Display control device, display control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a display control device with improved usability.SOLUTION: A control device 20 is an example of a display control device. The control device 20 includes: an operation receiving part 21 that receives an operation of designating an area in a house 70; a display part 22 that displays a first screen including a plurality of objects corresponding to a plurality of devices 35 located in a designated area; and a first communication part 25 that receives information indicating a state of the plurality of devices 35 and transmits information for controlling the plurality of devices 35. Each of the plurality of objects is an object for a screen transition to a second screen for controlling the device 35 corresponding to the object based on an operation on the object, and displays at least one of a current state of the device 35 corresponding to the object and an icon for controlling the device 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device, a display control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the introduction of EMS (Energy Management Systems) into homes has progressed. EMS allows for visualization of energy usage, such as electricity or gas, in homes by displaying it on a monitor. As a technology related to EMS, Patent Document 1 discloses an EMS equipment monitoring device that can accurately monitor the power consumption of equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 179671 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a display control device with improved usability, and a display control method for realizing a display control device with improved usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A display control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation receiving unit that receives an operation to specify an area within a facility, an information processing unit that displays on a display unit a first screen including a plurality of objects corresponding to a plurality of devices located in the specified area, and a communication unit that receives information indicating the status of the plurality of devices and transmits information for controlling the plurality of devices, wherein each of the plurality of objects is an object for transitioning to a second screen for controlling the device corresponding to the object based on an operation on the object, and displays at least one of the current status of the device corresponding to the object and an icon for controlling the device.

[0006] A display control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a display control method executed by a computer, and includes the steps of: accepting an operation to designate an area within a facility; displaying on a display unit a first screen including a plurality of objects corresponding to a plurality of devices located in the designated area; receiving information indicating the status of the plurality of devices and transmitting information for controlling the plurality of devices; and each of the plurality of objects is an object for transitioning to a second screen for controlling the device corresponding to the object based on an operation on the object, and displays at least one of the current status of the device corresponding to the object and an icon for controlling the device.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the display control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a display control device with improved usability is realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation for acquiring device information. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing example 1 of the screen transition operation. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the control screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an individual control screen for a device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of a device setting change operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the screen transition operation. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the device setting change operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a control system according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment.

[0013] The control system 10 is a system that can display the amount of power consumption in the house 70 on the display unit 22 of the control device 20 or the display unit 52 of the mobile terminal 50. The control system 10 is also a system that can control the plurality of devices 35 installed in the house 70 and display the status of the plurality of devices 35 by communicating with the plurality of devices 35.

[0014] The control system 10 includes a control device 20, a power measuring device 30, a plurality of devices 35, a server device 40, and a mobile terminal 50. The control device 20, the power measuring device 30, and the plurality of devices 35 are installed inside a residence 70 (more specifically, within the premises of the residence 70), and the server device 40 is installed outside the residence 70. The mobile terminal 50 is located outside the residence 70, but may also be located inside the residence 70. The residence 70 is an example of a facility, and specifically, is a detached house, but may also be an apartment building. The control system 10 may also be applied to facilities other than the residence 70, such as accommodation facilities.

[0015] The control device 20 is an information terminal having an energy management function, and more specifically, an EMS controller. The control device 20 manages the amount of power consumption in the house 70 based on the amount of power consumption (in other words, the amount of power consumption) measured by the power measurement device 30. The control device 20 can also control the devices 35 communicatively connected to the control device 20. The control device 20 is not limited to an EMS controller, and may be another controller or a gateway device. The control device 20 includes an operation reception unit 21, a display unit 22, an information processing unit 23, a storage unit 24, a first communication unit 25, and a second communication unit 26.

[0016] The operation reception unit 21 receives operations from a resident or the like (hereinafter also referred to as a user) of the house 70. The operation reception unit 21 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, but may also be realized by hardware keys or the like.

