JP2018173766A - Equipment management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an equipment management system adjusting a communication condition between a control terminal and a management device properly.SOLUTION: An equipment management system 1 transmits status information of one or more air conditioners (equipment) 10a to 10i from control terminals 20a to 20c to a management device 30 with a prescribed communication condition. A control terminal 20 comprises a communication amount calculation part 231, a communication amount judgment part 232, and a communication condition modification part 233. The communication amount calculation part 231 calculates an integrated value of a communication amount of the status information transmitted from the control terminal after a prescribed time has elapsed from a reference time. The communication amount judgment part 232 judges whether the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds a threshold. The communication condition modification part 233 changes the communication condition of the control terminal 20 to the management device 30 from a first communication condition A1 to a second communication condition A2 suppressing the communication amount when the integrated value of the communication amount to have exceeded the threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  In recent years, the use of an IoT system (Internet of Things) for connecting a control terminal for controlling devices and a management device (server) via an Internet line or the like to perform remote monitoring / operation has been studied (for example, Patent Document 1 ( International Publication No. 2014/017053)). In such an IoT system, the management device acquires device information from the device control terminal as needed, thereby remotely monitoring the state of each device.

  However, when the management device and the control terminal are always communicating, the integrated value of the communication amount may exceed a predetermined threshold value. If the integrated value of the traffic exceeds the threshold, control is performed such that the subsequent communication speed is limited to an extremely low speed, the communication itself is interrupted, or the communication charge is significantly increased. May be.

  The subject of this invention is providing the apparatus management system which adjusts appropriately the communication conditions between a control terminal and a management apparatus.

  The device management system according to the first aspect of the present invention transmits device information related to one or more devices from a control terminal to a management device under a predetermined communication condition, and includes a traffic calculation unit, a traffic determination unit, A communication condition changing unit; and a receiving unit. The communication amount calculation unit calculates an integrated value of the communication amount of the device information transmitted from the control terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reference time point. The communication amount determination unit determines whether or not the integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the communication amount calculation unit exceeds a threshold value. A communication condition change part changes the communication condition with respect to the management apparatus of a control terminal from the 1st communication condition to the 2nd communication condition which suppressed the communication volume, when it determines with the integrated value having exceeded the threshold value by the communication volume determination part. To do.

  In the device management system according to the first aspect, when it is determined that the integrated value of the communication amount has exceeded the threshold, the communication condition for the management device of the control terminal is changed from the first communication condition to the second communication condition in which the communication amount is suppressed. Since the change is made, it is possible to avoid that the amount of communication between the control terminal and the management device exceeds more than necessary. In short, according to the device management system having the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately adjust the communication conditions between the control terminal and the management device.

  In the device management system according to the first aspect, the reception unit is stored in the management device and receives the setting of the second communication condition. By having such a configuration, the device management system according to the first aspect can set the second communication condition in response to a request from an administrator or the like who operates the management device.

  In the present invention, the “threshold value” is not limited to a specific single point value, but includes a value derived by an arithmetic expression or the like.

  A device management system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the first aspect, wherein the management device is connected to a monitoring terminal that transmits a request for the device and monitors the state of the device. And the reception part is stored in the monitoring terminal.

  By providing such a configuration, the device management system according to the second aspect can set the second communication condition in response to a request from a supervisor who operates the monitoring terminal.

  A device management system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the management device transmits a request for the device and is connected to a monitoring terminal that monitors the state of the device Has been. When the communication amount determination unit determines that the integrated value has exceeded the threshold, the communication amount change unit transmits a change notification indicating that the communication condition is changed to the monitoring terminal. The communication amount changing unit changes the communication condition when receiving from the monitoring terminal an acceptance notification indicating that the change of the communication condition is accepted in response to the transmission of the change notification.

  When the device management system according to the third aspect transmits the change notification to the monitoring terminal when it is determined that the integrated value of the traffic exceeds the threshold, and receives the approval notification from the monitoring terminal in response to the transmission of the change notification Since the communication condition is changed, the communication condition can be adjusted to reflect the intention of the monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal.

  A device management system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a device management system according to the first to third aspects, wherein the control terminal transmits a plurality of types of device information related to the device. And when the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds the threshold, the communication condition changing unit suppresses the communication of the control terminal management device from the first communication condition by suppressing some communication of the plurality of types of device information. Change to the second communication condition.

  The device management system according to the fourth aspect suppresses a part of the communication of the plurality of types of device information when the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds the threshold value. The entire amount of communication can be suppressed while ensuring communication of information.

  A device management system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention relates to the second communication in the device management system according to the fourth aspect by associating the communication condition of the device information for suppressing the communication amount among a plurality of types of device information for each device. A communication condition storage unit that stores the condition is further provided.

  The device management system according to the fifth aspect stores, as the second communication condition, the communication condition of the device information for suppressing the communication amount among a plurality of types of device information in association with each device. The amount can be suppressed.

  A device management system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the first to fifth aspects, wherein the communication amount calculation unit, the communication amount determination unit, and the communication condition change unit are stored in the control terminal. It is what is done.

  The device management system according to the sixth aspect can provide a control terminal that appropriately adjusts the communication conditions because the communication amount calculation unit, the communication amount determination unit, and the communication condition change unit are stored in the control terminal.

  In the device management system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the device management system according to the sixth aspect, the communication condition changing unit changes the communication condition for the management device from the first communication condition to the second communication condition. A change notification is sent to the management device.

  The device management system according to the seventh aspect transmits a change notification from the device control terminal to the management device when the control terminal changes the communication condition for the management device, so that the management device can recognize the change of the communication condition.

  An apparatus management system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the apparatus management system according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, in which the communication amount determining unit is changed to the second communication condition by the communication condition changing unit. Then, it is determined whether or not the integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the communication amount calculation unit is equal to or less than a threshold value. Then, when the communication amount determining unit determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, the communication condition changing unit returns the communication condition for the management apparatus from the second communication condition to the first communication condition.

  In the device management system according to the eighth aspect, after the control terminal changes the communication condition, when it is determined that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, the communication condition for the management apparatus is restored. The amount of communication can be suppressed.

  In the device management system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the device management system according to the eighth aspect, the communication condition changing unit returns the communication condition for the management device from the second communication condition to the first communication condition. Then, a return notification is transmitted to the management device.

  When the device control terminal returns the communication condition, the device management system according to the ninth aspect transmits a return notification to the management device, so that the management device can recognize the return of the communication condition.

  A device management system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the first to fifth aspects, wherein the communication amount calculation unit, the communication amount determination unit, and the communication condition change unit are stored in the management device. Is done.

  In the device management system according to the tenth aspect, the communication amount calculation unit, the communication amount determination unit, and the communication condition change unit are stored in the management device, so that it is possible to provide a management device that appropriately adjusts the communication conditions.

