JP2007033846A - Display device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a display from being turned off and switched while a "maintenance function" is executed, and to prevent a maintenance personnel from forgetting to ending the screen to execute the "maintenance function". <P>SOLUTION: When a display elimination means 24 receives the output displaying that the menu to execute the "maintenance function" from a maintenance setting means 25, the display elimination means never turns off the backlight of a display operation means 21 even when receiving the output of a timer means 22. The maintenance setting means 25 detects that the operation to end the menu to execute the"maintenance function" is performed. The maintenance setting means 25 outputs the fact of the operation to the display elimination means 24. The display elimination means 24 receives the output that the operation to end the menu to execute the "maintenance function" from the maintenance setting means 25 and thereafter when the display elimination means receives the output from the timer means 22 as usual, the display elimination means turns off the backlight of the display operation means 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention operates at the time of construction or inspection in a system composed of a heat source device or water heater that realizes the function of hot water supply, bath, water heater in the home, or a flow rate measuring device that measures the flow rate of gas, water, electricity, etc. The present invention relates to a display device for displaying the status of the “maintenance function” and a program.

  Conventionally, the following is common for this type of system (see Patent Document 1). A block diagram of a conventional system is shown in FIG. The present invention relates to a display device and an image recording device, and more particularly to a display device capable of displaying a screen including functions of devices and input items related to the function, and an image recording device including the display device.

  Conventionally, as one of the display devices, a display unit 136 that can display a screen including a plurality of operation keys for performing an input operation is provided, and an input operation to the operation key is performed according to a pressed position on the display unit. Various input devices using a touch panel 138 including an input unit that can be recognized have been proposed.

  Such a touch panel input device is connected to, for example, an image recording apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, and enables an input operation for operating the image recording apparatus. In recent years, the image recording apparatus has not been operated for the purpose of preventing the deterioration of the display unit 136 of the touch panel input device or reducing the power consumption, and the touch panel 138 has been used. There is a touch panel input device that erases the display on the display unit 136 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the input operation to the input device is completed.

  However, in the conventional touch panel input device, the display on the display unit 136 is erased while the image recording apparatus, which is a device connected to the touch panel input device, is not operating and is constant after the input operation is performed. Limited after time. That is, some screen remains displayed on the display unit 136 during the operation of the image recording apparatus.

  However, in an image recording apparatus, for example, when copying a plurality of copies or a plurality of copies, the operation time may take a relatively long time, and continuing display on the display unit 136 during this time requires power. In other words, the display unit 136 may be consumed depending on the material of the display unit 136.

  On the other hand, the display control unit 150 can display a screen including device functions and input items related to the functions. As the display means, a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or a CRT display can be applied. The storage means stores information related to display contents displayed on the screen.

  Content related to display content includes information on the functions of the device, information indicating the state and operating state of the device, information on input items such as the display position, coordinates, size, and shape of operation keys, and is displayed on the display unit. Information on the message content, display area, and the like is included.

  Further, the display control unit 150 erases or displays the screen after the device starts operation. This erasure or display may be automatically performed according to a predetermined condition, or may be appropriately performed according to an instruction from the user.

  For example, the screen may be erased only when the operation time of the device is long, or may be performed every time the device is operated. Further, by displaying the screen as appropriate after erasing the screen, for example, the next operation can be set, the operation status can be grasped, or the end time of the operation can be grasped. Furthermore, the screen to be displayed is performed based on the information regarding the display content stored in the storage means.

  In this way, when the device starts operation, by deleting the screen, it is possible to reduce power supply and save power. Further, depending on the members used for the display portion 136, the display portion 136 can be prevented from being deteriorated.

  It should be noted that a separate selection setting means may be provided so that whether to erase the screen can be set for each user or for each operation.

The display unit 136 can display the function of the device and can display a screen corresponding to the function of the device and including a plurality of operation keys for performing an input operation and the display. An input device using a touch panel 138 including an input unit that can recognize an input operation on the operation key according to a pressed position on the unit can also be applied.
JP 2003-005734 A

  However, in the configuration of the background art described above, the point is focused on erasing the screen for the purpose of reducing current consumption, and the configuration focuses on how to erase the screen when unnecessary. It has become.

  On the other hand, the screen is usually erased when it is unnecessary, but there is a case where the screen should not be erased when a specific operation is performed. For example, in a hot water supply system that supplies hot water to the user's home and a flow rate measurement system that measures the lifeline of gas, electricity, water, etc., the system is controlled and the operation status of the system is grasped. In some cases, a display device is provided. In such a system, the user normally uses the display device to control the boiling of hot water.

  When such a system is introduced into a home, it is first necessary to confirm various operations by a contractor or the like. For example, in the case of a hot water supply system, a hot water heater having a hot water supply function, a hot water storage tank, a display device, a bathroom remote controller, an additional remote controller, etc. are installed where necessary, and then piping between each device or power supply work is performed. After completing the installation of the system, the contractor performs various settings and operation checks on the water heater having a hot water supply function.

  For example, hot water supplied to a hot water heater, a shower, and a bathtub by a water heater having a hot water supply function is supplied by boiling the water stored in the hot water storage tank. As an energy source for boiling the water stored in the hot water storage tank, for example, electricity Although it can be considered, each electric power company provides a service that provides midnight power at a low cost, and the system can be operated at a low electricity charge by boiling the water in the hot water storage tank at midnight.

Here, in order to boil the water in the hot water storage tank reliably in the service time zone (mainly midnight) provided by each electric power company, it is necessary to set the service in a water heater having a hot water supply function. Therefore, after the construction of the above-mentioned system is completed, the household has selected the service provided by each electric power company for the water heater having a hot water supply function by the construction worker (or the specialist who performs the setting). Set the service (hereinafter referred to as “Electricity system setting function”). As a result, the water heater having the hot water supply function can surely boil the water in the hot water storage tank 15 during the determined service time zone.

  Another thing that must be performed on a water heater having a hot water supply function after the construction and before the user actually starts using the system is an operation check of the water heater having a hot water supply function. This is to confirm that the water heater having a hot water supply function can reliably fill the bathtub with the temperature and the amount of hot water selected by the user (hereinafter referred to as “the bath test function”), or hot water having a hot water supply function. This is a so-called “trial operation” in which the heater confirms that the hot water tank can be heated by the amount selected by the user (hereinafter referred to as “boiling trial operation function”).

