Display methods, information processing systems, equipment management systems, and communication methods

Abstract

To provide a display method capable of supporting the management of an apparatus in a facility.SOLUTION: The display method is executed by an information terminal 30 capable of communicating with an apparatus management system 20 that manages an apparatus in a facility 90. The display method includes the steps of: displaying a first management screen indicating a map of at least some areas of the facility 90 on a display unit 32 of the information terminal 30; and displaying a third management screen indicating management points corresponding to the apparatus provided in the facility 90 on the display unit 32. The first management screen includes a tab that is operated to shift from the first management screen to the third management screen, and the third management screen includes a tab that is operated to shift from the third management screen to the first management screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display method and the like related to a device management system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a power management system that estimates the power consumption for each of various power systems such as an air conditioning system, a lighting system, and an outlet system in a building (for example, a building) which is a facility to be managed, and performs a display that can be recognized by people. In the power management system, a PAC air conditioner, an entrance / exit management system, and a lighting control system are connected to a power monitoring device via a network line (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a display method and the like that can assist in the management of devices in a facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A display method according to an aspect of the present invention is a display method executed by an information terminal capable of communicating with a device management system that manages devices provided in a facility, including a step of displaying, on a display unit of the information terminal, a first screen showing a map of at least a part of the area of the facility, and a step of displaying, on the display unit, a second screen showing a management point corresponding to a device provided in the facility, wherein the first screen includes a first operation area that is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen, and the second screen includes a second operation area that is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen.

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes the information terminal to execute the display method described above.

[0007] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system that can communicate with an equipment management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, and comprises a display unit and an information processing unit that displays on the display unit a first screen showing a map of at least a part of the area of ​​the facility and a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility, wherein the first screen includes a first operation area operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen, and the second screen includes a second operation area operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen.

[0008] An equipment management system according to one aspect of the present invention is an equipment management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, comprising a communication unit that communicates with an information terminal having a display unit, wherein the communication unit transmits to the information terminal information for displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the area of ​​the facility on the display unit, and information for displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility on the display unit, the first screen includes a first operation area operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen, and the second screen includes a second operation area operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen.

[0009] A communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer system for managing equipment installed in a facility, and is performed by a computer system capable of communicating with an information terminal having a display unit, wherein the communication method transmits to the information terminal information for displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the area of ​​the facility on the display unit, and information for displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility on the display unit, the first screen including a first operation area operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen, and the second screen including a second operation area operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer system to execute the communication method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The display method and other aspects of the present invention can support the management of equipment in facilities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the display system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the first management screen for a management point. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the display system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of management information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the second management screen for a management point. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the third management screen for a management point. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example in which an object indicating a specific management point is displayed in a predetermined manner on the first management screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the detailed screen for management points. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the display system related to the modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, the order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0014] Note that each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each drawing, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0015] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the display system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the display system according to the embodiment.

[0016] The display system 10 is a system capable of displaying information on equipment installed in the facility 90 on the information terminal 30. The facility 90 is, for example, a large-scale building (non-residential facility) consisting of several floors used as a commercial facility or an office, etc. Note that the facility 90 may be another non-residential facility such as a hospital or a factory, or may be a residence (detached house or apartment house).

[0017] Specifically, the display system 10 includes a device management system 20 and a plurality of information terminals 30. Note that the number of the plurality of information terminals 30 is not particularly limited. The display system 10 may include at least one information terminal 30.

[0018] <{ The device management system 20 is a system for managing devices provided in the facility 90. Specifically, the device management system 20 manages devices in units of management points corresponding to the devices. One management point may be associated with one device, or multiple management points may be associated with one device. For example, when the lighting device 21 is managed for its lighting state (on or off) and for failure (non-lighting), two management points are associated with one lighting device 21.

[0019] As management of management points, the device management system 20 can control the devices provided in the facility 90 and monitor the devices. Specifically, the device management system 20 includes a plurality of lighting devices 21, a plurality of air conditioning devices 22, a plurality of measuring devices 23, a control device 24, a gateway device 25, and a server system 26. The plurality of lighting devices 21, the plurality of air conditioning devices 22, the plurality of measuring devices 23, the control device 24, and the gateway device 25 are provided in the facility 90, and the server system 26 is provided outside the facility 90. "Provided in the facility 90" can be paraphrased as "provided within the site of the facility 90". When the facility 90 is regarded as a building, the devices provided in the facility 90 may include not only the devices provided within the building but also the devices provided outside the building.

