Display system

Abstract

To provide a display system enabling a user to grasp whether or not power generation using energy existing in the natural world is appropriately performed.SOLUTION: A display system includes a first device and a second device configured to communicate with the first device, the first device including a power generator configured to generate electricity by using energy existing in nature, a first controller configured to acquire self-generated power information on a self-generated power amount of the power generator, and a transmitter configured to transmit the self-generated power information acquired by the first controller to the second device. The second device includes a receiver configured to receive the self-generation information from the first device, a second controller configured to acquire the self-generation information via the receiver, and a display configured to display the self-generation information acquired by the second controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to display systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, display systems have been developed in which a first device, such as a remote controller, changes the display state of a display unit of a second device, such as a television receiver, through communication between the first device and the second device. Among such display systems, there is one in which a storage battery is mounted in the first device, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below. In this display system, the first device transmits information about the remaining battery charge of the storage battery to the second device, and the second device displays the remaining battery charge on a display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-120821 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the display system disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the first device does not have a power generation unit. Therefore, the display system disclosed in the cited document 1 does not notify the user by displaying on the display unit of the second device whether the power generation unit provided in the first device is properly generating electricity using energy present in nature.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a display system that enables a user to understand whether power generation using natural energy is being performed appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The display system of the present disclosure comprises a first device and a second device that communicates with the first device, wherein the first device includes a power generation unit that generates electricity using energy present in nature, a first control unit that acquires self-generation information regarding the amount of self-generation of the power generation unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the self-generation information acquired by the first control unit to the second device, and the second device includes a receiving unit that receives the self-generation information from the first device, a second control unit that acquires the self-generation information via the receiving unit, and a display unit that displays the self-generation information acquired by the second control unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a display system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a display system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the display system of the first embodiment suggests changing the installation position of the first device. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of the functions of the display system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the functions of the display system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] 3 is a diagram showing an example of an installation position of a first device in the display system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a display system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of proposing a change in the installation position of the first device in the display system of the second embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of advice information used in the display system of the second embodiment. [Figure 11C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of advice information used in the display system of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the functions of the display system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a display system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first diagram for explaining a change in the installation position of the first device in the display system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second diagram for explaining a change in the installation position of the first device in the display system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16C] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second device of the display system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16D] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing the functions of a display system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of the self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a first example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a second example of the self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram showing a display system according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 23A] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 23B] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit of the second device of the display system according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will not be repeated.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) A display system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a display system 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the display system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display system 100 includes a first device 10 and a second device 20. The first device 10 and the second device 20 are capable of communicating with each other. In the present embodiment, the first device 10 and the second device 20 communicate wirelessly, but may also communicate via wire. The first device 10 is, for example, a remote controller. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a television receiver is controlled based on a user's operation of the remote controller. However, the first device 10 may also be a keyboard, a mouse, earphones, a game controller, or the like. The second device 20 is, for example, a television receiver. The second device 20 may also be a wearable device such as a smartphone or smart glasses, or an electric tram (E-bike), as long as it has a display.

[0012] The first device 10 includes a power generation unit 11, a first control unit 12, a transmission unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a power storage unit 15. Although not shown, the first device 10 may also include an acceleration sensor for performing an attitude detection function and a GPS (Global Positioning System) for performing a position detection function.

[0013] The power generation unit 11 generates electricity by utilizing energy present in nature. In this embodiment, the power generation unit 11 is a photoelectric conversion panel that generates electricity through photoelectric conversion, known as a solar power generation panel. However, the power generation unit 11 may also generate electricity by wind power, hydroelectric power, thermal power, or the like, as long as it generates electricity by utilizing energy present in nature. In this specification, the energy of light emitted from a phosphor or luminous body provided in an artificial object such as a fluorescent lamp is considered to be energy present in nature, since it is separated from the artificial object and exists in a natural environment such as the air.

[0014] The first control unit 12 acquires self-power generation information relating to the amount of self-power generation of the power generation unit 11. The first control unit 12 includes a memory that stores a program and a processor that controls the power generation unit 11, the transmission unit 13, and the power storage unit 15 in accordance with the program. The first control unit 12 receives a command signal from the operation unit 14 and causes the transmission unit 13 to transmit the command signal. As a result, the second device 20 is controlled by the operation of the operation unit 14 of the first device 10.

[0015] The self-power generation information described above includes time-series data on the amount of self-power generation of the power generation unit 11. Therefore, the user can grasp not only the current value of the amount of power generation of the power generation unit 11, but also the change in the amount of power generation of the power generation unit 11 from the past to the present.

[0016] Transmitter 13 transmits the self-power generation information acquired by first controller 12 to second device 20. Transmitter 13 is an infrared light-emitting element that emits infrared light including a signal that can identify the self-power generation information. However, transmitter 13 may also be an antenna that emits radio waves that include a signal that can identify the self-power generation information.

[0017] The operation unit 14 is used to remotely operate the display unit 23 of the second device 20. In this embodiment, the operation unit 14 is a push button type, but it may also be a touch panel for touching icons. A command signal based on the operation of the operation unit 14 by the user is transmitted from the operation unit 14 to the first control unit 12.

