Management System

Abstract

Properly manage all building facilities, including plumbing and water-related equipment. [Solution] The building management system according to the embodiment is a management system for managing a plurality of facilities installed in a building, comprising: a water-related space management means for managing a plurality of device information obtained from device equipment installed in the water-related space of the building; and a transmission means for transmitting the device information to a building management terminal that manages the space within the building, wherein the water-related space management means has a management unit that manages the device information based on a predetermined type for transmitting the device information to the building management terminal according to a pre-set notification rule.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a building facility management system that centrally monitors building facilities (such as air conditioning, lighting, power supply, disaster prevention, crime prevention, etc.) excluding the plumbing space has been realized (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, a management system that manages the real-time status of plumbing spaces such as toilet spaces has been realized (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, there are cases where unified management of building facilities including plumbing facilities cannot be appropriately performed. For example, in a conventional building facility management system, plumbing facilities are not included in the management target, and information on plumbing facilities cannot be obtained. Also, although it is assumed that information on plumbing facilities can be obtained by incorporating a plumbing facility management system into the building facility management system, it is difficult to appropriately select important information for building facility management and notify the building facility management system while operating the plumbing facility management system, and there is room for improvement in integrated building facility management including management of plumbing facilities.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a management system that can appropriately perform unified management of building facilities including plumbing facilities.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A management system according to one embodiment is a management system for managing a plurality of facilities installed in a building, comprising: a water-related space management means for managing a plurality of device information obtained from device equipment installed in the water-related space of the building; and a transmission means for transmitting the device information to a building management terminal for managing the space within the building, wherein the water-related space management means has a management unit that manages the device information based on a predetermined type for the transmission means to transmit the device information to the building management terminal according to a pre-set notification rule.

[0007] According to a management system in one embodiment, instead of uniformly transmitting device information obtained from devices such as plumbing equipment and sensor devices installed in water-related facilities such as toilets, showers, and kitchenettes to a building management terminal that centrally monitors building facilities such as air conditioning, lighting, power supply, disaster prevention, and security, the system sorts the information according to the type of device information and changes the transmission method, thereby providing a water-related facility management system that is easy for system administrators to use. In other words, the management system enables notifications according to the type of device information by transmitting device information according to notification rules according to the type of device information, thereby enabling proper centralized management of building facilities, including water-related facilities.

[0008] The transmission means of the management system according to one embodiment is capable of transmitting the device information to a water-related space management terminal used by a worker working in the water-related space, the predetermined type includes whether or not it is information relating to the work of the manager who manages the water-related space, and the notification rule, if it is information relating to the work of the manager who manages the water-related space, transmits the device information to the water-related space management terminal with priority over the building management terminal.

[0009] According to a management system in one embodiment, information acquired in a water-related area is transmitted, with priority given to transmitting work-related information to a water-related management terminal held by a worker performing cleaning, maintenance, or other tasks in that area. This enables workers to respond quickly, improving convenience for users of the water-related area, and reduces the workload of managers in contacting workers. Specifically, the management system allows for proper centralized management of building facilities, including water-related equipment, by transmitting device information to the water-related area management terminal with priority given to transmitting the information to the water-related area management terminal when the information concerns the work of a water-related area manager.

[0010] In a management system according to one embodiment, the information relating to the work of the manager who manages the water-related space is information relating to consumables of water-related equipment installed in the water-related space.

[0011] According to a management system in one embodiment, it becomes possible to quickly plan and execute replacements of consumables, and to properly manage building facilities, including plumbing. Furthermore, the management system improves convenience for users of plumbing spaces by enabling the prompt replacement of consumables in those spaces.

[0012] In a management system according to one embodiment, if the notification rule is related to the work of an administrator managing the water-related space, it is transmitted to the water-related space management terminal, and then, after receiving a completion signal from the water-related space management terminal, it is transmitted to the building management terminal.

[0013] According to a management system in one embodiment, when the information concerns workers performing cleaning or maintenance in a water-related space, the manager can grasp the condition after the work is completed. Therefore, for information that is not urgent in building management, the notification timing can be delayed, enabling overall management that is in line with the actual situation of water-related management and building management.

[0014] In a management system according to one embodiment, the predetermined type includes whether the device information is first information with a higher priority set, or second information with a lower priority set than the first information, and the notification rule transmits the device information to the building management terminal with priority over the second information if the predetermined type is first information.

[0015] According to a management system in one embodiment, by changing the priority of device information based on notification rules set in advance for each piece of information, it becomes possible to respond immediately to information of high importance or urgency, thereby enabling proper centralized management of building facilities, including plumbing facilities.

[0016] In a management system according to one embodiment, the priority of the device information is provided to be arbitrarily changeable.

[0017] According to a management system in one embodiment, different priorities can be set for each item managed by the building equipment management system. This allows for the setting of appropriate priorities that match the actual usage of the plumbing equipment management system, the building equipment management method and management system, and the preferences of the building manager. As a result, priorities can be flexibly changed according to the requirements, enabling appropriate centralized management of building equipment, including plumbing equipment.

[0018] The water-related space management means of a management system according to one embodiment includes a relay and a cloud server, and the transmission means includes a first transmission means that transmits the device information to the building management terminal via the cloud server, and a second transmission means that transmits the device information to the building management terminal via the relay, and the transmission means transmits the device information by the second transmission means when the predetermined type is the first information.

[0019] According to a management system in one embodiment, when the type of device information is the first type of information, the device information is quickly transmitted to the building management terminal via a relay device without going through a cloud server that manages plumbing facilities. This allows high-priority information in building management to be immediately transmitted to the building management terminal and shared with building managers, enabling proper centralized management of building facilities, including plumbing facilities.

[0020] A management system according to one embodiment includes a determination means for determining which of the predetermined types the device information corresponds to.

[0021] According to a management system in one embodiment, it is possible to determine what type of information the device information is, thus eliminating the need for separate storage locations for each type of information, and enabling efficient configuration and information processing.

[0022] A management system according to one embodiment is a management system for managing plumbing facilities installed in a building, comprising: plumbing space management means for managing a plurality of device information obtained from device equipment installed in the plumbing space of the building; and transmission means for transmitting the device information to a building management terminal for managing the space within the building, wherein the plumbing space management means has a management unit that manages the device information based on a predetermined type for the transmission means to transmit the device information to the building management terminal according to a pre-set notification rule.

[0023] According to the management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, instead of uniformly transmitting device information obtained from devices such as plumbing equipment and sensor devices installed in plumbing spaces such as toilets, showers, and water supply rooms to a building management terminal that centrally monitors building facilities such as air conditioning, lighting, power supply, disaster prevention, and security, the information is sorted according to the type of device information, and by changing the transmission mode, a plumbing facility management system that is convenient for the system administrator can be provided. That is, according to the management system, by transmitting device information according to notification rules corresponding to the type, notifications corresponding to the type of device information are enabled, and while coordinating the plumbing facility management and the building facility management system, unified management of the building facilities including the plumbing facilities can be appropriately performed.

Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the plumbing facilities can be managed by a building facility management system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the processing of the management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the plumbing facility management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the information stored in the device information storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the information stored in the type information storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the information stored in the urgency information storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the information stored in the notification rule storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows an example of the flow of information transmitted by the management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of information stored by the type information storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of setting the priority of device information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the flow of information transmitted by the management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the functional configuration of a water supply equipment management device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of the transmission process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of the processing flow performed by the management system according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of Management System 1, which is an example of the management system disclosed in this application, will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the first embodiment, a process will be described in which Management System 1 changes the transmission method of device information depending on whether or not the device information is related to the work of an administrator managing a water-related space. In the second embodiment, a process will be described in which Management System 1 changes the transmission method of device information depending on whether or not the type of device information is first information with high priority. In the third embodiment, a process will be described in which the transmission path is changed when the type of device information is first information with high priority. However, this invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

[0027] <1. First Embodiment> [Overview of the management system] First, an overview of the information processing performed in the management system 1 (see Figure 2) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The management system 1 described in this embodiment is a management system that manages device information, including detection information, obtained from device equipment 50 such as toilet seats and washbasins installed in water-related spaces such as toilets, showers, and kitchenettes. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the processing performed by the management system according to the first embodiment. In Figure 1, the process in which a water-related equipment management device 100, which is a device that manages water-related equipment in a building, transmits device information obtained from device equipment 50 installed in a water-related space to a building management terminal 200 that manages spaces within the building and a water-related space management terminal 300 used by workers working in a water-related space will be described. In the following, a toilet space will be used as an example of a water-related space, but a water-related space refers to spaces related to water installed in a facility, such as showers and kitchenettes, in addition to toilet spaces.

[0028] First, the plumbing equipment management device 100 acquires device information from a device 50 such as a toilet seat, including usage information, abnormality information, remaining capacity information, etc. (Step S1). For example, the plumbing equipment management device 100 acquires device information that includes detection information that someone has sat on the toilet seat. In addition to detection information, the device information may also include information about the device that was detected, the date and time, etc.

[0029] Next, the plumbing equipment management device 100 determines the type of device information acquired (step S2). Here, the type of device information is information used to determine the notification rules when transmitting the device information to the building management terminal 200 or the plumbing space management terminal 300. The type of device information includes information on whether or not it relates to the work of the manager who manages the plumbing space. For example, the plumbing equipment management device 100 determines from the content of the detection information contained in the device information that the type of device information is information such as the replenishment of consumables in the plumbing space and is related to the work of the manager who manages the plumbing space.

[0030] Next, the plumbing equipment management device 100 transmits information to the building management terminal 200 and the plumbing space management terminal 300 according to the notification rules corresponding to the type of device information determined (step S3). For example, if the type of device information acquired by the plumbing equipment management device 100 is not related to the work of an administrator managing the plumbing space, it transmits the device information to both the building management terminal 200 and the plumbing space management terminal 300. On the other hand, if the device information acquired by the plumbing equipment management device 100 is related to the work of an administrator managing the plumbing space, it first transmits the acquired device information to the plumbing space management terminal 300, and after receiving a completion report from the plumbing space management terminal 300, transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200.

[0031] In this way, instead of uniformly transmitting device information obtained from devices such as plumbing equipment and sensor devices installed in water-related spaces such as toilets, showers, and kitchenettes to a building management terminal 200 that centrally monitors building facilities such as air conditioning, lighting, power supply, disaster prevention, and security, the information is sorted according to the type of device information and the transmission method is changed, thereby providing a water-related facility management system that is easy for system administrators to use.

[0032] In other words, according to the management system 1, by transmitting device information according to notification rules corresponding to the type of device information, it is possible to send notifications according to the type of device information, thereby enabling proper centralized management of building facilities, including plumbing facilities.

[0033] [Management System Configuration] An example of the configuration of the management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the management system 1 includes a building management terminal 200 which is a terminal for managing spaces within a building, an equipment management device 20 which includes a water supply equipment management device 100, a water supply space management terminal 300, and a device 50. The equipment management device 20 includes a power supply management device 21 for managing power, an air conditioning management device 22 for managing air conditioning, a lighting management device 23 for managing lighting, a disaster prevention management device 24 for managing disaster prevention, a security management device 25 for managing crime prevention, an elevator management device 26 for managing elevators, a water supply equipment management device 100 for managing water supply equipment, and so on. Note that the configuration of the management system 1 shown in Figure 1 is merely an example, and any configuration can be adopted as long as the management system 1 can perform the desired processing.

[0034] The building management terminal 200 is an information processing device that manages the facility management device 20. The building management terminal 200 has memory and a monitor. The memory is a device that stores various types of data, such as non-volatile memory. The memory stores schedules for the building management terminal 200 to control the facility management device 20, and data acquired from the facility management device 20. The monitor is, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The monitor displays various types of information based on control signals received from an external source. The building management terminal 200 may be located inside or outside the building.

[0035] The multiple facility management devices 20 include, as an example, a power supply management device 21, an air conditioning management device 22, a lighting management device 23, a disaster prevention management device 24, a security management device 25, an elevator management device 26, and a water supply facility management device 100. Each device will be described below.

[0036] The power management device 21 is an information processing device that manages the electricity supplied by the power company. The power management device 21 is configured to monitor the power consumption of electrical equipment installed in the building, and to adjust the amount of electricity supplied to the electrical equipment and to verify its effectiveness from an energy conservation perspective.

[0037] The air conditioning management device 22 is an information processing device that manages air conditioning equipment such as air conditioners and ventilation systems installed in a building. Air conditioning equipment is an example of "electrical equipment". The air conditioning management device 22 transmits control signals to each air conditioning unit based on the values ​​of temperature sensors (not shown) installed in each space within the building, supplying power to each air conditioning unit to make it operational based on user operation, starting and stopping each air conditioning unit, and adjusting its operational state. In addition, when the air conditioning management device 22 receives a signal from the building management terminal 200 corresponding to a schedule stored in the building management terminal 200's memory, it can also control each air conditioning unit according to that schedule. Furthermore, the air conditioning management device 22 transmits signals corresponding to the operational status and time information of each air conditioning unit to the building management terminal 200. Based on these signals, the building management terminal 200 can acquire data such as the time when each air conditioning unit started operating, the operational status of each air conditioning unit, and the time when each air conditioning unit stopped.

[0038] The lighting management device 23 is an information processing device that manages lighting equipment such as fluorescent lamps and LEDs installed in a building. Lighting equipment is an example of "electrical equipment". The lighting management device 23 transmits control signals to lighting equipment installed in each space within the building, supplying power to each lighting piece to make it operational based on user operation, turning each lighting piece on and off, and adjusting its lighting state. In addition, when the lighting management device 23 receives a signal from the building management terminal 200 corresponding to a schedule stored in the building management terminal 200's memory, it can also control each lighting piece according to that schedule. Furthermore, the lighting management device 23 transmits signals corresponding to the operating status and time information of each lighting piece to the building management terminal 200. Based on these signals, the building management terminal 200 can acquire data such as the time each lighting piece was turned on, the lighting state of each lighting piece, and the time each lighting piece was turned off.