[0020] Each of the lighting device 21, the air conditioning device 22, and the measuring device 23 is an example of a device provided in the facility 90. The lighting device 21 is a device for illuminating the space within the facility 90, and the air conditioning device 22 is a device for adjusting the temperature of the space within the facility 90 by sending out temperature-adjusted air. The measuring device 23 is a device for measuring the energy consumption (electric energy consumption) within the facility 80. The measuring device 23 may be a sensor (sensing device). Specifically, the measuring device 23 may be a device for sensing the state of the space, such as the presence or absence of people, the number of people, and other human states, and environmental states such as temperature, humidity, and brightness, in a predetermined area within the facility 90. The number of the lighting device 21, the air conditioning device 22, and the measuring device 23 included in the device management system 20 is not particularly limited.

[0021] The control device 24 is a device that controls and monitors equipment installed in the facility 90, and can communicate with the server system 26 via the gateway device 25. Equipment control includes turning equipment on and off, and changing equipment settings.

[0022] For convenience, the following description assumes that one control device 24 in the equipment management system 20 manages three types of equipment: lighting equipment 21, air conditioning equipment 22, and measuring equipment 23. However, the equipment management system 20 may have multiple control devices 24. For example, the equipment management system 20 may have a separate control device 24 for each type of equipment.

[0023] The gateway device 25 is a communication device that allows the control device 24 to communicate with the server system 26 via a wide-area communication network such as the Internet.

[0024] The server system 26 is a system that performs information processing for displaying the management screen of the management point on the information terminal 30, and is implemented by one or more web servers (cloud servers). Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the management screen of the management point. Specifically, the server system 26 comprises a communication unit 27, an information processing unit 28, and a storage unit 29.

[0025] The communication unit 27 is a communication circuit for the server system 26 to communicate with the control device 24 and the information terminal 30. The communication unit 27 performs communication using, for example, a wide-area communication network. This communication may be wired or wireless.

[0026] The information processing unit 28 performs information processing to display the management screen described above on the information terminal 30. This information processing includes, for example, providing (transmitting) display screen information to the information terminal 30. The information processing unit 28 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 28 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 28 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 29.

[0027] The memory unit 29 is a storage device that stores information necessary for information processing performed by the information processing unit 28, as well as computer programs executed by the information processing unit 28. The memory unit 29 is implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be implemented by semiconductor memory or the like.

[0028] Information terminal 30 is an information terminal on which the management screen described above is displayed. Information terminal 30 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, but it may also be a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer. The user of information terminal 30 is assumed to be a field worker who goes to the location of the equipment that is the subject of the alarm when an alarm occurs regarding the equipment installed in facility 90 and performs on-site work. Information terminal 30 comprises an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a communication unit 33, an information processing unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0029] The operation reception unit 31 receives user input. The operation reception unit 31 is implemented, for example, by a touch panel. If the information terminal 30 is a stationary information terminal, the operation reception unit 31 is implemented by a mouse or keyboard, etc.

[0030] The display unit 32 displays various screens, such as the management screen mentioned above. The display unit 32 is implemented by a display panel such as an LCD panel or an organic EL panel.

[0031] The communication unit 33 is a communication circuit for the information terminal 30 to communicate with the server system 26. The communication unit 33 performs wireless communication, for example, using a mobile communication network.

[0032] The information processing unit 34 performs display processing, such as displaying various display screens in response to user operations. The information processing unit 34 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 34 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 34 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 35.

[0033] The storage unit 35 is a storage device that stores the information necessary for the display processing described above. The information stored in the storage unit 35 includes a computer program executed by the information processing unit 34. The computer program is, for example, a dedicated application program for the display system 10 that is pre-installed in the storage unit 35 by the user. The storage unit 35 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory. In the following embodiments, the application program will be abbreviated as "app".

[0034] [Example of operation] The following describes an example of the operation performed by the display system 10 to display the management screen (Figure 2). Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of the operation example of the display system 10. Note that the gateway device 25 is not shown in the sequence diagram of Figure 3.

[0035] The control device 24 manages the status of devices such as lighting equipment 21, air conditioning equipment 22, and measuring equipment 23 that are connected to the control device 24 via communication. For example, it sends notification information to the server system 26 (via the gateway device 25) to notify the status of a management point (S11). The notification information is sent periodically from the control device 24 to the server system 26, but may also be sent from the control device 24 to the server system 26 triggered by a change in the status of a management point. Alternatively, the notification information may be sent from the control device 24 to the server system 26 upon request from the server system 26.

