Demand target display system

Abstract

In watches that display power consumption on the outer edge of the dial in addition to the time, the color of the hands was controlled when displaying physical quantities other than power consumption, but users had to refer to separate documents or other materials that explained how to do this. [Means for solving the problem] By making the demand target display device (B) output-only, it can be installed in a high place that is not easily accessible but is easily visible, so that many people can understand the power consumption relative to the target power consumption. By acquiring data other than power consumption and displaying the power consumption and other data explanations on the display panel (BM) in addition to the power consumption displayed on the donut light-emitting part (BE), the data display can be made easier to read. By making the parts of the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) that may overlap with the display panel (BM) transparent or semi-transparent, the explanations displayed on the display panel (BM) can be made easier to see.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a demand target display system that simultaneously displays target power consumption information and other data within a demand time zone. Also related hereto are inventions regarding an operating method of the system, which is a computer, and a program to be executed by the system, which is a computer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a clock that can display a physical quantity in addition to time information, regardless of the type of table clock or wristwatch.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a clock having: a dual scale for indicating time and power consumption as a physical quantity; a pointer drive unit that drives a pointer for indicating the dual scale according to time; a physical quantity acquisition unit that acquires power consumption at predetermined intervals from the start time of the time period to the current time to which the current time belongs; a physical quantity indicator for indicating, on the dual scale, the magnitude of the power consumption at the current time with respect to the target level; and a physical quantity indicator drive unit that drives the physical quantity indicator at a ratio such that the scale position of the dual scale pointed to by the minute hand at the start time of the time period to which the current time belongs is the origin position of the physical quantity, and the scale position of the dual scale pointed to by the minute hand at the current time becomes the target level of the power consumption at the current time. As an example of displaying external information other than the power consumption displayed on the physical quantity indicator, an example of controlling the colors of the hour hand, minute hand, and second hand is disclosed. For example, it is described that when the precipitation probability is less than 20%, the color of the pointer is made blue, when the precipitation probability is in the range of 20 to 60%, the color of the pointer is made yellow, and when the precipitation probability is 60% or more, the color of the pointer is made red.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the clock disclosed in Patent Document 1, when displaying external information other than the power consumption amount shown on the physical quantity indicator, the numerical range must be distinguished by the difference in color of the hour, minute, and second hands, as in the example of precipitation probability. In contrast to the display of physical quantities by the physical quantity indicator, distinction must be made by the difference in the color of the hands, making it difficult to read the external information displayed by the hands at a glance. Furthermore, the correspondence between the external information displayed by the hands and the color of the hands is not displayed on the clock, so users had to refer to separate materials that show the correspondence. Moreover, since Patent Document 1 does not clearly describe a configuration for specifying the difference in the color of the hands as described above, other than the configuration of the clock, it is considered that the clock must be configured to specify the colors and acquire external information. For this to happen, the clock needs to be installed in a place that is easily accessible to people, and it could not be installed in a high place that is out of reach.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a demand target display system comprising a demand target display device (B), the power consumption output device (A), and an ES device (C), which have an hour hand (BB) and a minute hand (BC) that orbit a circular clock face (BA), and a donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) arranged on the outer circumference of the clock face (BA) that is capable of emitting multicolor light with a resolution equivalent to that of the time scale on the clock face (BA), and which acquires power consumption information from a power consumption output device (A) and emits a light-emitting display on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) from the light-emitting start position, which is the starting minute hand position of the demand time period, to a position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA) that is indicated by the value obtained by dividing the power consumption indicated by the power consumption information within the demand time period by the target unit power consumption within the demand time period indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand time period, during the demand time period in which the minute hand (BC) is located.

[0007] The present invention provides a demand target display device (B) that illuminates a donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) in a different area from the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) that displays the power consumption, up to a position on the clock face (BA) corresponding to one or more of the acquired instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current unit price of electricity charges, future unit price of electricity charges, requested demand value for future demand time periods, target demand value for future demand time periods, and actual demand value for past demand time periods. The present invention provides a demand target display device (B) configured to have one or more display panel sections (BM) that display characters or / and symbols within the clock face (BA), and to display a description, including the name, of the numerically expressed quantity indicated by the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) corresponding to each display panel section (BM). Furthermore, the present invention provides a demand target display device (B) having an hour hand (BB) and a minute hand (BC) in which the portion that may overlap with the display panel section (BM) is transparent or semi-transparent.

[0008] In the demand target display system of the present invention, the demand target display device (B) is output-only and does not have a user interface for setting conditions, allowing it to be installed in a high place on a wall that is not easily accessible. By installing it in a high place, many people can see it, allowing them to understand the amount of power consumption relative to the target power consumption per demand period, and prompting them to adjust the increase or decrease in power consumption. In addition, based on the power receiving equipment operation information output from the ES device (C) to the monitoring server device and the information displayed on the demand target display device (B), consumers can become aware of malfunctions in the power receiving equipment (e.g., a decrease in transformer efficiency due to a temperature rise that is not abnormal). It is also possible to acquire data other than power consumption and select and display it as appropriate. The power consumption and other data indicated by the donut light-emitting part (BE) are displayed on the display panel (BM) using characters or / and symbols to make the data display easier to read. By making the parts of the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) that may overlap with the display panel (BM) transparent or semi-transparent, the explanations displayed on the display panel (BM) can be made easier to see. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems relating to the demand target display device (B), the present invention, as the first invention, The power consumption information acquisition unit (AA) acquires power consumption information, which is information about the amount of power consumed by power consumers who try to control their power consumption by setting a target amount of power consumption, A power consumption information output unit (AB) outputs the acquired power consumption information, A target power consumption information holding unit (AC) holds target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption amount in relation to the power demand time period, A target power consumption information output unit (AD) that outputs target power consumption information, A power consumption output device (A) having, A circular clock face (BA), The hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) rotate on the watch face (BA) to indicate the time, The hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) are driven by a hand drive unit (BD), The donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) is arranged around the outer edge of the clock face (BA) and is capable of emitting multi-color light with the same resolution as the time scale on the clock face (BA). A power consumption information acquisition unit (BF) acquires power consumption information, which is information about power consumption, from a power consumption output device (A), A target power consumption information acquisition unit (BG) acquires target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption amount in relation to the power demand time period, A demand time period target unit power consumption information holding unit (BH) holds demand time period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within a demand time period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand time length, which is the length of the demand time period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand time period. In the demand time period where the minute hand (BC) is located, the starting minute hand position of that demand time period is used as the illumination start position, and a target comparative power consumption display unit (BJ) that can illuminate and display the power consumption amount indicated by the power consumption information within that demand time period divided by the target unit power consumption within that demand time period indicated by the target unit power consumption information within that demand time period is located up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock dial, is provided. A demand target display device (B) having, The power consumption information, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the electricity consumer, is acquired from the electricity consumer's power receiving equipment and transmitted to the power consumption output device (A), An ES device (C) transmits this power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information indicating whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal to a monitoring server device that monitors power receiving equipment operation information and power consumption information for multiple power consumers. We provide a demand target display system consisting of the following.

[0010] As a second invention, based on the first invention, A data acquisition unit (BK) acquires one or more of the following data: instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. A data display light-emitting unit (BL) starts at the 0 or 30 minute position of the minute hand and illuminates the donut-shaped light-emitting unit (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the acquired data, in accordance with the time scale on the clock face (BA). A demand target display device (B) further having the following is provided.

[0011] As a third invention, based on either the first or second invention, The present invention provides a demand target display device (B) having a display panel (BM) within a clock face (BA) that displays one or more characters or / and symbols.

[0012] As a fourth invention, based on the third invention, Provide a demand target display device (B) in which an explanation including the name of the quantity expressed by the numerical value indicated by the corresponding donut light emitting part (BE) is displayed on the display panel part (BM).

[0013] As a fifth invention, based on either one of the third invention or the fourth invention, Provide a demand target display device (B) in which the parts of the hour hand (BB) and the minute hand (BC) that may overlap with the display panel part (BM) are transparent or translucent.

[0014] Furthermore, provide an operation method of the demand target display system which is the computer of the first invention and the demand target display device (B) which is the computer of the second to fifth inventions. Furthermore, provide a program to be executed on the demand target display system which is the computer of the first invention and the demand target display device (B) which is the computer of the second to fifth inventions. Also, the program may be recorded on a recording medium.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] With the demand target display system of the present invention having the above configuration, when a power consumer checks the time by looking at a clock, the power consumer can grasp the power consumption amount with respect to the target power consumption amount per demand time zone, and can encourage the consumer to suppress power consumption. Also, the system of the present invention can acquire and appropriately select and display data other than the power consumption amount, and can make the display of the data easier to view by displaying, on the display panel part (BM), in characters or / and symbols what the power consumption amount and other data indicated by the donut light emitting part (BE) of the system are. By making the parts of the hour hand (BB) and the minute hand (BC) that may overlap with the display panel part (BM) of the device transparent or translucent, the explanation displayed on the display panel part (BM) can be made easier to visually recognize.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1]Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Operation flowchart diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Hardware diagram of the power consumption output device (A) of the invention according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Hardware diagram of the demand target display device (B) of the invention according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Hardware diagram of the ES device (C) of the invention according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 7] Operation flowchart diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 8] Hardware diagram of the power consumption output device (A) of the invention according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 9] Hardware diagram of the demand target display device (B) of the invention according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 10] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 3 [Figure 11] Operation flowchart diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 3 [Figure 12] Hardware diagram of the demand target display device (B) of the invention according to Embodiment 3 [Figure 13] Overall configuration schematic diagram of the system of the present invention [Figure 14] Explanation diagram of the hardware of the present invention [Figure 15] Appearance example 1 of the demand target display device (B) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 16] Appearance example 2 of the demand target display device (B) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 17] Appearance example of the demand target display device (B) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention [Figure 18] Appearance example 1 of the demand target display device (B) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention [Figure 19] Appearance example 2 of the demand target display device (B) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention [Figure 20]External view example 3 of the demand target display device (B) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention [Figure 21] Appearance example 4 of the demand target display device (B) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention [Figure 22] Appearance example 5 of the demand target display device (B) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention [Figure 23] Example 1 of the target power consumption setting screen for the system of the present invention [Figure 24] Example 2 of the target power consumption setting screen for the system of the present invention [Figure 25] Example 3 of the target power consumption setting screen for the system of the present invention [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] <Prerequisites for the description of all embodiments> <Regarding hardware that may constitute the present invention> This invention, in principle, utilizes an electronic computer, but at least a part of it is realized by software, by hardware, and through the collaboration of software and hardware. In this case, the software uses hardware resources to perform various calculations and realizes various functions through the required data and information. It can be said that information processing by software is concretely realized using hardware resources.

[0018] Hardware that realizes all or part of the constituent elements of the present invention consists of the basic components of a computer, such as a CPU, memory, bus, input / output devices, various peripheral devices, and a user interface. Various peripheral devices may include storage devices, internet interfaces, internet devices, LAN devices, Wi-Fi® devices, displays, display interfaces, keyboards, mice, speakers, microphones, cameras, video equipment, televisions, CD players, DVD players, Blu-ray players, USB memory sticks, USB memory interfaces, removable hard disks, general-purpose hard disks, projector devices, SSDs, telephones, fax machines, copiers, printers, movie editing devices, and various sensor devices.

[0019] Furthermore, this system does not necessarily have to consist of a single enclosure; it may be composed of multiple enclosures connected by communication. Communication can be conducted via LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, near-field communication (NFC), or mobile phone networks. Additionally, some communication may take place between enclosures installed across national borders.

[0020] <Satisfaction of the applicability of natural laws of the present invention in all embodiments> The demand target display system of the present invention functions through the collaborative operation of software processing on a computer and hardware processing such as illuminating a donut-shaped light-emitting unit. In this invention, the ES device (C) of the present invention acquires information on the amount of electricity consumed by a consumer who purchases electricity from a power retailer via a dedicated wired line, LAN line, wireless communication (including NFC, infrared communication, WiFi®, mobile phone line, etc.), internet line, or dedicated line, and transmits it to the electricity consumption output device (A). The electricity consumption output device (A) then outputs the target electricity consumption information input by the consumer and the acquired electricity consumption information to the demand target display device (B) of the present invention. The output target power consumption information and the demand target display device (B) that acquired the power consumption information will, in the demand time period in which the minute hand is located, use the starting minute hand position of the demand time period as the illumination start position, and illuminate the donut light-emitting part (BE) to the corresponding position on the time scale of the clock face (BA) indicated by the value obtained by dividing the power consumption information within the demand time period by the target unit power consumption within the demand time period, which is obtained by dividing the target power consumption held in association with the demand time period by the duration of the demand time period, so that it can be seen by the consumer. The power consumption output device (A) of the present invention acquires information on power consumption, and the demand target display device (B) divides the power consumption by the target unit power consumption within the demand time period and performs a process to illuminate the donut light-emitting part (BE) to the position corresponding to the divided value. Therefore, the present invention can be said to utilize natural laws.

[0021] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power consumption output device (A), a demand target display device (B), and an ES device (C), which are computers, for the purpose of explaining the hardware constituting the demand target display system in an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 14, the hardware configuration of the computer portion of the power consumption output device (A), demand target display device (B), and ES device (C) of the present invention is explained as an example of a configuration similar to that of a PC. Note that the power consumption output device (A), the demand target display device (B) having a clock face (BA), and the ES device (C) may be configured to use an embedded MPU. In that case, the control of the devices is performed by firmware rather than an OS. Furthermore, if a server device is used in this system, the server device may be configured similarly to that of a PC, and the configuration of that server device is the same as the hardware configuration described below, so the explanation is omitted.

[0022] As shown in this diagram, the computer consists of a chipset, CPU, non-volatile memory, main memory, various buses, BIOS (or UEFI), various peripherals such as USB and LAN, communication line connection interfaces, a real-time clock, and expansion cards such as a graphics card, all configured on a motherboard. These work together with the operating system, device drivers (for various interfaces such as USB, cameras, microphones, speakers or headphones, displays, and other devices), and various programs. Using input signals from keyboards and mice connected via USB terminals (or PS / 2 ports), the various programs and data constituting the present invention are configured to efficiently utilize these hardware resources to perform various processes. The computer is connected to the internet via a LAN terminal or the like. Connection to the internet may be made using Wi-Fi® or via a mobile phone network.

[0023] The following describes some of the main components that make up a computer as hardware, as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0024] ≪Chipset≫ A "chipset" is a set of large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs) mounted on a computer's motherboard that integrates the bridge function—the communication function between the CPU's external bus and the standard bus connecting non-volatile memory and peripheral devices mounted on the motherboard. Historically, it consisted of two chips: a northbridge, which connected to the CPU and handled high-speed processing such as between the CPU and main memory or a graphics card equipped with a graphics processing chip (GPU), and a southbridge, which connected to the northbridge and handled processing between relatively slower interfaces. In recent years, the northbridge function has been integrated into the CPU, leaving only the southbridge, although it is still referred to as a chipset. This specification will describe a single-chip configuration with only a southbridge, where the northbridge function is built into the CPU. Note that the effects of the present invention remain the same even in the case of a two-chip configuration of northbridge and southbridge, or in the case of no chipset with the southbridge function integrated into the CPU.

[0025] (Southbridge) When a chipset has a single chip configuration, the southbridge handles I / O functions such as PCI Express interface (slots), SATA (Serial ATA) or eSATA interface, USB interface, LAN (Ethernet) interface, and real-time clock, as well as sound functions. In a single-chip chipset configuration, the southbridge is equipped with a chip that controls external connections such as displays and USB / LAN ports, as well as interfaces such as SATA for connecting HDDs and SSDs, and PCI Express. It is connected to the CPU via a point-to-point hardware interface (e.g., DMI: Direct Media Interface). Depending on the chip, it may also support RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks: a technology that recognizes and displays multiple HDDs as a single drive) for non-volatile memory (such as HDDs). Furthermore, to support features that have become less common in recent years, such as PS / 2 ports, floppy disk drives, serial ports like RS-232C, parallel ports like IEEE1284 for printers, and ISA buses, which do not require or are not possible to operate at high speeds, a separate LSI called a super I / O chip is used, which connects to the southbridge via a low-pin-count bus.

[0026] Bus There are two types of buses: parallel buses and serial buses. A parallel bus uses a signal line equal to the number of bits, and transmits data synchronized with a clock. A dedicated clock signal line runs parallel to the data lines to synchronize data demodulation at the receiving end. A serial bus transfers data one bit at a time. A bus is used to connect peripherals and various control units on the motherboard to the CPU (MPU). While an internal bus connects the CPU core and cache memory within the CPU, a bus that connects the CPU to external memory is called an external bus. The external bus connecting the memory controller built into the CPU to the main memory is a 64-bit parallel bus in the case of DDR4 standard compatible with DDR4-SDRAM (Double-Data-Rate4 Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). As an example of the DDR4 standard, if it is compatible with DDR4-3200 memory, the bandwidth is 3200MHz (maximum memory operating frequency) × 64 (bit) ÷ 8 (bit to byte conversion) = 25.6 (GB / s). Point-to-point connections such as DMI (Direct Media Interface) are used to connect the CPU and the southbridge as described above. External expansion buses such as PCI Express and SATA are connected by the chipset. Parallel buses include GPIB, IDE / (parallel)ATA, SCSI, and PCI. A serial bus transfers data one bit at a time. Because there are limits to how fast it can be made, the improved PCI Express uses point-to-point wiring and a serial transfer method. USB and SATA also use serial data transfer.

[0027] ≪CPU≫ The CPU sequentially reads, interprets, and executes instruction sequences called programs located in main memory, outputting signal-based information back to the main memory. The CPU functions as the central hub for performing calculations within the computer. The CPU consists of the CPU core, which is the core of the calculations, and its surrounding parts. Inside the CPU are registers, cache memory (primary, secondary, and tertiary), an internal bus connecting the cache memory to the CPU core, a memory controller, timers, and an interface to the bus connecting to the southbridge. If the CPU has an integrated graphics function (GPU), it also includes a graphics interface and an internal bus connecting to the CPU core. When using an external graphics card with a CPU that has an integrated GPU, it connects to the graphics interface (such as PCI Express) built into the CPU. Note that a single CPU (chip) may have multiple CPU cores. The example shown in the diagram is a 2-core type, but it is not limited to this. A configuration with multiple CPU chips is also possible. The program can also be embedded within the CPU.

[0028] Non-volatile memory (HDD) The basic structure of a hard disk drive consists of a magnetic disk, a magnetic head, and an arm that mounts the magnetic head. External interfaces can include SATA (formerly ATA) and SAS (Serial Attached SCSI, formerly SCSI). HDD interfaces are broadly divided into the aforementioned ATA and SCSI systems. The ATA system is a method of unilaterally sending data to a physically connected device and relies on the BIOS (or UEFI) on the motherboard, thus constantly requiring CPU processing time. The SCSI system is a method of accurately sending data while checking the status of the connected device and has a control system built into the HDD, thus reducing the CPU load. The ATA system is inexpensive and has a large capacity, but the SCSI system evolved from server systems and excels in high speed and expandability, and because SCSI commands can be processed in a multi-threaded manner, it has high reliability even under high load environments. While HDDs offer excellent cost per unit of capacity, as mentioned above, they contain moving parts, resulting in slow access times and concerns about mechanical failure. Therefore, RAID is used in server equipment and other applications requiring high reliability, allowing for configurations such as simultaneously reading and writing to multiple HDDs or writing the same file to multiple HDDs.

