Display control device, display control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a display control device and the like that can assist a user in identifying the location where a communication abnormality has occurred.SOLUTION: A control device 20 is an example of a display control device. The control device 20 can communicate directly with a router 36 and can also communicate with a second apparatus 37 via the router 36. The control device 20 includes an information processing unit 23 that acquires communication status information indicating a first communication status of the control device 20 with the router 36 and a second communication status between the router 36 and the second apparatus 37. The information processing unit 23 simultaneously displays the first communication status and the second communication status on the display unit 22 based on the acquired communication status information.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 and the like that can assist a user in identifying the location of a communication abnormality in a system such as an EMS. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A display control device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an information processing unit that acquires communication status information indicating a first communication status between a control device that communicates directly with a first communication device and a second communication device via the first communication device, and a second communication status between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the information processing unit simultaneously displays the first communication status and the second communication status on a display unit based on the acquired communication status information.

[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 acquiring communication status information indicating a first communication status between a control device that communicates directly with a first communication device and a second communication device via the first communication device and a second communication status between the first communication device and the second communication device, and simultaneously displaying the first communication status and the second communication status on a display unit based on the acquired communication status information.

[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] The display control device and the like of the present invention can assist the user in identifying the location of the communication abnormality. [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 diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the communication status of the entire communication network. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of generating communication state information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of the communication status display operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing individual communication states. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the display operation of the communication status. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the time when the communication status was confirmed. 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 usage in a 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 can also control a plurality of first devices 35 and display the status of the plurality of first devices 35 by communicating with the plurality of first devices 35 installed in the house 70. The control system 10 can also control a plurality of second devices 37 and display the status of the plurality of second devices 37 by communicating with a plurality of second devices 37 installed in the house 70 via a router 36.

[0014] The control system 10 includes a control device 20, a power measuring device 30, a solar power generation system 31, a power conditioner 32, a plurality of first devices 35, a router 36, a plurality of second devices 37, a server device 40, and a mobile terminal 50. The control device 20, the power measuring device 30, the solar power generation system 31, the power conditioner 32, the plurality of first devices 35, the router 36, and the plurality of second devices 37 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 measuring device 30. The control device 20 can also control the first device 35 and the second device 37. 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 receiving unit 21, a display unit 22, an information processing unit 23, a memory 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 first device 35, the power measuring device 30, and the like via a local communication network. The first communication unit 25 is a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication in the 920 MHz band, for example. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 25.

[0021] The second communication unit 26 is a communication circuit through which the control device 20 communicates with the server device 40 and the like via the router 36 and the wide area communication network 80. The second communication unit 26 is also a communication circuit through which the control device 20 communicates with the second device 37 via the router 36. The second communication unit 26 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication in the 4.2 GHz band. 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 as being separate from the first device 35 in FIG. 1 , it may be included in the first device 35.

[0023] The solar power generation system 31 is a power generation system that generates power by converting sunlight into electrical energy. The power generated by the solar power generation system 31 is output to a power conditioner 32. Specifically, the solar power generation system 31 is realized by a PV (Photovoltaic) panel or the like.

[0024] The power conditioner 32 is a power conversion device and may also be called a PCS (Power Conditioning System). The power conditioner 32 is realized by power conversion circuits such as a DC-DC converter and a DC-AC converter. The power conditioner 32 can also measure the power generated by the solar power generation system 31. The power conditioner 32 communicates with the power measurement device 30 via a wired connection and can transmit generated power information indicating the measured generated power to the control device 20 via the power measurement device 30.

[0025] The multiple first devices 35 are devices provided in the house 70. At least some of the multiple first devices 35 are registered in the control device 20 and thereby controlled by the control device 20. The multiple first devices 35 include lighting devices, air conditioning devices, ventilation devices, air purifiers, electric shutters, electric locks, heat pump water heaters, fuel cell power generation systems, power storage systems, delivery boxes, and chargers / dischargers for electric vehicles. The multiple first devices 35 may also include environmental sensors such as temperature sensors and humidity sensors. The multiple first devices 35 may also include sensors other than environmental sensors, such as a window sensor that detects whether a window is open or closed.

[0026] The router 36 is installed in, for example, a house 70 and is connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The router 36 is a router for a wide area communication network (WLAN). The router 36 is a device that relays wireless communication between the control device 20 and the second device 37, and the control device 20 and the second device 37 are connected to the router 36. The router 36 is also connected to a wide area communication network 80 such as the Internet, and the control device 20 and the second device 37 connected to the router 36 can be connected to the wide area communication network 80 via the router 36.

