Remote control system, remote control method, and remote control program

Abstract

To reduce cost for constituting a system by employing a system in which a central server is not arranged.SOLUTION: A remote control system according to an embodiment comprises: a parent station remote control device that is arranged in a parent station forming a group; and a child station remote control device that is arranged in a child station. The parent station remote control device includes: a storage unit that stores a parent station configuration file; a parent station configuration file control unit that determines whether to receive a modification notice, and updates the parent configuration file using the modification notice; and a parent station display control unit that controls an output unit to display a monitor picture on the basis of the parent station configuration file. The child station control device includes: a storage unit that stores a child station configuration file synchronizing with the parent station configuration file; a child station configuration file control unit that updates the child station configuration file on the basis of the updated parent station configuration file; and a child station display control unit that controls the output unit to display the monitor picture on the basis of the child station configuration file.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a remote control system, a remote control method, and a remote control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, remote control devices that control station service equipment installed at stations are connected to a central server that manages the remote control devices via a network. For example, in response to inquiries from users at the station, a staff member stationed at the central server accesses the remote control device through the central server and performs the necessary operations.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that improves convenience for users by using images captured by cameras installed in each station equipment in addition to responses via an intercom. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-106124 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For relatively small railway operators, the cost of deploying a central server is high, and there is also the problem that the staff operating the remote control devices at each station cannot operate the remote control devices at other stations.

[0006] This invention was made in response to the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to reduce the cost of building a system by adopting a system configuration that does not require a central server.Furthermore, it is also an object of this invention to reduce the burden on staff by mutually controlling remote control devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The remote control system of the embodiment comprises a parent station remote control device arranged at a parent station that forms a group, and a child station remote control device arranged at a child station that forms the group and connected to the parent station remote control device. The parent station remote control device comprises a memory unit that stores a parent station setting file representing information about the multiple stations that form the group, information about the control station that controls the monitored equipment arranged at the multiple stations, and information about the monitored equipment arranged at each of the multiple stations, a parent station setting file control unit that determines whether a change notification indicating a change to the control station has been received, and if it determines that the change notification has been received, updates the parent station setting file using the change notification, and a parent station display control unit that controls the output unit to display a monitoring screen based on the parent station setting file. The child station remote control device comprises a memory unit that stores a child station setting file synchronized with the parent station setting file, a child station setting file control unit that updates the child station setting file based on the updated parent station setting file when it detects that the parent station setting file has been updated, and a child station display control unit that controls the output unit to display a monitoring screen based on the child station setting file. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a remote control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a master station remote control device according to the embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a child station remote control device according to the embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the parent station remote control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an initial monitoring screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed control screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an updated monitoring screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an updated monitoring screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the parent station remote control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an updated monitoring screen according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a remote control system, a remote control method, and a remote control program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same numbers perform similar operations, and redundant description will be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common symbol may be used to describe each element without distinguishing between them, or a subnumber may be used in addition to the common symbol to describe each element with distinction between them.

[0010] [Embodiment] (composition) FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a remote control system according to an embodiment. The remote control system includes a parent station remote control device 10 located at parent station 1 and a child station remote control device 20 located at child station 2. The parent station remote control device 10 and the child station remote control device 20 are connected via a network 3. Here, the network 3 is assumed to be a local area network (LAN) so that each remote control device maintains secure communication. The parent station 1 and the child station 2 (parent station remote control device 10 and child station remote control device 20) shown in FIG. 1 are set as one group. Note that while FIG. 1 shows an example in which three stations are set as a group, it goes without saying that any number of stations greater than two may be set as a group.

[0011] The main station remote control device 10 is a remote control device installed at station A, which is the main station 1. The main station remote control device 10 is connected to a monitoring panel and station service equipment (not shown) installed at the main station 1 (station A), and is capable of controlling the monitoring panel and station service equipment. Furthermore, the main station remote control device 10 may be connected to intercoms provided on the station service equipment installed at the main station 1, and to intercoms installed at ticket counters, toilets, etc., so that staff can respond via each intercom. Furthermore, the main station remote control device 10 may be configured to control the power supply of the main station 1. Furthermore, the main station remote control device 10 may be configured to be connected to cameras installed at the main station 1, and to acquire images captured by each camera.

