for comparing at least one remaining hot water amount reference value changed by the hot water reference value changing means, and a remaining hot water amount displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means according to a result of comparison by the remaining hot water amount comparing means. How to display It is those composed of a display method change means for changing the.

  In addition, it is possible to display the amount of remaining hot water corresponding to multiple types of water heaters, and the display device itself can be made in a variety of forms at low cost, and the water heater itself can be changed due to changes in customer preferences. It is possible to flexibly respond to model changes and model changes due to other reasons, and the spread of the system can be accelerated.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the model information can be received or input from at least one of a hot water heater, a server, an input unit of a display device, and a setting device.

  For example, in the case of a method in which model information of a water heater is downloaded from a server to a display device, it is not necessary to incorporate a model information transmission logic for the display device in the water heater, thereby simplifying the logic of the water heater. Inexpensive provision can be realized.

And since the model information acquired by the display device can be acquired by various mechanisms, for example, even when the display device is connected to an old type water heater that does not have model information. The model information can be input to the display device by changing the setting of the server or the input unit of the display device, so that it is possible to change the reference value of the remaining hot water amount regardless of whether the water heater has model information. Even when this system is introduced into a home where a water heater is already installed, a system construction independent of the specifications of the water heater can be realized, and the spread of the system can be accelerated.

  In addition, in a water heater in which model information is incorporated, the display device can acquire the model information from the water heater, so the model information can be obtained without installing logic for inputting the model information to the display device. When the entire system is newly introduced, control of the display device can be simplified.

  A ninth invention is a program for causing a computer to execute at least a part of the display device. Since it is a program, it is possible to easily realize at least a part of the display device of the present invention by cooperating hardware resources such as an electric / information device, a computer, and a server. In addition, the program can be distributed / updated and installed easily by recording on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the entire system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a display device, 2 is a heat pump water heater, 3 is a server, and 4 is a mobile phone. 5 is a bathroom hot water supply, 6 is a shower, 7 is a hot water supply a, and 8 is a hot water supply n. 9 is a bathtub, 10 is a bathroom remote control, and 11 is an additional remote control. Reference numeral 12 denotes a hot water supply related operation unit, 13 denotes a water heater related operation unit, 14 denotes a bath related operation unit, and 15 denotes a hot water storage tank. 16 is a kitchen and the like, and 17 is a bathroom. 18 is a hot water supply related function, 19 is a bath related function, and 20 is a water heater related function.

  Here, the display device 1, the hot water supply a 7, and the hot water supply n 8 are installed in the kitchen or the like 16. The bathroom hot water supply 5, the shower 6, the bathtub 9, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11 are installed in the bathroom 17. The hot water supply related operation unit 12, the water heater related operation unit 13, and the bath related operation unit 14 are inside the heat pump water heater 2.

  On the other hand, the bathroom hot water supply 5, the shower 6, the hot water supply a 7, the hot water supply n 8, and the hot water supply related operation unit 12 are referred to as a hot water supply related function 18. The bathtub 9, the bathroom remote controller 10, the additional remote controller 11, and the bath related operation unit 14 are referred to as a bath related function 19. The water heater related operation unit 13 and the hot water storage tank 15 are referred to as a water heater related function 20.

  In FIG. 1, a heat pump water heater 2 realizes a domestic hot water supply and bath function. That is, when the hot water-related function 18 or the bath-related function 19 used at home is controlled, for example, hot water is supplied from the hot water supply a7 or hot water supply n8 installed in the kitchen or the other 16, and the user washes dishes and hands. Realize comfort. Moreover, when a user takes a bath, hot water is filled from the bathtub 9 in the bathroom 17 or hot water is taken out from the shower 6 or the bathroom hot water 5 to secure the life of the user.

  Here, the user uses the display device 1 and the bathroom remote controller 10 to control these controls, that is, the temperature of hot water and the amount of hot water.

Here, the display device 1 is attached to the kitchen or the like 16 as shown in FIG. 1 and has a function of controlling the heat pump water heater 2 and displaying the current state. The display device 1 is also called “kitchen remote control”. What plays the same role is the bathroom remote controller 10, and the user taking a bath controls the heat pump water heater 2 and displays the status. Further, in some cases, an additional remote controller 11 is attached in the immediate vicinity of the shower 6, and the user can control the heat pump water heater 2 and check the state while taking the shower 6 during bathing. .

  The heat pump water heater 2 has a hot water storage tank 15, and the water stored in the hot water storage tank 15 is boiled using electricity and supplied to the hot water supply related function 18 and the bath related function 19. For the boiling in the hot water storage tank 15, the user can keep the electricity bill to a minimum by using midnight power, which is mainly cheap. The user can control or check the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 by using the display device 1, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11.

  On the other hand, the display device 1 is connected to the outside, that is, the server 3. Thereby, the information of the heat pump water heater 2 can be transmitted to the server 3 via the display device 1. For example, by transmitting a failure occurring in the heat pump water heater 2 to the server 3, the service person can quickly It becomes possible to carry out repairs and other necessary measures at the home.