[0018] The power storage unit 15 stores the power generated by the power generation unit 11. The power stored in the power storage unit 15 is supplied to each electrical component inside the first device 10, such as the first control unit 12. In this embodiment, the power storage unit 15 is configured as a lithium-ion battery, but may be configured as any type of battery. The second control unit 22 can acquire battery information that can identify the remaining battery power stored in the power storage unit 15.

[0019] The battery information described above includes time-series data on the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 15. Therefore, the user can grasp not only the current value of the remaining battery power of the power storage unit 15, but also the change in the remaining battery power from the past to the present of the power storage unit 15. Note that when the first device 10 transmits battery information to the second device 20 and the second device 20 estimates the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 from the battery information, the battery information can also be considered an example of self-power generation information.

[0020] The second device 20 includes a receiving unit 21, a second control unit 22, a display unit 23, an image acquisition unit 24, and a brightness detection unit 25. The second device 20 is also provided with a sound generation unit, i.e., a speaker (not shown). The second device 20 is also provided with a function to acquire weather information using broadcast waves such as general television broadcasting, BS, or CS, or an electrical information and communication network such as the Internet. The second device 20 may also have a function to display the ecosystem contribution level on the display unit 23.

[0021] Receiving unit 21 receives the self-power generation information from first device 10. Receiving unit 21 is an infrared receiving element that receives an infrared signal including a signal that can identify the self-power generation information. However, receiving unit 21 may also be an antenna that receives radio waves that include a signal that can identify the self-power generation information.

[0022] The second control unit 22 acquires the self-power generation information from the first device 10 via the receiving unit 21. The second control unit 22 includes a memory that stores a program, and a processor that controls the receiving unit 21, the display unit 23, the image acquiring unit 24, and the brightness detecting unit 25 based on the program.

[0023] Display unit 23 displays the self-power generation information acquired by second control unit 22. Therefore, by looking at the self-power generation information displayed on display unit 23, the user can know whether power generation using energy present in nature is being performed appropriately. Display unit 23 also displays battery information acquired by second control unit 22. Therefore, by looking at the battery information displayed on display unit 23, the user can know the remaining battery power of power storage unit 15.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the first device 10 transmits both the self-power generation information and the battery information to the second device 20, but it may transmit only either the self-power generation information or the battery information to the second device 20. Any method may be used as long as the second device 20 displays on the display unit 23 the self-power generation information that allows the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 of the first device 10 to be identified and the user can grasp the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11.

[0025] The display unit 23 is a liquid crystal display panel, but may also be an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panel, a QLED (Quantum dot Light Emitting Diode) panel, etc. In other words, the display unit 23 may be anything that is controlled by the second control unit 22 and displays an image.

[0026] The image acquisition unit 24 is controlled by the second control unit 22 and acquires an image of the vicinity of the second device 20. In this embodiment, the image acquisition unit 24 is an RGB (Red Green Blue) camera that can acquire color images. However, the image acquisition unit 24 may also be a monochrome camera that acquires black and white images. In this embodiment, the image acquisition unit 24 acquires an image on the side of the display unit 23. The second control unit 22 receives data of the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 24.

[0027] The brightness detection unit 25 is an optical sensor that acquires a value of illuminance around the second device 20 based on the intensity of light received from the periphery of the second device 20. The brightness detection unit 25 may be any sensor that can detect the brightness around the second device 200. In the present embodiment, the brightness detection unit 25 is mounted on the second device 20, but may also be mounted on the first device 10. The brightness detection unit 25 may be configured by an image acquisition unit such as a camera, and may have a function of identifying the brightness at multiple positions around the second device 20.

[0028] In the first device 10, the first control unit 12 causes the transmitting unit 13 to transmit location information that can identify the location of the first device 10. In this embodiment, the method for detecting the location of the first device 10 is based on object recognition using a camera mounted on the second device 10. However, instead of this method, a method for detecting the direction or location of the first device 10 using radio waves such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag, Wi-Fi®, or Bluetooth (BT) mounted on the first device 10 may be used. Furthermore, a location detection method using a GPS signal may be used as a method for detecting the location of the first device 10. Note that when a GPS (Global Positioning System) is used, the following method may be used. In this method, first, the first device 10 receives a GPS signal and transmits location information of the first device 10 identified by the GPS signal to the second device 20. As a result, in the second device 20, the second control unit 22 acquires the location information via the receiving unit 21. In this case, the second device 20 also receives the GPS signal and acquires the position information of the second device 20 identified by the GPS signal. As a result, the second control unit 22 of the second device 20 determines the relative position of the first device 10 with respect to the second device 20 from the difference between the position information of the first device 10 and the position information of the second device 20.

[0029] However, the second control unit 22 identifies the position of the first device 10 based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 24 of the second device 20, i.e., generates position information for the first device 10. This allows the second control unit 22 to display information indicating the relationship between the position information of the first device 10 and the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 on the display unit 23. As a result, the user can easily understand the installation position of the first device 10 that allows the power generation unit 11 to efficiently generate power. It is possible that the first device 10 is not present within the angle of view of the image acquisition unit 24 or that the first device 10 is hidden by some object. In such cases, the second device 20 may be provided with a function that allows the user to input information about the location of the first device 10 into the second device 20 by specifying the location of the first device 10 from the image of the room acquired by the image acquisition unit 24 of the second device 20.

