JP4985719B2 - Equipment management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a device management system that manages a plurality of management points each having one or a plurality of facility devices.

  Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-164228) discloses a technique in which an operation schedule applied to equipment is automatically created according to a predetermined program and distributed to the equipment.

  By the way, there is a case where one organization desires to manage the operation schedule of a large number of management points in an integrated manner. For example, this is the case where the franchisor headquarters manages a large number of franchisee stores developed throughout the country. In general, various circumstances (for example, opening time and closing time) that should be taken into consideration when creating an operation schedule are different among a large number of franchisee stores. As a result, the manager of the franchisor headquarters cannot uniformly apply the same driving schedule to a large number of franchisee stores, and therefore, it is necessary to create a large number of driving schedules taking into account individual circumstances for a large number of franchisee stores There is. In addition, whenever there is a change in circumstances (for example, a change in opening time or closing time) involving a change in driving schedule at some franchisee store, the driving schedule for the franchisee store must be recreated. As a result, management of the driving schedule is troublesome for the manager of the franchisor headquarters.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a device management system capable of easily managing a plurality of operation schedules for a plurality of management points.

  The device management system according to the first invention includes a template storage unit, a management point data storage unit, and a schedule creation unit, and manages a plurality of management points. Each of the plurality of management points has one or a plurality of facility devices. The template storage unit stores an operation schedule template that is applied to the management point and is defined using a variable. The management point data storage unit stores management point data that is individually defined for the management point and that is a specific value of the variable. The schedule creation unit creates different operation schedules to be applied to different management points by automatically incorporating different management point data into the template variables.

  Here, a plurality of operation schedules are created from one template by incorporating individual management point data into the management points in the template variables. Therefore, a plurality of operation schedules for a plurality of management points can be easily managed.

  A device management system according to a second invention is the device management system according to the first invention, wherein the variable is related to time.

  Here, items related to time in the template are variable. Therefore, it is possible to create a plurality of operation schedules for a plurality of management points having different circumstances related to time from one template.

  A device management system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the template includes combination data. The combination data is a combination of time data related to time and pattern data related to an operation pattern. The variable constitutes all or part of the time data.

  Here, a template is defined by the time when at least a part is variable and the driving pattern associated with the time. Therefore, an operation schedule can be easily created from the template.

  A device management system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the variable is at least one of a store opening time and a store closing time as a management point.

  Here, the template is defined using at least one of a store opening time and a closing time, which is a variable management point. Therefore, a plurality of operation schedules for a plurality of stores having different opening times and closing times can be created from one template.

  A device management system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the time data includes data indicating a time that is relatively defined based on at least one of the store opening time and the store closing time.

  Here, for example, by specifying a relative time based on at least one of the opening time and the closing time, such as “one hour before the opening time” and “one hour after the closing time”, the template can be specified. Can be created flexibly.

  A device management system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to any of the third to fifth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a template creation unit. The template creation unit creates a template by combining the time data input by the user and the pattern data.

  Here, when the time and driving pattern are designated by the user, they are automatically combined to create a template. Therefore, the user can easily create a template.

  A device management system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a result data storage unit. The record data storage unit stores record data related to the operation results of the equipment. The template creation unit derives information that is useful for understanding the energy saving effect by the driving pattern by referring to the result data and presents it to the user.

  Here, when the user creates a template, information useful for understanding the energy saving effect based on the operation results of the equipment is presented to the user. Therefore, the user can create an appropriate template while considering the energy saving effect.

  A device management system according to an eighth invention is the device management system according to any one of the third to sixth inventions, wherein the schedule creation unit causes the user to specify the correspondence between the template and the management point, and The management point data defined for the management point related to the correspondence is automatically incorporated into the template variable related to the correspondence.

  Here, when the correspondence between the template and the management point is specified by the user, the template and the management point are automatically combined with the individual management point data according to the correspondence, and an operation schedule is created. . Therefore, the user can easily create an operation schedule.

  A device management system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a result data storage unit. The record data storage unit stores record data related to the operation results of the equipment. The schedule creation unit derives information useful for understanding the energy saving effect due to the driving pattern by referring to the result data, and presents it to the user who specifies the correspondence.

  Here, when the user designates the correspondence between the template and the management point, the user is presented with information useful for understanding the energy saving effect based on the operation result of the equipment. Therefore, the user can create an appropriate operation schedule while considering the energy saving effect.

  A device management system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising an operation control unit. The template is associated with one of a plurality of groups that classify the equipment. The operation control unit controls the operation of the equipment according to an operation schedule created from a template associated with a group into which the equipment is classified.

  Here, the equipment is grouped, and the equipment classified into a certain group is controlled according to an operation schedule derived from a template associated with the group. Therefore, the operation schedule can be managed more easily.

  A device management system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to any of the third to fifth aspects of the present invention, and there are two types of combination data: first combination data and second combination data. In the first combination data, time data is mainly defined by variables. In the second combination data, the entire time data is defined as a constant.

  Here, the combination data included in the template is classified into data whose time is mainly defined using variables (first combination data) or data whose time is defined using only constants (second combination data). Is done. Therefore, in managing combination data, combination data in which time data is mainly defined by variables is distinguished from combination data in which time data is defined only by constants. As a result, the possibility of inconsistencies in the template due to time overlap is reduced.

  A device management system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, further comprising a template creation unit. The template creation unit provides the user with a screen on which the first setting field and the second setting field are separately displayed, and a template including the first combination data and the second combination data set by the user via the screen. create. The first setting column accepts the setting of the first combination data. The second setting column accepts the setting of the second combination data.

  Here, on the input screen of the combination data provided to the user, a setting field (first setting field) in which time is mainly defined using a variable and a setting in which time is defined using only a constant The column (second setting column) is independent. Therefore, from the user's point of view, the work of defining time mainly by variables and the work of defining time only by constants can be performed separately. As a result, the possibility of inconsistency due to time overlap in the template is further reduced.

  A device management system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a check unit. The check unit checks whether there is an overlap in the plurality of time data included in the template.

  Here, it is possible to check whether there is an overlap between the times included in one template. As a result, the possibility of inconsistency due to time overlap in the template is further reduced.

  A device management system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the device management system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the check unit determines whether or not there is duplication in a plurality of time data included in the plurality of first combination data included in the template. And a check is made as to whether or not there is an overlap in the plurality of time data included in the plurality of second combination data included in the template.

