JPH09236368A - Concentrated control device for showcase - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a concentrated control device for showcases in which a record holding period at a central control device can be set extremely easily to a longer period as far as possible. SOLUTION: This concentrated control device collectively controls the operation conditions of a plurality of showcases and includes a central control device 2, which device 2 is provided with a sending and receiving means 13 which sends and receives data concerning the operation conditions of showcases, a hard disk 8 which stores received data for a predetermined record holding period, and a microcomputer 7, and the microcomputer 7 judges the storage capacity of the hard disk 8 to set a record holding period according to the judged recording capacity.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a centralized control device for a showcase or the like for collectively centrally controlling the operating states of a plurality of showcases, refrigerators and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, a plurality of showcases, refrigerators, etc. are installed. Conventionally, each showcase, etc., is controlled by a controller composed of a temperature controller and a defrosting timer. The current situation is that they are individually controlled. Therefore, various setting operations such as the temperature of the showcase and the like and the defrosting time must be individually performed at the place where the showcase and the like are installed. Therefore, when the setting is changed depending on the season or weather, the operation becomes extremely complicated.

Further, in order to grasp the operating conditions such as various set values and the temperature inside the showcase, it is necessary to go to the place where the showcase is installed and check them individually.
There was a problem that it was not possible to easily grasp the data related to the operating conditions of the showcase and the like.

Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-113571
In Japanese Patent Publication (F25D11 / 00), a control device for each showcase is connected to a central control device configured by a personal computer via a communication line and various relays, and various setting operations for each showcase are performed by the central control device. And then
Further, there is shown a system that collects data related to the operating condition of the showcase to a central management device and collectively manages the data. According to such a system, the setting operation and the operation status management of a plurality of showcases can be performed collectively, so that the setting and management operations are significantly simplified.

[0005]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional central control unit (personal computer), the data regarding the operating condition sent from the showcase is stored for a predetermined record retention period (shown therein). It was stored in the hard disk for 24 hours and displayed and processed.

However, since personal computers used by users have different storage capacities (for example, hard disk capacities), if the record holding period is set to a fixed value as described above, an unused free area in the hard disk. Is formed and becomes non-economic.

On the other hand, from the viewpoint of improving the freshness control of foods, it is the current situation that this record retention period has to be extended, and in these circumstances, usability is further improved. Development of a management device was desired.

The present invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional technical problems, and is a showcase in which the record holding period in the central management unit can be set as long as possible and extremely easily. It is intended to provide a centralized management device such as.

[0009]

That is, the centralized control device of the invention of claim 1 collectively manages the operating states of a plurality of showcases, and the centralized control device is a central control device. This central management device is provided with a transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data relating to an operating state of a showcase, a storage means for storing the received data for a predetermined record holding period, and a control means. The control means determines the storage capacity of the storage means and sets the recording retention period according to the determined storage capacity.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when performing centralized management of a showcase or the like, the central management unit transmits and receives data relating to the operating state of the showcase and the like, and a predetermined record of the received data. The storage means for storing the period and the control means are provided, and the control means determines the storage capacity of the storage means and sets the record holding period according to the determined storage capacity. The record retention period for storing the data relating to the operating state such as is automatically set according to the storage capacity of the storage means.

Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the storage capacity of the storage means of the central management unit and realize data recording and holding for a long period of time. In particular, since the control means automatically sets the record retention period, the usability for the user is significantly improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centralized management device for a showcase or the like, wherein the control means stores the control program of the central management device itself and the data relating to the operating state of the showcase in the storage means, and the control program. The setting operation of the record retention period is executed at the time of installation of.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above, the control means stores the control program of the central management device itself and data relating to the operating state of the showcase, etc. in the storage means, and at the time of installing the control program, Since the setting operation of the record retention period is executed, when the control program is installed, the record retention period according to the storage means of the central management device to be installed is automatically set, and the user Usability is further improved.

