Control device and control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a control device that can reduce the amount of effort required from the user to generate transmission data to be sent to external devices. [Solution] This control device 100 comprises a storage unit 10 and a control unit 20, and controls the store 1. The storage unit 10 stores multiple collected data collected from multiple devices placed in the store 1, a configuration device definition file 11 which defines the configuration of the multiple devices and predetermined uses of the multiple collected data, and a template file 12 which is created for each predetermined use and defines the devices among the multiple devices that are necessary for the predetermined use. Based on the configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12, the control unit 20 generates transmission data corresponding to the predetermined use to be sent to an external device 200 from the multiple collected data.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] This invention relates to a control device and a control method, and particularly to a control device and a control method for collecting a plurality of collected data from a plurality of devices arranged on a control target.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a control device and a control method for collecting a plurality of collected data from a plurality of devices arranged on a control target are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a gateway device (control device) that collects data from devices installed at a site such as a factory and transmits the data to an external device according to a predetermined setting from the collected data. Specifically, this gateway device collects data from devices such as sensors installed at a site such as a factory. Further, a transmission data extraction rule is stored in this gateway device, and the gateway device extracts transmission data to be transmitted to an external device from the collected data based on the transmission data extraction rule. The transmission data extraction rule is created by a user and includes conditions for being extracted as transmission data. Then, data that meets the conditions from the collected data is extracted as transmission data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the data extraction rules for transmission are created by the user for each site where the equipment is installed. In this case, the user needs to understand the type of equipment installed at the site and the intended use of the data to be transmitted, and manually create the data extraction rules for each site (controlled object). This presents a problem in that it increases the effort required of the user to generate the data to be transmitted to external devices in the gateway device (control device).

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a control device and control method that can suppress the increased effort required of the user to generate transmission data to be sent to an external device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the control device according to the first aspect of this invention comprises a storage unit and a control unit, and is a control device for controlling a controlled object, wherein the storage unit stores a plurality of collected data collected from a plurality of devices arranged on the controlled object, a configuration device definition file that defines the configuration of the plurality of devices and predetermined uses of the plurality of collected data, and a standard template file for each predetermined use that defines the devices necessary for the predetermined use among the plurality of devices, and the control unit generates transmission data corresponding to a predetermined use to be transmitted to an external device from the plurality of collected data based on the configuration device definition file and the template file corresponding to the predetermined use defined in the configuration device definition file.

[0008] In the control device according to the first aspect of this invention, as described above, the control unit generates transmission data corresponding to a predetermined usage to be sent to an external device from multiple collected data, based on a configuration device definition file and a template file corresponding to a predetermined usage defined in the configuration device definition file. As a result, the control unit refers to the template file corresponding to the predetermined usage defined in the configuration device definition file and automatically generates transmission data from the collected data based on the referenced template file. Therefore, the user does not need to define the equipment required for a predetermined usage for each controlled object. As a result, it is possible to suppress the increased effort required of the user to generate transmission data to be sent to an external device from the control unit. Furthermore, as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the user selects the equipment required according to a predetermined usage, there is a disadvantage in that some users may select unnecessary equipment or fail to select necessary equipment (variation in equipment selected from one user to another). In this application, since the transmission data is generated based on a template file, the occurrence of such disadvantages can be suppressed.

[0009] In the control device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control unit generates a data definition file based on the configuration device definition file and the template file, which defines the storage location in the storage unit and the output order of the collected data necessary for a predetermined use among the multiple collected data stored in the storage unit, and generates transmission data based on the generated data definition file. With this configuration, the control unit can continuously generate transmission data based on the data definition file once it has been generated. Therefore, since the control unit can continuously generate transmission data based only on the data definition file without having to refer to the configuration device definition file and the template file each time transmission data is generated, the burden on the control unit can be reduced.

[0010] In the control device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, multiple template files are created for each predetermined use, and multiple template files are stored in the storage unit in advance. With this configuration, the control unit can automatically refer to the template file corresponding to the predetermined use from the multiple template files based on the predetermined use defined in the configuration equipment definition file. Therefore, even if there are multiple predetermined uses, the user does not need to define the equipment required for each of the multiple predetermined uses. As a result, the user's workload can be further reduced.