[0029] (Flash memory) Currently, two types of flash memory are commonly used: NAND flash memory and NOR flash memory. While each has its advantages and disadvantages in read / write speeds, NAND flash memory is more advantageous for high integration and is used for data storage applications. Compared to hard disk drives, it is smaller due to the absence of moving parts and does not generate vibration or noise during operation. However, the cost per unit of capacity has not yet fallen to a level that would replace hard disk drives. Although more expensive than hard disk drives, it offers the advantages of smaller devices and greater resistance to shocks. In smartphones and mobile devices, the storage capacity for data storage is typically around 64GB to 256GB, and flash memory is used for miniaturization and weight reduction purposes. In PCs, solid-state drives (SSDs) made of flash memory are increasingly being used for frequently accessed drives that store the OS and application software.

[0030] Main Memory The CPU directly accesses main memory and executes various programs located in it. Main memory is volatile memory, and DRAM is used. Programs in main memory are loaded from non-volatile memory into main memory upon receiving a program startup instruction. Subsequently, the CPU executes the program according to various execution instructions and procedures within the program.

[0031] Operating System (OS) An operating system is used to manage the resources on a computer for applications to use, manage various device drivers, and manage the computer hardware itself. In small computers, firmware may be used as the operating system.

[0032] ≪UEFI≫ In recent years, UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) has been used as a successor to the previously used BIOS, performing a similar role. Like BIOS, UEFI is mounted on the motherboard and stored in flash ROM. The flash ROM chip containing the UEFI instructs the CPU to execute the procedures for booting up the computer hardware and running the operating system. Most typically, it is the first piece of hardware that the CPU reads when it receives a computer boot command. This chip contains the addresses of the operating system stored on the disk (non-volatile memory), and the UEFI, deployed by the CPU, sequentially deploys the operating system into main memory and starts running. The UEFI also has a check function that checks for the presence of various devices connected to the bus. The results of the check are saved in main memory and made available to the operating system as appropriate. The UEFI can also be configured to check for external devices.

[0033] As shown in the figure, the present invention can basically be composed of a general-purpose computer program and various devices. The computer basically operates by loading a program stored in non-volatile memory into main memory, and then executing processing using the main memory, CPU, and various devices. Communication with devices is performed via an interface connected to a bus line. Possible interfaces include display interfaces, USB, LAN terminals, PCI Express interfaces, and communication buffers.

[0034] Each functional block constituting the demand target display system described below can be implemented using hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Specific examples include, in the case of computer-based systems, hardware components such as CPUs, main memory, GPUs, image memory, graphics cards, buses, secondary storage devices (non-volatile memory such as hard disks and flash memory, storage media such as CDs and DVDs and their readers), input devices such as operation buttons used for information input, mice, touch panels, electronic pens used exclusively for touching touch panels, joysticks or joystick-like pointer position input devices, and other external peripheral devices; interfaces for these external peripheral devices; communication interfaces such as LAN terminals; GPS receiving interfaces; GPS processing units; gyroscopes; accelerometers; rotation detection sensors; signal processing units for these sensors; cameras; image file processing circuits; speakers; microphones; audio file processing circuits; communication interfaces; barcode readers; electronic card readers; POS terminals; facial recognition devices; encryption devices; fingerprint recognition devices; palm print recognition devices; retinal recognition devices and other biometric authentication devices; and driver programs and other application programs for controlling this hardware. In particular, it utilizes smartphones, tablet devices, mobile phones, smartwatches, personal computers, data center server equipment, wired and wireless networks, and interfaces.

[0035] Through arithmetic processing by the CPU according to the program deployed in main memory, data input from input devices and other interfaces and held in memory and hardware is processed and stored, and instructions for controlling the hardware and software are generated. Here, the above program may be implemented as multiple modularized programs, or it may be implemented as a single program by combining two or more programs.

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention can also be configured as software in part. Moreover, a storage medium on which such software is recorded is naturally included within the technical scope of the present invention (this applies not only to this embodiment but throughout this specification).

[0037] <Regarding the terminology used in the present invention> "Identification information" refers to symbols, characters, codes, etc., used to identify something. However, identification information itself may be the information being identified. For example, identification information that identifies string record A may be string record A itself. Therefore, customer identification information, which identifies electricity consumers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as consumers) who purchase electricity from electricity retailers, may simultaneously be a simple symbol, character, or code, or the name, trade name, company name, address, or contact information of the consumer identified by that symbol, character, or code.

[0038] In this specification, "association" means not only when two or more pieces of information are directly associated, but also when two or more pieces of information are indirectly associated through one or more other pieces of information. Indirect associations are not necessarily limited to associations within a single device (a device in which the housing is a single housing), but also include cases where associations occur across multiple devices.

[0039] "Based on" includes both cases where it refers to the subject itself and cases where it refers to the subject after some processing has been applied to it. For example, "based on target energy consumption information" includes cases where it refers to the "target energy consumption information" itself or the "target energy consumption indicated by the target energy consumption information," as well as cases where the "target energy consumption information" is based on information obtained by multiplying the "target energy consumption information" by a predetermined ratio (e.g., 0.9 times).

[0040] A "demand period" is a predetermined unit of time used to measure the amount of electricity consumed by consumers. For example, in Japan, the demand period is 30 minutes, with each period consisting of 30-minute intervals, such as from the top of the hour (0 minutes) to 30 minutes past the hour, and from 30 minutes past the hour to 60 minutes past the hour. Therefore, there are 48 intervals in a day in Japan. The length of the demand period may differ from the case in Japan depending on the country or region. In this specification, using Japan as an example, the demand period is assumed to be 30 minutes, and the start times of the demand period are assumed to be at the top of the hour (0 minutes past the hour) and at 30 minutes past the hour.

[0041] A "demand target" is the target value set by consumers for electricity consumption, which is the amount of electricity consumed during one unit of demand time.

[0042] <Overall Configuration Overview of the System of the Present Invention> Figure 13 shows a schematic overview of the overall configuration of the demand target display system of the present invention. The system comprises a server device (1351) on which the program of this system runs via an internet connection (1350) (other commercial lines or dedicated lines may also be used), a management and operator PC (1352) connected to the server device (1351), a high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment (1354A), an ES device (C) (1360A) that monitors the power receiving operation status of the high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment (1354A), a power consumer A that receives power from the high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment (1354A), a PC (1355A) used by power consumer A when using this system, a power consumption output device (A) (1310A) that outputs power consumption information, which is information regarding the amount of power consumed by power consumer A obtained from the high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment via the ES device (C) (1360A), a demand target display device (B) (1320A) that acquires power consumption information and target power consumption information from the power consumption output device (A) (1310A), and power The system includes an energy consumption output device (A) (1310C) that outputs energy consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of electricity consumed by electricity consumer C (a typical household), obtained from an energy consumption device (1360C) (in the example in Figure 13, the smart meter is configured so that the power receiving meter and the energy consumption device (C) are in one housing. They may be configured in separate housings). The system also includes a demand target display device (B) (1320C) that acquires energy consumption information and target energy consumption information from the energy consumption output device (A) (1310C), and a smartphone (1355C) used by electricity consumer C (a typical household) when using this system, all connected by wired or wireless (Wi-Fi® or a mobile phone network, etc.).

[0043] The equipment used by each electricity consumer when using this system is not limited to the examples above. Any information device such as a notebook PC, desktop PC, smartphone, or tablet is acceptable as long as it has internet connectivity and sufficient performance to use this system. In Figure 13, only one server device (1351) is shown, but it may consist of multiple server devices. The server devices may be configured so that each region has its own server and they are connected to each other by an internet connection or similar means. Although not shown, there may be other persons who manage and / or operate the server devices of the system of the present invention (management and / or operation person (1352) in Figure 13). The server devices can be accessed via an information terminal (PC, etc.) that can connect to the internet, or the server devices can be managed and / or operated using an information terminal directly connected to the server devices. The amount of electricity consumed by each electricity consumer is acquired by, for example, electricity consumer C (general household) via a LAN line, wireless line, or the internet by an electricity consumption output device (A) (1310C), and output from the electricity consumption output device (A) (1310C) to a demand target display device (B) (1320C) used by consumer C via a LAN line, wireless line, or the internet. The amount of electricity consumed may also be transmitted to a server device (1351) via the internet line, and then transmitted to a demand target display device (B) (1320C) used by electricity consumer C via the internet line. In addition, for electricity consumer A, the amount of electricity consumed by the high-voltage substation A (1354A) is acquired by the electricity consumption output device (A) (1310A) and output to the demand target display device (B) (1320A) via the internet line, etc. The electricity consumption output device (A) for electricity consumer A can also be configured to be housed in the same enclosure as the high-voltage substation A.

[0044] The system can be configured to have a monitoring server device that receives power receiving equipment operation information from the ES device (C) indicating whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal, separate from the server device (1351) mentioned above. The monitoring server device can also be configured to serve the same purpose as the server device (1351) of this system.

[0045] Furthermore, at least one of the ES device (C), power consumption output device (A), and demand target display device (B) used by a single customer may be configured to be directly connected by wired or wireless communication.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the illustrations.

[0047] <Embodiment 1 Overview> Mainly claims 1, 6, and 7 The demand target display system of Embodiment 1 is configured to consist of an ES device (C) that acquires power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed by a power consumer, from a power receiving facility and transmits it to a power consumption output device (A); a power consumption output device (A) that acquires and outputs the power consumption information; and a demand target display device (B) that acquires the output power consumption information and displays it on a donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) located on the outer circumference of a clock face (BA) and capable of emitting multicolor light with a resolution equivalent to that of a time scale.

[0048] <Embodiment 1 Functional Configuration> Figure 1 shows a functional block diagram of the demand target display system of Embodiment 1. The demand target display system of Embodiment 1 is configured to consist of a power consumption output device (A) (0110) having a power consumption information acquisition unit (AA) (0111), a power consumption information output unit (AB) (0112), a target power consumption information holding unit (AC) (0113), and a target power consumption information output unit (AD) (0114); a demand target display device (B) (0120) having a power consumption information acquisition unit (BF) (0126), a target power consumption information acquisition unit (BG) (0127), a target unit power consumption information holding unit (BH) (0128) within the demand time period, and a target comparison power consumption display unit (BJ) (0129); and an ES device (C) that transmits power consumption information to the power consumption output device (A).

[0049] The above-described functional block is merely an example for implementing the present invention, and its functions may be omitted or new functions added as appropriate, within the scope that does not contradict the problems that the present invention aims to overcome and its effects. The same applies to the descriptions of Embodiment 1 and subsequent embodiments below.

[0050] <Description of the configuration of Embodiment 1> First, the configuration of the power consumption output device (A), which constitutes the demand target display system of the present invention, will be described, then the configuration of the demand target display device (B), and then the configuration of the ES device (C).

[0051] <Embodiment 1: Configuration of Power Consumption Output Device (A)> <Embodiment 1 Power Consumption Output Device (A): Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (AA) (0111)> The "Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (AA)" (0111) is configured to acquire power consumption information, which is information regarding the amount of power consumed by a power consumer who is trying to control their power consumption by setting a target power consumption amount.

[0052] A "power consumer" is someone who consumes electricity, and generally purchases it from a supplier, which is a power retailer. The electricity consumed by a consumer includes not only the electricity they purchase, but also the electricity supplied by their own power generation facilities (e.g., solar power generation facilities, geothermal power generation facilities, small-scale hydroelectric power generation facilities, wind power generation facilities, binary power generation facilities, gasoline engine power generation facilities, fuel cell facilities, etc.) or battery storage facilities, if the consumer uses them. In the embodiments described herein, the example mainly focuses on controlling the consumption of electricity purchased from suppliers, but the same effect is achieved when controlling the consumption of electricity supplied from such private power generation facilities or battery storage facilities.

[0053] "Controlling power consumption" means reducing or increasing power consumption so that the actual power consumption approaches the target power consumption (which may be configured to be obtained based on power consumption performance information showing the customer's past power consumption performance, and recommended power consumption information, which is information indicating the customer's request for power consumption to be increased or decreased for each customer from the supplier from whom the customer purchases power). To increase or decrease power consumption, the operating status of power-consuming equipment is adjusted (e.g., increasing or decreasing the types of power-consuming equipment being operated, increasing or decreasing the number of such equipment, shifting the time of day when equipment is operated, increasing or decreasing the number of equipment operated at one time). Generally, controlling power consumption means reducing power consumption, but it is also possible to shift the time of power consumption to a time when electricity rates are low, and further increase power consumption during that time when electricity rates are low. For example, instead of boiling a small amount of water during a time when electricity rates are high and consuming it immediately, one could boil a large amount of water during a time when electricity rates are low, keep it warm, and use it during a time when electricity rates are high.

[0054] "Power consumption information" refers to information about the amount of power consumed by a consumer. Preferably, this power consumption information is obtained in association with time information. For example, this could be power consumption information showing the amount of power consumed during a specific time period, or power consumption information showing the amount of power consumed per unit of time (e.g., hours, minutes, seconds, etc.) associated with time information indicating the time of day.

[0055] "Power consumption information" is information indicating the amount of power consumed, obtained from measuring instruments installed in the power receiving equipment. The power receiving equipment continuously measures power consumption in real time and outputs it periodically. In the case of periodic power consumption measurement, for example, the power consumption at a certain measurement timing is assumed to have been maintained until the next measurement time, and the amount of power consumption is calculated accordingly. In the above example, if the power consumption measured at a certain timing was 10kW and the next measurement timing was 1 second later, the power consumption between the measurement timings, 10(kW) × 1(seconds) / 3600(seconds / h) = 2.78(Wh), is associated with the time information of the next measurement timing (the value of power consumption may also be associated with the time information at the measurement timing acquired by the power receiving equipment). In this example, acquisition was every second, but depending on the processing capacity of the measuring instrument and the device that calculates the measurement data, and the communication speed of the communication line, the power receiving equipment can be configured to output at a shorter period than 1 second (e.g., every second, less than 1 second). Considering the cost of the equipment configuration, a minimum period of about 1 second is preferable. The ES device (C), described later, acquires power consumption information from the power receiving equipment and outputs the acquired power consumption information to the power consumption output device (A).

[0056] The measurement time interval for power consumption or energy consumption can be determined as appropriate, but in the present invention, it is preferable to set the measurement time interval to one that has a resolution (measurement frequency) equal to or better than that of the time scale of the clock face (BA) described below. For example, if the time scale of the clock face (BA) has 60 markings in minute units, it is preferable to measure power consumption or energy consumption every minute or at measurement intervals of one minute or less. The measurement interval can be set as appropriate, such as every minute, every 30 seconds, every 10 seconds, every second, etc., as long as it is equal to or better than the resolution of the time scale.

[0057] The time information may be associated with the power consumption information in the following cases: when the power receiving equipment associates the power consumption information and the time information and outputs it to the ES device (C) described later; when the ES device (C) described later associates the time information it has acquired with the power consumption information from the power receiving equipment and acquires it; when the power consumption information acquisition unit (AA) of the power consumption output device (A) associates the power consumption information from the ES device (C) described later with the time information acquired by the power consumption output device (A) and acquires it; or when the power consumption information output unit (AB) of the power consumption output device (A) associates the power consumption information with the time information acquired by the power consumption output device (A) and outputs it to the demand target display device (B).

[0058] When associating time information with power consumption information using an ES device (C), the time information generated based on the AC signal obtained from the AC waveform of the AC power received by the customer's power receiving equipment can be used, as described above, or the time information transmitted from a standard radio wave transmission station can be used, or the time information obtained via the Internet can be used.

[0059] When the power consumption output device (A) associates time information with power consumption information, the ES device (C) may use time information generated based on an AC signal obtained from the AC waveform of the AC power received by the customer's power receiving equipment, or the power consumption output device (A) may use time information obtained from standard radio waves transmitted from a standard radio wave transmission station, or the power consumption output device (A) may use time information obtained via the Internet.

[0060] The system can be further configured to include a power consumption information holding unit that holds the acquired power consumption information. When holding the power consumption information, it is more preferable to hold the power consumption information in association with the time information from which it was acquired. When holding the power consumption information, it can also be configured to hold the power consumption information in association with one or more of the following: the time information from which it was acquired, customer identification information that identifies the power consumer, and power receiving equipment identification information that identifies the smart meter or high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment. The power consumption information holding unit can be configured to hold the power consumption information while keeping the time information associated with it, if time information was associated with the power consumption information when the power consumption output device (A) acquired the power consumption information from the ES device (C). If the power consumption information obtained from the ES device (C) is not associated with time information, the power consumption output device (A) can be configured to associate time information obtained via the Internet, time information transmitted from a standard radio wave transmission station, or time information generated based on an AC signal obtained from an AC waveform acquired by the ES device (C) from the AC power received by the power receiving equipment with the power consumption information and store it in the power consumption information holding unit of the power consumption output device (A).

[0061] <Embodiment 1 Power Consumption Output Device (A): Power Consumption Information Output Unit (AB) (0112)> The "Power Consumption Information Output Unit (AB)" (0112) is configured to output the acquired power consumption information.

[0062] The acquired power consumption information is output from the power consumption information output unit (AB) of the power consumption output device (A). The main output destination is the demand target display device (B). However, if the power consumption output device (A) is connected to a network and power consumption information is output to the network, the power consumption information can also be configured to be stored in a power consumption information holding unit configured on a server device connected to the network, associated with one or more of the acquired time information, power consumption output device identification information that identifies the acquiring power consumption output device (A), and customer identification information that identifies the customer. The server device may be further provided with a power consumption information output unit and configured to output to the demand target display device (B). Alternatively, the server device may be configured to process information to control the illumination display of a donut-shaped light-emitting unit (BE) up to a position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face, which is determined by dividing the power consumption amount indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period by the target unit power consumption within the demand period indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, and output the information for controlling the illumination display to the demand target display device (B).

[0063] <Embodiment 1 Power Consumption Output Device (A): Target Power Consumption Information Holding Unit (AC) (0113)> The "Target Power Consumption Information Holding Unit (AC)" (0113) is configured to hold target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption in relation to the power demand time period.

[0064] "Target Power Consumption Information" refers to the power consumption target set by electricity consumers who are trying to control their power consumption. It is linked to the power demand period (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the demand period) and is the target value of the power consumed within that demand period. In Japan, the length of the demand period is 30 minutes, and the start time of the demand period is either at 0 minutes past the hour (every hour) or at 30 minutes past the hour.

[0065] The power consumption output device (A) is preferably configured to further include a target power consumption information acquisition unit that acquires a target power consumption for a consumer who intends to control their power consumption. The target power consumption information can be configured to be acquired based on power consumption performance information, which shows the actual power consumption of the consumer who intends to control their power consumption, and climate information, which shows the climate for the period during which power consumption is to be controlled. The target power consumption information can also be configured to be acquired based on recommended power consumption information, which is information indicating the request of the power supplier from which the consumer purchases power to increase or decrease power consumption for each consumer. Alternatively, the consumer may be configured to input target power consumption information for the period during which power consumption is to be controlled to the system of the present invention, based on their own power consumption performance information and one or more of the recommended power consumption information and climate information. The target power consumption information acquisition unit may be provided on the power consumption output device (A) or on a server device connected to a network. When a consumer inputs target power consumption information, they may use an input device provided in the system of the present invention (e.g., a touch panel attached to the display of the power consumption output device (A)), or the system can be configured to allow consumers to input information from an information terminal such as a PC connected to a network, or from a mobile information terminal such as a tablet or smartphone.