  The server 3 can also be accessed from the mobile phone 4. For example, when the user wants to fill the bathtub 9 from outside, if the user inputs that fact from the mobile phone 4, the server 3 and the display device 1 is transmitted to the heat pump water heater 2 through the heat pump water heater 2, and the heat pump water heater 2 boiles the internal bath related operation unit 14 in the hot water storage tank 15 using the hot water heater related operation unit 13. By supplying hot water to the bathtub 9, remote hot water filling of the bathtub 9 becomes possible.

  Here, when the display device 1 communicates with the server 3, a line is used. Here, the line is an analog telephone line, ISDN line, ADSL line, FTTH line, cable TV line, or the like. This line uses the various line types introduced by the household. Depending on the line, the communication device 2 is connected via a modem such as a modem, T-NCU (Terminal Network Control Unit), TA, dial-up router, ONU (Optical Network Unit) or the like for connection to the line. Built-in.

  On the other hand, the display device 1 and an external server 3, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a medical institution, a service center, and the like may be connected by a direct circuit switching method, ISP (Internet Service Provider) or ASP (Application In some cases, it is connected via the Internet via a Service Provider.

  Further, the communication protocol between the display device 1 and the external server 3, mobile phone, personal computer, medical institution, service center, etc. may be a non-procedure unique protocol determined in advance in this system, or may be TCP / IP, In some cases, an Internet protocol such as HTTP or HTTPS is used.

  Next, communication between the display device 1, the heat pump water heater 2, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11 will be described. Here, the display device 1 and the heat pump water heater 2, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11 are generally connected by wire, but for example, this is performed using a 400 MHz band specific low power radio. Is also possible. In this case, information from the heat pump water heater 2, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11 is transmitted to the display device 1 using a specific low power radio. In addition, the specific low power radio is also used for commands from the display device 1 to the heat pump water heater 2, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11.

  The communication between the display device 1 and the heat pump water heater 2, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11 is not limited to a wired connection or a specific low-power wireless connection, but a power line, infrared ray, wireless LAN, bluetooth (registered trademark) A communication medium such as that described above may be used.

  In the system configuration as described above, there are various contents displayed on the display device 1. For example, display of “hot water temperature” supplied to the user from the hot water supply related function 18, display of “bath hot water amount” kept in the bathtub 9 by the bath related function 9, and hot water in the water heater related function 20 Is a display of “the amount of remaining hot water in the tank” in the hot water storage tank 15.

  By obtaining this information, the user can lower the "hot water temperature" if the hot water coming out of the faucet is too hot, or increase the "bath hot water amount" if the hot water in the bath is insufficient. When the hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 is insufficient due to the use of a large amount of hot water, an operation such as increasing “the amount of remaining hot water in the tank” is performed using the display device 1, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11.

  Here, the content displayed on the display device 1 includes “amount of remaining hot water”. This represents the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 15, and as described above, the heat pump water heater 2 uses the “remaining hot water amount” of the hot water storage tank 15 so that the user can use the hot water supply a7 and the hot water supply n8. Take out hot water and use it for dishwashing, etc., or use the bathroom hot water 5 or shower 6 while taking a bath. In other words, if this “remaining hot water amount” does not remain sufficiently, the user cannot use hot water when necessary. Here, when the “remaining amount of hot water” in the hot water storage tank 15 decreases, the heat pump water heater 2 automatically controls the hot water storage tank 15 to boil hot water. Since the electric bill is cheaper when the water is boiled, just because the “remaining hot water amount” is reduced, the hot water storage tank 15 is not always controlled to boil hot water.

  Here, the display method of the amount of remaining hot water in the display apparatus 1 is demonstrated using the block diagram of the display apparatus of FIG. In FIG. 2, 21 is a remaining hot water amount receiving means, 22 is a remaining hot water amount display means, 23 is a remaining hot water amount reference value input means, 24 is a remaining hot water amount comparison means, and 25 is a display method changing means. The remaining hot water amount receiving means 21, the remaining hot water amount display means 22, the remaining hot water amount reference value input means 23, the remaining hot water amount comparison means 24, and the display method changing means 25 are inside the display device 1.

  In FIG. 2, the remaining hot water amount is sent from the heat pump water heater 2. Here, the information on the amount of remaining hot water sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is not an absolute value, but a relative value calculated from the size of the hot water tank 15 included in the heat pump water heater 2 and the like. The amount of hot water is divided into five levels, and the current level is transmitted to the display device 1. The transmitted remaining hot water volume level is received by the remaining hot water volume receiving means 21 and displayed using the remaining hot water volume display means 22.

  For example, when the remaining hot water amount level is in five stages (0 to 4), and the remaining hot water amount level of the hot water storage tank 15 sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is “2”, the remaining hot water amount display means 22 “ “Level 2” is displayed. Here, the amount of remaining hot water sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is not necessarily a relative value. If this is defined as a predetermined value between the display device 1 and the heat pump water heater 2, the heat pump water heater 2 transmits the predetermined value to the display device 1. The display device 1 converts the predetermined value into a value that can be understood by the user, for example, liter or level, and the hot water supply amount display means 22 displays the converted value.

