Facility management system, notification device, and program

Abstract

In the present invention, a management server (4) generates abnormality information relating to a piece of abnormal facility equipment, which has an abnormality, among at least one piece of facility equipment (2) managed by an identification management device that is indicated by identification information transmitted by a user terminal (8). In addition, the management server (4) notifies the user terminal (8) of the abnormality information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a facility management system, a notification device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 4518208 (Patent Document 1) discloses an air conditioner management system. This management system is installed in a building or other structure. This management system comprises a remote management device, a service terminal, a local controller, multiple air conditioners, and multiple sensors. The service terminal is a terminal used by service personnel who repair and maintain the air conditioners. The local controller manages the multiple air conditioners. The multiple sensors detect physical quantities (temperature, pressure, etc.) of the air conditioners.

[0003] The local controller detects abnormalities in the multiple air conditioners based on physical quantities detected by the multiple sensors. When the local controller detects an abnormality, it transmits an abnormality signal indicating the detection of the abnormality to the remote management device. When the remote management device receives the abnormality signal, it notifies the service terminal that an abnormality has occurred in the air conditioners. The service technician recognizes the abnormality in the air conditioners from the notification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4518208 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There are cases where a user of a building where the above-described management system is installed notices an abnormality in an equipment such as an air conditioner and wants to know about the abnormality in the equipment. However, the above-described management system does not take such a case into consideration, which can cause a problem.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that allows a user to appropriately recognize an abnormality in facility equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The management system of the present disclosure includes a plurality of first management devices and a second management device. Each of the plurality of first management devices manages facility equipment including at least one air conditioner. The second management device communicates with the first management device and a user terminal. The user terminal accepts user input. In response to the user input, the user terminal transmits identification information of the first management device to the second management device. The second management device generates anomaly information regarding abnormal facility equipment that is abnormal among the facility equipment including at least one air conditioner managed by the identification management device indicated by the identification information. The second management device notifies the user terminal of the anomaly information.

[0008] The management system of the present disclosure includes a plurality of management devices. Each of the plurality of management devices manages facility equipment including at least one air conditioner. The management device communicates with a user terminal that accepts user input. The user terminal transmits a predetermined signal to a management device indicated by identification information specified in response to the user input. Upon receiving the predetermined signal, the management device acquires anomaly information regarding an abnormal facility equipment that is abnormal among at least one facility equipment managed by the management device. The management device then notifies the user terminal of the anomaly information.

[0009] The notification device of the present disclosure includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface communicates with a user terminal that accepts user input. Each of the multiple management devices manages at least one facility device. Identification information is defined for each of the multiple management devices. The communication interface receives the identification information transmitted from the user terminal in response to the user input. The processor generates anomaly information regarding an abnormal facility device that is abnormal among at least one facility device managed by the identification management device indicated by the identification information. The processor notifies the user terminal of the anomaly information.

[0010] The management method of the present disclosure includes a user terminal transmitting, when the user terminal receives a user input, identification information of one of a plurality of management devices, each of which manages facility equipment including at least one air conditioner. The management method also includes the user terminal notifying anomaly information regarding an abnormal facility equipment that is abnormal among the facility equipment including at least one air conditioner managed by the identification management device indicated by the identification information.

[0011] A management method disclosed herein includes a user terminal starting an application when a predetermined operation is performed on the user terminal. The management method includes the user terminal receiving input information related to facility equipment including an air conditioner and transmitting the input information to a management device. The management method includes the management device determining, in accordance with the input information, whether to generate anomaly information related to an abnormal facility equipment that is abnormal among the facility equipment, or to notify a predetermined device of the input information. The management method includes the user terminal notifying the abnormality information when the anomaly information is generated.

[0012] The program disclosed herein causes a computer capable of communicating with a second management device, which is capable of communicating with a plurality of first management devices that manage facility equipment including at least one air conditioner, to execute the following process. The process includes accepting a user input. The process also includes transmitting identification information of the first management device to the second management device upon accepting the input. The process also includes notifying the second management device of abnormality information obtained from the second management device regarding an abnormal facility equipment that is abnormal among at least one facility equipment managed by the identification management device indicated by the identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to allow a user to appropriately recognize an abnormality in facility equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management server and the like. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the equipment management device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an equipment DB. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a management server. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an equipment management device DB. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service company DB. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a user terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a service terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat screen. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart of a management system. [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart of a management system. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart of a management system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0016] Embodiment 1 [Management system configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a management system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the management system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of facility management devices 3, a management server 4, and a service terminal 9. In addition, the example of Fig. 1 shows a user terminal 8 and a plurality of facility devices 2. The management system 1 may include at least one of the user terminal 8 and the plurality of facility devices 2.

[0017] The equipment management device 3 corresponds to the "first management device" of the present disclosure, and the management server 4 corresponds to the "second management device" or "notification device" of the present disclosure. Furthermore, identification information (hereinafter referred to as equipment device ID) for identifying the equipment devices 2 is defined for each of the equipment devices 2. Furthermore, identification information (hereinafter referred to as equipment management device ID) for identifying the equipment management device 3 is defined for each of the equipment management devices 3.

[0018] The equipment management device 3, user terminal 8, management server 4, and service terminal 9 are communicatively connected via a network NW. The network NW may be the Internet. The network NW may also be a LAN (Local Area Network) in which the management server 4 and the equipment management device 3 are connected within the same location. The network NW may also be a closed circuit network connected via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) router.

[0019] A plurality of pieces of equipment 2 are installed in predetermined locations in a building. The equipment 2 includes, for example, air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, lighting equipment, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, an air conditioner 2A is shown as an example of equipment. The air conditioner 2A includes a compressor 2B. The equipment 2 may also be other equipment.

[0020] The equipment 2 and the equipment management device 3 are communicably connected via a dedicated communication line 5. The equipment management device 3 manages one or more equipment devices 2. In other words, one or more equipment devices 2 operate under the management of the equipment management device 3. The equipment devices 2 notify the equipment management device 3 of determination data, which will be described later, via the dedicated communication line 5. In this disclosure, 、 The "notification" may be any method that allows a user or the like to recognize the notification. For example, the notification may be a notification by displaying an image on a display device or a notification by outputting sound from a speaker. In this disclosure, a configuration in which the notification is a notification by displaying an image on a display device will be mainly described.

[0021] The determination data includes operating data, etc. The multiple equipment devices 2 are provided with detectors (not shown) that detect physical quantities. The detectors are pressure sensors or temperature sensors. The operating data (physical quantity) for a detector that is a pressure sensor is a pressure value. Furthermore, the operating data (physical quantity) for a detector that is a temperature sensor is a temperature value. Hereinafter, one or more equipment devices 2 connected to (managed by) one equipment management device 3 will also be referred to as an "equipment device group 7." The equipment device group 7 includes at least one air conditioner 2A.

[0022] Each of the multiple equipment management devices 3 is provided with identification information for identifying the equipment management device 3. The identification information is, for example, the serial number of the equipment management device 3. The identification information may be other information. The other information may be, for example, the installation location of the equipment management device 3. The installation location may be, for example, information such as "area C on floor B of building A."

[0023] Typically, an equipment management device 3 and a group of equipment 7 managed by the equipment management device 3 are installed in one building. Note that multiple equipment management devices 3 and multiple equipment device groups 7 managed by the multiple equipment management devices 3 may be installed in one building.