[0039] The disaster prevention management device 24 is an information processing device that manages disaster prevention equipment installed in the building, such as fire shutters, sprinklers, fire hydrants, emergency bells, emergency lights, and smoke vents. Disaster prevention equipment is an example of "electrical equipment." The disaster prevention management device 24 transmits control signals to the disaster prevention equipment installed in each space within the building, supplying power to each piece of equipment to make it operational based on user input, operating and stopping each piece of equipment, and adjusting its operating state. In addition, the disaster prevention management device 24 can receive signals from the building management terminal 200 corresponding to a schedule stored in the building management terminal 200's memory, and control each piece of disaster prevention equipment according to that schedule. Furthermore, the disaster prevention management device 24 transmits signals corresponding to the operating state and time information of each piece of disaster prevention equipment to the building management terminal 200. Based on these signals, the building management terminal 200 can acquire data such as the time each piece of disaster prevention equipment started operating, the operating state of each piece of disaster prevention equipment, and the time each piece of disaster prevention equipment stopped.

[0040] The security management device 25 is an information processing device that manages security equipment such as surveillance cameras, sensors, and security alarms installed within the building. Security equipment is an example of "electrical equipment." The security management device 25 transmits control signals to security equipment installed in each space within the building, supplying power to each piece of security equipment to enable operation based on user input, and also enabling and deactivating each piece of security equipment and adjusting its operation status. Furthermore, when the security management device 25 receives a signal from the building management terminal 200 corresponding to a schedule stored in the building management terminal 200's memory, it can also control each piece of security equipment according to that schedule. In addition, the security management device 25 transmits signals corresponding to the operation status and time information of each piece of security equipment to the building management terminal 200. Based on these signals, the building management terminal 200 can acquire data such as the time each piece of security equipment started operating, the operation status of each piece of security equipment, and the time each piece of security equipment stopped.

[0041] The elevator management device 26 is an information processing device that manages elevators, escalators, stairlifts, and other elevator equipment installed in a building. Elevator equipment is an example of "electrical equipment." The elevator management device 26 transmits control signals to elevator equipment installed in each space within the building, supplies power to each elevator equipment to make it drivable based on user operation, drives and stops each elevator equipment, and adjusts its drive state. In addition, when the elevator management device 26 receives a signal from the building management terminal 200 corresponding to a schedule stored in the building management terminal 200's memory, it can also control each elevator equipment according to that schedule. Furthermore, the elevator management device 26 transmits signals corresponding to the drive state and time information of each elevator equipment to the building management terminal 200. Based on these signals, the building management terminal 200 can acquire data such as the time when each elevator equipment started driving, the drive state of each elevator equipment, and the time when each elevator equipment stopped.

[0042] The plumbing equipment management device 100 is an information processing device that manages plumbing equipment in plumbing spaces installed within a building, such as toilet spaces, shower spaces, and kitchenettes. The plumbing equipment management device 100 stores data acquired from the plumbing equipment. The plumbing equipment management device 100 also transmits control signals to each device 50, supplies power to each device 50 to make it operational based on user operation, drives and stops each device 50, and adjusts their operational status collectively. Furthermore, when the plumbing equipment management device 100 receives a signal from the building management terminal 200 corresponding to a schedule stored in the building management terminal 200's memory, it can also control each device 50 according to that schedule. A signal corresponding to a schedule is, for example, a signal that identifies the content of the control and management processing that the plumbing equipment management device 100 performs on the device 50.

[0043] Furthermore, the plumbing equipment management device 100 transmits signals corresponding to the operating status and time information of each device 50 to the building management terminal 200. For example, the plumbing equipment management device 100 transmits signals obtained from each device 50 to the building management terminal 200 indicating the operating status of each device 50 at each time. The information of the signals corresponding to the operating status and time information of the device 50 may be included in the device information. Based on these signals, the building management terminal 200 can obtain data such as the time when each device 50 started operating, the operating status of each device 50, and the time when each device 50 stopped. The plumbing equipment management device 100 may also be a cloud server.

[0044] Furthermore, the plumbing equipment management device 100 is an information processing device that receives device information from the device equipment 50 installed in the plumbing space and transmits it to the building management terminal 200 and the plumbing space management terminal 300 according to notification rules. Details of the processing performed by the plumbing equipment management device 100 will be described later in [Example Configuration of Plumbing Equipment Management Device].

[0045] The water-related space management terminal 300 is an information processing device that displays management information for water-related spaces. The water-related space management terminal 300 is used by the administrator who manages the water-related spaces. Here, "use" includes not only the act of operating the water-related space management terminal 300, but also the act of viewing the information displayed on the screen of the water-related space management terminal 300. For example, the water-related space management terminal 300 displays management information for water-related spaces on its screen, accepts input of information such as the results of water-related space inspections by the administrator, and transmits the received information to the water-related equipment management device 100.

[0046] Device equipment 50 is plumbing equipment installed in a water-related space within a building, such as a toilet space, shower space, or kitchenette. If the water-related space is a toilet space, device equipment 50 is a device installed in the toilet space, such as a toilet bowl, toilet seat, urinal, door sensor, washbasin, or hand dryer.

[0047] The toilet is installed in one of several individual stalls within the toilet area. The toilet has a bowl with an open top, a solenoid valve that opens and closes the flow path based on a control signal, a communication device that sends and receives signals to and from external devices, and a memory that stores various data. When the solenoid valve receives a control signal and opens the flow path, flushing water is supplied to the bowl. The communication device transmits signals to the external device corresponding to the operating status and time information of the solenoid valve.

[0048] The toilet seat unit is positioned above the bowl of the toilet. The toilet seat unit includes a toilet seat on which the user sits, a nozzle for dispensing water, an operating device operated by the user to transmit control signals, a sensor for detecting the user or the user's actions, a solenoid valve for opening and closing the flow path based on the control signals, a communication device for sending and receiving signals with external devices, and a memory for storing various data. The sensors include a user detection sensor, a seating detection sensor, a proximity detection sensor, an operation detection sensor, and a defecation / urination detection sensor.

[0049] A user detection sensor, such as a microwave sensor or infrared sensor, detects the user. A seating detection sensor, such as an infrared sensor or pressure sensor, detects when the user is seated on the toilet seat. An operation detection sensor, such as a pressure sensor, detects when the user operates the toilet. A defecation / urination detection sensor, such as a microwave sensor, detects when the user defecates or urinates. The defecation / urination detection sensor may also be configured to detect the state of the urination, such as whether the urinary or fecal matter is expelled, whether the feces are floating or sinking in the water seal, and whether the stool is diarrheal or not.