  Here, a check as to whether or not there is an overlap between the times included in one template is performed separately for items included in the first combination data and items included in the second combination data. As a result, the accuracy of the check is improved, and the possibility of inconsistency due to time overlap in the template is further reduced.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of operation schedules are created from one template by incorporating individual management point data into the management points in the template variables. Therefore, a plurality of operation schedules for a plurality of management points can be easily managed.

The figure which shows the structure of the shop management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the air conditioner in a store, and a controller. The figure which shows the structure of the remote management server in the remote management center which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the management terminal in a headquarters. The figure which shows the format of the file which defines the operation rule which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows a zone registration screen. The figure which shows the operation rule list screen which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the operation rule detailed screen which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the unit template setting screen which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the data structure of the shop database which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the data structure of an indoor unit database. The figure which shows the structure of the shop management system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the remote management server in the remote management center which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the format of the file which defines the operation rule which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the operation rule list screen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the operation rule detailed screen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the unit template setting screen for basic rules which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the unit template setting screen for the individual rules which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the data structure of the store database which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a store management system 100 (device management system) according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a store management system 200 (device management system) according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

-First embodiment-
<Store management system>
(1) Overall Configuration The store management system 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has air conditioning facilities 50a, 50b,... Installed in a number of stores 1a, 1b,. .. Is a system for supporting management from the headquarter 3 of the organization that supervises the stores 1a, 1b,.

  The store management system 100 is mainly connectable to the controllers 10a, 10b,... Installed in the stores 1a, 1b,... And the controllers 10a, 10b,. The remote management server 20 includes a remote management server 20 and a management terminal 30 that can be connected to the remote management server 20 via the Internet 6. The remote management server 20 remotely manages the air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,... (A service that distributes the operation schedule of the air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,... To the stores 1a, 1b,. In the remote management center 2 operated by the organization that provides the The management terminal 30 is installed in the headquarter 3.

  The store management system 100 provides the staff of the headquarter 3 with screens (including the screens of FIGS. 6 to 9) for creating operational rules for the air conditioning facilities 50 a, 50 b,. One operation rule is created as a collection of one or more operation schedule templates (see FIG. 5).

(2) Air Conditioning Equipment Hereinafter, the air conditioning equipment 50a will be described with reference to FIG. 2, but the same applies to the other air conditioning equipment 50b,.

  The air conditioning equipment 50a forms one or more refrigerant circuits having the outdoor unit 51 and one or more indoor units 52 connected to the outdoor unit 51 via a refrigerant pipe.

  The control unit 55 of the indoor unit 52 is connected to the control unit 51a and the controller 10a of the outdoor unit 51 belonging to the same refrigerant circuit via the communication line 5b dedicated to the air conditioning equipment 50a.

  The control unit 55 commands an operation command from the remote controller 56 or the controller 10a (for example, commands to start or stop the indoor unit 52, to change the set temperature of the indoor unit 52, or to change the operation mode of the indoor unit 52). Or the operation of various parts included in the same refrigerant circuit is controlled in cooperation with the control unit 51a belonging to the same refrigerant circuit to air-condition the room. Specifically, adjustment of the frequency of the compressor, the rotational speed of the fan, and the opening degree of various valves is performed. The remote controller 56 is for receiving an input of an operation command for the indoor unit 52 from a user in the store 1a. The controller 55 is connected to the control unit 55 via a dedicated communication line 5c. Connected. The capability control mode includes an unlimited mode (normal mode) in which the capability is not limited, a limited capability mode I in which power consumption is controlled to be about 40% of that in the unlimited mode, and power consumption. There is a capacity limit mode II that is controlled to be about 80% of that when operating in the unrestricted mode. The capacity restriction modes I and II are realized mainly by restricting the frequency of the compressor included in the outdoor unit 51.

  Moreover, the control part 55 transmits the information (henceforth apparatus information) regarding the indoor unit 52 to the controller 10a according to the command from the controller 10a. The device information of the indoor unit 52 includes the operation parameters of the indoor unit 52 (starting / stopping state of the indoor unit 52, set temperature, operation mode such as cooling / heating / air blowing / dehumidification, and capacity restriction mode), indoor Information indicating the temperature, state values of various components included in the indoor unit 52 (for example, including the rotational speed of the indoor fan, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at a predetermined position of the refrigerant circuit), and the history of operation of the remote controller 56 is included. .

  On the other hand, the control unit 51a transmits information related to the outdoor unit 51 (hereinafter referred to as device information) to the controller 10a in response to a command from the controller 10a. The equipment information of the outdoor unit 51 includes the outside air temperature and the state values of various components included in the outdoor unit 51 (for example, the frequency of the compressor, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at a predetermined position in the refrigerant circuit). Information) is included.

  The room temperature, the outside air temperature, and the state values of various components included in the indoor unit 52 and the outdoor unit 51 are detected by a sensor or the like (not shown).

(3) Controller Hereinafter, the controller 10a will be described with reference to FIG. 2, but the same applies to the other controllers 10b,.

  The controller 10a mainly includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 15, and has a function of monitoring and controlling the air conditioning equipment 50a.

  The communication unit 11 is a network interface that allows the controller 10a to be connected to the LAN 5a and, consequently, the Internet 6, and the communication line 5b dedicated to the air conditioning equipment 50a.

  The control unit 12 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 15.

  The control unit 12 collects device information of the indoor unit 52 from the control unit 55 of the indoor unit 52 at a predetermined time interval (in this embodiment, every minute). Furthermore, the control unit 12 collects device information of the outdoor unit 51 from the control unit 51a of the outdoor unit 51 at a predetermined time interval (in this embodiment, every minute). The device information collected by the control unit 12 is accumulated in a predetermined storage area secured in the storage unit 15. Furthermore, the device information in the storage area is used at the time of regular communication at predetermined time intervals (in this embodiment, every 30 minutes) to be used for various remote management services executed by the remote management server 20. 10a is transmitted to the remote management server 20 via the Internet 6. The communication between the controller 10a and the remote management server 20 is realized by the controller 10a operating as a Web client and the remote management server 20 operating as a Web server.

  Further, the control unit 12 transmits an appropriate operation command to an appropriate indoor unit 52 at an appropriate timing according to the operation schedule downloaded from the remote management server 20 and stored in the storage unit 15. For example, an operation schedule such that “a specific indoor unit 52 is operated in the cooling mode at a set temperature of 27 ° C. from 9:00 to 18:00 every day. The time until the automatic return is 60 minutes” is set. When assembled, the control unit 12 transmits a command for setting the set temperature to 27 ° C. and the operation mode to the cooling mode to the indoor unit 52 together with the start command at 9 o'clock every day until 18:00. If a change in setting due to operation of the remote controller 56 is detected during this period, the same command is transmitted again after 60 minutes. Note that the latest operation command received by the indoor unit 52 is preferentially executed on the indoor unit 52 regardless of whether it is from the controller 10 a or the remote controller 56.