  The device management system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the communication amount determination unit calculates the communication amount after the communication condition is changed to the second communication condition by the communication condition change unit. It is determined whether the integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the unit is equal to or less than a threshold value. Then, when the communication amount determining unit determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, the communication condition changing unit returns the communication condition for the management apparatus from the second communication condition to the first communication condition.

  The device management system according to the eleventh aspect returns the communication condition for the management apparatus when it is determined that the integrated value of the traffic is equal to or less than the threshold after the management apparatus changes the communication condition. The amount of communication can be suppressed.

  In the device management system according to the first aspect, the communication conditions between the control terminal and the management device can be adjusted appropriately. In addition, the device management system according to the first aspect can set the second communication condition according to a request from an administrator or the like who operates the management device.

  The equipment management system concerning the 2nd viewpoint can set up the 2nd communication conditions according to a demand of a supervisor etc. who operate a monitoring terminal.

  The device management system according to the third aspect can adjust the communication conditions by reflecting the intention of a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal.

  The device management system which concerns on a 4th viewpoint can suppress the communication amount of the whole, ensuring the communication of the device information with high importance among multiple types of state information.

  The device management system according to the fifth aspect can suppress the communication amount for each device.

  The device management system according to the sixth aspect can provide a control terminal that appropriately adjusts communication conditions.

  In the device management system according to the seventh aspect, the management device can recognize the change of the communication condition.

  The device management system according to the eighth aspect can avoid the suppression of the amount of communication more than necessary.

  In the device management system according to the ninth aspect, the management device can recognize the return of the communication condition.

  The device management system according to the tenth aspect can provide a management device that appropriately adjusts communication conditions.

  The device management system according to the eleventh aspect can avoid unnecessary suppression of communication volume.

It is a mimetic diagram showing composition of device management system 1 concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioner 10 which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the functional block of each apparatus which comprises the apparatus management system 1 which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the concept of the communication condition which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating communication amount suppression control in the apparatus management system 1 which concerns on the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the effect of the communication amount suppression control which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating communication amount suppression control in the equipment management system 1 which concerns on the modification 1B. It is a schematic diagram which shows the functional block of each apparatus which comprises the apparatus management system 1S which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the communication suppression control in the apparatus management system 1S which concerns on the embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the communication amount suppression control in the apparatus management system 1S which concerns on the modification 2B.

<First Embodiment>
(1-1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a device management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, when a common description is given to a plurality of devices having similar functions, the same reference numerals are used for description. In addition, when a single device is distinguished from a plurality of devices having the same function, a description will be given with a lower case letter suffix. For example, since the control terminals 20a to 20c are devices having the same function, the control terminals 20a and 20c are described as the control terminal 20 when the description is common. For convenience, subscripts a to c are used, but these represent an arbitrary number, and the quantity is not limited to this.

  The device management system 1 is a system that manages a large number of devices with a single management device 30. Here, the management device 30 is installed in the central management center 3. In the jurisdiction area of the central management center 3, there are a large number of facilities 2a to 2c. The facilities 2a to 2c are, for example, office buildings, commercial buildings, and condominiums. In each of the facilities 2a to 2c, one or a plurality of air conditioners 10a to 10f are installed as examples of devices to be managed. One of a plurality of control terminals 20a and 20b is connected to each of the air conditioners 10a to 10f. And each control terminal 20a, 20b and the management apparatus 30 communicate the apparatus information mentioned later, and management of several air conditioner 10a-10f is performed.

  The management device 30 is connected to the plurality of monitoring terminals 40a to 40c and the plurality of maintenance terminals 50a and 50b via a network. Then, when an abnormal report is detected from any of the air conditioners 10a to 10f, the management device 30 informs the operator of the monitoring terminals 40a to 40c or the maintenance terminals 50a and 50b that the abnormal report has been detected. Notice.

(1-2) Management target (device) of the device management system 1
Hereinafter, an “air conditioner” will be described as an example of a device to be managed by the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment. However, the management target of the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the air conditioner, and any device having the following characteristics can be employed. For example, a ventilation device or the like may be employed as the device.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment. The air conditioner 10 has a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a heat exchanger, and the like (not shown). The air conditioner 10 includes an outdoor unit 11 and a plurality of indoor units 12a to 12d that are connected to the outdoor unit 11 via dedicated communication lines. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor units 12a to 12d are provided with an outdoor unit control circuit 11X and indoor unit control circuits 12Xa to 12Xd, respectively. Further, various sensors are appropriately attached to the air conditioner 10 at predetermined locations. These sensors detect room temperature, ambient outside air temperature, refrigerant discharge temperature, discharge pressure, and the like. Based on the detection values of the various sensors, the outdoor unit control circuit 11X and the indoor unit control circuit 12X cooperate to control the operation of each unit of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 is operated based on control information input from the operation terminal 15 such as a remote control and / or an operation panel, and control information input from the external monitoring terminal 40 via the network.

  The outdoor unit 11 is a device that functions as a heat source for the refrigerant circuit. Further, the outdoor unit 11 is equipped with a connecting portion 11Y. Information is exchanged between a control terminal 20 (described later) and the outdoor unit control circuit 11X via the connection unit 11Y. The outdoor unit 11 is installed outside the building of the facility 2 such as a rooftop.

  The indoor unit 12 is connected to the outdoor unit 11 via a dedicated communication line. The indoor unit 12 is operated by an operation terminal 15 installed indoors. The operation terminal 15 is composed of, for example, a remote controller and an operation panel attached indoors. Here, a plurality of indoor units 12a to 12d connected to one outdoor unit 11 are operated in association with one or a plurality of operation terminals 15 individually. The indoor unit 12 may be equipped with a human sensor that detects the presence of a person. Moreover, each indoor unit 12a-12d is distributed and installed in the installation spaces 5a-5d such as a plurality of floors or a plurality of rooms of the facility 2, respectively.

(1-3) Detailed Configuration of Device Management System 1 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing functional blocks of each device constituting the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

(1-3-1) Control terminal The control terminal 20 controls the air conditioner 10 by connecting to the outdoor unit control circuit 11X of the outdoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control terminal 20 includes a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a processing unit 23, and a connection unit 24. In FIG. 3, the subscripts of the components of the control terminal 20a are omitted for convenience.

  The memory | storage part 21 memorize | stores various information, and is comprised by a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, etc. For example, the storage unit 21 stores a program for executing various functions of the control terminal 20. Further, the storage unit 21 stores “communication conditions” of “apparatus information” transmitted and received between the control terminal 20 and the management device 30.