  Here, when the remaining hot water amount is sent at the five levels (relative values) as described above, the display device 1 performs display as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In FIG. 3, 30 is an image diagram of the hot water storage tank 15. In the image diagram 30 of the hot water storage tank, five levels are displayed so as to be understood, and the actual remaining hot water amount level is shown in black. That is, when the remaining hot water amount level is “2”, the two-stage level from the bottom is represented by black as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the user inputs a reference remaining hot water amount to the display device 1 in advance. With this standard remaining hot water amount, when a user notifies that when the remaining hot water amount of the hot water storage tank 15 decreases from this standard, while raising the energy saving consciousness, the user has less hot water. This makes it possible to quickly recognize that the hot water is hot and to take measures such as increasing the amount of hot water (controlling the hot water storage tank 15 to forcibly boil the hot water). Here, for example, when the user sets the reference remaining hot water volume level to “1”, the fact is input from the remaining hot water volume reference value input means 23. In addition, the reference | standard remaining hot water amount which can be input does not necessarily need to be one. For example, the user can input two reference remaining hot water amounts “1” and “2”.

  Next, the display device 1 compares the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 with the reference remaining hot water amount input from the remaining hot water amount reference value input means 23 by the user using the remaining hot water amount comparing means 24. The remaining hot water amount comparing means 24 outputs the result to the display method changing means 25. The display method changing unit 25 receives the remaining hot water amount as a result of comparing the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 with the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 and the reference remaining hot water amount input from the remaining hot water amount reference value input unit 23 by the user. When the remaining hot water amount received by the means 21 is less than the reference remaining hot water amount input from the remaining hot water amount reference value input means 23 (or in the following case), the remaining hot water amount display means 22 displays the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21. Change the display method for the amount of remaining hot water received.

  Here, a specific example will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Consider a case where the reference remaining hot water amount input from the remaining hot water amount reference value input means 23 is “1 (reference remaining hot water amount 1)” and “3 (reference remaining hot water amount 2)”. In addition, as a method of displaying the remaining hot water amount display means 22, for example, the remaining hot water amount can be displayed in three stages of “display in blue”, “display in yellow”, and “display in red”. The display method of the three steps which the remaining hot water amount display means 22 has is changed.

  Here, when the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 is “5” (STEP 1), it is larger than “3” of the reference remaining hot water amount 2 inputted from the remaining hot water amount reference value input means 23 (STEP 2). Therefore, the display method changing unit 25 changes the display of the remaining hot water amount display unit 22 to “display in blue” (STEP 4). Specifically, in FIG. 3, all five levels are displayed in blue.

  If the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 is “2” (STEP 1), it is smaller than “3” of the reference remaining hot water amount 2 input from the remaining hot water reference value input means 23 (STEP 2). ) Is larger than “1” of the reference remaining hot water amount 1 (STEP 3), the display of the remaining hot water amount display means 22 is changed to “display in yellow” (STEP 6). Specifically, in FIG. 3, all two levels are displayed in yellow.

  When the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 is “0” (STEP 1), it is smaller than “3” of the reference remaining hot water amount 2 input from the remaining hot water amount reference value input means 23 (STEP 2). ), And the display of the remaining hot water display means 22 is changed to “display in red” (STEP 5), respectively, because it is smaller than “1” of the reference remaining hot water volume 1 input from the remaining hot water volume reference value input means 23 (STEP 3). . Specifically, in FIG. 3, the entire image diagram of the hot water storage tank 15 is displayed in red.

  That is, the user can grasp the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 by looking at the display color of the remaining hot water amount displayed on the display device 1.

  Then, using the reference remaining hot water amount input from the remaining hot water reference value input means 23 as a guideline, “Isn't there always being a red display, but today it was displayed in red, so I wonder if I used a lot of hot water.” Or “You do n’t have enough hot water so your dad wo n’t be able to take a bath at night.

As described above, the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 can be confirmed at a level as shown in FIG. 3, but by changing the display color, the user can easily notice the situation. This makes it easier for users to implement emergency responses (for example, forced hot water increase) according to the situation, and it is possible to provide a comfortable system without causing inconvenience to users. . In addition, by making the user easily aware of the electricity bill and energy waste due to excessive use of hot water, it is possible to promote the planting of energy saving awareness associated with the reduction in the amount of power to the user.

  In addition, for example, by changing the animation displayed when the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 15 does not exceed the reference remaining hot water amount or when it exceeds the reference remaining hot water amount, or by making the switching timing of the animation earlier, “an unusual animation appears. It becomes easy for the user to notice “N”, and it is possible to encourage the emergency response (for example, compulsory hot water increase) according to the situation and to instill energy conservation awareness in the user.

  In addition, when a change in the user's lifestyle (eg, increase or decrease in the number of family members) occurs and the display color of the remaining hot water amount displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means 22 is different from the actual lifestyle. The user may change the reference remaining hot water amount input from the remaining hot water amount reference value input means 23. This is possible not only to change the reference value but also to change the number of reference values. Further, a user who is troublesome to change the display color can disable the function by setting the display device 1 to disable the function of the display method changing unit 25.

  By the way, in the above description, the display method changing means 25 changes the display contents of the remaining hot water display means 22, but even if the display contents are not separately displayed, pop-up screen notifications, sound notifications, etc. Other changes may be used.

  Further, for example, the display method changing unit 25 compares the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 with the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 and the reference remaining hot water amount input by the user from the remaining hot water amount reference value input unit 23. When the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 is smaller than the reference remaining hot water amount input from the remaining hot water amount reference value input unit 23, the remaining hot water amount display unit 22 displays the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21. It may be possible to enlarge the display of the amount of remaining hot water to alert the user. In this way, the elderly and blind people can be clearly recognized, and a user-friendly system that conforms to the universal interface can be constructed.

