JP7843463B2 - Gateway systems, network systems, communication systems, communication methods, and programs - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure generally relates to gateway systems, network systems, communication systems, communication methods, and programs. More specifically, this disclosure relates to gateway systems that communicate with facility management systems and external systems, network systems comprising gateway systems, communication systems that communicate with gateway systems, communication methods that communicate with facility management systems and external systems, communication methods that communicate with gateway systems capable of communicating with facility management systems, and programs for causing a computer to execute these communication methods.

Conventionally, equipment management systems for managing equipment installed in facilities are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The system described in Patent Document 1 allows the control unit to be controlled from the management system to perform a special operation on air conditioning equipment or lighting fixtures installed in a facility when a special operation is desired.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-48090

By the way, facility monitoring using equipment monitoring systems requires specialized knowledge of equipment and buildings. However, due to the declining workforce and lack of successors, securing personnel with the above knowledge is becoming difficult.

Furthermore, while facility management tasks have traditionally been performed by staff permanently stationed in a control room or similar location within the facility being managed, there is a growing demand for remote operation or telecommuting support.

Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly important to reduce manpower by having a small number of administrators monitor multiple locations, and to create systems and structures that can be handled even by inexperienced administrators.

Regarding the initiatives described above, since the requirements and conditions differ for each system, a uniform system is not sufficient. Instead, it is required that the system be flexible enough for customers to customize and integrate with external systems, and that it can be flexibly updated in response to environmental changes.

However, conventional equipment management systems have not been able to handle external access.

This disclosure is made in view of the above points and aims to provide a gateway system, network system, communication system, communication method, and program that are accessible from the outside to an equipment management system.

A gateway system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a gateway system comprising a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a control unit. The first communication unit communicates with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device. The second communication unit communicates with an external system different from the equipment management system. The control unit can add a second function, different from a first function that the equipment management system alone has, as part of the cooperation function between the external system and the equipment management system. The second communication unit communicates with the external system regarding the cooperation function. The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system, and includes an access management function that manages access from the external system to the equipment management system.
A gateway system according to one aspect of the present invention is a gateway system comprising a first communication unit and a second communication unit. The first communication unit communicates with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device. The second communication unit communicates with an external system different from the equipment management system. The second communication unit communicates with the external system regarding a cooperation function between the external system and the equipment management system, which includes a second function different from a first function that the equipment management system has on its own . The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system. The second communication unit is capable of communicating with a first system for remote use , which is the external system, and a second system, which is the external system and different from the first system.

A network system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the gateway system and the equipment management system.

A communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit. The communication unit is capable of communicating with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device, and communicates with a gateway system to which a second function, different from a first function that the equipment management system alone has, can be added as part of a linkage function with the equipment management system. The communication unit communicates with the gateway system regarding the linkage function. The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system, and includes an access management function that manages access to the equipment management system from an external system different from the equipment management system.
A communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit. The communication unit is capable of communicating with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device, and communicates with a gateway system capable of communicating with a first remote system which is an external system different from the equipment management system, and a second system which is an external system different from the first system. The communication unit communicates with the gateway system regarding a cooperation function with the equipment management system, which includes a second function different from a first function that the equipment management system has on its own . The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system.

A communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication method for a gateway system, comprising a first communication step and a second communication step. In the first communication step, communication is performed with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device. In the second communication step, communication is performed with an external system different from the equipment management system. In the second communication step, communication is performed with the external system regarding the cooperation function between the external system and the equipment management system. A second function different from the first function that the equipment management system has on its own can be added as part of the cooperation function. The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system, and includes an access management function that manages access from the external system to the equipment management system.
A communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication method for a gateway system, comprising a first communication step and a second communication step. In the first communication step, communication is performed with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device. In the second communication step, communication is performed with an external system different from the equipment management system. In the second communication step, communication is performed with the external system regarding a cooperation function between the external system and the equipment management system, which includes a second function different from a first function that the equipment management system has on its own. In the second communication step, communication is possible with a remote first system which is the external system and a second system which is the external system and different from the first system. The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system.

A communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a communication step. In the communication step, the communication step involves communicating with a gateway system which is capable of communicating with a facility management system including a central monitoring device and which can add a second function, different from a first function that the facility management system alone has, as part of a linkage function with the facility management system. In the communication step, communication relating to the linkage function is performed with the gateway system. The second function is a function that can be executed when the facility management system is connected to the gateway system and includes an access management function that manages access to the facility management system from an external system different from the facility management system.
A communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a communication step. In the communication step, the system communicates with a gateway system which is an external system distinct from the equipment management system and is capable of communicating with the equipment management system including a central monitoring device, and with a second system which is also an external system distinct from the first system. In the communication step, the system communicates with the gateway system regarding a cooperation function with the equipment management system, which includes a second function distinct from a first function that the equipment management system has on its own . The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system.

A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the aforementioned communication method.

According to the gateway system, network system, communication system, communication method, and program relating to the above-described aspects of this disclosure, the equipment management system is accessible from the outside.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gateway system, equipment management system, remote access system, and maintenance system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of remote control in the gateway system described above. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of system expansion in the gateway system described above. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the equipment management system during maintenance and support in the gateway system described above.