  When a construction worker performs such work, the construction worker specially controls the display device so that these functions (hereinafter referred to as “maintenance function”) can be executed. After that, the contractor executes the “maintenance function”, but when this maintenance function is executed, if the display device erases the screen in order to reduce the current and extend the life of the backlight, Will occur.

  In other words, as described above, the “maintenance function” is an operation performed by a person corresponding to a maintenance person of the system, and conversely, an operation that should not be performed by a user of the system. If the screen is cleared while the “maintenance function” is being executed, the person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system forgets to leave the “maintenance function” execution state and leaves the user's home. May occur.

  In other words, while the “maintenance function” is being executed, the execution status is displayed as information on the screen, and the person corresponding to the maintenance personnel of this system can confirm the next operation and status by looking at the contents. If the screen disappears, there is a possibility of misunderstanding that the work has been completed even during the work.

  In this way, if a person corresponding to the maintenance personnel of this system leaves the user's home while the “maintenance function” is being executed, the user can perform various normal operations even if he / she tries to operate the display device. For example, it is not possible to perform bathing of hot water and the like, which is a very inconvenient situation.

  Therefore, even if the user leaves the “maintenance function” while trying to put the display device into the normal operation state, the contents of the “maintenance function” are not known to the general user, so it is easy. In addition, the “maintenance function” executing state cannot be exited, which is inconvenient.

  On the other hand, if a “maintenance function” executing state is easily created for a general user, there is another problem.

  For example, as described above, the maintenance function for a water heater having a hot water supply function includes a “boil trial operation function” and a “boiling trial operation function”. If you operate without knowing, there is a risk that you will not be able to properly heat the hot water or the hot water storage tank that is necessary for the user to use this system.

  In addition, when the equipment connected to this system is a “flow measurement device group” such as the above-mentioned gas meter, the general user can use the “maintenance function” to shut off the gas meter and change the sensing level setting. If this is done, the gas equipment can no longer be used or a dangerous state such as gas leakage can occur, which is a major problem in terms of use and safety of the system.

Therefore, the “maintenance function” of the display device has a mechanism in which the display device cannot be entered into the menu for executing the “maintenance function” unless a password or the like known only to the person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system is entered correctly. However, as mentioned above, the person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system forgets to leave the "maintenance function" running state because the screen is not visible. Later, there was a problem that a general user would be able to operate the “maintenance function”.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is a display device that performs necessary operations and display by communicating with a device, and the display device is a display operation unit that performs display of the device and operation on the device. Timer means for measuring a certain time, operation detection means for detecting whether or not the display operation means has been operated, and measurement of the timer means before the operation detection means detects an operation of the display operation means When the display is completed, in the display device having display erasure means for erasing the contents displayed by the display operation means, the display device sets information necessary for operation for the device, or the operation of the device. A maintenance setting means for performing a confirmation operation, and when the maintenance setting means is being executed, the operation of the display erasing means is stopped and the contents displayed by the display operation means are displayed. Without even that does not erase the part, it can be maintenance personnel prevents forget to exit the screen to perform "maintenance function", to achieve the widespread use of this system by the improved safety of the system.

  In the present invention, when the maintenance staff is executing the “maintenance function”, the maintenance staff does not erase the screen or switch the screen display to another screen such as “screen saver”. It is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to remain on the screen where the "maintenance function" is running and to leave the user's home, and to prevent normal users from being able to perform normal operations. It is possible to prevent the transition of the system to a dangerous state by operating the “maintenance function” by general users, and to further improve the convenience of the system and the improvement of the safety of the system. be able to.

  A first invention is a display device that performs communication with a device and performs necessary operations and displays, the display device including a display operation unit that performs display of the device and operations on the device, and a predetermined time. Timer means for measuring the operation, operation detection means for detecting whether or not the display operation means has been operated, and when the measurement of the timer means is completed before the operation detection means detects the operation of the display operation means In the display device having a display erasure unit for erasing the contents displayed by the display operation unit, the display device sets information necessary for operation for the device or performs an operation check operation of the device. When the maintenance setting unit is executed, the operation of the display erasing unit is stopped and at least a part of the content displayed by the display operation unit is deleted. Those that do not.

  If maintenance personnel are executing the “maintenance function”, the screen is not erased so that the maintenance personnel remain on the screen where the “maintenance function” is being executed. It is possible to prevent the normal user from operating normally, and the dangerous state of the system by the general user operating the “maintenance function” Therefore, the system convenience can be prevented and the system safety can be further improved.

A second invention is a display device that performs necessary operations and display by communicating with a device, the display device including a display operation unit that performs display of the device and an operation on the device, and a predetermined time. Timer means for measuring the operation, operation detection means for detecting whether or not the display operation means has been operated, and when the measurement of the timer means is completed before the operation detection means detects the operation of the display operation means In the display device having screen saver display means for displaying a screen saver on the screen displayed by the display operation means, the display device performs setting of information necessary for operation of the device and operation check operation of the device. A maintenance setting means for executing, and when the maintenance setting means is being executed, the operation of the screen saver display means is stopped to display the display Those that do not display at least a portion of the screen saver on the screen to create means displays.

  If maintenance personnel are executing the “maintenance function”, forgetting that the maintenance staff remains on the screen where the “maintenance function” is being executed by not switching the screen to the “screen saver”. System that prevents ordinary users from being able to perform normal operations, and allows general users to operate the "maintenance function". Therefore, it is possible to prevent the shift to a dangerous state, and to further improve the convenience of the system and the safety of the system.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device for performing necessary operations and display by communicating with a device, wherein the display device includes display operation means for performing display on the device and operation on the device, and a predetermined time. Timer means for measuring the operation, operation detection means for detecting whether or not the display operation means has been operated, and when the measurement of the timer means is completed before the operation detection means detects the operation of the display operation means In the display device having the display erasing means for erasing the contents displayed by the display operation means, the display device performs setting of information necessary for operation and operation check operation of the equipment. And a maintenance time setting means for increasing the time measured by the timer means when the maintenance setting means is being executed.

  If the maintenance staff is executing the "maintenance function", forgetting that the maintenance staff remains on the screen where the "maintenance function" is being executed by extending the time until the screen is cleared. Can prevent the general user from operating normally, and can prevent the system from being operated by the general user's maintenance function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a transition to a new state, and to further improve the convenience of the system and the safety of the system.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device for performing necessary operations and display by communicating with a device, wherein the display device includes display operation means for performing display on the device and operation on the device, and a predetermined time. Timer means for measuring, an operation detection means for detecting whether or not the display operation means is operated, and when the measurement of the timer means is completed before the operation detection means detects the operation of the display operation means, In the display device having screen saver display means for displaying a screen saver on a screen displayed by the display operation means, the display device performs setting of information necessary for operation and operation check operation of the equipment. And a maintenance time setting means for increasing the time measured by the timer means when the maintenance setting means is being executed. It is intended to.