  Further, in FIG. 4, the remaining hot water amount display is represented by three types of “display in blue”, “display in yellow”, and “display in red”. For example, in the case of “display in yellow” or “display in red” Can blink the display, change the blinking cycle, or change the display in an animated manner. By doing so, it is possible to make the user aware of it, attracting the user's attention, and promoting emergency response and energy saving.

  In the above description, the operation in the display device 1 has been described. However, the same function can be realized in other display devices such as the bathroom remote controller 10 and the additional remote controller 11.

  In the above description, only the amount of remaining hot water has been mentioned. However, for example, the same change can be realized for other display parameters such as “bath hot water amount” and “bath warming time”.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the display device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, 26 is a remaining hot water reference value storage means. The remaining hot water reference value storage means 26 is inside the display device 1.

  The second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the description part similar to Embodiment 1 is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 5, the user inputs the reference remaining hot water amount in advance to the display device 1, but the display device 1 includes a remaining hot water amount reference value storage means 27. The remaining hot water reference value storage means 27 stores one or more remaining hot water reference values in advance. When the user tries to input the reference remaining hot water amount from the remaining hot water reference value input means 23, one of the input interfaces (for example, “screen”) stored in the remaining hot water reference value storage means 27 in advance is stored. The above-mentioned remaining hot water amount reference value is displayed, and the user completes the input by selecting the displayed remaining hot water amount reference value or the remaining hot water amount reference value that the user wants to select.

  For example, if the remaining hot water volume reference values stored in the remaining hot water volume reference value storage means 27 are “1”, “2”, and “3”, the remaining hot water volume reference value input means 23 has “1” and “2”. “3” and “3” are displayed. Here, the user selects, for example, one reference remaining hot water amount from these three reference remaining hot water amounts (eg, remaining hot water amount reference value “3”).

  If the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 is “2”, the remaining hot water amount comparing means 24 determines the remaining hot water amount (“2”) received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 and the remaining hot water amount reference value. The reference remaining hot water amount ("3") selected by the input means 23 is compared, and the display method changing means 25 has a smaller amount of remaining hot water ("2") received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21, so the remaining hot water amount display means. The user is alerted by changing the display color of the remaining hot water amount displayed by the display 22 or by expanding the display.

  By adopting the method as described above, the user can set the reference remaining hot water amount only by selecting from the reference remaining hot water amount indicated by the remaining hot water amount reference value input means 23 without inputting the reference remaining hot water amount by himself / herself. It becomes.

  On the other hand, the remaining hot water reference value stored in advance in the remaining hot water reference value storage means 27 may be stored when the display device 1 is shipped. In this case, the standard remaining hot water amount that should be watched out if this value is exceeded is stored from the result of investigating the standard remaining hot water amount of ordinary households and the size of the hot water storage tank 15.

  The display device 1 stores an amount of remaining hot water appropriate for the home where the system is used, and calculates a reference remaining hot water amount from the result while the system starts operation and a certain time (or a certain number of days) elapses. A method is also conceivable. A block diagram of the display device 1 in this case is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, 27 is a memory learning means, and 28 is a remaining hot water reference value calculation means. The storage learning means 27 and the remaining hot water reference value calculation means 28 are inside the display device 1.

  In FIG. 6, the remaining hot water amount information sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21. Information on the remaining hot water amount received by the hot water supply amount receiving means 21 is sent to the remaining hot water amount comparing means 24 and also to the memory learning means 27. Here, the memory learning means 27 memorizes and learns the remaining hot water amount output from the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 in the past.

  For example, the memory learning means 27 stores the amount of remaining hot water for one month of the household and learns the remaining hot water amount pattern of the household from the contents. Suppose that the remaining amount of hot water before going to bed at midnight for one month (30 days) in the household is “2” or more on most days, and there are “1” or “0” days for about two days. In that case, the memory learning unit 27 estimates that the amount of remaining hot water has increased for about two days due to visitors and other reasons, and outputs that fact to the remaining hot water reference value calculating unit 28. Remaining hot water amount reference value calculation means 28 receives the output from memory learning means 27, recognizes that the standard daily remaining hot water amount of the household is “2”, and sets “2” as the remaining hot water amount reference value. Set.

  Then, the remaining hot water amount comparing means 24 compares the remaining hot water amount reference value calculated by the remaining hot water amount reference value calculating means 28 with the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 and outputs the result to the display method changing means 25. The display method changing unit 25 compares the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 with the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 and the remaining hot water amount reference value calculated by the remaining hot water amount reference value calculating unit 28. When the received remaining hot water amount is smaller, the display method of the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means 22 is changed.

  In the case of the above configuration, the display device 1 does not need to be provided with the remaining hot water reference value input means 23. This means that even if the user does not input the remaining hot water amount reference value one by one, the display device 1 issues a warning as to whether or not the hot water is used excessively. That is, it is possible to promote the planting of the user with awareness of the emergency hot water response, the saving of electricity bills, and the energy saving accompanying the reduction of electric power, while omitting the user's trouble and unnecessary setting. Thereby, the spread expansion of this system can be accelerated.

