Control system, state management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control system, a state management method and a program which enable a user to easily assess whether or not each machine installed in a building is being appropriately operated in accordance with an environment inside and outside the building.SOLUTION: A cloud server 1 comprises: an operation state acquisition section 111 which acquires operation state information of each machine 3; and an air quality acquisition section 113 which acquires indoor air quality information and outdoor air quality information of a building H where the machine 3 is installed. A terminal device 5 has a screen generation section 513 which generates one notification screen image displayed on a display section 504 for simultaneously notifying a user of an operation state of the machine 3 and indoor and outdoor air quality including the operation state information of the machine 3 and the indoor and outdoor air quality information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system, a state management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An air cleaner system has been proposed that includes a surrounding environment information acquisition unit that acquires surrounding environment information representing the environment around an air cleaner, a statistical regional environment information acquisition unit that acquires regional environment information representing the environment of the region where the air cleaner is installed, and a display control unit that causes information based on the surrounding environment information and the statistical regional environment information to be displayed on a display unit of the air cleaner (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

[0007] According to this disclosure, the screen generation unit generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit, which includes operating status information of one or more devices, building air quality information, and building air quality information, in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of one or more devices, the building air quality, and the building air quality. As a result, the user can simultaneously recognize the operating status of one or more devices, the building air quality, and the building air quality through the notification screen image displayed on the display unit, making it easy for the user to understand whether each device installed in the building is operating appropriately according to the environment inside and outside the building. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the control system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 4](A) is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the operating state storage unit of the cloud server according to the embodiment, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the air quality storage unit of the cloud server according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the information stored in the priority storage unit of the cloud server according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] (A) is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the cloud server's linkage setting storage unit according to the embodiment, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the cloud server's control identification information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] The following are examples of notification screen images displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment: (A) shows the case when the ventilation device is operating, and (B) shows the case when both the air conditioner and the ventilation device are operating. [Figure 10] An example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment is shown, where (A) is a diagram showing the case when the ventilation device is in heat exhaust operation, and (B) is a diagram showing the case when the ventilation device is in humidity exhaust operation. [Figure 11] The following are examples of notification screen images displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment: (A) shows the case when the air conditioner is in dehumidification operation, and (B) shows the case when the ventilation device is in intake operation. [Figure 12] The following are examples of notification screen images displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment: (A) shows the case where the air conditioner and ventilation system are working together and only the ventilation system is operating, and (B) shows the case where the air conditioner and ventilation system are working together and both are operating. [Figure 13] This is an example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment, showing the case where the air conditioner and ventilation system are working together and only the ventilation system is operating. [Figure 14] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15]An example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment is shown. (A) is a diagram showing the case where the air conditioner and the ventilation device are operating, and (B) is a diagram showing the case where the ventilation device is operating [Figure 16] It is an example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment, and is a diagram showing the case where the ventilation device is operating [Figure 17] An example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment is shown. (A) is a diagram showing the case where the temperature inside the building is outside the first air quality allowable range, and (B) is a diagram showing the case where the humidity inside the building is outside the first air quality allowable range [Figure 18] Sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the control system according to the embodiment [Figure 19] It is an example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment, and is a diagram showing the case where the PM2.5 and pollen concentrations outside the building are outside the second air quality allowable range [Figure 20] It is an example of a notification screen image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment, and is a diagram showing the case where the acquisition destination of the air quality information is not set [Figure 21] Flowchart showing an example of the flow of the state management process executed by the cloud server according to the embodiment [Figure 22] Flowchart showing an example of the flow of the state management process executed by the cloud server according to the embodiment [Figure 23] Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to the modification example