  “Device information” is a plurality of types of information related to the air conditioner (device) 10 to be managed. For example, “state information” indicating the state of the air conditioner 10 and various states of the air conditioner 10 are controlled. Broadly divided into “control information”. The “state information” is classified into first state information D1, second state information D2, and third state information D3 in descending order of priority. The first state information D1 is information such as an abnormality report indicating that the priority is the highest and a serious abnormality has occurred in the device. The second status information D2 has the second highest priority, and is information such as control information of motorized valves, motors, and other actuators belonging to the air conditioner 10, and detection values by various sensors installed in the air conditioner 10. is there. The third state information D3 has the third highest priority and is information for acquiring the characteristics of the user, and corresponds to an operation frequency history of the operation terminal 15 or the like. The classification of each status information is not limited to that shown here, and can be arbitrarily set by an administrator or the like.

  And the memory | storage part 21 associates and memorize | stores the communication conditions with respect to these multiple types of state information for every air conditioner. Specifically, the “communication condition” defines whether or not the transmission of the state information from each of the air conditioners 10a to 10i is suppressed, and is information such as the concept shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control terminal 20a is associated with the air conditioners 10a to 10c. When the first communication condition A1, the air conditioners 10a, 10b, and 10c can transmit the first state information D1, the second state information D2, and the third state information D3 to the management device 30. Show. On the other hand, the second communication condition A2 indicates that any of the air conditioners 10a, 10b, and 10c can transmit only the first state information D1 to the management device 30. In short, the storage unit 21 stores, as the second communication condition A2, the state information D2 and D3 for suppressing the communication amount among the plurality of types of state information D1 to D3 in association with each of the air conditioners 10a to 10c. Note that the communication condition defines conditions regarding various types of communication other than the above, and for example, defines the type of state information and the communication interval according to each of the air conditioners 10a to 10c. Further, the communication conditions stored in the storage unit 21 can be updated based on control information from the management device 30 described later.

  The communication unit 22 performs communication with an external network. Various functions and various data are exchanged between the control terminal 20 and the management device 30 by the function of the communication unit 22.

  The processing unit 23 executes various information processing. Further, the processing unit 23 controls communication between the control terminal 20 and the management device 30 via the communication unit 22. For example, the processing unit 23 transmits device information (state information) acquired from the outdoor unit 11 to which the control terminal 20 is connected to the management device 30 at a predetermined communication interval. The processing unit 23 updates the content of the communication conditions stored in the storage unit 21 in response to a request from the management device 30.

  Here, the processing unit 23 has functions as a communication amount calculation unit 231, a communication amount determination unit 232, and a communication condition change unit 233.

  The communication amount calculation unit 231 calculates an integrated value of a communication amount of state information (device information) transmitted from the control terminal 20 to the management device 30 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reference time point.

  The communication amount determination unit 232 determines whether or not the integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the communication amount calculation unit 231 exceeds a threshold value. Further, when the communication condition is changed from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2 by the communication condition changing unit 233, which will be described later, the communication amount determination unit 232 determines whether the subsequent integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold value. It is determined at any time whether or not. Note that a threshold for the integrated value of the traffic is stored in the storage unit 21.

  When the communication amount determination unit 232 determines that the integrated value has exceeded the threshold, the communication condition change unit 233 sets the communication condition for the management device 30 of the control terminal 20 from the first communication condition A1 and suppresses the communication amount. 2 Change to communication condition A2. Specifically, the communication condition changing unit 233 suppresses part of communication of plural types of state information (device information) when the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds the threshold value, thereby managing the management device 30 of the control terminal 20. Is changed from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2. Further, when the communication amount determination unit 232 determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold, the communication condition changing unit 233 changes the communication condition for the management device 30 from the second communication condition A2 to the first communication condition A1. Return.

  The communication condition changing unit 233 indicates to the management device 30 that the communication condition is changed when the communication condition for the management device 30 is changed from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2. Send a notification. The communication condition changing unit 233 transmits a “return notification” to the management apparatus 30 when the communication condition for the management apparatus 30 is returned from the second communication condition A2 to the first communication condition A1.

  The connection unit 24 is connected to the connection unit 11Y of the outdoor unit 11. The control terminal 20 can send command information to the outdoor unit control circuit 11X via the connection unit 24, and can acquire state information from the outdoor unit control circuit 11X.

(1-3-2) Management Device The management device 30 is connected to each of the control terminal 20 and the monitoring terminal 40 via a network, and manages the operation states of the plurality of air conditioners 10a to 10i. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the management device 30 includes a storage unit 31, an input unit 32, a communication unit 33, a processing unit 34, and an output unit 35.

  The storage unit 31 stores various types of information and includes a cache memory, a hard disk, and the like. Here, the storage unit 31 includes an integrated management database 31A, a state information database 31B, a control information database 31C, and a communication condition database 31D. In addition, the storage unit 31 stores a program for executing various functions of the management device 30.

  The integrated management database 31A stores information related to the plurality of air conditioners 10a to 10i managed by the management device 30. For example, the integrated management database 31A includes information on the facility 2 in which the air conditioners 10a to 10i are installed, information on the installation spaces 5a to 5d of the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor units 12a to 12d in the facility 2, and monitoring for each air conditioner 10. The information of the person is memorized.

  The state information database 31B stores various state information transmitted from the control terminal 20 in association with the air conditioners 10a to 10i.

  The control information database 31C includes control information for each air conditioner 10a to 10i input by an administrator who operates the management device 30, control information corresponding to a request from the monitoring terminal 40 described later to each air conditioner 10a to 10i, and the like. Remember.

  The communication condition database 31D stores “communication conditions” corresponding to the types of the air conditioners 10a to 10i and the state information D1 to D3 connected to the control terminals 20a to 20c in association with the monitoring terminal 40. The information stored in the communication condition database 31D includes communication condition information (information shown in FIG. 4 described above) stored in the storage units 21a to 21c of the control terminals 20a to 20c. Therefore, by using the communication condition database 31D, the communication conditions of the control terminals 20a to 20c can be changed via the management device 30.

  The storage unit 31 can store arbitrary information other than the various databases described above.

  The input unit 32 enables input of information to the management device 30 and is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, and / or a touch screen. For example, the input unit 32 enables input of information on various reception screens. Therefore, the administrator can input control information to the air conditioners 10 and information for changing various settings via the input unit 32. In particular, the administrator can set a threshold value for communication amount suppression control, which will be described later, via the input unit 32.

  The communication unit 33 is an interface for communicating with the control terminal 20 and the monitoring terminal 40. Specifically, the communication unit 33 receives state information from the control terminal 20. Further, the communication unit 33 transmits control information to the control terminal 20. Further, the communication unit (reception unit) 33 receives a “request” regarding the air conditioner 10 from the monitoring terminal 40. Further, the communication unit 33 transmits monitoring information to the monitoring terminal 40. The device information and request received by the communication unit 33 are stored in the storage unit 31.

