Display system and display method

Abstract

To provide a display system configured to identify the cause of performance change generated in a device, regardless of the knowledge of a user on the device, resulting in appropriate solution.SOLUTION: A display system acquires operation information of a device to be monitored, determines, based on the operation information, an evaluation value indicating the performance of the device, specifies, regarding the device to be monitored, one of one or more components that generate an evaluation value, based on the evaluation value, creates multiple pieces of display content having different degrees of detail, which represent granularity of the components, from the evaluation value and the specified component, selects display content of an arbitrary one degree of detail, from the multiple pieces of display content, to be displayed on a display screen, and highlights the specified component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system and a display method. [Background technology]

[0002] Home appliances used daily in individual households include refrigerators, washer-dryers, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, and water heaters. Because these appliances operate constantly or periodically, their power consumption and performance change over time for a variety of reasons. For example, an increase in a refrigerator's power consumption could be caused by gaps due to deterioration of the refrigerator's gasket or frequent door opening and closing. Similarly, an increase in a washer-dryer's drying time could be caused by a deterioration of the heater or increased air resistance due to dirty filters for the drying operation.

[0003] These performance changes can be improved through product inspection and repair by maintenance personnel, or through self-maintenance such as regular filter cleaning and other improvements in usage by users, such as limiting door opening and closing. However, if the performance cannot be visually confirmed, it is difficult for users to notice changes in the performance of their home appliances. Furthermore, even if users notice a performance change, they face the challenge of finding and implementing appropriate measures based on the appliance's condition, their own usage habits, and their maintenance capabilities. Therefore, it is necessary to propose appropriate measures to users based on the appliance's condition and the user's ability.

[0004] In response to this, Patent Document 1 discloses a display method in which "a guidance display device holds guidance at multiple levels of detail for the operation of a device to be operated and selectively displays guidance at one of the levels of detail, characterized by comprising a level of detail determination means for determining the level of detail of the guidance to be displayed in accordance with the operator's level of proficiency, and a guidance display control means for displaying guidance at the level of detail determined by the level of detail determination means." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-53743 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the method described in Patent Document 1, a guidance display device displays guidance at a detail level determined by a detail level determination means. For example, when a user performs an operation on a device, the detail level determination means determines the user's detail level by comparing the number of operations, which increases if the operation is correct and decreases if the operation is incorrect, with a set number of judgments. The guidance display device displays guidance according to the determined detail level.

[0007] In this way, conventional technology could grasp the user's familiarity with the device by the user's repeated operation and change the display content according to the user's familiarity with the device. However, this technology presupposes that the user understands the necessary operations, and it is difficult to display appropriate guidance to a user who is unaware of the existence of the operations themselves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present application includes multiple means for solving at least part of the above-described problems, and an example thereof is as follows: That is, a display system for displaying information related to a monitored device, the display system having an acquisition unit that acquires operation information of the monitored device, an evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation value indicating the performance of the monitored device from the operation information, an identification unit that identifies, based on the evaluation value, any one of at least one or more components that generate the evaluation value for the monitored device, a creation unit that creates display content from the evaluation value and the identified component, and a display unit that displays the created display content on a display screen, wherein the creation unit creates multiple display content with different levels of detail that indicate the granularity of the component, and the display unit selects display content with an arbitrary level of detail from the multiple display content and displays it on the display screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display system that can identify the cause of a performance change that has occurred in a device and reach an appropriate solution, regardless of the user's knowledge of the device. Other objects, novel features, configurations, and effects will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a display system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing performed by the display system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an evaluation value of a monitoring target device according to the first embodiment in the form of a bar graph. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a display system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a display system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a washer / dryer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process performed by a display system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a bar graph showing an example of evaluation values ​​of a washer / dryer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of display contents with different levels of detail according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of display contents with different levels of detail according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Modes for carrying out the present invention (referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and for clarity of explanation, appropriate omissions and simplifications have been made. The present invention can also be carried out in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural.

[0012] The position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc. in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings. When there are multiple components having the same or similar functions, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted in the description.

[0013] In the embodiments, there may be a description of processing performed by executing a program. Here, a computer executes the program using a processor (e.g., a CPU or a GPU), and performs processing defined by the program while using storage resources (e.g., a memory) and interface devices (e.g., a communication port). Therefore, the entity that executes the program and performs the processing may be the processor. Similarly, the entity that executes the program and performs the processing may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node that has a processor.

[0014] The processing performed by executing the program may be performed by a computing unit, and may include a dedicated circuit for performing specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit may be, for example, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD).

[0015] A program may be installed on a computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. When the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. In addition, in an embodiment, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs. [Example]

[0016] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing performed by the display system 1 according to the first embodiment. Each component of the display system 1 according to the first embodiment and the processing content thereof will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0017] The display system 1 is a system that displays information related to a monitored device 2, and as shown in Fig. 1, is composed of an information acquisition unit 101, a storage unit 102, an evaluation unit 103, an identification unit 104, a display content determination unit 105, a communication unit 106, and a display unit 107. The display system 1 is also connected to one or more monitored devices 2 and one or more sensors 251 installed inside or outside the monitored device 2 via a wireless or wired connection.

[0018] The information acquisition unit 101 acquires setting information, control information, and sensor information as operation information of the monitored device 2 by wireless communication or wired communication (S101 in FIG. 2). The setting information includes the operation mode, power on / off, reservations, operation time, etc. of the monitored device 2. The control information includes the rotation speed, current, voltage, switching information, on / off information, command value, duty ratio, time, etc. of the devices that make up the monitored device 2. The sensor information includes information such as temperature, humidity, pressure, illuminance, video, sound, and vibration acquired from sensors 251 installed inside and outside the monitored device 2.

[0019] The operation information acquired by the information acquisition unit 101 is stored in the storage unit 102 .