[0030] Furthermore, when the first device 10 has an infrared light emitting element and the second device 20 has an infrared light receiving element, the following method may be considered: The receiving unit 21 of the second device 20 receives an infrared signal emitted by the transmitting unit 13 of the first device 10, and the second control unit 22 of the second device 20 may determine the relative position of the first device 10 with respect to the second device 20 based on the direction and intensity of the infrared signal.

[0031] In the second device 20, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display advice information about at least one of the installation location and installation time of the first device 10 based on the time-series data of the amount of self-power generation and the location information acquired from the first device 10 via the receiving unit 21. This makes it possible to know at which location the first device 10 is placed the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 is greater, and at which location the first device 10 is placed the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 is smaller. Furthermore, it is possible to know in which time period the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 is greater, and at which time period the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 is smaller. As a result, the user can know in which time period and in which installation location the first device 10 should be placed to improve the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11.

[0032] The second control unit 22 may externally acquire information on the predicted time series values ​​of the amount of energy generated in nature. This information on the predicted time series values ​​of the amount of energy generated in nature is, for example, a weather forecast transmitted via television broadcast radio waves. In this case, the second control unit 22 may display advice information on at least one of the installation location, installation posture, and installation time of the first device 10 on the display unit 23 based on the information on the predicted time series values ​​of the amount of energy generated in nature. This allows the user to understand what time period, installation position, and posture the first device 10 should be placed in to improve the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11.

[0033] In the first device 10, when the first control unit 12 causes the transmitter 13 to transmit a command signal based on the operation of the operation unit 14, the first control unit 12 also causes the transmitter 13 to transmit self-power generation information along with the command signal. This allows multiple signals transmitted from the transmitter 13 to be combined into one, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the power storage unit 15 used for signal transmission and thereby suppressing reduction in the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15. In this case, in the second device 20, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display an image based on the command signal received via the receiver 21, and when a predetermined condition is met, causes the display unit 23 to also display the self-power generation information.

[0034] Specifically, the predetermined condition is met, for example, every time second control unit 22 causes display unit 23 to display an image based on a command signal. This allows self-powered power generation information to be displayed on display unit 23 at a timing when there is an extremely high probability that the user is looking at display unit 23. This prevents the self-powered power generation information from being displayed unnecessarily and prevents the user from failing to notice the self-powered power generation information, which can be inconvenient.

[0035] However, the predetermined condition may be satisfied in the following cases (1) to (4), for example.

[0036] (1) A user operates “Power ON” on the operation unit 14 of the remote controller serving as the first device 10 to start watching a program on a television receiver serving as the second device 20. This causes the second control unit 22 to transmit a command signal based on the operation of the operation unit 14 to the transmission unit 13.

[0037] (2) When the "Power ON" operation in (1) above is performed, the time-series self-power generation information (a group of data that has not yet been transmitted to the second device 20) stored in the first control unit 12 of the first device 10 is transmitted together with a command signal.

[0038] (3) When the "Power OFF" operation is performed on operation unit 14 of first device 10, the self-powered electricity generation information is again sent as time-series data (a group of data that has not yet been sent to second device 20) that was accumulated in first control unit 12 during the viewing period of the program by second device 20. As a result, the display on display unit 23 of second device 20 is turned off, and the time-series self-powered electricity generation information is updated.

[0039] (4) The second device 20 updates the trend and analysis data of the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11, the amount of power consumed by the first device 10, and the remaining amount of power in the power storage unit 15, based on the time-series data of the self-power generation information received from the first device 10. In addition, the second device 20 displays advice information on the display unit 23 or notifies the user with a sound generation unit (not shown) at appropriate timing to encourage the user to generate and charge electricity.

[0040] The following examples 1) to 3) are possible examples of advice information.

[0041] Example 1) If the remaining battery power is declining and the battery is likely to run out within two weeks, it is conceivable that advice information such as "The remaining battery power is declining..." may be displayed on the display unit 23.

[0042] Example 2) If the amount of power generated has suddenly decreased over the past month compared to past trends, it is possible to display a message such as "The amount of power generated over the past month has decreased..." on the display unit 23. Example 3) When comparing the trends over all past periods with the trends over the past week, if the amount of power generated clearly increases, it is possible to display a message such as "Power generation has been very good recently..." on the display unit 23.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the display system 100 of this embodiment proposes changing the installation position of the first device 10. In FIG.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3 , the remote controller serving as the first device 10 is placed in a dark space on a kitchen counter at the back of a room. Therefore, the photoelectric conversion panel serving as the power generation unit 11 of the first device 10 has low power generation efficiency. Meanwhile, the area around the television receiver serving as the second device 20 is bright due to sunlight passing through a glass door D. In the display system 100 of this embodiment, the second control unit 22 measures the illuminance at each position in the environment surrounding the second device 20 based on detection by the brightness detection unit 25. Alternatively, the second control unit 22 determines the relative brightness of each position in the environment surrounding the second device 20 based on image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 24. The second control unit 22 then proposes to improve the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11 by moving the first device 10 to a brighter position using the image displayed on the display unit 23.