  The processing unit 34 executes various types of information processing in the management device 30 and is configured by a CPU, a cache memory, and the like. Further, the processing unit 34 executes processing according to the request from the monitoring terminal 40 and generates monitoring information indicating the processing result.

  The output unit 35 outputs various types of information and includes various displays and speakers. For example, the output unit 35 outputs an input screen or the like that receives an input of a threshold value for the traffic amount suppression control. Various types of information output by the output unit 35 can also be output to the monitoring terminal 40 and the maintenance terminal 50 via a network. For example, the abnormality report output by the output unit 35 is also output to the maintenance terminal 50 registered in advance.

(1-3-3) Monitoring Terminal The monitoring terminal 40 is associated with one of the control terminals 20, and transmits various “requests” related to the air conditioners 10 belonging to the control terminal 20 to the management device 30. Further, the monitoring terminal 40 monitors the state of the air conditioner 10 based on the monitoring information transmitted from the management device 30. In addition, the monitoring terminal 40 is operated by a monitor or the like who is authorized to execute various controls on the air conditioner 10.

  Such a monitoring terminal 40 includes a communication unit 41, an input unit 42, a processing unit 43, and an output unit 44. The communication unit 41 is connected to the management device 30 via a network, and transmits a request for the air conditioner 10 to the management device 30. The input unit 42 receives a request to be transmitted to the management device 30. The processing unit 43 executes various types of information processing in the monitoring terminal 40. The output unit 44 outputs monitoring information received from the management device 30.

  With the above configuration, the monitoring terminal 40 can transmit a request for executing various operations such as a heating operation and a cooling operation to the air conditioner 10. In addition, the monitoring terminal 40 can output monitoring information indicating a processing result for the request. The monitoring terminal 40 can reply to various inquiries from the management device 30 via the output unit 44.

  In addition, as the supervisor, the owner of the facility 2, the administrator of the facility 2, the user of the facility 2, the manufacturer of the air conditioner 10, the seller of the air conditioner 10, and the like are applicable. The authority given to the monitor differs depending on the type. Therefore, the types of requests that can be input to the air conditioner 10 differ depending on the authority level assigned to each monitoring terminal 40. Further, depending on the authority level of the monitoring terminal 40, among the plurality of items of the device information, there are some items that are allowed to change the communication interval and some that are not. The authority level setting information is stored in the integrated management database 31A of the management apparatus 30.

(1-3-4) Maintenance Terminal The maintenance terminal 50 is a terminal operated by a maintenance worker of the air conditioner 10. The maintenance terminal 50 receives an abnormal report from the management device 30. As a result, the maintenance worker can perform abnormality diagnosis, failure handling, and the like of the air conditioner 10 in which the abnormality report is detected.

(1-4) Traffic Volume Suppression Control in Device Management System 1 FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining traffic volume suppression control in the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As a premise, in the “normal state” before executing the communication amount suppression control, the management device 30 and the control terminal 20 execute communication of a plurality of types of device information under predetermined communication conditions. For example, in the “normal state”, the control terminal 20a transmits the first state information D1, the second state information D2, and the third state information D3 with respect to the air conditioner 10a to the management device 30 under the first communication condition A1. (S1). In the following description, the control terminal 20 means a specific control terminal 20a, but the same processing can be executed in other control terminals 20b and the like.

  Under such a premise, the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment executes “communication amount suppression control” that suppresses the communication amount between the control terminal 20 and the management device 30 (S2). Specifically, when the communication amount suppression control is executed, a threshold for the integrated value of the communication amount from the control terminal 20 is input via the input unit 32 of the management device 30 (S3). In addition, the second communication condition A2 in which the communication amount is suppressed is set in the communication condition database 31D from the first communication condition A1 via the input unit 32 of the management device 30 (S3). Then, information on the threshold value and the second communication condition A2 is transmitted from the management device 30 to the control terminal 20.

  When receiving the information on the threshold and the second communication condition A2, the control terminal 20 stores the information in the storage unit 21 and starts the traffic amount suppression control (S4). When the communication amount suppression control is started, an integrated value of the communication amount from the control terminal 20 to the management device 30 is calculated at any time by the communication amount calculation unit 231 of the control terminal 20 (S5). In addition, the communication amount determination unit 232 determines at any time whether or not the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds the threshold (S6). When the communication amount determination unit 232 determines that the integrated value has exceeded the threshold, the communication condition change unit 233 changes the communication condition for the management device 30 of the control terminal 20 from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2. It is decided to change to (S6-Yes, S7). Note that, when the communication amount determination unit 232 does not determine that the integrated value has exceeded the threshold value, the communication under the first communication condition A1 is continued (S6-No, S5).

  When the communication condition for the management device 30 of the control terminal 20 is changed from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2, the monitoring information including the “change notification” indicating that the communication condition is changed is controlled. The data is transmitted from the terminal 20 to the monitoring terminal 40 via the management device 30 (S8, S9). Thereby, the monitor etc. who operate the monitoring terminal 40 can recognize execution of communication amount suppression control.

  Thereafter, the communication amount determination unit 232 of the control terminal 20 determines at any time whether or not the integrated value of the communication amount after changing the communication condition is equal to or less than a threshold value (S10, S11). While it is not determined that the integrated value of the communication amount after changing the communication condition is equal to or less than the threshold value, the communication under the suppressed second communication condition A2 continues (S11-No, S10). On the other hand, when the communication amount determination unit 232 determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold, the communication condition change unit 233 sets the communication condition for the management device 30 of the control terminal 20 from the second communication condition A2. Returning to the first communication condition A1 (S11-Yes, S12, S5). At this time, monitoring information including a “return notification” indicating that the communication condition has been recovered is transmitted from the control terminal 20 to the monitoring terminal 40 via the management device 30 (S13, S14). Thereby, the supervisor etc. who operate the monitoring terminal 40 can recognize that the communication amount suppression control has been released.

  Then, the series of processes described above are executed until an end command for the communication amount suppression control is input to the management apparatus 30 (S15). When an end command for the traffic amount suppression control is input, an “end notification” indicating the end of the traffic amount suppression control is transmitted from the management device 30 to the control terminal 20, and the control terminal 20 ends the traffic amount suppression control. (S16). Further, when an end command for the communication amount suppression control is input to the management device 30, monitoring information including “end notification” is transmitted from the management device 30 to the monitoring terminal 40 (S 17). Thereby, the supervisor etc. who operate the monitoring terminal 40 can recognize that the communication amount suppression control has ended.