(4) Remote Management Server As shown in FIG. 3, the remote management server 20 is a server computer mainly composed of a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, an output unit 23, an input unit 24, and a storage unit 25. The controller 10a , 10b,... Have a function of monitoring and controlling the air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,. The remote management server 20 has a Web server function, and provides various management screens (including the screens of FIGS. 6 to 9) of the stores 1a, 1b,... To the management terminal 30 having the Web client function. be able to.

  The communication unit 21 is a network interface that enables the remote management server 20 to be connected to the Internet 6.

  The control unit 22 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and operates as an operation rule creation unit 22a and a schedule creation unit 22b by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 25. Operations of the operation rule creation unit 22a and the schedule creation unit 22b will be described later.

  The output unit 23 mainly includes a display and a speaker, and the input unit 24 mainly includes a mouse and a keyboard.

  The storage unit 25 is mainly composed of a hard disk, and stores a device information database 25a, a store database 25b, an indoor unit database 25c, an operation rule database 25d, a zone definition information database 25e, and an energy saving rate database 25f.

  In the device information database 25a, device information of the air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Sent from the controllers 10a, 10b,. The device information in the device information database 25a includes various remote services provided by the remote management server 20 such as an abnormality detection service for detecting an abnormality in the air conditioning facilities 50a, 50b,. Used for management services. The other databases 25b to 25f will be described later.

(5) Management Terminal As shown in FIG. 4, the management terminal 30 mainly includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, an output unit 33, an input unit 34, and a storage unit 35. It is a general-purpose personal computer used for A web browser having a web client function is installed in the management terminal 30. The headquarters 3 staff manages the stores 1a, 1b,... By displaying various management screens (including the screens of FIGS. 6 to 9) on the web browser. Do.

  The communication unit 31 is a network interface that can connect the management terminal 30 to the Internet 6. The control unit 32 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The output unit 33 mainly includes a display and a speaker, and the input unit 34 mainly includes a mouse and a keyboard. The storage unit 35 is mainly composed of a hard disk.

(6) Flow of creation of operational rules Hereinafter, the flow of processing when creating operational rules for the air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,... Will be described mainly.

  First, the staff of the headquarters 3 accesses the remote management server 20 and downloads an initial screen, which is a management screen of the stores 1a, 1b,... The initial screen includes a link for transitioning to the screens of FIGS.

  The zone registration screen in FIG. 6 is a screen for accepting zone registration for the staff at headquarters 3, and is created by the operation rule creation unit 22a. The zone is used to classify the indoor unit 52 according to the installation location (in the example of FIG. 6, “customer seat”, “kitchen”, “office”, and “no zone setting”). Information for defining a zone input via the zone registration screen is stored in the zone definition information database 25e by the operation rule creation unit 22a.

  As will be described later, one template of the operation schedule is always associated with one zone, and an operation schedule derived from a template belonging to the same zone is applied to each indoor unit 52. Therefore, in order to prevent the contradiction that two or more operation schedules are applied to one indoor unit 52, the headquarters 3 staff members are assigned zones so that one indoor unit 52 is not classified into two or more zones. Must be defined. The work of defining a zone associated with a template is an indispensable work before creating an operation rule including the template.

  The operation rule list screen of FIG. 7 is a screen for displaying a list of operation rules registered in the operation rule database 25d for the staff at the headquarters. The operation rule detail screen of FIG. 8 is a screen for displaying the name and content of one operation rule for the staff at the headquarters. The operation rule list screen and the operation rule details screen are created by the operation rule creation unit 22a.

  When a “new registration” button on the operation rule list screen is pressed by a staff member at headquarters 3 who wants to newly register an operation rule, or a staff member at headquarters 3 who wants to edit a registered operation rule, When the “edit” button on the left side of the column displaying the name of the operation rule on the screen is pressed, the operation rule detail screen of FIG. 8 is displayed.

  The “operation rule name” column on the operation rule detail screen is for receiving the editing while displaying the name of the operation rule corresponding to the screen to the staff of the head office 3. The “operation rule content” column on the operation rule detail screen is for accepting editing of the operation rule while displaying the operation rule content corresponding to the screen to the staff of the headquarters 3. In the “operation rule name” column and the “operation rule content” column, the name and content of the operation rule as defined in the operation rule database 25d are displayed as default values. The editing contents of the “operation rule name” field and “operation rule contents” field by the staff of the headquarters 3 wait for the “setting” button on the operation rule details screen to be pressed, and then the operation rule creation unit 22a operates the operation rule. It is reflected in the database 25d.

  Incidentally, one operation rule is defined as one file in the XML format as shown in FIG. 5 in the operation rule database 25d. That is, one operation rule is identified by one name and includes the same number of templates as the one-to-one corresponding zone. One template is associated with one zone and includes one or more unit templates. One unit template consists of a combination of one time zone and one driving pattern.

  An “add” button is prepared for each zone in the “contents of operation rule” column. When the button is pressed by the staff at the headquarter 3, a unit template is added to the template corresponding to the zone corresponding to the button.

  Further, an “edit” button is prepared for each unit template in the “operation rule contents” column. When the button is pressed by the staff at headquarters 3, a unit template setting screen (see FIG. 9) is displayed that allows the staff at headquarters 3 to edit the contents (time zone and operation pattern) of the unit template corresponding to the button. The The unit template setting screen is created by the operation rule creation unit 22a.

  The “time zone” field on the unit template setting screen is for receiving the editing while displaying the time zone of the unit template corresponding to the screen to the staff of the headquarters 3. More specifically, the “time zone” column has two input boxes that accept input of the start time and end time of the time zone. The start time and the end time need to be input in a predetermined format, and data input in a format contrary to the input format is saved in the operation rule database 25d when a “register” button described later is pressed. It is destroyed without. As an input mode of the start time and end time according to the input format, a method of inputting a character string expressed in 24-hour format such as “13:00” (first method), “opening time”, or “closing time” In addition, a “+” or “−” symbol is added after the character string “opening time” or “closing time”, and “01” is added after that. There is a method (third method) of inputting a 24-hour notation character string such as “00”. According to the second method, the start point time and the end point time can be designated by a variable of “opening time” or “closing time”. Further, according to the third method, the start point time and the end point time can be designated by relative time with reference to the variable of “opening time” or “closing time”. That is, the unit template, and thus the template including the unit template and the operation rule can be defined using a variable of “opening time” or “closing time”.