The gateway system, equipment management system, remote access system, and maintenance system according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 4, referenced in the following embodiments, are schematic diagrams, and the size and thickness ratios of each component shown in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

(Embodiment)
(1) Gateway System The configuration of the gateway system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in Figure 1, the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a first communication unit 11, a second communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14.

Gateway system 1 is a system for connecting different systems. More specifically, gateway system 1 connects the equipment management system 2 and the maintenance system 4, and is a system for connecting the equipment management system 2 and the maintenance system 4.

The gateway system 1 primarily consists of a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memory units. In the gateway system 1, the functions of each part of the gateway system 1 are realized by one or more processors executing programs stored in memory. These programs may be pre-stored in memory, provided via telecommunication lines such as the Internet, or provided on non-temporary recording media such as memory cards.

Gateway system 1 may be, for example, a gateway device, a server, or local equipment.

(2) Components of the Gateway System Hereinafter, each component of the gateway system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(2.1) First Communication Unit The first communication unit 11 is configured to communicate with the equipment management system 2, as shown in Figure 1. More specifically, the first communication unit 11 has the function of communicating with the equipment management system 2 via a network based on a predetermined communication method.

(2.2) Second Communication Unit The second communication unit 12 is configured to communicate with the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4, as shown in Figure 1. The remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 are external systems separate from the equipment management system 2.

The second communication unit 12 communicates with the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 regarding the coordination functions between the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2. More specifically, the second communication unit 12 communicates with the remote access system 3 regarding the coordination functions between the remote access system 3 and the equipment management system 2. Furthermore, the second communication unit 12 communicates with the maintenance system 4 regarding the coordination functions between the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2.

The "Coordination function between remote access system 3 and equipment management system 2" refers to the function related to the coordination between remote access system 3 and equipment management system 2.

The linkage function between the remote access system 3 and the equipment management system 2 includes functions installed in the equipment management system 2 (first function) and functions not installed in the equipment management system 2 (second function).

The "integration function between maintenance system 4 and equipment management system 2" refers to the function related to the integration between maintenance system 4 and equipment management system 2.

The integration function between the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2 includes functions installed in the equipment management system 2 (first function) and functions not installed in the equipment management system 2 (second function).

Here, the second communication unit 12 communicates regarding the cooperation function between the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2, based on a communication method that conforms to a predetermined format defined between the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4. More specifically, the second communication unit 12 communicates regarding the cooperation function between the remote system 3 and the equipment management system 2, based on a communication method that conforms to a predetermined format commonly defined with the remote system 3. Furthermore, the second communication unit 12 communicates regarding the cooperation function between the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2, based on a communication method that conforms to a predetermined format commonly defined with the maintenance system 4.

"A communication method that adheres to a commonly defined format with external systems" refers to communication methods using APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and communication methods using web screens.

The API is a function that allows at least some of the functions of the equipment management system 2 to be shared with an external system. More specifically, the API is a function that allows at least some of the functions of the equipment management system 2 to be shared with the remote system 3.

The web screen is a screen displayed on the display unit of an external system. More specifically, the web screen is a remote screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the remote system 3. The web screen is a maintenance screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the maintenance system 4.

The web screens displayed on the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 may be the same as, for example, the web screen displayed on the operating device 25 of the equipment management system 2, or they may be different screens.

If there are functions in the equipment management system 2 that you wish to restrict from being executed by the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4, the web screens displayed on the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4 will differ from the web screens displayed on the operating device 25. In this case, the web screens will not contain information related to the functions that you wish to restrict from being executed by the remote system 3.

On the other hand, if you want to execute functions that are not available in the equipment management system 2 from the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4, the web screens displayed on the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4 will contain information about the functions you want to execute from the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4.

For example, if there is information displayed on the operating device 25 of the equipment management system 2 that you do not want to be displayed on the remote system 3, it is possible to prevent that information from being displayed on the web screen shown on the remote system 3.

On the other hand, if there is information that is not displayed on the operating device 25 of the equipment management system 2 but should be displayed on the remote system 3, it is possible to configure the web screen displayed on the remote system 3 to show the above information.

As another example, if there are controls within the equipment management system 2 that cannot be controlled from the remote system 3, it is possible to prevent information related to these controls from being displayed on the web screen of the remote system 3. Since the information related to these controls is not displayed on the web screen of the remote system 3, the remote system 3 cannot execute these controls on the equipment management system 2.

On the other hand, if it is permitted to perform controls that are not executed within the equipment management system 2 from the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4, it is possible to display information related to the above controls on the web screens shown on the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4. This allows the above controls to be executed on the equipment management system 2 from the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4.

Incidentally, the predetermined format includes at least one of the following: the acquisition of information from the equipment management system 2 and a request for control to the equipment management system 2. More specifically, the predetermined format may include only the acquisition of information from the equipment management system 2, or only the request for control to the equipment management system 2, or it may include both the acquisition of information from the equipment management system 2 and the request for control to the equipment management system 2.