[0027] The plurality of second devices 37 are devices provided in the house 70. At least some of the plurality of second devices 37 are registered in the control device 20 and thereby controlled by the control device 20. The plurality of second devices 37 include lighting devices, air conditioning devices, ventilation devices, air purifiers, electric shutters, electric locks, heat pump water heaters, fuel cell power generation systems, power storage systems, delivery boxes, and chargers / dischargers for electric vehicles. The plurality of second devices 37 may also include environmental sensors such as temperature sensors and humidity sensors. The plurality of second devices 37 may also include sensors other than environmental sensors, such as a window sensor that detects whether a window is open or closed.

[0028] The server device 40 is a cloud server that performs information processing to display information about the plurality of first devices 35 or the plurality of second devices 37 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The first communication unit 55 is a communication circuit that enables the mobile terminal 50 to communicate with the router 36 or the like via a local communication network. The first communication unit 55 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 first communication unit 55.

[0035] 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 (mobile communication network). 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.

[0036] [Communication status information generation operation] The control device 20 can display a first communication state between the control device 20 and a router 36 (an example of a first communication device), a second communication state between the router 36 and a plurality of second devices 37 (an example of a second communication device), and a third communication state between the control device 20 and a plurality of first devices 35 (an example of a third communication device) on the display unit 22. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the communication state of the entire communication network of the control system 10, displayed on the display unit 22.

[0037] In order to display a display screen such as that shown in Fig. 2, the control device 20 generates communication status information. The operation of generating communication status information by the control device 20 will be described below. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of generating communication status information by the control device 20.

[0038] The information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 uses the first communication unit 25 to transmit a response request to the plurality of first devices 35 (S11). The information processing unit 23 transmits the response request periodically, for example. Upon receiving the response request, each of the plurality of first devices 35 transmits a response to the control device 20 (S12).

[0039] The first communication unit 25 of the control device 20 receives the response. Based on the identification information of the first device 35 included in the received response, the information processing unit 23 can determine that the communication state with the first device 35 that returned a response to the response request is normal, and that the communication state with the first device 35 that did not return a response to the response request is abnormal.

[0040] Furthermore, the information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 uses the second communication unit 26 to transmit a response request to the router 36 (S13). The information processing unit 23 transmits the response request periodically, for example. Upon receiving the response request, the router 36 transmits a response to the control device 20 (S14).

[0041] The second communication unit 26 of the control device 20 receives the response. If the information processing unit 23 receives the response, it can determine that the communication state with the router 36 is normal. If the information processing unit 23 cannot receive a response from the router 36, it can determine that the communication state with the router 36 is abnormal.

[0042] Furthermore, the information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 uses the second communication unit 26 to send a confirmation request to the router 36 (S15). The confirmation request is information for requesting the router 36 to confirm the communication status between the router 36 and each of the plurality of second devices 37. The information processing unit 23 sends the confirmation request periodically, for example. Note that if no response is received from the router 36 in step S14, the processing of step S15 is not performed.

[0043] When the router 36 receives the confirmation request, it transmits a response request to the plurality of second devices 37 (S16). When each of the plurality of second devices 37 receives the response request, it transmits a response to the router 36 (S17).

[0044] The router 36 receives the response. Based on the identification information of the first device 35 included in the received response, the router 36 can determine that the communication status with the second device 37 that returned a response to the response request is normal, and that the communication status with the second device 37 that did not return a response to the response request is abnormal. The router 36 transmits confirmation result information indicating this determination result to the control device 20 (S18).

[0045] The second communication unit 26 of the control device 20 receives the confirmation result information. The information processing unit 23 generates communication state information by integrating the information indicating the determination result of the third communication state based on the response received in step S12, the information indicating the determination result of the first communication state based on the response received in step S14, and the confirmation result information (information indicating the second communication state), and stores the generated communication state information in the storage unit 24 (S19).

[0046] Furthermore, the information processing unit 23 uses the second communication unit 26 to transmit the communication status information to the server device 40 (S20). The server device 40 receives the communication status information and stores the received communication status information (S21).

[0047] In this way, the control device 20 can generate communication status information by transmitting a response request to the plurality of first devices 35 and the router 36 and transmitting a confirmation request to the router 36.

