Shop information setting system
The store information setting system addresses the lack of connection information between cooling and freezing devices by using a control device with a touch panel for intuitive layout and connection management, enhancing operational efficiency and usability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024062383
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing store information setting systems fail to set connection information between cooling and freezing devices when arranging store equipment, limiting the comprehensive management of refrigeration cycles.
A store information setting system with a control device that includes an input receiving unit, display unit, and control unit to set both placement and connection information of store equipment, utilizing a touch panel for intuitive drag-and-drop operations to arrange and connect cooling and freezing devices.
Facilitates easy and intuitive setting of layout and connection information for store equipment, reducing operational burden and improving usability by allowing operators to visualize and manage refrigeration cycles effectively.
Smart Images

Figure 2025159650000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a store information setting system, and more particularly to a store information setting system that sets the layout of a store equipped with store devices. [Background technology]
[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a store information setting system that sets the layout of a store equipped with store devices is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a centralized control device that sets the installation configuration (layout) of showcases and freezers in order to collectively manage the operating status of multiple refrigerated showcases and freezers (store equipment) installed in a store. The centralized control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a display means for displaying data, a control means, and an input means. The control means disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to create data related to the installation configuration of the showcases and freezers input by the input means, and to display the installation configuration of the showcase freezers on the display means based on the created data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-264149 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] Here, the showcase (cooling device) disclosed in Patent Document 1 is connected to a freezer (refrigeration device) to form a refrigeration cycle and cool the products displayed in the cooling device. However, the centralized management device (store information setting system) disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to set the layout (arrangement information) of the cooling device and the freezing device, but is not configured to set the connection relationship between each device. Therefore, there is a need for a system that allows setting connection information between the cooling device and the freezing device when setting the layout of a store equipped with store equipment including the cooling device and the freezing device.
[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a store information setting system that, when setting the layout of a store equipped with store equipment including cooling equipment and freezing equipment, can set connection information between each piece of store equipment along with placement information for each piece of store equipment. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a store information setting system according to one aspect of the present invention is a store information setting system that sets the layout of a store equipped with store equipment including cooling equipment and freezing equipment, and includes a control device installed within the store, the control device including an input receiving unit that receives operation input from an operator, a display unit that displays an operation screen, and a control unit that performs control to set placement information that indicates the placement of store equipment in the store and connection information that indicates the connection status between each store equipment based on operation input from the input receiving unit on the operation screen.
[0008] The store information setting system according to the above aspect includes a control device including a control unit that controls setting of layout information indicating the layout of store equipment in a store and connection information indicating the connection status between each store equipment based on operation input from an input receiving unit on an operation screen, as described above. Since the control unit is configured to set the layout information and connection information of the store equipment based on operation input from the input receiving unit on the operation screen, an operator can set the layout information of the store equipment and the connection information between each store equipment by operating a control device installed in the store. As a result, a store information setting system can be provided that allows setting of the layout information of each store equipment and the connection information between each store equipment when setting the layout of a store equipped with store equipment including a cooling device and a freezing device.
[0009] In the store information setting system according to the above aspect, preferably, the placement information includes first placement information indicating the location of the cooling device in the store and second placement information indicating the location of the freezing device in the store, the connection information includes piping connection information indicating the connection status of refrigerant piping connecting the freezing device and the cooling device, and the control unit is configured to set the first placement information and the second placement information and the piping connection information based on operation input from the input receiving unit on the operation screen. With this configuration, the operator can easily set the first placement information and the second placement information and the piping connection information by operating the operation screen of the control device installed in the store where the cooling device and the freezing device are located.
[0010] In this case, preferably, the input receiving unit and the display unit are an integrated touch panel, and the control unit is configured to set the first and second arrangement information and the pipe connection information based on operations on an operation screen displayed on the touch panel. With this configuration, the operator can set the first and second arrangement information and the pipe connection information by operating the operation screen displayed on the touch panel. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first and second arrangement information and the pipe connection information are set using a mouse and keyboard, for example, the number of devices the operator must operate when setting the first and second arrangement information and the pipe connection information can be reduced. As a result, the convenience (usability) for the operator when setting the first and second arrangement information and the pipe connection information can be improved.
[0011] In the configuration in which the first and second arrangement information and the piping connection information are set based on operations on an operation screen displayed on a touch panel, the control unit preferably displays a store information setting screen on the display unit, including an equipment selection area for selecting store devices and an equipment setting area for setting the arrangement and connection of the store devices, and sets the first and second arrangement information based on the store devices selected in the equipment selection area being placed in the equipment setting area by a drag operation on the touch panel. With this configuration, the first and second arrangement information are set by placing the store devices in the equipment setting area by a drag operation on the touch panel, so the operator can set the first and second arrangement information by placing the store devices in the equipment setting area. As a result, setting the first and second arrangement information and the piping connection information is easier than setting the first and second arrangement information and the piping connection information using, for example, spreadsheet software.
[0012] In this case, the connection information preferably includes connection system information indicating a connection system, which is a group of refrigeration cycles formed by a refrigeration unit and a cooling unit, and the control unit is configured to be able to set the connection system information for the refrigeration unit on the store information setting screen. Here, it is predetermined which refrigeration unit each cooling unit installed in the store will be connected to. In other words, the group of refrigeration units and cooling units that form the refrigeration cycle is predetermined. Therefore, with the above configuration, the operator can easily grasp the group of refrigeration cycles based on the connection system information, and can easily grasp the refrigeration unit to be connected for each cooling unit. As a result, the operator can easily grasp the refrigeration unit to be connected to the cooling unit based on the connection system information, and can easily set the piping connection information.
[0013] In the above-described configuration in which connection system information for refrigeration devices can be set on the store information setting screen, the control unit is preferably configured to identifiably display piping connection information for each connection system information on the store information setting screen. With this configuration, an operator can easily identify at a glance the refrigeration devices and cooling devices included in the same refrigeration cycle by checking the piping connection information. As a result, the operator can easily determine whether the store equipment included in the refrigeration cycle group is correct.
[0014] In a configuration in which the first arrangement information and the second arrangement information are set based on the arrangement of a store device selected in the device selection area in the device setting area by a drag operation on the touch panel, the control unit is preferably configured to identifiably display, in the device setting area, whether or not each store device is connected to the control unit. For example, when rearranging store devices, performing maintenance on store devices, or installing new store devices in the store, it is necessary to set up communication with the control device. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is easy to see at a glance which store devices have not been set up for communication with the control device. As a result, the operator can easily see which store devices require communication with the control device, thereby improving the operator's convenience (usability).
[0015] In a configuration in which the first and second location information are set based on the arrangement of store devices selected in the device selection area in the device setting area by a drag operation on the touch panel, the control unit is preferably configured to identifiably display in the device setting area whether the operating status of each store device is normal, abnormal, or close to abnormal within the normal range. With this configuration, when setting the location information for the store devices, the operator can easily determine at a glance whether the operating status of the store devices is normal, abnormal, or close to abnormal within the normal range. As a result, the operator can easily determine which store devices are in an abnormal operating state or close to abnormal within the normal range, and therefore can easily determine which store devices need repair or replacement when setting the location information.
[0016] In the store information setting system according to the above aspect, preferably, the store equipment further includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air conditioner, a lighting device, and fixtures, and the control unit is configured to set the placement information of at least one of the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, the air conditioner, the lighting device, and the fixtures. With this configuration, by placing at least one of the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, the air conditioner, the lighting device, and the fixtures in the equipment setting area, it is possible to intuitively and easily set the placement information of at least one of the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, the air conditioner, the lighting device, and the fixtures.
[0017] In a configuration in which the first and second arrangement information are set based on the arrangement of store devices selected in the device selection area in the device setting area by a drag operation on the touch panel, the control unit is preferably configured to display a store layout diagram as the background of the device setting area. With this configuration, the first and second arrangement information can be set by arranging the store devices by a drag operation on the store layout diagram. As a result, it is possible to arrange the store devices based on the actual store layout diagram, making it possible to set the first and second arrangement information more intuitively than in a configuration in which the store layout diagram is not displayed as the background of the device setting area.
[0018] The configuration in which the first and second arrangement information and the piping connection information are set based on operations on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel preferably further includes a storage unit that stores arrangement information and connection information associated with each of a plurality of stores. The control unit is configured to acquire arrangement information and connection information for other stores different from the store based on operation input on the touch panel, and to control setting of the arrangement information and connection information for the store devices based on a selection operation for selecting the acquired arrangement information and connection information for the other stores. With this configuration, the arrangement information and connection information set for the store devices of other stores that match the store devices installed in the store are automatically set. This reduces the burden on the operator. Furthermore, for store devices installed in the store that are not installed in other stores, the arrangement information and connection information are not automatically set based on the arrangement information and connection information of the other stores. Therefore, although the operator must manually set the arrangement information and connection information, the number of devices to be set can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the operator sets the arrangement information and connection information for all store devices installed in the store. As a result, the operator's workload can be reduced and usability can be improved.
[0019] In this case, the control unit is preferably configured to acquire, as selection candidates, location information and connection information of other stores that match or are similar to the store, based on information about the store devices installed in the store, and display the acquired selection candidates on the display unit. With this configuration, the location information and connection information of other stores that match or are similar to the store can be automatically displayed as selection candidates without the operator having to input information about the store devices. As a result, the number of operations performed by the operator when setting the location information and connection information can be reduced, thereby reducing the operator's workload.