[0012] The child station remote control device 20 is a remote control device installed at child stations 2, Station B and Station C. While FIG. 1 shows two child stations 2, the child stations 2 may be any number greater than one because they form a group. Like the parent station remote control device 10, the child station remote control device 20 is connected to a monitoring panel and station service equipment (not shown) installed at the child station 2 and is capable of controlling the monitoring panel and station service equipment. Furthermore, the child station remote control device 20 may be connected to intercoms installed on the station service equipment at the child station 2, as well as intercoms installed at ticket counters, restrooms, etc., so that staff can respond via each intercom. Furthermore, the child station remote control device 20 may be configured to control the power supply of the child station 2. The child station remote control device 20 may also be connected to cameras installed at the child station 2 and configured to acquire images captured by each camera.

[0013] In this embodiment, the parent station remote control device 10 and the child station remote control device 20 can mutually control each other. For example, the parent station remote control device 10 can perform the same control as that for each device installed in the child station 2 connected to the child station remote control device 20, and the child station remote control device 20 can perform the same control as that for each device installed in the parent station 1 connected to the parent station remote control device 10. The control method will be described in detail later.

[0014] Next, the configurations of the parent station remote control device 10 and the child station remote control device 20 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the parent station remote control device 10 according to the embodiment and the software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. First, the hardware configuration of the master station remote control device 10 will be described in detail. The parent station remote control device 10 includes a control unit 11, a program storage unit 12, a data storage unit 13, a communication interface 14, and an input / output interface 15. The control unit 11, the program storage unit 12, the data storage unit 13, the communication interface 14, and the input / output interface 15 are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0015] The main station remote control device 10 can realize various operations using a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer).

[0016] The control unit 11 controls the main station remote control device 10. The control unit 11 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0017] The program storage unit 12 is configured by combining, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a solid-state drive (SSD) as a storage medium that can be written to and read from at any time, and a nonvolatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM), and stores middleware such as an operating system (OS), as well as application programs required to execute various control processes according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, the OS and each application program will be collectively referred to as the program.

[0018] The data storage unit 13 may be, for example, a combination of a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), as a storage medium.

[0019] The communication interface 14 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules connected to the network 3. For example, the communication interface 14 includes a communication module that connects to the sub-station remote control device 20 via the network 3 via a wired or wireless connection. The communication interface 14 may also include one or more communication modules that connect to a general network such as the Internet. For example, the communication interface 14 may be capable of sending notifications to a security company or the like contracted by the railway business via any network under the control of the control unit 11. The communication interface 14 may be a general communication interface that includes an interface that can communicate with the sub-station remote control device 20 via the network 3 and send and receive various information, as well as an interface that can communicate with external devices via any network and send and receive various information.

[0020] The input / output interface 15 is connected to the input unit 151, the output unit 152, the monitored device 153, etc. The input / output interface 15 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the control unit 11 and the input unit 151, the output unit 152, and the monitored device 153. The input / output interface 15 may be a part of the communication interface 14. For example, the input / output interface 15 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 11 and the input unit 151 or the output unit 152 using short-range wireless technology or the like, and may transmit and receive information using the short-range wireless technology.

[0021] The input unit 151 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., which are used by a station attendant to input various information to the parent station remote control device 10. The input unit 151 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 12 or the data storage unit 13 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0022] The output unit 152 includes a display device using, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, etc. The display device displays various information to station staff. Furthermore, the output unit 152 includes a printer or the like that prints the displayed information, etc.

[0023] The monitored equipment 153 is equipment monitored and controlled by the main station remote control device 10, such as the monitoring panel and station service equipment arranged in the main station 1. In addition to the monitoring panel and station service equipment, the monitored equipment 153 may also include an intercom, a power supply for the main station 1, etc.

[0024] Next, the software configuration of the parent station remote control device 10 will be described in detail. The control unit 11 includes a display control unit 111, a parent station setting file control unit 112, a communication control unit 113, and the like.