[0024] The management server 4 is capable of communicating via the network NW with a user terminal 8, a service terminal 9, and a plurality of equipment management devices 3. The management server 4 manages a plurality of equipment management devices 3.

[0025] The user terminal 8 is a terminal device owned by a user. Here, "user" includes a building user, a building manager, a building resident, etc. The user terminal 8 is typically a portable terminal that can be carried by the user. Examples of portable terminals include a smartphone and a tablet. The user terminal 8 may also be a stationary terminal (e.g., a desktop PC). The user terminal 8 may also be a dedicated computer terminal.

[0026] The service terminal 9 is, for example, a terminal owned by a building service company. In this embodiment, the service includes repair, maintenance, and management of the facility equipment 2. A serviceman at the service company performs service (repair, maintenance, etc.) for the facility equipment 2.

[0027] Next, an overview of the present disclosure will be described using steps (A) to (D) in FIG. 1. For example, suppose a user of a building notices an abnormality in facility equipment 2. When the user notices an abnormality in facility equipment 2, the user may notice that the air conditioning of air conditioner 2A, which is facility equipment, is not working properly. In this case, the user performs a user input to user terminal 8. In step (A), user terminal 8 outputs an abnormality inquiry signal to management server 4 in response to the user input. Here, the abnormality inquiry signal includes identification information (e.g., a serial number) of equipment management device 3. Note that the user input may be a direct input of the identification information of equipment management device 3. Alternatively, the user input may be an input of information different from the identification information, and the identification information may be output from user terminal 8 to management server 4 when the information is input.

[0028] Next, in step (B), the management server 4 requests data for determination from the equipment management device 3 identified by the identification information included in the abnormality inquiry signal (transmits a request signal). Hereinafter, the equipment management device 3 identified by the identification information is also referred to as the "identification management device."

[0029] The determination data is information that the management server 4 uses to determine an abnormality in one or more pieces of equipment managed by the equipment management device 3. The determination data includes, for example, operation data, abnormality data, and operation history data. In step (B), the equipment management device 3 that has been requested to provide the determination data transmits the determination data to the management server 4.

[0030] In step (C), the management server 4 analyzes the transmitted determination data to generate anomaly information (analysis results) regarding an anomaly in the facility device 2. The anomaly information, which will be described later, indicates whether or not an anomaly exists in the facility device 2. Then, in step (D), the management server 4 transmits the analysis results (whether or not an anomaly exists) to the user terminal 8. The user terminal 8 displays (notifies) the anomaly information. This allows the user to properly recognize the anomaly in the facility device 2.

[0031] [Hardware configuration of management server, etc.] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 4. Referring to Fig. 2, the management server 4 has, as its main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 92, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 93, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 96, and a communication I / F (Interface) 95. The components are interconnected by a data bus.

[0032] The communication I / F 95 is an interface for communicating with other external devices (the equipment management device 3, the service terminal 9, and the user terminal 8) via the network NW. The ROM 92 stores programs executed by the CPU 91. The RAM 93 can temporarily store data generated by the execution of the programs in the CPU 91 and data input via the communication I / F 95. The RAM 93 can function as a temporary data memory used as a working area. The HDD 96 is a non-volatile storage device. A semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory may be used instead of the HDD 96.

[0033] The program stored in ROM 92 may be stored in a non-transitory recording medium and distributed as a program product. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. Alternatively, the program may be provided by an information provider as a so-called product program that can be downloaded via the Internet or the like. The management server 4 reads the program provided from the recording medium or the Internet or the like. The management server 4 stores the read program in a predetermined storage area (for example, ROM 92). The CPU 91 executes the program to perform the processing of the present disclosure.

[0034] The configuration of FIG. 2 can also be applied to the equipment management device 3, the user terminal 8, and the service terminal 9. In particular, the user terminal 8 provides the user with a function to display whether or not there is an abnormality in the equipment 2 in response to the user's input, as explained in steps (A) to (D) of FIG. 1. The user terminal 8 can provide this function to the user by downloading this application (program). R The application is a chat application, as will be described later. The communication I / F corresponds to the communication unit in the functional block diagram, which will be described later. The user's input may be manual or voice input.

[0035] [Functional block diagram of each device] Next, functional block diagrams of each device will be described. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the equipment management device 3. The equipment management device 3 includes a display device 10, an input device 20, a control device 30, a storage device 40, a communication unit 50, and a communication unit 60.

[0036] The display device 10 displays various screens for managing (monitoring and controlling) the equipment group 7 under the control of the control device 30. The input device 20 is an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. When the input device 20 is a touch panel, the input device 20 is integrated with the display device 10. When the administrator operates the input device 20, the screen can be switched and the equipment can be operated according to the operation content.

[0037] The control device 30 manages the operating status of the facility equipment 2. The control device 30 transmits determination data requested by the management server 4 in response to a command from the user terminal 8. The determination data includes at least one of operation data, abnormality data, various history data (abnormality history, operation history, etc.), log data (communication data, abnormality log, etc.), etc. In this embodiment, the determination data is operation data, abnormality data, and operation history data.

[0038] The control device 30 includes a first management unit 31, a second management unit 32, a third management unit 33, and a fourth management unit 34. The first management unit 31 manages (monitors and controls) the operating state of the facility devices 2. The first management unit 31 monitors and controls the operating state of the facility devices 2 at regular time intervals. After Various data in the facility equipment DB (database) 41 in FIG. 4 described above is updated.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if an abnormality occurs in the facility equipment 2, the facility equipment 2 itself detects the abnormality. The abnormality is detected by a control device (not shown) of the facility equipment 2. For example, the control device of the air conditioner 2A detects leakage of the refrigerant filled in the air conditioner 2A based on the pressure and temperature values ​​of each part of the air conditioner 2A. As a variant, the equipment management device 3 may detect the abnormality.

[0040] When an equipment device 2 detects an abnormality, the equipment device 2 notifies the equipment management device 3 that manages the equipment device 2 of the equipment device ID of the equipment device 2 and that an abnormality has occurred.

[0041] The second management unit 32 manages the connection status with the management server 4. In this embodiment, the equipment management device 3 and the management server 4 are always connected. Furthermore, upon receiving an abnormality inquiry signal (see step (A) in FIG. 1), the management server 4 is able to collect judgment data for all of the equipment devices 2 managed by the equipment management device 3.

[0042] The third management unit 33 analyzes the request command from the management server 4 (see step (B) in FIG. 1). The requested data Read from facility equipment DB41 Judgment The third management unit 33 transmits the response from the facility device 2 as fixed data. As a modified example, the third management unit 33 may receive an investigation command from the management server 4. The investigation command is a command for investigating the operating state and abnormal state of the facility device 2 (i.e., the above-mentioned determination data). The third management unit 33 transfers the investigation command to the facility device 2. Then, the third management unit 33 returns a response from the facility device 2 to the management server 4.

[0043] Furthermore, when the management server 4 determines that low-load operation, which will be described later, is possible in response to an abnormality inquiry from the user terminal 8, the management server 4 transmits a command signal indicating low-load operation to the equipment management device 3. Upon receiving the command signal, the fourth management unit 34 causes the equipment 2 that is the target for low-load operation to perform low-load operation.

