JP2010016434A - Apparatus, system and method for remote management of equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently transmit updated operation state information of equipment to a terminal. <P>SOLUTION: The remote management apparatus 10 of the equipment 40 includes: a data reception part 14 for receiving the operation data of the equipment updated at a fixed time interval and operating data indicating the operation state of the equipment and updated every time the operation data are updated; a data storage part 60 for storing the received operation data and operating data; a request reception part 14 connected communicably with the terminal 20, for receiving a control request to the equipment and the transmission request of the operation state information of the equipment from the terminal; an operating data updating part 11 for updating the stored operating data further according to the control request; and operation state information transmission parts 11 and 14 for generating the operation state information of the equipment on the basis of the stored operation data and transmitting it to the terminal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote management apparatus, a remote management system, and a remote management method for equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an equipment management system that monitors and controls the status of air conditioning equipment, refrigeration / refrigeration equipment, or other equipment installed in a building such as a building. Moreover, in such an equipment management system, the operation state data is browsed from the terminal device via a Web page provided by a remotely distributed management server. Moreover, operating equipment is performed by remote control from a terminal device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-265449 A

  The operation data is data in which operation / stop, operation mode, power consumption, and the like at a predetermined time are accumulated every predetermined time. On the equipment side, since the memory capacity is limited, this operation data is often stored every predetermined time, for example, every hour, and then transmitted to a remote management device. Therefore, even when the operation state of the equipment changes, it may take time until the change in the operation state is reflected in the operation data. In such a case, the updated operation state cannot be confirmed even if the operation state of the facility device is viewed by access from the terminal device.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to efficiently transmit updated operating state information of facility equipment to a terminal device.

  A remote management device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a remote management device that is communicably connected to a control device that controls equipment and manages the equipment from a remote location, and includes a data reception unit, a data storage unit, and a request reception Unit, an operation data update unit, and an operation state information transmission unit. The data receiving unit receives the operation data of the facility equipment that is updated at regular time intervals, and the operation data that indicates the operation state of the equipment and is updated every time the operation data is updated. The data storage unit stores the received operation data and operation data. The request receiving unit is communicably connected to the terminal device, and receives from the terminal device a control request for the facility device and a transmission request for operation state information of the facility device. The operation data update unit further updates the stored operation data in response to the control request. The state information transmission unit generates operation state information of the equipment device based on the stored operation data, and transmits it to the terminal device.

  Here, the control device for controlling the equipment is a control device provided inside each equipment, a device incorporated as a part of the control device of the equipment, or wired to a plurality of equipment as independent devices. Or a device connected wirelessly.

  Here, the updated operating state information of the facility device can be efficiently transmitted to the terminal device.

  A remote management device according to a second invention is the remote management device according to the first invention, wherein a control file creation unit creates a control file in accordance with a control request, and a control for transmitting the control file in response to access from the control device The apparatus further includes a file transmission unit and a report reception unit that receives a report of execution completion of the control file from the control device. In the remote management device, the operation data update unit updates the operation data in response to receiving the notification.

  A remote management device according to a third invention is the remote management device according to the first invention, wherein the equipment is an air conditioner, and the operation data includes information indicating operation / stop of the equipment, operation mode and set temperature. Including at least one of them.

  A remote management system according to a fourth invention includes the remote management device according to the first invention, a control device, and a terminal device. The terminal device transmits a control request and a transmission request for driving state information at the same time, a receiving unit that receives the driving state information, and until receiving the driving state information after transmitting the control request, And an output unit for displaying information indicating that the control request is being executed.

A remote management system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the remote management system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the control device is an operation schedule acquisition unit that acquires an operation schedule of the equipment and an operation that controls the equipment according to the operation schedule A control unit,
A remote management method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a remote management method for communicating with a control device for controlling equipment and managing equipment from a remote location, comprising a data reception step, a data storage step, a request reception step, An operation data update step and an operation state information transmission step are provided. In the data receiving step, the operation data of the facility device updated at a constant time interval and the operation data indicating the operation state of the facility device and updated every time the operation data is updated are received. In the data storage step, the received operation data and operation data are stored. In the request reception step, communication with the terminal device is performed, and a control request for the facility device and a transmission request for the operation state information of the facility device are received from the terminal device. In the operation data update step, the stored operation data is further updated according to the control request. In the operation state information transmission step, the operation state information of the facility device is generated based on the stored operation data and transmitted to the terminal device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the updated driving | running state information of equipment can be efficiently transmitted to a terminal device.