A central control device according to a third aspect of the present invention collectively controls the operating states of a plurality of showcases and the like, and the central control device comprises a central control device. , A transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data relating to an operating state such as a showcase, a storage means for storing the received data for a predetermined record retention period, a setting means, and a control means. The storage capacity of the storage means is determined, and the setting of the recording retention period is permitted within the determined storage capacity while the setting of the recording retention period by the means is accepted.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in performing centralized management of the showcase and the like, the central management unit transmits and receives data relating to the operating state of the showcase and the like, and a predetermined record of the received data. A storage means for storing the period, a setting means, and a control means are provided,
This control means accepts the setting of the recording retention period by the setting means, determines the storage capacity of the storage means, and allows the setting of the recording retention period within the determined storage capacity. It becomes possible to set the record holding period for storing the data relating to the operating state of (1) according to the user's need in accordance with the storage capacity of the storage means.

Therefore, it is possible to effectively and effectively utilize the storage capacity of the storage means of the central management unit, and to realize long-term data record retention according to the user's needs.

In the centralized control device for a showcase or the like according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means stores the control program of the central control device itself and the data relating to the operating state of the showcase in the storage means, and the control program. The setting means accepts the setting of the record retention period at the time of installation.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in addition to the third aspect, the control means stores the control program of the central management device itself and the data relating to the operating state of the showcase in the storage means, and installs the control program. Sometimes
Since the setting of the record retention period by the setting means is accepted, it becomes possible to set the record retention period according to the storage means of the central management device to be installed in the work flow of installing the control program.
The usability for the user is further improved.

[0019]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a centralized management device 1 of the present invention. The system of the centralized management device 1 of the present invention is provided in each of the showcases S, etc., the central management device 2 composed of a personal computer, the main control device 3 and the system control device 4 composed of a microcomputer. It is constructed from the terminal side control device 6.

The central management device 2 is provided in a security room of a store, etc., and as shown in FIG. 2, a microcomputer 7 as a control means, a hard disk 8 as a holding means connected to the microcomputer 7 and a ROM 9, R.
It comprises an AM 11, a floppy disk drive 12, a transmitting / receiving means 13, an output control means 14, and an input control means 16. The transmitting / receiving means 13 is constituted by a serial interface, and the main controller 3 and the RS-23 are connected to each other.
It is connected via a communication line 17 such as 2C.

In addition to the control program of the central management unit 2 on the hard disk 8, various data relating to the operating state of the showcase S and the like sent from the main control unit 3 and the installation form of the showcase S and the like (case) which will be described later. Data regarding layout), data regarding various operating conditions, communication protocol, and the like are stored.

A printer 18 and a display 19 as output means are connected to the output control means 14, and a keyboard 21 and a mouse 22 as input means or setting means are connected to the input control means 16. Further, a microcomputer 23 is connected to the microcomputer 7 so as to be able to communicate outside via a telephone line.

Next, the main controller 3 is also provided in the security room or the like, and as shown in FIG. 3, a microcomputer 24 as a control means, a ROM 26, a RAM 27, an EEPROM 40 connected to the microcomputer 24, and a transmitting / receiving means. 28, 29, output control means 31, and input control means 32. The transmission / reception means 28 and 29 are constituted by a serial interface.
Is connected to the central management unit 2 via the communication line 17, and the transmitting / receiving means 29 is connected to the system control unit 4 described above via a communication line (not shown). The transmitting / receiving means 29 is 5
It has a number of connection ports, which allows connection of a maximum of five system control devices 4.

The ROM 26 stores a communication protocol and a control program for the main control unit 3 itself, and the RAM 2
7 shows a showcase S sent from the system control device 4.
Various data relating to the operating state of the vehicle, various data sent to the system controller 4, control data of the main controller 3 itself (display data of the liquid crystal display unit 34, etc.) are stored, and the EEPROM 40 is stored.
Stores data related to various settings and installation states of the showcase S and the like, and is retained even when the power is turned off.

The output control means 31 includes a liquid crystal display section 34,
External alarm output 99 consisting of relay contact output and buzzer 36
And a key switch 37, a dip switch 38, and a slide switch 39 are connected to the input control means 32.

The key switch 37 is a switch for performing various settings and display commands which will be described later, and the dip switch 38 is a switch for setting the connection state of the system control device 4. The slide switch 39 is a switch for performing lighting control of the showcase S and the like and setting related to night stop.