[0045] 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of the function of the display system 100 of this embodiment. Using FIG. 4, a first example of processing will be described in which the second device 20 uses the display on the display unit 23 to suggest that the first device 10 be moved to a position with higher illuminance, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11.

[0046] First, in step S11, the second control unit 22 of the second device 20 acquires battery information that can identify the remaining battery power stored in the power storage unit 15 of the first device 10 from the battery information received from the first device 10. The second control unit 22 of the second device 20 then determines whether the remaining battery power of the power storage unit 15 of the first device 10 is low, that is, whether the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 is less than the amount of power consumed by the first device 10.

[0047] Next, in step S12, the second control unit 22 determines that the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15 is low and that there is a risk of the battery running out. In this case, in step S13, the second control unit 22 determines in which position the first device 10 should be placed to improve power generation efficiency, based on the brightness information of each position around the second device 20 acquired by the image acquisition unit 24 and the brightness detection unit 25. In other words, the second control unit 22 determines that the risk of the battery running out can be eliminated.

[0048] Thereafter, in step S14, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 of the second device 20 to display advice information that can identify a position where the first device 10 should be placed to improve power generation efficiency. The advice information includes, for example, a statement such as, "Placing the first device 10 near the second device 20 will help prevent the battery from running out." This allows the user to view the advice information displayed on the display unit 23 and change the installation position of the first device 10. Thereafter, the second control unit 22 of the second device 20 determines whether the remaining battery power of the power storage unit 15 of the first device 10 is low. If the remaining battery power of the power storage unit 15 is not low, in step S15, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display advice information that can identify that the remaining battery power of the first device 10 is not low, i.e., that there is no longer a risk of the battery running out.

[0049] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a first example and a second example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 of this embodiment, respectively.

[0050] The amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 of the first device 10, the amount of power consumed by the first device 10, and the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15 may reach the states shown in FIG. 5A. In this case, the second control unit 22 determines that the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15 has fallen below 50%. As a result, the second control unit 22 estimates that the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15 will be zero in approximately two weeks. Thereafter, the second control unit 22 determines, based on the brightness information at each position around the second device 20 acquired by the image acquisition unit 24 and the brightness detection unit 25, that placing the first device 10 near the second device 20 will improve power generation efficiency. Therefore, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display advice information informing the user of this fact.

[0051] As a result, the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 of the first device 10, the amount of power consumed by the first device 10, and the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15 become as shown in Fig. 5B. As a result, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display advice information that can identify that there is no longer a risk that the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15 of the first device 10 will become zero.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second example of the functions of display system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6 , in step S21, the user activates a device discovery mode in the second device 20, which detects the location of the first device 10. This causes the second control unit 22 to display information on the display unit 23 guiding the user to place the first device 10 at each of multiple positions A to E. As a result, in step S22, the user places the first device 10 at each of multiple positions A to E in the room for a certain period of time. In this state, the first device 10 transmits self-power generation information of the power generation unit 11 at each of the multiple positions A to E to the second device 20. Then, in step S23, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 of the second device 20 to display information on the amount of self-power generation when the first device 10 is placed at each of the multiple positions A to E. This allows the user to see the self-power generation information displayed on the display unit 23 and determine at which of the multiple positions A to E the first device 10 should be placed to maximize the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11.

[0054] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a third example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 of this embodiment. The graph shown in Fig. 7 is described here as being displayed on the display unit 23. However, in reality, the self-power generation information shown in Fig. 7 does not need to be displayed on the display unit 23 as long as the control unit 22 of the second device 20 acquires the self-power generation information shown in Fig. 7 and processes it to display on the display unit 23 (see Fig. 8B) or use it for other processing.

[0055] The second control unit 22 acquires the self-power generation information for each time period. In this case, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display this self-power generation information for each time period. This allows the user to see the self-power generation information displayed on the display unit 23 and understand which time period has the highest power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11 of the first device 10. However, in practice, it is preferable that the control unit 22 of the second device 20 processes the self-power generation information shown in FIG. 7 and displays it on the display unit 23 (see FIG. 8B ).