1. Embodiment 1.1. Overall Configuration of Facility Equipment Management System FIG. 1 shows a facility equipment remote management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The facility equipment management system 1 includes a management device 10, a mobile phone 20, an adapter device 30, and an air conditioner 40. The management device 10 is installed to be able to communicate with the adapter device 30 of the equipment 40 installed in a plurality of facilities and the like via the network 50. Here, only the air conditioner is taken as an example of the equipment, but the equipment includes refrigeration / refrigeration equipment and other equipment that can be monitored and controlled for operation.

  The management apparatus 10 is a central management apparatus that is disposed in a remote management center or the like and manages a plurality of facility devices 40. The management device 10 communicates with the adapter device 30 via a network 50 such as a public network.

  The mobile phone 20 is a device that can communicate with the management apparatus 10 via the network 50.

  The adapter device 30 is a control device for the air conditioner 40 and is arranged as one node of the air conditioning communication line 80 in the facility 70 where the air conditioner 40 is installed. In the present embodiment, the adapter device 30 is connected to each air conditioner 40.

1.2. Management Device Reference numeral 10 in FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management device. The management apparatus 10 is a computer including a CPU 11 (Central processing Unit), a RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), a ROM 13 (Read-Only-Memory), a communication unit 14, an input unit 15, an output unit 16, a storage unit 17, and the like. The management device 10 also has a database 60.

  The CPU 11 is a control arithmetic unit that executes various application programs and the like. The RAM 12 is used as a storage area and work area for programs executed in the processing of the CPU 11 and parameters that change as appropriate in the program processing. The ROM 13 stores programs executed by the CPU 11 or fixed data as calculation parameters. The communication unit 14 communicates with the adapter device 30 and the mobile phone 20 via a network device such as a router to which the management device 10 is connected. The communication unit 14 packetizes the data supplied from the CPU 11, the storage unit 17, and the like via a network device such as a router, and transmits or receives the packet.

  The input unit 15 is a means for inputting various commands to the CPU 11. The output unit 16 outputs each data and other information in the storage unit 17. The storage unit 17 includes, for example, a flash memory and a hard disk as an information storage medium.

  The management device 10 functions as a WWW server. When the management device receives an access to the Web page from the mobile phone 20, the management device instructs the CPU 11 to output the air conditioner 40 to be browsed and its operation state information. Upon receiving the instruction, the CPU 11 searches the database 60, outputs the target data, and transmits it to the mobile phone 20 via the communication unit 14.

As will be described later, the communication unit 14 indicates the operation data of the air conditioner 40 that is updated at regular time intervals, the operation data of the air conditioner 40 that is updated every time the operation data is updated, Functions as a data receiving unit. The communication unit 14 is also communicably connected to the mobile phone 20, and functions as a request reception unit that receives a control request for the air conditioner 40 and a transmission request for operating state information of the air conditioner 40 from the mobile phone 20. The CPU 11 also functions as an operation data update unit that further updates the operation data stored in the database 60 in response to a control request from the mobile phone 20. The CPU 11 and the communication unit 14 function as an operation state information transmission unit that generates operation state information of the air conditioner 40 based on operation data stored in the database 60 and transmits the operation state information to the terminal device. The CPU 11 further functions as a control file creation unit that creates a control file in accordance with a control request from the mobile phone 20. The CPU 11 and the communication unit 14 function as a control file transmission unit that transmits a control file in response to access from the adapter device 30. Further, the communication unit 14 functions as a report receiving unit that receives a report of execution completion of the control file from the adapter device 30. The CPU 11 functioning as the operation data update unit updates the operation data in response to the communication unit 14 receiving a notification of completion of execution of the control command.
The configuration of the management device 10 described above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above configuration.

1.2.1. Database Reference numeral 60 in FIG. 2 shows an example of the contents of the database according to the present embodiment. The database 60 functions as a data storage unit and stores at least operation data 60a and operation data 60b.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation data and operation data of an air conditioner are shown as an example of the content of data. The operation data 60a includes data creation date and time, operation / stop, operation mode (cooling, heating, dry operation, etc.), set temperature, set air volume, power consumption, and the like. On the other hand, the operation data includes operation / stop, operation mode, and set temperature among the operation data.