If the prescribed format includes the acquisition of information from the equipment management system 2, the acquisition of information from the equipment management system 2 includes at least one of the response to a control request to the equipment management system 2 and the control result related to the control of the equipment management system 2. More specifically, the acquisition of information from the equipment management system 2 may include only the response to a control request to the equipment management system 2, or only the control result related to the control of the equipment management system 2. Alternatively, the acquisition of information from the equipment management system 2 may include both the response to a control request to the equipment management system 2 and the control result related to the control of the equipment management system 2.

Incidentally, as shown in Figure 1, the second communication unit 12 includes a first communication interface unit 121 and a second communication interface unit 122. The first communication interface unit 121 has a first interface for communicating with the remote access system 3 (first system). The second communication interface unit 122 has a second interface for communicating with the maintenance system 4 (second system).

Based on the above, communication interfaces can be separated for each external system (remote control system 3, maintenance system 4).

Incidentally, the second communication unit 12 has the function of enabling or disabling communication via the second communication interface based on instructions from the equipment management system 2 and the remote control system 3. For example, if communication with the maintenance system 4 is only desired when necessary, such as for maintenance work on the equipment management system 2, the second communication unit 12 normally disables communication via the second communication interface, and enables communication via the second communication interface only in the above case.

(2.3) Memory Unit The memory unit 13 stores various types of information. For example, the memory unit 13 stores information acquired from the equipment management system 2, information acquired from the remote access system 3, and information acquired from the maintenance system 4.

Furthermore, the memory unit 13 stores programs for the gateway system 1 to perform various functions. In other words, the memory unit 13 stores programs that cause the computer to execute the communication methods described later in the gateway system 1.

(2.4) Control Unit The control unit 14 is configured to control each part of the gateway system 1. More specifically, the control unit 14 is configured to control the first communication unit 11, the second communication unit 12, and the storage unit 13.

Furthermore, the control unit 14 can add a second function, distinct from the first function of the equipment management system 2, as part of the coordination function between the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2. The first function is a function that the equipment management system 2 possesses even before the gateway system 1 is connected to it. In other words, the first function is a function that the equipment management system 2 can execute independently. On the other hand, the second function is a function that can be executed after the gateway system 1 is connected to the equipment management system 2. The second function is a function that cannot be executed independently by the equipment management system 2.

The second function includes, for example, functions not supported by the first function. The gateway system 1 can add functions not supported by the equipment management system 2 as part of its integration function. This makes it easy to add functions not supported by the equipment management system 2 to the gateway system 1.

Furthermore, the second function includes, for example, a monitoring function for the equipment management system 2. The gateway system 1 can have the monitoring function for the equipment management system 2 added as part of its integration function. This allows the gateway system 1 to add a monitoring function for the equipment management system 2. Additionally, the gateway system 1, the remote system 3, and the maintenance system 4 can all perform monitoring of the equipment management system 2.

Furthermore, the second function includes, for example, a notification function for the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4. The gateway system 1 can have this notification function added as part of its integration function. This allows for easy addition of the notification function for the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 to the gateway system 1. It also enables the notification of information from the equipment management system 2 to the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4.

Furthermore, the second function includes, for example, an access management function that manages access from the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 to the equipment management system 2. The gateway system 1 can have the access management function added as part of its integration function. This allows for easy addition of the access management function to the gateway system 1.

Furthermore, the second function includes, for example, at least one of the functions for creating and editing display information based on information received from the equipment management system 2. The gateway system 1 can add at least one of the display information creation and editing functions as part of its linkage function. This allows for easy addition of a display information creation or editing function to the gateway system 1.

(3) Equipment Management System The configuration of the equipment management system 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

Equipment management system 2 is, for example, a system installed in a facility that manages its equipment. The equipment includes, for example, lighting fixtures and air conditioning systems installed in the facility.

The facility management system 2 comprises a central monitoring device 21, an operating device 25, and a facility system. The facility system comprises equipment installed in the facility, a facility control controller related to the control of the equipment, and a power measurement controller related to the power measurement of the equipment. The facility system includes a lighting control controller 22 and an air conditioning control controller 23 as facility control controllers. Furthermore, the facility system includes an energy control controller 24 as a power measurement controller.

Each of the central monitoring device 21, lighting control controller 22, air conditioning control controller 23, energy control controller 24, and operating device 25 primarily consists of a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In each of the central monitoring device 21, lighting control controller 22, air conditioning control controller 23, energy control controller 24, and operating device 25, the functions of each are realized by one or more processors executing programs stored in memory. The programs may be pre-stored in memory, provided via telecommunication lines such as the Internet, or provided on non-temporary recording media such as memory cards.

The lighting control controller 22 is a controller for controlling the lighting equipment installed in the facility.

The air conditioning control controller 23 is a controller for controlling the air conditioning system installed in the facility.

The energy control controller 24 is a controller for measuring the energy consumed by the lighting and air conditioning systems installed in the facility.

The central monitoring device 21 is a device that monitors the equipment installed in the facility and the controllers used to control that equipment.

The operating device 25 displays the status of the equipment installed in the facility and the controllers that control the equipment, and issues instructions to the equipment and controllers.