[0020] The evaluation unit 103 reads and analyzes the operational information stored in the storage unit 102, and calculates an evaluation value indicating the performance of the monitored device 2 (S102 in FIG. 2).

[0021] Here, the evaluation values ​​include power consumption, operating time, water usage, temperature, rotation speed, electricity cost, usage fee, etc. These may be values ​​of the operation information used as they are, or values ​​obtained by arithmetic processing may be used.

[0022] The evaluation value calculated by the evaluation unit 103 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the evaluation value of the monitored device in the form of a stacked bar graph.

[0023] The evaluation value of the monitored device 2 can be expressed using at least one element (L1 in FIG. 2) that generates the evaluation value, and an element that generates the evaluation value is defined as a component, and a collection of components that generate the evaluation value is defined as a component group. For example, if the monitored device 2 is a washer / dryer and the evaluation value is operating time, then one operation that generates operating time is a component, and the collection of components that generate operating time (in this case, one component, one operation) is a component group.

[0024] Furthermore, when at least one component (L1 in FIG. 3) in a component group can be expressed using at least one or more new components (H1, H2 in FIG. 3), the component group consisting of at least one or more new components is defined as a new component group with a level of detail 1 higher than the original component group, and the level of detail is defined as follows. For example, a component such as one operation of a washer / dryer can be expressed as a washing operation and a drying operation as new components. Therefore, when the level of detail of a component group consisting of one operation is 1, the level of detail of a component group consisting of the washing operation and the drying operation is 2. In other words, the level of detail represents the granularity of the components that generate an evaluation value, and the finer (lower) the granularity of the components, the higher the level of detail. When at least one component in a component group cannot be expressed using at least one or more new components, the level of detail of the component group is the highest. On the other hand, when a component group cannot be expressed using new components that include that component group, the level of detail of the component group is the lowest.

[0025] The component group, the components contained in the component group, and the level of detail are determined based on the main functions, which are the functions of the monitored device 2, the control process, and the degree to which user operations affect the performance of the monitored device 2.

[0026] The evaluation unit 103 calculates an evaluation value for each component belonging to the component group of each level of detail described above. The evaluation value calculated by the evaluation unit 103 for each component is stored in the storage unit 102.

[0027] The identification unit 104 reads out the evaluation value stored in the storage unit 102 and uses the evaluation value to identify a component in which a performance change has occurred (S103 in FIG. 2). Identification is first performed on a component in a component group with the highest level of detail, and a component in which a performance change has occurred is identified. If the component cannot be identified, a component in a component group with a level of detail that is one level lower is identified, and thereafter, this process (a process in which a component in a component group with a level of detail that is one level lower is identified as a component in which a performance change has occurred) is repeatedly executed. This process makes it possible to always identify a component in which a performance change has occurred at the maximum level of detail that can be identified.

[0028] Examples of means for identification include a method of using statistical values ​​such as average, maximum, and minimum values ​​calculated from the past evaluation values ​​of the components to select components with a large difference from the current evaluation value, or a method of selecting components with a large difference or rate of change from a threshold value determined for each component. This allows the identification unit 104 to automatically detect changes such as performance deterioration that have occurred in the monitored device 2. Furthermore, the above identification process always detects performance changes with the maximum detectable level of detail, making it possible to identify the location where the performance change is occurring in more detail.

[0029] Furthermore, if there is an identified component, a component that includes the identified component from a component group that has a level of detail one level lower than the level of detail of the component group to which the identified component belongs may be selected as the newly identified component.

[0030] For example, if H2 in Figure 3 is an identified component, the evaluation value of L1 can represent H1 and H2 as components, so L1 can become a new identified component as a component that includes H2.

[0031] This makes it possible to newly identify a component in which a change in performance has occurred among the components belonging to a group of components with a low level of detail.

[0032] The components identified by the identification unit 104 are stored in the storage unit 102 .

[0033] If there is no component that can be identified, the identifying unit 104 does not need to identify it.

[0034] The display content determination unit 105 reads out the evaluation values ​​and the identified components stored in the storage unit 102, and creates a plurality of display contents 300 with different levels of detail (S104 in FIG. 2).

[0035] The display content 300 is the content to be displayed on the display screen 400. The display content 300 includes performance display content 310 that indicates the performance of the monitored device 2, and abnormality detection content 320 that notifies the occurrence of a performance change in the monitored device 2 when a specified component is present.

[0036] The function of the display content determination unit 105 may be included in the display unit 107 .

[0037] The created display contents 300 are transmitted to the communication unit 106.

[0038] The communication unit 106 transmits a plurality of display contents 300 to the display unit 107 by wireless communication or wired communication.

[0039] The display unit 107 selects a display content 300 with one level of detail from the multiple display contents 300 with different levels of detail received from the communication unit 106, and displays the selected display content 300 on the display screen 400 (S105 in Figure 2).

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen 400. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the display screen 400 when the component identified by the identification unit 104 is H2. The display screen 400 includes a performance display field 410. In FIG. 4, the display screen 400 is displayed at a level of detail 1. In the performance display field 410, the evaluation value of the monitored device 2 is displayed using a group of components with a level of detail 1, and the identified component L1 is visually emphasized based on the abnormality detection content 320. As a display of a level of detail 2, for example, as shown on the right side of FIG. 4, the display unit 107 can also display the evaluation value of the monitored device using a group of components with a level of detail 2, and visually emphasize the identified component H2 based on the abnormality detection content 320.