[0025] The display control unit 111 controls the display of the output unit 152 to display a monitoring screen based on a parent station setting file stored in a parent station setting file storage unit 131 (described later). The displayed monitoring screen will be described later in detail.

[0026] Here, the parent station setting file is a file that represents information about the stations that form the group, information about which station controls the monitored devices 153 installed at each station (i.e., information about the control station that controls the monitored devices installed at each station), and device information about the monitored devices 153 and 253 installed at each station. The device information is, for example, information such as the name of each monitored device 153, the ID of each device, the installation location, and the status of each device (for example, whether station service equipment is normal, abnormal, or in a warning state). The warning state is, for example, when the monitored device 153 is a ticket vending machine, a state that warns of how many tickets are left before they run out.

[0027] The parent station setting file control unit 112 is a control unit for updating the parent station setting file. For example, the parent station setting file control unit 112 writes in the parent station setting file that the controlled station for child station 2 has switched from parent station 1 to child station 2. The parent station setting file control unit 112 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether a change notification has been received. A change notification is a notification indicating that the controlled station will be switched. The parent station setting file control unit 112 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether an abnormality notification or a warning notification has been received. Here, an abnormality notification is a notification indicating that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the monitored device 153, and a warning notification is a notification indicating that the monitored device 153 has entered a warning state.

[0028] The communication control unit 113 is a control unit that receives abnormality notifications or advance notice notifications from the monitored devices 153. Furthermore, the communication control unit 113 receives various information from the child station remote control device 20 and controls the transmission of various information to the child station remote control device 20.

[0029] The data storage unit 13 includes a parent station setting file storage unit 131. The parent station setting file storage unit 131 is a storage unit used to store a parent station setting file.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the child station remote control device 20 according to the embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. First, the hardware configuration of the child station remote control device 20 will be described in detail. The slave station remote control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a program storage unit 22, a data storage unit 23, a communication interface 24, and an input / output interface 25. The control unit 21, the program storage unit 22, the data storage unit 23, the communication interface 24, and the input / output interface 25 are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0031] The slave station remote control device 20 can realize various operations using a computer such as a PC.

[0032] The control unit 21 controls the child station remote control device 20. The control unit 21 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0033] The program storage unit 22 is configured by combining, as a storage medium, a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from at any time, and a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, and stores the program.

[0034] The data storage unit 23 may be, for example, a combination of a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from as needed, and a volatile memory such as a RAM, as a storage medium.

[0035] The communication interface 24 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules connected to the network 3. For example, the communication interface 24 includes a communication module for wired or wireless connection to the parent station remote control device 10 and other child station remote control devices 20 via the network 3. The communication interface 14 may also include one or more communication modules connected to a general network such as the Internet. For example, the communication interface 14 may be capable of sending notifications to security companies contracted by the railway business via any network under the control of the control unit 11. The communication interface 14 may be a general communication interface that includes an interface for communicating with the parent station remote control device 10 and other child station remote control devices 20 via the network 3 and transmitting and receiving various information, as well as an interface for communicating with external devices via any network and transmitting and receiving various information.

[0036] The input / output interface 25 is connected to the input unit 251, the output unit 252, the monitored device 253, etc. The input / output interface 25 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the control unit 21 and the input unit 251, the output unit 252, and the monitored device 253. The input / output interface 25 may be a part of the communication interface 24. For example, the input / output interface 25 may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 21 and at least one of the input unit 251, the output unit 252, and the monitored device 253 using short-range wireless technology or the like, and may transmit and receive information using the short-range wireless technology.

[0037] The input unit 251 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., which are used by a station attendant to input various information to the child station remote control device 20. The input unit 251 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 22 or the data storage unit 23 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0038] The output unit 252 includes a display device using, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, etc. The display device displays to station staff various information etc. received from the parent station remote control device 10 or other child station remote control devices 20. Furthermore, the output unit 252 includes a printer etc. that prints the displayed information etc.