[0050] When the solenoid valve opens the flow path based on a control signal transmitted by the operating device or a result from a sensor, water is supplied to the nozzle, which discharges water towards the user's genitals to clean them. The communication device transmits signals to an external device corresponding to the operating status and time information of the operating device and solenoid valve.

[0051] The door sensor is connected to the door of a private room and is installed to detect when the door is opened or closed. The door of the private room is an example of "non-electrical equipment," and the door sensor is an example of a "sensor." The door sensor transmits signals corresponding to the door's open / closed status and time information to an external device.

[0052] Urinals are installed on the walls of toilet spaces. A urinal has a bowl with an open front, a solenoid valve that opens and closes the flow path based on a control signal, a sensor that detects the presence of a user in front of the bowl, a communication device that sends and receives signals to and from external devices, and a memory that stores various data. When the sensor detects that a user who was using the urinal in front of it has left, the solenoid valve opens the flow path and flushing water is supplied to the bowl. The communication device transmits signals to the external device corresponding to the sensor's detection information, the solenoid valve's operating status, and time information.

[0053] The washbasin unit is installed on the wall of the toilet space. The washbasin unit consists of an open-topped bowl, an automatic faucet, an electric water heater, an automatic soap dispenser, a communication device that transmits and receives signals with external devices, and a memory for storing various data. The automatic faucet is configured to detect a user's hand placed in the bowl and dispense water towards the hand, and to stop dispensing water when detection ends. The electric water heater heats water to make it hot water and supplies it to the automatic faucet. The automatic soap dispenser is configured to detect a user's hand placed in the bowl and dispense a predetermined amount of liquid soap towards the hand. The communication device transmits signals to external devices corresponding to the operating status of the automatic faucet, electric water heater, and automatic soap dispenser, as well as information on the remaining amount of automatic soap dispenser and the time.

[0054] Hand dryers are installed on the walls of restrooms and other spaces. A hand dryer has a fan, a sensor that detects the presence of a user's hand inserted into the opening, and memory that stores various data. When the sensor detects the presence of a user's hand, the fan starts and blows air onto the hand, and when detection ends, the fan stops and the airflow stops.

[0055] [Example of a water supply equipment management system configuration] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the plumbing equipment management device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the plumbing equipment management device 100 according to the first embodiment. The plumbing equipment management device 100 shown in Figure 5 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The plumbing equipment management device 100 may also have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) for receiving various operations from the administrator of the plumbing equipment management device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0056] The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a communication device, a communication circuit, etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to any network, such as the Internet, by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with an external information processing device. The communication unit 110 may also be connected to an external information processing device in a communicative manner by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi. For example, the communication unit 110 transmits and receives information with other devices such as a building management terminal 200. In this way, the communication unit 110 is a connection means to which the water supply equipment management device 100 is connected in a communicative manner via a predetermined network.

[0057] The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by information processing programs. The storage unit 120 has a device information storage unit 121, a type information storage unit 122, an urgency information storage unit 123, and a notification rule storage unit 124, and stores information necessary for processing performed by the water supply equipment management device 100. The individual parts of the storage unit 120 will be described below.

[0058] The device information storage unit 121 stores device information. This device information includes usage information, abnormality information, and remaining amount information for the device equipment 50 installed in the plumbing facilities. For example, the device information storage unit 121 stores information such as the usage time of the toilet equipment, information on malfunctions of the toilet equipment, and information on the remaining amount of liquid soap in the automatic soap dispenser.

[0059] Here, with reference to Figure 4, an example of the information stored by the device information storage unit 121 will be explained. Figure 4 is a table diagram showing an example of the information stored by the device information storage unit 121 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the device information storage unit 121 stores information associated with "No, device, detection date and time, detection information," etc. Here, "No" indicates the identification number of the device information. "Device" indicates the device from which the device information was obtained. "Detection date and time" indicates the date and time when the device information was detected. The date and time may also be a period. "Detection information" indicates the content of the detected device information.

[0060] To illustrate with a concrete example using the second row of Figure 4, for instance, the device information storage unit 121 stores "information that, regarding device information No. 1, detection information was obtained from toilet seat device A indicating that there was prolonged sitting on toilet seat device A between 12:15 and 12:45 on 11 / 10 / 2024." In this way, the device information storage unit 121 stores detection information obtained from each device.

[0061] The type information storage unit 122 stores information on the type of detection information and the type of device information. The type of device information includes information on whether or not it relates to the work of the manager who manages the water-related space. Here, information relating to the work of the manager who manages the water-related space refers to information relating to consumables for water-related equipment installed in the water-related space. For example, information relating to consumables for water-related equipment installed in the water-related space refers to information relating to the replenishment, maintenance, and cleaning of consumables in the water-related space, and includes information such as the remaining amount of liquid soap, toilet paper, wipes or hand towels, paper or sanitary trash cans, disinfectant solution, remote control battery level, and lighting level.

[0062] Referring to Figure 5, an example of the information stored by the type information storage unit 122 will be explained. Figure 5 is a table diagram showing an example of the information stored by the type information storage unit 122 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the type information storage unit 122 stores information that associates "No, detection information, administrator's work," etc. The "No" stored here indicates the identification number of the correspondence between the detection information and the type information. "Detection information" indicates what kind of information the device information detected. "Administrator's work" indicates whether the type of device information corresponds to information related to the administrator's work for managing the water-related space.

[0063] To illustrate with a specific example using Figure 5, for instance, the type information storage unit 122 stores information indicating that "the remaining amount of soap in the washbasin, which is detection information No. 2, is related to the work of the administrator who manages the water-related space." In this way, the type information storage unit 122 stores information that associates the detection information included in the device information with the type of device.

[0064] The urgency information storage unit 123 stores the urgency (importance) of the detected information. For example, the urgency information storage unit 123 stores the detected information and the urgency information for each user, such as the building manager performing monitoring, the building manager performing security, and the cleaning staff. The urgency of the detected information is pre-set by each of the above users. Now, with reference to Figure 6, an example of the information stored by the urgency information storage unit 123 will be explained. Figure 6 is a table diagram showing an example of the information stored by the urgency information storage unit 123 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the urgency information storage unit 123 stores information that associates "function, detection information, building manager performing monitoring, building manager performing security, cleaning staff," etc.

[0065] The "functions" stored here indicate responses to detection information, such as alerts, normal displays, and remote device settings. "Detection information" indicates information detected from device 50. "Monitoring building manager" indicates the urgency for a manager monitoring the space within the building. "Security building manager" indicates the urgency for a manager security for the space within the building. "Cleaner" indicates the urgency for a cleaner who is a manager managing the water-related spaces. The urgency can be set to "High," "Medium," "Low," or "None." A "High" urgency means immediate action is required. A "Medium" urgency means action is required within a few hours. A "Low" urgency means action is required within half a day. A "None" urgency means action is required within one day.