[0017] The display unit 22 displays an image. The display unit 22 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. Note that the display unit 22 may be separate from the control device 20.

[0018] The information processing unit 23 performs display processing such as displaying the amount of power consumption in the house 70 on the display unit 22. The information processing unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 23 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 23 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 24.

[0019] The storage unit 24 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 23. The storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0020] The first communication unit 25 is a communication circuit that enables the control device 20 to communicate with the device 35, the power measuring device 30, and the like via a local communication network. The first communication unit 25 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the first communication unit 25.

[0021] The second communication unit 26 is a communication circuit that enables the control device 20 to communicate with the server device 40 and the like via the wide area communication network 80. The second communication unit 26 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 26.

[0022] The power metering device 30 measures the amount of power used in the house 70. The power metering device 30 is, for example, a distribution board with a power measurement function, and measures the amount of power used for each branch circuit provided in the house 70. The power metering device 30 may be a smart meter. The power measurement function is realized by, for example, a current sensor (CT: Current Transformer). Note that, although the power metering device 30 is illustrated separately from the device 35 in FIG. 1 , it may be included in the device 35.

[0023] The multiple devices 35 are devices installed in the house 70. At least some of the multiple devices 35 are registered in the control device 20 and thereby controlled by the control device 20. The multiple devices 35 include lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, air purifiers, electric shutters, electric locks, heat pump water heaters, fuel cell power generation systems, solar power generation systems, power storage systems, delivery boxes, and chargers / dischargers for electric vehicles. The multiple devices 35 may also include environmental sensors such as temperature sensors and humidity sensors. The multiple devices 35 may also include sensors other than environmental sensors, such as a window sensor that detects whether a window is open or closed.

[0024] The server device 40 is a cloud server that performs information processing to display information about the multiple devices 35 on the display unit 52 of the mobile terminal 50. The server device 40 can communicate with the control device 20, the mobile terminal 50, and the like via a wide area communication network 80. The server device 40 is operated and managed by, for example, a manufacturer and distributor of the control device 20.

[0025] The mobile terminal 50 is a portable information terminal carried by a user, and specifically, is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The mobile terminal 50 includes an operation receiving unit 51, a display unit 52, an information processing unit 53, a storage unit 54, a first communication unit 55, and a second communication unit 56.

[0026] The operation reception unit 51 receives operations from a user. The operation reception unit 51 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, but may also be realized by a mouse and keyboard.

[0027] The display unit 52 displays an image and is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0028] The information processing unit 53 executes a predetermined application program (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined app) to perform display processing such as displaying the amount of power consumption in the house 70 on the display unit 52. The information processing unit 53 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 53 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 53 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 54.

[0029] The storage unit 54 is a storage device that stores computer programs (the above-mentioned predetermined applications) and the like executed by the information processing unit 53. The storage unit 54 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0030] The first communication unit 55 is a communication circuit for the mobile terminal 50 to communicate via a local communication network. The first communication unit 55 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard for the communication performed by the first communication unit 55.

[0031] The second communication unit 56 is a communication circuit that enables the mobile terminal 50 to communicate with the server device 40 and the like via the wide area communication network 80. The second communication unit 56 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 56.

[0032] [Device information acquisition behavior] The following describes the operation of the control device 20 and the server device 40 to acquire device information. Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the control device 20 and the server device 40 to acquire device information.

[0033] The information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 uses the first communication unit 25 to transmit an information request to each of the plurality of devices 35 (S11). The information request is transmitted periodically at a first time interval. The first time interval is, for example, a time interval of several minutes to one hour, but is not particularly limited. Upon receiving the information request, each of the plurality of devices 35 transmits device information to the control device 20 (S12).

[0034] The first communication unit 25 of the control device 20 receives the device information. The information processing unit 23 stores the received device information in the storage unit 24 (S13).