[0039] The monitored devices 253 are devices monitored and controlled by the child station remote control device 20, such as the monitoring panel and station service equipment installed at the child station 2. In addition to the monitoring panel and station service equipment, the monitored devices 153 may also include an intercom, a power supply for the child station 2, etc.

[0040] Next, the software configuration of the child station remote control device 20 will be described in detail. The control unit 21 includes a display control unit 211, a child station setting file control unit 212, a communication control unit 213, and the like.

[0041] The display control unit 211 controls the display of the output unit 252 to display a monitoring screen based on the child station setting file stored in the parent station setting file storage unit 231. Here, the child station setting file is synchronized with the parent station setting file described above. Therefore, the child station setting file is a file that represents the same information as the parent station setting file.

[0042] The child station setting file control unit 212 is a control unit for updating the child station setting file. For example, when the parent station setting file control unit 212 receives information indicating that the parent station setting file has been updated, it updates the child station setting file based on the information. The child station setting file control unit 212 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether a change notification has been received. The child station setting file control unit 212 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether an abnormality notification or an advance notice has been received.

[0043] The communication control unit 213 is a control unit that receives abnormality notifications or advance notice notifications from the monitored devices 253. Furthermore, the communication control unit 213 receives various information from the parent station remote control device 10 and controls so as to transmit various information to the parent station remote control device 10.

[0044] The data storage unit 23 includes a child station setting file storage unit 231. The child station setting file storage unit 231 is a storage unit used to store a child station setting file.

[0045] (operation) First, the procedure for synchronizing the parent station setting file and the child station setting file will be described. The child station setting file stored in the child station setting file storage unit 231 is always synchronized with the parent station setting file stored in the parent station setting file storage unit 131.

[0046] For example, when the control unit 11 receives a notification such as a change notification, an abnormality notification, or an advance notice, it updates the parent station setting file based on the notification. Then, the control unit 11 transmits update information including the updated information to the child station remote control device 20. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may periodically transmit a request to the parent station remote control device 10 to check whether there is any update information, and when there is an update, receive the update information. The frequency of transmitting the request may be arbitrary.

[0047] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 of the child station remote control device 20 receives a change notification, an abnormality notification, or an advance notice notification, it transmits the notification to the parent station remote control device 10. The control unit 11 of the parent station remote control device 10 updates the parent station setting file using the received notification. Then, it transmits update information including the updated information to the child station remote control device 20. Alternatively, the control unit 21 periodically transmits a request to the parent station remote control device 10 to check whether there is any update information, and when there is an update, it receives the update information.

[0048] As described above, in response to each notification, the parent station setting file of the parent station remote control device 10 is updated, and based on the updated information, the child station setting file of the child station remote control device 20 is updated. As a result, the parent station setting file of the parent station remote control device 10 and the child station setting file of the child station remote control device 20 are synchronized.

[0049] Next, the operation process of the master station remote control device 10 will be described, assuming that the master station setting file and the slave station setting file are synchronized as described above. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the parent station remote control device 10 according to this embodiment. For example, the control unit 11 of the master station remote control device 10 reads out and executes the program stored in the program storage unit 12, thereby realizing the operation of this flowchart.

[0050] This flowchart begins when the master station remote control device 10 is powered on.

[0051] In step ST101, the display control unit 111 displays an initial monitoring screen. The display control unit 111 reads the parent station setting file stored in the parent station setting file storage unit 131, and displays the initial monitoring screen on the display of the output unit 152. Here, it is assumed that the parent station setting file stores in advance information about the monitored devices 153 of each station, with station A being the control station of stations A to C.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an initial monitoring screen according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the initial monitoring screen displays a control station area 51, an intercom area 52, a miscellaneous area 53, and a station equipment area .

[0053] For example, the display control unit 111 creates a control station area 51 based on the information of the stations that form the group of the parent station setting file and the control station, and creates an intercom area 52, other area 53, and station equipment area 54 based on the equipment information, and controls them to be displayed on the display.

[0054] The control station area 51 is an area that displays the status of station A, which is the parent station 1, and stations B and C, which are child stations 2 that are set as a group, and is displayed in the left corner of the screen. In the example of Figure 5, it shows that station A is the control station of each station.

