Information terminal, intercom system, display method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of displaying information with appropriate waiting time.SOLUTION: An information terminal 400 may be used in an intercom system. The information terminal 400 includes a monitor 420, a control unit 440, and a communication unit 450. The communication unit 450 communicates with equipment or a system. The control unit 440 controls the display of the monitor 420. The control unit 440 is configured to control the monitor 420 to display information read from a storage within the upper limit waiting time according to the storage location of the information to be displayed on the monitor 420.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to display technology, and more particularly to an information terminal, an intercom system, a display method, and a program for displaying information. [Background technology]

[0002] The intercom system includes a door phone sub-unit with a camera and an intercom main unit with a monitor television, and when the call button on the door phone sub-unit is pressed, an image captured by the door phone sub-unit is displayed on the television monitor of the intercom main unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-15974 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an intercom system is installed in a collective facility such as an apartment building, the intercom handset and intercom master unit are installed in a facility within the collective facility, such as a residence. The intercom master unit is typically installed in a location that is easy for users to operate. When such an intercom master unit is connected to various devices inside and outside the collective facility via a network, the intercom master unit can display information received from each device. A waiting time is set in such an intercom master unit for waiting to receive information from each device. To ensure sufficient waiting time for all devices, a uniform waiting time is set for the device with the longest waiting time. However, some devices have such waiting times that are too long, which reduces user convenience.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology for displaying information with an appropriate waiting time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an information terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information terminal that can be used in an intercom system, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a device or the system, a display unit, and a control unit that controls the display on the display unit. The control unit displays information read from a storage location within an upper limit waiting time corresponding to the storage location of the information to be displayed on the display unit. The control unit stops reading the information when a predetermined condition is met while the upper limit waiting time is not reached and the information has not been read from the storage location, and the predetermined condition includes that the communication unit has received predetermined information having a higher priority than the information, and the predetermined information having a higher priority than the information is a call request for the intercom system. .

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a display method for an information terminal that can be used in an intercom system, the method including the steps of requesting a storage location of information to be displayed on a display unit to transmit the information, and displaying the information read from the storage location on the display unit within an upper limit waiting time corresponding to the storage location of the information to be displayed on the display unit. and a step of canceling the reading of the information when a predetermined condition is met while the waiting time is within the upper limit and the information has not been read from the storage location, the predetermined condition including the reception of predetermined information having a higher priority than the information, the predetermined information having a higher priority than the information being a call request for the intercom system. .

[0008] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, information can be displayed with an appropriate waiting time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an intercom system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams showing the configuration of the common entrance device and the information terminal of FIG. [Figure 3] 3(a) and 3(b) are diagrams showing screens displayed on the monitor of FIG. 2(b). [Figure 4]4(a)-(c) are diagrams showing other screens displayed on the monitor of FIG. 2(b). [Figure 5] 2(b) is a diagram showing the data structure of a table stored in the storage unit of FIG. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams showing still another screen displayed on the monitor of FIG. 2(b). [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart showing a display procedure performed by the information terminal of FIG. 2(b). [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing another display procedure by the information terminal of FIG. 2(b). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Before describing the present disclosure in detail, an overview will be provided. The embodiment relates to an intercom system installed in a collective facility such as an apartment building or condominium. A collective facility includes a plurality of facilities such as residences, and people can enter and exit through at least one common entrance. When a visitor operates a common entrance device such as a lobby intercom installed at the common entrance, an information terminal installed at the facility being visited is called. The information terminal is, for example, a facility master unit. In response to the call, a resident of the facility operates the information terminal to confirm the visitor. The information terminal is generally installed in a location within the facility that is easy for residents to operate. Therefore, the information terminal is suitable as a means for displaying various information.

[0012] An information terminal is connected to various devices via a network and receives and displays information from each device. As described above, a waiting time is set for the information terminal. For example, the longest waiting time required for the device is set to "60 seconds." This setting also sets the waiting time for detecting a disconnection within the information terminal to "60 seconds." However, a waiting time of "60 seconds" is too long for the information terminal itself. In this embodiment, to display information with an appropriate waiting time, the waiting time for information is set differently for each device connected to the information terminal. For example, the time until an error message appears when a connection to a device cannot be established is set to "10 seconds" for the information terminal itself, "10 seconds" for the information terminal's internal device, "30 seconds" for the device management system, and "60 seconds" for the server.