[0066] <Embodiment 1 Power Consumption Output Device (A): Target Power Consumption Information Output Unit (AD) (0114)> The "Target Power Consumption Information Output Unit (AD)" (0114) is configured to output target power consumption information.

[0067] Target power consumption information is output from the power consumption output device (A) in the same way as power consumption information. The main output destination is the demand target display device (B), but if the power consumption output device (A) is connected to a network and the target power consumption information is output to the network, the target power consumption information can also be configured to be stored in a target power consumption information holding unit configured on a server device connected to the network, associated with one or more of the following: time information acquired by the power consumption output device (A), power consumption output device identification information that identifies the acquired power consumption output device (A), or customer identification information. The server device may also be provided with a target power consumption information output unit and configured to output to the demand target display device (B), or the server device may be provided with a demand time period target unit power consumption information holding unit (BH) and a demand time period target unit power consumption information output unit, and the server device may be configured to output the demand time period target unit power consumption information to the demand target display device (B).

[0068] <Embodiment 1 Power Consumption Output Device (A) (0110)> The "power consumption output device (A)" (0110) is configured to include a power consumption information acquisition unit (AA) (0111), a power consumption information output unit (AB) (0112), a target power consumption information holding unit (AC) (0113), and a target power consumption information output unit (AD) (0114).

[0069] In addition to the above configuration, the power consumption output device (A)(0110) can be configured to further include a power consumption information holding unit and a target power consumption information acquisition unit as described above. If the consumer has further private power generation equipment (e.g., solar power generation equipment, geothermal power generation equipment, small-scale hydroelectric power generation equipment, wind power generation equipment, binary power generation equipment, gasoline engine power generation equipment, fuel cell equipment, etc.) or battery storage equipment, it is preferable to configure the device to have one or more of the following: a power consumption information acquisition unit that acquires power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power generated; a power consumption information holding unit that holds power consumption information; a power consumption output unit that outputs power consumption information; a discharge power consumption information acquisition unit that acquires discharge power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power that is discharged and supplied by the battery; a discharge power consumption information holding unit that holds discharge power consumption information; a discharge power consumption information output unit that outputs discharge power consumption information; a charging power consumption information acquisition unit that acquires charging power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power used to charge the battery; a charging power consumption information holding unit that holds charging power consumption information; and a charging power consumption information output unit that outputs charging power consumption information.

[0070] The power consumption output device (A) can be configured to obtain the amount of power consumed, which is the sum of the power purchased and consumed from the supplier and the power supplied and consumed from the private power generation equipment and / or battery storage equipment, from a distribution board or switchboard if the customer has a private power generation equipment and / or battery storage equipment. If the customer does not have the aforementioned private power generation equipment and / or battery storage equipment, it may be configured to obtain the amount of power consumed from a distribution board or switchboard as described above, or it may be configured to obtain the amount of power consumed from a power receiving meter of a power receiving equipment such as a smart meter or high-voltage substation. For high-voltage substations, it may be configured to obtain the amount of energy calculated from current and voltage information obtained from an ammeter and voltmeter instead of an energy meter.

[0071] The power consumption output device (A) may be configured to be housed in a single enclosure with a smart meter or high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment. Alternatively, the power consumption output device (A) may be configured to be housed in a single enclosure with a high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment monitoring device that monitors the operating status of the high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment. In any case, it may be configured to be housed in a single enclosure, or installed in multiple enclosures but powered by a single power source, and may be considered as an integrated unit.

[0072] <Embodiment 1: Configuration of Demand Target Display Device (B)> Next, we will explain the configuration of the demand target display device (B). <Embodiment 1: Demand Target Display Device (B): Clock Face (BA) (0121)> The "watch dial (BA)" (0121) is arranged in a circular shape.

[0073] While the clock face may be oval, square, or other convex polygonal shapes, a circular shape is most preferable from the standpoint of ease of understanding the luminous display provided by the donut-shaped luminous section (BE) located on the outer edge of the clock face (BA). Note that "circular shape" also includes an annular shape in which the center of the clock face is cut out in a circular shape and the outer edge of the clock face is circular.

[0074] A rotating shaft for driving the hour hand (BB) (0122) and minute hand (BC) (0123), described later, is located approximately at the center of the watch dial (BA) (0121). However, the watch dial (BA) may also be configured to have sub-dials other than those for the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC).

[0075] The clock face (BA) of the demand target display device (B) is preferably installed high on a wall (e.g., about 30-50 cm above eye level, 2 m or more from the floor, 4 m or less, or near the ceiling) because, if the customer is a corporation such as a shop or company, it is necessary for not only the customer (who is the employer) but also the employees to see the display of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) described below. Therefore, the clock face (BA) is preferably designed as a wall clock. Depending on the intended installation location of the demand target display device (B) of the present invention, the size and design of the clock face can be appropriately set, such as using a desk clock type instead of a wall clock, using a larger clock face for outdoor installation to allow more people to see it, or using a wristwatch type for personal use.

[0076] <Embodiment 1 Demand Target Display Device (B): Hour Hand (BB) (0122), Minute Hand (BC) (0123)> The hour hand (BB) (0122) and minute hand (BC) (0123) are configured to rotate on the watch face (BA) (0121) to indicate the time.

[0077] The hands configured to rotate on the clock face (BA) to indicate the time may include a second hand in addition to the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC). Furthermore, the clock may also include other hands indicating time information, such as a day of the week hand, an AM / PM hand, and a calendar hand.

[0078] The hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) are not limited to needle shapes; for example, they may be constructed by drawing line segments of different lengths on two transparent discs, each passing through the center of the disc (the longer segment is the minute hand, the shorter segment is the hour hand), and the two discs may be driven by a needle drive unit (BD) described later. The hour hand (BB) and minute hand (CS) can be driven by rotating the discs for the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) using the needle drive unit (BD) described later, which is positioned in the center of the clock face (BA). Alternatively, the donut-shaped light-emitting part (BE) described later may be positioned at least the thickness of the discs on which the hour and minute hands are drawn from the time scale marking surface of the clock face (BA), and the needle drive unit (BD) may be positioned below the donut-shaped light-emitting part (BE) on the outer circumference of the clock face (BA) so as not to be visible to the user of this system who is viewing the clock face (BA) (see Figure 22). The hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) can be rotated by driving the outer edges of the two discs separately using the hand drive unit (BD), which will be positioned on the outer circumference of the clock dial (BA) as described below. If the hand drive unit (BD) is not positioned at the center of the clock dial (BA), the display panel (BM), which will be described below, can be positioned so that it overlaps the center of the clock dial (BA), or the boundaries between multiple display panel units (BM) can be positioned so that they overlap the center of the clock dial (BA).

[0079] <Embodiment 1 Demand Target Display Device (B): Needle Drive Unit (BD) (0124)> The "hand drive unit (BD)" (0124) is configured to drive the hour hand (BB) (0122) and the minute hand (BC) (0123).

[0080] The mechanism by which the needle drive unit (BD) displays time information using the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC), or second hand, etc., can utilize known clock technology. This could be a spring-driven clock, a pendulum clock, an electric clock, a quartz clock, or even a radio-controlled clock that automatically adjusts the time by receiving radio waves containing accurate time information based on a highly accurate clock such as an atomic clock from a standard radio wave transmission station. A radio-controlled clock is preferable because the time adjustment is performed automatically. The demand target display device (B) is often installed in a high place, such as on the top of a wall, so that it is easily visible to many people, making it difficult to adjust the time or wind the spring of a spring-driven clock or replace the battery in a battery-powered clock. It is preferable to configure it to be as maintenance-free as possible, and it should be a radio-controlled clock that does not require manual time adjustment, and the power supply should be either supplied from commercial power or from a solar cell with a storage battery as a backup.

[0081] In this specification, the case in which the needle drive unit (BD) has a drive shaft that rotates the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) near the center of the clock dial (BA) is described as an example. However, as long as the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) can be driven, their placement is not limited to the vicinity of the center of the clock dial (BA). As in the example given when describing the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC), they may be placed on the outer periphery of the clock dial (BA).

[0082] The clock face (BA), hour hand (BB), and minute hand (BC) of the demand target display device (B) may be configured as images displayed on a display of known technology such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an LED display. When a rectangular display panel is used, a circular clock face (BA) can be displayed on the display, and a decorative panel with an area corresponding to the clock face (BA) cut out can be placed on top to hide the display panel other than the clock face (BA). In the above example, the area around the clock face (BA) may not be hidden by the decorative panel, and other information or patterns may be displayed around the clock face. Alternatively, a circularly manufactured display panel may be used. When the clock face (BA), hour hand (BB), and minute hand (BC) are configured as images displayed on the display in this way, the hand drive unit (BD) is configured to drive the display to display the image and to reposition the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) according to the time information.

[0083] The donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE), described later, can also be configured using LEDs or the like to be displayed on the outer periphery of the clock face (BA) displayed on the display panel with a resolution equivalent to that of the time scale on the clock face (BA). Alternatively, if the clock face (BA) is configured as a display, the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) can be configured to be displayed simultaneously on the display that shows the clock face (BA), rather than being configured around the clock face (BA) by a separate component as described above.

[0084] As a variation of the example where the display panel described above is used as a clock face (BA), the circular clock face (BA) and the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) described later of the Demand Target Display Device (B) of the present invention can be displayed on the display of a PC monitor, tablet PC, or mobile information terminal (e.g., smartphone). In this case, for example, it may be displayed large across the entire display, or it may be configured to be displayed in a reduced size on a part of the display so that it can be viewed while performing other tasks. It may also be configured as a widget, which is a small application.

[0085] <Embodiment 1 Demand Target Display Device (B): Donut Light-Emitting Unit (BE) (0125)> The "donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE)" (0125) is arranged in a donut shape around the outer edge of the clock face (BA) (0121) and is configured to emit multi-color light with the same resolution as the time scale on the clock face (BA) (0121).

[0086] The donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) is configured to illuminate and display at least the same number of divisions as the time scale on the clock face (BA). For example, for a time scale in minute units, 60 unit light-emitting elements, each with LEDs arranged to emit light in a roughly rectangular shape, are arranged around the clock face (BA) in a donut shape, corresponding to each minute of the time scale. Instead of LEDs, fluorescent tubes, fluorescent display tubes, miniature light bulbs, organic EL displays, liquid crystal displays, etc., can be used. Rather than arranging multiple unit light-emitting elements to form the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE), the clock face (BA) may be superimposed on a flat display such as an organic EL display, liquid crystal display, plasma display, FED, or micro-LED display that displays the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE).

[0087] The time markings on a clock face (BA) are, for example, markings engraved on the outer edge of the clock face (BA) at intervals indicating a predetermined unit of time. Often, hour markings indicating units of time such as 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock, and minute markings indicating units of minutes such as 1 minute and 2 minutes are used. If the smallest unit of the time markings on a clock face (BA) is minutes, then 60 minute markings will be engraved, dividing the outer edge of the clock face (BA) into 60 sections.

[0088] "Resolution equivalent to the time scale on the clock face (BA)" means that the area is divided into the same number of sections as the number of time scales engraved on the outer edge of the clock face (BA) and configured to display light. For example, the same number of LEDs as the time scales are arranged in a donut shape along the outer edge of the clock face. Note that "equivalent resolution" may also include "equivalent or greater resolution". For example, if the clock face (BA) has time scales engraved in minute units, two divided light-emitting display areas may be assigned to each time scale (in minute units). In such an example, 60 time scales (1 unit / minute) are configured to be divided into 120 light-emitting display areas. Note that when aiming for equivalent or greater resolution, it is not limited to twice the resolution of the above example.

[0089] The donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) is composed of unit light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) with a resolution equivalent to that of the time markings on the clock face (BA), i.e., the same number as the number of time markings (including cases where there are more than the same number). The unit light-emitting elements are arranged in accordance with the time markings, being roughly rectangular and facing the center of the clock face (BA). "Facing the center" means that the normal to one side of the roughly rectangular unit light-emitting element passes through the center of the clock face (BA), or that the longitudinal direction of the unit light-emitting element points towards the center of the clock face (BA). "Corresponding to the time markings" means that the unit light-emitting elements are placed on the extension line connecting the center of the clock face (BA) and the time markings (multiple unit light-emitting elements are placed if the resolution is equal to or greater than that of the time markings).

[0090] The donut shape refers to arranging the unit light-emitting elements around the outer circumference of the clock face (BA), but the shape of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) is not limited to annular. For example, if the clock face is an ellipse or square, or any other shape other than circular, the outermost part of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) that surrounds the outer circumference of the clock face may be a corresponding hollow shape, such as a hollow ellipse or hollow square. Alternatively, the clock face (BA) can be superimposed on a donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) that is larger than the clock face (BA), and the unit light-emitting elements of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) can be arranged to face the center of the clock face. In this example, the portion of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) that is superimposed on the clock face (BA) can also be configured to emit light, but because the clock face (BA) superimposes and hides it, the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) appears to emit light in a donut shape.

[0091] <Embodiment 1: Demand Target Display Device (B): Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (BF) (0126)> The "Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (BF)" (0126) is configured to acquire power consumption information, which is information regarding power consumption, from the power consumption output device (A) (0110). It acquires the power consumption information output by the power consumption information output unit (AB) of the power consumption output device (A) (0110).

[0092] When acquiring power consumption information, which is information regarding power consumption, from the power consumption output device (A) (0110), the information is acquired by wired or wireless communication. A one-to-one communication path may be established between the power consumption output device (A) and the device, or the device may be configured to be connected via a network (e.g., LAN, WiFi®) to which other devices are also connected.

[0093] For example, if a customer manages multiple business locations (multiple stores in the case of a shop), power consumption information can be acquired from a power consumption output device (A) corresponding to each business location (preferably acquired in association with business location identification information and / or information identifying the power consumption output device (A)), and the acquired power consumption information can be illuminated and displayed in the following manner on different donut-shaped light-emitting units (BE) or different areas of the donut-shaped light-emitting units (BE).

[0094] In particular, in cases where a customer manages two business locations, power consumption information is acquired from power consumption output devices (A) installed at each of the two business locations, and the power consumption information for each business location is illuminated and displayed on the outer circumference of two clock faces mounted on the wall of the customer's office. Alternatively, the system can be configured so that the right half of the outer circumference of a single clock face mounted on the wall of the customer's office displays the power consumption information for one business location, starting from 0 minutes (on the hour) directly above, and the left half displays the power consumption information for the other business location, starting from 30 minutes below. By displaying the power consumption information of a business location other than the one where the demand target display device (B) is installed, alongside the power consumption information of the own business location, it is possible to visually grasp which location is better controlling its power consumption, thereby increasing and maintaining the motivation of those who view the display to control their power consumption. In particular, selecting other business locations that are similar to one's own business location in terms of facility size, number of personnel, operations, or climate of the location, and displaying their power consumption information (it would be even more effective if the names of the other business locations were also displayed on the display panel (BM) described later) would provide suitable comparison targets and can be expected to have a positive impact on motivation.

[0095] <Embodiment 1: Demand Target Display Device (B): Target Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (BG) (0127)> The "Target Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (BG)" (0127) is configured to acquire target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption in relation to the power demand time period. It acquires the target power consumption information output unit (AC) of the power consumption output device (A) (0110).

[0096] Target power consumption information, like the power consumption information, is acquired from the power consumption output device (A) via wired or wireless communication. A one-to-one communication path may be established between the power consumption output device (A) and the device, or the device may be connected via a network (e.g., LAN, WiFi®) to which other devices are also connected.

[0097] The demand target display device (B) may be configured to also have a target display power consumption information holding unit that holds target power consumption information associated with power demand time zones. It is possible to acquire and hold target power consumption information in advance that is related to demand time zones at future points in time, rather than the current demand time zone, or to hold target power consumption information at past points in time that was acquired in the past and used for illumination display. The target power consumption information may be configured to be held in a server device or power consumption output device (A) connected to the demand target display device (B) via a network, and the target power consumption information acquisition unit (BG) may be configured to acquire the target power consumption information in a timely manner when the power consumption information is processed so that the demand target display device (B) can illuminate and display it on the donut light-emitting unit (BE).

[0098] <Embodiment 1: Demand Target Display Device (B): Target Unit Power Consumption Information Holding Unit (BH) (0128) within Demand Time Period> The "Demand Time Period Target Unit Power Consumption Information Holding Unit (BH)" (0128) is configured to hold demand time period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within a demand time period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand time length, which is the duration of the demand time period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand time period.

[0099] When the target power consumption is divided by the duration of the demand period, the resulting value, the target unit power consumption within the demand period, becomes the target power consumption per unit time for the duration of the demand period. Since the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) can display multiple colors with the time interval of the time scale on the clock face (BA) (e.g., 1 minute), i.e., the resolution of the time scale, the width of the light-emitting area of ​​the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) corresponding to the time scale corresponding to the duration of one demand period corresponds to the target power consumption indicated in the target power consumption information associated with each demand period. One light-emitting unit in the corresponding area of ​​the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) indicates the target unit power consumption within the demand period.

[0100] <Embodiment 1: Demand target display device (B): Target comparison power consumption display unit (BJ) (0129)> The "Target Comparison Power Consumption Display Unit (BJ)" (0129) is configured to illuminate and display the power consumption indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period, which is calculated by dividing the power consumption by the target unit power consumption within the demand period, as indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face, using the starting position of the minute hand of the demand period as the illumination start position.

[0101] <Embodiment 1: Demand target display device (B): Target-compared power consumption display unit (BJ): Example for the morning> The explanation will use Figures 15 and 16 as an example of use in Japan (demand time zone: 30 minutes). Figure 15 shows the clock face (BA) (1521), hour hand (BB) (1522), minute hand (BC) (1523), and donut-shaped light-emitting part (BE) (1525) of the demand target display device (B) at 10:24:09 AM. As mentioned above, the current time is 10:24 AM, and the minute hand (BC) (1523) belongs to the demand time zone (1570) from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The starting minute hand position of the demand time zone to which the minute hand (BC) belongs is at the 0-minute position directly above the clock face (BA) (1521). The position of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) corresponding to the target power consumption during the demand period from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM corresponds to the position at 10:30 AM, the end of the demand period, which is the 30-minute position (directly below) on the clock face (BA).

[0102] The display corresponding to the power consumption at the time shown in Figure 15 (10:24 AM) is illuminated on the donut light-emitting part (BE) (1525) (position of power consumption (1573) in Figure 15). This is the result of calculating how many times the power consumption is compared to the number of unit light-emitting elements of the donut light-emitting part (BE) by dividing the power consumption by the target unit power consumption within the demand period. The same applies hereinafter. Since the power consumption (1573) is illuminated up to the 20-minute position, it can be seen that the power consumption shown is approximately 67% of the target power consumption for the demand period, represented by a ratio of 20 minutes / 30 minutes = approximately 67% of the time scale. Similarly, the target power consumption (1572) at 10:24 AM, the time shown in Figure 15, is up to the 24-minute position where the minute hand (BC) (1523) is located, and is represented by a target power consumption of 80% of the target power consumption for the demand period (10:00 AM - 10:30 AM) to which the minute hand position belongs, represented by a ratio of 24 minutes / 30 minutes = approximately 80%. As of 10:24, the illuminated area is not yet at the 24-minute position (it is at the 20-minute position), as described above. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 15, at 10:24, the power consumption is 67% / 80% = 83% of the target power consumption, indicating that power consumption has been reduced by approximately 17%.