[0055] The intercom area 52 is an area showing the intercoms installed at each station, and is displayed to the right of the control station area 51. For example, at Station A in the intercom area 52, buttons are displayed for the ticket vending machine, fare adjustment machine, ticket window, and intercom installed at the north exit, the fare adjustment machine at the south exit, ticket gate 1, and ticket gate 2. For example, when the display control unit 111 detects that one of these buttons has been pressed, the control unit 11 establishes a connection with the intercom and makes it available to respond to the user. Buttons at other stations can also be operated in the same way.

[0056] Furthermore, when it is detected that a button in the intercom area 52 has been pressed, the parent station setting file control unit 112 updates the parent station setting file so that the intercom of that button is in use. Then, the display control unit 111 may perform control to display that the pressed button is in use, etc., based on the updated parent station setting file. The monitoring screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 of the child station remote control device 20 will also display a similar screen by synchronizing the child station setting file with the parent station setting file.

[0057] Furthermore, the other area 53 is an area that displays items that are not displayed in the control station area 51, the intercom area 52, and the station service equipment area 54 (described later), and is displayed to the right of the intercom area 52. For example, at station A in the other area 53, an SOS and lighting button are displayed. When the communication control unit 113 detects that the SOS button has been pressed, it notifies the security company contracted by the railway business of a predetermined message. Furthermore, when the control unit 113 detects that the lighting button has been pressed, it controls the lighting at station A to be switched ON / OFF.

[0058] Furthermore, when it is detected that a button in the other area 53 has been pressed, the parent station setting file control unit 112 updates the parent station setting file so that the button in question is in use. Then, the display control unit 111 may perform control to display that the pressed button is in use, etc., based on the updated parent station setting file. The monitoring screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 of the child station remote control device 20 will also display a similar screen by synchronizing the child station setting file with the parent station setting file.

[0059] The station service equipment area 54 is an area that displays the status of the monitoring panels and station service equipment, which are the monitored equipment 153 installed at each station, and is displayed to the right of the other area 53, i.e., in the right corner as you face it. The display control unit 111 displays the status according to the notification from each station service equipment. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the identification number 302 of the station service equipment at Station A is displayed as being powered off. The station service equipment area 54 also displays buttons for managing the power supply of each station service equipment and a button for performing emergency opening. For example, when it detects that the emergency opening button has been pressed, the control unit 11 controls the station service equipment to perform emergency opening.

[0060] It goes without saying that the display control unit 111 may arbitrarily change the display order of the control station area 51, intercom area 52, other area 53, and station service equipment area 54.

[0061] In addition, when it is detected that an attendant has pressed a station displayed in the control station area 51 of Figure 5 (in the example of Figure 5, a button displayed as A, B, or C), the display control unit 111 can also display a detailed control screen for that station.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed control screen according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of the detailed control screen for station C displayed on the display of the output unit 152. As shown in FIG. 6, the detailed control screen displays only the control station area 51, intercom area 52, other area 53, and station service equipment area 54 for station C. Furthermore, the detailed control screen displays an image area 55 for station C. In the image area 55, an image captured by a camera installed in station C is displayed. For example, the control unit 11 transmits an image request to the child station remote control device 20 of station C. Upon receiving the image request, the control unit 21 of the child station remote control device 20 of station C transmits the image captured by the camera installed in station C to the parent station remote control device 10. The display control unit 111 controls the image to be displayed on the detailed control screen.

[0063] By displaying the detailed control screen in this way, the staff can respond to the passengers while checking the passengers at station C and the tickets and other items they are carrying on the screen. Furthermore, when the display control unit 111 detects that the staff member has pressed the close button 56, it controls the display to display the monitoring screen shown in Fig. 5.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 4, in step ST102, the parent station setting file control unit 112 determines whether or not a change notification has been received. For example, if an attendant is present at station B and wants to change the control of station B to station B, the attendant presses the control station in the control station area 51 to change the control station from station A to station B. If this change is made at station A, the parent station setting file control unit 112 determines whether or not a change notification has been received from the display control unit 111. On the other hand, if the change is made at station B, the control unit 21 will transmit the change notification to the parent station remote control device 10. In this case, the parent station setting file control unit 112 determines whether or not the change notification has been received from the communication control unit 113. If the change notification has been received, the process proceeds to step ST103. On the other hand, if the change notification has not been received, the process proceeds to step ST105.