The operation data and the operation data are updated when the data stored in the memory of the adapter device 30 of the equipment is transmitted from the adapter device 30 about once every three hours. The operation data is also updated in response to a control request from the mobile phone 20, as will be described later.
The configuration of the database 60 described above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above configuration.

1.3. Mobile Phone Reference numeral 20 in FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a mobile phone. The mobile phone 20 is a computer including a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a communication unit 24, an input unit 25, a display unit 26, a storage unit 27, and the like.

  The CPU 21 is a control arithmetic unit that executes various application programs. The RAM 22 is used as a storage area and work area for programs executed in the processing of the CPU 21 and parameters that change as appropriate in the program processing. The ROM 23 stores programs executed by the CPU 21 or fixed data as calculation parameters. The communication unit 24 communicates with the management device 10 and the adapter device 30. The communication unit 24 executes processing for transmitting data in packets or receiving packets from the management apparatus 10 or the like via the network 50.

  The input unit 25 inputs various commands to the CPU by user operations. The display unit 26 is a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays various types of information as text or images. The storage unit 27 includes, for example, a flash memory as an information storage medium.

  The mobile phone 20 functions as a client terminal device for the management apparatus 10 that is a server, starts a Web browser, and accesses the URL of the management apparatus 10.

  As will be described later, the CPU 21 and the communication unit 24 function as a transmission unit that simultaneously transmits a control request for the air conditioner 40 and a transmission request for operation state information. The communication unit 24 also functions as a receiving unit that receives the operation state information. The CPU 21 and the display unit 26 function as an output unit that displays information indicating that the control request is being executed until the operation state information is received after the control request is transmitted. Information indicating that the control request is being executed is generated when the management apparatus 10 receives access from the mobile phone 20 and the CPU 11 executes a predetermined application program, and is transmitted to the mobile phone 20. .

  The mobile phone 20 may be a terminal device such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Data Assistant).

  The configuration of the mobile phone 20 described above is an example and is not limited to the above configuration.

1.4. Adapter Device As shown in FIG. 3, the adapter device 30 includes a reception unit 31, a transmission unit 33, a memory 34, and a control unit 32.

  The receiving unit 31 receives control data and other predetermined data from the management apparatus 10 via the network 50. The receiving unit 31 also receives operation data of the air conditioner 40 every predetermined time (for example, every hour) via a sensor or the like. The control unit 32 issues a command to execute control for each unit of the air conditioner 40 according to the control data received from the management device 10. The received operation data is stored in the memory 34 as operation data and operation data which is a part of the operation data. The transmission unit 33 transmits the operation data and operation data stored in the memory 34 to the management device 10. This transmission interval is constant and is transmitted to the management apparatus 10 every 3 hours, for example. The memory 34 stores operation data from the air conditioner 40. The memory 34 also stores control data received from the management device 10.

  The adapter device 30 is a computer having the following configuration, for example. The reception unit 31, the transmission unit 33, and the control unit 32 are realized by a program stored in the memory 34 and the like, a CPU that executes the program, an I / O, and the like. The adapter device 30 may be a device provided inside the air conditioner 40 or may be incorporated as a part of the control unit of the air conditioner 40. Alternatively, the adapter device 30 may be connected to a plurality of air conditioners by wire or wireless as an independent device.

1.5. Air Conditioner The air conditioner 40 is, for example, an individual air conditioner indoor unit, an outdoor unit, or a large air conditioner using a central air conditioner.

1.6. Process Flow by Management Device System FIG. 5 shows a process flow by the remote management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The following processing is realized by the CPU 11 of the management device 10, the CPU 21 of the mobile phone 20, and the control unit 32 of the adapter device 30 executing predetermined application programs.

  Step S101: First, the CPU 21 of the mobile phone 20 activates a Web browser and accesses the URL of the management apparatus 10. By this access, an input screen is displayed on the display unit 26 of the mobile phone 20. Through this input screen, the user inputs identification information of a predetermined air conditioner 40 that is an operation target. By the input operation, the communication unit 24 of the mobile phone 20 transmits a control request for the predetermined air conditioner 40 and a transmission request for operation state information to the management apparatus 10.