  The “set temperature control”, “capacity control”, and “stop control” fields on the unit template setting screen are displayed while the operation pattern of the unit template corresponding to the screen is displayed to the staff at headquarters 3 It is for accepting. That is, the operation pattern is an operation mode of the indoor unit 52 defined by the items shown in FIGS. In the “set temperature control” column, it is possible to set the validity / invalidity of the set temperature control, the set temperature at the time of cooling and heating in the case of being effective, and the time until the automatic return. In the “capacity control” column, it is possible to set capability control valid / invalid and capability limit mode when it is valid. In the “stop control” column, it is possible to set validity / invalidity of stop control and time until automatic return when it is valid.

  Moreover, when the “Calculation of energy saving rate” button on the unit template setting screen is pressed by the staff of the headquarters 3, the energy saving rate due to the operation pattern in the time zone set on the screen is simulated when the button is pressed, A window for displaying the result is displayed over the screen. The simulation is executed by the operation rule creation unit 22a while referring to the device information database 25a and the energy saving rate database 25f. In the device information database 25a, information indicating the operation results of the air conditioners 50a, 50b,..., That is, when the air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Operate in various operation patterns in various time zones. Information on energy consumption or information that can be calculated is stored. In the energy saving rate database 25f, for example, information on general energy consumption under various conditions such as “lowering the set temperature by 1 ° C. during cooling reduces the energy consumption by 6%” or the like can be calculated. Information is stored. In other words, the simulation is a process of deriving information useful for understanding the energy saving effect by a specific operation pattern in a specific time zone set on the unit template setting screen by the staff of the headquarters 3. Therefore, the staff of the headquarters 3 can determine the content of the unit template by considering the energy saving effect of the unit template that he / she intends to register by presenting the information.

  It should be noted that the four fields of the “time zone” column, “set temperature control” column, “capability control” column and “stop control” column on the unit template setting screen are defined in the operation rule database 25d as default values. The displayed time zone and driving pattern are displayed. Then, the editing contents for the above four fields by the staff of the headquarters 3 are reflected in the operation rule database 25d by the operation rule creation unit 22a after the “registration” button on the unit template setting screen is pressed. In other words, when the “Register” button is pressed, the operation rule creation unit 22a automatically combines the time zone set on the unit template setting screen and the operation pattern and registers them in the operation rule database 25d.

(7) Flow of processing until an operation schedule is created and distributed Hereinafter, an operation schedule for the air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,... Is created and distributed to the stores 1a, 1b,. The flow of processing will be described.

  The operation schedule distributed to each store 1a, 1b,... Is created by the schedule creation unit 22b of the remote management server 20 based on the operation rules registered in the operation rule database 25d. Therefore, the staff at headquarter 3 selects one operation rule to be applied to each store 1a, 1b,... From one or more operation rules registered in the operation rule database 25d, and stores the store database in advance. It is necessary to register in 25b. The registration work is performed via a schedule management screen created by the schedule creation unit 22b. The schedule management screen is designed so that a plurality of stores 1a, 1b,... Can be associated with one operation rule. The schedule management screen is downloaded from the remote management server 20 onto the Web browser of the management terminal 30 when accessed from the management terminal 30 at an arbitrary timing. In other words, the schedule creation unit 22b allows the staff of the headquarter 3 to specify the correspondence between the stores 1a, 1b,... And the operation rules registered in the operation rule database 25d via the schedule management screen. The data indicating the correspondence is stored as values of the “store ID” and “operation rule ID” fields in the tabular store database 25b (see FIG. 10). The records in the store database 25b correspond to the stores 1a, 1b,.

  In addition, an “energy saving rate calculation” button is prepared on the schedule management screen. When the button is pressed by the staff of the headquarter 3, the energy saving rate is simulated when the operation rules are applied to the stores 1a, 1b,... As specified on the screen when the button is pressed, A window for displaying the result is displayed over the screen. The simulation is executed by the schedule creation unit 22b while referring to the device information database 25a and the energy saving rate database 25f. That is, the simulation is performed by a specific air conditioning facility 50a, 50b,... Specified on the schedule management screen by the staff of the headquarters 3 according to a specific operation rule specified on the screen. This is a process for deriving information useful for understanding the energy saving effect when operating in a specific driving pattern. Therefore, the staff of Headquarters 3 selects the final operation rule to be applied to each store 1a, 1b,... By considering the energy saving effect by the operation schedule that he / she intends to set by presenting the information. can do.

  When the registration of operation rules to be applied to the stores 1a, 1b,... Is completed, the controllers 10a, 10b,... Access the remote management server 20 via the Internet 6, respectively, and air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,.・ ・ It becomes possible to request the delivery of the driving schedule.

  More specifically, each controller 10a, 10b,... Executes the process related to the operation schedule distribution request once a day. Each time the schedule creation unit 22b of the remote management server 20 receives a driving schedule distribution request from the controllers 10a, 10b,..., The schedule database 22b refers to the store database 25b and the controller 10a, 10b,. The operation rule applied to the stores 1a, 1b,... And the opening time and closing time of the stores 1a, 1b,. Data indicating the opening time and closing time of the stores 1a, 1b,... Are stored in the “opening time” and “closing time” fields of the store database 25b, respectively (see FIG. 10).

  Subsequently, when the specified operation rule includes at least one of the variables “opening time” and “closing time”, the schedule creating unit 22b specifies the opening times specified for the variables “opening time” and “closing time”, respectively. And incorporate closing times. The operation schedule is a template in a state where specific values are substituted into the variables “opening time” and “closing time”. Therefore, from one operation rule, the same number of operation schedules as the templates included in the operation rule are created as one set.

  Subsequently, the schedule creation unit 22b has one indoor unit 52 in the stores 1a, 1b,... Serving as a delivery destination of the set of operation schedules in one or more operation schedules created from one operation rule. Assign one. The process related to the allocation is executed based on the zone that classifies the indoor units 52. More specifically, since one driving schedule is obtained by substituting a specific value for a variable of one template, it is always associated with one zone. Therefore, the schedule creation unit 22b identifies the zone in which each indoor unit 52 is classified by referring to the indoor unit database 25c, and adds the indoor unit ID of each indoor unit 52 to one operation schedule belonging to the same zone. To do. The records in the indoor unit database 25c have a one-to-one correspondence with the indoor unit 52, and each record defines the correspondence between the indoor unit 52, the stores 1a, 1b,. (See FIG. 11).