[0041] The display unit 107 updates the display content 300 by changing the level of detail and changes the display on the display screen 400 in response to the update of the display content 300 (S106 in FIG. 2). By increasing the level of detail, the user can more precisely identify the location where a performance change is occurring in the monitored device 2. The change in the level of detail on the display unit 107 may be made, for example, in response to an external instruction to change the level of detail given to the display system 1, or may be made automatically depending on the display time at each level of detail. The external instruction to change the level of detail given to the display system 1 may be, for example, given by the user clicking on the visually highlighted evaluation value (bar graph) of the component L1 on the display screen 400 using an input device such as a mouse or by directly tapping on the screen. Alternatively, the display unit 107 may display a button for changing the level of detail in or near the performance display field 410. As in the above example, the instruction to change the level of detail given to the display system 1 may be given by clicking on the button using an input device such as a mouse or by directly tapping on the screen.

[0042] According to the first embodiment, when no performance change, such as a deterioration in performance, has occurred in the monitored device 2, the display screen 400 displays information with a low level of detail (a display that is easy to understand even without knowledge of the monitored device 2), allowing the user to grasp the performance of the monitored device 2. Furthermore, when a performance change is automatically detected, the display screen 400 highlights the component in which the performance change has occurred, allowing the user to grasp the location of the performance change. Furthermore, the display unit 107 updates the display screen 400 to a display with a higher level of detail, allowing the user to grasp the location of the performance change in more detail. This allows the user to grasp that the performance of the monitored device 2 has changed, even without specialized knowledge of the monitored device 2, and to grasp the details of the location of the performance change in a step-by-step manner.

[0043] An example of the hardware configuration of the display system 1 according to the first embodiment will now be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the display system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] The display system 1 includes a memory 111 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), an arithmetic unit 112 consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), a storage device 113 consisting of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication device 114, an output device 115 consisting of a display, and an input device 116 consisting of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel display, etc.

[0045] The arithmetic device 112 temporarily stores data in the memory 111 during data processing. The storage device 113 stores programs used for various data processing (arithmetic processing, display processing, etc.) executed by the arithmetic device 112. For example, the storage device 113 stores the information acquisition unit 101, the evaluation unit 103, the identification unit 104, and the display content determination unit 105, which are programs. The storage device 113 also stores information, values, data, etc. acquired, calculated, identified, etc. by each unit.

[0046] The communication device 114 is used to obtain operation information of the monitored device 2. The output device 115 displays the display screen 400, etc. The input device 116 is used by a user or maintenance staff of the monitored device 2 to input some kind of instruction or data (for example, an instruction to change the level of detail) to the display system 1. [Example]

[0047] Next, as a second embodiment, an example of a display system that displays the performance etc. of a monitored device to a user will be described. In this example, a washer-dryer is used as an example of a monitored device, and the display system that displays its performance etc. to a user will be described. However, the monitored device is not limited to a washer-dryer, and various types of home appliances and various other devices or facilities can be monitored devices.

[0048] In the following description, the description of the same contents as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display system 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0050] In Fig. 6, the display system 10 is connected to a plurality of washer-dryers, which are devices to be monitored, via a wireless or wired connection. The washer-dryer 500 in Fig. 6 corresponds to the device to be monitored 2 in the first embodiment. One or more sensors 251 are installed inside and outside the washer-dryer 500 used by a user and one or more other washer-dryers, and a terminal 3 is connected to each washer-dryer via a wireless or wired connection. The terminal 3 is, for example, a user's smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer (PC), remote controller, etc. The display system 10 is also connected to each sensor 251 and each terminal 3 via a wireless or wired connection.

[0051] Display system 10 is a system that displays information related to washer-dryer 500, and similar to the configuration of display system 1 in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, includes information acquisition unit 101, storage unit 102, evaluation unit 103, identification unit 104, display content determination unit 105, communication unit 106, display unit 107, and also includes determination unit 108. Here, the washer-dryer 500 used by a user is defined as a washer-dryer to be monitored.

[0052] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a washer-dryer 500. The washer-dryer 500 is equipped with a washing tub 501, a door 502, a motor 503, a drain outlet 506, and a water inlet 507 for performing a laundry washing operation. The washer-dryer 500 is also equipped with a blower 504, a duct 505, a filter 508, and a heater 509 for performing a drying operation. The filter 508 is detachable so that the user can remove dirt by themselves. The arrows on the duct 505 indicate the air flow.

[0053] The operating state of washer / dryer 500 is monitored by temperature sensor 520 and pressure sensor 521 provided in duct 505 , load sensor 522 attached to motor 503 , and water level sensor 523 provided in washing tub 501 .

[0054] Temperature sensor 520 measures the temperature of the air inside duct 505. Temperature sensors 520 include a post-heating temperature sensor 520a and a pre-heating temperature sensor 520b, which are provided in duct 505 so as to be located before and after heater 509. Post-heating temperature sensor 520a measures the temperature of the air heated by heater 509. Pre-heating temperature sensor 520b measures the temperature of the air before it is heated by heater 509.

[0055] Pressure sensor 521 measures the air pressure in duct 505. Pressure sensors 521 include a post-filter pressure sensor 521a and a pre-filter pressure sensor 521b, which are provided in duct 505 so as to be located before and after filter 508, respectively. Post-filter pressure sensor 521a measures the air pressure at the stage after filter 508. Pre-filter pressure sensor 521b measures the air pressure at the stage before filter 508.

[0056] It should be noted that the temperature sensor 520, the pressure sensor 521, the load sensor 522, and the water level sensor 523 correspond to the sensor 251 in the first embodiment.

[0057] When using washer-dryer 500, a user opens door 502, puts clothes into washing tub 501, closes door 502, and holds the clothes in washing tub 501. When the user gives an instruction to start operation, washer-dryer 500 performs a washing operation and a drying operation in that order.

[0058] During the washing operation, the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and spin cycle are carried out in that order. Water is supplied from water inlet 507 until the water level reaches a specified level depending on the load of clothes, and motor 503 rotates washing tub 501 to carry out the washing cycle. Next, water is supplied from water inlet 507, and water containing detergent is drained from drain outlet 506 to carry out the rinsing cycle. Thereafter, motor 503 rotates washing tub 501 to spin the clothes, and the water is drained from drain outlet 506 to carry out the spin cycle.