In this specification, "managing equipment" means, for example, monitoring equipment or controlling equipment. In this specification, "monitoring equipment" means, for example, checking the status of equipment or checking for equipment abnormalities. In this specification, "controlling equipment" means, for example, operating equipment, stopping equipment, or changing the operation of equipment.

The network system is comprised of the gateway system 1 and the equipment management system 2. In other words, the network system includes the gateway system 1 and the equipment management system 2.

(4) Remote System The configuration of the remote system 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

The remote control system 3 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a system for remotely managing the equipment management system 2. The remote control system 3 is, for example, a system for managing the equipment management system 2 from a location far from the equipment management system 2. The remote control system 3 is, for example, located within the equipment manager's intranet A1.

The remote control system 3 comprises a communication unit 31, a display unit 32, an input unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35. The remote control system 3 is an external system separate from the equipment management system 2. The remote control system 3 is configured to communicate with the gateway system 1.

The remote access system 3 primarily consists of a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memory units. In the remote access system 3, the functions of each part of the system 3 are realized by one or more processors executing programs stored in memory. These programs may be pre-stored in memory, provided via telecommunication lines such as the Internet, or provided on non-temporary recording media such as memory cards.

The communication unit 31 is configured to communicate with the gateway system 1. As described above, the gateway system 1 can communicate with the equipment management system 2.

The communication unit 31 communicates with the gateway system 1 regarding the coordination function between the remote system 3 and the equipment management system 2.

Here, the communication unit 31 communicates regarding the cooperation function between the remote system 3 and the equipment management system 2 based on a communication method that conforms to a predetermined format commonly defined between the remote system 3 and the equipment management system 2.

The display unit 32 has a monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor and displays various information according to the control unit 35.

The input unit 33 accepts input from external sources. More specifically, the input unit 33 accepts input for operations related to the information displayed on the display unit 32.

The memory unit 34 stores various types of information. For example, the memory unit 34 stores information acquired from the gateway system 1, information acquired from the equipment management system 2 via the gateway system 1, and information acquired from the maintenance system 4 via the gateway system 1.

Furthermore, the memory unit 34 stores programs for the remote system 3 to perform various functions. In other words, the memory unit 34 stores programs that cause the computer to execute the communication methods described later in the remote system 3.

The control unit 35 is configured to control each part of the remote control system 3. More specifically, the control unit 35 is configured to control the communication unit 31, the display unit 32, the input unit 33, and the storage unit 34.

(5) Maintenance System The configuration of the maintenance system 4 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

The maintenance system 4 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a system for providing maintenance support for the equipment management system 2. The maintenance system 4 is located, for example, within the maintenance vendor network A2 of a maintenance vendor. For example, if a problem occurs with the equipment management system 2, the maintenance system 4 remotely accesses the equipment management system 2.

The maintenance system 4 comprises a communication unit 41, a display unit 42, an input unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a control unit 45. The maintenance system 4 is an external system separate from the equipment management system 2. The maintenance system 4 is configured to communicate with the gateway system 1.

The maintenance system 4 primarily consists of a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memory units. In the maintenance system 4, the functions of each part of the maintenance system 4 are realized by one or more processors executing programs stored in memory. These programs may be pre-stored in memory, provided via telecommunication lines such as the Internet, or provided on non-temporary recording media such as memory cards.

The communication unit 41 is configured to communicate with the gateway system 1. As described above, the gateway system 1 can communicate with the equipment management system 2.

The communication unit 41 communicates with the gateway system 1 regarding the coordination function between the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2.

Here, the communication unit 41 communicates regarding the cooperation function between the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2 based on a communication method that conforms to a predetermined format commonly defined between the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2. The predetermined format between the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2 may be the same as, or different from, the predetermined format between the remote system 3 and the equipment management system 2.

The display unit 42 has a monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor and displays various information according to the control unit 45.

The input unit 43 receives input from external operations. More specifically, the input unit 43 receives input for operations related to the information displayed on the display unit 42.

The memory unit 44 stores various types of information. For example, the memory unit 44 stores information acquired from the gateway system 1, information acquired from the equipment management system 2 via the gateway system 1, and information acquired from the remote access system 3 via the gateway system 1.

Furthermore, the memory unit 44 stores programs for enabling the operation of each part of the maintenance system 4. In other words, the memory unit 44 stores programs for instructing the computer to execute the communication methods described later in the maintenance system 4.

The control unit 45 is configured to control each part of the maintenance system 4. More specifically, the control unit 45 is configured to control the communication unit 41, the display unit 42, the input unit 43, and the storage unit 44.

(6) Operation of the Gateway System, Remote System and Maintenance System Next, the operation (communication method) of the gateway system 1, remote system 3 and maintenance system 4 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(6.1) Basic Operation First, the communication method in gateway system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

The communication method in the gateway system 1 comprises a first communication step and a second communication step. The first communication step is a step of communicating with the equipment management system 2. The second communication step is a step of communicating with a remote system 3 and/or maintenance system 4, which are different from the equipment management system 2. In the second communication step, communication is performed between the remote system 3 and/or maintenance system 4 regarding the coordination function between the remote system 3 and/or maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2.