[0065] In step ST103, the child station setting file control unit 212 updates the parent station setting file. The child station setting file control unit 212 updates the parent station setting file using the change notification by performing the same operation as the parent station setting file update process described above. Furthermore, since the child station setting file is synchronized with the parent station setting file, it will also be updated by the above process.

[0066] In addition, when change notifications are received almost simultaneously, i.e., when multiple change notifications are received, the parent station setting file control unit 112 may update the parent station setting file based on the change notification received most recently.

[0067] In step ST104, the display control section 111 displays the updated monitoring screen based on the updated parent station setting file.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an updated monitoring screen according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, control of station B will be carried out by the staff of station B. Therefore, on the monitoring screen displayed on the display of the output unit 152 of the parent station remote control device 10, the intercom area 52, other area 53, and station service equipment area 54 of station B are grayed out, and information on the buttons in these areas is not displayed. Note that in the example of Fig. 7, an example is shown in which the controlled station of station B is the child station remote control device 20 of station B, but it is of course also possible for the child station remote control device 20 of station B to control the controlled station of station A, which is parent station 1.

[0069] In step ST105, the parent station setting file control unit 112 determines whether an abnormality notification has been received. As described above, when the monitored device 153 or the monitored device 253 enters an abnormal state or an advance notice state, an abnormality notification or an advance notice is sent to the parent station remote control device 10. Therefore, for example, the parent station setting file control unit 112 determines whether an abnormality notification or an advance notice has been received from the monitored device 153 or the child station remote control device 20 via the communication control unit 113. If it is determined that an abnormality notification or an advance notice has not been received, the processing returns to step ST102. On the other hand, if it is determined that an abnormality notification or an advance notice has been received, the processing proceeds to step ST106.

[0070] In step ST106, the parent station setting file control unit 112 updates the parent station setting file. The parent station setting file control unit 112 updates the parent station setting file using the abnormality notification or advance notice notification by an operation similar to the parent station setting file update process described above.

[0071] In step ST107, the display control section 111 displays the updated monitoring screen based on the updated parent station setting file.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an updated monitoring screen according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the display control unit 111 controls the monitored equipment 153 and monitored equipment 253 in the station service equipment area 54 to be colored to indicate that an abnormality or warning has occurred.

[0073] Furthermore, the monitoring screen displays a notification area 57. The notification area 57 displays the number of notifications and which devices have experienced an abnormality or notification. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, a notification indicating that an equipment abnormality has occurred on the monitoring panel of Station A, a notification indicating that an equipment abnormality has occurred on station service equipment identification numbers 751 and 601 of Station C, and a notification indicating that a warning has occurred on station service equipment identification numbers 751 and 752 of Station A are displayed.

[0074] By displaying the notification area 57 in this way, the attendant can know in which device an abnormality or warning has occurred.

[0075] Then, the process returns to step ST 102. The process ends when the power supply to the master station remote control device 10 is turned off, for example.

[0076] Next, the operation process of the child station remote control device 20 will be described, assuming that the parent station setting file and the child station setting file are synchronized as described above. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the child station remote control device 20 according to this embodiment. For example, the control unit 21 of each child station remote control device 20 reads out and executes a program stored in the program storage unit 22, thereby realizing the operation of this flowchart.

[0077] This flowchart starts when the power of the master station remote control device 10 and the slave station remote control device 20 is turned on.

[0078] In step ST201, the display control unit 211 displays an initial monitoring screen. The display control unit 211 reads the child station setting file stored in the child station setting file storage unit 231, and displays the initial monitoring screen on the display of the output unit 252. Since the child station setting file is synchronized with the parent station setting file, the initial monitoring screen displayed on the display of the output unit 252 is the same as the initial monitoring screen shown in FIG.