[0048] 2 also displays the communication status between the control device 20 and the power measuring device 30, and the communication status between the power measuring device 30 and the power conditioner 32. To realize such a display, the information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 can transmit a response request and a confirmation request to the power measuring device 30 using the first communication unit 25.

[0049] 3 is described as being performed periodically, it may also be performed when a predetermined second operation for displaying the communication status, which will be described later, is accepted. In other words, the communication status information may be displayed immediately before the communication status is displayed.

[0050] [Example 1 of communication status display] Based on such communication status information, the control device 20 can display a display screen of the communication status of the entire communication network of Fig. 2 on the display unit 22. Such a communication status display operation will be described below. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing example 1 of the communication status display operation.

[0051] 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 (S31). The information processing unit 23 displays the home screen on the display unit 22 based on the received first operation (S32). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen. As shown in FIG. 5, 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.

[0052] Next, the user performs a predetermined second operation to display the communication status, and the operation accepting unit 21 of the control device 20 accepts the second operation from the user (S33). The second operation includes, for example, an operation of selecting the setting icon 22a included in the menu bar of the home screen.

[0053] The information processing unit 23 acquires communication status information from the memory unit 24 based on the accepted second operation, and displays a display screen (Figure 2) showing the communication status of the entire communication network on the display unit 22 based on the acquired communication status information (S34).

[0054] 2, the display screen for the communication status of the entire communication network is based on a connection diagram showing the connection relationships among the photovoltaic power generation system 31, the power conditioner 32, the power measuring device 30, the control device 20, the plurality of first devices 35, the router 36, and the plurality of second devices 37. In the connection diagram, the photovoltaic power generation system 31, the power conditioner 32, the power measuring device 30, the control device 20, the plurality of first devices 35, the router 36, and the plurality of second devices 37 are displayed as icons.

[0055] The first devices 35 and the second devices 37 may be displayed as individual icons. However, when the total number of the first devices 35 and the second devices 37 is large, displaying the first devices 35 and the second devices 37 as individual icons may result in a complicated connection diagram.

[0056] 2, a plurality of first devices 35 are collectively displayed as a single icon. Similarly, a plurality of second devices 37 are collectively displayed as a single icon. This simplifies the display screen and improves the visibility of the communication status.

[0057] In the connection diagram, a check mark is assigned to a communication line in which the communication state is normal, and an x ​​mark is assigned to a communication line in which the communication state is abnormal. A check mark is assigned to a communication line connecting the control device 20 and the multiple first devices 35 if all communications between the control device 20 and each of the multiple first devices 35 are normal, and an x ​​mark is assigned to a communication line in which communications between the control device 20 and at least one of the multiple first devices 35 are abnormal. Similarly, a check mark is assigned to a communication line connecting the router 36 and the multiple second devices 37 if all communications between the router 36 and each of the multiple second devices 37 are normal, and an x ​​mark is assigned to a communication line in which communications between the router 36 and at least one of the multiple second devices 37 are abnormal.

[0058] In this way, if the communication states (first communication state, second communication state, and third communication state) are displayed on the connection diagram, the user can simultaneously grasp the connection relationship and communication state of the devices, and can easily take measures against communication abnormalities. Note that it is not essential that the communication states be displayed on the connection diagram, and the communication states may be displayed in a list (displayed at a glance).

[0059] When the user wishes to check the individual communication status between the router 36 and each of the plurality of second devices 37, the user performs a predetermined third operation, and the operation receiving unit 21 receives the third operation from the user (S35). The third operation is, for example, an operation of selecting icons of the plurality of second devices 37. When the third operation is received, the information processing unit 23 acquires communication status information from the storage unit 24 and displays a display screen showing the individual communication status between the router 36 and each of the plurality of second devices 37 based on the acquired communication status information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the individual communication status between the router 36 and each of the plurality of second devices 37. The display screen shown in FIG. 6 showing the individual communication status is superimposed (pop-up) on the display screen of FIG. 2, but the display screen of FIG. 6 may be displayed after transitioning from the display screen of FIG. 2. The display screen of FIG. 6 may be a display screen different from the display screen of FIG. 2.

[0060] 6, a list of communication statuses between the router 36 and each of the plurality of second devices 37 is displayed. The display screen in FIG. 6 allows the user to easily understand which of the plurality of second devices 37 has an abnormality in communication with the router 36.