Next, the system controller 4 is, as shown in FIG.
A microcomputer 41 as control means, a ROM 42 connected to the microcomputer 41,
M43, EEPROM 45, transmitting / receiving means 44, 46,
It comprises an output control means 47 and an input control means 48. The transmission / reception means 44 and 46 are constituted by a serial interface, and the transmission / reception means 44
The transmission / reception means 46 is connected via the communication line (which is also connected to the other system control device 3 at the same time), and the transmitting / receiving means 46 is connected to the above-mentioned terminal side control device 6 via the communication line 49.

The transmission / reception means 46 has 30 connection ports, and a maximum of 30 terminal-side control devices 6 can be connected to it, whereby the centralized management device 1 has a maximum of 150 terminal-side control devices. 6, that is, the showcase S and the like can be connected.

The ROM 42 stores a communication protocol and a control program for the system control device 4 itself, and a RAM.
43, various data relating to the operating state of the showcase S and the like sent from the terminal side control device 6 and the main control device 3
Data relating to various operating conditions of the showcase S and the like sent from is stored. The EEPROM 45 stores setting data of various operating conditions, such as the showcase S, sent from the main controller 3 and is held even when the power is turned off.

The output control means 47 has an LE for displaying an alarm.
The D display unit 51 is connected, and the input control unit 48 uses or does not use channels 1 to 30 allocated for controlling the showcase S and the like as described later, and its own channels A to E. Or a dip switch 52 is connected as a setting means for switching the LED display section 51 for displaying the alarm display to the operation monitor.

Next, the terminal side control device 6 is provided in each of the showcase S of FIG. 1 and a refrigerator (not shown),
As shown in FIG. 5, it comprises a microcomputer 54 as a control means, a ROM 56, a RAM 57 and an EEPROM 50 connected to the microcomputer 54, a transmission / reception means 58, an output control means 59 and an input control means 61. The transmission / reception means 58 is constituted by a serial interface, and is connected to the system control device 4 via the communication line 49. The ROM 56 stores a communication protocol and a control program for the terminal-side control device 6 itself, and the RAM 57 stores data relating to various operating conditions such as the showcase S sent from the system control device 4.

Further, the EEPROM 50 stores setting data of various operating conditions such as the showcase S set by the terminal side control device 6 and is retained even when the power is turned off. The output control means 59 has a display means 62 for displaying an alarm.
And the actuator 63 are connected. In the case of the showcase S, the actuator 63 is an expansion valve, a heater for defrosting, lighting, etc., and in the case of a refrigerator, it means a compressor motor or the like.

The input control means 61 has a setting switch 64.
And a sensor 66 that detects the temperature inside the showcase S, the condensation pressure of the refrigerator R, and the like. The data detected by the sensor 66 is also stored in the RAM 57. The setting switch 64 is for allocating and setting channels 1 to 30 of the terminal-side control device 6 as described above. Further, the microcomputer 54 holds a sensor ID as individual identification information set for each model of the showcase S or the refrigerator.

The showcase S and the refrigerator are installed in a predetermined number and a predetermined installation form, that is, a case layout according to the size of a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store. The required number of units are connected to the main controller 3 according to the number of installed units. That is, when a total of 91 to 150 showcases S and refrigerators are installed in a large-scale store, 4 to 5 system control devices 4 are connected. In addition, a total of 31 or more showcases S and refrigerators in medium-sized stores 9
When 0 or less units are installed, 2 to 3 system control devices 4 are connected. Further, when a total of 30 or less showcases S and refrigerators are installed in a small-scale store, one system control device 4 is connected.

In this way, the main control device 3 and the system control device 4 are separated, and one system control device 4 is connected to the terminal side control device 6 such as 30 showcases S. As a result, the number of connecting ports of the transmitting / receiving means 29 of the main control device 3 is reduced, and even in the case of a small-scale store, four unused ports are produced at worst, so that structural waste is reduced and cost is reduced. It is possible to flexibly respond to the scale of the store.