[0011] In the control device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the controlled object includes a store, and the plurality of devices include at least one of the following: a showcase placed in the store, a refrigerator for cooling the showcase, a power meter for measuring the power used by the store, and a thermometer / hygrometer placed in the store. With this configuration, it is possible to generate transmission data from at least one of the showcase, refrigerator, power meter, and thermometer / hygrometer according to a predetermined usage, while suppressing the amount of effort required from the user.

[0012] In the control device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control unit is configured to generate transmission data at predetermined time intervals based on a configuration device definition file and a template file, and to transmit it to an external device. With this configuration, it is possible to generate and transmit transmission data at predetermined time intervals to an external device while suppressing the amount of effort required from the user.

[0013] A control method according to a second aspect of this invention is a control method for controlling a controlled object, comprising the steps of: collecting a plurality of data from a plurality of devices arranged on the controlled object and storing them in a storage unit as collected data; and generating transmission data corresponding to a predetermined use to be transmitted to an external device from the plurality of collected data, based on a configuration device definition file that defines the configuration of the plurality of devices and predetermined uses of the plurality of collected data, and a standard template file for each predetermined use that defines the devices among the plurality of devices that are necessary for the predetermined use.

[0014] The control method according to the second aspect of this invention includes the step of generating transmission data corresponding to a predetermined use to be sent to an external device from multiple collected data, based on a configuration device definition file that defines the configuration of multiple devices and predetermined uses of multiple collected data, and a standard template file for each predetermined use that defines the devices required for the predetermined use among the multiple devices. As a result, the transmission data is automatically generated from the collected data by referring to the template file corresponding to the predetermined use defined in the configuration device definition file and based on the referenced template file. Therefore, the user does not need to define the devices required for a predetermined use for each controlled object. As a result, it is possible to provide a control method that can suppress the large amount of effort required of the user to generate transmission data to be sent to an external device in the control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to suppress the increased effort required of the user to generate transmission data to be sent to an external device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the store and control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the collected data (data collected from the device) stored in the memory unit. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a configuration machine definition file. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a template file (for operation management of showcases). [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a template file (for food temperature management of showcases). [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a template file (for food temperature management inside stores). [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a template file (for energy management of showcases). [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a template file (for energy management of stores). [Figure 9] It is a flowchart for explaining the control of the control device in this embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a data definition file. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing transmission data (for operation management of showcases). [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing transmission data (for food temperature management of showcases). [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing transmission data (for energy management of showcases).

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. The control device 100 is configured to transmit, for example, the collected data collected from the devices arranged in the store ❶ to an external device 200 via, for example, a network. The external device 200 is, for example, a cloud server. One external device 200 may be provided, or a plurality of external devices 200 may be provided. Note that the store ❶ is an example of the "control target" in the claims.

[0019] (Store) Let's describe Store 1. Store 1 is, for example, a convenience store. Multiple pieces of equipment are located inside Store 1. In this embodiment, the multiple pieces of equipment include, for example, a showcase 2 located inside the store, a refrigerator 3 for cooling the showcase 2, a power meter 4 for measuring the power used by Store 1, and a thermometer / hygrometer 5 located inside Store 1, at least one of these. Note that the showcase 2, refrigerator 3, power meter 4, and thermometer / hygrometer 5 are examples of "equipment" in the claims.

[0020] Showcase 2 is, for example, arranged in multiple locations within Store 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, for example, two Showcase 2 units are arranged within Store 1. The two Showcase 2 units will be referred to as Showcase 2a and Showcase 2b below. Showcase 2 can be, for example, a showcase capable of both heating and cooling, a chilled case for refrigerating food, or a walk-in showcase accessible from the back room. Showcase 2 is equipped with multiple temperature sensors. For example, the multiple temperature sensors include an internal temperature sensor, a temperature control sensor, a defrosting temperature sensor, and an outside temperature sensor. In Figure 2, the multiple temperature sensors (data transmitted from the multiple temperature sensors) are shown as temperature sensors A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5. Furthermore, the multiple Showcase 2 units (2a and 2b) have a similar configuration. Showcase 2a and Showcase 2b are examples of the “device” in the claims.