  Thereafter, the set of operation schedules with the indoor unit ID added is downloaded to the controllers 10a, 10b,..., Which are the distribution request sources, and stored in the storage unit 15. As a result, the controllers 10a, 10b,... Can identify the operation schedule for each indoor unit 52 from the set of operation schedules, and control each indoor unit 52 according to an appropriate one operation schedule. .

<Features>
(1)
In the first embodiment, one or more operation rules can be registered in the operation rule database 25d, and the operation rules can be defined using the variables “opening time” and “closing time”. In the store database 25b, data indicating the opening time and closing time of each store 1a, 1b,... And the ID of the operation rule are stored. By the way, the correspondence between the stores 1a, 1b,... Managed in the store database 25b and the operation rules is specified by the staff of the headquarters 3 via the schedule management screen. It is possible to associate a plurality of stores 1a, 1b,.

  Under the circumstances, the schedule creation unit 22b of the remote management server 20 creates a set of operation schedules applied to the stores 1a, 1b,... When requested from the controllers 10a, 10b,. More specifically, the schedule creation unit 22b distributes a set of operation schedules for the stores 1a, 1b,... To which the controllers 10a, 10b,. When requested, the opening time and closing time of the stores 1a, 1b,... In the variables “opening time” and “closing time” in the operation rule associated with the stores 1a, 1b,. Is automatically executed to create a set of driving schedules for the stores 1a, 1b,. When the process is executed, the operation rule database 25d and the store database 25b are referred to.

  As described above, a plurality of stores 1a, 1b,... May be associated with one operation rule. Then, the schedule creation unit 22b incorporates different store opening times and closing times of different stores 1a, 1b,... Into the variables “opening time” and “closing time” of one operation rule, thereby different stores 1a, 1b. ,... Will be created with a different set of driving schedules. That is, a set of a plurality of operation schedules for different stores 1a, 1b,... Is created from one operation rule.

  In other words, although it is necessary to prepare a set of driving schedules for each store 1a, 1b,... The number can be less than the number of stores 1a, 1b,. Therefore, the staff of the headquarters 3 can easily manage a large number of operation schedules for a large number of stores 1a, 1b,.

(2)
In the first embodiment, the operation rule can be defined using the opening time and the closing time as variables. Therefore, when creating the operation rules, variations in the opening time and closing time between the stores 1a, 1b,... Are absorbed. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, it is possible to specify a relative time based on the opening time or the closing time such as “one hour before the opening time” or “one hour after the closing time”. Operation rules can be created flexibly.

(3)
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the indoor units 52 are grouped (zone classification) according to the installation location, and the indoor units 52 belonging to a certain zone are controlled according to an operation schedule derived from a template belonging to the zone. It has become so. Therefore, it is only necessary to create an operation schedule for each zone, and it is not necessary to create an operation schedule for each indoor unit 52.

-Second Embodiment-
Hereinafter, the store management system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 11 to 19. Among the elements included in the store management system 200 according to the second embodiment, the same elements as those in the store management system 100 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Comparing the store management systems 100 and 200 according to the first and second embodiments, the difference is that the remote management server 20 is replaced with a remote management server 220.

<Store management system>
(1) Overall Configuration The store management system 200 shown in FIG. 12 includes air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Installed in a large number of stores 1a, 1b,. , 1b,... Is a system for supporting management from the headquarter 3 of the organization that supervises.

  The store management system 200 is mainly connectable to the controllers 10a, 10b,... Installed in the stores 1a, 1b,... And the controllers 10a, 10b,. The remote management server 220 and the management terminal 30 connectable to the remote management server 220 via the Internet 6 are configured. The remote management server 220 remotely manages the air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,... (A service that distributes the operation schedule of the air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,... To the stores 1a, 1b,. In the remote management center 2 operated by the organization that provides the

  The store management system 200 provides a screen (including the screens of FIGS. 6 and 15 to 18) for creating operational rules for the air conditioning facilities 50 a, 50 b,. One operation rule is one operation schedule template.

(2) Remote Management Server As shown in FIG. 13, the remote management server 220 is a server computer mainly composed of a communication unit 21, a control unit 222, an output unit 23, an input unit 24, and a storage unit 225. The controller 10a , 10b,... Have a function of monitoring and controlling the air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,. The remote management server 220 has a Web server function, and various management screens of the stores 1a, 1b,... (Including the screens of FIGS. 6 and 15 to 18) on the management terminal 30 having the Web client function. Can be provided.

  The control unit 222 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 225, whereby an operation rule creation unit 222a, a schedule creation unit 222b, and an operation rule check unit 222c. Works as. The operations of the operation rule creation unit 222a, the schedule creation unit 222b, and the operation rule check unit 222c will be described later.

  The storage unit 225 mainly includes a hard disk, and stores a device information database 25a, a store database 225b, an indoor unit database 25c, an operation rule database 25d, a zone definition information database 25e, and an energy saving rate database 25f.

(3) Flow of creation of operational rules Hereinafter, the flow of processing when creating operational rules for the air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,... Shown in FIG. The explanation will focus on the explanation of the screen.

  First, the staff at the headquarters 3 accesses the remote management server 220 and downloads an initial screen, which is a management screen for the stores 1a, 1b,. The initial screen includes a link for transitioning to the screens of FIGS.

  The zone registration screen of FIG. 6 is the same screen as that of the first embodiment, and is a screen for accepting zone registration to the staff of the headquarters 3 and is created by the operation rule creation unit 222a. Information for defining a zone input via the zone registration screen is stored in the zone definition information database 25e by the operation rule creation unit 222a.

  As will be described later, one operation rule is always associated with one zone, and an operation schedule derived from the operation rule belonging to the same zone is applied to each indoor unit 52. Therefore, in order to prevent the contradiction that two or more operation schedules are applied to one indoor unit 52, the headquarters 3 staff members are assigned zones so that one indoor unit 52 is not classified into two or more zones. Must be defined. The work of defining the zone associated with the operation rule is an indispensable work before the operation rule is created.

  The operation rule list screen of FIG. 15 is a screen for displaying a list of operation rules registered in the operation rule database 25d for the staff at the headquarters. The operation rule detail screen of FIG. 16 is a screen for displaying the name and content of one operation rule for the staff at the headquarters. The operation rule list screen and the operation rule details screen are created by the operation rule creation unit 222a.

  When a “new registration” button on the operation rule list screen is pressed by a staff member at headquarters 3 who wants to newly register an operation rule, or a staff member at headquarters 3 who wants to edit a registered operation rule, When the “edit” button on the left side of the column displaying the name of the operation rule on the screen is pressed, the operation rule detail screen of FIG. 16 is displayed.