[0066] To illustrate with a specific example using Figure 6, the urgency information storage unit 123 stores information such as "the urgency level for the building manager performing monitoring is 'low' for the detection information of the remaining amount of liquid soap in the automatic soap dispenser that triggers an alert response, the urgency level for the building manager performing security is 'low', and the urgency level for the cleaner is 'medium'." In other words, the urgency information storage unit 123 stores information on the urgency level for each object in response to the detection information.

[0067] The notification rule storage unit 124 stores notification rules. The notification rules include rules for transmitting device information to the building management terminal 200 and the water-related space management terminal 300. For example, the notification rule storage unit 124 stores information such as conditions and the content of the notification rule. Here, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the information stored by the notification rule storage unit 124 will be explained. Figure 7 is a table diagram showing an example of the information stored by the notification rule storage unit 124 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the notification rule storage unit 124 stores information associated with "No, condition, content," etc. Here, "No" indicates the identification number of the notification rule. "Condition" indicates the conditions for executing the notification rule. "Content" indicates the content of the notification rule according to the condition.

[0068] To illustrate with a specific example using Figure 7, for instance, the notification rule storage unit 124 stores information such as, "As notification rule No. 2, if the device information transmitted from device equipment 50 matches the condition 'the type of device information is related to the work of the administrator managing the water-related space,' then transmit the device information to the water-related space management terminal 300 with priority over the building management terminal 200." Note that "transmitting with priority over the building management terminal 200" means transmitting it at an earlier time than when it would be transmitted to the building management terminal 200. In this way, the notification rule storage unit 124 stores notification rules for each condition.

[0069] The notification rules shown in Figure 7 are just one example. For instance, a notification rule might include a condition "The type of device information is related to the work of the administrator managing the water-related space" and a content "After the device information is sent to the water-related space management terminal 300, and after a completion signal is received from the water-related space management terminal 300, it is sent to the building management terminal 200."

[0070] The control unit 130 may be, for example, an information processing device (control device) that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 130 may have, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and may be implemented by executing a program (for example, the information processing program according to this disclosure) stored inside the control unit 130 using RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 130 may also have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0071] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a determination unit 132, a water-related space management unit 133, and a transmission unit 134, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Furthermore, each part of the control unit 130 can be read as a means. For example, the water-related space management unit 133 can be read as a water-related space management means, indicating that the water-related space management unit 133 functions as a water-related space management means. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0072] The acquisition unit 131 acquires device information from device equipment 50 installed in the bathroom area of ​​the building. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information about sitting on a toilet seat detected by a toilet seat device installed in the bathroom area. The acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired device information in the device information storage unit 121. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information from a device "toilet seat device A" installed in the toilet area that "sitting on toilet seat device A was detected" at "2024 / 11 / 10 12:15~12:45" and stores it in the device information storage unit 121.

[0073] The determination unit 132 determines the type of device information. For example, the determination unit 132 determines whether the type of device information relates to the work of an administrator who manages the water-related space. For example, when the acquisition unit 131 acquires device information such as "100 ml of liquid soap remaining in the washbasin," the determination unit 132 refers to the information stored in the type information storage unit 122 shown in Figure 5. In this case, the determination unit 132 determines that the acquired device information relates to the work of an administrator who manages the water-related space, according to the information "No. 2" "Liquid soap remaining in the washbasin, administrator's work: ○".

[0074] The water-related space management unit 133 manages multiple device information obtained from device equipment 50 installed in the water-related spaces of a building. For example, the water-related space management unit 133 has a management unit that manages device information based on a predetermined type for the transmission unit 134 to transmit device information to the building management terminal 200 according to a pre-configured notification rule. Here, the predetermined type is the type of device information for which device information is transmitted according to a pre-configured notification rule. In other words, the predetermined type is information used to determine what notification rule to follow when transmitting device information. For example, the management unit manages device information by associating device information with a predetermined type of device information and a notification rule.

[0075] For example, the water-related space management unit 133 manages multiple device information obtained from the device equipment 50 by associating the device information stored in the device information storage unit 121 shown in Figure 4, the type information of the device information stored in the type information storage unit 122 shown in Figure 5, and the notification rule information stored in the notification rule storage unit 124 shown in Figure 7.

[0076] To give a concrete example, the water-related space management unit 133 associates device information "Prolonged sitting on toilet seat A was detected between 12:15 and 12:45 on 11 / 10, 2024" with type information "Sitting on the toilet seat does not correspond to information related to the work of the administrator managing the water-related space" with notification rule "If the type of device information is not related to the work of the administrator managing the water-related space, simultaneously send the device information to the building management terminal 200 and the water-related space management terminal 300." In this case, the water-related space management unit 133 manages multiple pieces of device information that include the information "The information about prolonged sitting on toilet seat A detected between 12:15 and 12:45 on 11 / 10, 2024 is not related to the work of the administrator managing the water-related space, and will be simultaneously sent to the building management terminal 200 and the water-related space management terminal 300."

[0077] The transmitting unit 134 transmits device information to the building management terminal 200 and the bathroom space management terminal 300, which manage spaces within the building. For example, the transmitting unit 134 transmits device information to the building management terminal 200 according to the notification rules. Below, we will describe an example in which the acquisition unit 131 acquires device information whose type is the work of the administrator managing the bathroom space, with the notification rules described in Figure 7 registered. More specifically, the transmitting unit 134 transmits the device information "The amount of soap remaining in washbasin B detected by washbasin B at 11:15 on 2024 / 11 / 10 is 100 ml" to the bathroom space management terminal 300 before transmitting it to the building management terminal 200.

[0078] As an alternative example, the transmitting unit 134 transmits the device information "The amount of liquid soap remaining in washbasin B detected by washbasin B at 11:15 on 2024 / 11 / 10 is 100 ml" to the building management terminal 200 after receiving a completion signal from the water area management terminal 300.

[0079] Furthermore, when the transmitting unit 134 transmits device information to the building management terminal 200 after receiving a completion signal, it can also transmit the completion signal to the building management terminal 200 at the same time. For example, if the device information is "The amount of liquid soap remaining in washbasin B detected by washbasin B at 11:15 on 11 / 10 / 2024 is 100ml," and the completion signal information transmitted from the water-related space management terminal 300 is "Replenishment of liquid soap in washbasin B to 1000ml completed at 14:15 on 11 / 10 / 2024," then the water-related equipment management device 100 transmits both the device information "The amount of liquid soap remaining in washbasin B detected by washbasin B at 11:15 on 11 / 10 / 2024 is 100ml" and the completion signal information "Replenishment of liquid soap in washbasin B to 1000ml completed at 14:15 on 11 / 10 / 2024" to the building management terminal 200.

[0080] In other words, if the transmission unit 134 is dealing with information related to the work of an administrator managing a water-related space, it can first transmit the information to the water-related space management terminal 300, and then, upon receiving a completion signal from the water-related space management terminal 300, transmit the information after the administrator has completed the work to the building management terminal 200.