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The control system according to this embodiment includes a display unit, an operating state acquisition unit that acquires operating state information indicating the operating state of each of a plurality of devices, an air quality acquisition unit that acquires indoor air quality information indicating the indoor air quality inside a building in which the plurality of devices are installed, and outdoor air quality information indicating the outdoor air quality outside the building, and a screen generation unit that generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating state of at least one of the plurality of devices, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information, including the operating state information of at least one of the plurality of devices.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the control system according to this embodiment comprises an environmental sensor 2, a plurality of devices 3 installed in building H, a terminal device 5, and a cloud server 1. The plurality of devices 3 include, for example, device 3A, which is an air conditioner, and device 3B, which is a ventilation device. Each of the plurality of devices 3 is connected to a local network NW2 constructed in building H via a communication adapter 41. The local network NW2 is connected to a wide area network NW1 via a broadband router (hereinafter referred to as "BBR") 42. The cloud server 1 and the terminal device 5 can communicate with each other via the wide area network NW1, and the cloud server 1 can communicate with the communication adapter 41 via the wide area network NW1 and the local network NW2, respectively. A weather server 6 is also connected to the wide area network NW1. The local network NW2 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN, and the wide area network NW1 is, for example, the Internet.

[0011] When weather server 6 receives air quality request information that includes regional information indicating the area where building H is located, it generates air quality information that includes information indicating the temperature, humidity, PM2.5 concentration, and pollen concentration in the area where building H is located, as indicated by the regional information in the received air quality request information. Then, weather server 6 sends the generated air quality information to the source of the air quality request information. For example, when weather server 6 receives weather information request information sent from cloud server 1, it generates air quality information based on the regional information included in the received weather information request information and sends the generated air quality information to cloud server 1.

[0012] Each of the devices 3A and 3B has an environmental sensor (not shown) that measures the indoor air quality inside building H. Here, the environmental sensor for measuring indoor air quality in device 3A is a first environmental sensor consisting of a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, etc., installed in the indoor unit located inside building H. The environmental sensor for measuring indoor air quality in device 3B, which is a ventilation device, is a first environmental sensor consisting of a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, etc., that measures the temperature and humidity of the air passing through device 3B when the air inside building H is discharged outside building H. Furthermore, each of the devices 3A and 3B also has an environmental sensor (not shown) that measures the outdoor air quality outside building H. Here, the environmental sensor for measuring outdoor air quality in device 3A, which is an air conditioner, is a third environmental sensor consisting of a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, etc., installed in the outdoor unit located outside building H. Furthermore, the environmental sensor for measuring the outside air quality of the building in the ventilation device 3B is a third environmental sensor consisting of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, etc., which measures the temperature and humidity of the air passing through device 3B when introducing outside air H into building H. Devices 3A and 3B each transmit building air quality information, which indicates the inside air quality measured by the environmental sensors, and building air quality information, which indicates the outside air quality, to the cloud server 1 whenever a pre-set information transmission period arrives.

[0013] Environmental sensor 2 is a second environmental sensor installed inside building H that measures the indoor air quality around environmental sensor 2 inside building H. Environmental sensor 2 has a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor that measure the temperature and humidity around environmental sensor 2 inside building H. Environmental sensor 2 transmits indoor air quality information, which indicates the measured indoor air quality, to cloud server 1 each time a preset information transmission period arrives.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the cloud server 1 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a communication unit 106, a timing unit 108, and a bus 109 connecting these units. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory unit 102 has volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and is used as a workspace for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 consists of large-capacity non-volatile memory and stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 1. The communication unit 106 is connected to a wide-area network NW1. The timing unit 108 has, for example, an RTC (Real Time Clock) and notifies the CPU 101 of the timed information.

[0015] The CPU 101 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes it, so as shown in Figure 3, it functions as an operating state acquisition unit 111, an operating state notification unit 112, an air quality acquisition unit 113, an indoor air quality selection unit 114, an outdoor air quality selection unit 115, an air quality notification unit 116, an air quality determination unit 117, an environmental parameter identification unit 118, an equipment control unit 119, a cooperation information notification unit 120, a control identification unit 121, a control notification unit 122, an air quality level determination unit 123, a setting unit 124, and an environmental parameter notification unit 125. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in Figure 2 has an operating state storage unit 131, an air quality storage unit 132, a priority storage unit 133, a cooperation setting storage unit 134, a cooperation state storage unit 135, a control identification information storage unit 136, and an air quality information acquisition destination storage unit 137. The operating state memory unit 131 stores operating state identification information indicating the operating state of each of the multiple devices 3, as shown in Figure 4(A), in association with device identification information that identifies each device 3. The operating state memory unit 131 also stores the device identification information of the multiple devices 3 in association with the user identification information of the user who owns the multiple devices 3. Here, the device identification information can be, for example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address assigned to each device 3. The user identification information can be the email address or user ID registered by the user with the cloud server 1. In the example shown in Figure 4(A), device 3A, which is an air conditioner identified by device identification information IDD[0] and IDD[2], is in heating operation and dehumidification operation, respectively, as identified by operating state identification information IDM[0] and IDM[2], and device 3B, which is a ventilation device identified by device identification information IDD[1], is in so-called heat exchange ventilation operation, where exhaust of air from inside building H and introduction of air from outside building H are performed simultaneously, and heat exchange occurs between the supply air and exhaust air.