[0013] 1 shows the configuration of an intercom system 1000. The collective facility 100 includes a first facility 110a, a second facility 110b, and a third facility 110c, collectively referred to as facility 110. The intercom system 1000 includes a common entrance device 200, a control device 300, a collective facility GW (Gateway) 310, a network 320, a first server 330a, a second server 330b, and a third server 330c, collectively referred to as server 330, a common area trunk line 350, an occupied trunk line 360, a management room terminal 370, an in-facility network 380, an information terminal 400, a router 500, and a device management system 600. The device management system 600 includes a device control device 610 and a first device 620a and a second device 620b, collectively referred to as device 620. The number of facilities 110 in the collective facility 100 is not limited to "3", the number of servers 330 is not limited to "3", and the number of devices 620 is not limited to "3". The information terminal 400, router 500, and device management system 600 are shown only in the first facility 110a, but are also included in the second facility 110b and the third facility 110c. Here, (1) the basic operation of the intercom system 1000, (2) network connection of the information terminal 400, (3) display operation on the information terminal 400, and (4) display cancellation operation on the information terminal 400 will be explained in this order.

[0014] (1) Basic operation of the intercom system 1000 A collective facility 100 includes a plurality of facilities 110. An example of the collective facility 100 is an apartment building, and an example of the facilities 110 is a residence. A common entrance device 200 is installed at the common entrance of the collective facility 100. The common entrance device 200 is, for example, a lobby intercom installed in the lobby of the apartment building. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show the configuration of the common entrance device 200 and the information terminal 400. Figure 2(a) shows the configuration of the common entrance device 200. The common entrance device 200 includes a processing unit 210, an operation unit 230, a control unit 240, and a communication unit 250, and the processing unit 210 includes an imaging unit 212, a microphone 214, a speaker 218, a monitor 220, and an IF unit 222.

[0015] The operation unit 230 of the common entrance apparatus 200 is a user interface for accepting operations by a visitor, such as a call button. When the operation unit 230 accepts the number of the facility 110 that the visitor plans to visit from the visitor, it outputs a call request to the control unit 240. When the operation unit 230 is operated by the visitor, the processing unit 210 operates.

[0016] The imaging unit 212 is used to capture images of visitors and includes a solid-state imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The solid-state imaging element outputs a photoelectrically converted video signal to the IF unit 222. The IF unit 222 performs various signal processing on the video signal from the imaging unit 212. Well-known techniques may be used for the various signal processing, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. The IF unit 222 outputs the video signal that has undergone signal processing (hereinafter also referred to as the "video signal") to the control unit 240.

[0017] The microphone 214 and speaker 218 are user interfaces that allow visitors to talk to residents. The microphone 214 collects the visitor's voice, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the IF unit 222. The speaker 218 reproduces the electrical signal from the IF unit 222 and outputs it as audio. The IF unit 222 receives the electrical signal from the microphone 214 and converts it into a signal in a format for transmission (hereinafter referred to as an "audio signal"). The IF unit 222 outputs the audio signal to the control unit 240. Meanwhile, the IF unit 222 receives the audio signal from the control unit 240 and converts it into an electrical signal. The IF unit 222 outputs the electrical signal to the speaker 218.

[0018] The monitor 220 displays messages and the like. The IF unit 222 inputs a message signal from the control unit 240 and outputs the message signal to the monitor 220. The message signal may be generated in the common entrance device 200. The control unit 240 controls the operation of the common entrance device 200. The control unit 240 is connected to the communication unit 250. The communication unit 250 is connected to the control device 300 via the common section trunk line 350 and executes communication with the information terminal 400 via the control device 300. Specifically, the communication unit 250 transmits and receives the above-mentioned call request, video signal, audio signal, and message signal to and from the information terminal 400, but the signals transmitted and received are not limited to these. Return to FIG. 1.

[0019] The control device 300 is installed in a common space such as a machine room or a caretaker's room, and relays signals between the common entrance device 200 and the information terminal 400. The common area trunk line 350 and the occupied trunk line 360 ​​are transmission paths for transmitting call signals from the common entrance device 200 and response signals from the information terminal 400. The common area trunk line 350 and the occupied trunk line 360 ​​transmit the above-mentioned call requests, video signals, audio signals, and message signals.