[0103] <Embodiment 1: Demand target display device (B): Target-compared power consumption display unit (BJ): Example for afternoon> The example in Figure 16 shows the clock face (BA)(1621), hour hand (BB)(1622), minute hand (BC)(1623), and donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE)(1625) of the demand target display device (B) at 1:48 PM. As mentioned above, the current time is 1:48 PM, and the minute hand (BC)(1623) belongs to the demand time period (1670) from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. The starting position of the minute hand in the demand time period to which the minute hand belongs is 30 minutes directly below the clock face (BA)(1621), the opposite of the example in Figure 15. The position (1671) on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) corresponding to the target power consumption during the demand period from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM corresponds to the position at 2:00 PM, the end of the demand period, which is the 0-minute position (directly above) on the clock face (BA).

[0104] The display corresponding to the power consumption at the time shown in Figure 16 is illuminated on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) (1625) (position of power consumption (1673) in Figure 16). Since the power consumption (1673) is illuminated up to the 46-minute position, it can be seen that the power consumption shown is approximately 53% of the target power consumption during the demand period, as indicated by the ratio of the time scale (46 minutes - 30 minutes) / 30 minutes. Furthermore, the target power consumption at 13:48, the time shown in Figure 16, is up to the position corresponding to 48 minutes, where the minute hand (BC) (1623) is located ((48 minutes - 30 minutes) / 30 minutes = 60%). Since the area corresponding to the power consumption at 13:48, as indicated by the light-emitting display of the donut light-emitting section (BE), is less than the corresponding position at 48 minutes, even in the example shown in Figure 16, the power consumption at 13:48 is approximately 53% of the target power consumption (60% mentioned above), indicating a reduction of 53% / 60% = approximately 11%.

[0105] As explained above with the two examples in Figures 15 and 16, if the amount of power consumed from the start of the demand period to a given point in time exceeds the target power consumption at that point in time, the area illuminated by the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) will overtake the position of the minute hand (BC), thus visually communicating the relationship between the target power consumption and the power consumption through the illumination display. It is preferable to configure the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) to illuminate in a predetermined warning color (e.g., red) when the amount of power consumed from the start of the demand period to the aforementioned point in time exceeds the target power consumption, as this makes it even easier to notice. Combining this with flashing or other methods will make it even easier to notice. In the examples in Figures 15 and 16, it is preferable to configure the system to display a predetermined warning color (e.g., red) when the amount of power consumed exceeds the target power consumption for the relevant demand period at some point in the demand period. The system may be configured to emit light in the aforementioned warning color (e.g., red) if the power consumption exceeds the target power consumption at 10:24, as indicated by the position of the hour hand (BB) at 10:24, rather than the target power consumption during the relevant demand period.

[0106] <Embodiment 1 Demand Target Display Device (B) (0120)> The "Demand Target Display Device (B)" (0120) is configured to include a clock face (BA) (0121), an hour hand (BB) (0122), a minute hand (BC) (0123), a hand drive unit (BD) (0124), a donut light-emitting unit (BE) (0125), a power consumption information acquisition unit (BF) (0126), a target power consumption information acquisition unit (BG) (0127), a demand time period target unit power consumption information holding unit (BH) (0128), and a target comparison power consumption display unit (BJ) (0129).

[0107] An example of the manifestation of the demand target display device (B) is a wall clock type installed at a height higher than a person's height on the wall of an office or manufacturing site, so that it can be easily seen by many employees in the customer's business premises or store. The wall clock type demand target display device (B) is configured to include the clock face (BA) and the target comparison power consumption display unit (BJ). As described above, because it is installed at a height higher than a person's height (e.g., 2m or more, 4m or less, or near the ceiling), the demand target display device (B) is not easily accessible. Therefore, the demand target display device (B) of this system is basically for information output only (including display as output) and does not have a user interface for accepting input such as settings. When a customer using this system, or an employee instructed or requested by the customer, inputs settings or information (e.g., target power consumption information), it is configured to input them to the power consumption output device (A) of this system. Regarding the clock function of the demand target display device (B), it is not easy to modify the demand target display device (B) itself. Therefore, it is preferable that the demand target display device (B) has a radio-controlled clock function that automatically corrects the time and date information by receiving radio waves containing time information from a standard radio wave transmission station, a function that automatically corrects the time and date information by acquiring time information from an internet connection, or a function that acquires and corrects time information generated based on an AC signal obtained from the AC waveform of the received AC power.

[0108] The aforementioned power consumption output device (A) generates and acquires time information associated with power consumption information from the power receiving equipment via the ES device (C) based on the AC signal of AC power. As a result, the measurement of power consumption and the time information associated with power consumption are based on the same AC power signal, and can be perfectly synchronized. If standard radio waves or the like are used as time information, there is a possibility that the time information based on the power signal will not be synchronized and will be out of sync. On the other hand, the demand target display device (B) does not generate and acquire time information to display on the clock based on the AC signal derived from the AC power received by the power receiving equipment, but acquires time information from radio waves from a standard radio wave transmission station or from an internet connection as described above. As a result, the demand target display device (B) can display the time accurately as a clock without being affected by errors in time information due to signal distortion or frequency disturbances of the AC signal, or by loss of time information due to power outages or momentary interruptions.

[0109] The demand target display device (B) of this system, which visually displays the amount of power consumed relative to the target power consumption in a business establishment, is not limited to one unit per power receiving equipment, but can be configured to have multiple units. If personnel working at a business establishment are divided into multiple rooms or buildings, at least one unit should be placed in each work location. If the work location (such as an office or manufacturing site) has a large open space, it is preferable to install multiple units on the wall of the work location so that employees can easily see them.

[0110] <Configuration of ES device (C) in Embodiment 1> Next, an example of the configuration of the ES device (C) will be described. The ES device (C) (0160) can be configured to include, for example, a power consumption information acquisition unit (CA) (0161), a power consumption information output unit (CB) (0162), and a power receiving equipment operation information output unit (CC) (0163).

[0111] <Embodiment 1 ES device (C): Power consumption information acquisition unit (CA) (0161)> The "Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (CA)" (0161) is configured to acquire power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed by a power consumer, from the power receiving equipment of that power consumer.

[0112] If the electricity consumer is a low-voltage electricity customer, their power receiving equipment receives 100V to 200V AC power, and the consumed power is constantly measured in real time by an electricity meter. In recent years, smart meters have been used that not only measure power but also transmit the measured current, voltage, and energy amount to the power company (or electricity retailer) via communication such as a mobile phone network. An ES device (C) that monitors the operation status of the smart meter obtains the amount of energy consumed by the customer from the smart meter. If the electricity consumer is a high-voltage customer, they receive and transform 6600V high-voltage power using high-voltage substation equipment. The transformed power is then introduced into their own facilities and consumed. The amount of energy consumed by the customer, who is a high-voltage customer, before transformation is constantly measured in real time, and this is obtained by the ES device (C) that monitors the operation status of the high-voltage substation equipment as measurement results from an electricity meter installed in the high-voltage substation equipment, or as measurement results from an ammeter and voltmeter installed therein. If electrical energy is obtained, the obtained electrical energy is used as the amount of power consumed. If measurement results from an ammeter and voltmeter are obtained, the amount of power consumed is calculated from the above results, and power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed, is obtained.

[0113] When the ES device (C) acquires power consumption information from the power receiving equipment, it can also be configured to receive the power consumption, which is the power received by the power receiving equipment, in association with the time information at the time the power consumption was measured, and to calculate the amount of power consumption from the value of the power consumption and the time interval at which the power consumption is measured by the power receiving equipment, thereby acquiring power consumption information. Preferably, the time information for the acquired power consumption information is associated with time information indicating the time of the next power consumption measurement after the received power consumption measurement.

[0114] <Embodiment 1 ES device (C): Power consumption information output unit (CB) (0162)> The "Power Consumption Information Output Unit (CB)" (0162) is configured to transmit the acquired power consumption information to the power consumption output device (A).

[0115] When transmitting the power consumption information acquired by the power consumption acquisition unit (CA) to the power consumption output device (A), the transmission may be done via a LAN, the Internet, a mobile phone network, or by directly connecting the ES device (C) and the power consumption output device (A) via wired or wireless connection.

[0116] <Embodiment 1 ES device (C): Power receiving equipment operation information output unit (CC) (0163)> The "Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (CA)" (0161) is configured to transmit power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information indicating whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal to a monitoring server device for monitoring power receiving equipment operation information and power consumption information of multiple power consumers.

[0117] "Power receiving equipment operation information" refers to the acquisition of various information (temperature, humidity, various resistances, sound, odor, motion detection (detection of intrusion of small animals, etc.), water leakage or flooding detection, smoke detection, etc.) used to determine whether the power receiving equipment is receiving power normally and acquiring power consumption information normally, as well as various other information used to determine whether the power receiving equipment also has a substation function. This information is then transmitted to the monitoring server device as power receiving equipment operation information indicating whether it is abnormal or normal. The acquisition of the aforementioned information is performed periodically or irregularly. During normal operation, the aforementioned information is acquired periodically (e.g., every minute) and transmitted to the monitoring server device. When an abnormality, failure, or malfunction is detected, it is transmitted to the monitoring server device irregularly each time it is detected. During normal operation, transmission may be at a frequency such as once per demand period. When an abnormality, failure, or malfunction is detected, power receiving equipment operation information is transmitted promptly. The power receiving equipment operation information can also be configured such that, instead of providing information showing the results of measurements or detections, a judgment (e.g., normal operation or abnormality) is made based on that information by an operation status judgment unit further installed in the ES device (C), and the result of the judgment, along with information on the basis for the judgment, is transmitted to the monitoring server device.

[0118] A monitoring server device that acquires power receiving equipment operation information from the ES device (C) can be configured to transmit the acquired power receiving equipment operation information or a judgment based on the power receiving equipment operation information (e.g., normal operation, abnormality, or malfunction) to the customer or a power consumption output device (A) connected to the customer's network. If an abnormality is determined, the monitoring server device can be configured to perform processes to arrange for emergency inspection and repair, or to notify the customer of the abnormality.

[0119] By configuring the monitoring server device to send notifications of power receiving equipment operation information to customers irregularly or regularly, customers can become aware of malfunctions that are not clearly abnormal or faulty but are not normal either (e.g., when the transformer efficiency decreases due to a temperature rise within the standard range). If the ES device (C) collects information to determine whether the power receiving equipment is operating normally, and a bias is detected in the behavior of the numerical values ​​of the collected information relative to the standard center and its upper and lower limits (e.g., not near the center, 7 or more consecutive points leaning towards either the upper or lower limit, 7 or more consecutive points showing an increasing or decreasing trend), then notifications of power receiving equipment operation information will be sent each time, and customers will also receive them. This allows for the detection of malfunctions, not just abnormalities or faults, of the power receiving equipment, even if they occur irregularly.

[0120] As an example, let's consider a case where the power consumption displayed on the demand target display device (B), indicated by the minute hand position, exceeds the target power consumption at that time, and the customer has a contract for receiving high-voltage power. At the aforementioned time, if the customer is not using many electrical appliances with particularly high power consumption (including not only the customer themselves but also those used within facilities managed by the customer), and has received an irregular notification (or even a regular notification) from the monitoring server device regarding a temperature rise in the transformer within the standard range, then it would be possible to notice a malfunction in the power receiving equipment, such as a decrease in transformer efficiency and an increase in power consumption due to a temperature rise in the transformer of the power receiving equipment. If it is within the standard range, the monitoring server device will not process it as an abnormality, and it is difficult to notice the malfunction by looking only at the display on the demand target display device (B), so the configuration of the present invention is effective.

[0121] When the monitoring server device periodically sends notifications of power receiving equipment operation information, it is configured to send notifications at least once a day, preferably once an hour during the operating hours of the customer or the facility using the electricity acquired by the customer (e.g., from 8 am to 6 pm), once every few hours at other times, and more preferably once per demand period during the aforementioned active hours. Alternatively, the power consumption output device (A) and / or ES device (C) that receive notifications from the monitoring server device may be configured to determine whether the power receiving equipment is malfunctioning (i.e., normal) based on the notification and the light emission display of the demand target display device (B).

[0122] <Embodiment 1 ES device (C)(0160)> The "ES device (C)" (0160) is configured to acquire power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed by a power consumer, from the power receiving equipment of the power consumer and transmit it to the power consumption output device (A). It is also configured to transmit this power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information, which indicates whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal, to a monitoring server device for monitoring the power receiving equipment operation information and power consumption information of multiple power consumers.

[0123] The ES device (C) may be configured to be housed in the same enclosure as the power receiving equipment. For example, in the case of low-voltage power reception, the smart meter is an example where the power receiving equipment and monitoring device are configured in a single enclosure as described above. Also, for example, in the case of high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment, the high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment and the ES device (C) can be configured to be housed in a single enclosure and configured to have communication functions.

[0124] <Embodiment 1: Demand Target Display System (0100)> The "Demand Target Display System" (0100) is configured to consist of a power consumption output device (A) (0110), a demand target display device (B) (0120), and an ES device (C). The Demand Target Display System may be configured as a program that runs on a server device connected to a network. The server device may be a server device managed by the customer, a server device managed by the administrator of the system of the present invention, or a server device managed and operated by a company that manages and operates the ES device (C) that monitors the operation of the power receiving equipment. For example, the system can be configured to acquire power consumption information received by the customer via high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment using a power consumption information acquisition unit (AA) on the server device, and to display the acquired power consumption information on the donut light-emitting unit (BE) of a wall clock-type demand target display device (B) that is hung on the wall of the office of the business premises. The demand target display device (B) is not configured to house everything in a single enclosure. For example, the clock face (BA), hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), hand drive unit (BD), and donut light-emitting unit (BE) may be installed on the wall of the office at the business site, while the other components—the power consumption information acquisition unit (BF), the target power consumption information acquisition unit (BG), and the demand time zone target unit power consumption information holding unit (BH)—may be configured as programs that run on a server device connected to the network.

[0125] Another embodiment of the demand target display system of the present invention is as follows: A wall clock-type demand target display device (B) is installed on the wall of an office in a business establishment, and a power consumption output device (A) is installed in the office. The power consumption output device (A) is connected to the demand target display device (B) by wireless LAN or the like (wired connection may also be used), and is connected to an ES device (C) that monitors power receiving equipment such as high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment by wired LAN or the like (wireless connection may also be used), and acquires information on the amount of electricity received and consumed by the customer as power consumption information. The target power consumption information acquisition unit of the power consumption output device (A) installed in the office acquires target power consumption information that the customer has entered in association with the demand time period based on actual power consumption information and recommended power consumption information. If a customer does not input target power consumption information by a specified deadline (e.g., the start of the relevant demand period, or the time when the date changes on the day to which the relevant demand period belongs), the target power consumption information acquisition unit can be configured to acquire target power consumption information based on the customer's past power consumption performance information and recommended power consumption information provided by the supplier. The recommended power consumption information is information indicating the recommended power consumption within each demand period, which is the amount of power consumption that a power supplier requests from each power customer to increase or decrease their power consumption based on power supply and demand forecasts, etc.

[0126] In addition to the above example, the configuration can also include power receiving equipment for receiving electricity, and information devices (e.g., tablet PCs, smartphones, mobile phones, notebook PCs, etc.) used by the customer to receive power receiving equipment operation information from a monitoring server device and / or ES device (C) indicating the operating status of the power receiving equipment. This can be achieved by using the following configuration.

[0127] Power receiving equipment used by electricity consumers to receive electricity, Power consumption output device (A), The power consumption information, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the electricity consumer, is acquired from the electricity consumer's power receiving equipment and transmitted to the power consumption output device (A), An ES device (C) transmits this power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information indicating whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal to a monitoring server device for monitoring power receiving equipment operation information and power consumption information of multiple power consumers (it can also transmit to consumers). A demand target display device (B) is installed at a height of 2 to 4 m above the floor of an office where office work is performed and / or a workroom where manufacturing work, sorting work, etc., is performed, and power is received from the aforementioned power receiving equipment. Information equipment used by the customer to obtain power receiving equipment operation information (including information indicating abnormalities) from the ES device (C) and / or the monitoring server device, A demand target display system consisting of the following.

[0128] <Embodiment 1: Example of System Usage> Using customer A, a resident of Japan receiving high-voltage electricity and using the system configured as shown in Figure 13, as an example, we will explain the usage of this system using Figures 23 to 25.

[0129] <Embodiment 1: Example of System Use: Power Consumption Output Device (A): Acquisition of Power Consumption Information> Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the present invention as described above. Consumer A, which purchases high-voltage electricity from a supplier, manages a business site. The business site is supplied with power via high-voltage power receiving and transforming equipment A (1354A) that receives and transforms high-voltage electricity. Information on the received electricity is acquired by the power consumption output device (A) (1310A) as power consumption information via the network from the ES device (C) (1361A) (preferably acquired in association with time information), and output via the network. The output power consumption information is acquired by the demand target display device (B) (1320A).

[0130] <Embodiment 1: Example of System Use: Power Consumption Output Device (A): Acquisition of Target Power Consumption Information> Figures 23 to 25 show examples of the input screens of this system (the system is not limited to these examples). Input can be done by accessing the website or by launching a dedicated application. Figure 23 shows the top screen as of July 31, 2024 (Wednesday). The top screen shows buttons for "Enter target for the next day, August 1 (Thursday)", "Enter target power consumption for the next day and beyond", "View actual power consumption", "Set display data", "Change registration details", and "Initial registration" (this option is disabled if initial registration has already been completed). For first-time users, press the "Initial registration" button to perform initial registration, and then register on the initial registration screen (not shown).

[0131] To enter the target power consumption for the following day, press the "Enter Target for August 1st (Thursday)" button on the top screen. Pressing this button will take you to the target power consumption information input screen for August 1st (Thursday), as shown in Figure 24. The screen displays a graph with the horizontal axis representing time in 30-minute increments and the vertical axis representing power consumption per demand (kWh), showing the past power consumption performance information (bar graph) for customer A (e.g., yesterday, the same date one year ago) and recommended power consumption information (thick solid line), which is information indicating the amount of power consumption that the supplier requests to increase or decrease for each customer. The dotted line graph initially shows the tip of the bar graph (past power consumption performance information for the relevant customer).

[0132] As shown in Figure 25, customer A drags each vertex of the dotted line graph in Figure 24 with the mouse to set the target power consumption (dotted line) for each demand period the following day. In Figure 25, for example, the dotted line representing the target power consumption for August 1st (Thursday) from 10:00 to 10:30 is moved to 72kWh. Once the settings are complete, pressing the "Register" button in the upper right corner of the screen will cause the system to accept the setting, and the target power consumption information will be stored in the power consumption output device (A)'s target power consumption information holding unit (AC) in association with the demand period.

[0133] By selecting and clicking "View Power Consumption History" on the top screen, the customer can view their past power consumption history in chronological order (not shown). It is recommended to display this as a graph with time (or days) on the horizontal axis and power consumption on the vertical axis, and to configure it so that the span of the horizontal axis can be changed to 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc. Also, by selecting and clicking "Display Data Settings" on the top screen, the user will be taken to a screen where they can configure what information other than power consumption will be displayed on the donut light-emitting section (BE) in Embodiment 2 and later described below, and where they can configure the information to be displayed on the display panel section (BM) in Embodiment 3 and later described below (not shown).

[0134] <Embodiment 1: Example of System Use: Demand Target Display Device (B): Target Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (BG)> As described above, the target power consumption information output unit (AD) of the power consumption output device (A) outputs the input and stored target power consumption information, and the target power consumption information acquisition unit (BG) of the demand target display device (B) acquires it. Based on the acquired target power consumption information, the demand target unit power consumption information storage unit (BH) stores information indicating the target unit power consumption within the demand period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand period length (30 minutes in this example), which is the length of the demand period, in relation to each demand period.