[0021] Furthermore, the refrigerator 3 includes a refrigeration cycle for cooling the showcase 2. The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, condenser, solenoid valve, and evaporator. For example, the compressor and condenser are provided in common for multiple showcases 2. The solenoid valve and evaporator are provided for each of the multiple showcases 2. The evaporator is located in each showcase 2. When the solenoid valve is turned ON, refrigerant flows to the evaporator and the showcase 2 is cooled. The ON / OFF control of the solenoid valve is performed by the control unit 20.

[0022] Furthermore, there are multiple power meters 4, for example. These multiple power meters 4 include a power meter that measures the power supplied to store 1, a power meter that measures the power consumption of lighting within store 1, and a power meter that measures the power consumption of drink cases, ice cream cases, etc., placed within store 1. In Figure 2, the multiple power meters 4 (data transmitted from the multiple power meters 4) are shown as power meters B1, B2, and B3.

[0023] For example, multiple thermometers and hygrometers 5 are installed. These multiple thermometers and hygrometers 5 are placed at the entrance of store 1, on the walls of store 1, near the counter, etc. In Figure 2, the multiple thermometers and hygrometers 5 (data transmitted from the multiple thermometers and hygrometers 5) are shown as thermometers and hygrometers C1, C2, and C3.

[0024] (Control device) The control device 100 will now be described in detail. The control device 100 comprises a storage unit 10 and a control unit 20, and is configured to control the store 1.

[0025] The storage unit 10 includes a storage device such as a hard disk. In this embodiment, the storage unit 10 stores multiple collected data collected from multiple devices located in the store 1. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 10 stores temperature information collected from temperature sensors A1 to A5 located in multiple showcases 2. In Figure 2, the temperature information collected from each of the temperature sensors A1 to A5 is represented as temperature sensors A1 to A5. The storage unit 10 also stores information about the showcases 2, such as control status, operating mode, solenoid valve ON / OFF information, and alarm detection temperature. The control status, operating mode, and solenoid valve ON / OFF information are collected for each showcase 2, for example, from the control unit 20. The alarm detection temperature is the temperature at which an alarm is issued when the showcase 2 becomes excessively hot or excessively cold, and is, for example, set in advance by the user and stored in the storage unit 10. The data transmitted from temperature sensors A1 to A5, control status, operating mode, solenoid valve ON / OFF status, and other information stored in the memory unit 10 are updated sequentially.

[0026] Furthermore, the storage unit 10 stores power information collected from multiple power meters 4. The power information stored in the storage unit 10 is also updated sequentially.

[0027] Furthermore, the memory unit 10 stores temperature and humidity information collected from multiple thermometers 5. The temperature and humidity information stored in the memory unit 10 is updated sequentially. In addition, information such as the set temperature of the showcase 2 and the temperature displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided in the control unit 20, etc., is stored in the memory unit 10. Note that the information stored in the memory unit 10 shown in Figure 2 is just an example, and other information may be included.

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the storage unit 10 stores a configuration device definition file 11 and a template file 12. The configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12 will be described in detail below.

[0029] (Configuration device definition file) The configuration equipment definition file 11 will now be described. In this embodiment, the configuration equipment definition file 11 defines the configuration of multiple devices placed in store 1, and predetermined uses for multiple collected data. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, the configuration equipment definition file 11 defines that two showcases 2 (2a, 2b), three power meters 4 (B1, B2, B3), three thermometers / hygrometers 5 (C1, C2, C3), and a refrigerator 3 are placed there. The configuration equipment definition file 11 also includes information such as the manufacturer and type of each of the showcases 2, power meters 4, thermometers / hygrometers 5, and refrigerator 3. The predetermined uses include operation management of showcases 2, food temperature management of showcases 2, energy management of showcases 2, food temperature management within store 1, and energy management of store 1.