[0056] Fig. 8A is a diagram showing an example of an installation position of the first device 10 of the display system 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 8B is a diagram showing a fourth example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0057] The user places the first device 10 for a certain period of time at each of the positions A to E shown in FIG. 8A. The second control unit 22 then causes the display unit 23 to display the advice information shown in FIG. 8B. This provides the user with information to help them decide which of the positions A to E they should place the first device 10 at. The second control unit 22 may also cause a sound generator (speaker, not shown) to output the advice information shown in FIG. 8B by sound. The sound generator can intuitively inform the user of the amount of power generation by varying the intensity of the feedback sound depending on the amount of power generation. Specifically, the first device 10 sequentially transmits self-power generation information of the power generation unit 11 to the second device 20. The second device 20 sequentially updates the display of the amount of power generation of the power generation unit 11 identified by the received self-power generation information, while sequentially outputting feedback sounds at a volume corresponding to the amount of power generation. As a result, while walking around the room, the user can know, based on the relative loudness of the feedback sound, where to place the first device 10 so that the power generation unit 11 can generate power most efficiently. As a result, if the user places the first device 10 in a position that provides the highest power generation efficiency, the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11 can be improved to the maximum.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9 , advice information may be displayed when a user turns off the power of the second device 20 by operating the operation unit 14 of the remote controller 10 (the first device 10) after watching a program on a television receiver (the second device 20). Specifically, when the user first turns off the power of the second device 20 using the first device 10, an OFF signal indicating that the power has been turned off is transmitted from the first device 10 to the second device 20. Upon receiving the OFF signal, the second control unit 22 causes the image acquisition unit 24 to acquire an image of the room surrounding the second device 20 before turning off the power of the second device 20, and selects from the image several candidate locations that are considered optimal for power generation by the first device 10. The candidate locations are relatively bright locations. Then, before turning off the power of the display unit 23 of the second device 20, the second control unit 22 displays advice information encouraging power generation based on the current room conditions on the display unit 23 along with the image just acquired by the image acquisition unit 24, and turns off the display unit 23 a few seconds later. The second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display advice information such as "The battery of the remote controller is running low. Place the remote controller in a well-lit place to charge it." In this case, the advice information includes an image of a human hand indicating a specific location to place the remote controller, such as a location on the wall, a location by a window, or a location on a sofa.

[0060] The following suggestions may also be considered: For example, when the user finishes operating the remote controller serving as the first device 10, a suggestion tailored to the user is made in addition to the battery information transmitted from the first device 10 and the room information acquired by the image acquisition unit 24.

[0061] For example, a user may operate the operation unit 14 of the first device 10 to turn off a television receiver serving as the second device 20. In this case, the first device 10 transmits an OFF signal to the second device 20 to instruct the second device 20 to turn off the second device 20. When the second control unit 22 receives the OFF signal via the receiving unit 21, the second control unit 22 displays a message on the display unit 23 for a certain period of time, saying, "Please leave the remote control on the sofa by the window," before turning off the display on the display unit 23. This provides the user with advice on an appropriate location for the first device 10, when it is time to put the first device 10 away after operating the first device 10 to power off the second device 20. This encourages the user to take action to improve the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11 at an effective timing.

[0062] In this case, it is determined from the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 24 whether the person who controlled the second device 20 by operating the first device 10 was an adult or a child.

[0063] Furthermore, the installation position and installation time of the first device 10 may be suggested based on an image of the surroundings of the second device 20 acquired by the image acquisition unit 24. For example, the image acquisition unit 24 may determine whether it is night or day from an image acquired by a camera, and suggest separately the installation position of the remote controller as the first device 10 during the daytime and the installation position time period of the first device 10 during the nighttime. For example, the following examples 1) to 4) may be considered as specific examples of such suggestions.

[0064] Example 1) When a child uses the second device 20 because a high place is out of reach of the child, the second device 20 displays advice information on the display unit 23 suggesting that the child place the remote controller serving as the first device 10 in a lower location.

[0065] Example 2) Before going to sleep at night, it is dark no matter where in the room it is placed, but in the morning, the area around the television receiver as the second device 20 becomes bright due to light coming through the window, so the second device 20 displays advice information on the display unit 23 suggesting a place that will be bright that morning.

[0066] Example 3) The second device 20 displays on the display unit 23 advice information suggesting that the user should place the remote controller serving as the first device 10 on a table because it is likely that the light under the light bulb in the room will be bright in the evening.

[0067] Example 4) When the remaining battery power of the second device 20 has decreased to a certain level, the second device 20 starts control to display advice information on the display unit 23 to encourage charging. In other words, when the remaining battery power of the power storage unit 15 is, for example, 20% or more, the second device 20 does not display advice information on the display unit 23.

[0068] (Embodiment 2) Display system 100 of embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 15. Note that, in the following, description of the same points as display system 100 of embodiment 1 will not be repeated. Display system 100 of the present embodiment differs from display system 100 of embodiment 1 in the following points.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a display system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0070] 10, in this embodiment, the first device 10 is a mouse, and the second device 20 is a personal computer. However, the first device 10 and the second device 20 of this embodiment have the same configurations as the first device 10 and the second device 20 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

[0071] Fig. 11A is a diagram showing an example of a proposal to change the installation position of the first device 10 in the display system 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C are diagrams showing examples of advice information used in the display system of this embodiment.

[0072] Under the circumstances shown in FIG. 11A, the second control unit 22 compares the position of the right side (mouse side) and the position of the left side of the second device 20 from the user's perspective. In this case, the second control unit 22 detects that light is shining from the left side of the second device 200 and that the left side is brighter than the right side. As a result, the second control unit 22 displays an image indicating the destination of the first device 10 as advice information on the display unit 23 of the personal computer serving as the second device 20, as shown in FIG. 11B. Also, as shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, the second control unit 22 may prompt the user to move the mouse using text on the display unit 23. Note that, as described above, the second control unit 22 may cause the audio generation unit to generate audio informing the user of the destination. As a result, the user moves the first device 10 according to the advice information indicating the destination of the mouse serving as the first device 10 identified by the image displayed on the display unit 23. As a result, the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 of the first device 10 increases.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a first example of battery information (an example of self-power generation amount information) displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 of this embodiment. 12 , advice information such as the remaining battery power after use of the first device 10 yesterday, the amount of power generated from yesterday to today, the amount of power used today, the amount of power generated during use, and the remaining battery power after use may be displayed in the form of a bar graph on the display unit 23. This allows the user to consider the best installation location, installation posture, and usage mode for the first device 10 based on various information such as the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 and the remaining battery power of the power storage unit 15.