[0020] The information terminal 400 is installed within the facility 110, and is also called a home information panel, a dwelling unit unit, a dwelling unit terminal, a facility master unit, a room master unit, or a home master unit. Fig. 2(b) shows the configuration of the information terminal 400. The information terminal 400 includes a processing unit 410, an operation unit 430, a control unit 440, a communication unit 450, and a memory unit 460, and the processing unit 410 includes a microphone 414, a speaker 418, a monitor 420, and an IF unit 422.

[0021] The communication unit 450 is connected to the control device 300 via the occupied trunk line 360, and communicates with the common entrance apparatus 200 via the control device 300. A control unit 440 is connected to the communication unit 450, and the control unit 440 controls the operation of the information terminal 400. An IF unit 422, an operation unit 430, and a memory unit 460 are connected to the control unit 440, and a microphone 414, a speaker 418, and a monitor 420 are connected to the IF unit 422. Here, the microphone 414, the speaker 418, the IF unit 422, and the operation unit 430 are configured in the same manner as the microphone 214, the speaker 218, the IF unit 222, and the operation unit 230. The monitor 420 displays an image captured by the imaging unit 212 of the common entrance apparatus 200.

[0022] The control unit 440 receives a call request, a video signal, and an audio signal from the common entrance apparatus 200 via the communication unit 450. Upon receiving the call request, the control unit 440 controls the speaker 418 to output a ring tone via the IF unit 422. Subsequently, the control unit 440 controls the monitor 420 to display an image reproduced from the video signal via the IF unit 422, and controls the speaker 418 to output an audio signal reproduced from the audio signal via the IF unit 422. When a resident who hears the ring tone responds to the call by operating the operation unit 430, the control unit 440 controls the communication unit 450 to execute communication with the common entrance apparatus 200. As a result, a call is established between the visitor operating the common entrance apparatus 200 and the resident operating the information terminal 400 through communication of video and audio signals between the communication unit 250 and the communication unit 450. Returning to FIG. 1 ,

[0023] A facility slave unit (not shown) installed outside the entrance of the facility 110 is connected to the information terminal 400. The facility slave unit is also called a door intercom or a room slave unit. The facility slave unit may be configured similarly to the common entrance device 200, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. As a result, a call is made between a visitor operating the facility slave unit and a resident operating the information terminal 400. The management room terminal 370 is connected to the control device 300 and is installed in the manager's room. The management room terminal 370 is also called a shared base unit. The management room terminal 370 is used by the manager of the apartment complex, for example, to check the settings of the control device 300 or to configure the control device 300.

[0024] (2) Network connection of the information terminal 400 The collective facility GW310 is a communication device for connecting the control device 300 inside the collective facility 100 with a network 320 outside the collective facility 100. Therefore, the collective facility GW310 can be said to relay communications inside and outside the collective facility 100. Since the first server 330a to the third server 330c are connected to the network 320, the communication unit 450 (FIG. 2(b)) of the information terminal 400 can communicate with the first server 330a to the third server 330c via the control device 300, the collective facility GW310, and the network 320.

[0025] The communication unit 450 (FIG. 2(b)) of the information terminal 400 is connected not only to the occupied trunk line 360 ​​but also to the in-facility network 380. The in-facility network 380 is a network provided within the first facility 110a and is connected to the router 500. The device control device 610 of the device management system 600 is also connected to the router 500. Each device 620 in the device management system 600 is, for example, a lighting device or an air conditioner. Each device 620 is connected to the device control device 610 via a home area network (HAN). The device control device 610 has a function as, for example, a home energy management system (HEMS) controller and controls the operation of the device 620. The device control device 610 may be a single device or may be a connection of multiple devices. With this configuration, the communication unit 450 (FIG. 2(b)) of the information terminal 400 can communicate with the device control device 610 via the in-facility network 380 and the router 500.

[0026] The device control device 610 receives instructions for the operation of the device 620 from the user and generates control commands for instructing the operation of the device 620 based on the received instructions. The instructions from the user are received, for example, via a user interface (not shown). The device control device 610 transmits the control commands to the device 620. Upon receiving the control commands from the device control device 610, the device 620 executes operations according to the control commands. For example, the device 620 is powered on or off according to the control commands.

[0027] An instruction from a user to operate the device 620 may be received by the operation unit 430 (FIG. 2(b)) of the information terminal 400. The control unit 440 transmits the instruction received by the operation unit 430 from the communication unit 450 to the device control device 610 via the in-facility network 380 and the router 500. When the device control device 610 receives the instruction to operate the device 620 from the information terminal 400, it executes the same processing as before and transmits a control command to the device 620.