[0030] (Template file) The template file 12 will now be described. In this embodiment, the template file 12 defines the equipment required for a predetermined use from among multiple devices. Furthermore, the template file 12 is standardized for each predetermined use. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the template file 12 for operation management of showcase 2 defines the following required equipment: temperature sensors A1, A2, and A3, control status, solenoid valve ON / OFF, and alarm detection temperature. As shown in Figure 5, the template file 12 for food temperature management of showcase 2 defines temperature sensors A1 and A2 as required equipment. As shown in Figure 6, the template file 12 for food temperature management in store 1 defines temperature and humidity meters C1, C2, and C3 as required equipment. As shown in Figure 7, the template file 12 for energy management of showcase 2 defines temperature sensor A1, solenoid valve ON / OFF, and operating mode as required equipment. As shown in Figure 8, the template file 12 for energy management of store 1 defines power meters B1, B2, and B3 as required equipment. As described above, in this embodiment, multiple template files 12 are created for each predetermined use, and multiple template files 12 are pre-stored in the storage unit 10. The necessary equipment defined in each template file 12 is merely an example and is not limited to these. Furthermore, if multiple external devices 200 are provided, the template files 12 may be created to correspond to the respective uses (requirements) of each of the multiple external devices 200. The title shown in the template file 12 represents the type of data (source). The template file 12 also includes the unit of data transmitted from a temperature sensor or the like (e.g., °C). In addition to the unit, the template file 12 may also include information on the bit position of the data and a weight (value such as 1 or 0.1) to multiply the transmitted data.

[0031] The control unit 20 controls the equipment placed in store 1. The control unit 20 includes a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In this embodiment, the control unit 20 is configured to generate transmission data corresponding to a predetermined usage to be sent to an external device 200 from multiple collected data, based on a configuration device definition file 11 and a template file 12 corresponding to a predetermined usage defined in the configuration device definition file 11. The operation of the control unit 20 will be described in detail below.

[0032] (Operation of the control unit) As shown in Figure 9, in step S1, the control unit 20 stores the configuration device definition file 11 in the storage unit 10. The configuration device definition file 11 is created by the user according to the equipment to be placed in store 1. For example, the user creates the configuration device definition file 11 using a PC (personal computer) or the like. The user then inputs the created configuration device definition file 11 into the control device 100. For example, the user connects an external storage device containing the created configuration device definition file 11 to the control device 100. The control unit 20 reads the configuration device definition file 11 from the external storage device and stores it in the storage unit 10.

[0033] In step S2, the control unit 20 stores the template file 12 in the storage unit 10. The template file 12 is created by the user according to a predetermined purpose. For example, the user creates multiple template files 12 according to a predetermined purpose using a PC (personal computer) or the like. The user then inputs the multiple template files 12 created into the control device 100. For example, an external storage device containing the multiple template files 12 created is connected to the control device 100. The control unit 20 reads the multiple template files 12 from the external storage device and stores them in the storage unit 10. Note that the operations in steps S1 and S2 described above may be performed when the control device 100 is shipped from the manufacturing plant, or after the control device 100 is installed in store 1.

[0034] In step S3, in this embodiment, the control unit 20 generates a data definition file 13 based on the configuration equipment definition file 11 and the template file 12, which defines the storage location in the storage unit 10 and the output order of the collected data necessary for a predetermined use among the multiple collected data stored in the storage unit 10. Specifically, the control unit 20 refers to the configuration equipment definition file 11 stored in the storage unit 10. For example, suppose the predetermined use defined in the configuration equipment definition file 11 is for the operation management of showcase 2. In this case, the control unit 20 refers to the template file 12 for the operation management of showcase 2 (see Figure 4) among the multiple template files 12 stored in the storage unit 10. The control unit 20 then generates a data definition file 13 which defines which storage location (address) in the storage unit 10 the information of the equipment (temperature sensors A1, A2 and A3, control status, solenoid valve ON / OFF, alarm detection temperature, etc.) defined in the referenced template file 12 is stored, and in what order the equipment information is output from the storage unit 10 (output order). In the example shown in Figure 10, the storage location and output order of the collected data in the storage unit 10 for the two showcases 2a and 2b are defined in the data definition file 13.

[0035] In step S4, the control unit 20 collects multiple data from multiple devices (showcase 2, power meter 4, etc.) located in store 1 and stores them as collected data in the storage unit 10. Although Figure 9 shows the collection of collected data taking place in step S4, in reality, the collection of collected data is performed periodically and the data is updated periodically in the storage unit 10.