  The “operation rule name” column on the operation rule details screen is for accepting the editing while displaying the name of the operation rule corresponding to the screen to the staff of the headquarters 3.

  The “zone name” column on the operation rule detail screen is for receiving the editing while displaying the name of the zone associated with the operation rule corresponding to the screen to the staff of the headquarters 3. The “zone name” column has a pull-down selection box format, and the names of all zones defined in the zone definition information database 25e are displayed as a selection menu.

  The “Basic rule setting” field and “Individual rule setting” field on the operation rule details screen are for displaying the contents of the operation rule corresponding to the screen and accepting the edits to the staff at headquarters 3 Is. In particular, the “basic rule setting” column is for accepting editing while displaying the contents of unit templates included in the operation rule corresponding to the screen and classified as basic rules. The “individual rule setting” field is for accepting the editing while displaying the contents of the unit templates included in the operation rule corresponding to the screen and classified into the individual rules. The meanings of basic rules, individual rules, and unit templates will be described later.

  In the “operation rule name” field, “zone name” field, “basic rule setting” field and “individual rule setting” field, the names of the operation rules as defined in the operation rule database 25d as default values The name of the zone and the contents of the operation rule are displayed. Then, the editing contents for the above four fields by the staff of headquarters 3 are reflected on the operation rule database 25d by the operation rule creation unit 222a after the “registration” button on the operation rule details screen is pressed.

  By the way, one operation rule is defined as one file in the XML format as shown in FIG. 14 in the operation rule database 25d. That is, one operation rule is identified by one name, is associated with one zone, and includes one or more unit templates. One unit template consists of a combination of one time zone and one driving pattern. There are only two types of unit templates, those classified as basic rules and those classified as individual rules, and each unit template is stored in a file according to the classification. A unit template classified as a basic rule is one in which the time zone included in the unit template is mainly defined by a variable. A unit template classified as an individual rule is the entire time zone included in the unit template. Is defined as a constant. In other words, the unit template classified into the basic rule is one in which variables are used for both the start time and the end time of the time zone included in the unit template. Both the start time and end time of the time zone included in the unit template are defined only by constants.

  An “Add basic rule” button is provided in the “Basic rule setting” field. When the button is pressed by a staff member at headquarter 3, a unit template classified as a basic rule is added. Similarly, an “add individual rule” button is prepared in the “individual rule setting” field. When the button is pressed by a staff member at headquarter 3, a unit template classified as an individual rule is added.

  In addition, a “time zone duplication check” button is prepared in the “basic rule setting” field. When the staff member of the headquarters 3 presses the button, it is determined whether or not there is no overlap in time zones for all unit templates included in the operation rule and classified as basic rules. More specifically, the time zones of all the unit templates classified in the basic rule included in the operation rule are listed, sorted, and the presence / absence of duplication is determined. When duplication is detected, a message to that effect is displayed in a pop-up to prompt the staff at headquarters 3 to review the basic rules. The duplication check is executed by the operation rule check unit 222c.

  Similarly, a “time zone duplication check” button is also provided in the “individual rule setting” field. When the staff member of the headquarters 3 presses the button, it is determined whether or not there is no overlap in time zones for all unit templates included in the operation rule and classified as individual rules. More specifically, the time zones of all unit templates included in the operation rule and classified as individual rules are listed, sorted, and the presence / absence of duplication is determined. When duplicates are detected, a message to that effect is displayed in a pop-up to encourage staff at headquarters 3 to review the individual rules. The duplication check is also executed by the operation rule check unit 222c.

  Further, an “edit” button is prepared for each unit template in the “basic rule setting” field and the “individual rule setting” field. When the button is pressed by the staff at headquarters 3, the unit template setting screen (see FIGS. 17 and 18) for accepting editing of the contents (time zone and operation pattern) of the unit template corresponding to the button to the staff at headquarters 3 Is displayed. The screen of FIG. 17 is a screen for setting a unit template belonging to the basic rule, and the screen of FIG. 18 is a screen for setting a unit template belonging to the individual rule. The unit template setting screen is created by the operation rule creation unit 222a.

  Both the “time zone” fields on the unit template setting screens of FIGS. 17 and 18 are for displaying the time zone of the unit template corresponding to the screen to the staff at headquarters 3 and accepting the editing. is there. However, both have different input formats.

  More specifically, the “time zone” field on the unit template setting screen for basic rules in FIG. 17 has two pull-down selection boxes for accepting input of the start time and end time of the time zone, respectively. Yes. The selection menu includes “opening time”, “opening time 30 minutes before”, “opening time 60 minutes before”, “opening time 90 minutes before”, “closing time”, “closing time 30 minutes”, “closing time 60 minutes”, “ Only “90 minutes after closing time” is displayed. In other words, the start time and end time of the basic rule time zone are selected by a method of selecting the variable “opening time” or “closing time” (first method), or after the variable “opening time” or “closing time”. Defined by adding the constants “30 minutes before”, “60 minutes before”, “90 minutes before”, “30 minutes after”, “60 minutes after” or “90 minutes after” (second method) The According to the first method, the start point time and the end point time can be designated by variables. Further, according to the second method, the start point time and the end point time can be specified by a relative time based on the variable. That is, the unit template classified into the basic rule can be defined mainly using a variable of “opening time” or “closing time”.

  On the other hand, the “time zone” field on the unit template setting screen for individual rules in FIG. 18 also has two input boxes for receiving input of the start time and end time of the time zone. The start point time and the end point time must be input in a predetermined format, and data input in a format contrary to the input format is stored in the operation rule database 25d when a “setting” button described later is pressed. It is destroyed without. As the input mode of the start point time and the end point time according to the input format, there is only a method (third method) of inputting a character string expressed in 24-hour notation such as “13:00”. If a character string “opening time” or “closing time” is input as in the first or second method, the input format is violated. By adopting only the first method as the input format, the start time and the end time can be fixedly specified by constants.

  The “set temperature” field, “air conditioner shutdown” field and “capacity limit” field on the unit template setting screen can be edited while displaying the operation pattern of the unit template corresponding to the screen to the headquarters 3 staff. It is for acceptance. That is, the operation pattern is an operation mode of the indoor unit 52 defined by the items shown in FIGS. In the “set temperature” field, the set temperature control can be enabled / disabled, and the set temperature during cooling and heating when enabled and the time until automatic recovery can be set. In the “air conditioner stop” column, stop control can be enabled / disabled, and the time until automatic return when it is enabled can be set. In the “capacity upper limit” column, it is possible to set capability control valid / invalid and capability limitation mode when it is valid.