[0035] Furthermore, the information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 uses the second communication unit 26 to transmit the latest device information to the server device 40 (S14). The device information is transmitted periodically, for example, at a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval. The server device 40 receives the device information and stores the received device information (S15).

[0036] Here, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the device information. When the device 35 is a device that can be controlled by the control device 20, the device information includes identification information of the device 35 and information indicating the setting state of the device 35. The information indicating the setting state of the device 35 includes information indicating the on / off state of the device 35. Other information indicating the setting state of the device 35 is information indicating the operation mode, set temperature, set airflow, etc. when the device 35 is an air conditioning device, and information indicating the set dimming rate, set color temperature, etc. when the device 35 is a lighting device.

[0037] If the device 35 is a sensor or a device equipped with a sensor, the device information includes information indicating the sensing result by the sensor. If the sensor is a temperature sensor, the information indicating the sensing result is information indicating the temperature, if the sensor is a humidity sensor, the information indicating the sensing result is information indicating the humidity, and if the sensor is a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, the information indicating the sensing result is information indicating the carbon dioxide concentration.

[0038] When multiple devices 35 are registered in the control device 20, registration information in which identification information of the devices 35, such as device names, is associated with the areas in which the devices 35 are installed is stored in the storage unit 24, and the registration information is transmitted from the control device 20 to the server device 40 and is also stored in the server device 40. In other words, the control device 20 and the server device 40 can manage the areas in which multiple devices 35 are installed. Specifically, the areas are the living room, bedroom, children's room, entrance hall, etc.

[0039] [Screen transition example 1] Various display screens are displayed on the display unit 22 of the control device 20 based on the above device information. An example of a screen transition operation in the control device 20 (Example 1 of the screen transition operation) will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing Example 1 of the screen transition operation.

[0040] The user performs a predetermined first operation to display the home screen, and the operation receiving unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the first operation from the user (S21). The information processing unit 23 displays the home screen on the display unit 22 based on the received first operation (S22). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen. As shown in FIG. 4, the home screen displays the amount of power usage measured by the power measuring device 30, etc. A vertically long menu bar is provided on the left side of the home screen.

[0041] Next, the user performs a predetermined second operation to display the control screen, and the operation receiving unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the second operation from the user (S23). The second operation is, for example, an operation of selecting the control icon 22a included in the menu bar of the home screen.

[0042] Based on the accepted second operation, the information processing unit 23 displays a control screen on the display unit 22 (S24). Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the control screen.

[0043] 5, the left side of the control screen displays options for areas (rooms) in which devices 35 are installed in the house 70. The display order of the areas in the options can be changed by a change operation by the user.

[0044] The user performs a designation operation to designate an area, and the operation reception unit 21 receives the designation operation from the user (S25). The information processing unit 23 updates the display of the control screen based on the received designation operation (S26). Specifically, the information processing unit 23 references the registration information and device information stored in the storage unit 24 to display, on the right side of the control screen, an environment object 22b indicating the environment of the designated area and device objects 22c of multiple devices 35 installed in the designated area. In the example of FIG. 5, the environment object 22b and the multiple device objects 22c are arranged in a matrix.

[0045] The environmental object 22b is a rectangular object that indicates the sensing results of a sensor installed in the specified area. The information processing unit 23 can display the environmental object 22b by referencing the device information of the environmental sensor installed in the specified area from the device information stored in the storage unit 24. In the example of FIG. 5, the environmental object 22b indicates the sensing results of temperature and humidity, but may also indicate the carbon dioxide concentration, etc. The environmental object 22b is displayed, for example, in the upper left position in the arrangement of multiple objects. If no environmental sensor is installed in the specified area, the environmental object 22b is not displayed.

[0046] The device object 22c is a rectangular object that displays at least one of the current state of the device 35 and an icon for controlling the device. The information processing unit 23 can display the device object 22c by referring to the device information stored in the storage unit 24 about the device 35 installed in the specified area.