[0081] [Processing performed by the management system] Next, with reference to Figure 8, an example of the processing performed by the management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the processing performed by the management system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the information flow when a user uses the device equipment 50 and the obtained device information relates to the work of the manager who manages the water-related space. In Figure 8, the device information transmitted from the device equipment 50 is information about consumables for water-related equipment, the type of device information is information about the work of the manager who manages the water-related space, and the device information is transmitted from the water-related equipment management device 100 according to the notification rules explained in Figure 7. Figure 8 shows the device equipment 50, the user who uses the device equipment 50, the water-related equipment management device 100, the building management terminal 200, the water-related space management terminal 300, the cleaning person who manages the water-related space using the water-related space management terminal 300, and the building manager who performs monitoring.

[0082] First, the user uses a device 50 such as a toilet (step S11). Next, the device 50 transmits device information detected by its own sensors to the water supply equipment management device 100 (step S12). Subsequently, the water supply equipment management device 100 transmits the device information according to notification rules corresponding to the type of device information. In the example in Figure 8, the water supply equipment management device 100 first transmits the device information to the water supply space management terminal 300 (step S13).

[0083] Next, the water-related space management terminal 300 checks the transmitted device information and transmits the confirmation result information entered by the cleaning person who performed the on-site inspection or work to the water-related equipment management device 100 (step S14). Then, the water-related equipment management device 100, having received the confirmation result information from the water-related space management terminal 300, transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 (step S15). The water-related equipment management device 100 can also transmit device information that reflects the received confirmation result information to the building management terminal 200.

[0084] The following steps S16 and S17 describe the processes to be performed if the process in step S14 is not carried out. For example, if the plumbing equipment management device 100 does not receive the confirmation result information transmitted from the plumbing space management terminal 300 within a predetermined period after the device information is transmitted to the plumbing space management terminal 300, the plumbing equipment management device 100 transmits the device information acquired from the device equipment 50 to the building management terminal 200 (step S16). The building management terminal 200 then transmits the device information to the terminal device used by the building manager performing the monitoring (step S17), thereby allowing the building manager to confirm the monitoring building manager's device information.

[0085] 〔flowchart〕 Next, with reference to Figure 9, the processing flow of the management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the management system 1 according to the first embodiment. Each step in the flowchart may be rearranged within a consistent range, and some steps may not be performed.

[0086] First, the management system 1 acquires device information from the device equipment 50 installed in the bathroom (step S101). For example, the acquisition unit 131 of the management system 1 acquires information about sitting on the toilet seat, which is detected by the toilet seat device installed in the bathroom.

[0087] Next, the management system 1 determines whether the type of device information acquired relates to the work of an administrator managing the water-related space (step S102). For example, the management system 1 refers to the correspondence information between the detection information of the device and the type of the device stored in the type information storage unit 122 to determine whether the type of device information acquired relates to the work of an administrator managing the water-related space.

[0088] If the type of device information is determined to be related to the work of the administrator managing the water-related space (Step S102; Yes), the management system 1 prioritizes sending the device information to the water-related space management terminal 300 (Step S103). For example, the management system 1 sends the device information to the water-related space management terminal 300 before sending it to the building management terminal 200.

[0089] Next, the management system 1 determines whether or not it has received a completion signal from the water-related space management terminal 300 (step S104). If it is determined that a completion signal has not been received (step S104; No), the management system 1 repeats the process of step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that a completion signal has been received (step S104; Yes), the management system 1 transmits device information to the building management terminal 200 (step S105). Then, the management system 1 terminates its process.

[0090] Returning to step S102, if it is determined that the type of device information is not related to the work of the administrator managing the water-related space (step S102; No), the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 and the water-related space management terminal 300 (step S106). For example, the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 and the water-related space management terminal 300 simultaneously. Then, the management system 1 terminates the process.

[0091] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, a process was described for changing the transmission method of device information depending on whether the type of device information is related to the work of an administrator managing a water-related space. In the second embodiment, a process is described for changing the transmission method of device information depending on whether the type of device information is first-priority information. Note that details described in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0092] [Water supply equipment management device] The type information storage unit 122 stores, in addition to the information stored by the type information storage unit 122 in the first embodiment, information relating detection information to first information and second information, which are the types of device information. The first information indicates that the device information has a high priority setting. The second information indicates that the device information has a low priority setting. That is, in the second embodiment, the type of device information includes information on whether it is the first information or not, and whether it is the second information or not.

[0093] Referring to Figure 10, an example of the information stored by the type information storage unit 122 according to the second embodiment will be explained. Figure 10 is a table diagram showing an example of the information stored by the type information storage unit 122 according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the type information storage unit 122 stores information associated with "No, detection date and time, administrator's work, first information, second information," etc. The items "No," "detection information," and "administrator's work" stored here are the same as in Figure 5. "First information" indicates whether the type of device information corresponds to the first information. "Second information" indicates whether the type of device information corresponds to the second information.

[0094] To illustrate with a specific example using Figure 10, for instance, the type information storage unit 122 stores the information that "the malfunction of the hand dryer, which is detection information No. 3, is not information related to the work of the manager who manages the water-related space, but rather primary information."

[0095] Here, the priority settings for device information can be changed as needed. For example, the priority of device information can be freely changed according to purposes such as the actual usage of the plumbing management system, the building equipment management method, the management system, and the building manager's preferences.

[0096] Here, with reference to Figure 11, we will explain an example where the priority of device information differs depending on the building equipment management method. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of setting the priority of device information according to the second embodiment. Figure 11(1) shows so-called building-based equipment management, where equipment management is performed for only one building. Also, at the bottom of Figure 11(1), the urgency level of detection information regarding prolonged use and remaining quantity for building managers and cleaning staff in building-based equipment management is shown in table format. Figure 11(2) shows so-called multi-building management, where equipment management is performed for multiple buildings. Also, at the bottom of Figure 11(2), the urgency level of detection information regarding prolonged use and remaining quantity for building managers and cleaning staff in multi-building management is shown in table format.

[0097] For example, in the building-based facility management shown in Figure 11(1), prolonged use, such as sitting on a toilet seat for an extended period, is considered "high" urgency for the building manager and "medium" urgency for the cleaner. Therefore, detection information such as prolonged sitting on a toilet seat can be set as high-priority, primary information. Similarly, in the multi-building facility management shown in Figure 11(2), the same prolonged use is considered "medium" urgency for the building manager and "high" urgency for the cleaner. Therefore, detection information such as prolonged sitting on a toilet seat can be set as low-priority, secondary information. While the above examples show setting the priority of detection information with a "high" urgency level from the building manager's perspective as primary information, it is possible to freely set which perspective's urgency level is prioritized, or the level of urgency when setting it as primary information, depending on the purpose.

[0098] The notification rules stored in the notification rule storage unit 124 include, in addition to the example described in the first embodiment, a notification rule that, if the type of device information is first information, sends the device information to the building management terminal 200 with priority over second information. Note that "with priority over second information" means at an earlier time than when device information of type second information is sent to the building management terminal 200.