Next, the communication method in the remote system 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

The communication method in the remote system 3 includes a communication step. This communication step involves communicating with the gateway system 1. As described above, the gateway system can communicate with the equipment management system 2. During the communication step, communication regarding the coordination function with the equipment management system 2 is performed between the gateway system 1 and the gateway system 1.

(6.2) System Scalability The scalability of the equipment management system 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

There is a request from the customer to expand the equipment management system 2 and to integrate it with external systems.

Therefore, the gateway system 1 exposes the functions of the equipment management system 2 as an API, allowing services and applications to be configured externally via the API.

The gateway system 1 provides the functions of the equipment within the equipment management system 2 to the remote access system 3 as APIs. If multiple remote access systems 3 are connected, the gateway system 1 can manage access rights for each remote access system 3.

Based on the above, the expandability of equipment management system 2 can be increased.

(6.3) Expansion of the Equipment Management System The operation related to the expansion of the Equipment Management System 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

As mentioned above, there is a request to expand the equipment management system 2, but there is also a request that changes to equipment management system 2 cannot be made or are undesirable because it is currently in operation.

Therefore, without changing the equipment management system 2, the gateway system 1 performs protocol conversion and additional access control.

Gateway System 1 performs conversions to improve compatibility with the latest browsers and devices in the case of a Web UI. Gateway System 1 also converts conventional functions into APIs and provides them externally. Furthermore, Gateway System 1 enhances security through additional authentication when accessed from the outside. Gateway System 1 also restricts the content and functions accessible to each user. Finally, Gateway System 1 polls for changes in conventional equipment and notifies of change events.

Gateway system 1 converts the web screen provided within the equipment management system 2 so that it is compatible with the remote system 3. Gateway system 1 transmits the converted web screen to the remote system 3. Upon receiving the web screen from gateway system 1, the remote system 3 displays the web screen.

This allows you to provide the remote system 3 with a web page that has been modified to remove any items you do not want the remote system 3 to access. Conversely, if you want to add a function to the remote system 3, you can provide the remote system 3 with a web page that includes the corresponding function's items.

Furthermore, the gateway system 1 periodically monitors changes within the equipment management system 2. More specifically, the gateway system 1 queries the central monitoring device 21 of the equipment management system 2 to determine whether or not there are any changes within the equipment management system 2. If there are changes, the gateway system 1 notifies the remote system 3 that there have been changes within the equipment management system 2.

When the remote access system 3 receives information from the gateway system 1 indicating a change in the equipment management system 2, it displays the notification content from the gateway system 1.

This allows for periodic monitoring of changes within the equipment management system 2, and when a change is detected within the equipment management system 2, information about the change can be asynchronously notified to the remote system 3.

Based on the above, it is possible to improve the compatibility of the remote access system 3 and enhance security without changing the equipment management system 2.

(6.4) Maintenance and Support The operation related to maintenance and support will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

There is a request to allow maintenance vendors to access the equipment management system 2 for troubleshooting and support. However, there is also a request to ensure security even if maintenance vendors can access it.

Therefore, the scope and timing of access for the facility management company will be separated from those of the maintenance vendor. Furthermore, the scope and timing of access for the maintenance vendor will be controlled by the facility management company.

Gateway system 1 restricts functionality on an account-by-account basis. More specifically, gateway system 1 differentiates between functions permitted to remote access system 3 and functions permitted to maintenance system 4.

Furthermore, gateway system 1 separates the communication paths (network interfaces) for remote control from the facility management company (i.e., remote control from remote control system 3) and remote control from the maintenance vendor (i.e., remote control from maintenance system 4).

As described above, the gateway system 1 has a first communication interface unit 121 that communicates with the remote system 3 located on the intranet A1, and a second communication interface unit 122 that communicates with the maintenance system 4 located on the maintenance vendor network A2. The gateway system 1 independently comprises the first communication interface unit 121 and the second communication interface unit 122.

The equipment management system 2 and the remote control system 3 have the function of transmitting a control signal to the gateway system 1 to enable or disable communication to the maintenance system 4. When the gateway system 1 receives a control signal from the equipment management system 2 or the remote control system 3 to enable communication to the maintenance system 4, it enables communication to the maintenance system 4. Conversely, when the gateway system 1 receives a control signal from the equipment management system 2 or the remote control system 3 to disable communication to the maintenance system 4, it disables communication to the maintenance system 4.

In this process, the equipment management system 2 and the remote control system 3 can restrict the functions available to the maintenance system 4 and the content of notifications sent to the maintenance system 4. The gateway system 1 restricts the exchange of information with the maintenance system 4 in accordance with the restrictions imposed by the equipment management system 2 and the remote control system 3.

Furthermore, some functions may be accessible only to the maintenance system 4. For example, for functions such as installation settings, which could be dangerous if operated by someone without specialized knowledge, it is preferable that only the maintenance system 4 be able to access them.

Based on the above, it is possible to maintain the security of equipment management system 2 while allowing maintenance vendors to access it. This enables the provision of inexpensive and timely support for equipment management operations.