  In the above description, the memory learning means 27 and the remaining hot water amount reference value calculating means 28 are described in cooperation with each other to calculate the remaining hot water amount reference value. However, as described above, the remaining hot water amount reference value calculating means 28 is The calculated remaining hot water reference value is displayed by the remaining hot water reference value input means 23 using a screen or the like, and the user selects the remaining hot water reference value to be selected or the remaining hot water reference value to be selected by the user. A configuration may be adopted in which the input of the hot water reference value is completed. In this case, if there are a plurality of remaining hot water volume reference values calculated by the remaining hot water volume reference value calculating means 28, the user can select an optimal remaining hot water volume reference value from a variety of options, and a system suitable for the user's preference can be selected. Can be built.

  Further, in the above description, the display device 1 has been described with the configuration for storing, learning, and calculating the remaining hot water reference value. However, the heat pump water heater 2 has the functions of storing, learning, and calculating, and the heat pump water heater 2 has calculated. A mechanism for transmitting the remaining hot water reference value to the display device 1 may be adopted. In this case, the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 of the display device 1 receives the remaining hot water amount reference value sent from the heat pump water heater 2, and based on the result, the display method changing means 25 is the remaining hot water amount of the remaining hot water amount display means 22. Will be changed. Furthermore, each function of storage, learning, and calculation of the amount of remaining hot water is shared by the display device 1 and the heat pump water heater 2 (for example, the heat pump water heater 2 has the function of storage and learning, and the function of calculation is the display device 1. Can also be configured.

  By the way, in the above description, the memory learning means 27 has been described so as to perform memory learning for one month, for example. However, it may be configured that the user can freely change during this period, or after the display device 1 starts using It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which memory learning is performed only for a certain period of time and the remaining hot water reference value is determined. Further, when the remaining hot water amount reference value calculated by the remaining hot water amount reference value calculating unit 28 is changed every day, it is possible to notify the user to that effect.

  Furthermore, the user can also be configured so that the function (a function in which the display method changing unit 25 changes the remaining hot water amount displayed by the remaining hot water amount display unit 22 by color coding or the like) can be disabled only for a certain period. It is possible to freely build the best system according to the ease of use of the system, and to accelerate the spread of this system.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the display device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, 29 is a remaining hot water reference value receiving means. The remaining hot water reference value receiving means 29 is inside the display device 1.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the description part similar to Embodiment 1, 2 is abbreviate | omitted.

In FIG. 7, the server 3 transmits the remaining hot water reference value to the display device 1. In the display device 1, the remaining hot water amount reference value receiving means 29 receives the remaining hot water amount reference value and outputs the result to the remaining hot water amount comparing means 24. The remaining hot water amount comparing means 24 compares the remaining hot water amount reference value received by the remaining hot water amount reference value receiving means 29 with the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 and outputs the result to the display method changing means 25.

  The display method changing unit 25 compares the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 with the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 and the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water reference value receiving unit 29. When the remaining hot water amount is smaller, the display method of the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means 22 is changed.

  In the case of the above configuration, the server 3 is managed by the operation department of this system, but the operation department collectively changes the remaining hot water reference value of the display device 1 installed in each home. Is possible. This is because, for example, when a situation in which further energy saving activities should be promoted due to national policies, etc., the operation department of this system uses the server 3 to reduce the remaining hot water reference value for each household. Control.

  As a result, in the home using the display device 1, the remaining hot water amount reference value is lowered, so that the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 as a result of comparison by the remaining hot water amount comparing means 24 can be lower than the remaining hot water amount reference value. As a result, the possibility that the display method changing means 25 changes the remaining hot water amount displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means 22 (for example, displayed in red) is increased. This means that the number of times the user is alerted increases, and as a result, the improvement of the user's awareness of energy saving can be accelerated.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that a mobile phone 4 is connected to the end of the server 3, but in this case, the user can remotely install the mobile phone 4 in his home. Therefore, the reference remaining hot water amount of the display device 1 can be changed, so that the convenience of using the system is improved and the spread of the system can be realized.

  In addition, although it is a period during which the memory learning unit 27 described in the second embodiment performs the memory learning, this period can also be changed from the server 3. In this case, for example, when the memory learning function level of a specific home is inferior, the period during which the memory learning means 27 performs memory learning can be adjusted or changed remotely from the server 3. Improvement can be easily realized at low cost.

  Further, the server 3 can store not only the storage learning period of the storage learning means 27 but also the maximum number of reference remaining hot water amount options shown to the user by the remaining hot water amount reference value input means 23 and the remaining hot water amount reference value storage means 26. The number of remaining hot water reference values can also be changed remotely from the server 3, and can be easily and individually adapted to the display devices 1 that are diversified for each user. Can be realized.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the display device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, 31 is a model information receiving means. Reference numeral 32 denotes model information storage means. 33 is a remaining hot water reference value changing means.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a screen of the display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to a hot water display image diagram.

There are various types of heat pump water heaters 2, and the functions possessed by the models differ. For example, “Type A” has a heat retaining function after hot water is filled in, but “Type B” does not exist, or “Type A” can be set to stop boiling of the hot water storage tank when there is no long term. Is not possible with "Type B".