[0061] Although not shown, the information processing unit 23 can also display the individual communication status between the control device 20 and each of the multiple first devices 35. For example, when the user performs a predetermined fourth operation and the fourth operation is accepted by the operation accepting unit 21, the information processing unit 23 acquires communication status information from the storage unit 24 and displays a display screen (for example, a display screen similar to that in FIG. 6 ) showing the individual communication status between the control device 20 and each of the multiple first devices 35 based on the acquired communication status information. The fourth operation is, for example, an operation of selecting an icon of each of the multiple first devices 35.

[0062] [Example 2 of communication status display] By executing the above-mentioned predetermined application, the mobile terminal 50 can acquire communication status information and the like managed by the server device 40 and display display screens similar to those shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 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 by operating the mobile terminal 50. An example 2 of such a communication status display operation will be described below. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the example 2 of the communication status display operation.

[0063] 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. 5 on the display unit 52 based on the received first operation (S42).

[0064] Next, the user performs a predetermined second operation for displaying the communication status, and the operation reception unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50 receives the second operation from the user (S43).

[0065] 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 communication status information (S45).

[0066] The second communication unit 56 of the mobile terminal 50 receives the communication status information. The information processing unit 53 acquires the received communication status information, and displays a display screen showing the communication status of the entire communication network, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, on the display unit 52 based on the acquired communication status information (S46).

[0067] As shown in Figure 2, if the communication status of the entire communication network (first communication status, second communication status, and third communication status) is displayed on the connection diagram, the user can simultaneously understand the connection relationship and communication status of the devices, and can easily deal with communication abnormalities.

[0068] When the user wishes to check the individual communication status between the router 36 and each of the plurality of second devices 37, the user performs a predetermined third operation, and the operation receiving unit 51 receives the third operation from the user (S47). Based on the received third operation, the information processing unit 53 displays a display screen similar to that shown in FIG. 6 that indicates the individual communication status between the router 36 and each of the plurality of second devices 37.

[0069] According to the display screen as shown in FIG. 6, the user can easily understand which of the plurality of second devices 37 has an abnormality in communication between the router 36 and the second device 37.

[0070] Although not shown, the information processing unit 53 can also display the individual communication status between the control device 20 and each of the multiple first devices 35. For example, the user performs a predetermined fourth operation, and the information processing unit 53 displays a display screen (for example, a display screen similar to that in FIG. 6 ) showing the individual communication status between the control device 20 and each of the multiple first devices 35 based on the fourth operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 51.

[0071] [Variation 1: Display of the most recent time the communication status was checked] When storing the communication state information in the storage unit 24 in step S19, the information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 may store time information indicating the most recent time when the communication state was confirmed in the storage unit 24. The time information is, for example, included in the communication state information stored in the storage unit 24. For example, the control device 20 stores the time when the response request was transmitted in step S11 as the most recent time when the third communication state was confirmed, stores the time when the response request was transmitted in step S13 as the most recent time when the first communication state was confirmed, and stores the time when the confirmation request was transmitted in step S15 as the most recent time when the second communication state was confirmed.

[0072] This allows the information processing unit 23 to display the most recent time when the communication state (whether communication was possible or not) was confirmed on the display unit 22. Specifically, the information processing unit 23 can display at least one of the most recent time when the first communication state was confirmed, the most recent time when the second communication state was confirmed, and the most recent time when the third communication state was confirmed on the display unit 22. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the time when the communication state was confirmed.

[0073] In the example of Fig. 8, the display screen (Fig. 2) for the communication status of the entire communication network displays the most recent time when the second communication status was confirmed (corresponding to the last confirmation date and time in Fig. 8) and the fact that the communication failed. Although not shown, the time when the communication status was confirmed may be displayed on a display screen (Fig. 6) showing an individual communication status. The time when the communication status was confirmed may also be displayed on another display screen.

[0074] Furthermore, when transmitting the communication status information to the server device 40 in step S20, the information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 may also transmit time information indicating the most recent time at which the communication status was checked to the server device 40. The time information is, for example, included in the communication status information and transmitted to the server device 40 as a part of the communication status information.

[0075] This allows the information processing unit 53 of the portable terminal 50 to display the most recent time when the communication status was confirmed on the display unit 52. Specifically, the information processing unit 53 can display at least one of the most recent time when the first communication status was confirmed, the most recent time when the second communication status was confirmed, and the most recent time when the third communication status was confirmed on the display unit 52. In this case, too, the most recent time when the communication status was confirmed may be displayed on a display screen showing the communication status of the entire communication network, on a display screen showing an individual communication status, or on another display screen.