(7) Effects The gateway system 1 according to the embodiment communicates with the equipment management system 2, the remote access system 3, and the maintenance system 4 (external system), and communicates with the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 regarding the cooperation function between the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2. This makes it possible to easily link the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 with the equipment management system 2. As a result, the equipment management system 2 becomes accessible from the outside.

The gateway system 1 according to this embodiment communicates regarding cooperation functions with the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4 (external system) based on a communication method that conforms to a predetermined format. This makes it easy to configure the functions to be allowed from the remote system 3 and the maintenance system 4 as needed.

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, a predetermined format includes at least one of the following: the acquisition of information from the equipment management system 2 and the request for control to the equipment management system 2. This makes it easy to configure the functions related to acquiring information from the equipment management system 2 and requesting control to the equipment management system 2.

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, the acquisition of information from the equipment management system 2 includes at least one of the response to a control request to the equipment management system 2 and the control result related to the control. This enables confirmation of receipt of the control or notification of the control result to the equipment management system 2.

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, a second function, different from the first function of the equipment management system 2, can be added as part of the linkage function. This makes it easy to add functions that are not present in the equipment management system 2.

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, the second function includes functions that are not supported by the first function. That is, the gateway system 1 can add functions that are not supported by the equipment management system 2 as part of its integration function. This makes it easy to add functions that are not supported by the equipment management system 2 to the gateway system 1.

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, the second function includes a monitoring function for the equipment management system 2. That is, the gateway system 1 can have a monitoring function for the equipment management system 2 added as part of its integration function. This allows for easy addition of a monitoring function for the equipment management system 2 to the gateway system 1. Furthermore, monitoring of the equipment management system 2 becomes possible in the gateway system 1, the remote system 3, and the maintenance system 4 (external system).

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, the second function includes a notification function for the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 (external systems). That is, the gateway system 1 can have the notification function for the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 added as part of its linkage function. This allows for easy addition of the notification function for the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 to the gateway system 1. Furthermore, it becomes possible to notify the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 of information from the equipment management system 2.

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, the second function includes an access management function that manages access from the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4 (external system) to the equipment management system 2. That is, the gateway system 1 can have the access management function added as part of its integration function. This allows for easy addition of the access management function to the gateway system 1.

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, the second function includes at least one of a function for creating and editing display information based on information received from the equipment management system 2. That is, the gateway system 1 can have at least one of the display information creation and editing functions added as part of its linkage function. This allows for easy addition of at least one of the display information creation and editing functions to the gateway system 1.

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, the second communication unit has a first communication interface for communicating with the first system and a second communication interface for communicating with the second system. This allows for separate communication interfaces for each external system, making it easy to perform communication related to cooperation functions for each external system.

In the gateway system 1 according to this embodiment, the second communication unit has the function of enabling or disabling communication via the second communication interface based on instructions from the equipment management system 2 and the first system. This allows communication with the second system to be easily configured from the equipment management system 2 and the first system.

The remote access system 3 and maintenance system 4 (communication system) according to this embodiment communicate with the gateway system 1 and communicate with the gateway system 1 regarding the coordination function between the remote access system 3 and maintenance system 4 and the equipment management system 2. This allows the remote access system 3 and maintenance system 4 to be easily coordinated with the equipment management system 2. As a result, the equipment management system 2 becomes accessible from the outside.

(8) Modifications Modifications of the embodiments will be described below.

(8.1) Experimental Example 1
As a modification of the embodiment 1, the gateway system 1 is not limited to being separate from the central monitoring device 21, but may be integrated with the central monitoring device 21.

(8.2) Variation 2
As a second modification of the embodiment, the second communication unit 12 is not limited to having a first communication interface unit 121 and a second communication interface unit 122, thus physically separating the first communication interface and the second communication interface. The second communication unit 12 may logically separate the first communication interface and the second communication interface.

(8.3) Variation 3
The external system is not limited to the remote access system 3 and the maintenance system 4, but may be any other system. The external system may be, for example, a system connected to the tenant network. Even in the case of Modification 3, it is possible to perform access management for each external system.

(8.4) Variation 4
The gateway system 1, remote access system 3, and maintenance system 4 in this disclosure include, for example, a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the gateway system 1, remote access system 3, or maintenance system 4 in this disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices capable of reconfiguring internal junctions or circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

(8.5) Variation 5
It is not essential that the multiple functions of the gateway system 1, remote access system 3, or maintenance system 4 are integrated into a single enclosure. The components of the gateway system 1, remote access system 3, or maintenance system 4 may be distributed across multiple enclosures. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the gateway system 1, remote access system 3, or maintenance system 4 may be implemented using the cloud (cloud computing), etc.

The gateway system 1 according to each of the above modified examples also achieves the same effects as the gateway system 1 according to the embodiment.

The embodiments and modifications described above are only a part of the various embodiments and modifications of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved.

(Appearance)
This specification discloses the following aspects:

The gateway system (1) according to the first embodiment comprises a first communication unit (11) and a second communication unit (12). The first communication unit (11) communicates with the equipment management system (2). The second communication unit (12) communicates with external systems (remote control system 3; maintenance system 4) that are different from the equipment management system (2). The second communication unit (12) communicates with the external systems regarding the cooperation function between the external systems and the equipment management system (2).