[0047] In the example of FIG. 5, five objects are displayed: "lighting," "air conditioner," "electric lock," "window sensor," and "window opening / closing device."

[0048] For example, the "lighting" device object 22c displays the on / off state of the lighting device using a toggle button icon. When the user operates the toggle button icon, the lighting device is switched on and off. In other words, the "lighting" device object 22c displays the current state of the lighting device corresponding to the device object 22c and an icon for controlling the lighting device. The same applies to the "electric lock" device object 22c and the "window opening / closing device" device object 22c.

[0049] Furthermore, the "air conditioner" device object 22c displays the on / off state of the air conditioner using a toggle button icon, and displays the air conditioner's current operating mode and set temperature in text. When the user operates the toggle button icon, the air conditioner is switched on and off. In other words, the "air conditioner" device object 22c displays the on / off state and setting state of the air conditioner (for example, the operating mode and set temperature) as the current state of the air conditioner corresponding to the device object 22c, and also displays an icon for controlling the air conditioner.

[0050] The "window sensor" device object 22c displays the current sensing state of the window sensor in text. That is, the "window sensor" device object 22c displays the current state of the window sensor corresponding to the device object 22c.

[0051] Of these multiple device objects 22c, four device objects 22c, namely, "lighting," "air conditioner," "electric lock," and "window opening / closing device," are also objects for transitioning to individual control screens for controlling the device 35 corresponding to the device object 22c based on an operation on the device object 22c.

[0052] The user performs a selection operation on the device object 22c, and the operation receiving unit 21 receives the selection operation from the user (S27). The information processing unit 23 displays an individual control screen for the device 35 on the display unit 22 based on the device information and the like stored in the storage unit 24 (S28). Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the individual control screen for the device 35, specifically, a diagram showing an example of the individual control screen for an air conditioning device.

[0053] The individual control screen allows for more detailed control than that realized by operating the icons displayed on the device objects 22c. Specifically, the individual control screen allows for changing the operation mode, set temperature, air volume, air direction, and other control parameters when the air conditioner is turned on.

[0054] 5, the control device 20 can display a control screen as shown in Fig. 5, and the user can display device objects 22c of devices 35 installed in the specified area by specifying an area from the options on the left side of the control screen. The user does not need to remember the name of the device 35, but can simply select the area in which the device 35 that the user wants to control is installed. In other words, by displaying the control screen, the control device 20 can improve the usability of the control device 20.

[0055] Furthermore, in addition to the multiple device objects 22c, the control screen also displays an environment object 22b that indicates the sensing results of sensors located in the area.

[0056] In this way, when the environmental object 22b and multiple equipment objects 22c are displayed on the same screen, the user can check the environment of the area and the status of the equipment 35 installed in the area and determine whether or not the equipment 35 needs to be controlled.

[0057] Furthermore, the "air conditioner" device object 22c displays the on / off state and setting state of the air conditioner as the current state of the air conditioner.

[0058] In this way, if the on / off state and the setting state other than the on / off state are displayed on the same screen, the user can check the setting state other than the on / off state and determine whether or not it is necessary to control (change the setting) the equipment 35 installed in the area.

[0059] [Device setting change operation example 1] The following describes the operation when the user instructs the control device 20 to control (change the settings of) the device 35. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of the operation of changing the settings of the device 35.

[0060] The user performs a setting change operation on the device 35, and the operation receiving unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the setting change operation from the user (S31). The setting change operation is, for example, an operation on a toggle button for the device object 22c on the control screen, or an operation on an icon displayed on an individual control screen. The information processing unit 23 uses the first communication unit 25 to send a setting change request to the target device 35 (S32). The setting change request is an example of information for controlling the device 35.

[0061] When the device 35 receives the setting change request, it changes the setting in accordance with the setting change request (S33), and transmits device information after the setting change is completed to the control device 20 (S34).