[0036] The communication unit 27 of the server system 26 receives notification information. The information processing unit 28 updates the management information stored in the storage unit 29 based on the received notification information (S12). Figure 4 shows an example of management information.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the management information includes the management point No. (ID of the management point), the ID of the map on which the management point is displayed, the 2D coordinates of the management point on the map, the ID of the equipment corresponding to the management point, the equipment name, the type of management point, and the most recent status of the management point.

[0038] Of the management information, information other than the most recent status of the management point is fixed information that is registered (set) in advance. This fixed information may be registered by the server system 26 acquiring (reusing) similar information stored in the control device 24, or it may be newly registered in the server system 26 separately from the information stored in the control device 24.

[0039] The notification information includes, for example, the ID of the management point and information indicating the current (most recent) status of the management point. The information processing unit 28 can update the most recent status of the management point from the management information each time it receives notification information.

[0040] Here, the information terminal 30 on which the above application is installed can visualize the information contained in such management information and present it to the user as a management screen (Figure 2).

[0041] For example, the user performs a predetermined operation to instruct the information terminal 30 to run the above application, and the operation reception unit 31 receives the predetermined operation (S13). Once the operation reception unit 31 receives the predetermined operation, the information processing unit 34 sends a request to display the management screen to the server system 26 using the communication unit 33 (S14). In other words, the communication unit 33 sends a display request to the server system 26.

[0042] The communication unit 27 of the server system 26 receives a display request. Based on the received display request, the information processing unit 28 uses the communication unit 27 to send display screen information for visualizing management information and displaying it as a management screen to the information terminal 30 (S15). In other words, the communication unit 27 sends display screen information to the information terminal 30.

[0043] The communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives display screen information. The information processing unit 34 displays the management screen (Figure 2) on the display unit 32 based on the received display screen information (S16). The same processing as in steps S13 to S16 is performed when the management screen is updated and when screen transitions occur in response to user operations. If the management screen is automatically updated (described later), the processing in step S13 is omitted.

[0044] [Management screen] The administration screen has three tabs: "Graphics," "Related Lists," and "Points." Figure 2 shows the first administration screen when the "Graphics" tab is selected.

[0045] The first management screen is a screen that displays a map of at least a portion of the facility 90. Circular objects indicating the locations of management points are displayed on the map of the first management screen. In the example in Figure 2, 10 circular objects are displayed on the map. The shape of the objects indicating the locations of management points is not particularly limited.

[0046] The circular object's display changes depending on the current state of the management point it represents. For example, if the management point manages two states, on or off, it will display a first color (e.g., green) when on and a second color (e.g., red) different from the first when off. This display is achieved by associating the management point No. (ID of the management point), the ID of the map on which the management point is displayed, the 2D coordinates of the management point on the map, and the current state of the management point in the management information (Figure 4).

[0047] Users can update the status of the management point to the latest state by selecting the update button 32a. Additionally, if the automatic update icon 32b in the lower right corner of the screen is turned on, the status of the management point will be automatically updated at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 2 seconds).

[0048] In the first administration screen, the ID of the currently displayed map (corresponding to "00001") and the name of the map (corresponding to "Overall Layout") are displayed above the three tabs. The currently displayed map is, in other words, the selected map. Users can select a map from the second administration screen, which is displayed when the "Related Lists" tab is selected. Figure 5 shows an example of the second administration screen.

[0049] The storage unit 29 of the server system 26 hierarchically manages multiple maps related to the facility 90, and the second management screen is a map selection screen that shows the hierarchical structure of the multiple maps. On the second management screen, a list of maps related to each map can be displayed. Each of the multiple maps is assigned an ID (corresponding to the map ID in the management information).

[0050] When the "Points" tab is selected from the three tabs, a third management screen is displayed, which shows a list of management points in the selected map. Figure 6 shows an example of the third management screen.

[0051] In the third management screen, management points are displayed in a list, with each unit consisting of a management point number (e.g., P0001), a management point name (e.g., lighting equipment, west side), and a management point type (e.g., binary). In other words, this is a list display.

[0052] The third management screen has a picture icon 32c for each management point. When a user selects a picture icon 32c, they transition from the third management screen to the first management screen. In other words, the picture icon 32c is an operation area used to transition from the third management screen (the screen where management points are listed) to the first management screen (the screen where management points are displayed on the map).