[0135] <Embodiment 1: Example of System Use: Demand Target Display Device (B): Power Consumption Information Acquisition Unit (BF)> As described above, the power consumption information output unit (AB) of the power consumption output device (A) outputs the acquired and stored power consumption information, and the power consumption information acquisition unit (BF) of the demand target display device (B) acquires it.

[0136] <Embodiment 1: Example of System Use: Demand Target Display Device (B): Target Ratio Power Consumption Display Unit (BJ)> When the start time of the demand period associated with the target power consumption information arrives, the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) illuminates up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA), which is indicated by the value obtained by dividing the power consumption amount shown in the power consumption information for that demand period by the calculated target unit power consumption amount for that demand period, as shown in the target unit power consumption information for that demand period.

[0137] The display examples of the clock face (BA), hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), and donut light-emitting section (BE) of the demand target display device (B) of Embodiment 1 have already been explained using Figures 15 and 16 in the section on the target comparison power consumption display section (BJ) of the demand target display device (B), so they will be omitted here.

[0138] <Embodiment 1: Processing Flow> Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation method of the demand target display system, which is a computer in Embodiment 1. As shown in this figure, the demand target display system in Embodiment 1 operates with the cooperation of a power consumption output device (A) and a demand target display device (B). The flowchart on the left side of Figure 2 (where the step code begins with SA) shows the operation method of the power consumption output device (A). The flowchart on the right side of Figure 2 (where the step code begins with SB) shows the operation method of the demand target display device (B). The flowchart at the top of Figure 2 (where the step code begins with SC) shows the operation method of the ES device (C). First, the operation method of the power consumption output device (A) will be explained, then the operation method of the demand target display device (B) will be explained, and then the operation method of the ES device (C) will be explained.

[0139] <Embodiment 1 Processing Flow: Power Consumption Output Device (A)> The operation method of the power consumption output device (A), which is a computer shown on the left side of Figure 2, includes a power consumption information acquisition step (aa) (SA0201), a power consumption information output step (ab) (SA0202), a target power consumption information holding step (ac) (SA0203), and a target power consumption information output step (ad) (SA0204).

[0140] Here, the operation method of the power consumption output device (A), which is a computer, is as follows: The power consumption information acquisition step (aa) (SA0201) is a process that acquires power consumption information, which is information about the amount of power consumed by a power consumer who is trying to control power consumption by setting a target power consumption amount. The power consumption information output step (ab) (SA0202) outputs the acquired power consumption information to the power consumption information acquisition step (ba) (SB0201) of the demand target display device (B). The target power consumption information retention step (ac) (SA0203) performs the process of retaining target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption in relation to the power demand time period. The target power consumption information output step (ad) (SA0204) performs the process of outputting the target power consumption information to the target power consumption information acquisition step (bb) (SB0202) of the demand target display device (B).

[0141] <Embodiment 1: Processing Flow: Demand Target Display Device (B)> The operation method of the demand target display device (B), which is a computer having a clock face (BA), hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), hand drive unit (BD), and donut light-emitting unit (BE) as shown on the right side of Figure 2, includes a power consumption information acquisition step (bf) (SB0201), a target power consumption information acquisition step (bg) (SB0202), a target unit power consumption information retention step (bh) (SB0203) within the demand time period, and a target comparison power consumption display step (bj) (SB0204).

[0142] The operation method of the computer, which is the demand target display device (B), is as follows: The power consumption information acquisition step (bf) (SB0201) performs the process of acquiring power consumption information, which is information regarding the power consumption output by the power consumption information output step (ab) (SA0202) of the power consumption output device (A). The target power consumption information acquisition step (bg) (SB0202) is a process that acquires target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption output in the target power consumption information output step (ad) (SA0204) of the power consumption output device (A), in association with the power demand time period. The Demand Time Period Target Unit Power Consumption Information Retention Step (bh) (SB0203) performs a process to retain demand time period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within the demand time period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand time length, which is the duration of the demand time period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand time period. The target-compared power consumption display step (bj) (SB0204) performs a process to enable illumination display on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face, which is indicated by the value obtained by dividing the power consumption amount indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period by the target unit power consumption within the demand period indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, using the starting position of the minute hand of the demand period as the illumination start position during the demand period.

[0143] <Embodiment 1 Processing Flow: ES Device (C)> The operation method of the ES device (C), which is a computer shown in the upper part of Figure 2, includes a power consumption information acquisition step (ca) (SC0201), a power consumption information output step (cb) (SC0202), and a power receiving equipment operation information output step (cc) (SC0203).

[0144] Here, the operation method of the computer, ES device (C), is as follows: The power consumption information acquisition step (ca) (SC0201) is a process that acquires power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed by a power consumer, from the power receiving equipment of that power consumer. The power consumption information output step (cb) (SC0202) performs the process of transmitting the acquired power consumption information to the power consumption output device (A). The power receiving equipment operation information output step (cc) (SC0203) performs the process of sending the power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information indicating whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal to a monitoring server device that monitors the power receiving equipment operation information and power consumption information of multiple power consumers. This is a method of having a computer, the demand target display system, perform this series of processes.

[0145] <Description of the Hardware in Embodiment 1> The hardware configurations of the power consumption output device (A), the demand target display device (B), and the computer portion of the ES device (C) that constitute the demand target display system in this embodiment 1 will be explained using Figures 3, 4, and 5, respectively. As mentioned above, the following explanation will describe the case where the system is configured similarly to a PC, but the same effect can be obtained even if the power consumption output device (A), the demand target display device (B), and the ES device (C) are configured using an embedded MPU.

[0146] <Embodiment 1 Hardware Description: Power Consumption Output Device (A)> Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of the computer portion of the power consumption output device (A) of the demand target display system in this embodiment 1. As shown in this figure, the power consumption output device (A) in this embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various calculations, a "chipset", "main memory", "non-volatile memory" that holds various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0147] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are loaded into main memory upon system startup, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0148] Upon startup of this system, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, while simultaneously providing a work area that serves as the working area for those programs. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. Both the main memory and the non-volatile memory are assigned multiple addresses, and programs executed by the CPU can access these addresses to exchange data and perform processing.

[0149] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a power consumption information acquisition program (aa), a power consumption information output program (ab), a target power consumption information retention program (ac), and a target power consumption information output program (ad). In addition, power consumption information and target power consumption information are stored in the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory."

[0150] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The program (aa) stored in "main memory" is executed to obtain power consumption information, which is information about the amount of power consumed by power consumers who are trying to control their power consumption by setting a target power consumption amount via an internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN port, etc." The program (ab) stored in "main memory" is executed to output the acquired power consumption information to the demand target display device (B) via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." through a LAN or internet connection. The program (ac), which stores target power consumption information in "main memory," is executed to store target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption in relation to the power demand time period, in "non-volatile memory." The program (ad) for outputting target power consumption information, stored in "main memory," is executed to output the target power consumption information to the demand target display device (B) via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." through a LAN or internet connection.

[0151] <Embodiment 1 Hardware Description: Demand Target Display Device (B)> Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of the computer portion of the demand target display device (B) of the demand target display system in this embodiment 1. Although Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration as being similar to a PC, a configuration using an embedded MPU is also possible. The following explanation will use the PC-like configuration as an example. As shown in this figure, the demand target display device (B) in this embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various calculations, a "chipset", "main memory", "non-volatile memory" that holds various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing. The needle drive unit (BD) and donut light-emitting unit (BE) are connected to the "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.", and they process the display of time and quantities expressed numerically, such as power consumption, respectively.

[0152] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are loaded into main memory upon system startup, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0153] Upon startup of this system, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, while simultaneously providing a work area that serves as the working area for those programs. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. Both the main memory and the non-volatile memory are assigned multiple addresses, and programs executed by the CPU can access these addresses to exchange data and perform processing.

[0154] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a power consumption information acquisition program (bf), a target power consumption information acquisition program (bg), a demand time period target unit power consumption information retention program (bh), and a target comparison power consumption display program (bj). In addition, power consumption information, target power consumption information, etc., are stored in the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory".

[0155] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The program (bf) for acquiring power consumption information, which is stored in "main memory," is executed to acquire power consumption information from the power consumption output device (A) via a LAN or internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." The program (bg) for acquiring target power consumption information, which is stored in "main memory," is executed to acquire target power consumption information from the power consumption output device (A) via a LAN or internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", which is information indicating the target power consumption associated with the power demand time period. The program (bh) storing target unit power consumption information within the demand period, which is stored in "main memory," is executed to store target unit power consumption information within the demand period in "non-volatile memory." This information is obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand period length, which is the length of the demand period, based on the target power consumption information associated with each demand period. The program (bj) stored in the "main memory" is executed to determine the position of the time scale on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the power consumption amount indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period, which is divided by the target unit power consumption within the demand period, as indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, and the donut light-emitting unit (BE) is illuminated up to the position of the time scale on the clock face. The program (be) stored in the "main memory" is then executed to illuminate the donut light-emitting unit (BE) up to the position of the time scale on the clock face.

[0156] <Embodiment 1 Hardware Description: ES Device (C)> Figure 5 shows the hardware configuration of the computer portion of the ES device (C) of the Demand Target Display System in this Embodiment 1. As shown in this figure, the ES device (C) in this embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected via data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing. Measuring instruments such as ammeters, voltmeters, thermometers, hygrometers, and resistance meters, or various sensors (sound, odor, motion detection (intrusion detection of small animals, etc.), water leakage and flooding detection, smoke detection, etc.) are connected to the "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc." to monitor the operating status of the power receiving equipment and collect detection results.

[0157] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are loaded into main memory upon system startup, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0158] Upon startup of this system, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, while simultaneously providing a work area that serves as the working area for those programs. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. Both the main memory and the non-volatile memory are assigned multiple addresses, and programs executed by the CPU can access these addresses to exchange data and perform processing.

[0159] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a power consumption information acquisition program (ca), a power consumption information output program (cb), and a power receiving equipment operation information output program (cc). In addition, power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information are stored in the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory."

[0160] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The program (ca) for acquiring power consumption information, which is stored in "main memory," is executed to acquire power consumption information from the power receiving equipment of the power consumer via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", which indicates the amount of power consumed by that power consumer. The power consumption information output program (cb) stored in "main memory" is executed, and the acquired power consumption information is transmitted to the power consumption output device (A) via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." through a LAN or internet connection. The power receiving equipment operation information output program (cc) stored in "main memory" is executed, and the power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information indicating whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal are transmitted via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." to a monitoring server device for monitoring power receiving equipment operation information and power consumption information of multiple power consumers via a LAN or internet connection.

[0161] <Effects of Embodiment 1> In the demand target display system of this embodiment 1, the demand target display device (B) is output-only and does not have a user interface for setting conditions, etc., so it can be installed in a high place on a wall that is not easily accessible. By installing it in a high place, many people can see it, and they can grasp the amount of power consumption relative to the target power consumption per demand period, and encourage each person to adjust the increase or decrease in power consumption. In addition, based on the power receiving equipment operation information output from the ES device (C) to the monitoring server device and the information displayed on the demand target display device (B), consumers can become aware of malfunctions in the power receiving equipment (e.g., a decrease in transformer efficiency due to a temperature rise that is not abnormal).

[0162] <Overview of Embodiment 2> This second embodiment, based on the first embodiment, is configured such that, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the demand target display device (B) includes a data acquisition unit (BK) that acquires various data such as the demand value and the unit price of electricity charges, and a data display light-emitting unit (BL) that illuminates the data on the donut light-emitting unit (BE).

[0163] <Embodiment 2 Functional Configuration> This second embodiment is configured to include a data acquisition unit (BK) and a data display light-emitting unit (BL) in the demand target display device (B), in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the data acquisition unit (BK) and the data display light-emitting unit (BL), only the data acquisition unit (BK) and the data display light-emitting unit (BL) will be described below.

[0164] <Description of Embodiment 2> <Embodiment 2 Demand Target Display Device (B): Data Acquisition Unit (BK) (0630)> The "Data Acquisition Unit (BK)" (0630) is configured in the Demand Target Display Device (B) to acquire one or more of the following data: instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods.

[0165] The "instantaneous demand value" is a value that indicates the instantaneous power consumption (instantaneous power, unit: kW, etc.) at the time the data is acquired. It allows you to understand how much power is being used at that moment. In a typical household electricity contract, the basic charge is determined by the maximum contracted amperage, which is the capacity of the main circuit breaker, and there is also a usage charge according to the amount of electricity used. The instantaneous power current value is an important value because the main circuit breaker will trip if the current value exceeds its capacity.

[0166] The "predicted demand value" is a predicted value for the amount of electricity consumed within the current demand period and future demand periods. It can be predicted based on the electricity consumption data shown in the customer's past electricity consumption records. Predictions can be made based on the electricity consumption data shown in the most recent electricity consumption records for the same demand period yesterday, the average electricity consumption data shown in the electricity consumption records for the same demand period over the past week, or the average electricity consumption data shown in the electricity consumption records for the same day of the week and the same demand period over a period of approximately one to three months. Alternatively, predictions may be made based on the electricity consumption records of other customers with similar electricity consumption, facility size, number of users, industry, and region as the customer being predicted.

[0167] Unlike other values, the predicted demand value requires extra processing time because it is predicted based on current power consumption trends and past power consumption data. The acquisition cycle for the predicted demand value is longer than the acquisition cycle for power consumption information, but it is preferable to set it to a cycle of about 1 minute or less, which is equivalent to or better than the resolution of the time scale on the clock face (BA).

[0168] The "current electricity rate" is the rate for the current demand period (yen / kWh in Japan) within the wholesale electricity market, and can be obtained from the wholesale electricity market or from electricity retailers. Alternatively, it may be the rate at which consumers purchase electricity from electricity retailers.

[0169] "Future electricity rates" refer to the rates for future demand periods (in yen / kWh in Japan) within the wholesale electricity market, and can be obtained from the wholesale electricity market or from electricity retailers. However, the time range for which this information can be obtained depends on the specific country or region; in Japan, the rate for the following day can be obtained from the wholesale electricity market, but in other countries and regions, it depends on the regulations of the local wholesale electricity market. Alternatively, it can be the future rate at which consumers purchase electricity from electricity retailers.

[0170] The "requested demand value for future demand periods" is a value presented, for example, when a power retailer requests an increase or decrease in power consumption from a consumer as a response to demand. The request may come not only from a power retailer, but also from local governments, the national government, or other administrative bodies.

[0171] The "Target Demand Value for Future Demand Hours" is the target amount of electricity consumed during future demand hours. Similar to the predicted demand value, it is calculated and obtained based on the customer's own actual electricity consumption information, or the actual electricity consumption information of other customers similar to the customer, the requested demand value for future demand hours, and the target demand calculation rules, which are the rules for calculating the target demand value. Other customers similar to the customer in question are customers who manage businesses (or general households) that are similar to the customer in question in one or more of the following ways: facility size (total floor area of ​​the building), number of people (number of family members), type of work (occupation), or climate of the location (address).

[0172] "Past demand period actual demand value" refers to the actual amount of electricity consumed within past demand periods. If the system is configured to have an actual electricity consumption information storage unit that stores actual electricity consumption information, this value can be obtained from the stored actual electricity consumption information.

[0173] The data acquisition unit (BK) can be configured to acquire the various information acquired by the power consumption output device (A) from the power consumption output device (A). In this case, the power consumption output device (A) of this embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 6, further includes, in addition to the configuration of embodiment 1, a power consumption information holding unit (AE) (0615) that holds power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed by the consumer, in association with the demand time period (or acquired time information), various data acquisition units (AF) (0616) that acquire one or more of the following data via a network line in association with the corresponding demand time period: instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current unit price of electricity charges, future unit price of electricity charges, requested demand value for future demand time periods, target demand value for future demand time periods, and actual demand value for past demand time periods, and power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed by the consumer. The system can be configured to include: a data holding unit (AG) (0617) that stores capacity information and the acquired various data in association with time information corresponding to the various data (e.g., for demand values, time information indicating the corresponding demand time period or the start time of the demand time period; for unit prices, time information indicating the corresponding time); a demand value prediction unit (AH) (0618) that predicts future demand values ​​(e.g., predicted demand values, target demand values ​​for future demand time periods) based on the stored demand values ​​and / or power consumption information and demand value prediction rules which are rules for predicting demand values; and a data output unit (AJ) (0619) that outputs the various data to a demand target display device (B).

[0174] The sources for obtaining the various types of information mentioned above can be as follows: Based on the consumer's power consumption information held in the power consumption information holding unit (AE), instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, actual demand value for past demand periods, and target demand value for future demand periods can be obtained as the amount of power consumed by the consumer during a predetermined demand period. The current unit price of electricity and the future unit price of electricity can be obtained from suppliers or the electricity market via a network such as an internet line or dedicated line. The requested demand value for future demand periods can be obtained from suppliers via a network such as an internet line or dedicated line. The predicted demand value and the target demand value for future demand periods can be obtained from the demand value prediction unit (AH) of the power consumption output device (A).

[0175] The aforementioned power consumption information storage unit (AE), various data storage units (AG), and demand value prediction unit (AH) may be provided on the demand target display device (B) or on a server device connected to a network.

[0176] In the above description, various data are described as being acquired from within the demand target display system of the present invention, but it is also possible to configure the system to acquire all data from outside the system via a network. Alternatively, the predicted demand value predicted by the ES device (C) can be acquired and output by the power consumption output device (A), and then acquired by the demand target display device (B). Furthermore, instantaneous demand values, actual demand values ​​for past demand periods, and target demand values ​​for future demand periods can also be acquired from the ES device (C).

[0177] <Embodiment 2 Demand Target Display Device (B): Data Display Light Emitting Unit (BL) (0631)> The "data display light-emitting unit (BL)" (0631) is configured in the demand target display device (B) to illuminate the donut light-emitting unit (BE) (0625) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA) (0621) that corresponds to the acquired data, starting from the position of 0 minutes or 30 minutes on the minute hand position.

[0178] If the data acquisition unit (BK) acquires two or more data points instead of just one, and the acquired two or more data points are to be displayed along with power consumption information, the data points are arranged so that their illuminated display areas do not overlap with those of other data points. The illuminated display area for each data point is the area allocated to display the range from the minimum value (e.g., 0) to the set maximum value for each data point. For example, if the data point is the current electricity rate, the electricity rate for the demand period in which the minute hand is currently located is displayed. The minimum value is set to 0 yen / kWh, and the maximum value is set to, for example, the maximum value of the electricity rate for the day to be displayed, and the display is performed within the allocated illuminated display area. If the maximum value for the day is unknown, the system can be configured to acquire and use a predicted maximum value based on past performance (e.g., yesterday's maximum value, the maximum value for a similar day of the week or / or similar weather in the past, the maximum value for the same day one year ago, etc.).