[0062] The first communication unit 25 of the control device 20 receives the device information. The information processing unit 23 stores the received device information in the storage unit 24 (S35). The information processing unit 23 also updates the display content (setting status of the device 35) of the control screen or individual control screen based on the received device information (S36).

[0063] Furthermore, the information processing unit 23 uses the second communication unit 26 to transmit the latest device information to the server device 40 (S37). The server device 40 receives the device information and stores the received device information (S38).

[0064] As described above, when the user instructs the control device 20 to control (change settings of) the device 35, the device information is updated. Note that when the settings of the device 35 are changed using an infrared remote controller dedicated to the device 35, the setting change is not immediately reflected in the device information. However, even in such a case, the device information is updated periodically according to the sequence diagram of FIG. 2.

[0065] [Screen transition example 2] By executing the above-mentioned predetermined application, the mobile terminal 50 can acquire device information managed by the server device 40 and display display screens similar to those shown in Figs. 4 to 6 on the display unit 52. In other words, the user can use some of the functions that can be used by operating the control device 20 through the mobile terminal 50. An example of a screen transition operation in the mobile terminal 50 (Example 2 of the screen transition operation) will be described below. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing Example 2 of the screen transition operation.

[0066] The user performs a predetermined first operation to display the home screen, and the operation reception unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50 receives the first operation from the user (S41). The information processing unit 53 displays a home screen similar to that shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit 52 based on the received first operation (S42).

[0067] Next, the user performs a predetermined second operation to display the control screen, and the operation reception unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50 receives the second operation from the user (S43).

[0068] Based on the accepted second operation, the information processing unit 53 transmits an information provision request to the server device 40 using the second communication unit 56 (S44). Upon receiving the information provision request, the server device 40 transmits device information of the devices 35 installed in the area set as the default (S45).

[0069] The second communication unit 56 of the mobile terminal 50 receives the device information. The information processing unit 53 displays a control screen similar to that shown in Fig. 5 on the display unit 52 based on the received device information (S46).

[0070] The user performs a designation operation to designate an area, and the operation reception unit 51 receives the designation operation from the user (S47). Based on the received designation operation, the information processing unit 53 transmits an information provision request to the server device 40 using the second communication unit 56 (S48). Upon receiving the information provision request, the server device 40 transmits device information of the devices 35 installed in the designated area (S49).

[0071] The second communication unit 56 of the mobile terminal 50 receives the device information. Based on the received device information, the information processing unit 53 displays, on the right side of the control screen, an environment object 22b indicating the environment of the specified area and device objects 22c of the multiple devices 35 installed in the specified area (S50).

[0072] The user selects the device object 22c, and the operation receiving unit 51 receives the selection operation from the user (S51). The information processing unit 53 displays an individual control screen for the device 35, similar to that shown in FIG. 6, on the display unit 52 based on the device information and the like stored in the storage unit 54 (S52).

[0073] In this way, the mobile terminal 50 can display a control screen similar to that shown in Fig. 5, and the user can display device objects 22c of devices 35 installed in the specified area by specifying an area. The user does not need to remember the names of the devices 35, but simply selects the area in which the device 35 that the user wants to control is installed. In other words, by displaying the control screen, the usability of the mobile terminal 50 can be improved.

[0074] Furthermore, in addition to the multiple device objects 22c, the control screen also displays an environment object 22b that indicates the sensing results of sensors located in the area.

[0075] In this way, when the environmental object 22b and multiple equipment objects 22c are displayed on the same screen, the user can check the environment of the area and the status of the equipment 35 installed in the area and determine whether or not the equipment 35 needs to be controlled.

[0076] Furthermore, the "air conditioning" device object 22c displays the on / off state and setting state of the air conditioning device as the current state of the air conditioning device.

[0077] In this way, if the on / off state and the setting state other than the on / off state are displayed on the same screen, the user can check the setting state other than the on / off state and determine whether or not it is necessary to control (change the setting) the equipment 35 installed in the area.