  Step S102: The CPU 21 of the mobile phone 20 causes the display unit 26 to display information indicating that a control request for the air conditioner is being executed, that is, a user operation request for the air conditioner 40 is being accepted.

  Step S103: The communication unit 14 of the management apparatus 10 receives the control request for the air conditioner 40 and the transmission request for the operation state information from the mobile phone 20. In response to the received control request, the CPU 11 of the management apparatus 10 creates a control file indicating the contents of the control.

  Step S104: On the other hand, the control unit 32 of the adapter device 30 accesses the management device 10 and requests acquisition of the control file. This access is performed periodically (for example, every 8 minutes).

  Step S105: In response to the access in step S104, the CPU 11 and the communication unit 14 of the management device 10 transmit a control file to the adapter device 30.

  Step S <b> 106: The receiving unit 31 of the adapter device 30 receives the control file from the management device 10. The control unit 32 executes control of the air conditioner according to the control file.

  Step S107: The control unit 32 of the adapter device 30 that has executed the control file transmits the control file ID to the management device 10, thereby notifying that the execution of the control file has been completed.

  Step S108: The communication unit 14 of the management apparatus 10 receives the notification. The CPU 11 updates the operation data by reflecting the change in the control content of the air conditioner 40 corresponding to the control ID in the operation data.

  Step S109: The CPU 11 and the communication unit 14 of the management device 10 generate driving state information corresponding to the updated operation data, and transmit it to the mobile phone 20.

  Step S110: The communication unit 24 of the mobile phone 20 receives the driving state information. The CPU 21 displays the received operation state information on the display unit 26. The CPU 21 also cancels the display of information indicating that the operation request is being accepted.

  Note that the above processing flow is an example, and the processing procedure is not limited to the above.

1.7. Display Example of Mobile Phone FIG. 6 shows an example of the display unit 26 when the mobile phone 20 requests control of the air conditioner 40 and transmission of operating state information. In the display example, the identification information of the air conditioner, the operating state of the air conditioner, and a display indicating that the operation of the air conditioner is being accepted are displayed. The operation state information includes information indicating when the operation state of the air conditioner is. This information is acquired from the creation date of operational data.

1.8. Other Processes FIG. 7 shows a flow of other processes of the management apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

  FIG. 7A shows processing when the air conditioner 40 is operated according to a new operation schedule.

  Step S201: The CPU 11 and the communication unit 14 of the management device 10 transmit the newly acquired operation schedule to the adapter device 30.

  Step S202: The receiving unit 31 of the adapter device 30 operates the air conditioner 40 in accordance with the newly acquired operation schedule.

  By executing this operation schedule, the operation data and operation data stored in the memory 34 of the adapter device 30 are changed. As described above, the changed and accumulated operation data and operation data are transmitted to the management apparatus 10 by the transmission unit 33 at regular transmission intervals. As a result, the operation data and the operation data are changed by executing the operation schedule.

  FIG. 7B shows a process for the user to browse the contents of the operation data, that is, the driving state information via the mobile phone 20.

  Step S301: First, the CPU 21 of the mobile phone 20 activates a Web browser and accesses the URL of the management apparatus 10. By this access, an input screen is displayed on the display unit 26 of the mobile phone 20. Through this input screen, the user inputs identification information of a predetermined air conditioner 40 for which operating state information is desired. The communication unit 24 of the mobile phone 20 transmits a transmission request for the operation state information of the predetermined air conditioner 40 to the management device 10.

  Step S302: The communication unit 14 of the management apparatus 10 receives the request at step S301. The CPU 11 reads operation data 60 b of a predetermined air conditioner 40 from the database 60. The CPU 11 generates driving state information based on the read operation data and transmits it to the mobile phone 20.

  Step S303: The communication unit 24 of the mobile phone 20 receives the driving state information. The CPU 21 causes the display unit 26 to output operation state information of the air conditioner 40.