(1-5) Features (1-5-1)
As described above, the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment transmits state information (device information) related to one or more air conditioners (devices) 10a to 10i from the control terminals 20a to 20c under the predetermined communication conditions. To send to. Here, the control terminal 20 includes a communication amount calculation unit 231, a communication amount determination unit 232, and a communication condition change unit 233. The communication amount calculation unit 231 calculates an integrated value of the communication amount of the state information (device information) transmitted from the control terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reference time point. The communication amount determination unit 232 determines whether or not the integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the communication amount calculation unit 231 exceeds a threshold value. When the communication amount determining unit 232 determines that the integrated value exceeds the threshold, the communication condition changing unit 234 sets the communication condition for the management device 30 of the control terminal 20 from the first communication condition A1 to 2 Change to communication condition A2.

  Therefore, in the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds the threshold value, the communication amount with respect to the management device 30 of the control terminal 20 is suppressed. It is possible to avoid exceeding the amount of communication during the period. In other words, according to the device management system 1 having the above configuration, the communication conditions between the control terminal 20 and the management device 30 can be adjusted appropriately. Then, the construction cost and operation cost of the management device 30 can be reduced in accordance with the suppression of the traffic. In addition, the expense reduced by the communication amount suppression control can be distributed by an administrator, a supervisor, or the like.

  For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the traffic amount suppression control is executed at the reference time t0. Thereby, at the reference time t0, the first communication condition A1 is changed to the second communication condition A2, and the communication amount is suppressed. Here, in FIG. 6, the vertical axis indicates the integrated value of the communication amount, and the horizontal axis indicates time. A straight line L indicates a threshold for the integrated value of the traffic. Here, the “threshold value” is derived by an arithmetic expression proportional to time. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the integrated value M of the traffic amount has exceeded the threshold value L, which gradually approaches and coincides at time t1. After that, for example, as shown at time t2, the integrated value M of the traffic is below the threshold value L. In short, in the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the management device 30 executes the communication amount suppression control, the communication amount of the state information (device information) transmitted from the control terminal 20 is predetermined from the reference time t0. Control is performed so that the integrated value after the elapse of time does not exceed the threshold value.

  Note that in the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the control period of the communication amount suppression control can be arbitrarily set. In other words, the device management system 1 can arbitrarily set the reference time point and the predetermined time for which the integrated value of the communication amount is calculated from the reference time point. Therefore, for example, the horizontal axis in FIG. 6 can be set as a control period from the reference time point according to the user's request such as 1 day, 3 days, or 1 month. Further, these control periods can be set in advance according to the contract form between system users (for example, between the management device 30 and the user of the control terminal 20). In the example shown in FIG. 6, a straight line connecting the end point of the control period and the reference point corresponds to the threshold value.

(1-5-2)
In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the management device 30 further includes an input unit (accepting unit) 32 that receives the setting of the second communication condition A2. Thereby, the 2nd communication condition according to the demand of the manager who operates management device 30 can be set up.

(1-5-3)
In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the management device 30 connects to the monitoring terminal 40. With such a configuration, a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40 transmits a request for the air conditioner (equipment) 10 using a graphical user interface (GUI) or the like, and changes the state of the air conditioner (equipment) 10. Can be monitored.

(1-5-4)
In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the control terminal 20 transmits a plurality of types of state information (device information) related to the air conditioner (device) 10. Then, when the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds the threshold value, the communication condition changing unit 233 sets the communication condition for the management device 30 of the control terminal 20 to the first by suppressing part of the communication of the plurality of types of device information. The communication condition A1 is changed to the second communication condition A2.

  Therefore, the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment can suppress the entire communication amount while ensuring communication of device information having a high degree of importance among a plurality of types of state information.

(1-5-5)
Further, in the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the control terminal 20 stores the communication condition of the device information for suppressing the communication amount among the plurality of types of device information as the second communication condition A2 in association with each device. A storage unit 21 (communication condition storage unit) is further provided. Thereby, in the apparatus management system 1 which concerns on this embodiment, the amount of communication can be suppressed for every air conditioner 10 (apparatus).

(1-5-6)
In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the communication condition changing unit 233 of the control terminal 20 changes the communication condition for the management apparatus 30 from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2, the control terminal 20 Transmits a “change notification” to the management apparatus 30. Thereby, the management apparatus 30 can recognize the change of the communication condition.

(1-5-7)
In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the communication amount determination unit 232 of the control terminal 20 uses the communication amount calculation unit 231 after the communication condition change unit 233 changes the communication condition to the second communication condition A2. It is determined whether or not the calculated integrated value of traffic is equal to or less than a threshold value. When the communication amount changing unit 233 determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold value by the communication amount determining unit 232, the communication condition for the management device 30 of the control terminal 20 is changed from the second communication condition A2 to the second communication condition A2. Return to 1 communication condition A1. With such a configuration, in the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid a reduction in the amount of communication more than necessary.

(1-5-8)
In the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the communication condition changing unit 233 of the control terminal 20 returns the communication condition for the management device 30 of the control terminal 20 from the second communication condition A2 to the first communication condition A1. If it is, the “return notification” is transmitted to the management apparatus 30. Thereby, the management apparatus 30 can recognize return of communication conditions.

(1-6) Modification (1-6-1) Modification 1A
In the above description, the management device 30 is configured to receive the threshold for controlling the traffic, but the configuration of the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. Specifically, the threshold for the traffic amount suppression control may be set by the monitoring terminal 40. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide the device management system 1 that reflects the intention of a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40. For example, in the device management system 1, when a communication fee is charged according to the communication amount, a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40 can set the communication amount according to his / her needs. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the communication fee charged to a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40.

(1-6-2) Modification 1B
The device management system 1 according to the present embodiment may be configured to obtain consent from a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40 when executing the communication amount suppression control. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the control terminal 20 decides to execute the traffic control, the communication condition is changed from the control terminal 20 to the monitoring terminal 40 via the management device 30. “Change notification” is transmitted (V6-Yes, V7). As a result, the monitoring terminal 40 can select whether to accept the execution of the traffic restriction control in response to the reception of the change notification (V8).

  In the monitoring terminal 40, when it is selected to accept the execution of the communication amount suppression control in response to the reception of the change notification, the monitoring terminal 40 transmits the communication amount suppression control to the control terminal 20 via the management device 30. An “approval notice” indicating that the execution is accepted is transmitted (V8—Yes, V9). When the control terminal 20 receives the approval notification from the monitoring terminal 40, the control terminal 20 determines the change from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2 (V10).

  On the other hand, if the monitoring terminal 40 selects not to accept the execution of the traffic amount suppression control in response to the reception of the change notification, the monitoring terminal 40 sends the traffic volume suppression to the control terminal 20 via the management device 30. A “disapproval notice” indicating that the execution of the control is not approved is transmitted (V8-No, V11). When the control terminal 20 receives a disapproval notification from the monitoring terminal 40, the control terminal 20 continues the process without changing the communication conditions. Thereafter, the control terminal 20 determines whether or not to execute the traffic amount suppression control again after a predetermined time has elapsed (V6).