[0020] In a configuration for controlling the setting of the location information and connection information of store devices based on a selection operation for selecting the acquired location information and connection information of other stores, the touch panel is preferably configured to accept input of information about store devices installed in the store, and the control unit is configured to acquire, as selection candidates, location information and connection information of other stores whose cooling unit information and refrigeration unit information match or are similar to those of the store based on the store device information accepted by the touch panel, and display the acquired selection candidates on the display unit. With this configuration, even when the control unit and the store devices cannot communicate, the location information and connection information of other stores that match or are similar can be acquired as selection candidates based on the operator's input. As a result, it is possible to set the location information and connection information even in the early stages of store setup when the store devices are not yet able to communicate, thereby improving operator convenience (usability).
[0021] In a configuration in which the location information and connection information of other stores that match or are similar to the above-mentioned store are acquired as selection candidates and the acquired selection candidates are displayed on the display unit, preferably, the control unit is configured to identifiably display, among the store devices installed in the store, store devices that are not included in the store devices installed in other stores and for which location information and connection information are not set. With this configuration, the store devices for which location information and connection information are not set are identifiably displayed, allowing the operator to easily identify store devices for which location information and connection information are not set. As a result, it is possible to prevent omissions in setting location information and connection information for store devices. [Effects of the Invention]
[0022] According to the present invention, as described above, a store information setting system can be provided that, when setting the layout of a store equipped with store equipment including cooling devices and freezing devices, can set connection information between each store equipment along with placement information for each store equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a store in which a store information setting system is installed. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a store information setting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a store information setting screen displayed on a display unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for setting the placement of refrigeration devices on a store information setting screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for setting connection system information on a store information setting screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for setting the placement of cooling devices on a store information setting screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a store information setting screen on which the setting of the arrangement of refrigeration devices and cooling devices has been completed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a first diagram for explaining a configuration for setting pipe connection information on a store information setting screen in one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining a configuration for setting pipe connection information on a store information setting screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a third diagram for explaining a configuration for setting pipe connection information on a store information setting screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a store information setting screen on which setting of piping connection information has been completed. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining detailed information displayed on icons arranged in a device setting area. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for acquiring information about other stores on a store information setting screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for setting layout information and connection information based on information about other stores on a store information setting screen according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing arrangement information and connection information in a store information setting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of acquiring information about other stores in the store information setting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a store information setting system according to a first modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a store information setting screen according to a first modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a store information setting system according to a second modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for acquiring information about other stores in a store information setting system according to a second modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for inputting store device information when acquiring information about other stores in a store information setting system according to a second modified example. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for acquiring information about other stores in a store information setting system according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0025] [First embodiment] (Overall configuration of the store information setting system) The overall configuration of a store information setting system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the store information setting system 100 is a store information setting system that sets the layout of a store 80 equipped with store equipment 1 including a cooling device 10 and a freezing device 11.
[0027] In this embodiment, the store equipment 1 includes the cooling device 10 and the freezing device 11, as well as at least one of the temperature sensor 12, the humidity sensor 13, the air conditioning device 14, the lighting device 15, and the fixtures 16. Specifically, in this embodiment, the store equipment 1 includes the cooling device 10 and the freezing device 11, as well as all of the temperature sensor 12, the humidity sensor 13, the air conditioning device 14, the lighting device 15, and the fixtures 16.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , a store 80 is provided with a control device 2, multiple cooling devices 10, a temperature sensor 12, a humidity sensor 13, an air conditioner 14, a lighting device 15, and multiple fixtures 16. A refrigeration device 11 is provided outside the store 80. The store 80 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a convenience store, a supermarket, or a drugstore. In this specification, the vertical direction connecting the ceiling and floor of the store 80 is referred to as the Z direction, with the ceiling side referred to as the Z1 side and the floor side referred to as the Z2 side. The front-to-back direction of the store 80, perpendicular to the Z direction, is referred to as the Y direction. The side where the entrance / exit 81 is located is referred to as the front side (Y1 side), and the side opposite the front side is referred to as the rear side (Y2 side). The left-to-right direction perpendicular to the Y direction and the Z direction is referred to as the X direction. In the X direction, the right side when viewed from the Y1 side to the Y2 side is referred to as the X1 side, and the left side is referred to as the X2 side. FIG. 1 shows a schematic layout of the store information setting system 100.
[0029] The control device 2 is configured to control the store equipment 1. The control device 2 is installed in the store 80. The control device 2 is placed, for example, in the back yard of the store 80. Details of the control device 2 will be described later.
[0030] Cooling device 10 is configured to display products and cool the displayed products. In the example shown in Fig. 1, cooling device 10 includes multiple types of cooling devices. For example, cooling device 10 includes a so-called walk-in type cooling device that has a work area provided inside where a worker can work.
[0031] The cooling device 10 also includes a so-called open-type cooling device having an opening (not shown) on the front side (Y1 direction side). The open-type cooling device 10 is provided with an outlet and an inlet for forming an air curtain. The air curtain allows cooled air to flow from above (Z1 side) to below (Z2 side). A portion of the air that cools the inside of the cooling device 10 is blown out from the outlet from above (Z1 side) to below (Z2 side) and sucked into the inlet. The air curtain is formed to prevent the temperature of the air inside the cooling device 10 from rising.
[0032] The cooling device 10 also includes a so-called reach-in type cooling device that is equipped with a sliding door or a swing door.
[0033] The walk-in type cooling device 10, the open type cooling device 10, and the reach-in type cooling device 10 are connected to the refrigeration device 11 via refrigerant piping 17.
[0034] The cooling device 10 is not connected to the refrigeration device 11 and includes a so-called built-in type cooling device having a refrigeration unit inside.
[0035] The temperature sensor 12 is disposed inside the cooling device 10 and configured to measure the temperature inside the cooling device 10. The temperature sensor 12 is also configured to transmit the measured temperature to the control device 2.
[0036] Humidity sensor 13 is disposed inside cooling device 10 and configured to measure the humidity inside cooling device 10. Humidity sensor 13 is also configured to transmit the measured humidity to control device 2. Temperature sensor 12 and humidity sensor 13 may be disposed inside cooling device 10 or at an appropriate location in store 80, for example, in front of a cash register or in front of an automatic door.
[0037] The air conditioner 14 is configured to adjust the temperature inside the store 80. In the example shown in FIG.
[0038] The lighting device 15 is provided on the ceiling of the store 80 and is configured to illuminate the inside of the store 80. The lighting device 15 includes a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The lighting device 15 is provided appropriately inside the store 80, such as on the ceiling of the store 80, or above the cooling device 10.
[0039] The fixtures 16 are storage areas where products are displayed and stored at room temperature. The fixtures 16 may also be various devices installed on a cash register counter.
[0040] The refrigeration device 11 is connected to a cooling device other than the built-in type among the cooling devices 10 via refrigerant piping 17, and forms a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration device 11 is installed outside (outdoors) of the store 80. The refrigeration cycle is configured to cool an object by circulating a refrigerant. Details of the refrigeration cycle will be described later.
[0041] In FIG. 1, the air conditioner 14 and the lighting device 15 installed on the ceiling of the store 80 are shown by dashed lines.
[0042] (System configuration of the store information setting system) Next, the system configuration of the store information setting system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0043] 2, the store information setting system 100 includes a control device 2, a cooling device 10, and a refrigeration device 11. The store information setting system 100 also includes a temperature sensor 12, a humidity sensor 13, an air conditioning device 14, and a lighting device 15. The control device 2 is also connected to the cooling device 10, the refrigeration device 11, the air conditioning device 14, and the lighting device 15 via a network 90 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The control device 2 is also connected to a server 3 via a network 91 so as to be able to communicate with each other.
[0044] The network 90 is, for example, a local area network (LAN), and the network 91 is, for example, the Internet.
[0045] The control device 2 includes an input receiving unit 20, a display unit 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 24.
[0046] The input receiving unit 20 is configured to receive an operation input from an operator.
[0047] The display unit 21 is configured to display an operation screen and includes a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor.
[0048] In this embodiment, the input receiving unit 20 and the display unit 21 are integrally configured as a touch panel 23.
[0049] The control unit 22 is configured to control each unit of the control device 2. The control unit 22 is also configured to control the cooling device 10, the refrigeration device 11, the air conditioning device 14, and the lighting device 15. The control unit 22 is configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.
[0050] The storage unit 24 is configured to store location information 30 indicating the location of the store equipment 1 in the store 80, and connection information 31 indicating the connection status between the store equipment 1. The location information 30 includes first location information 30a, which is information indicating the location of the cooling device 10 in the store 80, and second location information 30b, which is information indicating the location of the freezing device 11 in the store 80. That is, the storage unit 24 stores the first location information 30a and the second location information 30b. The first location information 30a includes, for example, the location coordinates of the cooling device 10 located inside the store 80. Furthermore, the second location information 30b includes, for example, the location coordinates of the freezing device 11 located outside the store 80.
[0051] The connection information 31 also includes pipe connection information 31a that indicates the connection status of refrigerant pipes 17 (see FIG. 1) that connect the refrigeration device 11 and the cooling device 10. The connection information 31 also includes connection system information 31b that indicates a connection system that is a group of refrigeration cycles formed by the refrigeration device 11 and the cooling device 10. That is, the storage unit 24 stores the pipe connection information 31a and the connection system information 31b. The storage unit 24 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and an SD (Secure Digital) memory card.