[0044] The communication unit 50 is an interface for the dedicated communication line 5. The equipment management device 3 communicates with the equipment 2 via the communication unit 50. Note that the dedicated communication line 5 does not necessarily have to be a dedicated communication line, and may be a general-purpose communication line such as a LAN or an RS-485 interface. The communication unit 60 is connected to the network NW. The equipment management device 3 communicates with the management server 4 via the network NW.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the facility device DB 41. In the example of Fig. 4, operation data, abnormality data, and operation history data are associated with facility device IDs.

[0046] The operating data is data that indicates the current operating state of the facility equipment 2. The operating data includes, for example, data indicating whether the facility equipment 2 is currently operating or not. If the facility equipment 2 is an air conditioner, the operating data is data that indicates whether the facility equipment 2 is in cooling mode or heating mode, the pressure value and temperature value of a specified part, the set temperature, the room temperature, the rotation speed of the compressor 2B, etc. The operating data is transmitted to the facility management device 3 at predetermined intervals, and the facility management device 3 updates the operating data in the facility equipment DB 41 to the latest operating data.

[0047] The abnormality data includes information that an abnormality has occurred and the details of the abnormality. The abnormality data also includes the above-mentioned operation data from the time the abnormality occurred and up to a certain period of time before the abnormality occurred. The abnormality may include not only an abnormality in the equipment 2 itself, but also a network connection failure between equipment devices 2. The details of the abnormality are specified, for example, by an abnormality code. The abnormality code is typically represented by a four-digit integer. For example, when an equipment device 2 detects an abnormality in the equipment device 2, the abnormality data is transmitted from the equipment device 2 to the equipment management device 3. The equipment management device 3 updates the abnormality data in the equipment DB 41 to the latest abnormality data.

[0048] The operation history data is data indicating information about past operations by users or the like on the facility equipment 2. For example, in the case of an air conditioner 2A, the operation history data is data indicating operation / stop commands, commands to change the operation mode, commands to change the set temperature, etc. The operation history data is transmitted from the facility equipment 2 to the equipment management device 3, for example, when the facility equipment 2 detects an operation on the facility equipment 2. The equipment management device 3 updates the operation history data in the facility equipment DB 41 to the latest operation history data.

[0049] Various data in the facility equipment DB is stored for a certain period of time and is discarded after the certain period has elapsed. In the example of FIG. 4, operation data E1a, abnormality data E1b, and operation history data E1c are associated with the facility equipment ID E1. Furthermore, in FIG. 4 and in the drawings showing the DBs described below, "..." indicates that a description will not be repeated. Although not shown in FIG. 4, other information may be associated with the facility equipment ID. The other information includes the address number of each facility equipment and the operation group number. Furthermore, in the case of air conditioner 2A, Ba The other information includes refrigerant system connection information between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the management server 4. The management server 4 is typically a computer accessible from other devices (such as the equipment management device 3 or the user terminal 8) over the Internet, which is provided by a cloud system or the like. In the example of FIG. 5, the management server 4 includes a control device 120, a storage device 130, and a communication unit 145. The control device 120 includes a first management unit 121, a second management unit 122, a third management unit 123, an analysis unit 124, and a control unit 125. The storage device 130 stores web content 131, analytical operation data 132, analytical abnormality data 133, analytical operation history data 134, language data 135, an equipment management device DB 136, and a service company DB 137. The management server 4 communicates with other devices via the communication unit 145.

[0051] The first management unit 121 receives an abnormality inquiry signal from the user terminal 8. The first management unit 121 acquires the identification information of the equipment management device 3 contained in the abnormality inquiry signal. The first management unit 121 establishes a connection with the equipment management device 3 (i.e., the identification management device) indicated by the identification information, and manages communications with the identification management device. The second management unit 122 manages the connection status of the management server 4 with the Internet, and enables communications with the equipment management device 3, the user terminal 8, and the service terminal 9.

[0052] When the third management unit 123 receives an abnormality inquiry via chat (see FIG. 10 described later, etc.) from the user terminal 8, it analyzes the chat content based on the language data 135. The language data 135 is character data and grammar data for analyzing the meaning of words and sentences entered in the chat received from the user terminal 8. The control device 120 analyzes the meaning of the content entered by the user based on the language data 135 and establishes a chat system.

[0053] Based on the analysis result of the chat content, the third management unit 123 determines whether analysis by the analysis unit 124 is necessary and whether control by the control unit 125 is necessary. If analysis by the analysis unit 124 is necessary, the third management unit 123 outputs a command signal to the analysis unit 124. Furthermore, if control by the control unit 125 is necessary, the third management unit 123 outputs a command signal to the control unit 125. Furthermore, the third management unit 123 responds to the user terminal 8 by chat with the analysis result by the analysis unit 124 and the control result by the control unit 125.

[0054] The analysis unit 124 acquires determination data 140 from the identification management device via the first management unit 121. The determination data 140 is data for identifying an equipment device 2 in which an abnormality has occurred among at least one equipment device 2 managed by the identification management device. The analysis unit 124 temporarily stores the determination data 140 in the storage device 130.

[0055] The judgment data 140 includes analytical operation data 132, analytical abnormality data 133, and analytical operation history data 134. The analytical operation data 132, analytical abnormality data 133, and analytical operation history data 134 are the same as the operation data, abnormality data, and operation history data, respectively, acquired from the identification management device.

[0056] The analysis unit 124 generates anomaly information by analyzing the determination data 140. Hereinafter, equipment in which an abnormality has occurred is also referred to as "abnormal equipment." The anomaly information is information related to the abnormal equipment. The anomaly information includes, for example, the equipment ID of the abnormal equipment. The anomaly information includes whether low-load operation (emergency operation) described below is possible, the cause of the abnormality, and a method for resolving the abnormality.

[0057] In this embodiment, the abnormality includes a first abnormality and a second abnormality. The second abnormality is an abnormality that is more abnormal than the first abnormality. In other words, the first abnormality is a mild abnormality, and the second abnormality is a severe abnormality.

[0058] The analysis unit 124 determines whether the abnormality of the abnormal equipment is a first abnormality or a second abnormality (determines the type of abnormality) based on the determination data 140. For example, if the number of times the physical quantity of the operation data indicates an abnormal value is small, the number of abnormalities indicated by the abnormal data is small, and the number of operations in the operation history data is small, the analysis unit 124 determines that the abnormality of the abnormal equipment is a first abnormality. Furthermore, if the number of times the physical quantity of the operation data indicates an abnormal value is large, the number of abnormalities indicated by the abnormal data is large, and the number of operations in the operation history data is large, the analysis unit 124 determines that the abnormality of the abnormal equipment is a second abnormality. Furthermore, if no abnormality is indicated by the abnormal data, the analysis unit 124 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the abnormal equipment. Furthermore, the determination method of the analysis unit 124 may be any, and may be, for example, a method using AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0059] The analysis unit 124 outputs the analysis result to the control unit 125. The control unit 125 transmits a command signal according to the type of abnormality (either the first abnormality or the second abnormality) to the identification management device via the third management unit 123 and the communication unit 145. The command signal includes the equipment ID of the abnormal equipment. The identification management device causes the abnormal equipment to perform the operation based on the command signal.

[0060] When the abnormality of the abnormal equipment is a first abnormality (a minor abnormality), the control unit 125 transmits a command signal to the identification management device to cause the abnormal equipment to perform low-load operation. Here, for example, low-load operation of the air conditioner 2A is an air-blowing operation by the air conditioner without driving the compressor 2B. Also, low-load operation of the ventilation equipment is an operation in which the degree of ventilation (e.g., air volume) is lower than when the low-load operation is not being performed. Also, low-load operation of the lighting equipment is an operation in which the degree of illumination (e.g., brightness) is lower than when the low-load operation is not being performed.