  In addition, when the “Calculation of energy saving rate” button on the unit template setting screen is pressed by a staff member of the headquarter 3, the energy saving rate based on the operation pattern in the time zone set on the screen is simulated when the button is pressed. . The simulation is executed by the operation rule creation unit 222a. The details of the simulation are the same as in the first embodiment.

  Note that the four fields of the “time zone” column, “set temperature” column, “air conditioner stop” column, and “capacity upper limit” column on the unit template setting screen are defined as default values in the operation rule database 25d. The displayed time zone and driving pattern are displayed. Then, the editing contents for the above four fields by the staff of headquarters 3 are reflected in the operation rule database 25d by the operation rule creation unit 222a after the “setting” button on the unit template setting screen is pressed. In other words, when the “set” button is pressed, the operation rule creating unit 222a automatically combines the time zone set on the unit template setting screen and the operation pattern and registers them in the operation rule database 25d.

(4) Flow of processing until an operation schedule is created and distributed Hereinafter, an operation schedule for air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,... Is created and distributed to stores 1a, 1b,. The flow of processing will be described.

  The operation schedule distributed to each store 1a, 1b,... Is created by the schedule creation unit 222b of the remote management server 220 based on the operation rules registered in the operation rule database 25d. Therefore, the staff of the headquarters 3 selects an operation rule to be applied to each store 1a, 1b,... From one or more operation rules registered in the operation rule database 25d, and stores it in the store database 225b in advance. It is necessary to register with. The registration work is performed via a schedule management screen created by the schedule creation unit 222b. The schedule management screen is designed so that a plurality of stores 1a, 1b,... Can be associated with one operation rule. Further, the schedule management screen is designed so that a plurality of operation rules can be associated with one store 1a, 1b,. Further, the schedule management screen is downloaded from the remote management server 220 onto the Web browser of the management terminal 30 when accessed from the management terminal 30 at an arbitrary timing. In other words, the schedule creation unit 222b causes the staff of the headquarter 3 to specify the correspondence between the stores 1a, 1b,... And the operation rules registered in the operation rule database 25d via the schedule management screen. The data indicating the correspondence is stored as values of the “store ID” and “operation rule ID list” fields of the tabular store database 225b (see FIG. 19). The records in the store database 225b correspond to the stores 1a, 1b,. Further, the “operation rule ID list” field stores a concatenation of one or more operation rule IDs applied to one store specified by the value of the “store ID” field.

  On the schedule management screen, an “energy saving rate calculation” button is prepared. When the button is pressed by the staff of the headquarter 3, the energy saving rate is simulated when the operation rule is applied to the stores 1a, 1b,... As specified on the screen when the button is pressed. . The simulation is executed by the schedule creation unit 222b. The details of the simulation are the same as in the first embodiment.

  When the registration of operation rules to be applied to the stores 1a, 1b,... Is completed, the controllers 10a, 10b,... Access the remote management server 220 via the Internet 6, respectively, and air conditioning equipment 50a, 50b,.・ ・ It becomes possible to request the delivery of the driving schedule.

  More specifically, each controller 10a, 10b,... Executes the process related to the operation schedule distribution request once a day. Each time the schedule creation unit 222b of the remote management server 220 receives an operation schedule distribution request from the controllers 10a, 10b,..., The schedule database 222b refers to the store database 225b and belongs to the controller 10a, 10b,. The one or more operational rules applied to the stores 1a, 1b,... And the opening time and closing time of the stores 1a, 1b,. Data indicating the opening times and closing times of the stores 1a, 1b,... Are stored in the “opening time” and “closing time” fields of the store database 225b, respectively (see FIG. 10).

  Subsequently, when the specified one or more operational rules include a basic rule, that is, when at least one of the variables “opening time” and “closing time” is included, the schedule creation unit 222b sets the variable “opening time”. In addition, the specified opening time and closing time are incorporated in the “closing time”, respectively. One operation schedule is an aggregate of all unit templates included in one operation rule (with specific values assigned to all variables “opening time” and “closing time”). Therefore, for one store 1a, 1b,..., The same number of operation schedules as the operation rules applied to the store are created as one set.

  Subsequently, the schedule creation unit 222b adds one indoor unit 52 in the stores 1a, 1b,... Serving as a delivery destination of the set of operation schedules to one or more operation schedules created from one or more operation rules. Assign one by one. The process related to the allocation is executed based on the zone that classifies the indoor units 52. More specifically, since one operation schedule is obtained by substituting a specific value for a variable of one operation rule, it is always associated with one zone. Therefore, the schedule creation unit 222b refers to the indoor unit database 25c, identifies the zone in which each indoor unit 52 is classified, and adds the indoor unit ID of each indoor unit 52 to one operation schedule belonging to the same zone. To do.

  Thereafter, the set of operation schedules with the indoor unit ID added is downloaded to the controllers 10a, 10b,..., Which are the distribution request sources, and stored in the storage unit 15. As a result, the controllers 10a, 10b,... Can identify the operation schedule for each indoor unit 52 from the set of operation schedules, and control each indoor unit 52 according to an appropriate one operation schedule. .

<Features>
(1)
Features (1) to (3) of the first embodiment also apply to the second embodiment.

(2)
In the second embodiment, on the operation rule details screen, a “basic rule setting” field for accepting basic rule settings and an “individual rule setting” field for accepting individual rule settings are separated, and It is displayed at the same time. Therefore, the staff of Headquarters 3 uses a variable “opening time” and “closing time” to define a time zone and a constant such as “13:00” when creating one operation rule. It is possible to separate the work of defining the time zone and to intuitively understand the flow of the operation rules. As a result, it is difficult for an operation error to define overlapping time zones in one operation rule.

  Further, the remote management server 220 is provided with a function of automatically checking whether there is no overlap in the time zone for each of the basic rule and the individual rule. As a result, it is further less likely that an operation error that defines overlapping time zones in one operation rule will occur.

(5)
In the second embodiment, when the indoor unit 52 receives a plurality of conflicting operation commands, the indoor unit 52 is configured to preferentially execute the latest operation command. Therefore, even if an operation schedule with overlapping time zones has been created, the operation command issued later from the controllers 10a, 10b,... Has been resolved.

<Modification>
(1)
The store management systems 100 and 200 according to the first and second embodiments create and distribute an operation schedule of the air conditioning facilities 50a, 50b,..., But other facility devices (for example, lighting devices, hot water supplies) Or an operation schedule of a combination of an air conditioner and such other equipment can also be applied.