[0028] The device control device 610 may also be connected to a smart meter (not shown) and receive power information indicating the power consumed in the first facility 110a. The device control device 610 generates a control command based on the received power information. For example, if the power exceeds a threshold value, a control command is generated to increase the set temperature for cooling in an air conditioner. The device control device 610 transmits the control command to the device 620. Upon receiving the control command from the device control device 610, the device 620 performs an operation according to the control command, for example, an operation to increase the set temperature for cooling.

[0029] (3) Display Operation on Information Terminal 400 As explained above, the information terminal 400 connects to the server 330 via the network 320, and to the device control device 610 via the in-facility network 380. Therefore, the information terminal 400 can receive information stored in the server 330 or the device control device 610 and display that information on the monitor 420 (FIG. 2(b)). Furthermore, the information terminal 400 stores information indicating the internal state of the device in the storage unit 460 (FIG. 2(b)), and can also display that information on the monitor 420.

[0030] In order to receive an instruction from the user to display information, the control unit 440 of the information terminal 400 shown in FIG. 2(b) reads out a screen showing a list of operations (hereinafter referred to as a "home screen") from the storage unit 460 and displays the home screen on the monitor 420. FIGS. 3(a)-(b) show screens displayed on the monitor 420. FIG. 3(a) shows the home screen. A first button 800a to a fourth button 800d, collectively referred to as buttons 800, are displayed. The number of buttons 800 displayed on the home screen is not limited to "4." Each button 800 is associated with a process desired by the user. For example, if the user wishes to make a call, the user operates the operation unit 430 to select the first button 800a. Furthermore, if the user wishes to display information, the user operates the operation unit 430 to select the fourth button 800d. When the monitor 420 and the operation unit 430 are integrally configured as a touch panel, the fourth button 800d is selected by the user touching the fourth button 800d. Figure 3(b) will be described later, and we will return to Figure 2(b).

[0031] The control unit 440 accepts a selection instruction received at the operation unit 430. When an instruction to select "view content" is received by selecting the fourth button 800d, the control unit 440 transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as an "information request") to the storage unit 460 to request a screen displaying a list of contents (hereinafter referred to as a "content list screen"). In response to the information request, the control unit 440 receives information for the content list screen from the storage unit 460. This process corresponds to the process of reading information for the content list screen from the storage unit 460. FIG. 3(b) shows a screen (hereinafter referred to as a "transition screen") that is displayed during the waiting time between the transmission of the information request and the reception of information for the content list screen, that is, while information is being read from the storage unit 460. On the transition screen, the entire screen becomes dark and a standby image 810 is displayed. The standby image 810 is displayed, for example, as an animation. The control unit 440 displays the transition screen on the monitor 420. Returning to FIG. 2(b).

[0032] When the control unit 440 receives information about the content list screen, it displays the content list screen on the monitor 420 following the transition screen. If the time required to display the transition screen is less than one second, the display of the transition screen may be omitted. FIGS. 4(a)-(c) show other screens displayed on the monitor 420. FIG. 4(a) shows the content list screen. First button 820a to fifth button 820e, collectively referred to as buttons 820, are displayed. The number of buttons 820 displayed on the content list screen is not limited to five. Each button 820 is associated with content desired by the user. For example, if a user wishes to display a bulletin board, the user operates the operation unit 430 to select the first button 820a. Furthermore, if the user wishes to display information about the device management system 600, the user operates the operation unit 430 to select the fourth button 820d. FIGS. 4(b)-(c) will be described later, and we will return to FIG. 2(b).

[0033] The control unit 440 accepts a selection instruction received at the operation unit 430. When an instruction to select "Bulletin Board" is received by selecting the first button 820a, the control unit 440 outputs a signal for requesting a bulletin board (hereinafter also referred to as an "information request") to the communication unit 450. The communication unit 450 transmits the information request to the first server 330a via the control device 300, the collective facility GW 310, and the network 320 of FIG. 1. The first server 330a is a bulletin board server and manages bulletin boards related to the collective facility 100. Since known technology may be used for the bulletin board server, a description thereof will be omitted here. Upon receiving the information request, the first server 330a transmits bulletin board information to the information terminal 400 via the network 320, the collective facility GW 310, and the control device 300. At this time, an authentication process for the control unit 440 may be performed in the first server 330a.