[0061] If the abnormality of the abnormal facility equipment is a second abnormality (serious abnormality), the control unit 125 transmits a command signal to the identification management device to stop operation of the abnormal facility equipment. Furthermore, the control unit 125 arranges for a service technician to repair the stopped abnormal facility equipment. Specifically, the control unit 125 refers to the facility management device DB 136 to identify a service company to dispatch the service technician.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the equipment management device DB 136. In the example of FIG. 6, a service company ID is associated with each equipment management device ID. In this embodiment, an equipment management device ID is associated with a service company ID of a service company that belongs to the area to which the equipment management device indicated by the equipment management device ID belongs. This allows the control unit 125 to identify a service company that is located near the identification management device (i.e., the equipment management device that manages the abnormal equipment). Furthermore, the control unit 125 transmits a request signal to the service terminal 9 of the identified service company. The request signal is a signal for requesting service for the abnormal equipment.

[0063] Furthermore, in the equipment management device DB 136, information such as the serial number, model name, and software version of the equipment management device 3 corresponding to the equipment management device ID may be associated with the equipment management device ID. Furthermore, if a configuration is adopted in which the management server 4 directly connects to the equipment management device 3 to perform various monitoring and control operations, the IP address, domain name, host name, and the like of the equipment management device 3, which serve as connection destination information, may be associated with the equipment management device ID.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the service company DB 137. In the example of FIG. 7, account information is associated with each service company ID. The account information includes a user ID and a password. As will be described later, the service terminal 9 can access the management server 4 by logging in to the management server 4 based on the account information. The service terminal 9 can then acquire the determination data 140 of the abnormal facility equipment to be serviced and the anomaly information 178, which is the analysis result of the analysis unit 124 (see FIG. 9). Furthermore, the display device 155 of the service terminal 9 displays an image based on the determination data 140 and an image based on the anomaly information 178. Therefore, a person in charge of the service company can visually confirm these images (view them on the cloud). Hereinafter, "at least one image based on the determination data 140 and an image based on the anomaly information 178" will also be referred to as a "service image."

[0065] The service company ID may also be associated with attribute information of the service company, including the company name, contact phone number, contact email address, and so on.

[0066] The web content 131 (chatbot) is content executed on the web browser of the user terminal 8. Based on the web content 131, the management server 4 controls the display of a chat screen (see FIG. 10, etc.).

[0067] 8 is a functional block diagram of the user terminal 8. The user terminal 8 has a display device 150, an input device 160, a control device 170, and a communication unit 180. The display device 150 displays information from the management server 4 (chat content (images, text, etc.) with the management server 4, etc.) on a web browser executed on the user terminal 8. On this screen, the user inputs the serial number of the equipment management device 3, issues instructions to investigate the cause of the abnormality, issues instructions to start low-load operation, etc.

[0068] The input device 160 is an input device. The input device 160 is a device that displays a software keyboard or the like and allows users to select and input instructions required for chat. In this embodiment, the display device 150 and the input device 160 are integrated to form a touch panel.

[0069] The control device 170 includes a connection management unit 171 and an execution unit 172. The connection management unit 171 manages the connection and connection state to the Internet. The execution unit 172 executes a web browser.

[0070] 9 is a functional block diagram of the service terminal 9. The service terminal 9 has a display device 155, an input device 165, a control device 175, and a communication unit 185. The display device 155 displays the contents of a chat with the user terminal 8 on a web browser executed on the service terminal 9.

[0071] The input device 165 is an input device. The input device 165 is a keyboard or the like, and is a device that can select and input instructions required for chat. The control device 175 has a connection management unit 176 and an execution unit 177. The connection management unit 176 manages Internet connections and connection states. The execution unit 177 executes a web browser. The communication unit 185 communicates with the management server 4 and user terminal 8 connected via the network NW.

[0072] As described above, the service terminal 9 can acquire the determination data 140 and the abnormality information 178 of the abnormal facility equipment to be serviced. The example in Fig. 9 shows that the determination data 140 and the abnormality information 178 are stored in the control device 175. The control device 175 displays a service image based on the determination data 140 and the abnormality information 178 on the display device 155, for example.

[0073] [Chat screen] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the user terminal 8. In the example of Fig. 10, the display area of ​​the display device 150 includes a first display area 191 for the management server 4 and a second display area 192 for the user terminal 8. In the first display area 191, an image based on information generated by the management server 4 is displayed. In the second display area 192, an image based on information generated by the user terminal 8 is displayed. As shown in Fig. 10, the display device 150 displays an image from the management server 4 and an image from the user terminal 8 in a chat format.

[0074] For example, when a user senses an abnormality in a facility device, the user performs a predetermined startup operation on the user terminal 8 to start a chat application. When the chat application starts, the display device 150 displays an image 193, an image 194, an image 195, and an image 196. The image 193 is an image of a robot that imitates the management server 4 (computer). In other words, the image displayed in the first display area 191 is an image based on the analysis of the management server 4 (computer).

[0075] Image 196 is an image that imitates a user. Image 194 is a text image that reads, "Is there anything I can help you with?" Image 195 includes an image that reads, "Please select a solution from the options below," and an image that shows the options. The options include, "(A) Analyze an abnormality in the equipment" and "(B) Contact a service company."

[0076] It is assumed that the user performs an operation to specify option (A) on input device 160. This operation causes display device 150 to display image 197 showing option (A). Next, under the control of management server 4, display device 150 displays image 198, which prompts the user to input the serial number. Image 198 is a text image that reads, "What's the serial number?"

[0077] The user who views image 198 performs an operation to input the serial number on input device 160. This operation causes display device 150 to display image 199 showing the input serial number. In FIG. 10, an example is shown in which the serial number shown in image 199 is "12345-678". , Yu User terminal 8 transmits an abnormality inquiry signal including the serial number to management server 4 (see step (A) in FIG. 1).

[0078] The management server 4 requests the data for determination from the management device for identification, acquires the data for determination from the management device for identification, and performs analysis based on the data for determination (see steps (B) and (C)). The management server 4 displays an image 200 during the time required for the processing of steps (B) and (C). The image 200 is an image of the text "Collecting data...".

[0079] Then, when the analysis by the management server 4 is completed, the management server 4 displays an image 201 showing the cause of the abnormality indicated by the analysis results. In the example of Fig. 10, the image 201 is a text image saying "The cause of the abnormality is a refrigerant leak from the air conditioner." In addition, in this embodiment, the abnormality of a refrigerant leak from the air conditioner is considered to be the second abnormality.

[0080] Next, the management server 4 displays an image 202 for confirming whether or not a repair request is required. The image 202 is a text image that reads, "Would you like to request repair?" The user who views the image 202 performs an operation on the input device 160 to indicate whether or not a repair is required. The user terminal 8 displays an image 203 in response to the operation. The image 203 in FIG. 10 is a text image that reads, "Yes."

[0081] Furthermore, if the abnormality in the abnormal facility device is a first abnormality, the management server 4 displays an image for asking the user whether or not low-load operation is being performed. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an image 251 for asking the user whether or not low-load operation is being performed. In the example of FIG. 11, this image 251 is a text image that asks, "Do you want to perform low-load operation of the air conditioner?" In response, the user inputs whether or not low-load operation is being performed.