[0036] In step S5, in this embodiment, the control unit 20 generates transmission data corresponding to a predetermined usage to be sent to the external device 200 from multiple collected data based on the generated data definition file 13. For example, as shown in Figure 11, based on the data definition file 13 shown in Figure 10, the following data is generated as transmission data for the operation management of showcase 2: temperature sensors A1, A2, and A3 of showcase 2a, control status, solenoid valve ON / OFF, alarm detection temperature; temperature sensors A1, A2, and A3 of showcase 2b, control status, solenoid valve ON / OFF, alarm detection temperature. The transmission data is generated in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format, for example. Also, in the example shown in Figure 12, the following data is generated as transmission data for food temperature management of showcase 2: temperature sensors A1, A2 of showcase 2a; and temperature sensors A1, A2 of showcase 2b. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 13, for energy management of showcase 2, the temperature sensor A1 of showcase 2a, the solenoid valve ON / OFF status, and the operating mode are generated as transmitted data in this order, followed by the temperature sensor A1 of showcase 2b, the solenoid valve ON / OFF status, and the operating mode.

[0037] In step S6, the control unit 20 transmits the generated transmission data to an external device 200 via the network. For example, the control device 100 includes a communication unit (not shown), and the control unit 20 transmits the generated transmission data to the external device 200 via the communication unit and the network.

[0038] In step S7, the control unit 20 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last transmission of the transmission data. If the answer in step S7 is no (the predetermined time has not elapsed), the operation in step S7 is repeated. If the answer in step S7 is yes (the predetermined time has elapsed), the process returns to step S5. The control unit 20 then generates transmission data to be sent to the external device 200 from multiple collected data stored in the storage unit 10, based on the data definition file 13 generated in step S3. In other words, the data definition file 13, once generated, is used again. Then, in step S6, the control unit 20 transmits the generated transmission data to the external device 200 via the network. In other words, in this embodiment, the control unit 20 is configured to generate transmission data at predetermined time intervals based on the configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12 (specifically, based on the data definition file 13, once generated), and transmit it to the external device 200. The operation from steps S5 to S7 is constantly repeated.

[0039] [Effects of this embodiment] In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0040] In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 20 generates transmission data corresponding to a predetermined usage to be sent to the external device 200 from multiple collected data, based on the configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12 corresponding to a predetermined usage defined in the configuration device definition file 11. As a result, the control unit 20 refers to the template file 12 corresponding to a predetermined usage defined in the configuration device definition file 11 and automatically generates transmission data from the collected data based on the referenced template file 12. Therefore, the user does not need to define the equipment required for a predetermined usage for each store 1. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of effort required from the user to generate transmission data to be sent to the external device 200 from the control unit 20. Furthermore, if the user selects the equipment required according to a predetermined usage, there is a disadvantage in that some users may select unnecessary equipment or fail to select necessary equipment (variation in equipment selected from one user to another). In this embodiment, since the transmission data is generated based on the template file 12, the occurrence of such disadvantages can be suppressed.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 20 generates a data definition file 13 based on the configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12, which defines the storage location in the storage unit 10 and the output order of the collected data necessary for a predetermined use among the multiple collected data stored in the storage unit 10, and generates transmission data based on the generated data definition file 13. As a result, the control unit 20 can continuously generate transmission data based on the data definition file 13 once it has been generated. Therefore, since the control unit 20 can continuously generate transmission data based only on the data definition file 13 without referring to the configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12 each time transmission data is generated, the burden on the control unit 20 can be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, multiple template files 12 are created for each predetermined use, and multiple template files 12 are pre-stored in the storage unit 10. As a result, the control unit 20 can automatically reference the template file 12 corresponding to the predetermined use from the multiple template files 12 based on the predetermined use defined in the configuration equipment definition file 11. Therefore, even if there are multiple predetermined uses, the user does not need to define the equipment required for each of the multiple predetermined uses. As a result, the user's workload can be further reduced.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the multiple devices include at least one (all in this embodiment) of the following: a showcase 2 placed inside the store 1, a refrigerator 3 for cooling the showcase 2, a power meter 4 for measuring the power used by the store 1, and a thermometer / hygrometer 5 also placed inside the store 1. This allows for the generation of transmission data from at least one of the showcase 2, refrigerator 3, power meter 4, and thermometer / hygrometer 5, according to a predetermined usage, while suppressing the burden on the user.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 20 is configured to generate transmission data at predetermined time intervals based on the configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12, and to transmit it to the external device 200. This makes it possible to generate and transmit transmission data at predetermined time intervals to the external device 200 while suppressing the burden on the user.