[0059] In the drying operation, the drying step and the finishing step are carried out in this order. In the drying step, the blower 504 (drive source) and the heater 509 are operated to dry the clothes.

[0060] Operation of blower 504 creates a flow of air that circulates through washing tub 501, duct 505, filter 508, heater 509, and blower 504 in that order. Moisture contained in the wet clothes mixes with the air in washing tub 501, becoming highly humid and flowing into duct 505. The air is cooled by the ambient temperature and water temperature, thereby dehumidifying it. Thereafter, the air heated by heater 509 passes through blower 504 and flows back into washing tub 501. As this process continues, moisture is removed from the clothes held in washing tub 501, causing them to dry. When the value of temperature sensor 520 rises sufficiently, the control device stops the rotation of blower 504, thereby completing the drying process.

[0061] In the finishing process, the washing tub 501 is rotated for a certain period of time to cool the hot clothes.

[0062] The rotation speed of blower 504 is determined according to a command value generated by a control device (not shown) in washer-dryer 500. Increasing the rotation speed of blower 504 increases the volume of air flowing through duct 505. However, if a user repeatedly performs the drying operation, dust gradually accumulates on duct 505 and filter 508, resulting in a decrease in the volume of air even if the rotation speed remains the same.

[0063] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the display system 10 according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the processing content of each component of the display system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0064] 8, the information acquiring unit 101 acquires operation information from the washer-dryer 500. Here, the operation information includes setting information, control information, sensor information, and main body information, and the main body information includes the individual identification number of the washer-dryer 500, etc.

[0065] Also, in S1101, information acquiring unit 101 acquires information input from terminal 3 as input information. Here, the input information includes the execution details and execution time of improvement actions such as maintenance and setting changes performed on washer-dryer 500, and the individual identification number of the device that was the target of the improvement action. By referring to this input information, it is possible to know when and what kind of improvement action was performed on washer-dryer 500.

[0066] The operation information and input information acquired by the information acquisition unit 101 are stored in the storage unit 102. In addition to the information sent from the information acquisition unit 101, the storage unit 102 may also store in advance a manual for the washer-dryer 500 and general knowledge.

[0067] In S1102, evaluation unit 103 reads and analyzes the operation information stored in storage unit 102, and calculates an evaluation value for each component of washer-dryer 500 using the operation time of washer-dryer 500 as the evaluation value.

[0068] The evaluation value calculated by evaluation unit 103 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the evaluation value (operating time in this example) of washer / dryer 500 in the form of a stacked bar graph.

[0069] First, if the operating time is used as the evaluation value, the operating time for one operation of the washer-dryer 500 can be displayed as a component (A1), and this is defined as a display with a level of detail of 1 (the bar graph on the left side of Figure 9).

[0070] Next, if the operating time of one operation (A1) of the washer-dryer 500 is used as the evaluation value, one operation (A1) can be decomposed into two components, the washing operation (B1) and the drying operation (B2), and therefore one operation (A1) can be displayed by dividing it into the time required for each component, which is defined as a display with a level of detail of 2 (the bar graph on the left center of Figure 9).

[0071] Similarly, if the running time of the washing operation (B1) is used as the evaluation value, since the washing operation (B1) can be broken down into three components, the washing process (C1), the rinsing process (C2), and the spin-drying process (C3), the washing operation (B1) can be displayed by dividing it into the time required for each component. The running time of the drying operation (B2) can also be used as the evaluation value, and since the drying operation (B2) can be broken down into two components, the drying process (C4) and the finishing process (C5), the drying operation (B2) can also be displayed by dividing it into the time required for each component. This display of the washing operation (B1) and the drying operation (B2) by their respective components is defined as a level of detail 3 display (the bar graph on the right center of Figure 9).

[0072] Furthermore, if the operating time of the drying process (C4) is taken as the evaluation value, the factors that affect the evaluation value can be broken down into two components: the amount of clothing factor (D4) and the clogging factor of filter 508 (D5). Therefore, the drying process (C4) can be displayed by dividing it into the influence that each component has on the evaluation value (the degree of influence of each factor).

[0073] In addition, the operating times of the washing process (C1), rinsing process (C2), and spin-drying process (C3) may also be used as evaluation values. Since the operating times of the evaluation values ​​are determined by the weight of the clothes, the clothing amount factors (D1, D2, D3) corresponding to the washing process (C1), rinsing process (C2), and spin-drying process (C3) can be used as components of each process (C1 to C3), and each process (C1 to C3) can be displayed according to the influence of each clothing amount factor (D1, D2, D3).

[0074] In addition, the operating time of the finishing process (C5) may be used as the evaluation value. Since the operating time of the finishing process (C5) is constant regardless of the weight of the clothes, the equipment factor (D6) that is not affected by the user's operation may be used as a component of the finishing process (C5), and the finishing process (C5) may be displayed based on the degree of influence of the equipment factor (D6).

[0075] This display of each process (C1 to C5) of the washing operation (B1) and the drying operation (B2) according to the degree of influence of the various factors that make up each process is defined as a display with a level of detail of 4 (the bar graph on the far right of Figure 9).

[0076] Here, the influence of the various factors is calculated by multiple regression analysis using the operation information of the washer-dryer 500 stored in the storage unit 102. For example, the formula for calculating the evaluation value can be expressed as follows:

[0077] Evaluation value = coefficient for first factor × first factor + coefficient for second factor × second factor + (Equation 1) In (Equation 1), the first factor and the second factor are explanatory variables that capture changes in the factors. The factor-specific coefficients for each explanatory variable are calculated by multiple regression analysis using the operation information stored in the storage unit 102.