[0099] As an alternative example, the notification rules stored in the notification rule storage unit 124 include a notification rule that, if the type of device information is second information, the device information is transmitted to the building management terminal 200 at a lower rate than the first information. "At a lower rate than the second information" means at a later time than the time when device information of type first information is transmitted to the building management terminal 200.

[0100] If the predetermined type of the device information to be transmitted is first information, the transmitting unit 134 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 at an earlier timing than when it transmits device information of the predetermined type being second information. On the other hand, if the predetermined type of the device information to be transmitted is second information, the transmitting unit 134 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 at a later timing than when it transmits device information of the predetermined type being first information.

[0101] [Processing performed by the management system] Next, an example of processing performed by the management system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by the management system 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 shows an example of the information flow when a user uses the device equipment 50 and the obtained device information is first information. In Figure 12, the device information transmitted from the device equipment 50 is information regarding a malfunction of plumbing-related equipment, the type of device information is first information, and the example shows the device information being transmitted by the plumbing equipment management device 100 according to the notification rules described in the notification rule storage unit 124. Figure 12 shows the device equipment 50, the user using the device equipment 50, the plumbing equipment management device 100, the building management terminal 200, the plumbing space management terminal 300, the cleaning person who is the manager who manages the plumbing space using the plumbing space management terminal 300, the building manager who performs security, and the building manager who performs monitoring.

[0102] First, the user uses a device 50 such as a toilet (step S21). Next, the device 50 transmits device information detected by its own sensors to the water supply equipment management device 100 (step S22). Subsequently, the water supply equipment management device 100 transmits the device information according to notification rules corresponding to the type of device information. In the example in Figure 12, the water supply equipment management device 100 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 (step S23).

[0103] Next, the building management terminal 200 transmits device information to the monitoring terminal, which is a terminal device used by the building manager performing the monitoring (step S24). That is, the building management terminal 200 displays a screen notification about the received device information. Subsequently, the monitoring terminal transmits information to the plumbing equipment management device 100 requesting detailed information about the device (step S25). Here, detailed information about the device includes information such as the detection history of the device equipment 50 that detected the device information. In the example in Figure 12, the detailed information about the device is used by the building manager performing the monitoring to determine whether on-site verification by the building manager performing security is necessary.

[0104] Next, the plumbing equipment management device 100 transmits detailed device information to the monitoring terminal (step S26). At this point, the building manager who has reviewed the detailed device information determines that an on-site inspection is necessary. Subsequently, the monitoring terminal transmits information about the on-site inspection request received from the building manager who has reviewed the detailed information to the plumbing equipment management device 100 (step S27). Here, the information about the on-site inspection request may include, for example, location information of the place where the on-site inspection is required, and a deadline for carrying out the on-site inspection, in addition to the device information.

[0105] Next, the plumbing equipment management device 100 transmits information requesting an on-site inspection to the security terminal, which is a terminal device used by the building manager responsible for security (step S28). Subsequently, the security terminal receives input of the results of the on-site inspection from the building manager responsible for security and transmits the information of the inspection results to the plumbing equipment management device 100 (step S29). Then, the plumbing equipment management device 100 transmits the information of the inspection results to the building management terminal 200 (step S30).

[0106] The following step S31 indicates the process to be performed if the process in step S29 is not carried out. For example, if the building manager responsible for security does not perform an on-site inspection within a predetermined period after information requesting an on-site inspection is sent to the security terminal, and the plumbing equipment management device 100 does not receive the results of the on-site inspection sent from the security terminal, the plumbing equipment management device 100 sends an on-site inspection request to the plumbing space management terminal 300 (step S31).

[0107] In this way, when the management system 1 detects high-priority information such as a malfunction of device equipment 50, it transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200, enabling the building manager to quickly confirm the information and conduct on-site inspections. Furthermore, if the building manager does not conduct an on-site inspection, it transmits the device information to the water-related space management terminal 300, enabling the cleaning staff to conduct on-site inspections.

[0108] 〔flowchart〕 Next, with reference to Figure 13, the processing flow of the management system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the management system 1 according to the second embodiment. Each step in the flowchart may be rearranged within a consistent range, and some steps may not be performed.

[0109] First, the management system 1 acquires device information from the device equipment 50 installed in the bathroom (step S201). For example, the acquisition unit 131 of the management system 1 acquires information about sitting on the toilet seat, which is detected by the toilet seat device installed in the bathroom.

[0110] Next, the management system 1 determines whether the type of device information acquired is the first type of information (step S202). For example, the management system 1 refers to the correspondence information between the detection information of the device and the type of the device stored in the type information storage unit 122 to determine whether the type of device information acquired is the first type of information.

[0111] If it is determined that the type of device information is the first type (step S202; Yes), the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 with higher priority than when the type of device information is the second type (step S203). For example, if the type of device information is the first type, the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 at an earlier time than when it transmits device information of the second type to the building management terminal 200.

[0112] Returning to step S202, if it is determined that the type of device information is not the first type of information (step S202; No), the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 at a lower delay than when the type of device information is the first type of information (step S204). For example, if the type of device information is the second type of information, the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 at a later timing than when it transmits the device information for the first type of information to the building management terminal 200. Then, the management system 1 terminates the process.

[0113] <Third Embodiment> In the second embodiment, a process for changing the transmission method of device information depending on whether the type of device information is high-priority first information was described. In the third embodiment, a process for changing the transmission path when the type of device information is high-priority first information will be described. Note that the contents described in the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0114] [Water supply equipment management device] Next, with reference to Figure 14, an example of the configuration of the water supply equipment management device 100 will be described. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the water supply equipment management device 100 according to the third embodiment. It differs from the first embodiment in that the transmitting unit 134 has a first transmitting unit 134A and a second transmitting unit 134B.

[0115] The notification rules stored in the notification rule storage unit 124 include, in addition to the examples described in the first and second embodiments, notification rules such as "If the type of device information is first information, the second transmission unit 134B transmits the device information to the building management terminal" and "If the type of device information is second information, the first transmission unit 134A transmits the device information to the building management terminal."

[0116] The water-related space management unit 133 functions as a means of managing water-related spaces and includes a relay and a cloud server. The relay is a device that relays information transmitted from the equipment management device 20. The relay stores notification rule information similar to that of the water-related space management unit 133 and distributes device information according to the type of device information so that the device information is transmitted along a route according to the notification rule. For example, if the device information transmitted from device equipment 50 is the first information, the relay achieves high-speed information transmission by distributing the device information so that it is transmitted to the building management terminal 200 via other relays. Also, if the device information transmitted from device equipment 50 is the second information, the relay achieves reliable information transmission, even if not high-speed, by distributing the device information so that it is transmitted to the building management terminal 200 via the cloud server.