  On the other hand, the display device 1 does not prepare hardware and software for each of such various models, but incorporates software capable of supporting a plurality of models into one hardware, and which model is actually present. As a configuration that operates by determining whether it is connected, it may be possible to demonstrate cost performance.

  The operation of the display device 1 in the above case will be described below. When the heat pump water heater 2 is connected to the display device 1, the heat pump water heater 2 transmits information specifying the model (model information) to the display device 1. For example, information identifying this model may be identified by a specific bit string pattern of a specific message, or sent as a specific code determined in the system to identify a model called “product code”. Sometimes it comes. Information specifying the model sent from the heat pump water heater 2 in this way is received by the model information receiving means 31 in the display device 1. The received information specifying the model is stored in the model information storage unit 32.

  Note that the information specifying the model stored in the model information storage unit 32 is stored in a non-volatile manner so that it does not disappear even when the display device 1 is powered off.

  Next, a movement when the remaining hot water amount is transmitted from the heat pump water heater 2 to the display device 1 will be described. Here, the information on the amount of remaining hot water sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is not an absolute value but a relative value calculated from the size of the hot water tank 15 of the heat pump water heater 2 and the like. The amount of hot water is divided into five levels, and the current level is transmitted to the display device 1. The transmitted remaining hot water volume level is received by the remaining hot water volume receiving means 21 and displayed using the remaining hot water volume display means 22.

  For example, when the remaining hot water amount level is in five stages (0 (none) and 1-4), the remaining hot water amount level of the hot water storage tank 15 sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is “2”. The display means 22 displays “level 2”.

  Here, the amount of remaining hot water sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is not necessarily a relative value. If this is defined as a predetermined value between the display device 1 and the heat pump water heater 2, the heat pump water heater 2 transmits the predetermined value to the display device 1. The display device 1 converts the predetermined value into a value that can be understood by the user, for example, liter or level, and the hot water supply amount display means 22 displays the converted value.

  Here, when the remaining hot water amount is sent at the five levels (relative values) as described above, the display device 1 performs display as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In FIG. 3, the actual remaining hot water amount level is represented in black. That is, when the remaining hot water amount level is “2”, the two-stage level from the bottom is represented by black as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the display device 1, as shown in FIG. 3, it is good if the relative value (five levels) actually sent from the heat pump water heater 2 can be accurately expressed. There may be a case where the display size cannot be sufficiently secured and the five levels cannot be displayed accurately.

Further, although the screen as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed largely on the screen of the display device 1, a “status display area (status display area) 40 such as a band at the top of the screen of the display apparatus 1 as shown in FIG.
”Is ensured, and the remaining hot water level is also displayed in the“ status display area 40 ”.

  The display device 1 not only displays various states of the heat pump water heater 2 including the amount of remaining hot water, but also has a function of a remote controller that performs various settings for the heat pump water heater 2 using, for example, a touch panel. In some cases, a browsing function for browsing various information via the server 3 may be considered.

  In order to realize such various screen displays and settings on the touch panel, it is necessary to switch the screen of the display device 1 several times, and the remaining hot water level as shown in FIG. 3 is always displayed. It may be difficult to leave.

  Therefore, in response to this, the above-described “status display area 40” is secured on the screen of the display device 1, and whatever is displayed on the screen of the display device 1, it is always used for the “status display area 40”. It is also possible to take a method of displaying contents to be notified to the person.

  From this point of view, it is conceivable to display the remaining hot water amount level also in the “status display area 40”, but this “status display area” can secure a wide area on the screen of the display device 1 from the meaning. (If you keep it wide, the main screen will not be visible), and as a result, the remaining hot water level as shown in Fig. 3 may not be displayed correctly (if you try to display it correctly, the picture will become smaller, Problems arise from visibility).

  Therefore, as a case where the remaining hot water amount level sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is to be displayed in a limited area, a remaining hot water amount display 41 in the form as shown in FIG. 10 can be considered. FIG. 10 displays the remaining hot water amount level of the heat pump water heater 2 in three levels. For example, the remaining hot water amount level sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is a five-level level (0 (none) and 1 to 5). 10 (a) represents “level 5”, FIG. 10 (b) represents “level 2-4”, FIG. 10 (c) represents “level 0-1”, and so on. Visibility is improved by displaying 5 levels in 3 levels and displaying them in different colors as shown in FIG.

  When the remaining hot water amount level of the heat pump water heater 2 is displayed on the display device 1 in the form as described above, when the remaining hot water amount level sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is a relative value, this remaining hot water amount level However, the heat pump water heater 2 may differ depending on the model. For example, in the case of the “type A” heat pump water heater 2, the remaining hot water amount level is sent in five stages, whereas in the case of the “type B” heat pump water heater 2, the remaining hot water amount level is sent in six stages. It will be. The movement of the display device 1 in such a case will be described below.

  Next, the display device 1 compares the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 21 with the model information stored in the model information storage unit 32 using the remaining hot water amount comparing unit 24.

  Here, the remaining hot water amount comparing means 24 is a method of comparison. As described above, in the case of the “type A” heat pump water heater 2, the remaining hot water amount level is sent in five stages. In the case of the heat pump water heater 2, when the remaining hot water amount level is assumed to be six stages, the model information storage means 32 indicates that the heat pump water heater 2 currently communicating with the display device 1 is “type A”. Or “type B” is stored, the remaining hot water reference value changing means 33 is based on the model information such as “type A” and “type B” stored in the model information storage means 32, Change the remaining hot water reference value. The changed remaining hot water amount reference value is sent to the remaining hot water amount comparison means 24.