[0052] The placement information 30 and the connection information 31 are stored in the server 3 in a state in which they are associated with each store 80. In this embodiment, the storage unit 24 stores in advance the placement information 30 and the connection information 31 acquired from the server 3. The storage unit 24 may also store the placement information 30 and the connection information 31 acquired by the control unit 22. In this embodiment, the storage unit 24 stores the placement information 30 and the connection information 31 associated with each of the multiple stores 80.
[0053] The cooling system 10 includes a first cooling system 10a connected to the refrigeration system 11 and a second cooling system 10b not connected to the refrigeration system 11. The first cooling system 10a is a so-called walk-in type cooling system, an open type cooling system, or a reach-in type cooling system. The second cooling system 10b is a so-called built-in type cooling system.
[0054] 2, first cooling device 10a has cooling unit 18, temperature sensor 12, and humidity sensor 13. Note that first cooling device 10a does not necessarily have to have temperature sensor 12 and humidity sensor 13. In other words, temperature sensor 12 and humidity sensor 13 do not need to be provided in first cooling device 10a, and may be provided independently within store 80.
[0055] The cooling unit 18 includes an evaporator 18a, an expansion valve 18b, and a blower unit 18c.
[0056] The evaporator 18a is configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant to cool the refrigerant. Specifically, the evaporator 18a exchanges heat with the air to be cooled, and evaporates the refrigerant by receiving heat from the air to be cooled.
[0057] The expansion valve 18b is configured to expand the condensed, high-pressure, liquid-phase refrigerant, and is, for example, a pulse-type electronic expansion valve.
[0058] The blower 18c is configured to blow the air cooled by the evaporator 18a into the inside of the cooling device 10. The blower 18c includes, for example, a fan and a motor.
[0059] 2, the refrigeration device 11 includes a compressor 11a, a condenser 11b, and a blower 11c. The compressor 11a is configured to compress evaporated gas-phase refrigerant to produce high-pressure refrigerant. The condenser 11b is configured to cool the refrigerant and condense it into a high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant.
[0060] In the first embodiment, the evaporator 18a, the expansion valve 18b, the compressor 11a, and the condenser 11b form a refrigeration cycle. That is, the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 11b is distributed to the expansion valve 18b of the cooling device 10. The evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator 18a of the cooling device 10 is collected and flows into the compressor 11a. The expansion valve 18b expands the high-pressure, liquid-phase refrigerant condensed by the condenser 11b. The evaporator 18a evaporates the low-pressure, gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve 18b. The compressor 11a compresses the gas-phase refrigerant evaporated by the evaporator 18a to produce high-pressure refrigerant. The condenser 11b cools the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11a and condenses it into high-pressure, liquid-phase refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle, which is made up of an evaporator 18a, an expansion valve 18b, a compressor 11a, and a condenser 11b, is configured to circulate a refrigerant between the refrigeration device 11 and the cooling device 10, thereby cooling the object (air).
[0061] In the cooling device 10, the air that is the object of heat exchange is cooled by the refrigerant and is blown into the inside of the cooling device 10 by the blower 18c, thereby cooling the inside of the cooling device 10.
[0062] The second cooling device 10b has an evaporator, an expansion valve, a compressor, a condenser, and a blower, all of which are not shown, inside, and forms a refrigeration cycle inside the second cooling device 10b to cool the inside of the second cooling device 10b.
[0063] The air conditioning device 14 has an evaporator (not shown) and an expansion valve (not shown), and is connected to the refrigeration device 11. The air conditioning device 14 is configured to be capable of performing cooling operation and heating operation. The refrigeration device 11 connected to the air conditioning device 14 may be in a different connection system from the cooling device 10, or may be in the same connection system as the cooling device 10.
[0064] (Setting placement and connection information) In a store 80 (see FIG. 1) where store equipment 1 (see FIG. 1) is located, cooling devices 10 and freezing devices 11 are connected via refrigerant piping 17 (see FIG. 1). In order for the control device 2 to control each store equipment 1, information is required, such as where the store equipment 1 (cooling devices 10 and freezing devices 11) are located within the store 80 and which cooling devices 10 are connected to which freezing devices 11. In other words, in order for the control device 2 to control the store equipment 1, it is necessary to set connection information 31 as well as location information 30 for the store equipment 1.
[0065] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to perform control to set arrangement information 30 indicating the arrangement of the store devices 1 in the store 80 and connection information 31 indicating the connection status between the store devices 1, based on operation input from the input receiving unit 20 on the operation screen. In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to set first arrangement information 30a and second arrangement information 30b, and set piping connection information 31a, based on operation input from the input receiving unit 20 on the operation screen.
[0066] Hereinafter, a configuration in which the control unit 22 sets the arrangement information 30 and the connection information 31 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0067] (Setting the placement information of the refrigeration unit) First, with reference to FIG. 3, a configuration in which the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) sets the arrangement information 30 (second arrangement information 30b) (see FIG. 2) of the refrigeration device 11 (see FIG. 2) will be described.
[0068] 3 is an example of a store information setting screen 40 displayed on the display unit 21 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 22 displays the store information setting screen 40 on the display unit 21. The store information setting screen 40 includes a device selection area 41 for selecting a store device 1, and a device setting area 42 for setting the location of the store device 1 and the connection of the store device 1.
[0069] A switching button 41a is displayed in the device selection area 41. The switching button 41a is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) button for switching the store device 1 displayed in the device selection area 41. When the switching button 41a is operated (tapped), the control unit 22 switches the icon of the store device 1 displayed in the device selection area 41.
[0070] In addition, the device setting area 42 displays a placement grid 42a, a registration button 42b, a trash can icon 42c, and a lock icon 42d.
[0071] The arrangement grid 42a is a grid on which the icons 70 (see FIG. 4) of the store devices 1 are arranged.
[0072] The register button 42b is a button on the GUI. When the register button 42b is operated (tapped), the control unit 22 stores in the storage unit 24 the layout information 30 and connection information 31 (see FIG. 2) of the store devices 1 arranged in the layout grid 42a.
[0073] The trash can icon 42c is a GUI icon. When the operator moves the icon 70 onto the trash can icon 42c, the control unit 22 deletes the icon 70, which has been placed on the placement grid 42a, from the placement grid 42a. Note that the control unit 22 may delete the icon 70 from the placement grid 42a by the operator moving the icon 70 outside the margin of the placement grid 42a and releasing his / her finger, or by quickly sliding the icon 70 and releasing his / her finger.
[0074] The lock icon 42d is a GUI icon. When the lock icon 42d is operated (tapped), the control unit 22 performs control so that the settings of the placement information 30 and the connection information 31 in the device setting area 42 cannot be changed. That is, the control unit 22 disables the placement of the icon 70 on the placement grid 42a, the deletion of the icon 70 from the placement grid 42a, and the operation of the register button 42b.
[0075] Next, a configuration in which the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) sets the second arrangement information 30b (see FIG. 2) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The control unit 22 is configured to set the second arrangement information 30b based on an operation on an operation screen displayed on the touch panel 23 (see FIG. 2).
[0076] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the operator operates the switch button 41a, and an icon 50 of the refrigeration device 11 (see Fig. 2) is displayed in the device selection area 41. In the example shown in Fig. 4, an image showing the appearance of the refrigeration device 11 is displayed as the icon 50 of the refrigeration device 11. In Fig. 4, an icon 50a for "refrigeration device A" and an icon 50b for "refrigeration device B" are displayed as the icons 50. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 4, a name 51a for "refrigeration device A" and a name 51b for "refrigeration device B" are displayed together with the icon 50a and the icon 50b.
[0077] 4, the configuration in which the control unit 22 sets the second arrangement information 30b will be described using as an example a case in which the operator sets the second arrangement information 30b by selecting the icon 50 of the refrigeration device 11 and arranging it on the arrangement grid 42a, as shown in icon 60. Note that the icon 60 is an icon shown in the figure to explain the operation by the operator, and may not actually be displayed on the store information setting screen 40.
[0078] As shown in Fig. 4, when the operator performs an operation to select the icon 50a of "refrigeration device A," the control unit 22 displays a clear indication that the icon 50a of "refrigeration device A" has been selected. For example, the control unit 22 displays a rectangular frame 51c surrounding the icon 50a of "refrigeration device A," thereby clear indication that the icon 50a of "refrigeration device A" has been selected. Note that the operation to select the icon 50a is, for example, a tap.
[0079] Next, when the operator performs an operation to make the icon 50a of "refrigeration device A" movable, the control unit 22 makes the icon of "refrigeration device A" movable, as shown in icon 70. Note that an operation to make the icon 50a movable is, for example, a long press.
[0080] Then, as shown by arrow 92, when the operator drags icon 70 to grid 71, which is the grid for the placement position, and performs an operation to place icon 70, control unit 22 places icon 70 of "refrigerating device A" on grid 71. As a result, position information corresponding to grid 71 is set as placement information 30 of refrigerating device 11 corresponding to "refrigerating device A." That is, control unit 22 is configured to set second placement information 30b based on the placement of refrigerating device 11 selected in device selection area 41 in device setting area 42 by a drag operation on touch panel 23. Note that the operation to place icon 70 is, for example, an operation of releasing the finger. That is, control unit 22 sets second placement information 30b of refrigerating device 11 based on the operator performing a drag-and-drop operation on the icon selected in device selection area 41 to device setting area 42.