[0179] If the data acquired by the data acquisition unit (BK) is two or more data points instead of one, and the acquired two or more data points are to be displayed together with power consumption information, the starting position for the illumination display of each data point does not have to be 0 minutes or 30 minutes. For example, when displaying three types of data, the illumination area of ​​the donut illumination unit (BE) can be divided into three equal parts for display (e.g., the starting positions are 0 minutes, 20 minutes, and 40 minutes). Alternatively, instead of an equal distribution of the illumination display area, if one of the three data points is power consumption information, the power consumption information can be displayed in the 30-minute period on the demand time side where the minute hand is located (0 minutes-30 minutes or 30 minutes-60 minutes), and the remaining area can be divided into two areas corresponding to 15 minutes of the time scale, and the remaining two data points can be displayed. Alternatively, data other than power consumption information can be time-selectable, and the display data type can be changed, for example, every 5 minutes, in the remaining area where power consumption is displayed. In that case, it is preferable to configure the watch face (BA) to include a display panel (BM) that displays an "explanation" for each data item, as in the embodiment described later, so that it is clear which data is currently being displayed. If a display panel (BM) is not provided, it is preferable to configure the watch face (BA) to uniquely assign the emission color of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) to the data to be displayed.

[0180] When displaying two data points simultaneously using the area of ​​the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) corresponding to the 0-30 minute time scale and the area corresponding to the 30-60 minute time scale, if the displayed data includes power consumption information, the power consumption for that demand period (0-30 minute or 30-60 minute) is displayed in the area corresponding to the demand period where the minute hand (BC) is located. Therefore, from 0 to 30 minutes past the hour, power consumption is displayed by illuminating the right half of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) relative to the clock face (BA) with a number of unit light-emitting elements corresponding to the power consumption, and from 30 to 60 minutes past the hour, the left half is illuminated. For other data, the display position is changed so that from 0 to 30 minutes past the hour, the left half of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) illuminates with a number of unit light-emitting elements corresponding to the amount that can be expressed numerically in the data, and from 30 to 60 minutes past the hour, the right half is illuminated. If power consumption information is not to be displayed, the display position may be kept unchanged.

[0181] Multiple types of numerically represented quantity information are displayed on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE). If the value of each piece of information exceeds the maximum amount that can be illuminated in the area of ​​the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) assigned to each piece of information, the area beyond the maximum value cannot be illuminated. Therefore, the system is configured to indicate that the maximum value has been exceeded by changing the color of the emitted light. In the above embodiment 1, it is preferable to illuminate with a predetermined warning color (e.g., red) when the power consumption exceeds the target power consumption.

[0182] The illumination display of multiple data points, which can be expressed numerically as described above, in the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) can be achieved, for example, by configuring it as shown below. The power consumption output device (A) described in Embodiment 1, moreover, Various data storage units (AK) that store various data to be acquired by the data acquisition unit (BK) in association with time information and / or demand time zones, The display data type selection receiving unit (AL) accepts the selection of the data type to be displayed in the donut light-emitting unit (BE) from among the power consumption information and the data types stored in the various data storage units, A display priority rule holding unit (AM) holds display priority rules for assigning display priority to the stored data, The system includes a permanent display priority rule holder (AN) that holds permanent display priority rules for assigning a priority to the stored data for permanent display, The aforementioned display data type selection receiving unit (AL) has a continuously display data determination means (AO) that determines continuously display data from the selected data based on the data type selected and the continuously display order rule, (including cases where data is not continuously displayed). moreover, A display method selection receiving unit (AP) accepts the selection of one of the following methods for displaying data on the donut-shaped light-emitting unit (BE): a method of displaying all selected types of data simultaneously, a method of displaying all types alternately, or a method of continuously displaying at least one of the selected data and alternately displaying the other data. A light-emitting area allocation rule holder (AQ) holds a light-emitting area allocation rule, which is a rule for allocating the display area of ​​the donut light-emitting area (BE) based on the number and type of selected data, the selected display method, the constant display priority rule, and information indicating the duration of the demand period (including the start and end times of the demand period). A power consumption output device (A) having an illumination area allocation unit (AR) that allocates the illumination area of ​​a donut illumination unit (BE) to the selected data based on the number and type of selected data, the selected display method, a constant display priority rule, a display priority rule, information indicating the duration of the demand period, current time information, and an illumination area allocation rule. The demand target display device (B) described in Embodiment 1, moreover, A light emission area assignment information acquisition unit (BN) acquires light emission area assignment information, which is information indicating the light emission area assigned to each of the selected data, in association with each of the data. A demand target display device (B) has a unit data quantity information that indicates the value obtained by dividing the maximum value (or target value) of each data by the time length of the time scale width of the clock face (BA) corresponding to the light-emitting area of ​​the donut light-emitting unit (BE) assigned to each of the aforementioned data, and a multi-data display light-emitting unit (BO) that illuminates the donut light-emitting unit (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position of the clock face (BA) indicated by the value obtained by dividing the amount of each selected data, and a multi-data display light-emitting unit (BO) that illuminates each of the donut light-emitting units (BE) The ES device (C) described in Embodiment 1, A demand target display system consisting of the following.

[0183] <Embodiment 2: Example of System Usage> <Embodiment 2: Example of System Use: Demand Target Display Device (B): Data Acquisition Unit (BK)> The data acquisition unit (BK) of the demand target display device (B) acquires one or more of the following data from within this system: instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. Alternatively, the system can be configured to acquire the aforementioned data from a website on a server device other than this system via the Internet.

[0184] <Embodiment 2: Example of System Use: Demand Target Display Device (B): Data Display Light Emitting Unit (BL)> The data display light-emitting unit (BL) of the demand target display device (B) starts at the 0-minute or 30-minute position of the minute hand and illuminates the donut light-emitting unit (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the acquired data. The device can be configured to display the data during the demand time period corresponding to the time information associated with the data.

[0185] An example of the display of the clock face (BA), hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), and donut light-emitting section (BE) of the demand target display device (B) of Embodiment 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 17.

[0186] <Embodiment 2: Example of System Use: Demand Target Display Device (B): Explanation using Figure 17: Power Consumption> Let's assume that during the demand period from 10:00 to 10:30 on August 1st (Thursday), the target power consumption information was 72kWh as described above, and the power consumption at 10:24 was 52.8kWh. In this case, the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) on the clock face (BA), and the illumination position of the donut-shaped luminous part (BE) on the outer edge of the clock face (BA) will be explained using Figure 17 as an example. The current time of 10:24 belongs to the demand period (1770-1), which is from 10:00 to 10:30. The minute hand position at the start of the demand period is directly above at the 0-minute (on the hour) position (0 in the 0-minute position of the donut-shaped luminous part (BE) in Figure 17). The minute hand position at the end of the demand period is directly below at the 30-minute position, and the position of the donut-shaped luminous part (BE) corresponding to 6 o'clock corresponds to the target power consumption for the demand period (target power consumption (1771) in Figure 17).

[0187] The target power consumption (1771) for the demand period is the same as the target power consumption (72kWh) for this demand period. Dividing the target power consumption of 72kWh by the duration of the demand period, which is 30 minutes, gives us 72kWh / 30 minutes = 2.4kWh / minute, which is the target unit power consumption within the demand period. The target power consumption (1772) at 10:24, shown in the donut-shaped light-emitting section corresponding to the minute hand position in Figure 17, is 2.4kWh / minute × 24 minutes = 57.6kWh. On the other hand, the power consumption at 10:24 is 52.8kWh as described above, so dividing it by the target unit power consumption within the demand period of 2.4kWh / minute gives us 52.8(kWh) / 2.4(kWh / minute) = 22(minutes). The position up to the 22-minute mark on the time scale is where the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) indicating the power consumption at 10:24 will illuminate (in Figure 17, this is the illuminated area of ​​the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) indicated by power consumption (1773)). In the example in Figure 17, it is preferable to configure the system to display a predetermined warning color (e.g., red) if the power consumption exceeds the target power consumption (72 kWh) for the relevant demand period (10:00-10:30) by 10:00-10:30. Alternatively, the system may be configured to display the warning color (e.g., red) if the power consumption exceeds the target power consumption at 10:24 (57.6 kWh) rather than the target power consumption (72 kWh) for the relevant demand period (10:00-10:30).

[0188] <Embodiment 2: Example of System Use: Demand Target Display Device (B): Explanation using Figure 17: Power Unit Price> In the example shown in Figure 17, in addition to the power consumption displayed on the outer edge of the right half of the clock face (BA), other data is illuminated in the area of ​​the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) on the left half of the clock face (BA) corresponding to the demand time period to which the minute hand at the current time (10:24) does not belong (in Figure 17, this is the demand time period (1770-2)). On the left half, the electricity unit price for the current demand time period (10:00-10:30) and the electricity unit price for the next demand time period (10:30-11:00), which have been acquired from the wholesale electricity market by the data acquisition unit (BK) via the internet, are displayed by the data display light-emitting section (BL). For example, if the electricity unit price for a 30-minute demand time period is 30 yen / kWh, then in Figure 17 it would be 1 ((yen / kWh) / minute). In the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) shown in Figure 17, the illuminated display area indicating the electricity price (1774) for the current demand period is at the 53-minute mark, showing that (53 minutes - 30 minutes) / 1 (yen / kWh / minute) = 23 (yen / kWh). Similarly, the illuminated display area indicating the electricity price (1775) for the next demand period is at the 46-minute mark, showing that (46 minutes - 30 minutes) / 1 (yen / kWh / minute) = 16 (yen / kWh).

[0189] In the example shown in Figure 17, it is not possible to determine the power consumption and the data being displayed by the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) by looking only at the clock face (BA) and the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE). Therefore, it is preferable to display the type of data being displayed on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) near the clock face (BA).

[0190] <Embodiment 2: Processing Flow> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation method of the demand target display system, which is a computer in Embodiment 2 based on Embodiment 1. As shown in this figure, the demand target display system of Embodiment 2 operates with the cooperation of a power consumption output device (A) and a demand target display device (B), both of which are computers. The flowchart on the left side of Figure 7 (where the step code begins with SA) shows the operation method of the power consumption output device (A). The flowchart on the right side of Figure 7 (where the step code begins with SB) shows the operation method of the demand target display device (B). The top of Figure 7 shows the operation method of the ES device (C). Since the operation method of the ES device (C) is the same as in Embodiment 1, only the operation methods of the power consumption output device (A) and the demand target display device (B) will be explained.

[0191] <Embodiment 2 Processing Flow: Power Consumption Output Device (A)> The operation method of the power consumption output device (A), which is a computer shown on the left side of Figure 7, includes a power consumption information acquisition step (aa) (SA0701), a power consumption information retention step (ae) (SA0702), a power consumption information output step (ab) (SA0703), a target power consumption information retention step (ac) (SA0704), a target power consumption information output step (ad) (SA0705), various data acquisition steps (af) (SA0706), various data retention steps (ag) (SA0707), a demand value prediction step (ah) (SA0708), and various data output steps (aj) (SA0709).

[0192] Here, the operation method of the power consumption output device (A), which is a computer, is as follows: The power consumption information acquisition step (aa) (SA0701) is a process that acquires power consumption information, which is information about the amount of power consumed by a power consumer who is trying to control power consumption by setting a target power consumption amount. The power consumption information retention step (ae) (SA0702) performs the process of retaining the acquired power consumption information. The power consumption information output step (ab) (SA0703) outputs the acquired power consumption information to the power consumption information acquisition step (ba) (SB0701) of the demand target display device (B). The target power consumption information retention step (ac) (SA0704) is a process that retains target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption in relation to the power demand time period. The target power consumption information output step (ad) (SA0705) outputs the target power consumption information to the target power consumption information acquisition step (bb) (SB0702) of the demand target display device (B). The various data acquisition steps (af) (SA0706) perform the process of acquiring one or more of the following data: instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. The various data retention steps (ag) (SA0707) perform a process to retain the power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed by the customer, and the acquired various data in association with the time information corresponding to the various data (e.g., for demand values, time information indicating the corresponding demand time period or the start time of the demand time period; for unit prices, time information indicating the corresponding time). The demand value prediction step (ah) (SA0708) performs a process to predict future demand values ​​(e.g., predicted demand values, target demand values ​​for future demand periods) based on the stored demand values ​​and / or power consumption information and the demand value prediction rules, which are rules for predicting demand values. The various data output steps (aj) (SA0709) perform the process of outputting the various data to the data acquisition step (SB0705) of the demand target display device (B).

[0193] <Embodiment 2 Processing Flow: Demand Target Display Device (B)> The operation method of the demand target display device (B), which is a computer having a clock face (BA), hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), hand drive unit (BD), and donut light-emitting unit (BE) as shown on the right side of Figure 7, includes a power consumption information acquisition step (bf) (SB0701), a target power consumption information acquisition step (bg) (SB0702), a target unit power consumption information holding step within the demand time period (bh) (SB0703), a target comparison power consumption display step (bj) (SB0704), a data acquisition step (bk) (SB0705), and a data display light emission step (bl) (SB0706).

[0194] The operation method of the computer, which is the demand target display device (B), is as follows: The power consumption information acquisition step (bf) (SB0701) is a process that acquires power consumption information, which is information about the power consumption output in the power consumption information output step (ab) (SA0703) of the power consumption output device (A). The target power consumption information acquisition step (bg) (SB0702) is a process that acquires target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption output in the target power consumption information output step (ad) (SA0705) of the power consumption output device (A), in association with the power demand time period. The Demand Time Period Target Unit Power Consumption Information Retention Step (bh) (SB0703) performs a process to retain demand time period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within the demand time period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand time length, which is the duration of the demand time period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand time period. The target-relative power consumption display step (bj) (SB0704) is performed to enable illumination on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face, which is indicated by the value obtained by dividing the power consumption amount indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period by the target unit power consumption within the demand period indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, using the starting position of the minute hand of the demand period as the illumination start position during the demand period. The data acquisition step (bk) (SB0705) is a process that acquires one or more of the following data output from the various data output steps (aj) (SA0709) of the power consumption output device (A): instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. The data display illumination step (bl) (SB0706) starts at the 0-minute or 30-minute position of the minute hand and illuminates the donut-shaped illumination unit (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the acquired data. This is a method of having a computer, the demand target display system, perform this series of processes.

[0195] <Description of Hardware in Embodiment 2> In this embodiment 2, which is based on embodiment 1, the demand target display system comprises a power consumption output device (A), a demand target display device (B), and the computer portion of the ES device (C). The ES device (C) is the same as in embodiment 1. Therefore, only the computer portions of the power consumption output device (A) and the demand target display device (B) will be described below. The following description will be based on a configuration similar to a PC, but similar effects can be obtained by using an embedded MPU.

[0196] <Embodiment 2 Hardware Description: Power Consumption Output Device (A)> Figure 8 shows the hardware configuration of the computer portion of the power consumption output device (A) of the demand target display system in this embodiment 2. As shown in this figure, the power consumption output device (A) in this embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0197] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are loaded into main memory upon system startup, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0198] Upon startup of this system, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, while simultaneously providing a work area that serves as the working area for those programs. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. Both the main memory and the non-volatile memory are assigned multiple addresses, and programs executed by the CPU can access these addresses to exchange data and perform processing.

[0199] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a power consumption information acquisition program (aa), a power consumption information output program (ab), a target power consumption information retention program (ac), a target power consumption information output program (ad), a power consumption information retention program (ae), various data acquisition programs (af), various data retention programs (ag), a demand value prediction program (ah), and various data output programs (aj). In addition, the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" store power consumption information, target power consumption information, target unit power consumption information within the demand period, instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current unit price of electricity charges, future unit price of electricity charges, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand values ​​for past demand periods.

[0200] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The program (aa) stored in "main memory" is executed to obtain power consumption information, which is information about the amount of power consumed by power consumers who are trying to control their power consumption by setting a target power consumption amount via an internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN port, etc." The program (ae) that stores power consumption information in "main memory" is executed, and the acquired power consumption information is stored in "non-volatile memory". The program (ab) stored in "main memory" is executed to output the acquired power consumption information to the demand target display device (B) via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." through a LAN or internet connection. The program (ac), which stores target power consumption information in "main memory," is executed to store target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption in relation to the power demand time period, in "non-volatile memory." The program (ad) for outputting target power consumption information, stored in "main memory," is executed to output the target power consumption information to the demand target display device (B) via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." through a LAN or internet connection. The system executes various data acquisition programs (af) stored in "main memory" and acquires one or more of the following data via the internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.": instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. The system executes various data retention programs (ag) stored in "main memory" to associate the acquired data with time information corresponding to the data (e.g., for demand values, time information indicating the corresponding demand time period or the start time of the demand time period; for unit prices, time information indicating the corresponding time) and stores it in "non-volatile memory". The program executes the demand value prediction program (ah) stored in "main memory" to predict future demand values ​​(e.g., predicted demand value, target demand value for future demand periods) based on the stored demand value and / or power consumption information and the demand value prediction rules, which are rules for predicting demand values. The system executes various data output programs (aj) stored in "main memory" and outputs the data to the demand target display device (B) via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." through a LAN or internet connection.

[0201] <Embodiment 2 Hardware Description: Demand Target Display Device (B)> Figure 9 shows the hardware configuration of the computer portion of the demand target display device (B) of the demand target display system in this embodiment 2, which is based on embodiment 1. As shown in this figure, the demand target display device (B) in this embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various calculations, a "chipset", "main memory", "non-volatile memory" that holds various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing. The needle drive unit (BD) and donut light-emitting unit (BE) are connected to the "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.", and they process the display of time and quantities expressed numerically, such as power consumption, respectively.

[0202] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are loaded into main memory upon system startup, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0203] Upon startup of this system, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, while simultaneously providing a work area that serves as the working area for those programs. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. Both the main memory and the non-volatile memory are assigned multiple addresses, and programs executed by the CPU can access these addresses to exchange data and perform processing.

[0204] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a power consumption information acquisition program (bf), a target power consumption information acquisition program (bg), a target unit power consumption information retention program within the demand period (bh), a target comparative power consumption display program (bj), a data acquisition program (bk), and a data display light emission program (bl). In addition, the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" store power consumption information, target power consumption information, target unit power consumption information within the demand period, instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand values ​​for past demand periods.

[0205] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The program (bf) for acquiring power consumption information, which is stored in "main memory," is executed to acquire power consumption information from the power consumption output device (A) via a LAN or internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." The program (bg) for acquiring target power consumption information, which is stored in "main memory," is executed to acquire target power consumption information from the power consumption output device (A) via a LAN or internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", which is information indicating the target power consumption associated with the power demand time period. The program (bh) storing target unit power consumption information within the demand period, which is stored in "main memory," is executed to store target unit power consumption information within the demand period in "non-volatile memory." This information is obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand period length, which is the length of the demand period, based on the target power consumption information associated with each demand period. The program (bj) stored in the "main memory" is executed to determine the position of the time scale on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the power consumption amount indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period, which is divided by the target unit power consumption within the demand period, as indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, and the donut light-emitting unit (BE) is illuminated up to the position of the time scale on the clock face. The program (be) stored in the "main memory" is then executed to illuminate the donut light-emitting unit (BE) up to the position of the time scale on the clock face. The system executes a data acquisition program (bk) stored in "main memory" and acquires one or more of the following data from the power consumption output device (A) via the internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.": instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. The data display light emission program (bl) stored in "main memory" is executed to set the minute hand position to 0 minutes or 30 minutes as the starting position, determine the position on the clock face (BA) corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the acquired data, and execute the donut light emission control program (be) stored in "main memory" to illuminate the donut light emission unit (BE) up to the position on the clock face corresponding to the time scale position.

[0206] <Effects of Embodiment 2> The demand target display system of this embodiment 2, based on embodiment 1, allows electricity consumers to grasp the amount of electricity consumed relative to the target amount of electricity consumed per demand period when they look at a clock to check the time, and can also appropriately select and display data other than the acquired amount of electricity consumed on the donut light-emitting section (BE).