  If maintenance personnel are executing the “maintenance function”, the time until switching to the screen saver is lengthened, and as a result, the “maintenance function” is almost completed during that time. "It is possible to prevent the user from forgetting that the screen is still running and to leave the user's home, to prevent normal users from being able to perform normal operations, It is possible to prevent the system from entering a dangerous state by operating the “maintenance function”, and to further improve the convenience of the system and the safety of the system. .

A fifth 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 water heater having a hot water supply function, 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. Moreover, the hot water supply related operation | movement part 12, the water heater related operation part 13, and the bath related operation part 14 are in the heat source machine 2 which has a hot water supply function.

  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 water heater 2 having a hot water supply function 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 water heater 2 having a hot water supply function 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 a user taking a bath controls and displays the state of the water heater 2 having a heat pump hot water supply function. Further, in some cases, an additional remote controller 11 is attached in the immediate vicinity of the shower 6, and the user controls the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function or checks the state while taking the shower 6 during bathing. be able to.

  The hot water heater 2 having a hot water supply function 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 water heater 2 having a hot water supply function can be transmitted to the server 3 via the display device 1. For example, a failure occurring in the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function can be transmitted to the server 3. Thus, it becomes possible for the service person to quickly visit the home and perform repairs and other necessary measures.

  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 An instruction to that effect is transmitted to the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function via the 1, and the water heater 2 having the hot water supply function uses the internal bath-related operation unit 14 and the water heater-related operation unit 13. Hot water boiled in the hot water storage tank 15 is supplied to the bathtub 9 so that the hot water filling of the bathtub 9 can be performed.

  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 and the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11 will be described. Here, the display device 1 and the water heater 2 having a heat pump hot water supply function, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11 are generally connected by wire, but for example, a specific low-power radio in the 400 MHz band is used. It is also possible to use.

  In this case, information from the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function, the bathroom remote controller 10 and the additional remote controller 11 is transmitted to the display device 1 using a specific low power radio. The specific low power radio is also used for commands from the display device 1 to the hot water heater 2 having a hot water supply function, the bathroom remote controller 10 and the additional remote controller 11.

  The communication between the display device 1 and the hot water heater 2 having a hot water supply function, 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 (registration). A communication medium such as “trademark” may be used.

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

If the hot water coming out of the faucet is too hot by obtaining this information, the user can use the "hot water temperature"
If there is not enough hot water in the bath, increase the amount of hot water in the bath, or if there is not enough hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 due to the use of hot water in the hot water supply or bath, the remaining amount of hot water in the tank The display device 1, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11 are used to perform operations such as increasing the number of remote controls.

  Further, from the display device 1, hot water filling to the bathtub 9, which is the most basic usage in the present system, can be performed. When the user enters the bath every day, simply press the switch on the display device 1 to easily fill the bath, and after the bath has boiled up, automatically keep the temperature warm for a predetermined time. It can also be done. In this way, the present system can be conveniently used by the display device 1.

  Here, the display device 1 has a screen such as a liquid crystal panel, for example, and can check various states of the system centering on the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function using the liquid crystal panel. . Here, when information is displayed to the user using the liquid crystal panel, the screen is displayed to the user mainly by turning on the backlight on the back of the liquid crystal panel.

  Here, the backlight on the back of the liquid crystal panel has a lifetime, and if the backlight is turned on at all times, the backlight is consumed. As a result, the lifetime of the backlight comes and the backlight is turned on. It will disappear. Therefore, when the user does not operate the display device 1 for a certain period of time, or when the user intentionally turns off the backlight using a key or the like attached to the display device 1, the backlight is turned off. Often there is a mechanism to extend the life of the light.

  In this way, when the backlight is turned off, it is difficult for the user to see the screen of the display device 1 (in some cases, it is not visible), but the user operates the display device 1 (associated with the display device 1). If the screen of the display device 1 is a screen such as a touch panel, the backlight is turned on by an action such as touching the screen, and the user confirms necessary information. be able to.

  As described above, the present system is realized by various functions as shown in FIG. 1. Next, a procedure for introducing the present system into a home will be described.

  First, a contractor carries this system into a home (which may be a new construction) that has decided to introduce the system, and implements the system, for example, a water heater 2 having a hot water supply function, a hot water storage tank 15. Then, the display device 1, the bathroom remote controller 10, the extension remote controller 11 and the like are installed in necessary places, and then piping between each device or power supply work is performed to complete the installation of this system.

  Next, the contractor performs various settings and operation checks on the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function. For example, in the case of the system shown in FIG. 1, hot water supplied by a hot water heater 2 having a hot water supply function to a bathroom hot water supply 5, a shower 6, a hot water supply a 7, a hot water supply n 8, and a bathtub 9 boiles the water stored in the hot water storage tank 15. Supplied by. As an energy source for boiling water accumulated in the hot water storage tank 15, for example, electricity is conceivable.

  Here, although electricity charges are required to use electricity, each electric power company provides a service that provides midnight electricity at a low cost, and this system can be made at a low electricity charge by boiling the water in the hot water storage tank 15 at midnight. Can be operated. Here, in order to surely boil the water in the hot water storage tank 15 during the service time period (mainly midnight) provided by each electric power company, it is necessary to set the service in the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function. .

  Therefore, after the construction of this system is completed, the household chooses the service provided by each electric power company to the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function by the construction worker (or a specialist who performs the setting). Set the service (hereinafter referred to as the “electricity system setting function”). Thereby, the water heater 2 having the hot water supply function can surely boil the water in the hot water storage tank 15 during the determined service time zone.

  Another thing that must be performed on the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function after the construction and before the user actually starts using the system is to check the operation of the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function.

  This is because it is confirmed that the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function can reliably fill the bathtub 9 with the temperature and amount of hot water selected by the user (hereinafter referred to as “bath trial operation function”). This is a so-called trial operation in which it is confirmed that the hot water heater 2 has the ability to boil the hot water storage tank 15 by the amount selected by the user (hereinafter referred to as “boiling trial run function”).