[0076] In this way, if the most recent time when the communication status was checked is displayed, when an event occurs such as resetting (restarting) a device belonging to the communication network, the user can easily determine whether or not the communication failure is caused by the event.

[0077] [Variation 2: Error status display] 6, the display screen showing the communication status of each second device 37 may display an error status of the second device 37. The error status means an abnormal state such as a power-off state, a dead battery state, a low battery state, or a high temperature state, and when each second device 37 detects the occurrence of an error, it transmits error notification information including information indicating the content of the error (an error code) to the control device 20 via the router 36.

[0078] The information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 stores the error notification information received by the second communication unit 26 in the memory unit 24, and can display the error status of the second device 37 on a display screen showing the individual communication status of the second device 37.

[0079] Furthermore, the information processing unit 23 transmits error notification information to the server device 40 using the second communication unit 26, and the server device 40 stores the received error notification information. This allows the information processing unit 53 of the mobile terminal 50 to display a display screen on the display unit 52 that shows the individual communication statuses of the second devices 37, while also displaying the error status of each of the second devices 37 on the display screen. Displaying the error status in addition to the communication status makes it easier for the user to identify the cause of the communication failure.

[0080] The error state of the first device 35 may be displayed on a display screen (not shown) that shows the individual communication state of the first device 35. In this case, when each of the first devices 35 detects the occurrence of an error, it transmits error notification information including information indicating the content of the error (error code) to the control device 20.

[0081] The information processing unit 23 of the control device 20 stores the error notification information received by the first communication unit 25 in the memory unit 24, and can display the error status of the first device 35 on a display screen showing the individual communication status of the first device 35.

[0082] Furthermore, the information processing unit 23 transmits error notification information to the server device 40 using the second communication unit 26, and the server device 40 stores the received error notification information. This allows the information processing unit 53 of the mobile terminal 50 to display a display screen on the display unit 52 that indicates the individual communication status of the first devices 35, while also displaying the error status of each of the first devices 35 on the display screen.

[0083] [Variation 3: Method for checking communication status of a first device that does not have a receiving function] In the above embodiment, the third communication state between the control device 20 and the first device 35 is determined based on whether or not there is a response to the response request transmitted from the control device 20. Here, the multiple first devices 35 include devices that have the function of transmitting signals but do not have the function of receiving signals.

[0084] The following is a supplementary description of a method for confirming the third communication state between the first device 35 that does not have a signal receiving function and the control device 20. For example, the first device 35 that does not have a signal receiving function transmits a confirmation signal for confirming the third communication state to the control device 20 at predetermined time intervals.

[0085] The control device 20 knows the predetermined time interval in advance (stores it in the memory unit 24), and the information processing unit 23 determines that the communication state is normal if a new confirmation signal is successfully received after a predetermined time has passed since the confirmation signal was successfully received, and determines that the communication state is abnormal if a new confirmation signal is not successfully received (cannot be received) after a predetermined time has passed since the confirmation signal was successfully received.

[0086] In this way, the control device 20 can appropriately detect an abnormality in the communication state even when the first device 35 has only a signal transmission function and does not have a signal reception function.

[0087] [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.

[0088] Invention 1 is a display control device including an information processing unit that acquires communication state information indicating a first communication state between a control device 20, which can communicate directly with a first communication device and with a second communication device via the first communication device, and a second communication state between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the information processing unit simultaneously displays the first communication state and the second communication state on a display unit based on the acquired communication state information. The router 36 in the above embodiment is an example of a first communication device, and the second device 37 is an example of a second communication device. The display unit 22 or the display unit 52 in the above embodiment is an example of a display unit, the information processing unit 23 or the information processing unit 53 is an example of an information processing unit, and the control device 20 or the mobile terminal 50 is an example of a display control device.

[0089] Such a display control device can assist the user in identifying the location of the communication abnormality by simultaneously displaying the first communication state and the second communication state.

[0090] In invention 2, the information processing unit displays a connection diagram showing the connection relationship between the control device 20, the first communication device, and the second communication device on the display unit, and displays the first communication state and the second communication state on the connection diagram.