Further, when the showcase S or the like is installed, the setting switches 64 are set in the terminal side control devices 6 to 1 to 30.
Is set, and in the system control device 4 to which the terminal-side control device 6 is connected, by setting one of A to E, the channel of each terminal-side control device 6 is set. (For example, A01) is assigned and set. still,
If the number of showcases S connected to the system control device 4 is less than 30, the use / non-use of the channels (1 to 30) is determined by the dip switch 52 of the system control device 4.
Is set, the use status of this channel is transmitted from the microcomputer 41 of the system control device 4 to the microcomputer 24 of the main control device 3, and the microcomputer 24 of the main control device 3 is set to use or not use the channel. Is done. Then, the unused terminal-side control device 6 is controlled by the microcomputers 24 and 41 in the subsequent control.
Etc. are ignored.

The operation of each device having the above configuration will be described. First, various input operations in the central management device 2 will be described. When the business menu is selected from the standby screen on the display 19 by operating the keyboard 21 or the mouse 22, the microcomputer 7 displays the business menu screen of FIG. When the second shop layout creation menu from the top is selected on the business menu screen, a case layout creation screen (not shown) of the shop layout creation menu is displayed on the display 19.

In the hard disk 8 of the central management unit 2,
A program and data related to the case layout creation are stored. In this case layout creation screen, a frame corresponding to each showcase S is displayed on the display 1.
9 and operated by using commands such as move, copy, and rotate with the mouse 22, the case layout according to the actual installation form of the showcase S in the store as shown in FIG. Can be created.

Further, the model name of the showcase S corresponding to the frame, the product type such as fresh fish, the channel, and the sensor ID can be set, and the display color of the frame can be color-coded for each type of product. It is possible. Data on the case layout created by such a case layout creation function is stored and stored in the hard disk 8 by the microcomputer 7.

Next, when the fourth setting menu from the top is selected on the work menu screen, the microcomputer 7 does not show various setting menus relating to various settings of the main controller 3 and operating conditions of the terminal side controller 6. The terminal control setting screen is displayed on the display 19. On this terminal control setting screen, the in-chamber setting temperature for each channel (for example, A01) assigned to each terminal-side control device 6 by the keyboard 21 or the mouse 22,
The operating conditions of the showcase S and the like such as various alarms, various set values relating to defrosting, a management temperature, and the like can be set.

The data relating to the operating conditions can be stored in the hard disk 8 by the microcomputer 7 and can also be transmitted to the main controller 3 by the transmitting / receiving means 13 by using the download function by operating the keyboard 21.

Next, the data relating to the operating conditions of the showcase S and the like set by the ten keys of the main controller 3, the dip switch 38, the slide switch 39, etc. are stored in the RAM 27 and EEPR by the microcomputer 24.
While being stored in the OM 40 and transmitted from the transmission / reception means 29 to the system control device 4, as described above, the central management device 2
When the data relating to the driving conditions is downloaded from the microcomputer 24, the microcomputer 24 stores the data in the RAM 27 and the EE.
The contents of the PROM 40 are rewritten to the downloaded data and transmitted to the system control device 4.

These data are transmitted separately for each channel. Further, in response to a request from the central management unit 2, the microcomputer 24 of the main control unit 3 transmits / receives the data set by the ten keys or the like to the transmitting / receiving means 28.
To upload to the central management device 2. The central management device 2 can compare the data uploaded from the main control device 3 with the data set by the central management device 2.

Next, when the system controller 4 receives the data regarding the operating conditions of the showcase S and the like belonging to its own channel (A to E) from the main controller 3 by the transmitting / receiving means 44, the microcomputer 41 once receives the data. RA
The data is stored in M43, and the transmission / reception means 46 transmits data on the operating conditions to the terminal-side control device 6.

On the other hand, in the terminal side control device 6, the transmitting / receiving means 5
8 receives the data on the operating conditions for its own channel (01 to 30),
Saves the data in the RAM 57. The microcomputer 54 controls the expansion valve and the compressor motor as the actuator 63 by comparing the output of the sensor 66 with respect to the temperature in the refrigerator of the showcase S and the set temperature in the refrigerator among the data on the operating conditions. The temperature is controlled to the set temperature in the refrigerator. In addition, the heater as the actuator 63 is controlled based on the data relating to the defrosting, the defrosting control of the showcase S is executed, and the lighting of the illumination as the actuator 63 is controlled based on the data relating to the lighting control.