[0079] In step ST202, the parent station setting file control unit 112 determines whether or not a change notification has been received. For example, if an attendant is present at station B and wants to change the control of station B to station B, the attendant presses the control station in the control station area 51 to change the control station from station A to station B. The parent station setting file control unit 112 determines whether or not the change notification has been received from the display control unit 211.

[0080] In step ST203, the communication control unit 213 transmits setting update information. When the parent station setting file control unit 112 acquires the change notification, the parent station setting file control unit 112 generates setting update information including the change notification, and outputs the generated setting update information to the communication control unit 213. The setting update information includes at least information indicating that the control station has been changed. The communication control unit 213 transmits the setting update information to the parent station remote control device 10. Note that, when the communication control unit 113 receives the change notification from the parent station remote control device 10 in the determination of step ST202, the processing may skip step ST203.

[0081] In step ST204, the child station setting file control unit 212 updates the child station setting file. The child station setting file control unit 212 updates the parent station setting file using the change notification in the same manner as the synchronization process between the parent station setting file and the child station setting file described above, and then the child station setting file is updated.

[0082] In step ST205, the display control section 111 displays the monitoring screen updated based on the updated child station setting file.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an updated monitoring screen according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, control of Station B will be carried out by the staff of Station B. Therefore, on the monitoring screen displayed on the display at Station B, the intercom area 52, other area 53, and station equipment area 54 for Stations A and C are grayed out, and information on the buttons in these areas is not displayed. On the other hand, the monitoring screen displayed on the display at Station C will be the same as the monitoring screen shown in Figure 7.

[0084] In step ST206, the child station setting file control unit 212 determines whether or not an abnormality notification has been received. As described above, when an abnormality or advance notice occurs in the monitored device 253, the child station setting file control unit 212 receives the abnormality notification or advance notice notification through the communication control unit 213. In this case, the process proceeds to step ST207. On the other hand, if it is determined that an abnormality notification or advance notice notification has not been received, the process proceeds to step ST202.

[0085] In step ST207, the communication control unit 213 transmits an abnormality notification. When the child station setting file control unit 212 receives the abnormality notification or the advance notice notification, it outputs the abnormality notification or the advance notice notification to the communication control unit 213. The communication control unit 213 transmits the abnormality notification or the advance notice notification to the parent station remote control device 10. Note that, in the determination of step ST206, if update information (abnormality notification or advance notice) of the parent station setting file is received from the parent station remote control device 10, the processing of step ST207 may be skipped.

[0086] In step ST208, the child station setting file control unit 212 updates the child station setting file. When the communication control unit 213 sends the abnormality notification or advance notice notification, it receives update information for the parent station setting file from the parent station remote control device 10. Then, the child station setting file control unit 212 updates the child station setting file using the received update information by an operation similar to the update process for the parent station setting file and child station setting file described above.

[0087] In step ST209, the display control section 211 displays the updated monitoring screen based on the updated child station setting file. The updated monitoring screen will be the same as the monitoring screen in FIG.

[0088] Then, the process returns to step ST202. Note that this process ends when, for example, the power supply to the parent station remote control device 10 or the child station remote control device 20 is turned off.

[0089] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the embodiment described above, multiple stations are grouped. Then, among the grouped stations, the parent station setting file stored in the parent station remote control device 10 of parent station 1 is synchronized with the child station setting file stored in the child station remote control device 20 of child station 2. This parent station setting file or child station setting file is used to control the monitored device 153 of parent station 1 and the monitored device 253 of child station 2 in the group. This enables mutual control of devices between the stations forming the group, making it possible to build a system without a central server. This embodiment therefore reduces costs compared to a system with a central server. Furthermore, because the monitored device 153 and the monitored device 253 can be controlled at each station, staff can control the monitored device 153 and the monitored device 253 of the grouped stations at any station without being aware of whether the station is a parent station or a child station. This reduces the burden on staff.