[0091] With this type of display control device, the user can simultaneously grasp the connection relationships and communication status of the devices, making it easy to deal with communication abnormalities. Because the user can once again recognize the overall connection status, it is easy to identify which device is causing the problem when a connection is poor, and further, it is easy to consider improving the connection relationships between the devices.

[0092] Invention 3 is a display control device of Invention 2, in which the control device 20 can communicate with multiple second communication devices via the first communication device, and in the connection diagram, the multiple second communication devices are displayed as one icon, and a second communication status between the first communication device and all of the multiple second communication devices is displayed.

[0093] Such a display control device can simplify the display screen of the connection diagram and improve the visibility of the communication status.

[0094] Invention 4 is the display control device of Invention 3, in which the information processing unit displays a first screen including a connection diagram on the display unit, and displays a second screen, separate from the first screen, on the display unit, which shows individual communication states between the first communication device and each of a plurality of second communication devices. The display screen for the overall communication state in Figure 2 is an example of the first screen, and the display screen for each individual communication state in Figure 6 is an example of the second screen.

[0095] According to such a display control device, the user can easily grasp which of the multiple second communication devices has an abnormality in communication with the first communication device.

[0096] Invention 5 is the display control device of any one of Inventions 1 to 4, in which the display control device is the same device as the control device 20.

[0097] Such a display control device can display, on the display unit, a first communication state between the device itself and the first communication device and a second communication state between the device itself and the second communication device.

[0098] Invention 6 is a display control device of any of Inventions 1 to 5, in which the control device 20 is an EMS controller installed in the home 70, the first communication device is a router 36 installed in the home 70, and the second communication device is a second device 37 installed in the home 70 and controlled by the EMS controller.

[0099] Such a display control device can display a first communication state between the EMS controller and the router 36 and a second communication state between the EMS controller and the second device 37 on the display unit.

[0100] Invention 7 is the display control device of any of Inventions 1 to 6, in which the control device 20 directly communicates with a third communication device different from the first communication device, the communication state information further indicates a third communication state between the control device 20 and the third communication device, and the information processing unit simultaneously displays the first communication state, the second communication state, and the third communication state on the display unit based on the acquired communication state information. The first device 35 in the above embodiment is an example of a third communication device.

[0101] Such a display control device can assist the user in identifying the location of the communication abnormality by simultaneously displaying the first communication state, the second communication state, and the third communication state.

[0102] Invention 8 is a display control device of Invention 7, in which the information processing unit displays a connection diagram showing the connection relationship between the control device 20, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the third communication device on the display unit, and displays the first communication state, the second communication state, and the third communication state on the connection diagram.

[0103] With this type of display control device, the user can simultaneously grasp the connection relationships and communication status of the devices, making it easy to deal with communication abnormalities. Because the user can once again recognize the overall connection status, it is easy to identify which device is causing the problem when a connection is poor, and further, it is easy to consider improving the connection relationships between the devices.

[0104] Invention 9 is a display control device of Invention 8, in which the control device 20 can communicate directly with multiple third communication devices, and in the connection diagram, the multiple third communication devices are displayed with one icon, and a third communication state between the control device 20 and all of the multiple third communication devices is displayed.

[0105] Such a display control device can simplify the display screen of the connection diagram and improve the visibility of the communication status.

[0106] Invention 10 is a display control device of Invention 9, in which the information processing unit displays a first screen including a connection diagram on the display unit, and a third screen showing the individual communication status between the control device 20 and each of a plurality of third communication devices, the third screen being different from the first screen, on the display unit.

[0107] According to such a display control device, the user can easily know which of the multiple third communication devices has an abnormality in communication with the control device 20.

[0108] Invention 11 is a display control device according to any one of Inventions 1 to 10, in which the information processing unit displays on the display unit at least one of the most recent time when the first communication state was confirmed and the most recent time when the second communication state was confirmed.

[0109] With such a display control device, when an event occurs, such as resetting (restarting) a device belonging to a communication network, the user can easily determine based on the time whether the event caused a communication failure.

[0110] Invention 12 is the display control device of invention 4, wherein the information processing unit displays the error state of each of the plurality of second communication devices on the second screen.

[0111] According to such a display control device, the user can easily identify the cause of the communication failure by understanding the error state in addition to the communication state.

[0112] Invention 13 is a display control device of any of Inventions 7 to 10, in which the third communication device transmits a confirmation signal at a predetermined time interval, and the information processing unit confirms the third communication state based on whether or not the confirmation signal is received at the predetermined time interval.