[0074] When display unit 23 displays only the remaining battery power without displaying the amount of power generated, it appears as if 45% of the power stored in power storage unit 15 has been consumed. However, as shown in FIG. 12 , from information that can identify the amount of power generated by power generation unit 11, second control unit 22 can understand that the consumption of 45% of the battery capacity of power storage unit 15 is actually the result of consuming 60% and generating 15% at the same time. As a result, second control unit 22 can cause display unit 23 to display advice information such as, "Today, the room was dark, so the power consumed during use was greater than the amount generated. Tomorrow, turn on the lights in your room and use it in a bright room."

[0075] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the functions of the display system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 13 , in step S31, the second control unit 22 determines, based on the time-series data of past self-power generation received from the first device 10, that the average daily power usage on weekends is greater than the average daily power usage on non-weekends. As a result, in step S32, the second control unit 22 determines, on Wednesday or Thursday, that if the first device 10 continues to use power, the remaining power capacity of the power storage unit 15 is likely to be zero by the weekend. Then, in step S33, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display advice information suggesting that the first device 10 be placed in a bright location, such as near a window, on Friday. Next, in step S33, the second control unit 22 may determine that sufficient power is not stored in the power storage unit 15 of the first device 10 due to bad weather on Friday. In this case, for example, because the charge level of the power storage unit 15 is only 80%, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display advice information suggesting that the first device 10 be left near a window even on Sunday. Furthermore, in step S35, although the amount of power consumed by the first device 10 was high over the weekend, the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 was also high, so the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display that the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15 has been prevented from becoming zero.

[0077] 14A and 14B are diagrams showing a first example and a second example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 of this embodiment, respectively.

[0078] 14A and 14B, the second control unit 22 may cause the display unit 23 to display the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11, the amount of power used by the first device 10, and the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15 as time-series data. This allows the user to consider changing at least one of the installation position and installation posture of the first device 10 based on such time-series data. As a result, the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11 can be improved.

[0079] (Embodiment 3) Display system 100 of embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Note that the following description will not repeat the same points as display system 100 of embodiment 1 or 2. Display system 100 of this embodiment differs from display system 100 of embodiment 1 or 2 in the following points.

[0080] FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a display system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 15, the first device 10 is an electric bicycle (E-bike) or an electric vehicle (EV), and the second device 20 is a smartphone or a television receiver. Each of the first device 10 and the second device 20 of the present embodiment has a GPS function. The second device 20 of the present embodiment has a function of receiving television or internet broadcasts of weather forecasts from an external source. Apart from these functions, the first device 10 and the second device 20 of the present embodiment have the same configurations as the first device 10 and the second device 20 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0082] 16A and 16B are respectively a first and second diagrams for explaining a change in the installation position of the first device 10 in the display system 100 of this embodiment.

[0083] When the electric bicycle serving as the first device 10 is placed in the shade as shown in FIG. 16A, the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 is small. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16B, the second control unit 22 causes the smartphone serving as the second device 20 to display advice information on the display unit 23 suggesting that the user move the first device 10 into a sunny spot. This prompts the user to move the electric bicycle from the shade into a sunny spot. As a result, the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11 provided on the electric bicycle serving as the first device 10 can be improved.

[0084] FIG. 16C is a diagram showing the second device 20 of this embodiment.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 16C , in this embodiment, the second device 20 is an indoor display or a smartphone serving as a mobile communication terminal. The user changes at least one of the installation position and installation posture of the first device 10 according to advice information displayed on the display unit 23 of the display or smartphone. The display and the smartphone may be linked. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16D , a remote controller serving as the first device 10 may communicate with a television receiver serving as the second device 20, using the smartphone serving as a repeater. This enables good communication between the first device 10 and the second device 20.

[0086] (Fourth embodiment) Display system 100 of embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Note that, in the following, description of the same points as display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 3 will not be repeated. Display system 100 of the present embodiment differs from display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 3 in the following points.

[0087] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the functions of the display system 100 of this embodiment.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 17 , in step S41, the second control unit 22 detects that the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15 is below 50%. In step S42, the second control unit 22 acquires tomorrow's weather forecast information via the receiving unit 21 and determines, based on the information, that tomorrow will be sunny, followed by cloudy or rainy weather. As a result, the second control unit 22 determines that the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11 is likely to decrease. Therefore, in step S43, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display advice information informing the user that it is preferable to generate sufficient power by the second device 20 in an uncovered location. Thereafter, in step S44, the second control unit 22 detects that the remaining capacity of the power storage unit 15 has decreased because the weather later turned cloudy or rainy. Accordingly, in step S45, the second control unit 22 causes the display unit 23 to display advice information recommending that the user move the first device 10 to a location where the power generation unit 11 can generate power efficiently on a sunny day and to generate power again.