(2)
In the first and second embodiments, the opening time and closing time of the stores 1a, 1b,... Are variable in the template. However, the object to be variableized in the template may be related to a time other than the opening time and the closing time, or may be related to something other than the time, for example, an operation pattern.

(3)
In the first and second embodiments, the template defines an operation pattern for each time zone, but may define an operation pattern for each time. In such a case, when the time comes, an operation command according to the operation pattern is transmitted to the indoor unit 52. However, even if the indoor unit 52 subsequently operates with a different operation pattern via the remote controller 56. It does not automatically return to the original operation pattern.

(4)
In the first and second embodiments, data indicating the opening time and closing time may be held by the controllers 10a, 10b,... Instead of the remote management servers 20, 220. Then, each controller 10a, 10b,... Downloads an operation rule applied to itself from the remote management servers 20 and 220 in a state where no specific value is incorporated in the variable, and the downloaded operation rule. You may make it incorporate the opening time and closing time which self hold | maintains into the inside variable.

(5)
In the first and second embodiments, when the operation schedule is distributed, the indoor unit ID is added to the operation schedule according to the zone by the schedule creation units 22b and 222b. You may do it.

  That is, data defining the correspondence between the indoor unit 52 and the zone is held in the controllers 10a, 10b,... And the controllers 10a, 10b,. The operation schedule downloaded from 20, 220 may be assigned to the indoor unit 52.

(6)
In the first and second embodiments, by adding a “day of the week” field to the store database 25b, 225b, the store opening time and closing time for each store day 1a, 1b,. May be managed. Then, when the operation schedule is created by the schedule creation units 22b and 222b, the opening time and closing time corresponding to the day of the week may be incorporated into the variable in the operation rule.

(7)
In the first and second embodiments, the indoor units 52 may be grouped by classification other than the installation location. For example, you may classify | categorize according to a usage form, a piping system, and a wiring system.

(8)
In the second embodiment, on the indoor unit 52, an operation command issued later from the controllers 10a, 10b,... Is preferentially executed. However, the operation command issued previously may be preferentially executed. Alternatively, between the basic rules and the individual rules, the controllers 10a, 10b,... May be configured to give priority to the individual rules, or give priority to the basic rules, and transmit the operation command to the indoor unit 52. Good.

  Further, the remote management server 220 or the controllers 10a, 10b,... May accept the selection of the various priority settings from the user.

(9)
In the first and second embodiments, the air conditioning equipment 50a is displayed on a display unit such as a terminal (for example, present in the stores 1a, 1b,...) Connected to the controllers 10a, 10b,. , 50b,..., 50b... May be displayed in a time series in which all unit templates (in a state in which specific values are assigned to variables) are applied. In particular, in the second embodiment, it is possible to display all unit templates (in a state where specific values are substituted for variables) arranged in time series, without distinguishing between basic rules and individual rules. .

  The present invention has an effect that a plurality of operation schedules for a plurality of management points can be easily managed, and is useful as a device management system that manages a plurality of management points each having one or a plurality of facility devices. is there.

1a, 1b, ... Store (management point)
10a, 10b,... Controller (operation control unit)
20, 220 Remote management server 22, 222 Control unit 22a, 222a Operation rule creation unit (template creation unit)
22b, 222b Schedule creation unit 222c Operation rule check unit (check unit)
25,225 Storage unit 25a Device information database (result data storage unit)
25b, 225b Store database (control point data storage unit)
25d Operation rule database (template storage unit)
50a, 50b, ... Air conditioning equipment 52 Indoor unit (equipment)
100,200 Store management system (equipment management system)

JP 2008-164228 A

Claims (14)

A device management system (100, 200) for managing a plurality of management points (1a, 1b,...) Each having one or a plurality of facility devices (52),
A template storage unit (25d) for storing an operation schedule template applied to the control point and defined using a variable;
A management point data storage unit (25b, 225b) for storing management point data individually defined for the management point, which is a specific value of the variable;
A schedule creation unit (22b, 222b) for creating different operation schedules applied to different management points by automatically incorporating the different management point data into the variables of the template;
A device management system comprising: The variable is related to time,
The device management system (100, 200) according to claim 1. The template includes combination data that is a combination of time data related to time and pattern data related to an operation pattern;
The variables constitute all or part of the time data;
The device management system (100, 200) according to claim 2. The variable is at least one of a store opening time and a store closing time that is the management point (1a, 1b,...).
The device management system (100, 200) according to claim 3. The time data includes data indicating a time relatively defined with reference to at least one of the opening time and the closing time,
The device management system (100, 200) according to claim 4. A template creation unit (22a, 222a) that creates the template by combining the time data input by the user and the pattern data;
Further comprising
The device management system (100, 200) according to any one of claims 3 to 5. A record data storage unit (25a) for storing record data related to the operation record of the equipment (52);
Further comprising
The template creation unit (22a, 222a) derives information useful for understanding the energy saving effect by the operation pattern by referring to the performance data, and presents it to the user.
The device management system (100, 200) according to claim 6. The schedule creation unit (22b, 222b) allows the user to specify the correspondence between the template and the management point (1a, 1b,...), And the correspondence to the variables of the template related to the correspondence. Automatically incorporating the management point data defined for the management point in relation;
The device management system (100, 200) according to any one of claims 3 to 6. A record data storage unit (25a) for storing record data related to the operation record of the equipment (52);
Further comprising
The schedule creation unit (22b, 222b) derives information useful for understanding the energy saving effect by the operation pattern by referring to the result data, and presents it to the user who specifies the correspondence relationship. ,
The device management system (100, 200) according to claim 8. The template is associated with one of a plurality of groups that classify the equipment (52),
An operation control unit (10a, 10b,...) For controlling the operation of the equipment (52) according to the operation schedule created from the template associated with the group into which the equipment is classified;
Further comprising
The device management system (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The combination data includes two types of first combination data in which the time data is mainly defined by the variables and second combination data in which the entire time data is defined by constants.
The device management system (200) according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The first setting field for accepting the setting of the first combination data and the second setting field for accepting the setting of the second combination data are provided to the user separately, and are set by the user via the screen. A template creation unit (222a) for creating the template including the first combination data and the second combination data;
Further comprising
The device management system (200) of claim 11. A check unit (222c) for checking whether or not there is an overlap in the plurality of time data included in the template;
Further comprising
Device management system (200) according to claim 11 or 12. The check unit (222c) checks whether there is an overlap in the plurality of time data included in the plurality of first combination data included in the template, and also includes a plurality of the second data included in the template. Check whether there are duplicates in the plurality of time data included in the combination data,
The device management system (200) of claim 13.