[0081] The control unit 22 sets the location information 30 (second location information 30b) for each of the refrigeration devices 11 installed in the store 80 based on a similar operation by the operator.
[0082] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to distinguishably display grids of placement candidates for the icon 70 relative to the placement grid 42a, following the movement of the icon 70. As indicated by the arrow 92 in Fig. 4, when the operator performs a drag operation from the position of the icon 60a to the position of the icon 60b, the control unit 22 is configured to distinguishably display the grid of the placement position and the grids of the placement candidates by changing the display mode of the grid 71 of the placement position and the grid 72 located on the path along which the icon 70 has moved from the other grids.
[0083] 4, grid 71 is hatched and has a thicker border, which differentiates it from the other grids. Also, each grid 72 is hatched, which differentiates it from the other grids.
[0084] In the example shown in FIG. 4, all of the grids 72a to 72e are hatched, but not all of the grids 72a to 72e are simultaneously displayed in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from the other grids. That is, the grids 72 located on the movement path change their display mode when the icon 70 approaches, and change to the same display mode as the other grids when the icon 70 moves away. As shown in FIG. 4, when the operator performs a drag operation from the position of the icon 60a to the position of the icon 60b, the control unit 22 sequentially displays the grids 72a to 72e in a manner that differs from the other grids, and then changes to the same display mode as the other grids. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 22 displays the grids 72a to 72e in a manner that differs from the other grids by hatching them, but the control unit 22 may be configured to display the grids in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from the other grids by, for example, displaying the borders of the grids in a different color from the other grids. In addition, the control unit 22 may be configured to display the grids in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from the other grids by changing the background color of the grids 72a to 72e. The control unit 22 may be configured to display the grids 72a to 72e in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from the other grids by flashing the grids 72a to 72e. The control unit 22 may display the grids 72a to 72e in any manner as long as they can be displayed in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from the other grids.
[0085] (Setting of connection system information for refrigeration equipment) Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a configuration in which the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) sets the connection system information 31b (see FIG. 2) will be described.
[0086] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to be able to set connection system information 31b for the refrigeration device 11 on the store information setting screen 40. The store information setting screen 40 shown in Fig. 5 is an example of a state in which the switch button 41a is operated and an icon 52 for the connection system information 31b is displayed in the device selection area 41.
[0087] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the icons 52 of the connection system information 31b include an icon 52a of "system 1," an icon 52b of "system 2," and a blank icon 52c.
[0088] "System 1" and "System 2" are displayed based on the connection system information 31b stored in the storage unit 24.
[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to be able to add a new connection system to the connection system information 31b on the store information setting screen 40. Specifically, when the operator operates the blank icon 52c, the control unit 22 displays an input tool, such as a software keyboard, on the screen. Then, the control unit 22 adds the new connection system based on the operator's input entered using the input tool. Furthermore, even when a new connection system is added, the blank icon 52c continues to be displayed in the device selection area 41. Therefore, the control unit 22 is configured to be able to add a new connection system multiple times.
[0090] As shown in icon 60 in FIG. 5, when the operator selects icon 52a of "system 1" and performs an operation to make it movable, icon 52a of "system 1" becomes movable as shown in icon 73.
[0091] Then, as indicated by icon 60a, arrow 93, and icon 60b, the operator performs an operation to move icon 73 for "system 1." When icon 73 for "system 1" is moved close to icon 70 for "refrigeration unit A" arranged in placement grid 42a, control unit 22 changes the display mode of icon 70 for "refrigeration unit A" to identifiably display the refrigeration unit 11 for which connection system information 31b is to be set. In the example shown in FIG. 5, control unit 22 makes icon 70 for "refrigeration unit A" larger than the other grids to identifiably display the refrigeration unit 11 for which connection system information 31b is to be set.
[0092] Then, when the operator performs an operation to set the connection system information 31b, the control unit 22 sets the connection system information 31b for the refrigeration device 11. That is, the operator moves the icon 73 for "System 1" to a position where it overlaps with the icon 70 for "Refrigeration device A," and then performs an operation (drop operation) in which the operator releases his / her finger, causing the control unit 22 to set "System 1" as the connection system information 31b for the refrigeration device 11 corresponding to the icon 70. Note that the setting operation is, for example, an operation in which the operator releases his / her finger when the icon is large.
[0093] The control unit 22 sets the connection system information 31b for each of the refrigeration devices 11 installed in the store 80 based on a similar operation by the operator.
[0094] (Setting the cooling device placement information) Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a configuration in which the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) sets the first arrangement information 30a (see FIG. 2) will be described.
[0095] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to perform the first arrangement information 30a based on an operation on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 23. The store information setting screen 40 shown in Fig. 6 is an example of a state in which the switch button 41a is operated and an icon 53 of the cooling device 10 (see Fig. 2) is displayed in the device selection area 41.
[0096] In the example shown in FIG. 6, an icon 53a for "cooling device A" and an icon 53b for "cooling device B" are displayed as icons 53 for cooling devices 10. Icon 53a is an icon representing an open-type cooling device 10. Icon 53b is an icon representing a reach-in type cooling device 10. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 6, only icons for open-type cooling devices 10 and icons for reach-in type cooling devices 10 are displayed in the equipment selection area 41, but icons for walk-in type cooling devices 10 and icons for built-in type cooling devices 10 may also be displayed in the equipment selection area 41.
[0097] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the name 54a of "Cooling Device A" and the name 54b of "Cooling Device B" are displayed together with the icon 53a and the icon 53b.
[0098] As shown in icon 60 in FIG. 6, when the operator selects icon 52a of "Cooling Device A" and performs an operation to make it movable, icon 53a of "Cooling Device A" becomes movable, as shown in icon 74.
[0099] 6, when the icon 53 of the cooling device 10 is selected, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display the selected icon 53. For example, the control unit 22 identifiably displays that the icon 53 of "Cooling device A" has been selected by displaying a rectangular frame 54c surrounding the icon 53a of "Cooling device A."
[0100] As shown in icon 60 in FIG. 6, when the operator selects icon 53a for "Cooling Device A" and performs an operation to make it movable, icon 53a for "Cooling Device A" becomes movable, as shown in icon 74.
[0101] Then, as indicated by icon 60a, arrow 94, and icon 60b, the operator performs an operation to move icon 74 of "cooling device A" to a predetermined grid. Based on the operator's operation to arrange icon 73 of "cooling device A" in the predetermined grid, control unit 22 sets arrangement information 30 of cooling device 10. That is, control unit 22 is configured to set first arrangement information 30a based on the arrangement of cooling device 10 selected in device selection area 41 in device setting area 42 by a drag operation on touch panel 23.
[0102] Based on a similar operation by the operator, the control unit 22 sets placement information 30 (first placement information 30a) for each of the cooling devices 10 installed in the store 80. Note that when placing the cooling devices 10, the control unit 22 is configured to follow the movement of the icon 74 and display candidate placement grids for the icon 74 in a distinguishable manner relative to the placement grid 42a, just as when placing the cooling devices 10.
[0103] The store information setting screen 40 shown in Fig. 7 is an example in which the cooling device 10 (see Fig. 2) and the freezing device 11 (see Fig. 2) are arranged in the device setting area 42. In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to display the icons arranged in the device setting area 42 in an identifiable manner. For example, the control unit 22 is configured to display the icons arranged in the device setting area 42 in an identifiable manner by displaying the outlines of the icons arranged in the device setting area 42 with thick lines.
[0104] The example of Figure 7 shows a state in which second placement information 30b (see Figure 2) of "refrigeration device A" and "refrigeration device B" is set for refrigeration device 11, and first placement information 30a (see Figure 2) of "refrigeration device A," "refrigeration device B," "refrigeration device C," "refrigeration device D," and "refrigeration device E" is set for cooling device 10.
[0105] Specifically, as shown in the equipment setting area 42 of FIG. 7, the icon 70a for "refrigeration device A" and the icon 70b for "refrigeration device B" each have second placement information 30b set corresponding to the grid in which they are placed.
[0106] Furthermore, for each of "Cooling device A," "Cooling device B," "Cooling device C," "Cooling device D," and "Cooling device E," first arrangement information 30a corresponding to the grid in which icons 74a to 74e are arranged is set.
[0107] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to set the location information 30 for at least one of the temperature sensor 12 (see FIG. 2), humidity sensor 13 (see FIG. 2), air conditioner 14 (see FIG. 2), lighting device 15 (see FIG. 2), and fixtures 16 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the control unit 22 is configured to set the location information 30 for each store device 1 based on a drag-and-drop operation performed by the operator on the icon of each store device 1, similar to the configuration for setting the location information 30 for the cooling device 10 and the freezing device 11. In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to set the location information 30 for all of the temperature sensor 12, humidity sensor 13, air conditioner 14, lighting device 15, and fixtures 16 based on the operator's operation.
[0108] (Setting the piping connection information between the cooling device and the refrigeration device) In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to set the piping connection information 31a (see Figure 2) of the refrigerant piping 17 (see Figure 1) as the connection information 31 (see Figure 2) after the placement information 30 of each of the cooling device 10 and the refrigeration device 11 has been set.