[0053] Furthermore, picture icon 32c does not need to be provided at all management points; it may be provided at only some management points. For example, the presence or absence of picture icon 32c on the third management screen may be determined according to the type of management point or the type of equipment corresponding to the management point.

[0054] In this case, if the picture icon 32c is operated and the user transitions from the third management screen to the first management screen, the object indicating the location of the management point corresponding to the operated picture icon 32c (hereinafter also referred to as the specific management point) will be displayed in a predetermined display manner. In other words, if the picture icon 32c of management point No: P0001 is operated and the user transitions from the third management screen to the first management screen, only the object indicating the location of management point No: P0001 will be displayed in the predetermined display manner among the management points (objects) on the map of the first management screen. Figure 7 shows an example in which the object indicating a specific management point is displayed in a predetermined display manner on the first management screen.

[0055] As described above, the object representing a control point permanently displays the state of the control point in one of several pre-prepared candidate colors (e.g., red and green). The object 32d representing a specific control point is displayed in a color different from any of the candidate colors (e.g., yellow). In other words, the predetermined display mode of the object 32d representing a specific control point is a different type of display mode from that of other control point objects.

[0056] The predetermined display modes include flashing. For example, the predetermined display mode may be a mode in which the object flashes in one of the candidate colors. In other words, the object 32d indicating a specific control point may be the usual color (a color corresponding to the state of the control point). If objects indicating other control points may flash, the object indicating a specific control point may flash at a different speed (flashing cycle) than the objects indicating other control points. The object indicating a specific control point may flash at a faster speed than the objects indicating other control points, or it may flash at a slower speed than the objects indicating other control points.

[0057] The predetermined display mode may involve flashing in a color different from any of the candidate colors. Alternatively, the predetermined display mode may involve adding another object (icon), such as an arrow, near the object 32d indicating a specific management point.

[0058] Furthermore, the predetermined display modes may include modes in which the size of the objects is changed. For example, an object 32d representing a specific control point may be displayed larger than objects representing other control points, or an object 32d representing a specific control point may be displayed smaller than objects representing other control points.

[0059] A predetermined display mode may be achieved by a combination of two or more modes, such as flashing, changing colors, adding another object, and changing size.

[0060] When an object 32d representing a specific management point is displayed in a predetermined manner, the user can easily understand where the specific management point selected on the third management screen is located on the map on the first management screen. Note that the display of the object in the predetermined manner is not performed when transitioning from the third management screen to the first management screen by operating the "Graphics" tab.

[0061] Furthermore, an object representing a specific management point will change to the same display mode as other management point objects after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since transitioning from the third management screen to the first management screen (after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the predetermined display mode was adopted). In other words, the object representing a specific management point will return to its normal color (the color corresponding to the status of the management point). The predetermined period is, for example, a few seconds to several tens of seconds. In this way, the predetermined display mode is automatically canceled after the predetermined period of time has elapsed. Note that the predetermined display mode may also be canceled in response to user action.

[0062] Note that "the same type of display mode" refers to, for example, a mode in which a display emits light continuously in one of the candidate colors. In other words, "the same type of display mode" includes multiple display modes that differ in color but are the same in other display modes.

[0063] As described above, the display system 10 can display the first management screen and the third management screen on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30. The first management screen is a screen that shows a map of at least a part of the facility 90 and includes an operation area ("Points" tab) that is operated to transition from the first management screen to the third management screen. The third management screen is a screen that displays a list of management points corresponding to the equipment installed in the facility 90 and includes an operation area ("Graphics" tab or picture icon 32c) that is operated to transition from the third management screen to the first management screen.

[0064] With such a display system 10, the user can switch between a screen that displays management points on a map and a screen that displays management points in a list. In other words, the display system 10 can switch how it provides information about management points to the user.

[0065] [Details screen for management points] The display of objects in a predetermined display mode occurred when transitioning from the third management screen, which lists management points, to the first management screen, but it may also occur when transitioning from the management point details screen to the first management screen. Figure 8 shows an example of the management point details screen.

[0066] The detailed management point screen shown in Figure 8 displays more detailed information about a single management point than the third management screen (the management point list screen), including the location, name, management point number, device, and management point type. The detailed screen is displayed, for example, when the name of the management point is manipulated on the third management screen. In other words, the area where the name of the management point is displayed on the third management screen is the area where manipulation is performed to transition from the third management screen to the detailed screen.