[0034] In response to the information request, the communication unit 450 receives bulletin board information from the first server 330a. This process corresponds to the process of reading out bulletin board information from the first server 330a. The control unit 440 displays the bulletin board on the monitor 420 following the transition screen. Figure 4(b) shows the bulletin board. Various items are displayed on the bulletin board. Figure 4(c) will be described later, and we will return to Figure 2(b).

[0035] When an instruction to select "device management system 600" is received by selecting the fourth button 820d in FIG. 4(a), the control unit 440 outputs a signal (hereinafter also referred to as an "information request") to the communication unit 450 to request information managed by the device management system 600 (hereinafter referred to as "device management information"). The communication unit 450 transmits the information request to the device control device 610 via the in-facility network 380 and router 500 in FIG. 1. Upon receiving the information request, the device control device 610 transmits the device management information to the information terminal 400 via the router 500 and in-facility network 380. At this time, the device control device 610 may perform authentication processing for the control unit 440.

[0036] In response to the information request, the communication unit 450 receives device management information from the device control device 610. This process corresponds to the process of reading out device management information from the device control device 610. The control unit 440 displays the device management information on the monitor 420 following the transition screen. FIG. 4(c) shows the device management information. Various items are displayed in the device management. Return to FIG. 2(b). In this way, the control unit 440 controls the display of the display unit, which is the monitor 420.

[0037] To summarize the explanation so far, in order to display information, the control unit 440 transmits information requests to the storage unit 460, the server 330, and the device control device 610, and receives home screen information and the like from the storage unit 460, the server 330, and the device control device 610. Here, the storage unit 460, the server 330, and the device control device 610 are collectively referred to as a "storage location" for storing information to be displayed on the monitor 420. The second server 330b (FIG. 1) included in the storage location is, for example, a weather forecast server that manages weather forecast information, and the third server 330c (FIG. 1) included in the storage location is, for example, a service server that provides services provided by other companies. The home screen information, bulletin board information, and device management information read from the storage location are also referred to as "first information."

[0038] An upper limit value (hereinafter referred to as "upper limit waiting time") is set for the waiting time from when control unit 440 transmits an information request to the storage location until it receives the first information from the storage location. If control unit 440 does not receive the first information within the upper limit waiting time, control unit 440 times out the process for displaying the first information. In other words, control unit 440 does not wait for the first information beyond the upper limit waiting time.

[0039] Here, the transmission time of information between the control unit 440 and the storage location varies depending on the storage location. Specifically, the control unit 440 and the storage unit 460 are both located within the information terminal 400, the control unit 440 and the device control device 610 are both located within the first facility 110a, and the control unit 440 and the server 330 are neither located within the collective facility 100. Therefore, the transmission time between the control unit 440 and the storage unit 460 is the shortest, and the transmission time between the control unit 440 and the server 330 is the longest.

[0040] In such a situation, if the upper limit waiting time is set as a common value regardless of the storage location, the upper limit waiting time should be set based on the longest transmission time. Therefore, the upper limit waiting time for when the storage location is server 330 is also used when the storage location is storage unit 460. On the other hand, if a problem occurs in information terminal 400, it is clear that the transmission time between control unit 440 and storage unit 460 will be long even if the storage unit 460 does not wait until the upper limit waiting time. Such excessive waiting will deteriorate user convenience.

[0041] To address this, the information terminal 400 in this embodiment sets an upper limit wait time for each storage location. FIG. 5 shows the data structure of a table stored in the storage unit 460. An upper limit wait time is set for each storage location. Each upper limit wait time may have a different value. For example, the upper limit wait time for the storage location "storage unit 460" is "10 seconds," the upper limit wait time for the storage location "device control device 610" is "30 seconds," and the upper limit wait time for the storage location "server 330" is "60 seconds." Return to FIG. 2(b). Such upper limit wait times may be input by the user by operating the operation unit 430. The IF unit 422 sets the upper limit wait time by writing the upper limit wait time received from the operation unit 430 into the storage unit 460.

[0042] When transmitting an information request based on an instruction received by operation unit 430, control unit 440 refers to storage unit 460 and acquires an upper limit wait time corresponding to the destination of the information request. 440 sets the acquired upper limit wait time and then transmits the information request as described above. When control unit 440 receives first information from the storage location within the set upper limit wait time, it displays the first information on monitor 420.