  The remaining hot water amount comparing means 24 applies the remaining hot water amount level received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 based on the remaining hot water amount reference value sent from the remaining hot water amount reference value changing means 33 and compares the results. The remaining hot water reference value (in this example, 5 levels for "Type A" and 6 levels for "Type B") is compared to determine which reference value is greater than which reference value, and the result Is output to the display method changing means 25. Based on the output result, the display method changing means 25 displays the remaining hot water amount by color in a format as shown in FIG.

  For example, in FIG. 10, when the remaining hot water amount level sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is a five-stage level (0 (none) and 1 to 5), FIG. 10 (b) represents “levels 2 to 4”, and FIG. 10 (c) represents “levels 0 to 1”. However, the remaining hot water amount level sent from the heat pump water heater 2 is six levels ( 10 (a) represents, for example, “level 6”, FIG. 10 (b) represents “level 2 to 5”, and FIG. It is assumed that “level 0 to 1” are expressed.

  Here, when the remaining hot water amount level received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means 21 is “level 5 or higher”, the remaining hot water amount comparing means 24 changes the display method based on the output from the remaining hot water amount reference value changing means 33. To the means 25, which display method should be displayed among the three types of display methods (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 10 is output. Thereby, the display method changing means 25 changes the remaining hot water amount pattern currently displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means 22 to any one of the three types of (a), (b) and (c) in FIG.

  Note that the internal operation flow of the display device 1 at this time is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 4). However, in FIG. 4, “reference remaining hot water amount 1” and “reference remaining hot water amount 2” are received from the heat pump water heater 2 by the model information storage means 32 via the model information receiving means 31, unlike the first embodiment. Based on the model information.

  By adopting the method as described above, it is possible to realize a remaining hot water amount display corresponding to a plurality of models of the heat pump water heater 2 in one display device 1. As a result, the display device 1 itself can be made in a variety of forms at a low cost, and it can be flexibly adapted to change the grade of the heat pump water heater 2 itself due to changes in the customer's preferences, or to change the model due to other reasons. And can accelerate the spread of the system.

  In addition, the display method as shown in FIG. 10 can give the user an intuitive determination of the remaining hot water level at a glance by color coding. This makes it clear to the elderly and blind people. This makes it possible to construct a user-friendly system that conforms to the universal interface.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to respond at the site (each household) where the display device 1 is installed, an operator who has changed the model of the heat pump water heater 2 does not have to recognize the operation method of the display device 1. As a result, reliable model discrimination can be performed, and the spread of the system can be realized by shortening the system installation time.

In the present embodiment, switching of the display method within a limited size such as “status display area” as illustrated in FIG. 9 has been described as an example. However, from the heat pump water heater 2 as illustrated in FIG. The present invention can also be applied to the case where the remaining hot water amount level value sent is displayed as it is. Further, in FIG. 10, the remaining hot water amount display is represented by three types (a), (b), and (c). For example, the display is blinked, the blinking period is changed, or the display is animated. It is also possible to change it. By doing so, it is possible to make the user aware of it, attracting the user's attention, and promoting emergency response and energy saving.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the model information of the heat pump water heater 2 is sent from the heat pump water heater 2 itself to the display device 1, but in the model information storage means 32 of the display device 1. Any method may be used as long as the model information of the heat pump water heater 2 can be reliably stored.

  For example, when the display device 1 communicates with the server 3 as shown in FIG. 1, a method of downloading the model information of the heat pump water heater 2 from the server 3 to the display device 1 may be used, or the model information of the heat pump water heater 2 may be changed. You may take the method of inputting using input means, such as a touch panel of the display apparatus 1. FIG. In addition to the input means such as the touch panel of the display device 1, a method for inputting the model information to the display device 1 using a setting device (not shown) for setting the model information and others is taken. Also good.

  For example, in the method of downloading the model information of the heat pump water heater 2 from the server 3 to the display device 1, it is not necessary to incorporate the model information transmission logic for the display device 1 in the heat pump water heater 2. Low cost provision is realized by simplifying the logic.

  Note that the means described in this embodiment causes hardware resources such as a CPU (or microcomputer), a RAM, a ROM, a storage / recording device, an electric / information device including an I / O, a computer, a server, and the like to cooperate. You may implement with the form of a program. In the form of a program, new functions can be easily distributed / updated and installed by recording them on a recording medium such as magnetic media or optical media or distributing them via a communication line such as the Internet.

  The display device and the program according to the present invention can change the display method of the remaining hot water amount by setting or changing the remaining hot water reference value, which is a measure of the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank. The present invention can be applied not only to a “water heater” but also to a device that constructs a system using a hot water storage tank, such as a “water heater using a fuel cell” and an “electric water heater”.