[0109] Next, a configuration in which the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) sets the piping connection information 31a (see FIG. 2) will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to set the piping connection information 31a based on an operation on an operation screen displayed on the touch panel 23 (see FIG. 2).
[0110] Specifically, as shown in the icon 60 in FIG. 8, the operator selects the icon 75 of the refrigerant pipe 17 connected to the icon 70a of "Cooling device A."
[0111] 9, the operator selects the icon 74a for "Cooling device A" while selecting the icon 75 for the refrigerant pipe 17. At this time, the control unit 22 changes the shape of the icon 75 for the refrigerant pipe 17 in accordance with the movement of the icon 60.
[0112] 10, when the operator releases his / her finger at a position overlapping with the icon 74a of "Cooling device A," the control unit 22 sets the piping connection information 31a between "Refrigeration device A" and "Cooling device A." When setting this, the control unit 22 may make the size of the icon larger than the other grids.
[0113] The control unit 22 sets the pipe connection information 31a for each of the cooling devices 10 and the freezing devices 11 installed in the store 80 based on the same operation by the operator.
[0114] (Displays information on connected systems and piping connections) The equipment setting area 42 shown in Figure 11 is an example in which piping connection information 31a (see Figure 2) is set between "Refrigeration device A" and "Refrigeration device B" and "Cooling device A", "Cooling device B", "Cooling device C", "Cooling device D", and "Cooling device E".
[0115] In the present embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display the pipe connection information 31a for each piece of connection system information 31b (see FIG. 2) on the store information setting screen 40 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 22 displays the pipe connection information 31a for each piece of connection system information 31b in an identifiably manner by changing the display mode of the icon 75 of the refrigerant pipe 17 (see FIG. 1) for each piece of connection system information 31b. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the icon 75a of the refrigerant pipe 17 is illustrated with a solid line, and the icon 75b of the refrigerant pipe 17 is illustrated with a dashed line, thereby indicating that the display modes of the icon 75 of the refrigerant pipe 17 are different.
[0116] The control unit 22 may surround the icon 70 of the refrigeration device 11 and the icon 74 of the cooling device 10 with a rectangular frame for each piece of connection system information 31b, thereby identifiably displaying the piping connection information 31a for each piece of connection system information 31b. The control unit 22 may also distinguishably display the piping connection information 31a for each piece of connection system information 31b by changing the color of the icon 75 of the refrigerant pipe 17. Any display mode is possible as long as the piping connection information 31a can be distinguished for each piece of connection system information 31b.
[0117] In the present embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display, in the device setting area 42, whether or not the control unit 22 is communicatively connected for each store device 1 (see FIG. 1 ). Specifically, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display whether or not the control unit 22 is communicatively connected to each store device 1 by varying the display modes of the icons 70 and 74 arranged in the placement grid 42a. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , whether or not the control unit 22 is communicatively connected to each store device 1 is identifiably displayed by the different hatching applied to the icons 70 and 74. That is, in FIG. 11 , an icon hatched with a line extending from the upper right to the lower left of the page indicates that the control unit 22 is communicatively connected, and an icon hatched with a line extending from the upper left to the lower right indicates that the control unit 22 is not communicatively connected. Note that the control unit 22 may identifiably display whether or not the control unit 22 is communicatively connected to each store device 1 by the color of the icon's border. The control unit 22 may also flash the icon of a store device 1 that is not connected to the control unit 22, thereby making it possible to distinguish whether or not the control unit 22 is connected to each store device 1. The control unit 22 may display the icons 70 and 74 in any way as long as it is possible to distinguish whether or not the control unit 22 is connected to each store device 1.
[0118] 11 indicates that the refrigeration devices 11 corresponding to the icons 70a and 70b and the cooling devices 10 corresponding to the icons 74a, 74b, 74c, and 74e are communicatively connected with the control unit 22. In addition, the example shown in FIG. 11 indicates that the cooling device 10 corresponding to the icon 74d is not communicatively connected with the control unit 22.
[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display in the equipment setting area 42 whether the operating status of each of the store equipment 1 is normal, abnormal, or close to abnormal within the normal range.
[0120] In the example shown in Figure 11, the spacing between the hatched lines indicates whether the operating status of each store device 1 is normal, abnormal, or close to normal. That is, the operating status of the refrigeration devices 11 corresponding to the icons 70a and 70b, which are hatched with the widest spacing, and the operating status of the cooling devices 10 corresponding to the icons 74a and 74b, are normal. The operating status of the cooling device 10 corresponding to the icon 74e, which is hatched with the narrowest spacing, is abnormal. The operating status of the cooling device 10 corresponding to the icon 74c, which is hatched with medium spacing, is close to abnormal but within the normal range.
[0121] In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the direction of the hatched lines and the spacing between the lines indicate whether or not a store device 1 is connected to the control unit 22 and its operating state. The color of the icon frame may distinguishably indicate whether or not a store device 1 is connected to the control unit 22 and its operating state. The control unit 22 may, for example, surround an icon that is not connected to the control unit 22 with a gray frame. The control unit 22 may also surround an icon that is connected to the control unit 22 and has a normal operating state with a blue frame. The control unit 22 may also surround an icon that is connected to the control unit 22 with an abnormal operating state with a red frame. The control unit 22 may also surround an icon that is connected to the control unit 22 with a normal operating state close to abnormal with a yellow frame. The control unit 22 may display each icon in any way as long as the status of the communication connection between the store device 1 and the control unit 22 corresponding to each icon and the operating state of each store device 1 are distinguishable.
[0122] After the placement information 30 and / or connection information 31 have been set for each store device 1, if the operator operates (tap) the registration button 42b, the control unit 22 stores the placement information 30 and / or connection information 31 set in the device setting area 42 in the memory unit 24 (see Figure 2).
[0123] Furthermore, the control unit 22 is configured to store the arrangement information 30 and / or connection information 31 stored in the storage unit 24 in the server 3 in response to an operation by an operator or automatically at a predetermined timing.
[0124] (View detailed information) In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the control unit 22 (see Fig. 2) is configured to display detailed information about the store device 1 corresponding to an icon when displaying the icon in the device setting area 42 (see Fig. 3). Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of the device setting area 42 shown in Fig. 11.
[0125] 12, the control unit 22 displays first detailed information 32 for the icon 70 of the refrigeration device 11 (see FIG. 2). The first detailed information 32 includes a number or address 32a assigned to the refrigeration device 11, a name 32b of the refrigeration device 11, a name 32c of the set connection system information 31b (see FIG. 2), and a pressure value 32d of the refrigeration device 11 when it is operating.
[0126] For each icon 70 corresponding to each refrigeration device 11, the control unit 22 displays the number or address 32a, the name 32b of the refrigeration device 11, the name 32c of the set connection system information 31b, and the pressure value 32d.
[0127] The control unit 22 also displays second detailed information 33 for the icon 74 of the cooling device 10. The second detailed information 33 includes a number or address 33a assigned to the cooling device 10, a name 33b of the cooling device 10, and an internal temperature 33c of the cooling device 10.
[0128] The control unit 22 displays the number or address 33a, the name 33b, and the temperature 33c for the icon 74 corresponding to each cooling device 10.
[0129] (Setting location and connection information based on information from other stores) Here, a store 80 such as a convenience store may have several tens of different layout relationships and connection relationships of the store devices 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to set the layout information 30 and connection information 31 of the store 80 based on the layout information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores.
[0130] The store information setting screen 40 shown in FIG. 13 is an example in which the operator operates the switch button 41a and information about another store is displayed in the device selection area 41.
[0131] 13, when displaying information about other stores in the device selection area 41, a load other store information button 41b, a display other store option display field 41c, a display information button 41d, and a settings button 41e are displayed. The load other store information button 41b, the display information button 41d, and the settings button 41e are GUI buttons.
[0132] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) acquires location information 30 (see FIG. 2) and connection information 31 (see FIG. 2) of other stores different from the store 80 (see FIG. 1) based on an operation input to the touch panel 23 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, when the operator operates (tap) the other store information read button 41b, the control unit 22 acquires information about the store devices 1 (see FIG. 1) that are connected to and communicate with the control unit 22. Then, based on the information about the store devices 1 arranged in the store 80, the control unit 22 acquires location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores that match or are similar to the store 80 as selection candidates. Note that the conditions for acquiring the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores similar to the store 80 may be set in advance or may be configured to be input by the user. Furthermore, when there are many similar other stores, the control unit 22 may be configured to display a representative store as an option, such as "10 other stores," rather than displaying options for all stores. Furthermore, when there are many other stores, the control unit 22 may be configured to display a screen on which detailed search conditions can be set and to prompt the operator to input detailed search conditions.
[0133] Then, the control unit 22 is configured to display the acquired selection candidates on the display unit 21. Specifically, the control unit 22 displays the names of other stores as selection candidates for other stores in the other store option display field 41c of the device selection area 41.
[0134] The control unit 22 is configured to control the setting of the layout information 30 and connection information 31 of the in-store device 1 based on a selection operation for selecting the acquired layout information 30 and connection information 31 of another store.
[0135] Specifically, when the operator selects one of the selection candidates as shown in icon 60a and operates (tap) the information display button 41d as shown in icon 60b, the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) displays icons 70 and 74 corresponding to the store equipment 1 (see FIG. 1) included in the selected other store in the placement grid 42a based on the placement information 30 of the selected other store, as shown in FIG. 14.