The data relating to the operating conditions such as the inside temperature of the showcase S and the like are successively stored and updated in the RAM 57 by the microcomputer 54. Further, when the temperature inside the refrigerator abnormally rises due to, for example, a failure of the expansion valve, and exceeds a set value related to an alarm among the data sent from the system control device 4, the microcomputer 54 causes the display unit 62 to display the showcase S. And the like, and saves in the RAM 57 the information on the operation state, including the information on the alarm.

Microcomputer 4 of system controller 4
1 is a maximum of 3 connected to itself for example once a minute
The polling is performed on the microcomputers 54 of the zero terminal-side control devices 6. When the microcomputer 54 of the terminal-side control device 6 is polled by the system control device 4, the microcomputer 54 displays its own channel and sensor ID in the RAM.
The data relating to the operation state stored in the storage 57 is transmitted from the transmission / reception means 58 to the system controller 4.

The system controller 4 receives and collects the data concerning the operating condition by the transmitting / receiving means 46, and stores the data concerning the operating condition for each terminal side controller 6, that is, for each channel, up to 30 units in the RAM 43. To do. The data on the operating state in the RAM 43 is updated by transmitting data from the terminal-side control device 6 at the next polling. Further, when the alarm information is included in the data transmitted from the terminal-side control device 6, the microcomputer 41 turns on the LED display unit 51 to display it on the outside.

Microcomputer 24 of main controller 3
Also polls the system controller 4 once a minute, at the same time that the system controller 4 completes the collection of data from each terminal-side controller 6. When the microcomputer 41 of the system control device 4 is polled by the main control device 3, the transmission / reception means 44 transmits data on the operating state of up to 30 showcases S and the like stored in the RAM 43 together with its own channel. Transmit to the control device 3.

The main controller 3 receives and collects the data concerning the operating condition by the transmitting / receiving means 29, and stores the data concerning the operating condition for each terminal-side controller 6, that is, for each channel up to 150 units in the RAM 27. To do. The data on the operating state in the RAM 27 is similarly updated by transmitting the data on the operating state from the system control device 4 by the next polling.

The main controller 3 collects the data regarding the operating state of each showcase S and refrigerator from each terminal side controller 6 in this procedure. Then, the microcomputer 24 of the main control device 3 stores the data related to the operating conditions such as the internal temperature of each showcase S stored in the RAM 27 and the internal preset temperature stored in the EEPROM 40 on the liquid crystal display unit 34 for each channel. Are sequentially displayed at intervals of, for example, 3 seconds.

Further, when the alarm information is included in the data concerning the operating state transmitted from the system control device 4, the microcomputer 24 displays the alarm information on the liquid crystal display section 34.

On the other hand, the microcomputer 7 of the central control unit 2 also polls the main control unit 3 once a minute in accordance with the time when the main control unit 3 completes the collection of data from each system control unit 4. I do. When the microcomputer 24 of the main control device 3 is polled by the central management device 2, the data relating to the operating state of up to 150 showcases S and the like stored in the RAM 27 is transmitted from the transmission / reception means 28 to the central management device 2. Send.

The central control unit 2 receives and collects the data relating to the operating condition by the transmitting / receiving means 13, and stores the data relating to the operating condition for each terminal side control unit 6, that is, up to 150 units for each channel in the hard disk 8. save. In addition, the hard disk 8 always holds a record retention period set as described later, for example, data relating to the operating conditions of each terminal-side control device 6 for 36 hours, and data corresponding to the record retention period (36 hours) or more is retained. Is updated every minute.

The central control unit 2 collects data relating to the operating state of each showcase S and refrigerator R from each terminal side control unit 6 in this procedure. Therefore, when it is desired to check the operation state of each showcase S or the like, the operation menu is selected from the standby screen by operating the keyboard 21 or the mouse 22, and the operation menu screen of FIG. When the uppermost operation check monitor is selected, the microcomputer 7 displays a product layout screen shown in FIG. 7 on the display.

This product layout screen is displayed based on the product type information in the case layout created in the case layout creation screen and stored in the hard disk 8, and not the individual display of each showcase S. The layout of a single showcase S or a plurality of showcases S is displayed in one frame according to the type of products stored. The refrigerator is displayed in the display 19.