Block diagram of the entire system in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3 of the present invention 1 is a block diagram of a display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a display image diagram of the remaining hot water amount of the display device according to the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention. Operational Flowchart of Display Device in Embodiment 1 of the Present Invention The block diagram of the display apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention The block diagram of the display apparatus in the other example of Embodiment 2 of this invention The block diagram of the display apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention The block diagram of the display apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention Screen configuration diagram of display device in embodiment 4 of the present invention The remaining hot water amount display image figure of the display apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention System conceptual diagram of conventional gas equipment usage comparison system Block diagram of water heater and center unit of conventional gas equipment usage comparison system

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display apparatus 2 Heat pump water heater 3 Server 4 Mobile phone 5 Bathroom hot water 6 Shower 7 Hot water a
8 Hot water supply n
9 Bathtub 10 Bathroom remote control 11 Additional remote control 12 Hot water related operation section 13 Water heater related operation section 14 Bath related operation section 15 Hot water storage tank 16 Kitchen and others 17 Bathroom 18 Hot water supply related functions 19 Bath related functions 20 Hot water related functions 21 Receiving remaining hot water amount Means 22 Remaining hot water amount display means 23 Remaining hot water amount reference value input means 24 Remaining hot water amount comparison means 25 Display method changing means 26 Remaining hot water amount reference value storage means 27 Memory learning means 28 Remaining hot water amount reference value calculation means 29 Remaining hot water amount reference value receiving means 30 Hot water storage Tank image 31 Model information receiving means 32 Model information storing means 33 Remaining hot water reference value changing means 40 Status display area 41 Remaining hot water amount display

Claims (9)

A display device that communicates with a water heater to perform necessary operations and displays, the display device receiving a remaining hot water amount receiving means for receiving a remaining hot water amount of a hot water storage tank of the hot water heater, and receiving the remaining hot water amount A remaining hot water amount display means for displaying the remaining hot water amount received by the means, a remaining hot water reference value input means capable of inputting at least one remaining hot water amount reference value, a remaining hot water amount information received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means, and the remaining hot water information. When the remaining hot water amount information is smaller than the remaining hot water amount reference value as a result of comparison between the remaining hot water amount comparing means for comparing with the remaining hot water amount reference value input from the hot water reference value input means and the remaining hot water amount comparing means, the remaining hot water amount The display apparatus comprised with the display method change means which changes the display method of the remaining hot water volume which a display means displays. A display device that communicates with a water heater to perform necessary operations and displays, the display device receiving a remaining hot water amount receiving means for receiving a remaining hot water amount of a hot water storage tank of the hot water heater, and receiving the remaining hot water amount At least one in the user's home based on the result of memory learning by the memory learning means, the memory learning means for memorizing and learning the amount of remaining hot water during a predetermined period, and the result of memory learning by the memory learning means. A remaining hot water amount reference value calculating means for calculating one or more remaining hot water amount reference values, and a remaining hot water amount comparing means for comparing the remaining hot water amount information received by the receiving means with the remaining hot water amount reference value calculated by the remaining hot water amount reference value calculating means. And a display method changing means for changing a display method of the remaining hot water amount information displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means when the remaining hot water amount information is smaller than the remaining hot water amount reference value as a result of comparison by the remaining hot water amount comparing means. It made a display device. A display device that communicates with a water heater to perform necessary operations and displays, and communicates with a server to transmit and receive necessary information. The display device is a hot water storage tank of the water heater. The remaining hot water amount receiving means for receiving the remaining hot water amount, the remaining hot water amount displaying means for displaying the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means, and the remaining hot water amount reference value for receiving at least one remaining hot water amount reference value from the server As a result of comparison between the receiving means, the remaining hot water amount information received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means, and the remaining hot water amount comparing means for comparing the remaining hot water amount reference value received by the remaining hot water amount reference value receiving means, the remaining hot water amount comparing means A display device comprising display method changing means for changing the display method of the remaining hot water amount information displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means when the hot water amount information is smaller than the remaining hot water amount reference value. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the remaining hot water amount display means switches and displays the remaining hot water amount information at predetermined time intervals. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the display method changing unit changes the predetermined time of the remaining hot water amount information displayed by the remaining hot water amount display unit and / or changes the content displayed at the predetermined time. The display device has a remaining hot water reference value storage means having at least one remaining hot water reference value, and the remaining hot water reference value input means stores a remaining hot water reference value stored in the remaining hot water reference value storage means. The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least one remaining hot water reference value is selected from among the items. A display device for performing necessary operations and display by communicating with a water heater, wherein the display device receives model information receiving means for receiving model information of the water heater, and the model information receiving means. Model information storage means for storing model information, remaining hot water amount receiving means for receiving the remaining hot water amount of the hot water storage tank of the water heater, remaining hot water amount display means for displaying the remaining hot water amount received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means, The remaining hot water amount reference value changing means for changing the remaining hot water amount reference value according to the model information stored in the model information storage means, the remaining hot water amount information received by the remaining hot water amount receiving means, and the remaining hot water amount reference value changing means The remaining hot water amount comparison means for comparing the changed at least one remaining hot water amount reference value, and the method for displaying the remaining hot water amount displayed by the remaining hot water amount display means is changed according to the result of comparison by the remaining hot water amount comparison means. table Display device constituted by the method change means. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the model information can be received or input from at least one of a water heater, a server, an input unit of the display device, and a setting device. The program for making a computer perform at least one part of the display apparatus of any one of Claims 1-8.

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