[0067] Furthermore, the first management screen may have an operation area for transitioning from the first management screen to the detail screen. The detail screen may be displayed, for example, by manipulating an object on the map in the first management screen. In other words, an object on the map in the first management screen may be an operation area that is manipulated to transition from the first management screen to the detail screen.

[0068] A picture icon 32e is located in the lower right corner of the details screen. Picture icon 32e is an icon with the same functionality as picture icon 32c and is an operation area used to transition from the details screen to the first management screen.

[0069] When the picture icon 32e is manipulated, and the user transitions from the details screen to the first management screen, an object indicating the location of a specific management point corresponding to the manipulated picture icon 32e (the management point whose information was displayed on the details screen) is displayed in a predetermined display manner. The predetermined display manner is as explained with reference to Figure 7, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0070] When an object representing a specific management point is displayed in a predetermined display manner, the user can easily understand where that specific management point, whose information was displayed on the details screen, is located on the map of the first management screen. As mentioned above, the object representing a specific management point changes to the same type of display manner as other management point objects after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, for example, after transitioning from the details screen to the first management screen. In other words, the predetermined display manner is automatically canceled after the predetermined period of time has elapsed. The predetermined display manner may also be canceled in response to user action.

[0071] As described above, the display system 10 can display a first management screen and a detail screen on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30. The first management screen is a screen that shows a map of at least a portion of the facility 90 and includes an operation area (objects on the map) that is operated to transition from the first management screen to the detail screen. The detail screen is a screen that displays details of a management point and includes an operation area (picture icon 32e) that is operated to transition from the detail screen to the first management screen.

[0072] With such a display system 10, the user can switch between a screen that displays management points on a map and a screen that displays details of the management points. In other words, the display system 10 can switch how it provides information about management points to the user.

[0073] [Example of the first administration screen] In the above embodiment, the first management screen was a screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility 90, but the first management screen is not limited to such a map. The 11th management screen may be a screen showing a wiring diagram of at least a portion of the facility 90, or a screen showing a system diagram of at least a portion of the facility 90. Alternatively, the first management screen may be a screen showing a table corresponding to the wiring diagram or system diagram.

[0074] [Examples of displaying an object in a predetermined display mode] In the above embodiment, the display of the object in a predetermined display mode was triggered by an operation on picture icon 32c or picture icon 32e, but it is not essential to provide an explicit operation area like picture icon 32c or picture icon 32e.

[0075] For example, when a management point is selected on the third management screen through some operation (e.g., a long press operation on a field corresponding to a management point), and the user transitions to the first management screen through some operation (e.g., a swipe operation), an object indicating the specific management point may be displayed in a predetermined display manner. In other words, when a user transitions from the third management screen to the first management screen while a specific management point is selected from the list of management points on the third management screen, an object indicating the location of the specific management point may be displayed in a predetermined display manner.

[0076] Similarly, when transitioning from the details screen to the first management screen through some operation (e.g., a swipe operation), an object indicating a specific management point may be displayed in a predetermined display manner. In other words, when transitioning from the details screen to the first management screen, an object indicating the location of a specific management point may be displayed in a predetermined display manner.

[0077] [Variations in map selection methods] In the above embodiment, the user could select a map from the second management screen. Alternatively, a map can be selected from a favorites list (not shown). The favorites list displays a list of the IDs and names of maps added to the favorites list, from which the user can select a map.

[0078] Users can add and remove maps from their favorites list by interacting with the star-shaped icon. The star-shaped icon is located above the three tabs in each of the following screens: the first administration screen (Figures 2 and 7), the second administration screen (Figure 5), and the third administration screen (Figure 6), to the left of the currently displayed map ID. The star-shaped icon is also located to the right of the map name displayed in the list on the second administration screen.

[0079] Additionally, users can select a map from a history screen (not shown) that displays their map selection history. The history screen displays a list of a predetermined number of maps (e.g., 10) in chronological order, starting with the most recently displayed maps, and users can select a map from this list.

[0080] [Modified configuration 1] In the above embodiment, the server system 26 is a system located outside the facility 90, and the control device 24, the server system 26 (communication unit 27), and the information terminal 30 (communication unit 33) communicated using a wide-area communication network. However, the server system 26 may be an on-premise system installed inside the facility 90, and the control device 24, the server system 26, and the information terminal 30 may communicate using a local communication network. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a display system according to such a modified example. The display system 10a shown in Figure 9 can also perform the same operations as the display system 10.