[0117] The cloud server is a cloud server for managing equipment in the water-related areas. For example, the cloud server obtains device information from device equipment 50. The cloud server also controls device equipment 50 by sending control signals to it. Furthermore, the cloud server transmits the device information sent from device equipment 50 installed in the water-related areas to the building management terminal 200.

[0118] The transmitting unit 134 includes a first transmitting unit 134A that transmits device information to the building management terminal 200 via a cloud server, and a second transmitting unit 134B that transmits device information to the building management terminal 200 via a repeater. For example, if the type of device information is the first type, the transmitting unit 134 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 using the second transmitting unit 134B. If the type of device information is the second type, the transmitting unit 134 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 using the first transmitting unit 134A. Note that the transmitting unit 134, the first transmitting unit 134A, and the second transmitting unit 134B may also be included in the repeater.

[0119] Here, an example of the transmission process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the transmission process according to the third embodiment. Figure 15 schematically shows the normal path and the high-speed path when the management system 1 transmits device information. The normal path is shown by a solid line from the device equipment 50 to the building management terminal 200, and the high-speed path is shown by a dotted line from the device equipment 50 to the building management terminal 200. In the example of Figure 15, a repeater functions as a transmission means.

[0120] For example, if the device information type is second-class information, the transmission means transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 via the cloud server using the first-class information transmission means. The relay A, upon receiving the device information, sorts it according to the type of device information it received. In this example, since the device information type is second-class information, the device information is transmitted to the cloud server via the internet. The cloud server then transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200.

[0121] Thus, in the transmission of device information via the normal route, the device information is sent to the internet located outside of building 2, and then transmitted to the building management terminal 200 via a cloud server. As a result, the time from when the device information is sent to the relay device A until it is received by the building management terminal 200 tends to be long.

[0122] On the other hand, if the type of device information is the first type of information, the transmission means transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 via the relay using the second transmission means. As described above, relay A distributes the route according to the type of device information. In this example, since the type of device information transmitted to relay A is the first type of information, the device information is transmitted to the building management terminal 200 via the route within building 2, relay B, and the integrated controller that integrates information from the equipment management device 20.

[0123] Thus, in the transmission of device information via a high-speed route, the device information is transmitted to the building management terminal 200 via a route within the building 2, allowing for faster transmission of device information to the building management terminal 200 compared to transmission via a normal route. In other words, when transmitting device information via a high-speed route, the transmission means does not go through the external internet but instead goes through communication equipment within the building, making it possible to transmit device information to the building management terminal 200 at high speed.

[0124] 〔flowchart〕 Next, with reference to Figure 16, the processing flow of the management system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the management system 1 according to the third embodiment. Each step in the flowchart may be rearranged within a consistent range, and some steps may not be performed.

[0125] First, the management system 1 acquires device information from the device equipment 50 installed in the bathroom (step S301). For example, the acquisition unit 131 of the management system 1 acquires information about sitting on the toilet seat, which is detected by the toilet seat device installed in the bathroom.

[0126] Next, the management system 1 determines whether the type of device information acquired is the first type of information (step S302). For example, the management system 1 refers to the correspondence information between the device detection information and the device type stored in the type information storage unit 122 to determine whether the type of device information acquired is the first type of information.

[0127] If it is determined that the type of device information is the first type of information (step S302; Yes), the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 via the relay (step S303). For example, the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 via relay A, relay B, and the integrated controller.

[0128] On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of device information is not the first type of information (step S302; No), the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 via the cloud server (step S304). For example, the management system 1 transmits the device information to the building management terminal 200 via the relay A, the internet, and the cloud server. Then, the management system 1 terminates the process.

[0129] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0130] The various types of information, such as usage data, in each of the embodiments and modifications described above may be manually entered by the user. For example, although the embodiments and modifications described above were described as examples of generating information to be displayed based on analysis processing, the information to be displayed may also be manually entered by the user. For example, if information regarding stool is to be manually entered by the user, the user may visually or olfactorily confirm the excrement, such as feces, after defecating, and then enter the information regarding the stool by operating a terminal device or the like.

[0131] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 Management System 2 buildings 200 Building Management Terminals 20 Equipment management device 21 Power management device 22 Air conditioning control equipment 23 Lighting management device 24 Disaster prevention management device 25 Security Management Devices 26 Elevator control device 100 Water supply equipment management devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Device Information Storage Unit 122 Type Information Storage Unit 123 Urgency information storage unit 124 Notification Rule Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Judgment Department 133 Water Facilities Management Department 134 Transmitter 134A First Transmitter 134B Second Transmitter

Claims

1. A management system for managing multiple pieces of equipment installed within a building, A water-related space management means for managing multiple device information obtained from devices installed in the water-related spaces of a building, A transmission means for transmitting the device information to a building management terminal that manages the space within the building, Equipped with, The means of managing water-related spaces is The building management terminal has a management unit that manages the device information based on a predetermined type, for which the transmission means transmits the device information according to a pre-set notification rule. A management system characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned transmission means is The device information can be transmitted to a water-related space management terminal used by workers working in the aforementioned water-related space. The aforementioned predetermined type includes whether or not it is information relating to the work of the manager who manages the water-related space, The aforementioned notification rules are: If the information concerns the work of the manager who manages the aforementioned water-related space, the device information is transmitted to the water-related space management terminal with priority over the building management terminal. The management system according to feature 1.

3. The management system according to claim 2, characterized in that the information relating to the work of the manager who manages the aforementioned water-related space is information relating to consumables of water-related equipment installed in the water-related space.

4. The aforementioned notification rules are: The management system according to claim 2, wherein if the information concerns the work of an administrator managing the aforementioned water-related space, it is transmitted to the water-related space management terminal, and then, after receiving a completion signal from the water-related space management terminal, is transmitted to the building management terminal.

5. The aforementioned predetermined types are: This includes whether the device information is a first piece of information with a higher priority set, or a second piece of information with a lower priority set than the first piece of information, The notification rule states that if the predetermined type is the first information, it will take precedence over the second information in transmitting the device information to the building management terminal. The management system according to feature 1.

6. The management system according to claim 5, characterized in that the priority of the device information is provided to be arbitrarily changeable.

7. The aforementioned water-related space management means includes a relay device and a cloud server. The aforementioned transmission means is A first transmission means that transmits the device information to the building management terminal via the cloud server, A second transmission means that transmits the device information to the building management terminal via the relay. It has, The management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means transmits the device information by the second transmission means when the predetermined type is first information.

8. The management system according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a determination means for determining which of the predetermined types the device information corresponds to.

9. A management system for managing plumbing facilities installed within a building, A water-related space management means for managing multiple device information obtained from devices installed in the water-related spaces of a building, A transmission means for transmitting the device information to a building management terminal that manages the space within the building, Equipped with, The means of managing water-related spaces is The building management terminal has a management unit that manages the device information based on a predetermined type, for which the transmission means transmits the device information according to a pre-set notification rule. A management system characterized by the following features.

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