1.9. Advantageous Effects of the Embodiment According to the remote management system 1 for facility equipment according to the present embodiment, the facility equipment is updated by the operation of the mobile phone 20 when the operation data is updated, separately from the operation data updated every predetermined time. The operation state is displayed using the operation data updated when the operation state is changed. Thereby, the updated operating state information of the air conditioner 40 can be efficiently transmitted to the mobile phone 20 while effectively using the limited memory resources of the adapter device 30.

2. Modification 2.1.
According to the remote management system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the mobile phone 20 transmits a control request for the air conditioner 40, transmits a request for operation state information, and receives the requested operation state information. 20 is displayed on the display unit 26 (steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 5). Instead of this, the control result may be displayed in response to the control request of the air conditioner 40. In this case, the above-mentioned “receiving” is not displayed.

2.2.
According to the remote management system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the control request from the mobile phone 20 may not be executed immediately. In this case, the display of “being accepted” is not performed.

2.3.
According to the remote management system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, “unknown” may be displayed when there is neither operation data nor operation data in response to a request from the mobile phone 20.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as a remote management apparatus, a remote management system, and a remote management method for equipment that can efficiently transmit updated operating state information of the equipment to a terminal device.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram of a management device and a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the adapter apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the content of the data which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the flow of a process of the remote management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a display of the mobile telephone which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the flow of other processes of the remote management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Remote management system 10 Management device (equipment management device)
11 CPU
12 RAM
13 ROM
14 Communication Unit 15 Input Unit 16 Output Unit 17 Storage Unit 20 Mobile Phone (Terminal Device)
21 CPU
22 RAM
23 ROM
24 communication unit 25 input unit 26 display unit 27 storage unit 28 drive 30 adapter device (control device)
31 Receiver 32 Control Unit 33 Transmitter 34 Memory 40 Air Conditioner (Equipment)
50 Network 60 Database 60a Operation data 60b Operation data 70 Facility 80 Air conditioning communication line

Claims (6)

A remote management device (10) that is communicably connected to a control device (30) that controls the facility device (40) and that remotely manages the facility device,
A data receiving unit (14) for receiving the operation data of the facility device updated at regular time intervals, and the operation data indicating the operation state of the facility device and updated every time the operation data is updated; ,
A data storage unit (60) for storing the received operation data and the operation data;
A request receiving unit (14) that is communicably connected to the terminal device (20), and that receives a control request for the facility device and a transmission request for operation state information of the facility device from the terminal device;
An operational data update unit (11) for further updating the stored operational data in response to the control request;
An operation state information transmitting unit (11, 14) for generating the operation state information of the facility device based on the stored operation data and transmitting the operation state information to the terminal device;
A remote management device comprising: A control file creation unit (11) for creating a control file according to the control request;
A control file transmission unit (11, 14) for transmitting the control file in response to access from the control device (30);
A notification receiving unit (14) for receiving a notification of completion of execution of the control file from the control device;
Further comprising
The operational data update unit (11) updates the operational data in response to receiving the notification.
The remote management apparatus according to claim 1. The equipment (40) is an air conditioner,
The operation data includes at least one of information indicating operation / stop of the equipment, operation mode, and set temperature,
The remote management apparatus according to claim 1. A remote management device (10) according to claim 1;
The control device (30);
The terminal device (20),
With
The terminal device is configured to simultaneously transmit the control request and the transmission request for the driving state information, (21, 24),
A receiving unit (24) for receiving the driving state information;
An output unit (21, 26) for displaying information indicating that the control request is being executed from when the control request is transmitted until the operation state information is received;
Having
Remote management system. The control device (30)
An operation schedule acquisition unit (31) for acquiring an operation schedule of the equipment;
An operation control unit (32) for controlling the equipment according to the operation schedule;
The remote management system according to claim 4, comprising: A remote management method for communicating with a control device (30) for controlling a facility device (40) and remotely managing the facility device,
A data receiving step for receiving the operation data of the facility device updated at regular time intervals, the operation data indicating the operation state of the facility device and updated every time the operation data is updated,
A data storage step for storing the received operation data and the operation data;
A request receiving step of communicating with the terminal device (20) and receiving a control request for the facility device and a transmission request for the operation state information of the facility device from the terminal device;
An operation data update step of further updating the stored operation data in response to the control request;
An operation state information transmitting step of generating the operation state information of the equipment device based on the stored operation data and transmitting the operation state information to the terminal device;
A remote management method comprising:

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