[0081] [Modified configuration 2] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display of various screens on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 was achieved by the information terminal 30 (information processing unit 34) executing an application, but this may also be achieved by executing a general-purpose browser. In other words, the display system 10 (or display system 10a) may be implemented as an open system that does not require the installation of an application.

[0082] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from these examples.

[0083] Invention 1 is a display method performed by an information terminal 30 that can communicate with an equipment management system 20 that manages equipment installed in a facility 90. The display method includes the steps of displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the area of ​​the facility 90 on a display unit 32 of the information terminal 30, and displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility 90 on the display unit 32. The first screen includes a first operation area that is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen, and the second screen includes a second operation area that is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The first management screen in Figure 2 is an example of the first screen, and the third management screen in Figure 6 or the detail screen in Figure 8 is an example of the second screen. The "Points" tab in the first management screen is an example of the first operation area, and the "Graphics" tab or picture icon 32c in the third management screen is an example of the second operation area. The picture icon 32e in the detail screen is an example of the second operation area.

[0084] This display method, by showing the first and second screens, can support the management of equipment in facility 90.

[0085] Invention 2 is a display method of Invention 1, wherein the second screen is a screen that displays a list of management points, and the second screen includes a third operation area for each management point that is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The third management screen in Figure 6 is an example of the second screen in this case, and the picture icon 32c in the third management screen is an example of the third operation area.

[0086] This display method can support the management of equipment at facility 90 by showing a map of facility 90 and a list of management points.

[0087] Invention 3 is a display method of Invention 1, wherein the second screen is a screen that displays details of the management point, and the second screen includes a third operation area that is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The detail screen in Figure 8 is an example of the second screen in this case. The picture icon 32e in the detail screen is an example of the third operation area. In Invention 3, the picture icon 32e is also an example of the second operation area.

[0088] This display method can support the management of equipment at facility 90 by showing a map of facility 90 and a detailed screen of the management points.

[0089] Invention 4 is a display method of Invention 2 or 3, wherein objects indicating management points are displayed on the map of the first screen, and when the user transitions from the second screen to the first screen due to the operation of the third operation area, objects indicating management points corresponding to the operated third operation area are displayed in a predetermined display manner.

[0090] This type of display can help users understand where specific management points are located on the map.

[0091] Invention 5 is a display method of Invention 4, wherein the predetermined display mode is a different type of display mode from objects that indicate other control points.

[0092] This display method allows you to show where a particular control point is located on the map by displaying an object representing a specific control point in a different way than objects representing other control points.

[0093] Invention 6 is a display method of Invention 5, wherein the predetermined display mode includes flashing.

[0094] This display method shows the location of a specific management point on the map by making the object representing that point flash.

[0095] Invention 7 is a display method of Invention 5 or 6, wherein an object displayed in a predetermined display manner changes to the same type of display manner as an object indicating another control point after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the predetermined display manner was adopted.

[0096] This display method allows the display of an object in a predetermined display mode to be canceled after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0097] Invention 8 is a display method of Invention 7, wherein the same type of display mode includes multiple display modes that differ in color but have the same display mode other than color.

[0098] This display method allows an object to be displayed in a predetermined display mode, and then displayed in one of several display modes that differ in color but have the same display mode other than color.

[0099] Invention 9 is a display method of Invention 1, wherein the first screen displays an object indicating the location of a management point on a map, the second screen is a screen that displays a list of management points, and when a transition is made from the second screen to the first screen while a specific management point is selected from the list of management points on the second screen, the object indicating the location of the specific management point is displayed in a predetermined display manner.

[0100] This type of display can help users understand where specific management points are located on the map.

[0101] Invention 10 is a program for causing an information terminal 30 to execute the display method described in any one of Inventions 1 to 9.

[0102] Such a program can support the management of equipment at facility 90 by displaying the first and second screens.

[0103] Invention 11 is an information processing system that can communicate with an equipment management system 20 for managing equipment installed in a facility 90, and comprises a display unit 32 and an information processing unit 34 that displays on the display unit 32 a first screen showing a map of at least a part of the area of ​​the facility 90 and a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility 90, wherein the first screen includes a first operation area operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen, and the second screen includes a second operation area operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. An information terminal 30 is an example of an information processing system.