[0016] The air quality storage unit 132 stores, for example as shown in Figure 4(B), indoor air quality information indicating the air quality inside the building H where the equipment 3 is installed, and outdoor air quality information indicating the air quality outside the building H, in association with source identification information indicating the source from which this information is obtained. The air quality storage unit 132 also stores user identification information of users residing in building H, corresponding to the indoor air quality information and outdoor vacant room information. Here, indoor air quality information includes temperature information and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity inside building H. Outdoor air quality information includes temperature information and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity outside building H, PM2.5 concentration information indicating the concentration of PM2.5, and pollen concentration information indicating the concentration of pollen. In the example shown in Figure 4(B), it is shown that temperature information and humidity information inside and outside building H are obtained as indoor air quality information and outdoor air quality information, respectively, from equipment 3A and 3B identified by source identification information IDS[0] and IDS[2]. Furthermore, it indicates that the weather server 6, to which the information source identification information IDS[i] is assigned, acquires building outside air quality information, including temperature information, humidity information, PM2.5 concentration information, and pollen concentration information outside building H.

[0017] The priority storage unit 133 stores, for example as shown in Figure 5, the priority of the indoor air quality information to be selected from the indoor air quality information measured by the environmental sensors or environmental sensors 2 installed on each device 3 to be transmitted to the terminal device 5, in association with the information source identification information assigned to each device 3 and environmental sensor 2. Here, the "priority" shown in Figure 5 means that a smaller value indicates a higher priority. The priority storage unit 133 also stores, in association with the information source identification information assigned to each device 3 and weather server 6, the priority of the outdoor air quality information to be selected from the outdoor air quality information measured by the environmental sensors installed on each device 3 or the outdoor air quality information acquired from the weather server 6 to be transmitted to the terminal device 5. Furthermore, the priority storage unit 133 stores the user identification information of the user of the device 3 corresponding to the combination of this priority information and information source identification information. In addition, the priority indicated by the priority information changes according to the operating status of the device 3 or the communication status between the cloud server 1 and the weather server 6. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, the priority levels for the indoor air quality information of each device, identified by information source identification information IDS[0] and [2], and device 3B, identified by information source identification information IDS[1], are "1", "2", and "3" when operating, and "51", "52", and "53" in other states such as when stopped. The priority level of environmental sensor 2 is always "4". In addition, the priority level for the outdoor air quality information of weather server 6, identified by information source identification information IDS[i], is "1" when communication is possible, and "99" in other states such as when communication is interrupted.

[0018] The linkage setting storage unit 134 stores linkage setting information for each of the multiple devices 3, including the device identification information of the other devices 3 that the device 3 is linked to and the device identification information of each of the multiple devices 3, as shown in Figure 6(A), for example, in association with the linkage setting identification information. The linkage setting storage unit 134 also stores this linkage setting information and linkage setting identification information in association with the user identification information of the user of the corresponding device 3. In the example shown in Figure 6(A), it is shown that the device 3 identified by device identification information IDD[0] and the devices 3 identified by device identification information ID[1] and ID[2] respectively operate in cooperation with each other. Returning to Figure 3, the linkage status storage unit 135 stores linkage status information indicating the state of the coordinated operation of each of the devices 3 that operate in cooperation with each other, as associated with the combination of device identification information of each of the devices 3 that cooperate with each other.