  There are other functions that must be set depending on the type of system. For example, when this system is installed in a newly-built detached house or condominium, after the construction worker (or a specialist who performs the setting) performs the above test operation, a resident actually moves in and starts operating the system. It is also assumed that the system will not be used for a long time.

  Here, when the above-described trial operation is performed, water is caused to flow through the pipes between the components shown in FIG. Thereafter, the water heater 2 and display device 1 having a hot water supply function, the bathroom remote controller 10 and the additional remote controller 11 are turned off until the resident actually enters. In this case, if water remains in the pipe, the water may be damaged, for example.

  In order to prevent such a situation, it is necessary to discard all the water remaining in the piping of this system and empty the piping. As described above, after emptying the pipe, in order to actually allow the user to use the system, there is a case where it does not work well unless the air between the hot water heater 2 having the hot water supply function and the hot water storage tank 15 is removed. Because there is, it is necessary to perform the operation of extracting this air. This operation of venting air (hereinafter referred to as “air venting function”) is also one of the operations that must be performed on the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function before the user actually starts using this system after construction. One.

  As described above, the system using the water heater 2 as shown in FIG. 1 has been described. However, there are operations that must be performed at the time of installation in other systems. Here, as a device with which the display device 1 communicates, a “security sensor group”, a “home appliance group”, a “flow rate measuring device group”, a “health device group”, a “fire / gas leak sensor group”, and the like are conceivable.

  The “security sensor group” is installed on windows and doors in the home, for example, an open / close sensor that responds to an intruder from the outside and responds to the presence of an intruder, and whether there is a person. It refers to a human sensor that detects and alerts to that effect using alarm sounds and reports to prevent intruders from outside. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the user's body, the user presses the call remote controller. In the case of a system using these devices, for example, the sensitivity of the sensor, the notification volume during reaction, the notification destination during reaction, and the like are functions that must be performed during installation.

“Household appliance group” refers to household appliances used at home, such as “washing machines”, “microwave ovens”, “air conditioners”, “refrigerators”, and “rice cookers”. In this case, the display device 1 can grasp or control the current state of these “home electric appliance groups”. In the case of a system using these devices, for example, the content to be displayed is changed depending on the model of the device (in the case of an air conditioner having a dehumidifying function, a setting screen for dehumidification is displayed on the display device 1. Is a function that must be performed at the time of installation.

  The “flow rate measuring device group” refers to an energy measuring device called a lifeline of each household such as electricity, gas, and water. The display device 1 may have a function of communicating with these “flow rate measuring device groups”. That is, for example, the gas flow rate of each household is measured by a “flow rate measuring device” called a gas meter. The display device 1 acquires meter reading data of the gas meter, and the data is sent to the gas supplier. The gas company charges the household a gas fee according to the amount of gas used.

  The gas meter measures the gas flow rate and also has various security functions. That is, the gas meter has a shut-off function for shutting off the gas flow. When a gas leak or an earthquake occurs, the gas meter automatically shuts off the gas flow and notifies that effect. The report destination is the display device 1. The display device 1 notifies the gas service provider of an alarm notification such as a cutoff output from the gas meter. The gas service provider notifies the home of the abnormality by telephone, or in some cases, goes to the home and responds. At this time, the display device 1 can also notify the user to that effect using a user interface such as a screen or sound.

  Further, when the gas meter is a gas meter for LP gas, for example, it has a function of detecting the remaining amount of the LP gas cylinder. That is, when the remaining amount of the LP gas cylinder falls below a predetermined level, or when the remaining amount is exhausted, the gas meter detects and notifies that fact. The reporting method is the same as in the case of the above-mentioned blocking. Upon receipt of the report, the gas service provider delivers the gas cylinder to the household and performs an exchange operation.

  In the case of a system using these devices, setting of meter reading time and call time for the gas meter, notification destination at the time of call, and the like are functions that must be performed at the time of installation.

  The “health equipment group” refers to health equipment such as a sphygmomanometer, a weight scale, a body fat percentage meter, and a pedometer. Each of these devices may exist as a single device, or may be incorporated in, for example, a warm water toilet seat. Devices that measure the state of excrement using a toilet and acquire health data are also included in the “health device group”.

  In any case, the data acquired by these “health equipment groups” can be reported to an external mobile phone, a personal computer, a medical institution, a service center, or the like via the display device 1. Furthermore, it is also possible to acquire these data remotely from outside such as a medical institution. In the case of a system using these devices, for example, sensing sensitivity and a notification destination setting at the time of calling are functions that must be performed at the time of installation.

  “Fire / gas leak sensor group” refers to a sensor device that detects a fire or gas leak. When these devices detect the event, the device transmits a message to that effect to the communication device 2, and the display device 1 notifies the fact to the public authorities of the police, firefighting, and emergency, and pre-registered householders and relatives / It is possible to report to a friend's phone, service center, etc. Then, it is possible to quickly resolve the occurrence by the notification. In the case of a system using these devices, for example, sensing sensitivity and a notification destination setting at the time of calling are functions that must be performed at the time of installation.

  The above is a function that must be performed on the device that communicates with the display device 1 in this system, but the display device 1 also has a communication function with the server 3 as described above. Therefore, the settings necessary for communication with the server 3 must always be made first.

For example, when the display device 1 and the server 3 intend to use the Internet protocol as described above, it is necessary to first perform settings necessary for performing the Internet protocol, such as an IP address, a default gateway address, and a subnet mask. There is. These settings may be possible even for individual users of this system due to the recent spread of the broadband population. However, since the elderly and other users who are not familiar with the Internet, or when entering a housing complex such as an apartment, etc. If it is installed and the user must be able to use it from the day of move-in, maintenance personnel such as service personnel must perform it during construction.

  As described above, in order to operate this system, there are several tasks that must be performed after construction. These functions are called “maintenance functions”. This “maintenance function” can be normally performed once after the construction. For example, when a failure of the water heater 2 occurs, a service person goes to the user's house and checks the operation after the repair. Also used to do.

  Here, the “maintenance function” is an operation performed not by the user of the system but by a person corresponding to the maintenance person of the system based on the above contents, and conversely, by the user of the system, It's a bad job. This is because the “maintenance function” is a special work as described above, and it is dangerous for a general user to go to the center.