[0113] Such a display control device can appropriately detect an abnormality in the communication state even when the first device 35 has only a signal transmission function and does not have a signal reception function.

[0114] Invention 14 is a display control method executed by a computer, the display control method including the steps of: acquiring communication status information indicating a first communication status between a control device that can communicate directly with a first communication device and with a second communication device via the first communication device and a second communication status between the first communication device and the second communication device; and simultaneously displaying the first communication status and the second communication status on a display unit based on the acquired communication status information.

[0115] Such a display control method can assist the user in identifying the location of the communication abnormality by simultaneously displaying the first communication state and the second communication state.

[0116] Invention 15 is a program for causing a computer to execute the display control method of Invention 14.

[0117] According to such a program, the computer can simultaneously display the first communication status and the second communication status, thereby assisting the user in identifying the location of the communication abnormality.

[0118] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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]

[0126] 10. Control System 20 Control device 21, 51 Operation reception section 22, 52 display section 22a Settings icon 23, 53 Information Processing Department 24, 54 Storage section 25, 55 First Communications Department 26, 56 Second Communications Department 30 Power Measuring Device 31 Solar power generation system 32 Power Conditioner 35 First equipment 36 Router 37 Second device 40 Server device 50 Mobile Devices 70 Housing (Facilities) 80 Wide Area Communication Network

Claims

1. an information processing unit that acquires communication state information indicating a first communication state between a control device that directly communicates with a first communication device and a second communication device via the first communication device and a second communication state between the first communication device and the second communication device; The information processing unit simultaneously displays the first communication state and the second communication state on a display unit based on the acquired communication state information. Display control device.

2. The information processing unit displays a connection diagram showing a connection relationship between the control device, the first communication device, and the second communication device on the display unit, and displays the first communication state and the second communication state on the connection diagram. The display control device according to claim 1 .

3. the control device is capable of communicating with a plurality of the second communication devices via the first communication device; In the connection diagram, the plurality of second communication devices are displayed as one icon, and the second communication state between the first communication device and all of the plurality of second communication devices is displayed. The display control device according to claim 2 .

4. The information processing unit displaying a first screen including the connection diagram on the display unit; a second screen showing an individual communication status between the first communication device and each of the plurality of second communication devices, the second screen being different from the first screen, displayed on the display unit; The display control device according to claim 3 .

5. The display control device is the same device as the control device. The display control device according to claim 1 .

6. the control device is an EMS (Energy Management System) controller installed in a house, the first communication device is a router installed in the residence, The second communication device is a device installed in the house and controlled by the EMS controller. The display control device according to claim 1 .

7. the control device directly communicates with a third communication device different from the first communication device; the communication state information further indicates a third communication state between the control device and the third communication device; The information processing unit simultaneously displays the first communication state, the second communication state, and the third communication state on the display unit based on the acquired communication state information. The display control device according to claim 1 .

8. The information processing unit displays a connection diagram showing a connection relationship between the control device, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the third communication device on the display unit, and displays the first communication state, the second communication state, and the third communication state on the connection diagram. The display control device according to claim 7 .

9. the control device is capable of directly communicating with a plurality of the third communication devices; In the connection diagram, the plurality of third communication devices are displayed as one icon, and the third communication state between the control device and all of the plurality of third communication devices is displayed. The display control device according to claim 8 .

10. The information processing unit displaying a first screen including the connection diagram on the display unit; a third screen showing an individual communication status between the control device and each of the plurality of third communication devices, the third screen being different from the first screen, is displayed on the display unit; The display control device according to claim 9 .

11. The information processing unit further displays at least one of the most recent time when the first communication state was confirmed and the most recent time when the second communication state was confirmed on the display unit. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The information processing unit displays an error state of each of the plurality of second communication devices on the second screen. The display control device according to claim 4 .

13. the third communication device transmits a confirmation signal at predetermined time intervals; The information processing unit confirms the third communication state based on whether the confirmation signal has been received within the predetermined time interval. The display control device according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

14. A computer-implemented display control method, comprising: acquiring communication status information indicating a first communication status between a control device that directly communicates with a first communication device and a second communication device via the first communication device and a second communication status between the first communication device and the second communication device; and simultaneously displaying the first communication status and the second communication status on a display unit based on the acquired communication status information. Display control method.

15. A program for causing the computer to execute the display control method according to claim 14.

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