[0207] <Embodiment 3 Overview> Mainly Claim 3 The demand target display system of this embodiment 3, based on either Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, is configured to have, in addition to the configuration of either Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, one or more display panel sections (BM) capable of displaying characters or / and symbols within a clock face (BA).

[0208] <Embodiment 3 Functional Configuration> Figure 10 shows a functional block diagram of the demand target display system of Embodiment 3, which is based on Embodiment 2. The demand target display system of Embodiment 3 has a display panel section (BM) on the demand target display device (B) in addition to the configuration of Embodiment 2. Since only the display panel section (BM) of the demand target display device (B) differs from the configuration of Embodiment 2, only the display panel section (BM) (1032) will be described below. Similar effects can be obtained by using Embodiment 1 as the basis.

[0209] <Description of the configuration in Embodiment 3> <Embodiment 3 Demand Target Display Device (B): Display Panel Unit (BM) (1032)> The "display panel section (BM)" (1032) is configured to have one or more within the clock face (BA) of the demand target display device (B) to display characters or / and symbols.

[0210] The panel of the display panel (BM) can use display panels of known technologies such as liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, VFD displays, and fluorescent display tube displays. The display panel (BM) preferably has a brightness and viewing angle that allows the displayed characters and / or symbols to be clearly visible depending on the installation environment. For example, when installed outdoors, the surface brightness of the display panel (BM) preferably has a brightness of about 2000 nits, and more preferably has a brightness of about 3000 nits. When installed on an indoor office wall, the surface brightness preferably has a brightness of about 500 to 700 nits.

[0211] The "display panel (BM)" (1032) can be configured to display the power consumption amount, its numerical value (kWh), its ratio (%) to the target power consumption amount at that time, or its ratio (%) to the target power consumption amount for the corresponding demand period, in a light-emitting display area corresponding to the power consumption amount displayed on the donut light-emitting unit (BE). When displaying the power consumption amount on the display panel (BM), it is preferable to simultaneously display symbols such as arrows, inequality signs, or triangles to indicate the light-emitting area of ​​the donut light-emitting unit (BE). Information other than the power consumption amount displayed on the donut light-emitting unit (BE) can also be configured to display numerical values, ratios (%) to the target, etc., in the same way as the display for the power consumption amount.

[0212] The display panel (BM) can also be configured to display one or more of the following information in addition to power consumption: instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, actual demand value for past demand periods; or date information such as year, month, and day; time information for another region (e.g., time at an overseas branch); weather information (including weather forecast information) for the vicinity of the location where the demand target display device (B) is installed; current temperature and humidity; probability of precipitation for the day; amount of precipitation or snowfall for the day; sunrise and / or sunset times for the day; tides; power supplied from private power generation equipment such as solar power generation equipment or battery storage equipment if available; or current news obtained from news sites or news distributors. Alternatively, it can be configured to display a message from the system to the user. For example, the system can be configured to display error messages in case of system malfunctions, warning messages when the data displayed on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) is an abnormal value, messages at times and dates set by the customer (e.g., a greeting at the start of work, a notice about lunchtime, a notice about the end of work at the end of work, a notice about the company's founding anniversary), or greetings from the system to the customer when the system starts up or shuts down. If more than one message is to be displayed, it is recommended to configure the system to periodically change the information displayed on one of the display panels (BM).

[0213] It is preferable that the display panel section (BM) is configured to have a number equal to or greater than the number of pieces of information being light-emitted and displayed by the doughnut light-emitting section (BE). When a plurality of pieces of information are being light-emitted and displayed by the doughnut light-emitting section (BE), it is preferable to use the display panel section (BM) for displays related to the information being light-emitted and displayed by the doughnut light-emitting section (BE) (e.g., values, ratios to a target, names of information, etc.) (see FIG. 18). In the example shown in FIG. 18, in the right half region of the doughnut light-emitting section (BE), a number of unit light-emitting elements corresponding to the amount of power consumption from the start time of the demand time zone to which that time point belongs are being light-emitted and displayed. In the left half of the doughnut light-emitting section (BE) in the example shown in FIG. 18, a number of unit light-emitting elements corresponding to the unit price of power (price per kWh) in the demand time zone to which that time point belongs are being light-emitted and displayed. Of the two display panel sections (BM) arranged within the clock face (BA) (1821), the upper display panel section (BM) displays the name of the power consumption amount on the right side, "Power cons.->", and the lower display panel section (BM) displays "<-Now price", indicating that it is related to the unit price of power.

[0214] Another example is shown in FIG. 19. In the example shown in FIG. 19, in the right half of the doughnut light-emitting section (BE), a number of unit light-emitting elements corresponding to the amount of power consumption at 10:24 am are being light-emitted and displayed, and as corresponding information, the abbreviation of the name of the information, "Power cons.->", is displayed on the upper display panel section (BM). On the upper display panel section (BM) described above, a rightward arrow is also displayed to indicate that it is being light-emitted and displayed in the right half of the doughnut light-emitting section (BE). In the example shown in FIG. 19, on the lower display panel section (BM), the date, month, day, and day of the week of that day, which are information not displayed by the doughnut light-emitting section (BE), are displayed.

[0215] <Embodiment 3 - Flow of Processing> Figure 11 is a flowchart of the operation method of the demand target display system, which is a computer of Embodiment 3 based on Embodiment 2. As shown in this figure, the demand target display system of Embodiment 3 based on Embodiment 2 operates with the cooperation of the power consumption output device (A), the demand target display device (B), and the ES device (C). The flowchart on the left side of Figure 11 (the steps are indicated by the symbols starting with SA) shows the operation method of the power consumption output device (A). The flowchart on the right side of Figure 11 (the steps are indicated by the symbols starting with SB) shows the operation method of the demand target display device (B). The flowchart on the upper side of Figure 11 (the steps are indicated by the symbols starting with SC) shows the operation method of the ES device (C). Since the operation methods of the power consumption output device (A), which is the computer shown on the left side of Figure 11, and the ES device (C), which is the computer shown on the upper side, are the same as those of Embodiment 2, the description is omitted. Note that the same effects can be obtained based on Embodiment 1.

[0216] <Flow of Embodiment 3 Processing: Demand Target Display Device (B)> The operation method of the demand target display device (B), which is a computer of this Embodiment 3 based on Embodiment 2 and has the clock dial (BA), hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), needle drive unit (BD), and donut light emitting unit (BE) shown on the right side of Figure 11, includes a power consumption information acquisition step (bf) (SB1101), a target power consumption information acquisition step (bg) (SB1102), a step for holding the target unit power consumption information within the demand time zone (bh) (SB1103), a target comparison power consumption display step (bj) (SB1104), a data acquisition step (bk) (SB1105), a data display light emission step (bl) (SB1106), and a display panel step (bm) (SB1107).

[0217] Here, the operation method of the demand target display device (B), which is a computer, The power consumption information acquisition step (bf) (SB1101) performs a process of acquiring the power consumption information, which is the information regarding the power consumption output by the power consumption output device (A) in the power consumption information output step (ab) (SA1103). The target power consumption information acquisition step (bg) (SB1102) performs a process to acquire target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption output in the target power consumption information output step (ad) (SA1105) of the power consumption output device (A), in association with the power demand time period. The demand period target unit power consumption information retention step (bh) (SB1103) performs a process to retain demand period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within the demand period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand period length, which is the duration of the demand period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand period. The target-relative power consumption display step (bj) (SB1104) is performed to enable illumination display on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face, which is indicated by the value obtained by dividing the power consumption amount indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period by the target unit power consumption within the demand period indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, using the starting position of the minute hand of the demand period as the illumination start position during the demand period. The data acquisition step (bk) (SB1105) is a process that acquires one or more of the following data output from the various data output steps (aj) (SA1109) of the power consumption output device (A): instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. The data display illumination step (bl) (SB1106) starts at the 0-minute or 30-minute position of the minute hand and illuminates the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the acquired data, in accordance with the time scale on the clock face (BA). The display panel step (bm) (SB1107) performs the process of displaying characters or / and symbols on one or more display panel sections (BM) provided within the clock dial (BA). This is a method of having a demand target display system, which is a computer, perform this series of processes. The display panel step (bm) (SB1107) can be configured to display one or more of the following data on the display panel (BM): power consumption, instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods.

[0218] <Description of the Hardware in Embodiment 3> In this embodiment 3, which is based on embodiment 2, the demand target display system consists of a power consumption output device (A), a demand target display device (B), and an ES device (C). The hardware configuration of the demand target display device (B) will be explained using Figure 12. The hardware configurations of the power consumption output device (A) and the ES device (C) in this embodiment 3 are the same as in embodiment 2, so their explanation will be omitted. Similar effects can be obtained by using embodiment 1 as the basis.

[0219] <Embodiment 3 Hardware Description: Demand Target Display Device (B)> Figure 12 shows the hardware configuration of the demand target display device (B) of the demand target display system in this embodiment 3, which is based on embodiment 2. Although Figure 12 shows the hardware configuration as being similar to a PC, a configuration using an embedded MPU is also possible. The following explanation will use the PC-like configuration as an example. As shown in this figure, the demand target display device (B) in this embodiment 3, which is based on embodiment 2, includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing. The needle drive unit (BD) and donut light-emitting unit (BE) are connected to the "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," and they process the display of time and quantities expressed numerically, such as power consumption, respectively.

[0220] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are loaded into main memory upon system startup, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0221] Upon startup of this system, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, while simultaneously providing a work area that serves as the working area for those programs. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. Both the main memory and the non-volatile memory are assigned multiple addresses, and programs executed by the CPU can access these addresses to exchange data and perform processing.

[0222] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a power consumption information acquisition program (bf), a target power consumption information acquisition program (bg), a program to hold target unit power consumption information within the demand period (bh), a target comparison power consumption display program (bj), a data acquisition program (bk), a data display light emission program (bl), and a display panel program (bm). In addition, the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" store power consumption information, target power consumption information, target unit power consumption information within the demand period, instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, actual demand value for past demand periods, and explanations.

[0223] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The program (bf) for acquiring power consumption information, which is stored in "main memory," is executed, and power consumption information, which is information about power consumption, is acquired from the power consumption output device (A) via the internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." The program (bg) for acquiring target power consumption information, which is stored in "main memory," is executed to obtain target power consumption information from the power consumption output device (A) via the internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", which is information indicating the target power consumption associated with the power demand time period. The program (bh) for holding target unit power consumption information within the demand period, stored in "main memory," is executed to hold demand period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within the demand period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand period length, which is the duration of the demand period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand period. The program (bj) stored in the "main memory" is executed to determine the position corresponding to the time scale on the clock face, which is obtained by dividing the amount of power consumption indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period by the target unit power consumption within the demand period indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, using the starting position of the minute hand of the demand period as the illumination start position during the demand period. The program then executes the donut light-emitting unit control program (be) stored in the "main memory" to illuminate the donut light-emitting unit (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale on the clock face. The system executes a data acquisition program (bk) stored in "main memory" and acquires one or more of the following data via the internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN port, etc.": instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. The data display light emission program (bl) stored in "main memory" is executed to set the minute hand position to 0 minutes or 30 minutes as the starting position, determine the position on the clock face (BA) corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the acquired data, and execute the donut light emission control program (be) stored in "main memory" to illuminate the donut light emission unit (BE) up to the position on the clock face (BA) corresponding to the time scale position. The display panel program (bm) stored in "main memory" is executed to display characters or / and symbols on one or more display panel sections (BM) provided within the clock face (BA).

[0224] <Embodiment 3 Effects> The demand target display system of this third embodiment can be configured to display power consumption information and one or more other pieces of information on the display panel (BM) within the clock face (BA). In particular, when displaying information other than power consumption (e.g., electricity unit price) on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE), configuring the display panel (BM) to display one or more of the quantities, ratios, names, etc., expressed by the numerical values ​​shown by the corresponding donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) makes it easier to understand the information illuminated on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE). The display panel (BM) can also display information other than that illuminated on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE). By displaying information useful to users of this system, such as weather forecasts and temperature and humidity information, the illuminated display of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) will also be in the user's field of vision when viewing that information and the time, thus increasing the opportunities to view the illuminated display. By users seeing the power consumption amount shown on the illuminated display, it is possible to attract their interest in and motivate them to use electricity effectively (not only saving electricity, but also increasing power consumption in different time zones by shifting time zones).

[0225] <Embodiment 4 Overview> Mainly Claim 4 The demand target display system of this embodiment 4, based on embodiment 3, is configured such that the display panel (BM) displays a description including the name of the quantity expressed by the numerical value indicated by the corresponding donut light-emitting unit (BE).

[0226] <Embodiment 4 Functional Configuration> The functional configuration of the demand target display system of Embodiment 4, which is based on Embodiment 3, is almost the same as that of Embodiment 3, with the only difference being the configuration of the display panel (BM). Therefore, only the display panel (BM) will be described below.

[0227] <Description of Embodiment 4 Configuration> <Embodiment 4 Demand Target Display Device (B): Display Panel Unit (BM)> The "display panel (BM)" is configured to display a description including the name of the quantity represented by the numerical value indicated by the corresponding donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE).

[0228] The display panel unit (BM) is preferably configured to display symbols indicating directions, such as arrows and triangles, together with explanations in order to indicate in which region of the donut-shaped light-emitting part (BE) the quantity that is the subject of the displayed explanation is light-emittingly displayed.

[0229] "Explanation" can be configured not only to display the name of the quantity expressed by the numerical value indicated by the corresponding donut light-emitting part (BE), but also to display other ratios to the value or / and target of the quantity, etc. For example, in Fig. 18, as the "explanation" for the display of the power consumption amount light-emittingly displayed in the donut light-emitting part (BE) corresponding to the right side of the clock face (BA), the upper display panel part (BM) displays the name "Power cons.->" and then, from the start of the demand time zone to that point, the power consumption amount of 52.8 kWh at that point is sent from right to left as "Power cons.->", "ower cons. ->", "wer cons. 5->", "ons. 52.8kWh->", "52.8kWh ->" to display while pushing out the preceding character string. In order to clarify which quantity the "explanation" is for, in this example, it is preferable to rewrite the content of the explanation while leaving the arrow on the right side as it is.

[0230] When the number of display panel parts (BM) is less than the number of types of quantities expressed by the numerical values displayed in the donut light-emitting part (BE), it is configured to periodically switch the display and display the "explanation" including the name of the quantity expressed by the numerical value displayed in the donut light-emitting part (BE). When switching to the explanation of another type of quantity, it is preferably configured to rewrite the entire target display panel part (BM) at once, rather than switching in such a way as to push out the previous notation as described above.

[0231] The display panel (BM) can be configured to periodically display, in addition to descriptions of quantities expressed numerically on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE), one or more of the following: date (see Figures 19-21), current weather or weather forecast for the day, current temperature and humidity, probability of precipitation for the day, amount of precipitation or snowfall for the day, sunrise and / or sunset times for the day, tides, current events and / or economic news (including stock prices and exchange rates) obtained from news providers via the internet, and time information for another region (e.g., time at an overseas branch).

[0232] If the number of display panel units (BM) is greater than the number of types of quantities represented by the numerical values ​​displayed on the donut-shaped light-emitting units (BE), the excess display panel units (BM) can be configured to either pause their display or display an explanation of other information (date) that is not displayed on the donut-shaped light-emitting units (BE), as illustrated in Figure 19.

[0233] An example of the display on the display panel (BM) of the demand target display device (B) of Embodiment 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 18. <Embodiment 4 Demand Target Display Device (B): Display Panel Unit (BM): Explanation using Figure 18> The example shown in Figure 18 is an example in which two display panel sections (BM) are provided within the clock face (BA) of Figure 17. Similar to the example shown in Figure 17, the example in Figure 18 shows the display when the target power consumption information is 72kWh and the power consumption at 10:24 is 52.8kWh during the demand period from 10:00 to 10:30 on August 1st (Thursday). In this example, the positions of the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) on the clock face (BA), and the illumination position of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) on the outer circumference of the clock face (BA) are as described in Embodiment 1 using Figure 17. Therefore, the explanation regarding the illumination display of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) is omitted.

[0234] In Figure 18, the clock face (BA) has two display panels (BM) arranged vertically. The upper display panel (BM) shows "Power cons.->" indicating that the right half of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) is illuminated with a number of unit light-emitting elements corresponding to the current power consumption. The lower display panel (BM) shows "<-now Price" indicating that the left half of the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) is illuminated with a number of unit light-emitting elements corresponding to the current electricity price.

[0235] <Embodiment 4: Processing Flow> The flowchart for the operation method of the demand target display system, which is a computer in Embodiment 4 based on Embodiment 3, is the same as in Embodiment 3. Therefore, the operation method of the demand target display system in Embodiment 4 will be explained using Figure 11, which was used in the explanation of the operation method of Embodiment 3. Only the operation method of the demand target display device (B), which differs from Embodiment 3 (in the processing content of the display panel step (bm)), will be explained below.

[0236] <Embodiment 4 Processing Flow: Demand Target Display Device (B)> The operation method of the demand target display device (B), which is a computer of this embodiment 4 based on embodiment 3 and having a clock face (BA), hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), hand drive unit (BD), and donut light-emitting unit (BE) as shown on the right side of Figure 11, includes a power consumption information acquisition step (bf) (SB1101), a target power consumption information acquisition step (bg) (SB1102), a demand time period target unit power consumption information holding step (bh) (SB1103), a target comparison power consumption display step (bj) (SB1104), a data acquisition step (bk) (SB1105), a data display light emission step (bl) (SB1106), and a display panel step (bm) (SB1107).

[0237] The operation method of the computer, which is the demand target display device (B), is as follows: The power consumption information acquisition step (bf) (SB1101) is a process that acquires power consumption information, which is information about the power consumption output in the power consumption information output step (ab) (SA1103) of the power consumption output device (A). The target power consumption information acquisition step (bg) (SB1102) performs a process to acquire target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption output in the target power consumption information output step (ad) (SA1105) of the power consumption output device (A), in association with the power demand time period. The demand period target unit power consumption information retention step (bh) (SB1103) performs a process to retain demand period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within the demand period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand period length, which is the duration of the demand period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand period. The target-relative power consumption display step (bj) (SB1104) is performed to enable illumination display on the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face, which is indicated by the value obtained by dividing the power consumption amount indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period by the target unit power consumption within the demand period indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, using the starting position of the minute hand of the demand period as the illumination start position during the demand period. The data acquisition step (bk) (SB1105) is a process that acquires one or more of the following data output from the various data output steps (aj) (SA1109) of the power consumption output device (A): instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. The data display illumination step (bl) (SB1106) starts at the 0-minute or 30-minute position of the minute hand and illuminates the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the acquired data, in accordance with the time scale on the clock face (BA). The display panel step (bm) (SB1107) performs a process to display a description, including the name of the quantity expressed by the numerical value indicated by the donut light-emitting part (BE) corresponding to the light-emitting display in the target comparative power consumption display step (bj) (SB1104) and the data display light-emitting step (bl) (SB1106), on the display panel section (BM) which displays one or more characters or / and symbols provided within the clock face (BA). This is a method of having a computer, the demand target display system, perform this series of processes.