[0136] Then, as shown by icon 60 in FIG. 14, when the operator operates (tap) the setting button 41e, the control unit 22 displays the connection status of each store device 1 in the device setting area 42 based on the connection information 31 (see FIG. 2) of the selected other store.
[0137] Here, not only the location information 30 and connection information 31 of the other stores that match those of the store devices 1 of the store 80, but also similar information are acquired as selection candidates. Therefore, there may be store devices 1 installed in the store 80 that are not included in the other selected stores. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display, among the store devices 1 installed in the store 80, store devices 1 that are not included in the store devices 1 installed in the other stores and for which location information 30 (see FIG. 2) and connection information 31 are not set.
[0138] 14, the control unit 22 illustrates the icon 74d for "cooling unit D" with a thin border and displays it outside the placement grid 42a, thereby clearly indicating that the cooling unit 10 corresponding to the icon 74d for "cooling unit D" is not included in the store devices 1 installed in other stores and that the placement information 30 and connection information 31 are not set for it. Note that the control unit 22 may also clearly indicate that the cooling unit 10 is not included in the store devices 1 installed in other stores and that the placement information 30 and connection information 31 are not set for it by, for example, flashing the border of the icon for the cooling unit 10 that is not included in the store devices 1 installed in other stores and that the placement information 30 and connection information 31 are not set for it.
[0139] (Registration process of placement information and connection information) Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a process in which the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) stores the arrangement information 30 (see FIG. 2) and the connection information 31 (see FIG. 2) in the storage unit 24 (see FIG. 2) will be described.
[0140] In step S1, the control unit 22 determines whether or not there has been an operation input to place the store device 1 (see FIG. 1) in the device setting area 42 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the control unit 22 determines whether or not there has been an operation input to place an icon representing the store device 1 in the device setting area 42. If there has been an operation input to place the store device 1 in the device setting area 42, the process proceeds to step S2. If there has not been an operation input to place the store device 1 in the device setting area 42, the control unit 22 repeats the process of step S1.
[0141] When the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2, in step S2, the control unit 22 sets location information 30 for the store equipment 1. If the store equipment 1 placed in the equipment setting area 42 is a cooling device 10 (see FIG. 2), the control unit 22 sets first location information 30a (see FIG. 2) for the placed cooling device 10. If the store equipment 1 placed in the equipment setting area 42 is a refrigeration device 11 (see FIG. 2), the control unit 22 sets second location information 30b (see FIG. 2) for the placed refrigeration device 11.
[0142] Next, in step S3, the control unit 22 determines whether or not there has been an operation input to set the connection information 31. If there has been an operation input to set the connection information 31, the process proceeds to step S4. If there has not been an operation input to set the connection information 31, the process proceeds to step S5.
[0143] When the process proceeds from step S3 to step S4, in step S4 the control unit 22 sets the connection information 31 for the store equipment 1. If the operation input for setting the connection information 31 is an operation input for setting the piping connection information 31a (see FIG. 2), the control unit 22 sets the piping connection information 31a for the store equipment 1. If the operation input for setting the connection information 31 is an operation input for setting the connection system information 31b (see FIG. 2), the control unit 22 sets the connection system information 31b for the store equipment 1.
[0144] Next, in step S5, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the registration button 42b (see FIG. 3) has been operated (tapped). If the registration button 42b has been operated, the process proceeds to step S6. If the registration button 42b has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S1.
[0145] When the process proceeds from step S5 to step S6, in step S6, the control unit 22 stores the arrangement information 30 and the connection information 31 in the storage unit 24. Thereafter, the process ends.
[0146] (Process to obtain information about other stores) Next, with reference to FIG. 16, a configuration in which the control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) acquires the location information 30 (see FIG. 2) and connection information 31 (see FIG. 2) of other stores will be described.
[0147] In step S10, the control unit 22 determines whether the other store information read button 41b (see FIG. 13) has been operated (tapped). If the other store information read button 41b has been operated, the process proceeds to step S11. If the other store information read button 41b has not been operated, the control unit 22 repeats the process of step S10.
[0148] When the process proceeds from step S10 to step S11, in step S11 the control unit 22 acquires information about the store device 1 (see FIG. 1) that is connected to the control unit 22 for communication in the store 80 (see FIG. 1).
[0149] Next, in step S12, the control unit 22 acquires the layout information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores based on the information of the store devices 1 that are connected to and communicating with the control unit 22 acquired in step S11. At this time, the control unit 22 acquires the layout information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores that match or are similar to the store 80 based on preset conditions or conditions input by the operator.
[0150] Next, in step S13, the control unit 22 displays the acquired location information 30 and connection information 31 of the other store in the device selection area 41 (see FIG. 13). In this embodiment, the control unit 22 displays the names of the other stores in the other store option display field 41c of the device selection area 41 as selection candidates for the location information 30 and connection information 31 of the other store. Thereafter, the processing ends.
[0151] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0152] In this embodiment, as described above, the store information setting system 100 is a store information setting system that sets the layout of a store 80 equipped with store equipment 1 including cooling devices 10 and refrigeration devices 11, and includes a control device 2 installed in the store 80. The control device 2 includes an input receiving unit 20 that receives operation input from an operator, a display unit 21 that displays an operation screen, and a control unit 22 that performs control to set arrangement information 30 indicating the arrangement of the store equipment 1 in the store 80 and connection information 31 indicating the connection status between the store equipment 1, based on operation input from the input receiving unit 20 on the operation screen. As a result, the control unit 22 is configured to set the arrangement information 30 and connection information 31 for the store equipment 1 based on operation input from the input receiving unit 20 on the operation screen, so that the operator can set the arrangement information 30 for the store equipment 1 and the connection information 31 between the store equipment 1 by operating the control device 2 installed in the store 80. As a result, when setting the layout of a store 80 equipped with store equipment 1 including a cooling device 10 and a freezing device 11, a store information setting system 100 can be provided that can set connection information 31 between each store equipment 1 along with placement information 30 for each store equipment 1.
[0153] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the location information 30 includes first location information 30a, which is information indicating the location of the cooling device 10 in the store 80, and second location information 30b, which is information indicating the location of the refrigeration device 11 in the store 80, and the connection information 31 includes pipe connection information 31a, which indicates the connection status of the refrigerant pipes 17 connecting the refrigeration device 11 and the cooling device 10, and the control unit 22 is configured to set the first location information 30a and the second location information 30b and the pipe connection information 31a based on an operation input from the input receiving unit 20 on the operation screen. This allows the operator to easily set the first location information 30a and the second location information 30b and the pipe connection information 31a by performing an operation on the operation screen of the control device 2 installed in the store 80 where the cooling device 10 and the refrigeration device 11 are located.
[0154] In this embodiment, as described above, the input receiving unit 20 and the display unit 21 are integrally configured as the touch panel 23, and the control unit 22 is configured to set the first arrangement information 30a and the second arrangement information 30b and the pipe connection information 31a based on operations on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 23. This allows the operator to set the first arrangement information 30a and the second arrangement information 30b and the pipe connection information 31a by operating the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 23. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first arrangement information 30a and the second arrangement information 30b and the pipe connection information 31a are set using a mouse, keyboard, or the like, the number of devices that the operator must operate when setting the first arrangement information 30a and the second arrangement information 30b and the pipe connection information 31a can be reduced. As a result, the convenience (usability) for the operator when setting the first arrangement information 30a and the second arrangement information 30b and the pipe connection information 31a can be improved.
[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 22 is configured to display the store information setting screen 40 on the display unit 21, the store information setting screen 40 including a device selection area 41 for selecting a store device 1 and a device setting area 42 for setting the placement of the store device 1 and its connection, and to set the first placement information 30a and the second placement information 30b based on the placement of the store device 1 selected in the device selection area 41 in the device setting area 42 by a drag operation on the touch panel 23. As a result, the first placement information 30a and the second placement information 30b are set by placing the store device 1 in the device setting area 42 by a drag operation on the touch panel 23, so that the operator can intuitively set the first placement information 30a and the second placement information 30b by placing the store device 1 in the device setting area 42. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the first placement information 30a and the second placement information 30b and the piping connection information 31a are set using, for example, spreadsheet software, the first placement information 30a and the second placement information 30b and the piping connection information 31a can be set more easily.
[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the connection information 31 includes connection system information 31b indicating a connection system, which is a group of refrigeration cycles formed by the refrigeration units 11 and the cooling units 10, and the control unit 22 is configured to be able to set the connection system information 31b for the refrigeration units 11 on the store information setting screen 40. Here, it is predetermined which refrigeration units 11 each of the cooling units 10 installed in the store 80 will be connected to. That is, the group of refrigeration units 11 and the cooling units 10 that form the refrigeration cycle is predetermined. Therefore, with the above configuration, the operator can easily identify the group of refrigeration cycles based on the connection system information 31b, and therefore can easily identify the refrigeration units 11 to be connected to each cooling unit 10. As a result, the operator can easily identify the refrigeration units 11 to be connected to the cooling units 10 based on the connection system information 31b, and can easily set the pipe connection information 31a.