[0019] The control identification information storage unit 136 stores control identification information that identifies the desired control content for the device 3, as shown in Figure 6(B), in association with a combination of identified indoor air quality information, outdoor air quality information, and operating status information. The control identification information storage unit 136 also stores this control identification information, identified indoor air quality information, outdoor air quality information, and operating status information in association with the user identification information of the corresponding user of the device 3. Returning to Figure 3, the air quality information acquisition destination storage unit 137 stores air quality information acquisition destination information, which consists of the address information of the device 3 or the address information of the weather server 6 from which indoor air quality information and outdoor air quality information are acquired, in association with the corresponding source identification information. The air quality information acquisition destination storage unit 137 also stores the air quality information acquisition destination information and source identification information in association with the corresponding terminal device identification information.

[0020] The operating status acquisition unit 111 acquires operating status information that is periodically transmitted from each of the devices 3, and stores the acquired operating status information in the operating status storage unit 131, associating it with device identification information that identifies the device 3 that transmitted the operating status information. Here, the operating status acquisition unit 111 extracts, for example, the MAC address included in the header information of the packet containing the operating status information acquired from the device 3, and stores the extracted MAC address in the operating status storage unit 131, associating it with the operating status information. The operating status notification unit 112 transmits the operating status information stored in the operating status storage unit 131 to the terminal device 5, which is identified by the user identification information associated with that information.

[0021] The air quality acquisition unit 113 acquires indoor air quality information and outdoor air quality information for the building H in which the equipment 3 is installed. Specifically, the air quality acquisition unit 113 acquires indoor air quality information from each of the equipment 3, which indicates the indoor air quality measured by the environmental sensors installed in each of the equipment 3. The air quality acquisition unit 113 also acquires indoor air quality information from the environmental sensors 2 installed in the building H, which indicates the indoor air quality measured by the environmental sensors 2. Furthermore, the air quality acquisition unit 113 acquires outdoor air quality information from each of the equipment 3, which indicates the outdoor air quality measured by the environmental sensors installed in each of the equipment 3. In addition, the air quality acquisition unit 113 acquires outdoor air quality information from the weather server 6, which indicates the outdoor air quality in the area in which building H is located. Here, the air quality acquisition unit 113 acquires outdoor air quality information from the weather server 6 by sending air quality information request information to the weather server 6, which requests the weather server 6 to transmit air quality information indicating the temperature, humidity, etc., of the area in which building H is located.

[0022] The building air quality selection unit 114 selects building air quality information from among multiple building air quality information acquired by the air quality acquisition unit 113, based on a pre-set priority. Specifically, the building air quality selection unit 114 refers to the priority information set for each source of building air quality information stored in the priority storage unit 133, and identifies the source information identification information of the source with the highest priority. Here, the building air quality selection unit 114 determines the priority information to refer to according to the operating status of each device 3 stored in the operating status storage unit 131. If the priority storage unit 133 stores priority information as shown in Figure 5, for example, the building air quality selection unit 114 refers to the priority information corresponding to "operating" when device 3 is operating, and to the priority information corresponding to "other status" when device 3 is stopped. Returning to Figure 3, the building air quality selection unit 114 selects building air quality information corresponding to the identified source information identification information from among the building air quality information stored in the air quality storage unit 132.

[0023] The building exterior air quality selection unit 115 selects building exterior air quality information from among multiple building exterior air quality information acquired by the air quality acquisition unit 113, based on a pre-set priority. Specifically, the building exterior air quality selection unit 115 refers to the priority set for each source of each building exterior air quality information stored in the priority storage unit 133, and identifies the source information identification information of the source with the highest priority. Here, the building exterior air quality selection unit 115 determines the priority information to refer to according to the operating status of each device 3 and the communication status with the weather server 6 stored in the operating status storage unit 131. If the priority storage unit 133 stores priority information as shown in Figure 5, for example, the building exterior air quality selection unit 115 refers to the priority information corresponding to "operating" when the device 3 is operating, and refers to the priority information corresponding to "other status" when the device 3 is stopped. Furthermore, the building exterior air quality selection unit 115 refers to priority information corresponding to "communication possible" if communication with the weather server 6 is possible, and refers to priority information corresponding to "other status" if communication with the weather server 6 is blocked. Then, the building interior air quality selection unit 114 selects building interior air quality information corresponding to the identified information source identification information from the building interior air quality information stored in the air quality storage unit 132.