According to the gateway system (1) of the first embodiment, external systems (remote access system 3, maintenance system 4) can be easily linked with the equipment management system (2). As a result, the equipment management system (2) becomes accessible from the outside.

In the gateway system (1) according to the second embodiment, the second communication unit (12), as in the first embodiment, performs communication regarding the cooperation function based on a communication method that conforms to a predetermined format defined with the external systems (remote system 3; maintenance system 4).

According to the gateway system (1) of the second embodiment, it is easy to configure the functions to be allowed from external systems (remote access system 3; maintenance system 4) as needed.

In the gateway system (1) according to the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, the predetermined format includes at least one of the acquisition of information from the equipment management system (2) and a request for control to the equipment management system (2).

According to the gateway system (1) of the third embodiment, it is easy to configure functions related to acquiring information from the equipment management system (2) and requesting control from the equipment management system (2).

In the gateway system (1) according to the fourth embodiment, in the third embodiment, the predetermined format includes the acquisition of information from the equipment management system (2). The acquisition of information from the equipment management system (2) includes at least one of the response to a control request to the equipment management system (2) and the control result related to the control.

According to the gateway system (1) of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to confirm the receipt of control signals to the equipment management system or to notify the control results.

The gateway system (1) according to the fifth embodiment further comprises a control unit (14) in any one of the first to fourth embodiments. The control unit (14) can be configured to include a second function, different from the first function of the equipment management system (2), as part of its linkage function.

According to the gateway system (1) of the fifth embodiment, functions not present in the equipment management system (2) can be easily added.

In the gateway system (1) according to the sixth embodiment, the second function includes functions that are not supported by the first function, as in the fifth embodiment.

According to the gateway system (1) of the sixth embodiment, functions that are not supported by the equipment management system (2) can be easily added.

In the gateway system (1) according to the seventh embodiment, in the fifth or sixth embodiment, the second function includes a monitoring function for the equipment management system (2).

According to the gateway system (1) of the seventh embodiment, a monitoring function can be easily added to the equipment management system (2).

In the gateway system (1) according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the second function includes a notification function to external systems (remote system 3; maintenance system 4).

According to the gateway system (1) of the eighth embodiment, a notification function for external systems (remote control system 3, maintenance system 4) can be easily added.

In the gateway system (1) according to the ninth embodiment, in any one of the fifth to eighth embodiments, the second function includes an access management function that manages access from external systems (remote access system 3; maintenance system 4) to the equipment management system (2).

According to the gateway system (1) of the ninth embodiment, access management functions can be easily added.

In the gateway system (1) according to the tenth embodiment, in any one of the fifth to ninth embodiments, the second function includes at least one of a function for creating display information and a function for editing display information based on information received from the equipment management system (2).

According to the gateway system (1) of the tenth embodiment, at least one of the functions for creating and editing display information can be easily added.

In the gateway system (1) according to the eleventh embodiment, in any one of the fifth to tenth embodiments, the external systems (remote control system 3, maintenance system 4) have two distinct systems: a first system and a second system. The second communication unit (12) has a first communication interface and a second communication interface. The first communication interface communicates with the first system. The second communication interface communicates with the second system.

According to the gateway system (1) of the eleventh embodiment, since communication interfaces can be separated for each external system (remote control system 3, maintenance system 4), communication regarding cooperation functions can be easily performed for each external system.

In the gateway system (1) according to the twelfth embodiment, the second communication unit (12) has the function of enabling or disabling communication via the second communication interface based on instructions from the equipment management system (2) and the first system, as in the eleventh embodiment.

According to the gateway system (1) of the twelfth embodiment, communication with the second system can be easily configured from the equipment management system (2) and the first system.

The network system according to the thirteenth embodiment comprises a gateway system (1) according to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments and an equipment management system (2).

According to the network system of the 13th embodiment, the gateway system (1) can easily link external systems (remote access system 3, maintenance system 4) with the equipment management system (2). As a result, the equipment management system (2) becomes accessible from the outside.

The communication system according to the 14th embodiment (remote control system 3; maintenance system 4) includes a communication unit (31; 41). The communication unit (31; 41) communicates with a gateway system (1) that can communicate with the equipment management system (2). The communication unit (31; 41) communicates with the gateway system (1) regarding the coordination function with the equipment management system (2).

According to the communication system of the 14th embodiment (remote access system 3; maintenance system 4), the communication system can be easily linked with the equipment management system (2). As a result, the equipment management system (2) becomes accessible from the outside.

The communication method according to the 15th embodiment comprises a first communication step and a second communication step. In the first communication step, communication is performed with the equipment management system (2). In the second communication step, communication is performed with an external system different from the equipment management system (2) (remote control system 3; maintenance system 4). In the second communication step, communication is performed with the external system regarding the cooperation function between the external system and the equipment management system (2).

According to the communication method of the 15th embodiment, it is possible to easily link with the equipment management system (2). As a result, external access to the equipment management system (2) becomes possible.

The communication method according to the 16th embodiment includes a communication step. In the communication step, communication is performed with a gateway system (1) that can communicate with the equipment management system (2). During the communication step, communication regarding the cooperation function with the equipment management system (2) is performed between the gateway system (1) and the gateway system (1).