[0090] [Other embodiments] In this embodiment, the notification area 57 is displayed only when an abnormality notification or advance notice is received, but it may also be displayed on a normal monitoring screen, i.e., on the initial monitoring screen and updated monitoring screen as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7.

[0091] In short, this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate as possible, and in such cases, the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1...Main station 10...Main station remote control device 11...Control unit 111...Display control unit 112...Master station setting file control section 113...Communication control unit 12...Program memory section 13...Data storage unit 131...Master station setting file memory 14...Communication interface 15...Input / output interface 151...input section 152...Output section 153...Monitored equipment 2... Sub-station 3. Network 20... Substation remote control device 21...Control unit 211...Display control unit 212... Child station setting file control section 213...Communication control unit 22...Program memory section 23...Data storage unit 231... Child station setting file storage section 24...Communication interface 25...Input / output interface 251...input section 252...Output section 253...Monitored equipment 51...Control station area 52...Intercom area 53...Other areas 54…Station equipment area 55...Image area 56...Close button 57…Notification area

Claims

1. a parent station remote control device disposed at a parent station forming the group; a child station remote control device disposed in the child station forming the group and connected to the parent station remote control device; Equipped with The parent station remote control device a storage unit that stores a master station setting file that represents information on a plurality of stations that form the group, information on a control station that controls the monitored devices installed at the plurality of stations, and information on the monitored devices installed at each of the plurality of stations; a master station setting file control unit that determines whether a change notification indicating a change to the control station has been received, and that updates the master station setting file using the change notification if it is determined that the change notification has been received; a parent station display control unit that controls an output unit to display a monitoring screen based on the parent station setting file; Equipped with The child station remote control device includes: a storage unit for storing a child station setting file synchronized with the parent station setting file; a child station setting file control unit that, when detecting that the parent station setting file has been updated, updates the child station setting file based on the updated parent station setting file; a child station display control unit that controls an output unit to display a monitoring screen based on the child station setting file; Equipped with Remote control system.

2. the parent station setting file control unit determines that the change notification has been received based on detecting that a control station setting change button on a parent station monitoring screen has been pressed; The remote control system of claim 1 .

3. the parent station setting file control unit determines that the control station change notification has been received when the parent station setting file control unit receives the control station change notification transmitted from the child station remote control device; The remote control system of claim 1 .

4. the parent station setting file control unit updates the parent station setting file so that the monitored device installed in the child station whose control station has been changed cannot be controlled by the parent station.

4. The remote control system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the parent station setting file control unit updates the parent station setting file so that the child station remote control device installed in the child station whose control station has been changed can control the monitored device installed in the child station.

4. The remote control system according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The parent station display control unit further controls to display a detailed screen of the selected station. The remote control system of claim 1 .

7. the parent station setting file control unit determines whether an abnormality notification or an advance notice has been received from the monitored device, and if it determines that an abnormality notification or an advance notice has been received, updates the parent station setting file so as to change information about the monitored device that has received the abnormality notification or the advance notice. The remote control system of claim 1 .

8. When multiple change notifications are received, the parent station setting file is updated based on the most recently received change notification. The remote control system of claim 1 .

9. A remote control method executed by a processor of a remote control device, comprising: storing a master station setting file representing information on a plurality of stations forming a group, information on a control station that controls the monitored devices disposed at the plurality of stations, and information on the monitored devices disposed at each of the plurality of stations; determining whether a change notification indicating a change to the control station is received; When it is determined that the change notification has been received, updating the parent station setting file using the change notification; Sending update information for updating a child station configuration file; Controlling an output unit to display a monitoring screen based on the parent station setting file; A remote control method comprising:

10. 1. A remote control program comprising instructions for execution by a processor of a remote control device, storing a master station setting file representing information on a plurality of stations forming a group, information on a control station that controls the monitored devices disposed at the plurality of stations, and information on the monitored devices disposed at each of the plurality of stations; determining whether a change notification indicating a change to the control station is received; When it is determined that the change notification has been received, updating the parent station setting file using the change notification; Sending update information for updating a child station configuration file; Controlling an output unit to display a monitoring screen based on the parent station setting file; A remote control program comprising:

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