[0078] [Device setting change operation example 2] The following describes the operation when the user instructs the mobile terminal 50 to control (change the settings of) the device 35. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the operation of changing the settings of the device 35.

[0079] The user performs a setting change operation on the device 35, and the operation accepting unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50 accepts the setting change operation from the user (S61). The setting change operation is, for example, an operation on the toggle button for the device object 22c on the control screen, or an operation on an icon displayed on an individual control screen. The information processing unit 53 uses the second communication unit 56 to send a setting change request to the target device 35 (S62). The setting change request is received by the device 35 via the server device 40 and the control device 20 (S63 and S64).

[0080] When the device 35 receives the setting change request, it changes the setting in accordance with the setting change request (S65) and transmits device information after the setting change is completed to the control device 20 (S66).

[0081] The first communication unit 25 of the control device 20 receives the device information. The information processing unit 23 stores the received device information in the storage unit 24 (S67). The information processing unit 23 also transmits the device information to the server device 40 using the second communication unit 26 (S68). The server device 40 receives the device information and stores the received device information (S69). The server device 40 also transmits the device information to the mobile terminal 50 (S70).

[0082] The second communication unit 56 of the mobile terminal 50 receives the device information. The information processing unit 53 updates the display content (setting status of the device 35) of the control screen or the individual control screen based on the received device information (S71).

[0083] As described above, when the user instructs the mobile terminal 50 to control (change settings of) the device 35, the device information is updated. Note that when a setting change of the device 35 is made using an infrared remote controller dedicated to the device 35, the setting change is not immediately reflected in the device information. However, even in such a case, the device information is updated periodically according to the sequence diagram of FIG. 2.

[0084] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from these inventions will be explained.

[0085] Invention 1 is a display control device that includes an operation reception unit that receives an operation to specify an area within a facility, an information processing unit that displays on a display unit a first screen including multiple objects corresponding to multiple devices 35 located in the specified area, and a communication unit that receives information indicating the states of the multiple devices 35 and transmits information for controlling the multiple devices 35. Each of the multiple objects is an object that transitions to a second screen for controlling the corresponding device 35 based on an operation on the object, and displays at least one of the current state of the device 35 corresponding to the object and an icon for controlling the device 35. The house 70 in the above embodiment is an example of a facility, the operation reception unit 21 or the operation reception unit 51 is an example of an operation reception unit, the information processing unit 23 or the information processing unit 53 is an example of an information processing unit, and the display unit 22 or the display unit 52 is an example of a display unit. The first communication unit 25 or the second communication unit 56 in the above embodiment is an example of a communication unit, the device object 22c is an example of an object, the control screen is an example of a first screen, the individual control screen is an example of a second screen, and the control device 20 or the mobile terminal 50 is an example of a display control device.

[0086] Such a display control device can improve the usability of the control device 20 by displaying the device object 22c of the device 35 installed in the area specified by the user.

[0087] Invention 2 is the display control device of Invention 1, in which a first object included in a plurality of objects displays the on / off state and the setting state of the first device as the current state of the first device corresponding to the first object. The "air conditioning" device object 22c in the above embodiment is an example of a first object.

[0088] In this way, by displaying the on / off state and the setting state other than the on / off state, the user can determine whether or not it is necessary to control (change the setting of) the equipment 35 installed in the area while checking the setting state other than the on / off state.

[0089] Invention 3 is the display control device of Invention 1 or 2, in which an object showing the sensing result of a sensor located in the area is displayed on the first screen in addition to multiple objects. The environmental object 22b in the above embodiment is an example of an object showing the sensing result.

[0090] In this way, if an object (environment object 22b) showing the sensing results and multiple objects (equipment objects 22c) are displayed on the same screen, the user can check the sensing results in the area and the status of the equipment 35 installed in that area and determine whether or not it is necessary to control the equipment 35.