[0024] The air quality notification unit 116 refers to the user identification information stored in the air quality storage unit 132 and identifies the user identification information associated with the indoor air quality information selected by the indoor air quality selection unit 114 and the outdoor air quality information selected by the outdoor air quality selection unit 115. The air quality notification unit 116 then transmits the indoor air quality information and outdoor air quality information selected by the indoor air quality selection unit 114 and the outdoor air quality selection unit 115, respectively, to the terminal device 5 identified by the identified user identification information.

[0025] The air quality determination unit 117 determines whether the indoor air quality is outside a preset first air quality tolerance range based on the indoor air quality information selected by the indoor air quality selection unit 114. If the air quality determination unit 117 determines that the indoor air quality is outside the aforementioned first air quality tolerance range, it notifies the environmental parameter identification unit 118 and the control identification unit 121 of this fact. If the air quality determination unit 117 determines that the indoor air quality is within the aforementioned first air quality tolerance range, it determines whether the outdoor air quality exceeds a preset second air quality tolerance range based on the outdoor air quality selected by the outdoor air quality selection unit 115. If the air quality determination unit 117 determines that the outdoor air quality is outside the aforementioned second air quality tolerance range, it notifies the control identification unit 121 of this fact.

[0026] The environmental parameter identification unit 118 identifies at least one type of environmental parameter included in the building air quality information to be improved, based on the operating status information of at least one of the devices 3, the building air quality information, and the building air quality information. Specifically, if the air quality determination unit 117 determines that the building air quality is outside the aforementioned first air quality tolerance range, the environmental parameter identification unit 118 identifies the environmental parameter corresponding to being outside the first air quality tolerance range as the environmental parameter to be improved. The environmental parameter identification unit 118 then refers to the operating status of the device 3 to improve the identified environmental parameter, and if the device 3 is in operation, it notifies the environmental parameter notification unit 125 of the identified environmental parameter information. The environmental parameter notification unit 125 then transmits the notified environmental parameter information to the terminal device 5 identified by the aforementioned user identification information.

[0027] The device control unit 119 generates control information to control the operation of device 3 based on the linkage setting information stored in the linkage setting storage unit 134, which indicates the setting status of the linkage operation mode. The device control unit 119 then controls the operation of device 3 by transmitting the generated control information to the corresponding device 3. Furthermore, when multiple devices 3 are operated in a linked operation, the device control unit 119 generates linkage status information indicating the linked operation status of each of the devices 3 operating in a linked operation and stores it in the linkage status storage unit 135. The linkage information notification unit 120 generates linkage information including the linkage setting information and linkage status information stored in the linkage setting storage unit 134 and transmits it to the terminal device 5 identified by the user identification information mentioned above.

[0028] When the air quality inside the building falls outside the first permissible air quality range, the control identification unit 121 identifies the control content of at least one device 3 to bring the air quality inside the building within the first permissible air quality range. Furthermore, when the air quality outside the building falls outside the second permissible air quality range, the control identification unit 121 identifies the control content of at least one device 3 to maintain the air quality inside the building within the first permissible air quality range. Here, the control identification unit 121 identifies the control content of at least one device 3 based on at least one of the air quality inside the building determined by the air quality determination unit 117 to be outside the first permissible air quality range, and the air quality outside the building determined by the air quality determination unit 117 to be outside the second permissible air quality range. The control identification information storage unit 136 then selects control identification information from the pre-set control identification information stored in the control identification information storage unit 136 to identify the identified control content. The control notification unit 122 transmits the control identification information identified by the control identification unit 121 to the terminal device 5 identified by the user identification information.

[0029] The air quality level determination unit 123 determines the level of air quality inside the building based on the air quality information inside the building selected by the air quality selection unit 114. The air quality level determination unit 123 then generates air quality information inside the building indicating the determined level and transmits it to the terminal device 5 identified by the user identification information mentioned above.