[0043] Below, the processing when the control unit 440 does not receive the first information from the storage location within the upper limit waiting time will be explained in the order of (3-1) Example 1, (3-2) Example 2, (3-3) Example 3, and (3-4) Example 4.

[0044] (3-1) Example 1 If the first information cannot be read from the storage location within the upper limit wait time, the control unit 440 displays an error display screen on the monitor 420. FIGS. 6(a)-(b) show yet another screen displayed on the control unit 440. FIG. 6(a) shows the error display screen in the first example. The error display screen displays an error message 830 and an operation area 840. The operation area 840 is an area that can accept an operation to read information other than the first information from a storage location other than the storage location of the first information. Here, since the operation area 840 displays "Go to Home," the "storage location other than the storage location from which the first information is to be read" is the memory unit 460, and the "information other than the first information" is information on the home screen. FIG. 6(b) will be described later, and we will return to FIG. 2(b). Here, the control unit 440 may read the first information again from the storage location while the error display screen is displayed on the monitor 420. This corresponds to sending an information request again.

[0045] (3-2) Second Example If the control unit 440 cannot read the first information from the storage location within the upper limit wait time, the control unit 440 displays an error display screen on the monitor 420. FIG. 6(b) shows an error display screen in a second example. The error display screen displays an error message 830, a first operation area 840a, and a second operation area 840b. The first operation area 840a corresponds to the operation area 840 in FIG. 6(a). The second operation area 840b is an area that can accept an operation to read the first information again from the storage location of the first information. When the second operation area 840b is selected by an operation using the operation unit 430, the control unit 440 reads the first information again from the storage location. This corresponds to sending an information request again. The error display in the first and second examples is also referred to as second information.

[0046] (3-3) Third Example If the first information cannot be read from the storage location within the upper limit waiting time, the control unit 440 displays an error display screen on the monitor 420, and then causes the monitor 420 to display third information different from the error display and the first information. That is, in the first and second examples, the error display screen is displayed and the monitor 420 waits for a user operation, but in the third example, the error display screen is displayed and the monitor 420 automatically displays the third information without waiting for a user operation. An example of the third information is information on the home screen.

[0047] (3-4) Example 4 If the control unit 440 cannot read the first information from the storage location within the upper limit waiting time, it reads cache information for the first information from the storage unit 460 and displays a screen of the cache information on the monitor 420. The cache information is also called second information.

[0048] (4) Display Cancellation Operation on Information Terminal 400 After transmitting the information request, if the upper limit waiting time is not reached and the first information has not been read from the storage location, the control unit 440 stops reading the first information when a predetermined condition is met. In this case, even if the first information is received from the storage location, the control unit 440 does not display the first information on the monitor 420. Below, the predetermined conditions will be explained in the order of (4-1) First Example, (4-2) Second Example, and (4-3) Third Example.

[0049] (4-1) Example 1 Priorities are set in advance for various types of information that can be received by the communication unit 450, and the priorities are stored in the storage unit 460. For example, a higher priority is set for a call request than for the first information, when the communication unit 450 receives a call request with a higher priority than the first information, the control unit 440 prioritizes and executes processing for the call request. Therefore, the control unit 440 does not execute display of the first information. Information with a higher priority than the first information may include alarm information and emergency information.

[0050] (4-2) Second Example When operation unit 430 receives a predetermined operation from a user, control unit 440 prioritizes and executes processing for the operation. Therefore, control unit 440 does not execute display of the first information. The predetermined operation from the user received by operation unit 430 is, for example, an operation of the home button or the end button.

[0051] (4-3) Third Example If control unit 440 receives an error notification from the storage location of the first information before receiving the first information, even if the upper limit waiting time has elapsed after transmitting the information request, control unit 440 does not display the first information. In this case, control unit 440 displays an image indicating an error on monitor 420.

[0052] The subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure. The computer includes, as its main hardware component, a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor may be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integration (LSI). The electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0053] The operation of the intercom system 1000 configured as described above will now be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the display procedure by the information terminal 400. The operation unit 430 accepts an instruction (S10). The control unit 440 sets an upper limit waiting time (S12). The communication unit 450 transmits an information request (S14). If it is within the upper limit waiting time (Y in S16), and if the communication unit 450 has not received the first information (N in S18), the process returns to step 16. If the communication unit 450 has received the first information (Y in S18), the monitor 420 displays the first information (S20). If it is not within the upper limit waiting time (N in S16), the monitor 420 displays the second information (S22).