[0157] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display the pipe connection information 31a for each connection system information 31b on the store information setting screen 40. This allows the operator to easily recognize at a glance the refrigeration devices 11 and cooling devices 10 included in the same group of refrigeration cycles by checking the pipe connection information 31a. As a result, the operator can easily recognize whether the store devices 1 included in the group of refrigeration cycles are correct.
[0158] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display, in the device setting area 42, whether or not each store device 1 is connected to the control unit 22 for communication. Here, for example, when the location of the store devices 1 is changed, when maintenance is performed on the store devices 1, or when a new store device 1 is installed in the store 80, it is necessary to set up communication with the control device 2. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to easily identify at a glance the store devices 1 for which communication settings with the control device 2 have not been set up. As a result, the operator can easily identify the store devices 1 for which communication settings with the control device 2 need to be set up, thereby improving the convenience (usability) for the operator.
[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display in the device setting area 42 whether the operating status of each store device 1 is normal, abnormal, or close to abnormal within the normal range. This allows the operator, when setting the location information 30 for the store devices 1, to easily determine at a glance whether the operating status of the store devices 1 is normal, abnormal, or close to abnormal within the normal range. As a result, the operator can easily determine which store devices 1 are in an abnormal operating status or close to abnormal within the normal range, and therefore can easily determine which store devices 1 need repair or replacement when setting the location information 30.
[0160] In this embodiment, as described above, the store equipment 1 further includes at least one of the temperature sensor 12, humidity sensor 13, air conditioner 14, lighting device 15, and fixtures 16, and the control unit 22 is configured to set the arrangement of at least one of the temperature sensor 12, humidity sensor 13, air conditioner 14, lighting device 15, and fixtures 16 as arrangement information 30. As a result, by placing at least one of the temperature sensor 12, humidity sensor 13, air conditioner 14, lighting device 15, and fixtures 16 in the equipment setting area 42, the arrangement information 30 of at least one of the temperature sensor 12, humidity sensor 13, air conditioner 14, lighting device 15, and fixtures 16 can be intuitively and easily set.
[0161] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the system further includes a storage unit 24 that stores the location information 30 and connection information 31 associated with each of the multiple stores 80. The control unit 22 is configured to acquire the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores different from the store 80 based on an operation input to the touch panel 23, and to perform control to set the location information 30 and connection information 31 of the store device 1 based on a selection operation to select the acquired location information 30 and connection information 31 of the other store. As a result, the location information 30 and connection information 31 are automatically set for the store devices 1 of the other stores that match the location information 30 and connection information 31 of the store devices 1 installed in the store 80. This reduces the burden on the operator. Furthermore, for the store devices 1 installed in the store 80 that are not installed in other stores, the location information 30 and connection information 31 are not automatically set based on the location information 30 and connection information 31 of the other stores. Therefore, although the operator must manually set the layout information 30 and connection information 31, the number of devices to be set can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the operator sets the layout information 30 and connection information 31 for all store devices 1 placed in the store 80. As a result, the operator's workload can be reduced and usability can be improved.
[0162] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 22 is configured to acquire, as selection candidates, the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores that match or are similar to the store 80, based on information about the store devices 1 installed in the store 80, and display the acquired selection candidates on the display unit 21. This allows the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores that match or are similar to the store 80 to be automatically displayed as selection candidates, without the operator having to input information about the store devices 1. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of operations performed by the operator when setting the location information 30 and connection information 31, thereby reducing the workload of the operator.
[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 22 is configured to identifiably display, among the store devices 1 installed in the store 80, store devices 1 that are not included in store devices 1 installed in other stores and for which the location information 30 and connection information 31 are not set. This allows the store devices 1 for which the location information 30 and connection information 31 are not set to be displayed identifiably, allowing the operator to easily identify the store devices 1 for which the location information 30 and connection information 31 are not set. As a result, it is possible to prevent the location information 30 and connection information 31 from being omitted from being set for the store devices 1.
[0164] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.
[0165] For example, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 22 displays the placement grid 42a in the equipment setting area 42 of the store information setting screen 40 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like the control unit 202 according to a first modified example shown in Fig. 17, the placement grid 42a does not have to be displayed in the equipment setting area 42.
[0166] A store information setting system 200 according to a first modified example shown in FIG. 17 differs from the store information setting system 100 according to the above embodiment in that it includes a control device 201 instead of the control device 2.
[0167] The control device 201 according to the first modification differs from the control device 2 according to the above embodiment in that it includes a control unit 202 instead of the control unit 22.
[0168] The storage unit 24 according to the first modified example also stores a layout diagram 34. The layout diagram 34 is an overhead view of the interior of the store 80 before the store device 1 is placed in the store 80.
[0169] In the first modified example, as shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 202 (see FIG. 17) is configured to display a layout diagram 34 of the store 80 as the background of the device setting area 42. Instead of using a layout grid 42a, the control unit 202 according to the first modified example sets layout information 30 (first layout information 30a and second layout information 30b) (see FIG. 17) and connection information 31 (pipe connection information 31a and connection system information 31b) (see FIG. 17) for each of the store devices 1 by performing a layout operation on the layout diagram 34 for the store devices 1 (see FIG. 1). Note that the configuration in which the control unit 202 sets the layout information 30 and the connection information 31 is similar to the configuration in which the control unit 22 according to the above embodiment sets the layout information 30 and the connection information 31, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0170] Also, in the first variant, as shown in FIG. 18, when setting the placement information 30 and connection information 31, the control unit 202 displays icons with illustrations corresponding to the store equipment 1, such as an icon 50 for the refrigeration unit 11, an icon 53 for the cooling unit 10, and an icon 55 for the fixtures 16, on the layout diagram 34 of the store 80.
[0171] In the first modified example, as described above, the control unit 202 is configured to display the layout diagram 34 of the store 80 as the background of the device setting area 42. This allows the first placement information 30a and the second placement information 30b to be set by arranging the store devices 1 by dragging them on the layout diagram 34 of the store 80. As a result, it becomes possible to arrange the store devices 1 based on the layout diagram 34 of the actual store 80, which makes it possible to set the first placement information 30a and the second placement information 30b more intuitively than in a configuration in which the layout diagram 34 of the store 80 is not displayed as the background of the device setting area 42.
[0172] Furthermore, in the first modified example, as described above, icons 50 for refrigeration units 11, icons 53 for cooling units 10, and icons 55 for fixtures 16 are displayed on the layout diagram of store 80. This allows the user to easily identify at a glance the store devices 1 that are arranged in store 80 and for which first placement information 30a and second placement information 20b are set.
[0173] In the above embodiment, when arranging icons such as store equipment 1 in the placement grid 42a, an example of a configuration in which an icon bearing the name of the store equipment 1, such as icons (70, 74), is arranged is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the first modified example, the placement grid 42a may be configured to display, for each store equipment 1, an icon with an illustration, such as icon 50 for a freezing unit 11, icon 53 for a cooling unit 10, and icon 55 for a fixture 16.
[0174] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration was shown in which the control unit 22 acquires the layout information 30 and connection information 31 of another store that matches or is similar to the store 80 based on information about the store devices 1 installed in the store 80, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as with the control unit 302 according to a second modified example shown in FIG. 19 , the layout information 30 and connection information 31 of another store that matches or is similar to the store 80 may be acquired based on an operation input by an operator.
[0175] A store information setting system 300 according to a second modified example shown in FIG. 19 differs from the store information setting system 100 according to the above embodiment in that it includes a control device 301 instead of the control device 2.
[0176] The control device 301 according to the second modification differs from the control device 2 according to the above embodiment in that it includes a control unit 302 instead of the control unit 22 .
[0177] As shown in Fig. 20, the control unit 302 according to the second modified example (see Fig. 19) is configured to display a device information input button 41g in the device selection area 41. The device information input button 41g is a GUI button.
[0178] When the device information input button 41g is operated (tapped), the control unit 302 opens a device information input screen 43, as shown in Fig. 21. Specifically, the control unit 302 opens the device information input screen 43 as a pop-up window.
[0179] The device information input screen 43 displays a refrigeration device selection field 43a, a cooling device selection field 43b, and a search button 43c. The refrigeration device selection field 43a and the cooling device selection field 43b are combo boxes. The search button 43c is a GUI button.
[0180] In the freezing device selection field 43a, freezing devices 11 (see FIG. 19) installed in the store 80 (see FIG. 1) are displayed as options. In addition, in the cooling device selection field 43b, cooling devices 10 (see FIG. 19) installed in the store 80 are displayed as options. That is, in the second modified example, the touch panel 23 is configured to receive input of information about the store equipment 1 installed in the store 80.
[0181] When the search button 43c is operated (tapped) after the freezing device 11 and the cooling device 10 are selected in the freezing device selection field 43a and the cooling device selection field 43b, the control unit 302 acquires the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores based on the selected freezing device 11 and cooling device 10. That is, the control unit 302 according to the second modified example is configured to acquire, as selection candidates, the information on the cooling device 10 and the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores whose information on the freezing device 11 matches or is similar to that of the store 80, based on the information on the store equipment 1 received by the touch panel 23.
[0182] The control unit 302 according to the second modified example is configured to display the acquired selection candidates on the display unit 21 (see FIG. 19). Specifically, the control unit 302 displays the names of other stores as selection candidates in the other store option display field 41c in the device selection area 41, similar to the control unit 22 according to the above embodiment.