[0030] When the setting unit 124 determines that the air quality information acquisition destination corresponding to the terminal device 5 is not set by the air quality acquisition unit 113, it generates an unset notification information to notify the user possessing the terminal device 5 that the air quality information acquisition destination is not set. This unset notification information includes information indicating that the unset acquisition destination is either the indoor air quality information or both. The setting unit 124 then transmits the generated unset notification information to the terminal device 5. Furthermore, after transmitting the unset notification information to the terminal device 5, for example, if the setting unit 124 acquires air quality information acquisition destination information indicating the acquisition destinations for indoor and outdoor air quality information from the terminal device 5, it stores the acquired air quality information acquisition destination information in the air quality information acquisition destination storage unit 137, associating it with the corresponding information source identification information. The setting unit 124 also stores the acquired air quality information acquisition destination information and information source identification information in the air quality information acquisition destination storage unit 137, associating them with user identification information that identifies the user of the terminal device 5 that sent the air quality information acquisition destination information.

[0031] Returning to Figure 2, the terminal device 5 is, for example, a smartphone and comprises a CPU 501, a main memory unit 502, an auxiliary memory unit 503, a display unit 504, an input unit 505, a communication unit 506, and a bus 509 connecting these to each other. The main memory unit 502 has volatile memory such as RAM and is used as the working area of ​​the CPU 501. The main memory unit 502 also has an image-dedicated memory (not shown) that temporarily stores image information to be displayed on the display unit 504. The auxiliary memory unit 503 is a non-volatile memory such as semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for the CPU 501 to execute various processes. The display unit 504 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input unit 505 is, for example, a transparent touchpad placed on top of the display unit 504. The communication unit 506 is connected to the wide area network NW1 and transmits information transferred from the CPU 501 to the cloud server 1 via the wide area network NW1, and also transfers information received from the cloud server 1 via the wide area network NW1 to the CPU 501.

[0032] The CPU 501 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 503 into the main storage unit 502 and executes it, so as shown in Figure 3, it functions as the operating state acquisition unit 511, air quality acquisition unit 512, screen generation unit 513, display control unit 514, environmental parameter acquisition unit 515, cooperation information acquisition unit 516, control identification information acquisition unit 517, air quality level acquisition unit 518, reception unit 519, and setting notification unit 520. The auxiliary storage unit 503 shown in Figure 2 has an operating state storage unit 531, an air quality storage unit 532, an image storage unit 533, a display information storage unit 534, and a cooperation information storage unit 535, as shown in Figure 3. The image-only memory of the main storage unit 502 shown in Figure 2 has a display screen storage unit 521 that temporarily stores screen images to be displayed on the display unit 504. The operating state storage unit 531 stores operating state information indicating the operating state of at least one of the devices 3 installed in building H, obtained from the cloud server 1, in association with the device identification information of that device 3.

[0033] The air quality storage unit 532 stores information about the air quality inside and outside the building H. The image storage unit 533 stores various image information, including image information that shows basic icon images for constructing notification screen images. Here, the image storage unit 533 stores multiple types of background image information corresponding to each air quality level inside building H, associating them with air quality level information that indicates the corresponding air quality level. The cooperation information storage unit 535 stores cooperation information obtained from the cloud server 1.

[0034] The display information storage unit 534 stores pre-configured message information representing the operating status of the device 3, each associated with a combination of the operating status information and device identification information of the corresponding device 3. The display information storage unit 534 also stores pre-configured message information prompting the user to operate the device 3, associated with the aforementioned control identification information. Furthermore, the display information storage unit 534 stores pre-configured message information representing the coordinated operation status of multiple devices 3 operating in conjunction with each other, associated with the aforementioned coordination information.

[0035] When the operating status acquisition unit 511 acquires operating status information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it stores the acquired operating status information in the operating status storage unit 531 along with the corresponding equipment identification information. When the air quality acquisition unit 512 acquires indoor air quality information and outdoor air quality information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it stores the acquired indoor air quality information and outdoor air quality information in the air quality storage unit 532. When the environmental parameter acquisition unit 515 acquires environmental parameter information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it notifies the screen generation unit 513 of the acquired environmental parameter information.