[0104] Such an information processing system can support the management of equipment in facility 90 by displaying the first and second screens.

[0105] Invention 12 is an equipment management system 20 for managing equipment installed in a facility 90, comprising a communication unit 27 that communicates with an information terminal 30 having a display unit 32, wherein the communication unit 27 transmits to the information terminal 30 information for displaying a first screen on the display unit 32 showing a map of at least a part of the area of ​​the facility 90, and information for displaying a second screen on the display unit 32 showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility 90, the first screen includes a first operation area operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen, and the second screen includes a second operation area operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen.

[0106] Such an information processing system can support the management of equipment in facility 90 by displaying the first and second screens.

[0107] Invention 13 is a computer system for managing equipment installed in a facility 90, and is a communication method performed by a computer system capable of communicating with an information terminal 30 having a display unit 32, wherein information for displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a part of the area of ​​the facility 90 on the display unit 32 and information for displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility 90 on the display unit 32 are transmitted to the information terminal 30, the first screen includes a first operation area operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen, and the second screen includes a second operation area operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The equipment management system 20 (server system 26) is an example of a computer system.

[0108] Such a computer system can support the management of equipment in facility 90 by displaying the first and second screens.

[0109] Invention 14 is a program for causing a computer system to execute the communication method described in Invention 13.

[0110] Such a program can support the management of equipment at facility 90 by displaying the first and second screens.

[0111] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0112] For example, in the above embodiment, various systems such as a display system, an equipment management system, or an information processing system may be implemented by one device or by multiple devices. When a system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the system (especially the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

[0113] Furthermore, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed in the communication between devices.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0116] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0117] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0118] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by various systems (computers) such as the display system, device management system, or information processing system of the above embodiment, or as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute the method. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0119] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10, 10a Display System 20. Equipment Management System (Computer System) 21 Lighting equipment (equipment) 22 Air conditioning equipment (equipment) 23 Measuring Instruments (Equipment) 27 Communications Department 30. Information terminals (information processing systems) 32 Display section 32c Picture icon (third control area) 32d object 32e Picture icons (second operation area, third operation area) 34 Information Processing Section 90 facilities

Claims

1. A display method performed by an information terminal that can communicate with an equipment management system that manages equipment installed in a facility, The steps include: displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the area of ​​the facility on the display unit of the information terminal; The steps include displaying a second screen on the display unit that shows a management point corresponding to equipment installed in the aforementioned facility, The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The second screen is a screen that displays the management points in a list, The second screen includes a third operation area for each management point, which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects representing the management points are displayed. When the third operation area is operated and the system transitions from the second screen to the first screen, the object representing the control point corresponding to the operated third operation area is displayed in a different display mode than the objects representing other control points. Display method.

2. A display method performed by an information terminal that can communicate with an equipment management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, The steps include: displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the area of ​​the facility on the display unit of the information terminal; The steps include displaying a second screen on the display unit that shows a management point corresponding to equipment installed in the aforementioned facility, The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The second screen is a screen that displays the details of the management point, The second screen includes a third operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects representing the management points are displayed. When the third operation area is operated and the system transitions from the second screen to the first screen, the object representing the control point corresponding to the operated third operation area is displayed in a different display mode than the objects representing other control points. Display method.

3. The display mode of the object indicating the control point corresponding to the third operation area includes flashing. The display method according to claim 1.

4. The object indicating the control point corresponding to the third operation area changes to the same type of display as the object indicating the other control point after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since it was in a different type of display state than the object indicating the other control point. The display method according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned same type of display includes multiple display modes that differ in color but have the same display mode other than color. The display method according to claim 4.

6. A display method performed by an information terminal that can communicate with an equipment management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, The steps include: displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the area of ​​the facility on the display unit of the information terminal; The steps include displaying a second screen on the display unit that shows a management point corresponding to equipment installed in the aforementioned facility, The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects indicating the location of the management points are displayed. The second screen is a screen that displays the management points in a list, When a user transitions from the second screen to the first screen while a specific management point is selected from the list of management points on the second screen, the object indicating the location of the specific management point is displayed in a different format than the objects indicating other management points. Display method.

7. A program for causing the information terminal to execute the display method described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An information processing system that can communicate with an equipment management system that manages equipment installed in a facility, Display unit and The system includes an information processing unit that displays a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility, and a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility. The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The second screen is a screen that displays the management points in a list, The second screen includes a third operation area for each management point, which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects representing the management points are displayed. When the third operation area is operated and the system transitions from the second screen to the first screen, the object representing the control point corresponding to the operated third operation area is displayed in a different display mode than the objects representing other control points. Information processing system.