[0045] [Differentiation] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (exceptions) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0046] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which store 1 is used as the control target, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, a factory or other structure other than store 1 may be used as the control target.

[0047] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which all of the following equipment are placed in store 1: a showcase 2, a refrigerator 3, a power meter 4, and a thermometer / hygrometer 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, store 1 may have at least one of the showcase 2, refrigerator 3, power meter 4, and thermometer / hygrometer 5, or in addition to all of these pieces of equipment, store 1 may also have equipment for serving coffee, equipment for keeping food warm, a storage battery, etc.

[0048] In the above embodiment, examples of predetermined uses of the collected data were shown, such as for operational management of showcase 2, food temperature management of showcase 2, food temperature management within store 1, energy management of showcase 2, and energy management of store 1. However, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, predetermined uses other than those listed above may be included as predetermined uses. Also, if the controlled object is a factory, the predetermined uses may be for production management of the factory, etc.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the control unit 20 generates a data definition file 13 based on the configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12, and generates transmission data based on the generated data definition file 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 20 may generate the transmission data by selecting the necessary collected data from the collected data stored in the storage unit 10 based on the configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12 each time the transmission data is generated, without generating a data definition file 13.

[0050] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which multiple template files 12 are stored in the storage unit 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the predetermined use is limited to one, only one template file 12 may be stored in the storage unit 10.

[0051] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the collected data, the device definition file 11, and the template file 12 are stored in the same storage unit 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage unit in which the collected data is stored and the storage unit in which the device definition file 11 and the template file 12 are stored may be different.

[0052] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 20 is configured to generate transmission data based on the configuration device definition file 11 and the template file 12 at predetermined time intervals and transmit it to the external device 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 20 may generate transmission data and transmit it to the external device 200 based on a command entered by the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 store (target of control) 2, 2a, 2b Showcase (equipment) 3 Refrigerator (equipment) 4 Wattmeter (equipment) 5 Thermohygrometer (equipment) 10 Storage section 11. Configuration device definition file 12 Template files 13. Data definition file 20 Control Unit 100 Control device 200 External equipment

Claims

1. A control device comprising a memory unit and a control unit, which controls a controlled object, The aforementioned storage unit is Multiple collected data from multiple devices placed on the controlled object, A configuration device definition file defines the configuration of the multiple devices and the predetermined uses of the multiple collected data, A standard template file is stored for each predetermined use, which defines the equipment required for the predetermined use from among the plurality of devices mentioned above. The control unit is a control device that generates transmission data corresponding to the predetermined usage to be transmitted to an external device from a plurality of collected data, based on the configuration device definition file and the template file corresponding to the predetermined usage defined in the configuration device definition file.

2. The control unit, Based on the aforementioned configuration device definition file and the template file, a data definition file is generated which defines the storage location in the storage unit and the output order of the collected data that are necessary for the predetermined use among the multiple collected data stored in the storage unit. The control device according to claim 1, which generates the transmission data based on the generated data definition file.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein multiple template files are created for each predetermined use, and multiple template files are stored in the storage unit in advance.

4. The aforementioned controlled object includes stores, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of devices include at least one of a showcase placed in the store, a refrigerator for cooling the showcase, a power meter for measuring the electricity used by the store, and a thermometer / hygrometer placed in the store.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to generate the transmission data based on the configuration device definition file and the template file at predetermined time intervals and transmit it to the external device.

6. A control method for controlling a controlled object, The steps include: collecting multiple data from multiple devices arranged on the control target and storing them in a storage unit as collected data; A control method comprising the steps of generating transmission data corresponding to a predetermined use to be transmitted to an external device from the multiple collected data, based on a configuration device definition file that defines the configuration of the multiple devices and predetermined uses of the multiple collected data, and a standard template file for each predetermined use that defines the devices among the multiple devices that are necessary for the predetermined use.

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