  In step S8, when the acceptance notification from the monitoring terminal 40 is not received within the predetermined time, the control terminal 20 determines not to execute the traffic amount suppression control. Specifically, the control terminal 20 considers that the integrated value of the communication amount does not exceed the threshold value and continues the process (V6-No, S5).

  In FIG. 7, the other steps V1 to V6, V10, and V12 to V21 are executed in the same manner as steps S1 to S6, S7, and S8 to S17 in FIG.

  In the above-described configuration, when the approval notification is received from the monitoring terminal 40 in response to the transmission of the change notification, the communication amount suppression control is executed. Therefore, the device management system 1 reflecting the intention of the monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40 Can be provided. Note that the monitoring terminal 40 prompts the monitor or the like to confirm his / her intention by, for example, displaying using a GUI or notifying by e-mail.

(1-6-3) Modification 1C
Note that in the device management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the communication amount suppression control may control the communication amount by adding strength in multiple steps according to the degree of communication tightness. The degree of tightness is calculated based on, for example, the slope of the graph corresponding to the threshold value L in FIG. 6, the remaining time of the control period, and the like. Referring to the example shown in FIG. 6, when the remaining time of the control period is long and the slope of the graph is large (large remaining time of the period × large slope of the graph), it is a case of “very tight”. Determined. When the remaining time of the control period is long and the slope of the graph is small (large remaining time of the period × small slope of the graph), it is determined that the case is “a little tight”. When the remaining time of the control period is short and the slope of the graph is large (small remaining time of the period × large slope of the graph), it is determined that the case is “quite tight”. When the remaining time of the control period is short and the slope of the graph is small (small remaining time of the period × small slope of the graph), it is determined that the case is “very tight”. In such a device management system 1, assuming that there are 100 data items to be transmitted, 100 items are transmitted when the communication amount suppression control is not executed (in the case of “unnecessary”). On the other hand, in such a device management system 1, 80 items are transmitted when the degree of tightness is “slightly tight”, 50 items are sent when “tight”, and “very tight”. In this case, the traffic amount suppression control is executed so that 20 items are transmitted.

Second Embodiment
Hereinafter, the same parts as those already described are denoted by substantially the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, in order to distinguish with other embodiment, the subscript S may be attached | subjected in this embodiment.

(2-1) Detailed Configuration of Device Management System 1S The device management system 1S according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the device management system 1 according to the first embodiment in the control subject of the traffic amount suppression control.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing functional blocks of each device constituting the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment.

  In the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, the processing unit 34S of the management device 30S includes a communication amount calculation unit 341, a communication amount determination unit 342, and a communication condition change unit 343. In the present embodiment, when the processing unit 34S of the management device 30S realizes the functions of the communication amount calculation unit 341, the communication amount determination unit 342, and the communication condition change unit 343, the processing unit 23 of the control terminal 20S. The functions of the communication amount calculation unit 231, the communication amount determination unit 232, and the communication condition change unit 233 are stopped.

  The communication amount calculation unit 341 calculates the integrated value of the communication amount of the device information (status information) transmitted from the control terminal 20S after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reference time point.

  The communication amount determination unit 342 determines whether the integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the communication amount calculation unit 341 exceeds a threshold value. Further, when the communication condition is changed from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2 by the communication condition changing unit 343, which will be described later, the communication amount determining unit 342 determines whether the subsequent integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold value. It is determined at any time whether or not.

  When the communication amount determining unit 342 determines that the integrated value has exceeded the threshold, the communication condition changing unit 343 sets the communication condition for the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S to the second that suppresses the communication amount from the first communication condition A1. A “change notification” for changing to the communication condition A2 is transmitted to the control terminal 20S. Accordingly, the communication condition changing unit 343 changes the communication condition for the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2 when the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds the threshold value, so that a plurality of types The communication of some device information is suppressed. Further, when the communication amount determining unit 342 determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold, the communication condition changing unit 343 changes the communication condition for the management device 30S from the second communication condition A2 to the first communication condition A1. Return.

  The communication condition changing unit 343 indicates to the monitoring terminal 40S that the communication condition is changed when the communication condition for the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S is changed from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2. Send monitoring information including “change notification”. Further, when the communication condition for the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S is returned from the second communication condition A2 to the first communication condition A1, the communication condition changing unit 343 performs “return notification” to the control terminal 20S and the monitoring terminal 40S. Send monitoring information including Thereby, the supervisor etc. who use the monitoring terminal 40S can recognize execution and cancellation | release of communication amount suppression control.

(2-2) Communication Suppression Control in Device Management System 1S FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining communication suppression control in the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment.

  As a premise, in the “normal state” before executing the communication amount suppression control, the management device 30S and the control terminal 20S execute communication of a plurality of types of device information under predetermined communication conditions. For example, in the “normal state”, the control terminal 20Sa transmits the first state information D1, the second state information D2, and the third state information D3 with respect to the air conditioner 10a to the management device 30S under the first communication condition A1. (U1). In the following description, the control terminal 20S means a specific control terminal 20Sa, but the same processing can be executed in other control terminals 20Sb and the like.

  Under such a premise, the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment executes “communication amount suppression control” that suppresses the communication amount between the control terminal 20S and the management device 30S (U2). Specifically, when the communication amount suppression control is executed, a threshold value for the integrated value of the communication amount from the control terminal 20S is input via the input unit 32 of the management device 30S (U3). Further, the second communication condition A2 in which the communication amount is suppressed is set in the communication condition database 31D from the first communication condition A1 via the input unit 32 of the management device 30S (U3). Then, the management device 30S enters the communication amount suppression mode, and information on the second communication condition A2 is transmitted from the management device 30S to the control terminal 20S.

  When receiving the information on the second communication condition A2, the control terminal 20S stores the contents of the second communication condition A2 in the storage unit 21S (U4). Thereby, control terminal 20S will be in the state of traffic volume suppression mode. At this stage, communication is performed under the same communication conditions as in the normal state (U5).

  When the management device 30S and the control terminal 20S are in the communication amount suppression mode, the integrated value of the communication amount from the control terminal 20S to the management device 30S is calculated by the communication amount calculation unit 341 of the management device 30 as needed. In addition, the communication amount determination unit 342 of the management device 30 determines whether or not the integrated value of the communication amount has exceeded the threshold (U6). And when it determines with the integrated value having exceeded the threshold value by the communication amount determination part 342, the communication condition with respect to the management apparatus 30 of the control terminal 20S is changed from the 1st communication condition A1 by the communication condition change part 343 of the management apparatus 30S. It is determined to change to the second communication condition A2 that suppresses the traffic (U6-Yes, U7). In addition, when it is not determined by the communication amount determination unit 342 that the integrated value exceeds the threshold value, communication under the first communication condition A1 is continued (U6-No, U5).