[0089] 18A and 18B are diagrams showing a first example and a second example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 of this embodiment, respectively.

[0090] 18A and 18B, the second control unit 22 may cause the display unit 23 to display, as advice information, time-series data on the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 11, the amount of power used by the first device 10, and the remaining battery charge of the power storage unit 15. This allows the user to consider changing the installation position and installation posture of the first device 10 based on such time-series data.

[0091] (Embodiment 5) Display system 100 of embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Note that, in the following, description of the same points as display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 4 will not be repeated. Display system 100 of the present embodiment differs from display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 4 in the following points.

[0092] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0093] 19, when various devices exist as the first device 10, battery information that can identify the remaining battery capacity of the power storage unit 15 for each device may be displayed. This allows the user to consider changing the installation position and installation posture of the first device 10 based on such time-series data.

[0094] (Sixth embodiment) Display system 100 of embodiment 6 will be described with reference to Figures 20 and 21. Note that, in the following, description of the same points as display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 5 will not be repeated. Display system 100 of the present embodiment differs from display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 5 in the following points.

[0095] 20 and 21 are diagrams showing a first example and a second example of the self-power generation amount information displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 of this embodiment, respectively.

[0096] As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 20 , during a television broadcast as the first device 10, text as advice information is displayed in a position that does not obstruct the display of the program on the display unit 23. In FIG. 20 , a display area for the advice information is set near the top end of the display unit 23. Also, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 21 , during a television broadcast as the first device 10, an icon as advice information is displayed in a position that does not obstruct the display of the program on the display unit 23, for example, in the upper right end of the display unit 23. This icon is a mark that prompts the user to confirm, and the user can confirm the advice information by clicking the icon. The number 1 superimposed on the icon indicates the number of notifications of advice information. This prevents advice information of low urgency or low importance from obstructing the display of information of high urgency or high importance on the display unit 23.

[0097] (Embodiment 7) Display system 100 of embodiment 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Note that, in the following, description of the same points as display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 6 will not be repeated. Display system 100 of the present embodiment differs from display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 6 in the following points.

[0098] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a display system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0099] 22 , unlike a remote controller, the display system 100 may include a first device 10 that is not actively operated, such as earphones. In this case, the self-power generation information and battery information are transmitted from the first device 10 to the second device 20 not triggered by an operation of the first device 10 but triggered by the establishment of communication between the first device 10 and the second device 20. However, the self-power generation information and battery information may be transmitted from the first device 10 to the second device 20 not only when communication is started by establishing communication, but also when communication is terminated. Furthermore, the self-power generation information and battery information may be transmitted from the first device 10 to the second device 20 periodically, for example, every hour, while communication is established.

[0100] This allows the user to know the power generation amount and remaining battery power of the first device 10 through the second device 20 without having to operate the first device 10. This relieves the user from the hassle of performing operations to display the self-power generation information and battery information.

[0101] (Embodiment 8) Display system 100 of embodiment 8 will be described using Figures 23A, 23B, and 24. Note that, below, description of the same points as display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 7 will not be repeated. Display system 100 of the present embodiment differs from display systems 100 of embodiments 1 to 7 in the following points.

[0102] 23A, 23B, and 24 are diagrams showing examples of self-power generation information displayed on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 of the display system 100 of this embodiment.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 24, the second device 20 of the present embodiment collectively displays the self-power generation information of each of the multiple first devices 10 on the display unit 23. This simultaneously displays the remaining battery power, power generation status, whether charging is necessary, recommended charging methods, and timing for each of the multiple first devices 10 on the display unit 23. This facilitates device management when the number of first devices 10 used by a user increases. Furthermore, common users of the second devices 20, such as family members of the user of the second devices 20, can check the power generation amount of the power generation unit 11 of the first devices 10. This improves the convenience of shared use of the display system 100 by multiple people, enabling efficient power management.

[0104] Data of multiple first devices 10 that can communicate with second device 20 is managed as time-series data for each of the multiple first devices 10. In this embodiment, second control unit 22 causes display unit 23 to collectively display the time-series data of the self-power generation information of the multiple first devices 10. Note that, for the self-power generation information of a first device 10 that cannot communicate with second device 20, second control unit 22 causes display unit 23 to display the self-power generation information transmitted from the first device 10 in the previous communication.

[0105] According to the above configuration, it is possible to check the power consumption status of multiple first devices 10 that can communicate with the second device 20 at once. This makes it possible to determine the priority of power generation for the multiple first devices 10. Furthermore, even users other than the main user of the display system 100 can check the power generation status of the power generation unit 11 of the first device 10.

[0106] For example, if a parent notices that the battery of a game controller (first device 10) that a child often uses and who tends to forget to charge it is running low, the parent can charge the game controller (first device 10) during the day for the child.