[0078] For example, when the evaluation value is the operating time of the drying process (C4), the first factor is the value of load sensor 522 that detects the amount of laundry, and the second factor is the value of pressure sensor 521 that detects clogging of filter 508 (value of post-filter pressure sensor 521a - value of pre-filter pressure sensor 521b). Alternatively, the value of temperature sensor 520 (value of post-heating temperature sensor 520a - value of pre-heating temperature sensor 520b) may be used. These numerical values ​​are used to detect changes in air volume, and calculations may be performed using numerical values ​​other than these as long as they represent changes in air volume. Then, each factor-specific coefficient for these first and second factors is calculated by multiple regression analysis using operation information of washer-dryer 500.

[0079] As described above, the evaluation value calculated for each component element by the evaluation unit 103 is stored in the storage unit 102 .

[0080] In S1103, the identification unit 104 reads out the evaluation values ​​calculated for each component of the washer-dryer 500 stored in the storage unit 102, and uses the evaluation values ​​to identify a component in which a performance change has occurred from among the group of components of the washer-dryer 500. As a means for identification by the identification unit 104, the same method as described in the description of the identification unit 104 in the first embodiment can be used.

[0081] When the identification unit 104 identifies the components using, for example, statistical values, the statistical values ​​used for identification can be the average, maximum, minimum, etc. of the evaluation values ​​calculated for each component of one or more other washer-dryers. This makes it possible to identify the components of the washer-dryer 500 even if the number of evaluation values ​​used to calculate the statistical values ​​is small (for example, even in the case of an initial defect in the washer-dryer 500). Note that the other multiple washer-dryers may include the washer-dryer 500.

[0082] The components identified by the identification unit 104 are stored in the memory unit 102 together with information on the magnitude of deviation from the statistical value used at the time of identification (or deviation from a predetermined threshold value). In S1104, the determination unit 108 reads out the input information stored in the memory unit 102 and the evaluation values ​​calculated for each component of the washer-dryer 500, and uses these to determine the user's level of proficiency in use. Here, the level of proficiency indicates whether the user can perform appropriate maintenance and appropriate settings on the washer-dryer 500, and is defined as "1" being the minimum level.

[0083] For example, the input information may indicate that maintenance to improve clogging of filter 508 was performed on washer-dryer 500 and the time of the maintenance. Then, using the evaluation value (impact) of the cause of clogging of filter 508 of washer-dryer 500, the difference in the evaluation value before and after the maintenance (the decrease in the evaluation value after the maintenance) is determined to be greater than a predetermined statistical value, thereby determining the degree of mastery of the washer-dryer. Here, the predetermined statistical value may be a statistical value such as the average, maximum, or minimum value of the decrease in the evaluation value due to the improvement actions taken by multiple other users. The decrease in the evaluation value due to the improvement actions taken by multiple other users is calculated from the evaluation value of the washer-dryer owned by each user.

[0084] The degree of mastery determined by the determining unit 108 is stored in the storage unit 102.

[0085] In S1105, display content determination unit 105 reads from storage unit 102 the operation information, the evaluation values ​​calculated for each component of washer-dryer 500, the identified components, the degree of proficiency, the washer-dryer 500 manual, and general knowledge, and uses these to create multiple display contents 1300 with different levels of detail related to washer-dryer 500. Similar to display content 300 in the first embodiment, display content 1300 includes performance display content 1310 indicating the performance of washer-dryer 500, abnormality detection content 1320 notifying the occurrence of a performance change in washer-dryer 500 if an identified component is present, and notification content 1330. Notification content 1330 indicates content related to the operation and maintenance of washer-dryer 500 as a corrective action for the abnormality detection content 1320.

[0086] Note that performance display content 1310 may, for example, indicate a time-series change in the evaluation value for each component of washer-dryer 500. Furthermore, when there are multiple identified components, abnormality detection content 320 may indicate the occurrence of a performance change in any of the components, for example, the component identified by multiple evaluation values, the component identified by the most recent evaluation value, or the component identified by the evaluation value that deviates most from the statistical value.

[0087] 10 is a diagram showing an example of multiple display contents 1300 with different levels of detail created by display content determination unit 105 in the second embodiment. In performance display content 1310 in display content 1300, the operating times of the most recent five operations are defined as display contents as evaluation values ​​for each component, and the display contents for a case where the operating time of the most recent drying operation performed on day A is extremely longer than the average operating time of the drying operations of multiple other washer-dryers are shown at two levels of detail (levels of detail 1 and 2).

[0088] In abnormality detection content 1320 in display content 1300 with level of detail 1 on the left side of Fig. 10, the identified component is the most recent operation performed on day A, and notification content 1330 suggests measures to address abnormality detection content 1320, such as increasing the level of detail to narrow down the cause and requesting maintenance service. In abnormality detection content 1320 in display content 1300 with level of detail 2 on the right side of Fig. 10, the identified component is the most recent drying operation performed on day A, and notification content 1330 includes the same content as notification content 1330 in display content 1300 with level of detail 1, and in addition suggests changing the drying operation settings as a more specific measure for drying operation.

[0089] The plurality of display contents 1300 with different levels of detail created by the display content determination unit 105 are sent to the communication unit 106. The communication unit 106 transmits the plurality of display contents 1300 to the display unit 107 by wireless communication or wired communication.

[0090] In S1106, the display unit 107 selects display content 1300 with one level of detail from the plurality of display contents 1300 with different levels of detail received from the communication unit 106, and displays the selected display content 1300 on the display screen 1400.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 1400. In the example of FIG. 11, the display screen 1400 displays information at a detail level of 1. In the example of the display screen 400 shown in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, the evaluation value of the monitored device 2 is displayed in the performance display field 410 using a component group with a detail level of 1. However, in the example of FIG. 11, the evaluation value or the like is not displayed in the performance display field 1410. The display in the performance display field 1410 may be based on the performance display content 1310 and the abnormality detection content 1320, and the evaluation value or the like does not need to be displayed directly. Furthermore, the notification field 1420 on the display screen 1400 displays the content of the notification content 1330. Here, the notification field 1420 may display buttons for selecting operations corresponding to the individual countermeasure contents included in the notification content 1330, and the display unit 107 may acquire the button operations as input information.