[0082] Furthermore, there are cases where the abnormality in the abnormal facility equipment is, for example, a first abnormality, and the user himself / herself can resolve the first abnormality. This case is, for example, when the first abnormality is resolved by restarting the facility equipment. In this case, the management server 4 displays an image showing how to resolve the abnormality. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an image 252 for resolving the abnormality. In the example of FIG. 12, this image 252 is a text image that reads, "Please restart the air conditioner." In response to this, the user can resolve the air conditioner abnormality by restarting the air conditioner.

[0083] Furthermore, if the user selects to request repairs from a service company, the management server 4 (for example, the third management unit 123) references the registration information of the service company stored in the service company DB 137 and opens a chat for the service company. The chat for the service company is a chat for the service company and the user to request repairs. The management server 4 displays the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the chat on the chat screen of the display device 150. The management server 4 also sends the same URL to the email address of the service company registered in the service company DB 137. This allows the user and the person in charge at the service company to use the chat.

[0084] 10 to 12, the user terminal 8 displays images (image 197, image 199, image 203) according to the user's input and an image showing the anomaly information in a chat format. That is, the user terminal 8 displays the images according to the user's input and the image 201 showing the anomaly information on the same screen.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a chat for a service company. When the user terminal 8 accesses the URL for the chat for a service company, the display device 150 displays an image 211, an image 212, and the image 196 shown in FIG. 10. The image 211 is an image imitating a service technician. The image 212 is an image for inquiring of the user about the start time of service. The image 212 is a text image that reads, "We will carry out repairs. When would be a good time?" The image 212 may also include an image (for example, a calendar) that indicates the start time of service.

[0086] The user operates input device 160 to input the service start time desired by the user. This operation causes display device 150 to display image 213 indicating the service start time. Image 213 is a text image that reads "Please start from C o'clock on A month B day 2022."

[0087] The service company staff member who sees image 213 performs an operation on input device 165 to indicate whether or not the service is available at the service start time. Display device 150 displays image 214 in response to this operation. Image 214 is a text image that reads "Got it."

[0088] 10 to 13, the chat screen scrolls as the dialogue progresses. The display device 150 may erase past comments that cannot be displayed on the chat screen from the display area of ​​the chat screen. The display device 150 may also display past chat contents by allowing the user to scroll the screen upward.

[0089] In addition, the user terminal 8 and the service terminal 9 display on the same screen an image (image 213) corresponding to input by the user to the user terminal 8 and an image (image 214) corresponding to input by the person in charge (also referred to as the user) to the service terminal.

[0090] [flowchart] 14 and 15 are flowcharts mainly showing the processing of the user terminal 8 and the management server 4. Fig. 14 shows the first half of the flowchart, and Fig. 15 shows the second half of the flowchart.

[0091] The processing in FIG. 14 starts when the above-described startup operation is performed by the user. In step S1, the user terminal 8 starts a chat application. Next, in step S2, the user terminal 8 displays a selection image (image 195 in FIG. 10). Next, in step S4, the user terminal 8 determines whether or not "Abnormality Analysis," option (A) in the selection image, has been selected by the user. If "Abnormality Analysis" has been selected (YES in step S4), the processing proceeds to step S6. Also, if "Contact a Service Company," option (B), has been selected by the user in step S4 (NO in step S4), the processing proceeds to step S28.

[0092] In step S6, the user terminal 8 determines whether or not a serial number has been input. The user terminal 8 waits until the serial number has been input (NO in step S6). If the serial number has been input, the user terminal 8 displays an image 199 indicating the serial number, and in step S8, transmits the serial number to the management server 4. The processing in step S8 corresponds to step (A) in FIG. 1.

[0093] When the management server 4 receives the serial number, in step S10, the management server 4 determines whether the equipment management device indicated by the serial number is an equipment management device to be monitored. That is, the management server 4 determines whether the equipment management device ID corresponding to the serial number is specified in the equipment management device DB (see FIG. 6). If the equipment management device ID is not specified in the equipment management device DB (see FIG. 6) (NO in step S10), the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the management server 4 notifies the user terminal 8 that the equipment corresponding to the serial number transmitted by the user is not subject to monitoring by the management server 4.

[0094] Also, if the equipment management device ID is defined in the equipment management device DB (see FIG. 6) (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the management server 4 collects and analyzes data for determination. Then, the management server 4 generates anomaly information based on the analysis. Next, in step S14, the management server 4 notifies the user terminal 8 of the anomaly information (see image 201 in FIG. 10, etc.). In step S16, the user terminal 8 displays the anomaly information on the chat screen.

[0095] Furthermore, after processing step S14, the management server 4 determines in step S18 whether the abnormality is a first abnormality (minor abnormality). If the abnormality is a first abnormality (YES in step S20), the management server 4 determines in step S20 whether to issue a command for low-load operation. As indicated in parentheses in step S20, the low-load operation for the air conditioner 2A is "fan operation."

[0096] In step S20, the management server 4 displays the image 251 (see FIG. 11) and makes a decision based on the user's input. vinegar For example, if the user inputs "yes", the determination in step S20 is YES, and if the user inputs "no", the determination in step S20 is NO.

[0097] If the determination in step S20 is YES, in step S22 the management server 4 causes the abnormal facility equipment to perform low-load operation via the identification management device, and then the process ends.

[0098] If step S18 returns NO, i.e., if the abnormality is the second abnormality, then in step S24 the management server 4 sends a command signal to the identification management device to stop the abnormal equipment. This causes the abnormal equipment to stop operating. Next, in step S26, the management server 4 determines whether to request repairs from a service company.

[0099] In step S26, the management server 4 displays the image 202 (see FIG. 10) and makes a decision based on the user's input. vinegar For example, if the user inputs "Yes," the determination in step S26 is YES, and if the user inputs "No," the determination in step S26 is NO. If the determination in step S26 is NO, the process ends.

[0100] If the determination in step S26 is YES, then in step S28, the management server 4 refers to the equipment management device DB (see FIG. 6) to identify a service company. Then, in step S30, the management server 4 requests a service from the identified service company. Specifically, the management server 4 transmits a request signal to the service terminal 9 of the identified service company. Also, in step S30, the management server 4 controls the above-mentioned URL in order to display the chat screen described in FIG. 13 on the user terminal 8 and the service terminal 9. After step S30, the processing ends. Also, if the determination in step S20 is NO, the processing proceeds to step S26.

[0101] [Actions and Effects] (1) As described above, in conventional management systems, there are cases where users of a building in which the management system is installed sense an abnormality in an equipment such as an air conditioner and want to know whether or not the equipment is abnormal. However, conventional management systems do not take such cases into consideration, which can cause a problem.

[0102] 1, in the management system 1 of the present disclosure, the user terminal 8 transmits the identification information of the equipment management device 3 to the management server 4 in response to a user input (step (A)). The management server 4 then generates anomaly information about the abnormal equipment (steps (B) and (C)) and notifies the user terminal 8 of the anomaly information (step (D)). Therefore, the user who understands the anomaly information notified by the user terminal 8 can appropriately recognize the anomaly in the equipment.