[0107] In some cases, a family member may share a first device 10 such as an E-bike. In this case, one family member plans to use the E-bike on the weekend, but the E-bike will not be near that family member during the time that the other family members are using it. However, with the display system 100 of this embodiment, that family member can check the charge status of the E-bike's power storage unit 15 on the display unit 23 of the second device 20 several days before using the E-bike. This allows the family member to prepare for use of the E-bike by, for example, moving the E-bike to a location where the power generation efficiency of the E-bike's power generation unit 11 will be higher if the charge is insufficient.

[0108] Consider the following case, for example. First, the display unit 23 displays advice information such as "You should charge device A." One hour later, the display unit 23 of the second device 20 displays advice information such as "You should charge device B." Two hours after displaying the advice information such as "You should charge device A," the display unit 23 of the second device 20 displays advice information such as "You should charge device C." In such a case, the display of advice information intended to improve user convenience may be perceived as an annoyance by the user. However, if the second control unit 22 collectively manages the self-power generation information of multiple first devices 10, the display unit 23 can display the advice information such as "You should charge device A and device B simultaneously" in accordance with the timing at which the advice information for device A is displayed. In other words, the display unit 23 may display the advice information for device B earlier. This prevents the display unit 23 from displaying the advice information several times in a short period of time, which can prevent the user viewing the display on the display unit 23 from feeling annoyed by the advice information.

[0109] Furthermore, the display unit 23 may display advice information suggesting charging of a plurality of first devices 10 that are close to being charged, as well as advice information suggesting charging of a plurality of first devices 10 that have the same power generation location. In this case, information about a plurality of first devices 10 that have the same attribute, that is, the same power generation location, is registered in advance in the second device 20 by the user. This allows a plurality of first devices 10 to be placed in the same location at the same time and charged, thereby improving the efficiency of charging a plurality of first devices 10.

[0110] Note that when a communication connection between the first device 10 and the second device 20 is established, the second device 20 may receive device information from the first device 10 and automatically assign the attribute to the first device 10. For example, when a communication connection between the first device 10 and the second device 20 is established via Bluetooth, the second device 20 determines that the first device 10 is earphones (attribute) based on profile information requested by the first device 10. In this way, the second device 20 can grasp the attributes of multiple first devices 10, and therefore can provide advice information according to the attributes of the first device 10 and can select the timing of providing the advice information according to the attributes of the first device 10.

[0111] Furthermore, the second device 20 can optimize the timing of displaying the advice information on the display unit 23 and the content of the advice information according to the installation location (power generation location) of the first device 10 by using the attribute information of the first device 10. This improves user convenience. For example, if the first device 10 is an indoor device, the second device 20 includes in the advice information an appropriate installation location and installation posture (installation angle) of the first device 10. If the first device 10 is an outdoor device, the second device 20 includes in the advice information an appropriate outdoor installation time period for the first device 10 based on a weather forecast. The advice information according to the attributes of the first device 10 can improve the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 11 of the first device 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 1st device 11 Power Generation Department 12 First Control Section 13 Transmitter 14 Control section 20 2nd device 21 Receiving unit 22 Second Control Section 23 Display section 24 Image acquisition unit 25 Brightness detection unit 100 Display System

Claims

1. A first device; a second device in communication with the first device; The first device is A power generation unit that generates electricity using energy present in nature; a first control unit that acquires self-power generation information regarding the amount of self-power generation of the power generation unit; a transmitter that transmits the self-power generation information acquired by the first control unit to the second device, The second device is a receiving unit that receives the self-power generation information from the first device; a second control unit that acquires the self-power generation information via the receiving unit; a display unit that displays the self-power generation information acquired by the second control unit, Display system.

2. The self-power generation information includes time-series data of the amount of self-power generation of the power generation unit. The display system of claim 1 .

3. the second control unit causes the display unit to display advice information regarding at least one of an installation position, an installation posture, and an installation time of the first device. The display system of claim 2 .

4. In the first device, the first control unit causes the transmitting unit to transmit position information that can identify the position of the first device; In the second device, the second control unit acquires the information via the receiving unit. The display system of claim 2 .

5. the second device has an image acquisition unit; the second control unit detects an amount of light around the second device based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit, and causes the display unit to display the advice information based on the amount of light. The display system of claim 2 .

6. In the second device, the second control unit causes the display unit to display advice information about at least one of an installation position, an installation posture, and an installation time of the first device, based on the time-series data of the amount of self-power generation and the location information acquired via the receiving unit.

6. A display system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the second control unit externally acquires information on a time-series predicted value of the amount of energy generated in the natural world, displaying, on the display unit, advice information regarding at least one of an installation location and an installation time of the first appliance, based on information regarding a time-series predicted value of the naturally occurring energy generation amount; The display system of claim 6.

8. the first device includes an operation unit that remotely operates the display unit, In the first device, when the first control unit causes the transmission unit to transmit a command signal based on the operation of the operation unit, the first control unit also causes the transmission unit to transmit the self-power generation information; In the second device, the second control unit causes the display unit to display an image based on the command signal received via the receiving unit, and when a predetermined condition is met, causes the display unit to also display the self-power generation information. The display system of claim 1 .

9. the predetermined condition is satisfied every time the second control unit causes the display unit to display the image based on the command signal. The display system of claim 8 .

Images