According to the communication method of the 16th embodiment, it is possible to easily link with the equipment management system (2). As a result, external access to the equipment management system (2) becomes possible.

The program relating to the 17th aspect is a program that causes a computer to execute the communication method of the 15th or 16th aspect.

According to the program of the 17th embodiment, it can be easily linked with the equipment management system (2). As a result, the equipment management system (2) becomes accessible from the outside.

1 Gateway System 11 First Communication Unit 12 Second Communication Unit 14 Control Unit 2 Equipment Management System 3 Remote Control System (External System, Communication System)
31 Communications Department 4 Maintenance Systems (External Systems, Communication Systems)
41 Communications Department

Claims (18)

A first communication unit that communicates with the equipment management system, including the central monitoring device,
A second communication unit that communicates with an external system different from the aforementioned equipment management system,
A gateway system comprising a control unit that can add a second function, different from the first function that the equipment management system alone has, as part of the linkage function between the external system and the equipment management system,
The second communication unit communicates with the external system regarding the cooperation function,
The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system, and includes an access management function that manages access to the equipment management system from the external system.
Gateway system. The second function includes functions that the first function does not support.
The gateway system according to claim 1. The second function includes a monitoring function for the equipment management system.
The gateway system according to claim 1 or 2. The second function includes a notification function to the external system,
The gateway system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second function includes at least one of a function for creating display information and a function for editing display information based on information received from the equipment management system.
The gateway system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A first communication unit that communicates with the equipment management system, including the central monitoring device,
A gateway system comprising a second communication unit that communicates with an external system different from the aforementioned equipment management system,
The second communication unit communicates with the external system regarding the cooperation function between the external system and the equipment management system, which includes a second function that is different from the first function that the equipment management system has on its own .
The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system.
The second communication unit is capable of communicating with the first remote system, which is an external system, and the second system, which is an external system different from the first system.
Gateway system. The second communication unit has the function of enabling or disabling communication with the second system based on instructions from the equipment management system and the first system.
The gateway system according to claim 6. The second communication unit performs communication related to the cooperation function based on a communication method that conforms to a predetermined format defined with the external system.
The gateway system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The predetermined format includes at least one of the acquisition of information from the equipment management system and a request for control to the equipment management system.
The gateway system according to claim 8. The aforementioned predetermined format includes the acquisition of information from the equipment management system,
The acquisition of information from the equipment management system includes at least one of the response to a control request to the equipment management system and the control result related to the control.
The gateway system according to claim 9. A gateway system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The facility management system comprises the aforementioned equipment management system,
Network system. It is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with a gateway system which can communicate with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device, and which can add a second function different from the first function that the equipment management system has on its own as part of the function of coordinating with the equipment management system,
The communication unit communicates with the gateway system regarding the cooperation function.
The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system, and includes an access management function that manages access to the equipment management system from an external system different from the equipment management system.
Communication system. It comprises a communication unit that communicates with a first remote system, which is an external system different from the equipment management system and is capable of communicating with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device, and a gateway system that is capable of communicating with a second system, which is an external system different from the first system.
The communication unit communicates with the gateway system regarding a cooperation function with the equipment management system, which includes a second function that is different from the first function that the equipment management system has on its own .
The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system.
Communication system. A communication method for a gateway system,
A first communication step involves communicating with an equipment management system, including a central monitoring device.
The system includes a second communication step that communicates with an external system different from the aforementioned equipment management system,
In the second communication step, communication is performed with the external system regarding the cooperation function between the external system and the equipment management system.
A second function, which is different from the first function that the aforementioned equipment management system possesses on its own , can be added as part of the aforementioned linkage function.
The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system, and includes an access management function that manages access to the equipment management system from the external system.
Communication method. A communication method for a gateway system,
A first communication step involves communicating with an equipment management system, including a central monitoring device.
The system includes a second communication step that communicates with an external system different from the aforementioned equipment management system,
In the second communication step, communication is performed with the external system regarding the cooperation function between the external system and the equipment management system, which includes a second function that is different from the first function that the equipment management system has on its own .
In the second communication step, communication is possible with the external system, which is the first remote system, and the external system, which is different from the first system,
The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system.
Communication method. The system has a communication step that communicates with a gateway system which is capable of communicating with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device, and which can add a second function different from the first function that the equipment management system has on its own as part of its cooperation function with the equipment management system,
In the aforementioned communication step, communication regarding the cooperation function is performed with the gateway system.
The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system, and includes an access management function that manages access to the equipment management system from an external system different from the equipment management system.
Communication method. The system has a communication step that communicates with a gateway system which is an external system different from the equipment management system and is capable of communicating with an equipment management system including a central monitoring device, and with a first remote system which is an external system different from the equipment management system, and a second system which is an external system different from the first system.
In the aforementioned communication step, communication is performed with the gateway system regarding the cooperation function with the equipment management system, which includes a second function that is different from the first function that the equipment management system has on its own .
The second function is a function that can be executed when the equipment management system is connected to the gateway system.
Communication method. A program for causing a computer to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 14 to 17.