  Many of these “maintenance functions” are performed on the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the system includes operations such as the display device 1, the bathroom remote controller 10, and the additional remote controller 11. There is a remote controller that performs display, and there is also a display device 1 that displays various states of the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function, so that a person corresponding to a maintenance person of this system performs the “maintenance function”. In order to realize convenience and shortening of work time, the display device 1 is made so that the “maintenance function” can be executed from the display device 1 or the like. Thereby, the person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system can easily execute the “maintenance function” and confirm the operation of the water heater 2 by using the display device 1.

  As described above, the case of realizing the “maintenance function” using the display device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, 21 is a display operation means. Reference numeral 22 denotes timer means. Reference numeral 23 denotes operation detection means. Reference numeral 24 denotes a display erasing means. Reference numeral 25 denotes maintenance setting means. Display operation means 21, timer means 22, operation detection means 23, display erasure means 24, and maintenance setting means 25 are inside display device 1. The maintenance setting unit 25 is inside the display operation unit 21.

  In FIG. 2, the user uses the display operation means 21 to control the water heater 2 and check the state of the water heater 2. Specifically, the display operation means 21 is a liquid crystal screen using a touch panel function, and the user wants the display operation means 21 to select a menu he wants to operate from items displayed on the screen of the display operation means 21. Select by touching the displayed item. The content operated by the user is transmitted to the water heater 2 using the transmission / reception means 26. On the other hand, the operating state of the water heater 2 is displayed on the screen of the display operation means 21 via the transmission / reception means 26. Here, when the user touches the display operation means 21, the operation detection means 23 detects that fact and outputs it to the timer means 22 and the display erasure means 24.

  Thereafter, the timer means 22 measures a predetermined time, and outputs the fact to the display erasure means 24 when the measurement is completed. The timer unit 22 resets the timer after outputting the measurement completion to the display erasing unit 24, starts measuring a predetermined time again, and thereafter repeats the same operation. Also, when the timer means 22 receives an output from the operation detection means 23, the timer value 22 resets the timer value and starts measuring a predetermined time again.

  Next, the operation of the display erasing means 24 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  When there is no detection from the external input (STEP 1), the display erasure unit 24 erases the display of the display operation unit 21 when the measurement completion is received from the timer unit 22 (STEP 2). Specifically, the display operation unit 21 has a backlight function, and the backlight is used to illuminate the screen from the back of the liquid crystal to show the content displayed to the user. Turns off the backlight (STEP 7). Thereby, the screen of the display operation means 21 becomes dark, and the user cannot see the content displayed on the screen of the display operation means 21.

  On the other hand, when receiving the output from the operation detecting unit 23 (STEP 3), the display erasing unit 24 resumes the display of the display operating unit 21. Specifically, the backlight of the display operation means 21 is turned on (STEP 8). Thereby, the screen of the display operation means 21 becomes brighter, and the user can see the contents displayed on the screen of the display operation means 21.

  With the above-described mechanism, when the user does not touch the display operation unit 21 for a predetermined time, the screen of the display operation unit 21 is automatically darkened. Touching the means 21 brightens the screen of the display operation means 21 so that the display contents can be seen.

  Thereby, it is possible to extend the life of the backlight function by avoiding that the backlight function of the display operation means 21 is always ON, and the user can change the screen of the display operation means 21 at midnight or absence. When the user does not see the screen, the screen automatically darkens, so that the user can avoid problems such as “the screen of the display device 1 is bright and cannot sleep” and consumption of the user's home by turning off the backlight function. Reduction of power can be realized.

  Next, in this system, a procedure for executing a “maintenance function” for the water heater 2 using the display device 1 will be described. When a maintenance person such as a contractor or a service person executes the “maintenance function”, the execution of the “maintenance function” is operated from the screen of the display operation means 21. Here, as described above, since these “maintenance functions” are also dangerous functions for general users, for example, it is required to input a “password” that is known only to maintenance personnel. If they do not match, it is possible to adopt a mechanism in which the menu for executing the “maintenance function” does not appear on the screen of the display operation means 21.

  In this way, the maintenance setting means 25 detects that the maintenance staff has completed the operation to display the menu for executing the “maintenance function”, and outputs that fact to the display erasure means 24. Thereafter, the maintenance staff selects and executes the function he / she wants to execute from the screen of the display operation means 21 from the menu for executing the “maintenance function”, so that the maintenance setting means 25 transmits and receives the executed contents. To the water heater 2 via. The water heater 2 executes the contents instructed from the display device 1 and transmits the operation state and the execution result to the display device 1, and the display device 1 informs the maintenance staff on the screen of the display operation means 21. Inform.

  Here, when the display erasing unit 24 receives an output indicating that the menu for executing the “maintenance function” is displayed from the maintenance setting unit 25 (STEP 4), the display operation unit 21 receives the output of the timer unit 22. Is not turned off, that is, the backlight of the display operation means 21 is not turned off. Specifically, for example, when an output indicating that a menu for executing the “maintenance function” is displayed is received from the maintenance setting unit 25 (STEP 4), a specific flag is turned ON (STEP 9). When the output of the timer means 22 is received (STEP 22), it is determined whether this specific flag is ON or OFF (STEP 6). When the specific flag is ON, the backlight of the display operation means 21 is not turned OFF. .

In this case, for example, when the maintenance worker executes the above-described “flow trial operation” using the display device 1, it may take several tens of minutes until the “flow trial operation” is completed. It is also assumed that the measurement time is shorter than this tens of minutes. If the maintenance staff does not touch the screen of the display operation means 21 during this time, the display erasure means 24 receives the output of the timer means 22 without receiving the output of the operation detection means 23, but the maintenance setting means 25 If the output indicating that the operation for displaying the menu for executing the “maintenance function” is completed is received in advance, the backlight of the display operation unit 21 is not turned off. Therefore, the screen of the display operation means 21 remains visible to the person.

  In this way, when the maintenance staff completes all necessary “maintenance functions” for the display device 1 in the “maintenance function” for the water heater 2 and the “maintenance functions” such as network settings, the display operation means 21 In accordance with the contents displayed on the screen, perform an operation to exit from the menu for executing the “maintenance function”.

  The maintenance setting means 25 detects that the operation for exiting the menu for executing the “maintenance function” has been performed, and the maintenance setting means 25 outputs the fact to the display erasure means 24. After receiving the output from the maintenance setting means 25 indicating that the operation for exiting the menu for executing the “maintenance function” has been performed, the display erasing means 24 receives the output from the timer means 22 as usual, and then the display operation means 21. Turn off the backlight.