[0092] By displaying the contents of the notification 1330 in the notification field 1420 in this way, the user can understand the countermeasures for the location where the performance change has occurred, depending on the level of detail of the contents displayed on the display screen 1400.

[0093] Note that display unit 107 may acquire the degree of proficiency and use it to automatically select the level of detail of display content 1300. This allows display unit 107 to display on display screen 1400 a content that matches the user's degree of proficiency in using the washer-dryer.

[0094] In S1107, the display unit 107 updates the display content 1300 by changing the level of detail, and changes the display on the display screen 1400 in accordance with the update of the display content 1300.

[0095] The change in the level of detail in the display unit 107 may be made, for example, in response to an external change instruction given to the display system 10, or may be made automatically according to the display time at each level of detail. For example, the change instruction given to the display system 10 from the outside may be given by a user clicking on the display portion of the component A that is visually highlighted in the performance display field 1410 (the face mark (picture) portion in FIG. 11 ) using an input device such as a mouse or by directly tapping on the screen, thereby giving the display system 1 a change in the level of detail. Alternatively, the change in the level of detail may be given to the display system 1 by clicking on the operation selection button (the “Confirm” button) corresponding to the first countermeasure content (“Please check the details”) displayed in the notification field 1420 using an input device such as a mouse or by directly tapping on the screen. The display unit 107 acquires the above-described change instruction in the level of detail as input information and changes the display on the display screen 1400.

[0096] By increasing the level of detail, the user can more specifically identify the part of the washer-dryer 500 where the performance change is occurring, and can also understand more detailed countermeasures for that part.

[0097] According to the display system of the second embodiment, the user can understand the performance, operating status, whether or not a performance change has occurred, and the location of the change, etc. of the washer-dryer 500 by referring to the performance display field 1410 on the display screen 1400. Furthermore, the level of detail on the display screen 1400 is updated to display a higher level of detail, allowing the user to understand in more detail the location of the performance change.

[0098] Furthermore, the user can learn how to deal with the location where the performance change is occurring by referring to the notification field 1420 on the display screen 1400. Furthermore, the level of detail on the display screen 1400 is updated to display a higher level of detail, allowing the user to learn more detailed information about how to deal with the location where the performance change is occurring.

[0099] Furthermore, because the display screen 1400 displays details according to the user's level of proficiency, and the performance display field 1410 displays simple information, the user can visually grasp the operating status and performance changes of the washer-dryer 500, even if the user does not have specialized knowledge about the washer-dryer 500 (even if the user does not have a general understanding of the structure, operation, etc. of the washer-dryer 500), and can also learn how to respond to performance changes. This allows the user to take measures to the extent possible (for example, checking and changing settings, cleaning the filter, etc.), or to promptly request maintenance service, etc. [Example]

[0100] Next, as a third embodiment, an example of a display system used when a maintenance person explains the performance of a device to a user will be described. In this example, a washer-dryer (hereinafter referred to as the target washer-dryer) will be used as the device to be explained, but as described in the second embodiment, the device to be explained is not limited to a washer-dryer, and various types of home appliances and various other devices or equipment can be the device to be explained by the maintenance person.

[0101] The configuration example of the display system according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration example of the display system 10 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, in the following description, the processing contents of each component of the display system according to the third embodiment will be described in detail using the configuration example of the display system 10 shown in FIG. 6. In the following description, descriptions of contents that overlap with the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be described. In the third embodiment, the terminal 3 connected to each washer-dryer is, for example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, or portable personal computer used by a maintenance technician. The maintenance technician uses the terminal 3 connected to the target washer-dryer to appropriately input (specify) components of the target washer-dryer that the maintenance technician wishes to explain to the user. Input information from the terminal 3 is acquired by the information acquisition unit 101 and stored in the storage unit 102.

[0102] In addition to the processing described as the processing content of the identification unit 104 in the second embodiment, the identification unit 104 can also acquire input information about a component that a maintenance technician wants to explain to a user from the storage unit 102, and identify the component indicated by the input information as the identified component. The component identified in this way is stored in the storage unit 102 together with other components identified by the identification unit 104 using the evaluation value.

[0103] In addition to the processes described as the processing contents of determination unit 108 in the second embodiment, determination unit 108 reads out operation information of the target washer-dryer stored in storage unit 102 and uses this information to create operation information that analyzes the characteristics of the user's operation method of the target washer-dryer. For example, determination unit 108 analyzes and extracts information on how frequently the user cleans the tub of the target washer-dryer from the operation information over the past year and creates the operation information. The created operation information is stored in storage unit 102, along with the degree of proficiency determined by determination unit 108. Note that the operation information may also be a comparison of the characteristics of the user's operation method with statistical values ​​such as the average, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the usage trends of washer-dryer by other users.

[0104] Display content determination unit 105 reads from memory unit 102 the operation information, the evaluation values ​​calculated for each component of the target washer-dryer, the identified components, the degree of proficiency, operational information, the manual for the target washer-dryer, and general knowledge, and uses these to create multiple display contents 2300 with different levels of detail regarding the target washer-dryer. In the third embodiment, the display system is used by maintenance personnel, so display content 2300 created by display content determination unit 105 is intended for maintenance personnel.