[0103] Furthermore, in conventional management systems, abnormality information is notified to a service terminal. A service technician then becomes aware of the air conditioner abnormality through this notification. The service technician then visits the building where the abnormal air conditioner is located and conducts an on-site investigation, thereby identifying the air conditioner abnormality. The service technician then reports the air conditioner abnormality to the user. Therefore, conventional management systems can pose a problem in that it takes a significant amount of time for the user to become aware of the air conditioner abnormality. Another problem can arise in that costs (such as the service technician's wages) are incurred to have the service technician conduct the on-site investigation.

[0104] In contrast, in the management system of the present disclosure, the management server 4 generates anomaly information and notifies the anomaly information to the user terminal 8. Therefore, the user can recognize the anomaly information without a service technician having to conduct an on-site investigation, reducing the time and cost required for the user to recognize an anomaly in the air conditioner.

[0105] Furthermore, in the management system of the present disclosure, anomaly information is generated in response to user input to the user terminal 8. This allows the user to recognize the anomaly information at any time of their choosing, even outside of service personnel working hours. Furthermore, the user can recognize the anomaly information even if they have no knowledge of facility equipment.

[0106] (2) As shown in Fig. 1, the management server 4 acquires the determination data of the abnormal facility device from the identification management device (step (B)), and generates abnormality information based on the determination data 140 of the abnormal facility device (step (C)). Therefore, the time required to generate the abnormality information can be reduced compared to when a user or a service technician collects the determination data through an on-site investigation.

[0107] (3) Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, the determination data 140 includes at least one of the analytical operation data 132, the analytical abnormality data 133, and the analytical operation history data 134 of the abnormal facility equipment. Therefore, the management server 4 can generate abnormality information based on at least one of the past operating state of the abnormal facility equipment, the past abnormal state of the abnormal facility equipment, and the past operation history of the abnormal facility equipment.

[0108] (4) Furthermore, the abnormality of the abnormal facility equipment includes a first abnormality and a second abnormality that is more abnormal than the first abnormality. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 125 of the management server 4 transmits a command signal according to the type of abnormality to the identification management device. Furthermore, the identification management device causes the abnormal facility equipment to perform an operation based on the command signal. Therefore, the management server 4 can cause the abnormal facility equipment to perform flexible operations according to the type of abnormality.

[0109] (5) Furthermore, as shown in step S22 of Fig. 15, when the abnormality is the first abnormality, the management server 4 outputs a command signal to cause the abnormal equipment to perform low-load operation. Therefore, the management system 1 can temporarily operate the abnormal equipment even when the abnormal equipment is waiting for repair. As a result, the management system 1 can reduce the decrease in comfort caused by the abnormal equipment.

[0110] (6) Furthermore, as shown in parentheses in step S20 of Figure 15, the low-load operation of the air conditioner 2A is "fan operation." Therefore, the management system 1 can reduce deterioration of the air-conditioned environment due to stagnation of air circulation within the building in which the air conditioner 2A is installed.

[0111] (7) Furthermore, as shown in step S24 of Fig. 15, if the abnormality is the second abnormality, the management server 4 outputs a command signal to stop the abnormal facility equipment. Therefore, the management system 1 can reduce the continuation of operation of the abnormal facility equipment, which is a severe abnormality.

[0112] (8) Furthermore, as shown in step S30 of Fig. 15, if the abnormality is the second abnormality, the management server 4 transmits a request signal to the service terminal 9 to request service for the abnormal facility equipment. Therefore, the management system 1 can make the service company recognize the abnormal facility equipment that is the second abnormality. Furthermore, even a user who does not recognize the equipment information of the abnormal facility equipment can request service.

[0113] (9) As shown in Fig. 9, the service terminal 9 acquires at least one of the determination data 140 and the anomaly information 178, and displays a service image based on the at least one of the data on the display device 155. This allows the service technician to recognize the nature of the anomaly in the abnormal facility equipment before conducting an on-site inspection. This allows the service technician to quickly arrange for the faulty parts and identify the repair method.

[0114] (10) Furthermore, the management server 4 transmits a request signal to the service terminal 9 of a service company that belongs to the area to which the identification management device belongs, based on the equipment management device DB shown in Fig. 6. Therefore, it is possible to request service from a service company that belongs to the area to which the building having the abnormal equipment belongs (i.e., a service company located near the building).

[0115] (11) Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13, the user terminal 8 and the service terminal 9 display an image corresponding to an input to the user terminal 8 and an image corresponding to an input to the service terminal 9 on the same screen (i.e., in a chat format). Therefore, the user and the service company staff can intuitively recognize the image corresponding to the input to the user terminal 8 and the image corresponding to the input to the service terminal 9. Furthermore, the user and the service company staff can adjust the repair schedule and check the progress of the repair.

[0116] (12) Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 to 12, the user terminal 8 displays an image according to the user's input and the anomaly information on the same screen (i.e., in a chat format). Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize the anomaly information.

[0117] 10 to 12, an image 195 including options is displayed. Therefore, the management server 4 can easily recognize the information entered by the user (i.e., the options selected by the user). In addition, the user can easily respond to questions from the management server 4.

[0118] (13) Furthermore, the user terminal 8 is a portable terminal that can be carried by the user. Therefore, the user can recognize the abnormality information not only from inside the building where the facility equipment is installed, but also from outside the building.

[0119] (14) As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the anomaly information includes at least one of the cause of the anomaly in the abnormal equipment, a method for resolving the anomaly in the abnormal equipment, and whether the abnormal equipment can be operated at low load. Therefore, the user can recognize at least one of the cause of the anomaly in the abnormal equipment, a method for resolving the anomaly in the abnormal equipment, and whether the abnormal equipment can be operated at low load. In other words, the images based on the anomaly information are image 201, image 251, and image 252.

[0120] Embodiment 2 Hereinafter, the process of generating anomaly information and the process of notifying the user terminal 8 of the anomaly information will be collectively referred to as "anomaly information processing." In the first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the notification device that executes the anomaly information processing is the management server 4. However, the notification device may be another device. In the second embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the equipment management device 3 is the notification device.

[0121] Fig. 16 shows a configuration example of a management system 1A according to embodiment 2. In the example of Fig. 16, the management system 1A does not have a management server 4. Furthermore, the user terminal 8 according to embodiment 2 has a user DB in which a serial number (identification information) is associated with an equipment management device ID.

[0122] In the example of FIG. 16, the user terminal transmits a predetermined signal to an equipment management device identified by identification information specified in response to user input (step (1A)). Here, the "identification information specified in response to user input" is the equipment management device identified by the equipment management device ID associated in the user DB with the serial number entered by the user. The predetermined signal is, for example, an abnormality inquiry signal. The equipment management device that receives the predetermined signal generates abnormality information by performing analysis based on the determination data (step (2A)). The equipment management device 3 then notifies the user terminal 8 of the abnormality information. With this management system 1A of embodiment 2, the above-mentioned advantageous effects can be achieved even without the management server 4.

[0123] The notification device may also be a system controller or a remote controller. When such a configuration is adopted, the controller may display an operation menu screen and display an image of a notification button on the operation menu screen. A mechanical notification button may also be provided on the housing of the controller. When a user of the equipment management device 3 operates the notification button, the notification device transmits the request signal described above to the service terminal 9.

[0124] Embodiment 3 In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the user terminal 8 displays an image 195 indicating options, and the user selects a desired option. However, the user terminal 8 may also be configured to accept text input from the user. Furthermore, the user terminal 8 may or may not display the image 195. Such a configuration allows the user to make inquiries other than about the options. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, information input by the user (for example, text) is also referred to as "input information."