[0238] <Embodiment 4: Hardware Description> In this embodiment 4, which is based on embodiment 3, the demand target display system consists of a power consumption output device (A), a demand target display device (B), and an ES device (C). The hardware configuration of the demand target display device (B), which differs from that of embodiment 3 (in the execution content of the panel display program (bm)), will be explained using Figure 12. The hardware configurations of the power consumption output device (A) and the ES device (C) in this embodiment 4 are the same as in embodiment 3, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0239] <Embodiment 4 Hardware Description: Demand Target Display Device (B)> Figure 12 shows the hardware configuration of the demand target display device (B) of the demand target display system in this embodiment 4, which is based on embodiment 3. Although Figure 12 shows the hardware configuration as being similar to a PC, a configuration using an embedded MPU is also possible. The following explanation will use the PC-like configuration as an example. As shown in this figure, the demand target display device (B) in this embodiment 4, which is based on embodiment 3, includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing. The needle drive unit (BD) and donut light-emitting unit (BE) are connected to the "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," and they process the display of time and quantities expressed numerically, such as power consumption, respectively.

[0240] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are loaded into main memory upon system startup, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0241] Upon startup of this system, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, while simultaneously providing a work area that serves as the working area for those programs. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. Both the main memory and the non-volatile memory are assigned multiple addresses, and programs executed by the CPU can access these addresses to exchange data and perform processing.

[0242] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a power consumption information acquisition program (bf), a target power consumption information acquisition program (bg), a program to hold target unit power consumption information within the demand period (bh), a target comparison power consumption display program (bj), a data acquisition program (bk), a data display light emission program (bl), and a display panel program (bm). In addition, the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" store power consumption information, target power consumption information, target unit power consumption information within the demand period, instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, actual demand value for past demand periods, and explanations.

[0243] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The program (bf) for acquiring power consumption information, which is stored in "main memory," is executed, and power consumption information, which is information about power consumption, is acquired from the power consumption output device (A) via the internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." The program (bg) for acquiring target power consumption information, which is stored in "main memory," is executed to obtain target power consumption information from the power consumption output device (A) via the internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", which is information indicating the target power consumption associated with the power demand time period. The program (bh) for holding target unit power consumption information within the demand period, stored in "main memory," is executed to hold demand period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within the demand period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand period length, which is the duration of the demand period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand period. The program (bj) stored in the "main memory" is executed to determine the position corresponding to the time scale on the clock face, which is obtained by dividing the amount of power consumption indicated by the power consumption information within the demand period by the target unit power consumption within the demand period indicated by the target unit power consumption information within the demand period, using the starting position of the minute hand of the demand period as the illumination start position during the demand period. The program then executes the donut light-emitting unit control program (be) stored in the "main memory" to illuminate the donut light-emitting unit (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale on the clock face. The system executes a data acquisition program (bk) stored in "main memory" and acquires one or more of the following data from the power consumption output device (A) via the internet connection through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.": instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. The data display light emission program (bl) stored in "main memory" is executed to set the minute hand position to 0 minutes or 30 minutes as the starting position, determine the position on the clock face (BA) corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the acquired data, and execute the donut light emission control program (be) stored in "main memory" to illuminate the donut light emission unit (BE) up to the position on the clock face (BA) corresponding to the time scale position. The display panel program (bm) stored in "main memory" is executed to display a description, including the name of the quantity expressed by the numerical value indicated by the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) corresponding to the light-emitting display when the target comparative power consumption display program (bj) and data display light-emitting program (bl) are executed, on the display panel section (BM) which displays one or more characters or / and symbols within the clock face (BA), via the "graphics card".

[0244] <Embodiment 4 Effects> In this fourth embodiment of the demand target display system, the display panel (BM) displays an explanation including the name of the quantity expressed by the numerical value shown by the donut-shaped light-emitting unit (BE), making it easier for anyone viewing the demand target display device (B) of this system to understand what the "quantity" displayed by the donut-shaped light-emitting unit (BE) represents.

[0245] <Embodiment 5 Summary> Mainly Claim 5 The demand target display system of this embodiment 5, which is based on either embodiment 3 or embodiment 4, is configured such that, in addition to the configuration of either embodiment 3 or embodiment 4, the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) portions that may overlap with the display panel (BM) are transparent or semi-transparent.

[0246] <Embodiment 5 Functional Configuration> The functional configuration of the demand target display system of Embodiment 5, which is based on either Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4, is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 3, with only the configuration of the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) being different. The following description will focus only on the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC).

[0247] <Description of Embodiment 5> <Embodiment 5 Demand Target Display Device (B): Hour Hand (BB), Minute Hand (BC)> The hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) are configured such that the portion that may overlap with the display panel (BM) is transparent or semi-transparent.

[0248] The clock face (BA), display panel (BM), hour hand (BB), and minute hand (BC) are arranged in the following order from the side furthest from the viewer of the demand target display device (B) to the side closest to the viewer: clock face (BA), display panel (BM) located approximately the same position as the clock face (BA), hour hand (BB), and minute hand (BC). If a second hand is also present, it is positioned above the minute hand (BC). If the opaque hour hand (BB) or minute hand (BC) passes over the display panel (BM) (between the display panel (BM) and the viewer), it will obstruct the view of the characters and / or symbols or explanations displayed on the display panel (BM). Therefore, the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) are configured to be semi-transparent or transparent in portions that may overlap with the display panel (BM). It is most preferable that they be transparent.

[0249] <Embodiment 5 Demand Target Display Device (B): Hour Hand (BB), Minute Hand (BC): Transparent, Semi-transparent Example 1> The two dotted circles in Figures 18 and 19 indicate areas where the hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), and second hand do not overlap the display panel (BM), with the larger circle outside and the smaller circle inside. The areas of the hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), and second hand located between the two dotted circles in both figures are the areas where they may overlap the display panel (BM). Therefore, the parts of the hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), and second hand located within that area are made transparent or semi-transparent. In the example shown, the hour hand (BB) may overlap the display panel (BM) in areas other than between the center of the clock face (BA) and the display panel (BM). In the example shown in the diagram, the minute hand (BC) (and the second hand shown in Figures 18 and 19) is configured to be opaque in the area between the display panel (BM) near the center of the clock face (BA) where it is unlikely to overlap with the display panel (BM) (inside the small dotted circle), and near the tip of the minute hand (BC) (and the second hand) (outside the large dotted circle), with the area in between being transparent or opaque.

[0250] <Embodiment 5 Demand Target Display Device (B): Hour Hand (BB), Minute Hand (BC): Transparent, Semi-transparent Example 2> In the examples of Figures 18 and 19, the hour hand (BB) is configured to be transparent or semi-transparent except for the area near the center of the clock face (BA), as described above, making it difficult to see the time information indicated by the hour hand (BB). To make the time information easier to see, the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC), which may overlap the display panel (BM), may be configured to have a very narrow width (e.g., less than 1 mm in width, a width equivalent to the length of one side of one pixel of the display panel constituting the display panel (BM), or a width equivalent to the length of the short side of one sub-pixel) so as not to obstruct the view of the explanation displayed on the display panel (BM). The example shown in Figure 20 is an example in which the time information indicated by the hour hand (BB) is made easier to see.

[0251] Similar to Figures 18 and 19, Figure 20 also includes two dotted circles to clearly show the area where the display panel (BM) and the hands may overlap. The portion of the hour hand (BB) that may overlap with the display panel (BM) (the part between the large and small dotted circles) is made into a single thin rod less than 1 mm wide, and an indicator (a ring in Figure 20; however, it is not limited to a ring; a star shape, arrow, or even a triangle as in the example in Figure 22) is positioned near the time scale beyond the display panel (BM) to indicate that it is an extension of the hour hand tip. With this configuration, even when the hour hand (BB) overlaps with the display panel (BM), the time information is easily visible. The minute hand (BC) can be configured similarly. When configuring multiple hands as shown in Figure 20, it is preferable to change the shape of the indicator at the tip of each hand. This is because if the shape of the indicator for each hand is not changed, it becomes difficult to distinguish each hand.

[0252] <Embodiment 5 Demand Target Display Device (B): Hour Hand (BB), Minute Hand (BC): Transparent, Semi-transparent Example 3> In addition to forming the hour hand (BB) thinly as described above, the display panel (BM) can also be positioned close enough to the hand drive unit (BD) that drives the hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), etc., so as not to interfere with the hand drive unit (BD)'s operation, and so that the tip of the hour hand (BB) does not overlap the display panel (BM) (see Figure 21). Figure 21 shows a dotted circle to indicate the portion that may overlap the display panel (BM). The portion of each hand outside the dotted circle is made opaque as described above. The tip of the hour hand (BB) can also be made opaque.

[0253] <Embodiment 5 Demand Target Display Device (B): Hour Hand (BB), Minute Hand (BC): Transparent, Semi-transparent Example 4: Modification 1 of Example 3> As a modification 1 of the above example 3, although Figure 21 shows the display panel divided into two upper and lower display panel sections (BM), it can also be configured as a single display panel section (BM) capable of displaying two lines. Alternatively, the two display panel sections (BM) may be placed without any space between them. One example of arranging the display panel section (BM) near the center of the clock face (BA) is to make a hole in the part of the display panel section (BM) corresponding to the center of the clock face (BA) and configure it so that the rotating shaft through which the hand drive unit (BD) drives the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC), etc., passes.

[0254] <Embodiment 5 Demand Target Display Device (B): Hour Hand (BB), Minute Hand (BC): Transparent, Semi-transparent Example 5: Modification 2 of Example 3> As a second modification, another example is shown in Figure 22. The left diagram in Figure 22 is a front view, and the right diagram is a schematic cross-sectional view of the demand target display device (B) in the left diagram, passing through A-A'. Similar to Figure 21, the left diagram of Figure 22 also includes a dotted circle to indicate a portion that may overlap with the display panel (BM). In the example in Figure 22, the needle drive unit (BD) is configured to be located not in the center of the clock face (BA) (below the donut-shaped light-emitting unit (BE)). As shown in the cross-sectional view on the right, the needle drive unit (BD) is located below the donut-shaped light-emitting unit (BE) at approximately 30 minutes, directly below the clock face (BA). The hour hand (BB), minute hand (BC), and second hand are drawn on a circular transparent glass plate with gear teeth (not shown) formed on its outer circumference, and the glass plate is rotated by a gear (teeth not shown) driven by the needle drive unit (BD). The clock face (BA) and display panel (BM) are located below the glass plate on which the hands are drawn.

[0255] <Embodiment 5 Demand Target Display Device (B): Hour Hand (BB), Minute Hand (BC): Transparent, Semi-transparent Example 6> Another way to make the time information indicated by the hour hand (BB) easier to see is to illuminate or change the color of the index numbers on the clock face (BA) that correspond to the current time (in the examples of Figures 18 to 21, these are Arabic numerals 1 to 12).

[0256] <Embodiment 5: Processing Flow> The flowchart for the operation method of the demand target display system, which is a computer in Embodiment 5 based on either Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4, is the same as the operation method in either Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4. Therefore, the explanation is omitted.

[0257] <Embodiment 5: Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the computer portion of the power consumption output device (A), the demand target display device (B), and the ES device (C), which constitute the demand target display system of Embodiment 5 based on either Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4, is the same as that of either Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4, so a description is omitted.

[0258] <Embodiment 5: Effects> In this embodiment 5, the demand target display system makes the explanation displayed on the display panel (BM) easier to see by making the parts of the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) that may overlap with the display panel (BM) transparent or semi-transparent.

[0259] <Effects of the present invention> In the demand target display system having the above configuration, the demand target display device (B) is output-only and does not have a user interface for setting conditions, allowing it to be installed in a high place on a wall that is not easily accessible. By installing it in a high place, many people can see it, allowing them to understand the amount of power consumption relative to the target power consumption per demand period, and prompting them to adjust the increase or decrease in power consumption. In addition, based on the power receiving equipment operation information output from the ES device (C) to the monitoring server device and the information displayed on the demand target display device (B), consumers can become aware of malfunctions in the power receiving equipment (e.g., a decrease in transformer efficiency due to a temperature rise that is not abnormal). It is also possible to acquire data other than power consumption and select and display it as appropriate. The power consumption and other data indicated by the donut light-emitting part (BE) are displayed in text or / and symbols on the display panel (BM), making the data display easier to read. By making the parts of the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) that may overlap with the display panel (BM) transparent or semi-transparent, the explanations displayed on the display panel (BM) can be made easier to see. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0260] Demand target display system...0100 Power consumption output device (A)...0110 Power consumption information acquisition unit (AA)...0111 Power consumption information output section (AB)...0112 Target power consumption information holding unit (AC)...0113 Target power consumption information output unit (AD)...0114 Demand target display device (B) ···0120 Watch dial (BA) ... 0121 Hour hand (BB)...0122 Minute hand (BC)...0123 Needle drive unit (BD)...0124 Donut-shaped light-emitting part (BE) ... 0125 Power consumption information acquisition unit (BF)...0126 Target power consumption information acquisition unit (BG)...0127 Demand Time Zone Target Unit Power Consumption Information Holding Unit (BH) ... 0128 Target-compared power consumption display unit (BJ) ... 0129 Data acquisition unit (BK) ... 0130 Data display light-emitting unit (BL) ···0131 ES device (C)...0160

Claims

1. The power consumption information acquisition unit (AA) acquires power consumption information, which is information about the amount of power consumed by power consumers who try to control their power consumption by setting a target amount of power consumption, A power consumption information output unit (AB) outputs the acquired power consumption information, A target power consumption information holding unit (AC) holds target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption amount in relation to the power demand time period, A target power consumption information output unit (AD) that outputs target power consumption information, A power consumption output device (A) having, A circular clock face (BA), The hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) rotate on the watch face (BA) to indicate the time, The hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) are driven by a hand drive unit (BD), A donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) is arranged around the outer edge of the clock face (BA) and is capable of emitting multi-color light with the same resolution as the time scale on the clock face (BA). A power consumption information acquisition unit (BF) acquires power consumption information, which is information about power consumption, from a power consumption output device (A), A target power consumption information acquisition unit (BG) acquires target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption amount in relation to the power demand time period, A demand time period target unit power consumption information holding unit (BH) holds demand time period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within a demand time period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand time length, which is the length of the demand time period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand time period. In the demand period where the minute hand (BC) is located, the starting minute hand position of that demand period is used as the illumination start position, and a target comparative power consumption display unit (BJ) is capable of illuminating the donut-shaped light-emitting unit (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA), which is the value obtained by dividing the power consumption amount indicated by the power consumption amount information within that demand period by the target unit power consumption amount within the demand period indicated by the target unit power consumption amount information within the demand period. A demand target display device (B) having, The power consumption information, which indicates the amount of electricity consumed by the electricity consumer, is acquired from the electricity consumer's power receiving equipment and transmitted to the power consumption output device (A), An ES device (C) transmits this power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information indicating whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal to a monitoring server device that monitors power receiving equipment operation information and power consumption information for multiple power consumers. A demand target display system consisting of the following.

2. A data acquisition unit (BK) acquires one or more of the following data: instantaneous demand value, predicted demand value, current electricity rate, future electricity rate, requested demand value for future demand periods, target demand value for future demand periods, and actual demand value for past demand periods. A data display light-emitting unit (BL) starts at the 0 or 30 minute position of the minute hand and illuminates the donut-shaped light-emitting unit (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA) that corresponds to the acquired data, in accordance with the time scale on the clock face (BA). The demand target display device (B) according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The demand target display device (B) according to claim 2, having a display panel (BM) that displays one or more characters and / or symbols within a clock face (BA).

4. The demand target display device (B) according to claim 3, wherein the display panel (BM) displays a description including the name of the quantity expressed by the numerical value indicated by the corresponding donut light-emitting section (BE).

5. The demand target display device (B) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the portion of the hour hand (BB) and minute hand (BC) that may overlap with the display panel (BM) is transparent or semi-transparent.

6. A power consumption information acquisition step (aa) acquires power consumption information, which is information about the amount of power consumed by a power consumer who is trying to control power consumption by setting a target amount of power consumption, A power consumption information output step (ab) outputs the acquired power consumption information, A step (ac) for holding target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption amount in relation to the power demand time period, A target power consumption information output step (ad) outputs target power consumption information, The operation method of a power consumption output device (A), which is a computer, and A method for operating a demand target display device (B), which is a computer having a clock face (BA), an hour hand (BB), a minute hand (BC), a hand drive unit (BD), and a donut light-emitting unit (BE), A power consumption information acquisition step (bf) is performed to acquire power consumption information, which is information about power consumption, from a power consumption output device (A), A step (bg) to acquire target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption amount in relation to the power demand time period, A demand time period target unit power consumption information retention step (bh) which holds demand time period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within the demand time period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand time length, which is the length of the demand time period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand time period, A target comparative power consumption display step (bj) is performed, in which, during the demand time period in which the minute hand (BC) is located, the starting minute hand position of the demand time period is used as the illumination start position, and the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA), which is shown by the value obtained by dividing the power consumption amount shown in the power consumption information for the demand time period by the target unit power consumption amount for the demand time period shown in the target unit power consumption information for the demand time period, is illuminated and displayed. A method for operating a demand target display device (B), which is a computer, and A power consumption information output step involves obtaining power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed by a power consumer, from the power receiving equipment of the power consumer and transmitting it to the power consumption output device (A), An operating method for an ES device (C), which is a computer, comprising: a power receiving equipment operation information transmission step, which transmits this power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information indicating whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal, to a monitoring server device for monitoring power receiving equipment operation information and power consumption information of multiple power consumers; A method for operating a demand target display system, which is a computer, consisting of the following.

7. A power consumption information acquisition step (aa) acquires power consumption information, which is information about the amount of power consumed by a power consumer who is trying to control power consumption by setting a target amount of power consumption, A power consumption information output step (ab) outputs the acquired power consumption information, A step (ac) for holding target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption amount in relation to the power demand time period, A target power consumption information output step (ad) outputs target power consumption information, A program to be executed by a power consumption output device (A), which is a computer, A program to be executed by a demand target display device (B), which is a computer having a clock face (BA), an hour hand (BB), a minute hand (BC), a hand drive unit (BD), and a donut light-emitting unit (BE), A power consumption information acquisition step (bf) is performed to acquire power consumption information, which is information about power consumption, from a power consumption output device (A), A step (bg) to acquire target power consumption information, which is information indicating the target power consumption amount in relation to the power demand time period, A demand time period target unit power consumption information retention step (bh) which holds demand time period target unit power consumption information, which is information indicating the target unit power consumption within the demand time period, which is the value obtained by dividing the target power consumption by the demand time length, which is the length of the demand time period, based on the target power consumption information and associated with each demand time period, A target comparative power consumption display step (bj) is performed, in which, during the demand time period in which the minute hand (BC) is located, the starting minute hand position of the demand time period is used as the illumination start position, and the donut-shaped light-emitting section (BE) up to the position corresponding to the time scale position on the clock face (BA), which is shown by the value obtained by dividing the power consumption amount shown in the power consumption information for the demand time period by the target unit power consumption amount for the demand time period shown in the target unit power consumption information for the demand time period, is illuminated and displayed. A program to be executed by a computer, which is a demand target display device (B), and A power consumption information output step involves obtaining power consumption information, which is information indicating the amount of power consumed by a power consumer, from the power receiving equipment of the power consumer and transmitting it to the power consumption output device (A), A program to be executed by an ES device (C), which is a computer, includes a power receiving equipment operation information transmission step that transmits this power consumption information and power receiving equipment operation information indicating whether the power receiving equipment is abnormal or normal to a monitoring server device for monitoring power receiving equipment operation information and power consumption information of multiple power consumers. A program to be executed by a demand target display system, which is a computer.

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