9. An information processing system that can communicate with an equipment management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, Display unit and The system includes an information processing unit that displays a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility, and a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility. The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The second screen is a screen that displays the details of the management point, The second screen includes a third operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects representing the management points are displayed. When the third operation area is operated and the system transitions from the second screen to the first screen, the object representing the control point corresponding to the operated third operation area is displayed in a different display mode than the objects representing other control points. Information processing system.

10. An information processing system that can communicate with an equipment management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, Display unit and The system includes an information processing unit that displays a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility, and a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility. The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects indicating the location of the management points are displayed. The second screen is a screen that displays the management points in a list, When a user transitions from the second screen to the first screen while a specific management point is selected from the list of management points on the second screen, the object indicating the location of the specific management point is displayed in a different format than the objects indicating other management points. Information processing system.

11. A device management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, It is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with an information terminal having a display unit, The communication unit transmits to the information terminal information for displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility on the display unit, and information for displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility on the display unit. The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The second screen is a screen that displays the management points in a list, The second screen includes a third operation area for each management point, which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects representing the management points are displayed. When the third operation area is operated and the system transitions from the second screen to the first screen, the object representing the control point corresponding to the operated third operation area is displayed in a different display mode than the objects representing other control points. Equipment management system.

12. A device management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, It is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with an information terminal having a display unit, The communication unit transmits to the information terminal information for displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility on the display unit, and information for displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility on the display unit. The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. The second screen is a screen that displays the details of the management point, The second screen includes a third operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects representing the management points are displayed. When the third operation area is operated and the system transitions from the second screen to the first screen, the object representing the control point corresponding to the operated third operation area is displayed in a different display mode than the objects representing other control points. Equipment management system.

13. A device management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, It is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with an information terminal having a display unit, The communication unit transmits to the information terminal information for displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility on the display unit, and information for displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility on the display unit. The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects indicating the location of the management points are displayed. The second screen is a screen that displays the management points in a list, When a user transitions from the second screen to the first screen while a specific management point is selected from the list of management points on the second screen, the object indicating the location of the specific management point is displayed in a different format than the objects indicating other management points. Equipment management system.

14. A computer system for managing equipment installed in a facility, and a communication method performed by a computer system capable of communicating with an information terminal having a display unit, Information for displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility on the display unit, and information for displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility on the display unit are transmitted to the information terminal. The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen is operated in order to transition from the second screen to the first screen. Including the area, The second screen is a screen that displays the management points in a list, The second screen includes a third operation area for each management point, which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects representing the management points are displayed. When the third operation area is operated and the system transitions from the second screen to the first screen, the object representing the control point corresponding to the operated third operation area is displayed in a different display mode than the objects representing other control points. Communication method.

15. A computer system for managing equipment installed in a facility, comprising a communication method performed by a computer system capable of communicating with an information terminal having a display unit, Information for displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility on the display unit, and information for displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility on the display unit are transmitted to the information terminal. The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen is operated in order to transition from the second screen to the first screen. Including the area, The second screen is a screen that displays the details of the management point, The second screen includes a third operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects representing the management points are displayed. When the third operation area is operated and the system transitions from the second screen to the first screen, the object representing the control point corresponding to the operated third operation area is displayed in a different display mode than the objects representing other control points. Communication method.

16. A computer system for managing equipment installed in a facility, comprising a communication method performed by a computer system capable of communicating with an information terminal having a display unit, Information for displaying a first screen showing a map of at least a portion of the facility on the display unit, and information for displaying a second screen showing management points corresponding to equipment installed in the facility on the display unit are transmitted to the information terminal. The first screen includes a first operation area which is operated to transition from the first screen to the second screen. The second screen includes a second operation area which is operated to transition from the second screen to the first screen. On the map in the first screen, objects indicating the location of the management points are displayed. The second screen is a screen that displays the management points in a list, When a user transitions from the second screen to the first screen while a specific management point is selected from the list of management points on the second screen, the object indicating the location of the specific management point is displayed in a different format than the objects indicating other management points. Communication method.

17. A program for causing the computer system to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 14 to 16.

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