  Specifically, when an output indicating that an operation to exit from the menu for executing the “maintenance function” is performed from the maintenance setting means 25 (STEP 5), a specific flag is turned OFF (STEP 10). When the output of the timer means 22 is received (STEP 22), it is determined whether this specific flag is ON or OFF (STEP 6). When the specific flag is OFF, the backlight of the display operation means 21 is turned OFF (STEP 7). .

  As described above, whether or not the screen of the display operation means 21 is visible to humans is switched depending on whether or not the “maintenance function” is being executed (the menu for executing the “maintenance function” is displayed). Thus, the following effects can be obtained.

  In other words, as described above, the “maintenance function” is an operation performed by a person corresponding to a maintenance person of the system, and conversely, an operation that should not be performed by a user of the system. Here, if the backlight is turned off during execution of the “maintenance function”, the contents of the display operation means 21 become invisible, so that a person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system inadvertently enters the state where the “maintenance function” is being executed. There is a possibility of forgetting to leave and leaving the user's home.

  That is, during the execution of the “maintenance function”, the execution state is displayed as information on the screen of the display operation means 21 of the display device 1, and a person corresponding to a maintenance person of the system visually observes the contents. The next operation or state is checked, but if the screen of the display operation means 21 disappears, there is a possibility that it is mistaken that the work is finished even during the work.

  As described above, when a person corresponding to a maintenance person of this system leaves the user's house while the “maintenance function” is being executed, the user can perform various normal operations even if he / she tries to operate the display device 1. An operation, for example, a hot water bath or the like cannot be performed, resulting in a very inconvenient situation. Therefore, even if the user exits from the execution of the “maintenance function” and tries to put the display device 1 into the normal operation state, the contents of the “maintenance function” are not informed to the general user. It is not easy to get out of the “maintenance function” executing state, which is inconvenient.

On the other hand, if a “maintenance function” executing state is easily created for a general user, there is another problem. For example, as a maintenance function for the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function, as described above, it can be confirmed that hot water can be reliably filled in the bathtub 9 at the temperature and the amount of hot water selected by the user (hereinafter referred to as “bath trial operation”). Water heater 2 having a hot water supply function)
Confirm that the user can boil the hot water storage tank 15 by the amount selected by the user (hereinafter referred to as “boiling trial run function”). If the user does not know how to operate, the user may not be able to properly heat the hot water or the hot water storage tank 15 when the user normally uses the system.

  In addition, when the equipment connected to this system is a “flow measurement device group” such as the above-mentioned gas meter, the general user can use the “maintenance function” to shut off the gas meter and change the sensing level setting. If this is done, the gas equipment can no longer be used or a dangerous state such as gas leakage can occur, which is a major problem in terms of use and safety of the system.

  Therefore, as described above, the “maintenance function” of the display device 1 cannot be entered into the menu for executing the “maintenance function” unless a password or the like known only by a person corresponding to the maintenance person of this system is input correctly. Although the mechanism is provided in the display device 1, the person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system exits the “maintenance function” executing state because the display operation means 21 is not visible as described above. If we forget that and leave the user's home, a general user will be able to operate the “maintenance function”.

  In order to deal with such a problem, in the present embodiment, while the “maintenance function” is being executed, the display operation means 21 is kept visible so that a person corresponding to the maintenance staff of the system at the end of the work. "Maintenance function" prevents you from forgetting to leave the running state, and can extend the life of the backlight by turning off the backlight during normal operation. Convenience, safety and durability of the system Can be greatly improved.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the display device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, 27 is a screen saver display means. The screen saver display means 27 is inside the display device 1.

  For example, when the display operation means 21 of the display device 1 is a fluorescent tube or the like, the “screen saver” is the same for a predetermined time or more in order to prevent the fluorescent tube from burning if the same screen display continues for a long time. When the screen display continues, it is necessary to switch to a dynamic screen, which refers to this dynamic screen. When the display operation means 21 of the display device 1 is a liquid crystal screen, no problem occurs even if the same screen display continues for a long time.

  Here, for example, advertisement information of the store, weather forecast, etc., the information screen that the system wants to provide to the user of the system and the information screen that the user wants to provide everyday will continue the same screen display for a predetermined time or more. In some cases, the information screen may be switched. This information screen is also called a “screen saver”.

  A 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. 4, when the user touches the display operation means 21, the operation detection means 23 detects that fact and outputs it to the timer means 22 and the screen saver display means 27.

When the screen saver display means 27 receives the completion of measurement from the timer means 22, the screen saver display means 27 switches the display of the display operation means 21 to “screen saver”. Specifically, switching to the advertisement information of the store, the weather forecast, and the like. On the other hand, when receiving the output from the operation detection unit 23, the screen saver display unit 27 switches the display of the display operation unit 21 from “screen saver” to a screen in a state before “screen saver” is displayed.

  With the above-described mechanism, when the user does not touch the display operation unit 21 for a predetermined time, the screen of the display operation unit 21 automatically becomes a “screen saver”. By touching the display operation unit 21, the screen of the display operation unit 21 becomes a screen in a state before the “screen saver” is displayed.

  Next, in this system, a procedure for executing a “maintenance function” for the water heater 2 using the display device 1 will be described. The maintenance setting means 25 detects that the maintenance staff has completed the operation to display the menu for executing the “maintenance function”, and outputs that fact to the screen saver display means 27. Here, when the screen saver display means 27 receives the output indicating that the menu for executing the “maintenance function” is displayed from the maintenance setting means 25, the screen saver display means 27 displays the screen of the display operation means 21 even if the output of the timer means 22 is received. Do not switch to "screen saver".

  In this case, for example, when the maintenance worker executes the above-described “flow trial operation” using the display device 1, it may take several tens of minutes until the “flow trial operation” is completed. It is also assumed that the measurement time is shorter than this tens of minutes. If the maintenance staff does not touch the screen of the display operation means 21 during this time, the screen saver display means 27 receives the output of the timer means 22 without receiving the output of the operation detection means 23, but the maintenance setting means 25 If the output indicating that the operation for displaying the menu for executing the “maintenance function” is completed is received in advance, the “screen saver” is not displayed. Therefore, the screen of the display operation means 21 remains the screen for executing the “maintenance function”.

  Next, the maintenance setting unit 25 detects that the operation for exiting the menu for executing the “maintenance function” has been performed, and the maintenance setting unit 25 outputs the fact to the screen saver display unit 27. After receiving an output from the maintenance setting means 25 indicating that the operation for exiting the menu for executing the “maintenance function” has been performed, the screen saver display means 27 receives the output from the timer means 22 as usual. Switch the screen to “Screen Saver”.