  When the communication condition is changed from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2, a “change notification” indicating that the communication condition has been changed is transmitted from the management device 30S to the control terminal 20SS ( U8).

  When receiving the change notification, the control terminal 20S starts the traffic amount suppression control (U9). Here, the control terminal 20S transmits only the first state information D1 related to the air conditioner 10a to the management device 30S at a predetermined communication interval or the like, and stops transmitting the second state information D2 and the third state information D3.

  Also, monitoring information including “change notification” is transmitted from the management device 30S to the monitoring terminal 40S (U10). Thereby, the supervisor etc. who use the monitoring terminal 40S can recognize execution of communication amount suppression control.

  Thereafter, the communication amount determination unit 342 of the management device 30S determines whether or not the integrated value of the communication amount after changing the communication condition is equal to or less than a threshold (U11). While it is not determined that the integrated value of the communication amount after changing the communication condition is equal to or less than the threshold value, the communication under the suppressed communication condition A2 continues (U11-No, U9). On the other hand, when the communication amount determination unit 342 of the management device 30S determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold, the communication condition change unit 343 determines that the communication condition for the management device 30S is It is determined to return from the second communication condition A2 to the first communication condition A1 (U11-Yes, U12).

  Then, a “return notification” indicating that the communication condition has been recovered is transmitted from the management device 30S to the control terminal 20S. As a result, the control terminal 20S returns the communication condition from the second communication condition A2 to the first communication condition A1 (U13). At this time, the monitoring information including “return notification” is transmitted from the management device 30S to the monitoring terminal 40S (U14). As a result, a monitor or the like using the monitoring terminal 40S can recognize that the traffic amount suppression control has been released.

  Then, the series of processes described above are executed until an end command for the communication amount suppression control is input to the management device 30S (U15-Yes, U16). When the end instruction of the traffic amount suppression control is input to the management device 30S, an “end notification” indicating the end of the traffic amount suppression control is transmitted from the management device 30S to the control terminal 20S, and the control terminal 20S enters the traffic amount suppression mode. Is released (U17). Further, when an end command for the traffic amount suppression control is input to the management device 30S, monitoring information including “end notification” is transmitted from the management device 30S to the monitoring terminal 40S (U18). Thereby, the supervisor etc. who operate the monitoring terminal 40S can recognize that the communication amount suppression control has ended.

(2-3) Features (2-3-1)
As described above, the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment transmits state information (device information) related to one or more air conditioners (devices) 10a to 10i from the control terminals 20Sa to 20Sc to the management device 30S under predetermined communication conditions. To send to. Here, the management device 30 </ b> S includes a communication amount calculation unit 341, a communication amount determination unit 342, and a communication condition change unit 343. The communication amount calculation unit 341 calculates the integrated value of the communication amount of the state information (device information) transmitted from the control terminal 20S after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reference time point. The communication amount determination unit 342 determines whether the integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the communication amount calculation unit 341 exceeds a threshold value. When the communication amount determining unit 342 determines that the integrated value has exceeded the threshold, the communication condition changing unit 343 sets the communication condition for the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S from the first communication condition A1. 2 Change to communication condition A2.

  Therefore, in the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds the threshold value, the communication amount with respect to the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S is suppressed, so the control terminal 20S and the management device 30S It is possible to avoid exceeding the amount of communication during the period. In other words, according to the device management system 1S having the above configuration, the communication conditions between the control terminal 20S and the management device 30S can be appropriately adjusted. And according to suppression of communication amount, the construction cost and operation cost of the management apparatus 30S can be reduced. In addition, the expense reduced by the communication amount suppression control can be distributed by an administrator, a supervisor, or the like.

  Further, in the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, the communication amount determination unit 342 performs communication calculated by the communication amount calculation unit 341 after the communication condition change unit 343 changes the communication condition to the second communication condition A2. It is determined whether or not the integrated value of the amount is equal to or less than a threshold value. When the communication amount changing unit 343 determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold by the communication amount determining unit 342, the communication condition for the management device 30S is changed from the second communication condition A2 to the first communication condition A1. Return to. Therefore, by suppressing the communication conditions for the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S, it is possible to avoid unnecessary suppression of the communication amount.

(2-3-2)
In the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, the management device 30S further includes an input unit (accepting unit) 32 that receives the setting of the second communication condition A2. Thereby, the 2nd communication condition according to the demand of the manager who operates management device 30S can be set up.

(2-3-3)
In the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, the management device 30S is connected to the monitoring terminal 40S. With such a configuration, a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40 can transmit a request for the air conditioner (device) 10 and monitor the state of the air conditioner (device) 10 using a GUI or the like. .

(2-3-4)
In the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, the control terminal 20S transmits a plurality of types of state information (device information) related to the air conditioner (device) 10. Then, when the integrated value of the communication amount exceeds the threshold, the communication condition changing unit 343 sets the communication condition for the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S to the first by suppressing part of communication of the plurality of types of device information. The communication condition A1 is changed to the second communication condition A2.

  Therefore, the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment can suppress the entire communication amount while ensuring the communication of the device information with high importance among the plurality of types of state information.

(2-3-5)
Further, in the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, the management device 30S associates the communication condition of the device information that suppresses the communication amount among a plurality of types of device information and stores it as the second communication condition A2 for each device. A communication condition database 31D (communication condition storage unit) is further provided. Thereby, in apparatus management system 1S concerning this embodiment, the amount of communications for every air conditioner 10 can be controlled.

(2-3-6)
In the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, when the communication condition changing unit 343 of the control terminal 20S changes the communication condition for the management device 30S from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2, the management device 30S. Transmits a “change notification” to the control terminal 20S. Thereby, the change of the communication condition can be recognized in the control terminal 20S.

(2-3-7)
Further, in the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, the communication amount determination unit 342 of the management device 30S is changed by the communication amount calculation unit 341 after the communication condition change unit 343 changes the communication condition to the second communication condition A2. It is determined whether or not the calculated integrated value of traffic is equal to or less than a threshold value. When the communication condition changing unit 343 determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold by the communication amount determining unit 342, the communication condition for the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S is changed from the second communication condition A2 to the second communication condition A2. Return to 1 communication condition A1. With such a configuration, in the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid a reduction in communication volume more than necessary.

(2-3-8)
In the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, the communication condition changing unit 343 of the management device 30S returns the communication condition for the management device 30S of the control terminal 20S from the second communication condition A2 to the first communication condition A1. If it is, a “return notification” is transmitted to the control terminal 20S. Thereby, the control terminal 20S can recognize the return of the communication condition.

(2-4) Modification (2-4-1) Modification 2A
In the above description, the management device 30S has a configuration in which the threshold value for the communication amount suppression control is input. However, the configuration of the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment is not limited to this. Specifically, the threshold for the communication amount suppression control may be set by the monitoring terminal 40S. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide the device management system 1S that reflects the intention of a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40S. For example, in the device management system 1S, when a communication fee is charged according to the communication amount, a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40S can set the communication amount according to his / her needs. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the communication fee charged to the supervisor who operates the monitoring terminal 40S.