The frame of the product housed in the showcase S whose operation status is to be displayed on this product layout screen,
For example, when a frame of a fresh fish is selected with the mouse 22, the microcomputer 7, based on the information of the case layout in the hard disk 8, displays a showcase S near the frame of the fresh fish.
The case layout screen of FIG. 8 showing each layout is displayed on the display 19. In this case layout screen, one frame shows one to three showcases S, and the channels of each showcase S are also shown in the frame.
Up to three can be set for each unit).

Next, when the showcase S whose operating condition is desired to be displayed, for example, the channel A01 is selected by the mouse 22 on this case layout screen, the microcomputer 7 displays the case information screen of FIG. When normal data or data display is selected on this screen, the screen shifts to the data display screen of FIG. On this data display screen, the microcomputer 7 displays on the display 19 the set values of the various operating conditions of the showcase S of the channel A01 stored in the hard disk 8 and the data on the current operating state.

Further, since the hard disk 8 stores data on the operating state for the past 36 hours which is the record holding period as described above, the time at the uppermost time area of this data display screen is displayed on the keyboard 21. By changing, the microcomputer 7 displays the operating state at that time on the display 19.

As described above, when examining the operating state of the showcase S or the like, first, the layout of the showcase S is displayed on the display 19, and the showcase S to be displayed is selected while viewing the layout. As a result, the showcase S can be specified according to the actual installation form, and the visibility and operability are significantly improved.
In particular, by adopting the method of shifting from the product layout to the case layout, the showcases S are gradually narrowed down from a large viewpoint, so that the identification can be performed extremely smoothly even when the number of showcases S is large. Become.

Further, when the keyboard 21 is operated on the data display screen of FIG. 10, the microcomputer 7 causes the showcase S of the channel for the past 36 hours, which is the recording holding period held in the hard disk 8.
The transition is displayed in a graph on the display 19 from the data of the operating condition such as the inside temperature of the storage. Thereby, the history of the operating state of the showcase S can be easily confirmed. The microcomputer 7 prints (prints out) these data and a graph display on the printer 18 in response to a command from the keyboard 21.

Here, when the alarm information is included in the data relating to the driving state transmitted from the main control unit 3, the microcomputer 7 of the central control unit 2 firstly shows the showcase S or the like issuing the alarm. The data relating to the operating state is extracted from the data of the record holding period of 36 hours, which is 10 hours back from the time when the alarm is issued, and the data is transferred to another table in the hard disk 8 for storage. The data for 10 hours is not discarded even if the time has elapsed.

Next, the microcomputer 7 automatically switches the display from the state in which the standby screen is displayed on the display 19 to the product layout screen of FIG. 7, and the product type including the showcase S issuing an alarm. The frame (denoted by * 1 in FIG. 7) is blinked to warn the user that an alarm has been issued. When the blinking product frame, for example, the ice temperature frame on the product layout screen is selected with the mouse 22, the microcomputer 7 displays the case layout screen of FIG. In this case layout screen, the showcase S (channel A06 indicated by * 1 in FIG. 8) that is issuing an alarm is blinked this time.

Next, when the blinking showcase S (channel A06) on this case layout screen is selected with the mouse 22, the microcomputer 7 displays the case information screen of FIG. 9 on the display 19, and the normal data is displayed on this screen. When data display is selected, the screen shifts to the data display screen of FIG. On this data display screen, the microcomputer 7 sets the various operation conditions of the showcase S of the channel A06 stored in the hard disk 8 and the data on the abnormal operation state, as well as alarm contents (high temperature alarm, low temperature alarm). The alarm is also displayed on the display 19.

By operating the keyboard 21 on the data display screen of FIG. 10, the same graph display as described above is made, and the microcomputer 7 stores the showcase S of the channel A06 held in the hard disk 8. The transition of the data of the operating state such as the internal temperature is displayed on the display 19 as a graph. This makes it possible to easily confirm the history of past operating conditions that led to the generation of the alarm for the showcase S. The microcomputer 7 prints these data and a graph display on the printer 18 in response to a command from the keyboard 21.