[0125] Fig. 17 is a flowchart mainly showing the processing of the user terminal 8 and the management server 4 in embodiment 3. In Fig. 17, step S4 in Fig. 14 is replaced with step S54, step S8 is replaced with step S58, and steps S60 and S62 are added.

[0126] In step S54, the user terminal 8 determines whether or not anomaly analysis (option (A)) has been selected or text has been entered. If anomaly analysis has been selected or text has been entered (YES in step S54), the process proceeds to step S6. If anomaly analysis has not been selected or text has not been entered in step S54, that is, if option (B), "Contact a service company," has been selected by the user, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0127] If the determination in step S6 is YES, the process proceeds to step S58. In step S58, the user terminal 8 transmits the serial number and the entered text to the management server 4. Note that if no text is entered in step S54, that is, if abnormality analysis (option (A)) is selected, the user terminal 8 transmits the serial number to the management server 4 in step S58 without transmitting any text.

[0128] In step S60, the management server 4 determines whether the transmitted text is recognizable. For example, the management server 4 determines whether the text is recognizable based on the above-mentioned language data 135. If the text is unrecognizable (NO in step S60), the process proceeds to step S62. If the text is recognizable (YES in step S60), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0129] Here, the case where the text cannot be determined means that the text is not information about an abnormality in the facility equipment, or the text has grammatical errors. In this case, in step S62, the management server 4 notifies a predetermined device of the text. In this embodiment, the predetermined device is the management server 4 itself. That is, in step S62, the management server 4 displays the text (text that the management server 4 cannot recognize). The administrator of the management server 4 visually recognizes the text and performs processing according to the text. For example, the administrator of the management server 4 can communicate the content of the displayed text to a service company.

[0130] Furthermore, in step S60, the case where the text can be determined means that the management server 4 can extract information about an abnormality in the facility equipment from the text, and abnormality analysis (option (A)) is selected. For example, in step S60, if it is determined that the text is "The air volume of the air conditioner is weak," it is determined that information about an abnormality in the facility equipment has been extracted, and YES is determined in step S60. Thereafter, the management server 4 executes the processes from step S10 onwards, thereby generating abnormality information.

[0131] As described above, in the management method of this embodiment, a chat application is launched when a user performs a predetermined operation (the above-described launch operation) on the user terminal 8 (step S1). Then, when the user terminal 8 receives input information related to facility equipment including air conditioners (YES in step S54), it transmits the input information to a management device (management server 4) (step S58). Next, in step S60, the management server 4 determines whether to generate anomaly information or notify a predetermined device (in the example of FIG. 17) of the input information, depending on the input information. If it is determined in step S60 that anomaly information is to be generated (YES in step S60), the user terminal 8 notifies the predetermined device of the anomaly information (step S16 in FIG. 15). Also, if it is determined in step S60 that the input information is to be notified to the predetermined device, the management server 4 notifies the predetermined device of the input information.

[0132] The configuration of the third embodiment allows the user to input text into the user terminal 8. This improves user convenience. Furthermore, if the management server 4 can recognize the input information, the management server 4 itself generates anomaly information, thereby reducing the cost of generating the anomaly information. Furthermore, if the management server 4 cannot recognize the input information, the input information can be visually recognized by a human, allowing the human to perform processing corresponding to the input information.

[0133] [Variations] (1) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 and other figures, a configuration has been described in which an abnormality inquiry (step (A)) is made on the condition that a user inputs the serial number of an equipment management device. However, the condition may be any other condition as long as it is input by the user to the user terminal 8. For example, the user terminal 8 may display a button indicating an abnormality inquiry, and the user input may be an operation of the button. When such a configuration is adopted, the user terminal 8 outputs identification information of the equipment management device upon detecting user input. Note that this identification information is set based on a user operation in the settings (e.g., initial settings) of the chat application. With such a configuration, the user terminal 8 transmits the identification information in response to the user input. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the abnormality information even if he or she does not know the identification information of the equipment management device.

[0134] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the management server 4 acquires the determination data from the identification management device on the condition that it has received identification information from the user terminal 8. However, this condition may be other conditions. For example, the other condition may be that a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed. Under such conditions, the management server 4 acquires the determination data at predetermined intervals. A management server employing such a configuration can also achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0135] (3) In the above embodiment, the equipment management device 3 and the user terminal 8 are separate terminals. However, the equipment management device 3 and the user terminal 8 may be the same terminal. death The terminal to which the abnormality information is notified may be the equipment management device 3. With this configuration, the person in charge of the equipment management device 3 (for example, the manager of the building in which the equipment management device 3 is installed) can recognize the abnormality information.

[0136] (4) In the above embodiment, the service terminal 9 is configured to display a service image by accessing the management server 4. However, the management server 4 may transmit data of the service image. In addition, the destination address may be registered in the service company DB 137.

[0137] (5) In the above embodiment, the service terminal 9 acquires the determination data 140 and the anomaly information 178 on the condition that it accesses the management server 4. However, this condition may be another condition. The other condition may be that a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed. Under such a condition, the management server 4 transmits the determination data 140 and the anomaly information 178 to the service terminal 9 at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the service terminal 9 is a terminal corresponding to the equipment management device 3 from which the determination data 140 and the anomaly information 178 are acquired (see FIG. 6). A management server having such a configuration can also achieve the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0138] (6) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the options shown in image 195 are "(A) Analyze equipment malfunction" and "(B) Contact a service company." However, image 195 may have other options. The other options may be, for example, "The air conditioner is not cooling properly, so I would like to know the cause," "I would like to know the content of the displayed malfunction code," "The equipment will stop after a while," "I would like to see the operation history of the equipment," "I would like to check the malfunction history," etc.

[0139] (7) In the above embodiment, the example of Fig. 10 describes a configuration in which a user's request is realized by having the user select an option from image 195. However, the user may input the user's request by inputting characters.

[0140] (8) Furthermore, the registration of service companies in the service company DB 137 may be performed by the administrator of the management server 4 or by a person in charge of the service company. For example, each service company may be able to register the areas in which it can provide service in the service company DB 137, and may be able to change the branch name and contact information for each area.

[0141] (9) In the above embodiment, the chat application has been described as an application for detecting abnormalities in facility equipment. However, the chat application may be a function incorporated into the air conditioning application. The air conditioning application is an application for operating the air conditioner 2A and monitoring the operating status of the air conditioner 2A. Note that air conditioner information may be registered in advance in the air conditioning application. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the target air conditioner is identified from the air conditioner information, eliminating the need for the user to input identification information. In such a configuration, the user transmits identification information of the equipment management device by performing a predetermined operation on the user terminal 8.

[0142] (10) In the above embodiment, when "(B) Contact the service company" in image 195 in Fig. 10 is selected, the chat window for the service company in Fig. 13 is launched. However, when "(B) Contact the service company" is selected, either "Launch the chat window for the service company" or "Call the service company" in Fig. 13 may be selected. Such a configuration can improve user convenience.