(2-4-2) Modification 2B
The device management system 1 </ b> S according to the present embodiment may be configured to obtain consent from a monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40 </ b> S when performing communication amount suppression control. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the management device 30 determines to execute the communication amount suppression control, a “change notification” indicating that the communication condition is changed is sent from the management device 30S to the monitoring terminal 40S. Transmit (W6-Yes, W7). As a result, the monitoring terminal 40 can select whether to accept the execution of the traffic restriction control in response to the reception of the change notification (W7).

  In the monitoring terminal 40S, when it is selected to accept the execution of the traffic restriction control in response to the reception of the change notification, the monitoring terminal 40S indicates that the management device 30S accepts the execution of the traffic restriction control. A “confirmation notice” is transmitted (W7-Yes, W8). Then, in the management device 30S, when the approval notification is received from the monitoring terminal 40S, the change from the first communication condition A1 to the second communication condition A2 is determined (W8).

  On the other hand, in the monitoring terminal 40S, when it is selected not to accept the execution of the traffic restriction control in response to the reception of the change notification, the monitoring terminal 40S does not accept the execution of the traffic restriction control from the monitoring terminal 40S. Is transmitted (W8-No, W11). When the control terminal 20 receives a disapproval notification from the monitoring terminal 40S, the control terminal 20 continues the process without changing the communication conditions. Thereafter, the control terminal 20S determines whether or not to execute the traffic amount suppression control again after a predetermined time has elapsed (W6).

  In Step W8, when the consent notification from the monitoring terminal 40S is not received within the predetermined time, the management device 30S determines not to execute the traffic amount suppression control. Specifically, the management device 30S continues the processing assuming that the integrated value of the traffic does not exceed the threshold (W6-No, W5).

  In FIG. 10, the other steps W1 to W6, W8, W9, W10, and W12 to W20 are executed in the same manner as steps U1 to U6, U7, U8, U9, and U10 to U18 in FIG. .

  In the above configuration, when the approval notification is received from the monitoring terminal 40S in response to the transmission of the change notification, the communication amount suppression control is executed. Therefore, the device management system 1S reflecting the intention of the monitor or the like who operates the monitoring terminal 40S. Can be provided. Note that the monitoring terminal 40 prompts the supervisor or the like to confirm his / her intention by displaying the information using a GUI or notifying by e-mail, for example.

(2-4-3) Modification 2C
Note that, in the device management system 1S according to the present embodiment, the communication amount suppression control may control the communication amount by adding strength in multiple steps according to the degree of communication tightness.

<Appendix>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments as they are. The present invention can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, the present invention can form various inventions by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements may be appropriately combined in different embodiments.

1 Equipment management system 1S Equipment management system 10 Air conditioner (equipment)
11 outdoor unit 12 indoor unit 20 control terminal 20S control terminal 21 storage unit (communication condition storage unit)
23 processing unit 23S processing unit 231 communication amount calculation unit 232 communication amount determination unit 233 communication condition change unit 30 management device 30S management device 31 storage unit 31D communication condition database (communication condition storage unit)
32 Input section (threshold setting section)
33 communication unit 34 processing unit 341 communication amount calculation unit 342 communication amount determination unit 343 communication condition change unit 40 monitoring terminal 40S monitoring terminal 50 maintenance terminal 50S maintenance terminal A1 first communication condition A2 second viewing condition

International Publication No. 2014/017053

Claims (11)

A device management system (1, 1S) that transmits device information regarding one or more devices (10a to 10i) from a control terminal (20, 20S) to a management device (30, 30S) under a predetermined communication condition.
A communication amount calculation unit (231, 341) for calculating an integrated value of a communication amount of the device information transmitted from the control terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed from a reference time point;
A communication amount determination unit (232, 342) for determining whether or not an integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the communication amount calculation unit exceeds a threshold;
When the communication amount determination unit determines that the integrated value exceeds the threshold, the communication condition for the control device of the control terminal is set to the second communication condition in which the communication amount is suppressed from the first communication condition (A1). A communication condition changing unit (233, 343) to change to (A2);
A reception unit (32) that is stored in the management device and receives the setting of the second communication condition;
A device management system comprising: The management device is connected to a monitoring terminal (40, 40S) that transmits a request to the device and monitors the state of the device,
The reception unit is stored in the monitoring terminal;
The device management system according to claim 1. The management device is connected to a monitoring terminal (40, 40S) that transmits a request to the device and monitors the state of the device,
The communication amount changing unit transmits a change notification indicating that the communication condition is changed to the monitoring terminal when the communication amount determining unit determines that the integrated value exceeds the threshold, and the change notification Changing the communication condition when receiving an acknowledgment from the monitoring terminal indicating that the change of the communication condition is accepted in response to transmission;
The device management system according to claim 1. The control terminal transmits a plurality of types of device information related to the device,
When the integrated value exceeds the threshold, the communication condition changing unit suppresses communication of a part of a plurality of types of device information, thereby setting the communication condition for the management device of the control terminal to the first communication condition. To the second communication condition from
The device management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A communication condition storage unit (21, 31D) that stores the communication condition of the device information for suppressing the communication amount among the plurality of types of device information as the second communication condition in association with each device;
The device management system according to claim 4. The communication amount calculation unit (231), the communication amount determination unit (232), and the communication condition change unit (233) are stored in the control terminal.
The device management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the communication condition changing unit changes the communication condition for the management device from the first communication condition to the second communication condition, a change notification is transmitted to the management device.
The device management system according to claim 6. The communication amount determination unit determines whether or not an integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the communication amount calculation unit is equal to or less than a threshold after the communication condition is changed to the second communication condition by the communication condition change unit. Judgment,
When the communication amount determination unit determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold, the communication condition change unit changes the communication condition for the management device from the second communication condition to the first communication condition. To return to
The device management system according to claim 6 or 7. When the communication condition changing unit returns the communication condition for the management apparatus from the second communication condition to the first communication condition, a return notification is transmitted to the management apparatus.
The device management system according to claim 8. The communication amount calculation unit (341), the communication amount determination unit (342), and the communication condition change unit (343) are stored in the management device.
The device management system (1S) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The communication amount determination unit determines whether or not an integrated value of the communication amount calculated by the communication amount calculation unit is equal to or less than a threshold after the communication condition is changed to the second communication condition by the communication condition change unit. Judgment,
When the communication amount determination unit determines that the integrated value of the communication amount is equal to or less than the threshold, the communication condition change unit changes the communication condition for the management device from the second communication condition to the first communication condition. To return to
The device management system according to claim 10.

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