[0105] Similar to display content 1300 in the second embodiment, display content 2300 includes performance display content 2310 indicating the performance of the target washer-dryer, abnormality detection content 2320 notifying the user of a change in performance of the target washer-dryer if a specified component is present, notification content 2330 indicating countermeasures to be taken in response to abnormality detection content 2320, and operation analysis content 2340 indicating the characteristics of how the user is using the target washer-dryer. Operation analysis content 2340 is created by display content determination unit 105 based on the user's level of proficiency and operation information.

[0106] 12 is a diagram showing an example of multiple display contents 2300 with different levels of detail created by display content determination unit 105 in the third embodiment. In performance display content 2310 in display content 2300, the operating times of the most recent five operations are defined as display contents as evaluation values ​​for each component, and the display contents for a case where the operating time of the most recent drying operation performed on day A is extremely longer than the average operating time of the drying operations of multiple other washer-dryers are shown at two levels of detail (levels of detail 1 and 2).

[0107] In the display content 2300 at level of detail 1 on the left side of FIG. 12, the anomaly detection content 2320 indicates that the identified component was the most recent operation performed on day A, and that the statistical value (identification basis) used to identify the component was calculated from the operating hours of 100 washer-dryers. The notification content 2330 suggests that the maintenance staff should take countermeasures against the anomaly detection content 2320, suggesting that the user utilize tub cleaning and conducting a test run. The notification content 2330 may also include other content for the maintenance staff regarding maintenance and explanations to users. The operation analysis content 2340 indicates how often the user has used the tub cleaning function and how many times it has been operated over the past year. Furthermore, statistics for other users (in the example of FIG. 12, the average number of operations over the past year) are also displayed to allow comparison with other users.

[0108] On the other hand, in the display content 2300 of level of detail 2 on the right side of Fig. 12, the abnormality detection content 2320 indicates that the identified component is the most recent drying operation performed on day A, and that the statistical value (identification basis) used to identify the component was calculated from the operating hours of 100 washer-dryers. In addition to the same content as the notification content 2330 in the display content 2300 of level of detail 1, the notification content 2330 also lists measures by maintenance personnel that are more specific to drying operation, such as checking and cleaning the drying filter and checking and cleaning the duct. The operation analysis content 2340 indicates how often the user has used the tub cleaning function and how many times the drying operation has been performed over the past year, as well as other users' statistical values ​​(in the example of Fig. 12, the average number of drying operations over the past year) so that users can compare themselves with each other.

[0109] A plurality of display contents 2300 with different levels of detail created by the display content determination unit 105 are transmitted to the display unit 107 via the communication unit 106.

[0110] When the identification unit 104 identifies a component based on input information input from the terminal 3 as a component that the maintenance technician wishes to explain to the user, the abnormality detection content 2320 in the plurality of display contents 2300 with different levels of detail created by the display content determination unit 105 based on this identified component, for example, leaves the statistical value (identification basis) used in identifying the component blank (nothing is displayed), or indicates that the component is the one input from the terminal 3. Furthermore, the notification content 2330 indicates, for example, a general maintenance method and content for the identified component, or indicates the maintenance content, frequency, etc. that the maintenance technician wishes to recommend to the user according to the content (characteristics of the user's usage method) indicated in the operation analysis content 2340.

[0111] The display unit 107 selects the display content 2300 with one level of detail from the plurality of display contents 2300 with different levels of detail received, and performs display on the display screen 2400 using the selected display content 2300.

[0112] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 2400. In the example of FIG. 13, the display screen 2400 is displayed with a detail level of 1. The performance display field 2410 displays the details of the performance display content 2310. That is, the operating times (evaluation values) of the last five operations (component group) of the target washer-dryer are displayed with a detail level of 1. The performance display field 2410 also shows, for example, the average operating time of one operation of the washer-dryer. The notification field 2420 displays the details of the notification content 2330 as suggestions to the maintenance personnel. In addition to the above fields, the display screen 400 displays an operation analysis field 2430. The operation analysis field 2430 displays the details of the operation analysis content 2340 as an analysis report for the maintenance personnel.

[0113] The display unit 107 updates the display content 2300 by changing the level of detail, and changes the display on the display screen 2400 in accordance with the update of the display content 2300 .

[0114] The change in the level of detail on the display unit 107 may be performed, for example, in response to a change instruction from a maintenance technician to the display system, or may be performed automatically according to the display time at each level of detail. The change instruction from the maintenance technician to the display system may be given, for example, by the maintenance technician clicking on the visually highlighted evaluation value (bar graph) of component A in the performance display column 2410 using an input device such as a mouse or by directly tapping on the screen, thereby giving the display system a change in the level of detail. Alternatively, the display unit 107 may display a button for changing the level of detail in the performance display column 2410 or the notification column 2420. As in the above example, the maintenance technician clicks on the button using an input device such as a mouse or by directly tapping on the screen, thereby giving the display system a change in the level of detail. The display unit 107 acquires the above-described change instruction in the level of detail as input information and changes the display on the display screen 2400.

[0115] According to the display system of the third embodiment, a maintenance technician can refer to the display screen 2400 to explain to a user the performance of the target washer-dryer and the areas where performance changes are occurring (components identified by the display system), and can also suggest maintenance contents for such areas.

[0116] Furthermore, regardless of whether or not there are any locations in the target washer / dryer where a performance change has occurred, the maintenance technician can input the components that the technician wishes to explain to the user using terminal 3, and the display system will display performance information and maintenance methods for the input components on display screen 2400. This allows the maintenance technician to explain to the user about the components that the technician wishes to explain to the user while referring to display screen 2400, regardless of whether or not there are any locations in the target washer / dryer where a performance change has occurred.

[0117] Furthermore, the maintenance technician can understand how the user is using the target washer-dryer by referring to the analysis report displayed in operation analysis column 2430 on display screen 2400. This allows the maintenance technician to provide more appropriate explanations and suggestions to the user regarding maintenance methods, frequency, etc., based on the content of the analysis report.