[0036] When the Linkage Information Acquisition Unit 516 acquires the Linkage Information transmitted from the Cloud Server 1, it stores the acquired Linkage Information in the Linkage Information Storage Unit 535. When the Control Identification Information Acquisition Unit 517 acquires the Control Identification Information transmitted from the Cloud Server 1, it notifies the Screen Generation Unit 513 of the acquired Control Identification Information. When the Air Quality Level Acquisition Unit 518 acquires the Air Quality Level Information transmitted from the Cloud Server 1, it notifies the Screen Generation Unit 513 of the acquired Air Quality Level Information.

[0037] The screen generation unit 513 generates a notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit 504 in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of at least one device 3, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of the device 3, including the operating status information of the device 3, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of the device. Specifically, the screen generation unit 513 first selects message information corresponding to this information from among multiple types of message information stored in the display information storage unit 534, based on various image information stored in the image storage unit 533, operating status information and device identification information stored in the operating status storage unit 531, indoor air quality information and outdoor air quality information stored in the air quality storage unit 532, and cooperation information stored in the cooperation information storage unit 535. Then, the screen generation unit 513 generates a notification screen image including the selected message information. Here, the screen generation unit 513 determines the display mode of the selected message information based on the environmental parameter information notified by the environmental parameter acquisition unit 515, and generates a notification screen image including the message image of the determined display mode. Here, the screen generation unit 513 may, for example, determine the direction of the arrow based on the difference between the environmental parameter indicated by the environmental parameter information and the target temperature, if the display mode is one in which an arrow image is added near the environmental parameter. Alternatively, if the environmental parameter indicated by the environmental parameter information is outside the preset first air quality tolerance range, the screen generation unit 513 may determine a display mode that highlights the environmental parameter, for example, by making the numbers representing the environmental parameter bold.

[0038] Furthermore, when the screen generation unit 513 receives control identification information from the control identification information acquisition unit 517, it selects message information corresponding to the control identification information from among multiple types of message information stored in the display information storage unit 534, and generates a notification screen image including the selected message information. In addition, when the screen generation unit 513 receives air quality level information from the air quality level acquisition unit 518, it selects background image information corresponding to the notified air quality level information from among multiple types of background image information indicating background images stored in the image storage unit 533, and generates a notification screen image using the selected background image information. Specifically, the screen generation unit 513 generates a notification screen image such that the color of the background image in the area including at least the part that displays the building air quality information changes according to the building air quality level indicated by the air quality level information. The screen generation unit 513 stores the image information indicating the generated notification screen image in the display screen storage unit 521. The display control unit 514 displays the notification screen image corresponding to the information stored in the display screen storage unit 521 on the display unit 504.

[0039] The reception unit 519 receives the operation performed by the user on the input unit 505, generates operation information corresponding to the received operation, and notifies the setting notification unit 520. If the operation information indicates an operation to set the air quality information acquisition destination, the setting notification unit 520 generates air quality information acquisition destination information based on the operation information and sends it to the cloud server 1.

[0040] Next, the operation of the control system according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 20. First, as shown in Figure 7, when the information transmission time set in advance for the air conditioner 3A arrives, the device 3A generates operating status information indicating the operating status of the device 3A, the indoor air quality measured by the environmental sensor installed in the device 3A, indoor air quality information indicating the indoor air quality, and outdoor air quality information (hereinafter simply referred to as "air quality information") (Step S1). Next, the generated operating status information and air quality information are transmitted from the device 3A to the cloud server 1 (Step S2). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 acquires the operating status information and air quality information from the device 3A, it updates the operating status information stored in the operating status storage unit 131 and the air quality information stored in the air quality storage unit 132 with the acquired operating status information and air quality information (Step S3). Furthermore, when the information transmission time set in advance for the ventilation device 3B arrives, it generates operating status information indicating the operating status of the device 3B, the indoor air quality measured by the environmental sensor installed in the device 3B, and air quality information indicating the indoor air quality (step S4). Subsequently, the generated operating status information and air quality information are transmitted from the device 3B to the cloud server 1 (step S5). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires the operating status information and air quality information from the device 3B, it updates the operating status information stored in the operating status storage unit 131 and the air quality information stored in the air quality storage unit 132 with the acquired operating status information and air quality information (step S6).