Further, even if the user does not notice from the occurrence of this alarm and 36 hours or more, which is the record holding period, has passed, the showcase of the past 10 hours including the alarm generation time in the hard disk 8 as described above. Since the data regarding the operating state of S (channel number A06) is retained without being discarded, by selecting the alarm data in the case information screen of FIG. 9, the microcomputer 7 displays past data for 36 hours or more. It is displayed on the data display screen of 10. This data can also be displayed in a graph and printed on the printer 18,
The microcomputer 7 saves a floppy disk in the floppy disk drive 12 according to a command from the keyboard 21.

As described above, the hard disk 8 of the central management unit 2 always stores and holds the data regarding the operating state of the showcase S for the recording holding period (36 hours in the above embodiment). Obviously, it is more preferable that the record holding period is as long as possible in order to manage the freshness of the product.

Therefore, in the present invention, this recording holding period is set by the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, for example. That is, FIG. 11 shows a part of the operation when the control program is installed in the central management unit 2 (personal computer). When the installation of the control program on the hard disk 8 is started, the microcomputer 7 firstly proceeds to step S1 with the central management device 2
The storage capacity (free area) in the hard disk 8 is determined.

Next, in step S2, the microcomputer 7 calculates a value obtained by subtracting the capacity of the control program from the determined storage capacity (free area of the hard disk 8) and secures the entire remaining area as a data recording holding period. That is, a data area for the longest recording holding period that fits in the remaining storage capacity is secured in the hard disk 8.
Therefore, when the free space of the hard disk 8 is large, the recording holding period becomes long (for example, 72 hours), and when it is small, it becomes short (for example, 36 hours).

After setting the recording retention period, the microcomputer 7 installs the control program in a predetermined procedure in step S3. As described above, according to the present invention, the microcomputer 7 determines the storage capacity of the hard disk 8 and sets the recording holding period according to the determined storage capacity.
The record holding period for storing the data regarding the operating state such as is automatically set according to the storage capacity of the hard disk 8. Therefore, the hard disk 8 of the central management unit 2
It is possible to effectively utilize the storage capacity of and to realize long-term data record retention. In particular, since the microcomputer 7 automatically sets the record retention period, the usability for the user is significantly improved.

Further, since the microcomputer 7 executes the recording holding period setting operation when the control program stored in the hard disk 8 is installed, the hard disk 8 of the central management device 2 to be installed is installed when the control program is installed. The record retention period according to the above will be automatically set, and the usability for the user will be further improved.

Next, the flow chart of FIG. 12 shows another method of setting the above record holding period. That is, FIG. 12 also shows part of the operation when the control program is installed in the central management unit 2 (personal computer). In this case, when the installation of the control program in the hard disk 8 is started, the microcomputer 7 first accepts the setting of the record holding period of the data regarding the operating state of the showcase S or the like in step S4.

In this case, the microcomputer 7 displays a record retention period setting menu on the display 19,
According to this display, the user uses the keyboard 21 or the mouse 22 to record the desired record retention period (for example, 8
Enter 4 hours).

Next, the microcomputer 7 determines the storage capacity (free area) in the hard disk 8 of the central management unit 2 in step S5, and subtracts the capacity of the control program from the determined storage capacity (free area of the hard disk 8). The calculated remaining value is calculated, and the entire remaining area is compared with the recording retention period set by the user as described above, and it is determined whether the set period is within the storage capacity (free space).

If the storage capacity cannot be reached, the process returns to step S4 to display the first recording retention period setting menu. The user sees this display, determines that the set record holding period is too long, and sets again (for example, 72 hours).

The microcomputer 7 again determines the recording holding period reset in step S5, and when it is determined that the recording holding period is within the storage capacity (free capacity) of the hard disk 8,
In step S6, the area for the period set by the user (72 hours in this case) is secured as the data recording holding period.

That is, in this case, a data area of the recording holding period corresponding to the almost remaining storage capacity is secured in the hard disk 8. After setting the record holding period, the microcomputer 7 installs the control program in a predetermined procedure.

As described above, in the invention in this case, the microcomputer 7 accepts the setting of the recording holding period by the keyboard 21 or the mouse 22, determines the storage capacity of the hard disk 8, and records within the determined storage capacity. Since the setting of the holding period is allowed, it is possible to set the recording holding period for storing the data relating to the operating state of the showcase S or the like according to the storage capacity of the hard disk 8 as required by the user. Become.