[0054] 8 is a flowchart showing another display procedure by the information terminal 400. The operation unit 430 receives an instruction (S50). The control unit 440 sets an upper limit wait time (S52). The communication unit 450 transmits an information request (S54). If the predetermined condition is not met (N in S56), the communication unit 450 does not receive the first information (N in S58), or the upper limit wait time is within the upper limit wait time (Y in S60), the process returns to step 56. If the communication unit 450 receives the first information (Y in S58), the monitor 420 displays the first information (S62). If the upper limit wait time is not within the upper limit wait time (N in S60), the process ends. If the predetermined condition is met (Y in S56), the control unit 440 stops reading out the first information (S64).

[0055] According to this embodiment, information read from a storage location is displayed on monitor 420 within the upper limit wait time corresponding to the storage location of the information to be displayed, so that the upper limit wait time for each storage location of the information to be displayed can be used. Furthermore, since the upper limit wait time for each storage location of the information to be displayed is used, the upper limit wait time can be changed for each storage location. Furthermore, since the upper limit wait time can be changed for each storage location, information can be displayed with an appropriate wait time. Furthermore, since the storage location includes memory unit 460 within information terminal 400, an upper limit wait time suitable for information inside information terminal 400 can be set. Furthermore, since the storage location includes a device or system connected via communication unit 450, an upper limit wait time suitable for information outside information terminal 400 can be set.

[0056] Furthermore, if the first information cannot be read from the storage location within the upper wait time limit, the second information is displayed on the monitor 420, thereby notifying the user that the first information could not be read within the upper wait time limit. Furthermore, the second information includes an error display, thereby notifying the user that the first information could not be read within the upper wait time limit. Furthermore, the error display includes an operation area that can accept an operation to read information from a storage location other than the storage location, thereby allowing information different from the first information to be displayed. Furthermore, the error display includes an operation area that can accept an operation to re-read the first information from the storage location, thereby allowing the user to retry reading the first information. Furthermore, since the first information is re-read from the storage location while the error display is being displayed, the read process can be executed efficiently. Furthermore, since the error display and third information different from the first information are displayed after the error display, the third information can be notified to the user. Furthermore, since the second information includes cache information, some information can be notified to the user.

[0057] Furthermore, when the upper limit wait time is within the limit and information has not been read from the storage location, if a predetermined condition is met, the reading of information is stopped, so that processing other than the display of the first information can be executed with priority. Furthermore, the predetermined condition includes the communication unit 450 receiving predetermined information with a higher priority than the information, so that high-priority processing can be executed. Furthermore, the predetermined condition includes the operation unit 430 accepting a predetermined operation, so that processing according to the predetermined operation can be executed. Furthermore, the predetermined condition includes the receipt of an error notification from the storage location, so that the waiting time can be shortened. Furthermore, the setting unit 442 sets the upper limit wait time, so that the upper limit wait time can be changed.

[0058] An overview of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows: An information terminal (400) according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information terminal (400) that can be used in an intercom system (1000), and includes a communication unit (450) that communicates with a device or a system, a display unit (420), and a control unit (440) that controls the display of the display unit (420). The control unit (440) displays information read from a storage location on the display unit (420) within an upper limit waiting time according to the storage location of the information to be displayed on the display unit (420).

[0059] The storage location may include a memory unit (460) in the information terminal (400).

[0060] The repository may include a device or system via a communication unit (450).

[0061] The information read from the storage location is set as first information, and if the control unit (440) cannot read the first information from the storage location within the upper limit waiting time, the control unit (440) may cause the display unit (420) to display second information different from the first information.

[0062] The second information may include an error indication.

[0063] The error display may include an operation area that can accept an operation to read information from a storage location other than the storage location.

[0064] The error display may include an operation area that can accept an operation to re-read the first information from the storage location.

[0065] The control unit (440) reads out the first information again from the storage location while the error is being displayed.

[0066] After displaying the error, the control unit (440) may cause the display unit (420) to display third information different from the error display and the first information.

[0067] The second information may include cache information.

[0068] The control unit (440) may stop reading out the information when a predetermined condition is met, in a case where the upper limit waiting time has not yet elapsed and the information has not been read out from the storage location.

[0069] The predetermined condition may include that the communication unit (450) receives predetermined information having a higher priority than the information.