  As described above, whether or not to switch the screen of the display operation means 21 to “screen saver” depends on whether or not the “maintenance function” is being executed (whether the menu for executing the “maintenance function” is displayed). Thus, the following effects can be obtained. In other words, as described above, the “maintenance function” is an operation performed by a person corresponding to a maintenance person of the system, and conversely, an operation that should not be performed by a user of the system. Here, if the screen of the display operation means 21 is switched to “screen saver” while the “maintenance function” is being executed, the person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system forgets to leave the “maintenance function” execution state. Therefore, there is a possibility that the user's house will be left behind.

  That is, during the execution of the “maintenance function”, the execution state is displayed as information on the screen of the display operation means 21 of the display device 1, and a person corresponding to a maintenance person of the system visually observes the contents. The next operation or state is confirmed. If the screen disappears due to the display of the “screen saver”, there is a possibility that it is mistaken that the work is completed even during the work. As described above, when a person corresponding to a maintenance person of this system leaves the user's house while the “maintenance function” is being executed, the user can perform various normal operations even if he / she tries to operate the display device 1. An operation, for example, a hot water bath or the like cannot be performed, resulting in a very inconvenient situation.

  Therefore, even if the user exits from the execution of the “maintenance function” and tries to put the display device 1 into the normal operation state, the contents of the “maintenance function” are not informed to the general user. It is not easy to get out of the “maintenance function” executing state, which is inconvenient.

  On the other hand, if a “maintenance function” executing state is easily created for a general user, there is another problem. For example, as a maintenance function for the water heater 2 having a hot water supply function, as described above, it can be confirmed that hot water can be reliably filled in the bathtub 9 at the temperature and the amount of hot water selected by the user ("Buro trial operation function"). The water heater 2 having a hot water supply function confirms that the hot water storage tank 15 can boil the hot water storage tank 15 by an amount selected by the user (referred to as a “boiling trial run function”). If a general user operates these trial operation functions without knowing how to operate, proper heating and boiling of the hot water storage tank 15 when the user normally uses the system is necessary. There is a risk that it will be impossible.

  In addition, when the equipment connected to this system is a “flow measurement device group” such as the above-mentioned gas meter, the general user can use the “maintenance function” to shut off the gas meter and change the sensing level setting. If this is done, the gas equipment can no longer be used or a dangerous state such as gas leakage can occur, which is a major problem in terms of use and safety of the system.

  Therefore, as described above, the “maintenance function” of the display device 1 cannot be entered into the menu for executing the “maintenance function” unless a password or the like known only by a person corresponding to the maintenance person of this system is input correctly. Although the mechanism is provided in the display device 1, as described above, the person corresponding to the maintenance personnel of this system forgets that the “maintenance function” is being executed when the “screen saver” is displayed. If the user's home is left later, a general user can operate the “maintenance function”.

  In order to deal with such a problem, in this embodiment, by preventing the “screen saver” from being displayed while the “maintenance function” is being executed, a person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system can perform the “maintenance function” at the end of the work. It is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to leave the running state, and to provide various types of information to the user through a “screen saver” during normal operation, greatly improving the convenience and safety of the system. In this case, since the “screen saver” is not displayed during execution of the “maintenance function”, the display device 1 cannot provide various types of information. However, during the execution of the “maintenance function”, it is not a general user, but construction and repair. Since the person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system for the purpose of performing the operation is operating, even if various information cannot be provided, no demerit on the system occurs.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the display device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, 28 is a measuring time increasing means. The measuring time increasing means 28 is inside the display device 1.

  Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the description part similar to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 is abbreviate | omitted. In FIG. 5, when the user touches the display operation means 21, the operation detection means 23 detects that fact and outputs it to the timer means 22 and the display erasure means 24 or the screen saver display means 27.

  The display erasure unit 24 erases the display of the display operation unit 21 when receiving the completion of measurement from the timer unit 22. Specifically, the backlight of the display device 1 is turned off. Further, when the screen saver display means 28 receives the completion of measurement from the timer means 22, it switches the display of the display operation means 21 to “screen saver”. Specifically, switching to the advertisement information of the store, the weather forecast, and the like.

On the other hand, when receiving the output from the operation detecting means 23, the display erasing means 24 turns off the display of the display operating means 21 (turns off the backlight). Further, when receiving the output from the operation detecting unit 23, the screen saver display unit 27 switches the display of the display operation unit 21 from “screen saver” to a screen in a state before “screen saver” is displayed.

  With the above-described mechanism, when the user does not touch the display operation unit 21 for a predetermined time, the screen of the display operation unit 21 automatically disappears or becomes a “screen saver”. When the user touches the display operation means 21, the screen of the display operation means 21 becomes the screen in the previous state.

  Next, in this system, a procedure for executing a “maintenance function” for the water heater 2 using the display device 1 will be described. The maintenance setting means 25 detects that the maintenance staff has completed the operation to display the menu for executing the “maintenance function”, and outputs that fact to the measurement time increasing means 28. When receiving the output of the maintenance setting unit 25, the measurement time increasing unit 28 controls the timer unit 22 so as to increase a predetermined time measured by the timer unit 22.

  For example, when the time measured by the timer unit 22 is “5 minutes”, the measurement time increasing unit 28 changes the time measured by the timer unit 22 to “60 minutes” when receiving the output of the maintenance setting unit 25. To do. Accordingly, the timer means 22 does not output that the measurement is completed to the display erasure means 24 or the screen saver display means 27 unless "60 minutes" elapses. The display of 21 does not disappear or the display of the display operation means 21 does not switch to “screen saver”.

  In this way, when the “maintenance function” is being executed, if the time until the display is erased or the display is switched to the “screen saver” is longer than when the “maintenance function” is being executed, it is equivalent to the maintenance personnel of this system. Until the person who completes the "maintenance function" completes the possibility that the display / operation means 21 will disappear or change.

  This is because, for example, it may take several tens of minutes to complete the “Buro Trial Run” included in the “maintenance function”. At that time, if the time measured by the timer means 22 remains “5 minutes”, the maintenance is performed during this period. If the person does not touch the screen of the display operation means 21, the display erasure means 24 turns off the display of the display operation means 21 (turns off the backlight), and the screen saver display means 27 displays the display of the display operation means 21. Even if a user corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system forgets to leave the “maintenance function” execution state and tries to operate the display device 1, Various normal operations, such as hot water filling, etc., cannot be performed, resulting in a very inconvenient situation or execution of a “maintenance function” for general users State easily created a dangerous state due to the fact that this may create to facilitate, fear is generated to produce the big problem of safety.

  Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation, the measurement time increasing means 28 increases the measurement time of the timer means 22 during execution of the “maintenance function”.

  When all necessary “maintenance functions” have been completed by the person corresponding to the maintenance staff, an operation to exit from the menu for executing the “maintenance function” is performed according to the contents displayed on the screen of the display operation means 21. The maintenance setting means 25 detects that an operation to exit from the menu for executing this “maintenance function” has been performed, and the maintenance setting means 25 informs the measurement time increasing means 28 to that effect. When the measurement time increasing means 28 receives from the maintenance setting means 25 that the operation for exiting the menu for executing the “maintenance function” has been performed, it returns the measurement time of the timer means 22 to the original value. For example, “60 minutes” is returned to “5 minutes”.

In this way, in this embodiment, the person corresponding to the maintenance staff of this system can perform the operation at the end of the work by turning off the display during the execution of the “maintenance function” or not displaying the “screen saver”. "Maintenance function" prevents you from forgetting to leave the running state, and during normal operation, you can erase the screen and extend the backlight life when there is no operation for a certain period of time. Information can be provided to users, and the convenience and safety of the system can be greatly improved.

  The maintenance setting means 25 tells the measurement time increasing means 28 which content of the “maintenance function” is being executed, and the measurement time increasing means 28 sets the timer according to the “maintenance function” being executed. It is also possible to change the measurement time of the means 22. For example, in the “maintenance function”, if “flow trial run” takes about 30 minutes and “air venting” takes about 15 minutes, it takes about 40 minutes during execution of “flow trial run” (with a margin of 10 minutes from the “flow trial run” time). The measured time increasing means 28 changes the measured time of the timer means 22 to about 25 minutes (a value with a margin of 10 minutes from the “bleed air” time) during execution of “air bleeding”.

  As a result, the display operation means 21 can be erased and the display switching to the “screen saver” can be stopped for the minimum necessary time. This makes it possible to more accurately balance the conflicting events of providing various information and improving the convenience and safety of the system.

  Further, the “maintenance function” can be improved by allowing the person to input the measurement time to be increased by the measurement time increasing means 28 from the display device 1 or changing it from the server 3 according to circumstances. It is possible to easily cope with changes.

  In addition, the “maintenance function” is actually used when a person equivalent to the maintenance staff of this system visits the site to check the operation and other operations in the event of a failure of this system. By making it possible to easily change the measurement time to be increased by the means 28, it becomes possible to cope with the necessity of work beyond the schedule due to troubles at the site and the like. Maintainability and convenience can be greatly improved.

  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 electrical / 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 eliminate the display erasure and the automatic switching to the “screen saver” during the execution of the “maintenance function” or increase the switching time, thereby improving the durability and life of the device. As well as improving the safety and convenience of the users of this system, not only the system using the “water heater with hot water supply function” but also “security sensor group”, “home appliance group”, “flow rate” The present invention can also be applied to a system using a measuring device group, a health equipment group, and a fire / gas leak sensor group.

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. Flowchart of operation of display erasure unit 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 Embodiment 3 of this invention Block diagram of a conventional display device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display apparatus 2 Water heater with hot-water supply function 3 Server 4 Cellular phone 5 Bathroom hot water 6 Shower 7 Hot water a
8 Hot water supply n
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Bathtub 10 Bathroom remote control 11 Additional remote control 12 Hot water supply related operation part 13 Water heater related operation part 14 Bath related operation part 15 Hot water storage tank 16 Kitchen and others 17 Bathroom 18 Hot water supply related function 19 Bath related function 20 Hot water heater related function 21 Display operation means 22 timer means 23 operation detection means 24 display erasure means 25 maintenance setting means 26 transmission / reception means 27 screen saver display means 28 measurement time increasing means

Claims (5)

A display device that communicates with a device to perform necessary operations and displays,
The display device includes a display operation unit that performs display on the device and an operation on the device, a timer unit that measures a predetermined time, an operation detection unit that detects whether or not the display operation unit is operated, and the operation In a display device having display erasure means for erasing the contents displayed by the display operation means when the measurement by the timer means is completed before the detection means detects the operation of the display operation means,
The display device has maintenance setting means for performing setting of information necessary for operation of the device or operation check operation of the device, and when the maintenance setting means is being executed, the display A display device that stops the operation of the erasing means and does not erase at least a part of the contents displayed by the display operation means. A display device that communicates with a device to perform necessary operations and displays,
The display device includes a display operation unit that performs display on the device and an operation on the device, a timer unit that measures a predetermined time, an operation detection unit that detects whether or not the display operation unit is operated, and the operation In a display device having a screen saver display means for displaying a screen saver on a screen displayed by the display operation means when the measurement of the timer means is completed before the detection means detects the operation of the display operation means,
The display device includes maintenance setting means for setting information necessary for operation with respect to the device and performing operation check operation of the device, and when the maintenance setting means is being executed, the screen saver A display device that stops the operation of the display means and does not display at least a part of the screen saver on the screen displayed by the display operation means. A display device that communicates with a device to perform necessary operations and displays,
The display device includes a display operation unit that performs display on the device and an operation on the device, a timer unit that measures a predetermined time, an operation detection unit that detects whether or not the display operation unit is operated, and the operation In a display device having display erasure means for erasing the contents displayed by the display operation means when the measurement by the timer means is completed before the detection means detects the operation of the display operation means,
The display device includes a maintenance setting unit that performs setting of information necessary for operation of the device and an operation check operation of the device. When the maintenance setting unit is being executed, the timer A display device comprising measurement time increasing means for increasing the time taken by the means. A display device that communicates with a device to perform necessary operations and displays,
The display device includes a display operation unit that performs display on the device and an operation on the device, a timer unit that measures a predetermined time, an operation detection unit that detects whether the display operation unit is operated, and an operation detection In a display device having screen saver display means for displaying a screen saver on the screen displayed by the display operation means when the measurement of the timer means is completed before the means detects the operation of the display operation means,
The display device includes a maintenance setting unit that performs setting of information necessary for operation of the device and an operation check operation of the device. When the maintenance setting unit is being executed, the timer A display device comprising measurement time increasing means for increasing the time taken by the means. The program for making a computer perform at least one part of the display apparatus of any one of Claims 1-4.

Images