[0143] (11) By displaying image 198 in FIG. 10 , the user recognizes that they need to enter a serial number. However, there are cases where the user does not know the serial number. In consideration of this case, when a predetermined condition is met, user terminal 8 may display support information to support the user in recognizing the serial number. The predetermined condition may include a condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since image 198 was displayed. The predetermined condition may also include a condition that the user makes a predetermined input (for example, input of characters such as "I don't know"). The support information may be, for example, a text image stating, "If the indoor unit has a two-dimensional code, please scan it with a camera." The support information may also be a text image stating, "If you can operate the remote control, perform a predetermined operation and enter the number displayed on the remote control." The support information may also be a text image stating, "Please enter the building, floor, etc."

[0144] (12) Fig. 10 shows a configuration in which an image 201 indicating the cause of the abnormality is displayed. The user terminal 8 may further display abnormality-related information related to the abnormality together with the image 201. The abnormality-related information is, for example, information indicating the reason why the management server 4 determined that such an abnormality exists, and what will happen if the facility equipment in which the abnormality has occurred continues to be used without being repaired.

[0145] (13) In Fig. 11, an example is shown in which image 251 is displayed to encourage the air conditioner 2A to operate at a low load. Even if the air conditioner 2A operates at a low load, the air conditioner 2A will not fully recover. Therefore, the user terminal 8 may display, together with image 251, an image for inquiring the user about whether or not to request repairs from a service technician.

[0146] (14) In the above-described embodiment, if the answer to step S26 is YES (if it is decided to have a service technician repair the problem), the user terminal 8 displays the image of the service company chat screen shown in FIG. 13. However, even if such an image of the service company chat screen is displayed, the service technician may not recognize the image, which may cause the user to wait. Therefore, the management server 4 may be configured to transmit a signal to the service terminal 9 indicating that any of the processes from step S2 onward in FIG. 14 has been executed. This configuration allows the service technician or the like to be aware in advance that the image of the service company chat screen shown in FIG. 13 may be displayed. This reduces the occurrence of an incident in which the user has to wait.

[0147] (15) The chat screens of Figures 10 to 13 may be displayed by another device. The other device may be, for example, the management server 4. With this configuration, a person in charge of the other device (for example, an operator) can participate in the chat as an observer.

[0148] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1,1A Management system, 2 Facility equipment, 2A Air conditioner, 2B Compressor, 3 Facility management device, 4 Management server, 5 Dedicated communication line, 7 Facility equipment group, 8 User terminal, 9 Service terminal, 10,150,155 Display device, 20,160,165 Input device, 30,120,170,175 Control device, 31,121 First management unit, 32,122 Second management unit, 33,123 Third management unit, 34 Fourth management unit, 40,130 Storage device, 50,60,145,180,185 Communication unit, 92 ROM, 93 RAM, 124 Analysis unit, 125 Control unit, 132 Operation data for analysis, 133 Abnormal data for analysis, 134 Operation history data for analysis, 135 Language data, 140 Data for judgment, 171,176 Connection management unit, 172, 177 execution unit, 191 first display area, 192 second display area.

Claims

1. a plurality of first management devices each managing facility equipment including at least one air conditioner; a second management device that communicates with the first management device and a user terminal that accepts user input; the user terminal transmits identification information of the first management device to the second management device in response to an input from a user; The second management device generating anomaly information relating to an abnormal facility device that is abnormal among the facility devices including the at least one air conditioner managed by the identification management device that is the first management device indicated by the identification information; notifying the user terminal of the abnormality information; The user terminal displays an image according to a user's input and the anomaly information on the same screen.

2. The second management device When the identification information is received, data for determining the abnormal facility device is acquired from the identification management device; The management system according to claim 1 , wherein the abnormality information is generated based on the determination data.

3. The management system according to claim 2 , wherein the determination data includes at least one of operation data of the abnormal facility equipment, abnormality data of the abnormal facility equipment, and operation history data of the abnormal facility equipment.

4. The abnormality includes a first abnormality and a second abnormality having a greater degree of abnormality than the first abnormality, the second management device transmits a command signal corresponding to the type of abnormality to the identification management device; The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the identification management device causes the abnormal facility device to perform an operation based on the command signal.

5. The management system according to claim 4 , wherein the second management device transmits the command signal to cause the abnormal facility device to perform a low-load operation when the abnormality is the first abnormality.

6. The management system according to claim 5 , wherein the low-load operation is an air-blowing operation that is performed without driving a compressor of the air conditioner.

7. The management system according to claim 4 , wherein the second management device transmits the command signal to stop the abnormal facility device when the abnormality is the second abnormality.

8. The management system further includes a service terminal for servicing the abnormal facility device, The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second management device transmits a request signal to the service terminal to request service of the abnormal facility device.

9. The management system according to claim 8 , wherein the service terminal notifies at least one of an image based on the anomaly information and an image based on determination data for determining the anomaly.

10. The management system according to claim 8 , wherein the second management device transmits the request signal to the service terminal of a service company that belongs to an area to which the identification management device belongs.

11. The management system according to claim 8 , wherein the user terminal and the service terminal display an image corresponding to an input to the user terminal and an image corresponding to an input to the service terminal on the same screen.

12. The system includes a plurality of management devices each managing facility equipment including at least one air conditioner; the management device communicates with a user terminal that accepts user input; the user terminal transmits a predetermined signal to the management device indicated by identification information designated in response to an input by a user; The management device that receives the predetermined signal acquires abnormality information regarding abnormal equipment among the equipment including the at least one air conditioner managed by the management device; notifying the user terminal of the abnormality information; The user terminal displays an image according to a user's input and the anomaly information on the same screen.

13. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 12, wherein the user terminal is a terminal that can be carried by the user.

14. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claim 12, wherein the abnormality information includes at least one of a cause of the abnormality, a method for resolving the abnormality, and whether or not the abnormal facility equipment can be operated at low load.

15. a user terminal that accepts user input; and a communication interface that communicates with a plurality of facility management devices; a processor; each of the plurality of equipment management devices manages at least one equipment; Identification information is defined for each of the plurality of equipment management devices, the communication interface receives the identification information transmitted from the user terminal in response to a user input; The processor: generating anomaly information regarding an abnormal facility device that is abnormal among the at least one facility device managed by an identification management device that is the facility management device indicated by the identification information; A notification device that displays an image according to a user's input and the abnormality information on the same screen of the user terminal.

16. a user terminal transmitting, when receiving an input from a user, identification information of one of a plurality of management devices each managing facility equipment including at least one air conditioner; The management method includes the user terminal displaying, on the same screen, abnormality information regarding abnormal equipment among the equipment including the at least one air conditioner managed by the identification management device indicated by the identification information, and an image corresponding to user input.

17. A user terminal starts an application when a predetermined operation is performed on the user terminal; When the user terminal receives input information related to facility equipment including an air conditioner, the user terminal transmits the input information to a management device; The management device determines, in accordance with the input information, whether to generate abnormality information regarding an abnormal facility device that is abnormal among the facility devices, or whether the management device displays the input information; When the management device generates the anomaly information, the management device transmits the anomaly information to the user terminal; When the user terminal receives the anomaly information, the user terminal displays an image according to a user input and the anomaly information on the same screen.

18. a computer that can communicate with a second management device, each of which can communicate with a plurality of first management devices that manage facility equipment including at least one air conditioner; accepting user input; transmitting identification information of the first management device to the second management device when the input is received; and displaying on the same screen, on the same screen, the abnormality information from the second management device that has acquired the abnormality information regarding abnormal equipment among the equipment including the at least one air conditioner that is managed by the identification management device indicated by the identification information, and an image corresponding to user input.

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