[0118] Furthermore, if there is a change in performance in the target washer-dryer, the maintenance person can more accurately perform maintenance on the target washer-dryer by following the suggestions displayed in notification field 2420 on display screen 2400.

[0119] In this way, by using this display system, someone with specialized knowledge, such as a maintenance technician, can provide more accurate and detailed explanations of the performance and maintenance methods of the washer-dryer in question, while taking into account the characteristics of how the user uses the machine.

[0120] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 Display System 2 Monitored device 2 3. Terminal 101 Information acquisition department 102 Storage section 103 Evaluation Department 104 Specific part 105 Display content determination section 106 Communications Department 107 Display section 108 Judgment section 111 memory 112 Arithmetic unit 113 Storage device 114 Communication equipment 115 Output Device 116 Input Device 251 Sensors 400 display screen 410 Performance display column 500 Washer / Dryer 501 Washing machine tub 502 Door 503 Motor 504 Blower 505 Duct 506 Drain port 507 Water supply port 508 Filters 509 Heater 520 Temperature Sensor 520a Post-heating temperature sensor 520b Pre-heating temperature sensor 521 Pressure Sensor 521a Post-filter pressure sensor 521b Pre-filter pressure sensor 522 Load Sensor 523 Water Level Sensor 1300 Display contents 1310 Performance display contents 1320 Abnormality detection details 1330 Notification content 1400 display screen 1410 Performance display column 1420 Notification field 2300 Display contents 2310 Performance display contents 2320 Abnormality detection details 2330 Notification content 2340 Operation analysis content 2400 display screen 2410 Performance display column 2420 Notification field 2430 Operation analysis column

Claims

1. A display system for displaying information about a monitored device, an acquisition unit that acquires operation information of the monitoring target device; an evaluation unit that calculates an evaluation value indicating the performance of the monitoring target device from the operation information; an identifying unit that identifies, with respect to the monitoring target device, any one of at least one or more components that generate the evaluation value based on the evaluation value; a creation unit that creates display content based on the evaluation value and the identified components; a display unit that displays the created display content on a display screen; and the creation unit creates a plurality of display contents with different levels of detail that represent the granularity of the component elements, the display unit selects a display content of any one of the plurality of display contents with a detail level and displays the selected display content on a display screen. Display system.

2. 2. The display system of claim 1, the display unit highlights the identified component in the selected display content when displaying the selected display content on the display screen. Display system.

3. 2. The display system of claim 1, the level of detail is maximized when at least one component of a component group consisting of at least one or more components that generates the evaluation value cannot be expressed using at least one or more other components, and is minimized when the component group cannot be expressed using other components including the component group; the evaluation unit calculates the evaluation value for each component belonging to a component group having each level of detail from the component group having the lowest level of detail to the component group having the highest level of detail. Display system.

4. 4. The display system of claim 3, the identifying unit identifies a component in which a performance change has occurred based on the evaluation value. Display system.

5. 5. The display system of claim 4, the identifying unit executes a process of identifying a component in which the performance change has occurred, targeting each component belonging to the component group with the highest level of detail, and if the component in which the performance change has occurred cannot be identified, the identifying unit decreases the level of detail by one level and repeats the process of identifying a component in which the performance change has occurred, targeting each component belonging to each component group. Display system.

6. 5. The display system of claim 4, the identifying unit identifies the component in which the performance change has occurred by comparing, for each component, a statistical value calculated from past evaluation values ​​with the evaluation value. Display system.

7. 5. The display system of claim 4, the identifying unit identifies the component in which the performance change is occurring by comparing, for each component, a statistical value calculated from evaluation values ​​of one or more other devices with the evaluation value; Display system.

8. 5. The display system of claim 4, the creation unit creates, as the plurality of display contents with different degrees of detail, display contents that display the evaluation values ​​for component groups with each degree of detail ranging from a component group with the lowest degree of detail to a component group with the highest degree of detail. Display system.

9. 9. The display system of claim 8, each of the plurality of display contents having different levels of detail includes a performance display content that displays the evaluation value using a component group corresponding to the level of detail of the respective display contents, and an abnormality detection content that indicates the component identified by the identifying unit; the display unit highlights the component indicated by the abnormality detection content in the selected display content when displaying the selected display content on the display screen. Display system.

10. 10. The display system of claim 9, each of the display contents further includes notification content indicating a countermeasure content for the component indicated by the abnormality detection content; the display unit further displays the countermeasure content indicated by the notification content when displaying the selected display content on the display screen. Display system.

11. 10. The display system of claim 9, Each of the display contents further includes an operational analysis content indicating characteristics of how the user uses the monitoring target device; the display unit, when displaying the selected display content on the display screen, further displays content indicating the characteristics of the usage method indicated by the operational analysis content. Display system.

12. 2. The display system of claim 1, the display unit updates the selected display content to display content having a level of detail that is one level higher or one level lower than the level of detail of the selected display content, and changes the display on the display screen based on the updated display content. Display system.

13. 13. The display system of claim 12, the display content is updated by the display unit in accordance with an instruction to change the level of detail given to the display unit. Display system.

14. A display method for displaying information about a monitored device, comprising: Acquire operation information of the monitored device; calculating an evaluation value indicating the performance of the monitoring target device from the operation information; Identifying, with respect to the monitoring target device, any one of at least one or more components that generates the evaluation value based on the evaluation value; creating display content from the evaluation value and the identified components; Displaying the created display content on a display screen; In creating the display content, a plurality of display contents with different levels of detail representing the granularity of the component elements are created, In displaying the display screen, a display content of any one level of detail is selected from the plurality of display contents and displayed on the display screen. Display method.

15. 15. The display method according to claim 14, In the display on the display screen, the specified component in the selected display content is highlighted. Display system.

Images