Therefore, it is possible to effectively and effectively utilize the storage capacity of the hard disk 8 of the central management unit 2 and realize data recording and holding for a long period of time according to the needs of the user. In particular, when the control program stored in the hard disk 8 is installed, the setting of the record holding period is accepted, so that the hard disk 8 of the central management device 2 to be installed is matched in the work flow of installing the control program. The record retention period can be set, further improving the usability for the user.

[0080]

As described in detail above, according to the invention of claim 1, the central management unit, when performing centralized management of a showcase or the like, has a transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data relating to an operating state of the showcase or the like, The storage unit stores the received data for a predetermined recording retention period and a control unit, and the control unit determines the storage capacity of the storage unit and sets the recording retention period according to the determined storage capacity. Since it is set, the record holding period for storing the data regarding the operating state of the showcase or the like is automatically set in accordance with the storage capacity of the storage means.

Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize the storage capacity of the storage means of the central management unit and realize data recording and holding for a long period of time. In particular, since the control means automatically sets the record retention period, the usability for the user is significantly improved.

According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the above, the control means stores the control program of the central management device itself and the data relating to the operating state of the showcase in the storage means, and installs the control program. At this time, since the setting operation of the record retention period is executed, when the control program is installed, the record retention period according to the storage means of the central management device to be installed is automatically set, The usability for the user is further improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in performing centralized management of the showcase and the like, the central management device transmits and receives data relating to the operating state of the showcase and the like, and holds the received data in a predetermined record. A storage means for storing the period, a setting means, and a control means are provided,
This control means accepts the setting of the recording retention period by the setting means, determines the storage capacity of the storage means, and allows the setting of the recording retention period within the determined storage capacity. It becomes possible to set the record holding period for storing the data relating to the operating state of (1) according to the user's need in accordance with the storage capacity of the storage means.

Therefore, it is possible to effectively and effectively utilize the storage capacity of the storage means of the central management unit, and to realize long-term data record retention according to the user's need.

According to the invention of claim 4, claim 3
In addition to the above, the control means stores the control program of the central management device itself and the data relating to the operating state of the showcase, etc. in the storage means, and when the control program is installed, the setting of the record retention period by the setting means is accepted. Therefore, in the work flow of installing the control program, the record holding period can be set according to the storage means of the central management device to be installed, and the usability for the user is further improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a centralized management device such as a showcase of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the central management device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of a main control device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the system control device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of the terminal-side control device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a business menu screen displayed on a display of the central management apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a product layout screen displayed on a display of the central management device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen of a case layout displayed on a display of the central management device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a case information screen displayed on a display of the central management device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data display screen displayed on a display of the central management device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a program of a central management device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another program of the central management unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Central Management Device 2 Central Management Device 6 Terminal Control Device 7 Microcomputer 8 Hard Disk 13 Transmitting / Receiving Means 21 Keyboard S Showcase

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A centralized management device for collectively managing the operating conditions of a plurality of showcases, etc., wherein the centralized management device comprises a central management device, and the central management device relates to the operating conditions of the showcases, etc. A storage unit for transmitting and receiving data, a storage unit for storing the received data for a predetermined record retention period, and a control unit, the control unit determining the storage capacity of the storage unit and determining the storage capacity A central management device for a showcase or the like, wherein the record holding period is set according to 2. The control means stores the control program of the central management device itself and data relating to the operating state of a showcase, etc. in the storage means, and at the time of installing the control program, executes a recording retention period setting operation. A centralized management device for a showcase or the like according to claim 1. 3. A centralized control device for collectively controlling the operating states of a plurality of showcases or the like, wherein the centralized control device comprises a central control device, and the centralized control device relates to the operating state of the showcases or the like. Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving data, storing means for storing the received data for a predetermined record retention period, setting means,
And a control unit that accepts the setting of the recording holding period by the setting unit, determines the storage capacity of the storing unit, and allows the setting of the recording holding period within the determined storage capacity. Centralized control device for showcases, etc. 4. The control means stores the control program of the central management device itself and data relating to operating conditions such as a showcase in the storage means, and accepts the setting of the recording retention period by the setting means when the control program is installed. The centralized management device for a showcase or the like according to claim 3, wherein