[0070] The device may further include an operation unit 430. The predetermined condition may include that the operation unit 430 has received a predetermined operation.

[0071] The predetermined condition may include receiving an error notification from the repository.

[0072] The system may further include a setting unit (442) for setting an upper limit waiting time.

[0073] The information terminal (400) and the entrance device (200) that communicates with the information terminal (400) may be included.

[0074] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a display method in an information terminal (400) usable in an intercom system, comprising the steps of requesting transmission of information from a storage location of information to be displayed on a display unit (420), and displaying the information read from the storage location on the display unit (420) within an upper limit waiting time corresponding to the storage location of the information to be displayed on the display unit (420).

[0075] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0076] In this embodiment, information is displayed on the information terminal 400. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information may also be displayed on a secondary device connected to the information terminal 400. In this case, an upper limit waiting time is set for each storage location on the secondary device as well. This embodiment improves the degree of freedom in the configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100 collective facility, 110 facility, 200 common entrance device (entrance device), 210 processing unit, 212 imaging unit, 214 microphone, 218 speaker, 220 monitor, 222 IF unit, 230 operation unit, 240 control unit, 250 communication unit, 300 control device, 310 collective facility GW, 320 network, 330 server, 350 common area trunk line, 360 occupied trunk line, 370 management room terminal, 380 facility network, 400 information terminal, 410 processing unit, 414 microphone, 418 speaker, 420 monitor (display device), 422 IF unit, 430 operation unit, 440 control unit, 442 setting unit, 450 communication unit, 460 Memory unit, 500 router, 600 device management system, 610 device control device, 620 device, 1000 intercom system.

Claims

1. An information terminal that can be used in an intercom system, A communication unit that communicates with the device or system; A display unit; A control unit that controls the display of the display unit, The control unit causes the display unit to display information read from the storage location within an upper limit waiting time corresponding to a storage location of the information to be displayed on the display unit, The control unit stops reading the information when a predetermined condition is satisfied within the upper limit waiting time and the information has not been read from the storage location, and the predetermined condition includes that the communication unit receives predetermined information having a higher priority than the information; The information terminal has a higher priority than the above information, and the higher priority information is a call request for an intercom system.

2. The information terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the storage location includes a storage unit within the information terminal.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the storage location includes the device or the system via the communication unit.

4. The information read from the storage location is defined as first information; 4. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display second information different from the first information if the first information cannot be read from the storage location within the upper limit waiting time.

5. The information terminal according to claim 4 , wherein the second information includes an error indication.

6. The information terminal according to claim 5 , wherein the error display includes an operation area capable of accepting an operation for reading out information from a storage location other than the storage location.

7. The information terminal according to claim 5 , wherein the error display includes an operation area capable of accepting an operation for re-reading the first information from the storage location.

8. The information terminal according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit re-reads the first information from the storage location while the error is being displayed.

9. The information terminal according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit, after displaying the error, causes the display unit to display third information different from the error display and the first information.

10. The information terminal according to claim 4 , wherein the second information includes cache information.

11. Further comprising an operation unit, The information terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition includes that the operation unit has accepted a predetermined operation.

12. 2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes receiving an error notification from the storage location.

13. The information terminal according to claim 1 , further comprising a setting unit for setting the upper limit waiting time.

14. An information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13; an entrance device that communicates with the information terminal; and

15. A display method for an information terminal that can be used in an intercom system, comprising: A step of requesting a storage location of information to be displayed on the display unit to transmit the information; displaying, on the display unit, information read from the storage location within an upper limit waiting time corresponding to a storage location of the information to be displayed on the display unit; and a step of canceling the reading of the information when a predetermined condition is satisfied within the upper limit waiting time and the information has not been read from the storage location, the predetermined condition includes receiving predetermined information having a higher priority than the information; The display method, wherein the predetermined information having a higher priority than the above information is a call request for an intercom system.

16. A program executed on an information terminal that can be used in an intercom system, A step of requesting a storage location for information to be displayed on the display unit to transmit the information; displaying, on the display unit, information read from the storage location within an upper limit waiting time corresponding to a storage location of the information to be displayed on the display unit; and a step of canceling the reading of the information when a predetermined condition is satisfied within the upper limit waiting time and the information has not been read from the storage location, the predetermined condition includes receiving predetermined information having a higher priority than the information; A program for causing a computer to execute the process in which the predetermined information having a higher priority than the above information is a call request for an intercom system.

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