[0091] Invention 4 is a display control device according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, in which at least one of the plurality of objects displays an icon for controlling device 35, and in the second screen, more detailed control is possible than that realized by operating the icon.

[0092] In this way, if only simple controls are allowed on the first screen, it is possible to simplify the first screen.

[0093] Invention 5 is a display control device of Invention 4 in which the control realized by operating the icon is turning on and off the device 35, and in the second screen, the control parameters when the device 35 is on can be changed.

[0094] In this way, if only turning on and off of the device 35 is permitted on the first screen, the first screen can be simplified.

[0095] Invention 6 is a display control method executed by a computer such as a display control device, which includes the steps of accepting an operation to designate an area within a facility, displaying on a display unit a first screen including a plurality of objects corresponding to a plurality of devices located in the designated area, and receiving information indicating the status of the plurality of devices and transmitting information for controlling the plurality of devices, wherein each of the plurality of objects is an object for transitioning to a second screen for controlling the device corresponding to the object based on an operation on the object, and the display control method displays at least one of the current status of the device corresponding to the object and an icon for controlling the device.

[0096] Such a display control method can improve the usability of the control device 20 by displaying the device object 22c of the device 35 installed in the area specified by the user.

[0097] Invention 7 is a program for causing a computer to execute the display control method of Invention 6.

[0098] According to such a program, the computer can improve the usability of the control device 20 by displaying the device object 22c of the device 35 installed in the area specified by the user.

[0099] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0100] For example, in the above embodiment, the control system is realized by a plurality of devices. In this case, the components of the control system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. The control system may also be realized by a single device. For example, the control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to an information terminal (control device or mobile terminal).

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0102] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0103] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0104] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0105] For example, the present invention may be realized as a control system, a control device, or a mobile terminal according to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a method executed by the control system, the control device, or the mobile terminal, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method. The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0106] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10. Control System 20 Control device 21, 51 Operation reception section 22, 52 display section 22a Control Icon 22b Environmental Objects 22c Equipment Object 23, 53 Information Processing Department 24, 54 Storage section 25, 55 First Communications Department 26, 56 Second Communications Department 30 Power Measuring Device 35 Equipment 40 Server device 50 Mobile Devices 70 Housing (Facilities) 80 Wide Area Communication Network

Claims

1. an operation receiving unit that receives an operation to specify an area within the facility; an information processing unit that displays on a display unit a first screen including a plurality of objects corresponding to a plurality of devices located in the specified area; a communication unit that receives information indicating the states of the plurality of devices and transmits information for controlling the plurality of devices; Each of the plurality of objects is an object for screen transition to a second screen for controlling a device corresponding to the object based on an operation on the object, and displays at least one of a current state of the device corresponding to the object and an icon for controlling the device. Display control device.

2. A first object included in the plurality of objects displays an on / off state of the first device and a setting state of the first device as the current state of the first device corresponding to the first object. The display control device according to claim 1 .

3. In addition to the plurality of objects, an object showing the sensing result of a sensor located in the area is displayed on the first screen. The display control device according to claim 1 .

4. At least one of the plurality of objects displays an icon for controlling the device; The second screen allows for more detailed control than that realized by operating the icon. The display control device according to claim 1 .

5. The control realized by the operation on the icon is turning on and off the device, In the second screen, the control parameters when the device is on can be changed. The display control device according to claim 4 .

6. A computer-implemented display control method, comprising: A step of accepting an operation to designate an area within the facility; displaying on a display unit a first screen including a plurality of objects corresponding to a plurality of devices located in the specified area; receiving information indicating the states of the plurality of devices and transmitting information for controlling the plurality of devices; Each of the plurality of objects is an object for screen transition to a second screen for controlling a device corresponding to the object based on an operation on the object, and displays at least one of a current state of the device corresponding to the object and an icon for controlling the device. Display control method.

7. A program for causing the computer to execute the display control method according to claim 6.

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