[0183] Next, referring to Fig. 22, a process in which the control unit 302 (see Fig. 19) according to the second modified example acquires the location information 30 (see Fig. 19) and connection information 31 (see Fig. 19) of other stores will be described. Note that processes similar to the process in which the control unit 22 according to the above embodiment acquires the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0184] In step S20, the control unit 302 determines whether the device information input button 41g (see FIG. 20) has been operated (tapped). If the device information input button 41g has been operated, the process proceeds to step S21. If the device information input button 41g has not been operated, the control unit 302 repeats the process of step S20.
[0185] When the process proceeds from step S20 to step S21, in step S21, the control unit 302 displays the device information input screen 43 (see FIG. 21).
[0186] Next, in step S22, the control unit 302 determines whether the search button 43c (see FIG. 21) has been operated (tapped). If the search button 43c has been operated, the process proceeds to step S23. If the search button 43c has not been operated, the control unit 302 repeats the process of step S22.
[0187] If the process proceeds from step S22 to step S23, in step S23, the control unit 302 acquires the location information 30 (see Figure 19) and connection information 31 (see Figure 19) of other stores based on the information of the cooling device 10 and the information of the freezing device 11 selected on the equipment information input screen 43.
[0188] Next, in step S13, the control unit 302 displays the information about the other stores acquired in step S23 in the device selection area 41 (see FIG. 20), and then the process ends.
[0189] In the second modified example, as described above, the touch panel 23 is configured to receive input of information about the in-store devices 1 installed in the store 80, and the control unit 302 is configured to acquire, as selection candidates, the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores whose cooling device 10 information and freezing device 11 information match or are similar to those of the store 80, based on the in-store device 1 information received by the touch panel 23, and display the acquired selection candidates on the display unit 21. As a result, even when the control unit 301 and the store devices 1 cannot communicate, the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores whose information matches or is similar to those of the store 80 can be acquired as selection candidates based on the operator's input. As a result, the location information 30 and connection information 31 can be set even in the early stages of store setup when the store devices 1 are not yet able to communicate, thereby improving the operator's convenience (usability).
[0190] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 22 sets the first position information 30a and the second position information 30b based on an operation on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 23 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may be configured to set the first position information and the second position information based on an operation using an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard. Note that a configuration in which the first position information and the second position information can be set by operating the operation screen displayed on the touch panel allows for intuitive operation, thereby improving convenience (usability) for the operator. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit be configured to set the first position information and the second position information based on an operation on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel.
[0191] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration has been described in which the control unit 22 sets the piping connection information 31a and the connection system information 31b based on operations on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may be configured to set the piping connection information and the connection system information based on operations using input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard. Note that a configuration in which the piping connection information and the connection system information can be set by operating the operation screen displayed on the touch panel allows for more intuitive operation, thereby improving convenience (usability) for the operator. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit be configured to set the piping connection information and the connection system information based on operations on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel.
[0192] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 22 displays the store information setting screen 40 including both the device selection area 41 and the device setting area 42 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may be configured to display the device selection area and the device setting area on different screens. However, if the device selection area and the device setting area are displayed on different screens, it becomes difficult to intuitively set the placement information. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit be configured to display the store information setting screen including both the device selection area and the device setting area.
[0193] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 22 is configured to be able to set both the pipe connection information 31a and the connection system information 31b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may be configured to be able to set only one of the pipe connection information and the connection system information. However, if the control unit can set only one of the pipe connection information and the connection system information, inconvenience will arise when managing store equipment using the control device. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit be configured to be able to set both the pipe connection information and the connection system information.
[0194] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 22 identifiably displays the pipe connection information 31a for each piece of connection system information 31b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit does not have to be configured to identifiably display the pipe connection information for each piece of connection system information. However, if the control unit is not configured to identifiably display the pipe connection information for each piece of connection system information, it will be difficult for the operator to easily determine whether the store devices included in the refrigeration cycle group are correct. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit be configured to identifiably display the pipe connection information for each piece of connection system information.
[0195] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 22 identifiably displays, in the device setting area 42, whether or not each store device 1 is connected to the control unit 22 for communication, is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit does not have to be configured to identifiably display whether or not each store device is connected to the control unit for communication. However, if the control unit is not configured to identifiably display whether or not each store device is connected to the control unit for communication, it becomes difficult for the operator to easily identify the store device for which communication settings with the control device need to be performed. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit be configured to identifiably display, in the device setting area, whether or not each store device is connected to the control unit for communication.
[0196] In the above embodiment, the control unit 22 identifiably displays in the device setting area 42 whether the operating status of each of the store devices 1 is normal, abnormal, or close to abnormal within the normal range. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit does not have to be configured to identifiably display the operating status of each of the store devices. However, if the control unit is not configured to identifiably display the operating status of each of the store devices, it will be difficult for the operator to easily identify store devices that require repair or replacement when setting the placement information. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit be configured to identifiably display the operating status of each of the store devices whether it is normal, abnormal, or close to abnormal within the normal range.
[0197] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and the second modified example, an example of a configuration in which the control unit 22 (control unit 302) displays the names of other stores in the other store option display field 41c in the device selection area 41 has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may be configured to display the size of the store and / or the store's installation type in the information display field for other stores. Examples of store size include "large store," "medium store," and "small store." Examples of store installation type include "street store," "tenant," and the like.
[0198] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a configuration has been shown in which the location information 30 and connection information 31 of other stores are acquired in advance from the server 3 and stored in the storage unit 24, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may be configured to acquire the location information and connection information of other stores from the server via the network when the other store information read button is operated (tapped). [Explanation of symbols]
[0199] 1. Store equipment 2, 201, 301 Control device 10 Cooling device 11 Refrigeration equipment 12 Temperature Sensor 13 Humidity sensor 14 Air conditioner 15 Lighting equipment 16 Fixtures 17 Refrigerant piping 20 Input reception section 21 Display section 22, 202, 302 Control section 23 Touch Panel 24 Memory section 30 Placement information 30a 1st placement information 30b Second placement information 31 Connection Information 31a Piping connection information 31b Connection information 34 Layout diagram 40 Store information setting screen 41 Device selection area 42 Device settings area 80 stores 100, 200, 300 store information setting system
Claims
1. A store information setting system for setting the layout of a store equipped with store equipment including a cooling device and a freezing device, A control device installed in the store, The control device an input receiving unit that receives an operation input from an operator; a display unit that displays an operation screen; a control unit that performs control to set placement information indicating the placement of the store equipment in the store and connection information indicating the connection status between each store equipment based on operation input from the input receiving unit on the operation screen.
2. the location information includes first location information that is information indicating a location of the cooling device in the store and second location information that is information indicating a location of the refrigeration device in the store, the connection information includes pipe connection information indicating a connection status of a refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigeration device and the cooling device, The store information setting system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to set the first placement information and the second placement information and set the piping connection information based on operation input from the input receiving unit on the operation screen.
3. the input receiving unit and the display unit are an integrally configured touch panel, The store information setting system of claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to set the first placement information and the second placement information and set the piping connection information based on operations on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel.
4. The control unit displaying a store information setting screen on the display unit, the store information setting screen including a device selection area for selecting the store device and a device setting area for setting the arrangement of the store device and the connection of the store device; The store information setting system according to claim 3, configured to set the first placement information and the second placement information based on the store equipment selected in the equipment selection area being placed in the equipment setting area by a drag operation on the touch panel.
5. the connection information includes connection system information indicating a connection system which is a group of refrigeration cycles formed by the refrigeration device and the cooling device, The store information setting system according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit is configured to be able to set the connection system information for the refrigeration device on the store information setting screen.
6. The store information setting system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit is configured to identifiably display the piping connection information for each of the connection system information on the store information setting screen.
7. The store information setting system according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit is configured to identifiably display, in the device setting area, whether or not each of the store devices is connected to the control unit for communication.
8. The store information setting system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to identifiably display in the equipment setting area whether the operating status of each of the store equipment is normal, abnormal, or close to abnormal within a normal range.
9. The store equipment further includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air conditioning device, a lighting device, and a fixture; The store information setting system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to set the placement information to the placement of at least one of the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, the air conditioning device, the lighting device, and the fixtures.
10. The store information setting system according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit is configured to display a layout diagram of the store as a background of the device setting area.
11. a storage unit that stores the location information and the connection information associated with each of a plurality of stores; The control unit acquiring the location information and the connection information of a store different from the store based on an operation input to the touch panel; The store information setting system according to claim 3, configured to control setting of the layout information and connection information of the store equipment based on a selection operation for selecting the acquired layout information and connection information of other stores.
12. The control unit acquiring, as selection candidates, the location information and the connection information of other stores that match or are similar to the store based on information about the store devices that are installed in the store; The store information setting system according to claim 11 , wherein the acquired selection candidates are displayed on the display unit.
13. the touch panel is configured to receive input of information about the store devices arranged in the store, The control unit based on the information on the store equipment received by the touch panel, acquire, as selection candidates, the location information and the connection information of other stores whose cooling device information and freezing device information are the same as or similar to those of the store; The store information setting system according to claim 11 , wherein the acquired selection candidates are displayed on the display unit.
14. The store information setting system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the control unit is configured to identifiably display, among the store devices installed in the store, store devices that are not included in store devices installed in other stores and for which the placement information and the connection information are not set.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Centralized supervisory apparatus for show case or the like
JP1993264149A