[0041] Furthermore, when the pre-set information transmission time for the environmental sensor 2 arrives, it generates the measured indoor air quality and air quality information indicating the indoor air quality (step S7). Subsequently, the generated air quality information is transmitted from the environmental sensor 2 to the cloud server 1 (step S8). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires air quality information from the environmental sensor 2, it updates the air quality information stored in the air quality storage unit 132 with the acquired air quality information (step S9). Next, when the time arrives to acquire air quality information from the pre-set weather server 6, the cloud server 1 sends air quality information request information to the weather server 6 requesting the transmission of air quality information (step S10). Meanwhile, when the weather server 6 acquires the air quality information request information, it generates air quality information indicating the outdoor air quality of building H (step S11). Subsequently, the generated air quality information is transmitted from the weather server 6 to the cloud server 1 (step S12). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires air quality information from the weather server 6, it updates the air quality information stored in the air quality storage unit 132 with the acquired air quality information (step S13). Thereafter, devices 3A and 3B transmit operating status information and air quality information each time the aforementioned information transmission period arrives, and the environmental sensor 2 transmits operating status information and air quality information each time the aforementioned information transmission period arrives. In addition, the cloud server 1 acquires air quality information from the weather server 6 by transmitting air quality information request information to the weather server 6 each time the aforementioned air quality information acquisition period arrives.

[0042] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 8, when a user performs a startup operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 5 to launch a program that displays a notification screen image on the display unit 504, the terminal device 5 accepts the startup operation (step S14). Next, when the pre-set notification screen image generation time arrives, the terminal device 5 sends operating status request information and air quality request information to the cloud server 1, requesting the transmission of operating status information and air quality information (step S15). Here, the operating status request information includes equipment identification information for equipment 3A and 3B installed in building H where the user who possesses the terminal device 5 resides. Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 obtains the operating status request information and air quality request information, it identifies the operating status information for each of the equipment 3A and 3B identified by the equipment identification information included in the operating status request information (step S16). Subsequently, the cloud server 1 selects air quality information from among multiple air quality information stored in the air quality storage unit 132 based on the priority information stored in the priority storage unit 133. Then, Cloud Server 1 determines the air quality level based on the air quality indicated by the selected air quality information (Step S17). Subsequently, Cloud Server 1 determines that the indoor air quality indicated by the selected air quality information is within the first acceptable air quality range (Step S18), and that the outdoor air quality indicated by the selected air quality information is within the second acceptable air quality range (Step S19). Next, if Cloud Server 1 determines that there are no devices 3 operating in coordination with each other (Step S20), Cloud Server 1 transmits the operating status information of devices 3A and 3B, as well as air quality information and air quality level information indicating the indoor and outdoor air quality of building H, to Terminal Device 5 (Step S21).

[0043] Meanwhile, when terminal device 5 acquires operating status information and air quality information, the display information storage unit 534 selects message information from the message information stored to represent the operating status indicated by the acquired operating status information (step S22). Subsequently, terminal device 5 generates a notification screen image containing the selected message information (step S23). After that, terminal device 5 displays the generated notification screen image on the display unit 504 (step S24). Here, terminal device 5 displays a notification screen image GA1 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 9(A). The notification screen image GA1 includes message information M131 representing the operating status of equipment 3B, message information M111 and M112 representing the air quality inside the building, and message information M121, M122, M123, and M124 representing the air quality outside the building. Here, message information M111 and M112 represent the temperature and humidity inside building H, respectively. Message information M121, M122, M123, and M124 represent the temperature, humidity, PM2.5 concentration, and pollen concentration outside building H, respectively. Message information M131 represents the operating status of device 3B. In addition, notification screen image GA1 includes background image GA101 which shows the area where the indoor air quality of building H is mainly displayed. The color of this background image GA101 changes according to the indoor air quality level indicated by the air quality level information.

[0044] Alternatively, terminal device 5 displays a notification screen image GA2 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 9(B). Note that in Figure 9(B), the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Figure 9(A). Notification screen image GA2 includes message information M132 indicating that the operating status of equipment 3A is "cooling operation in progress" in addition to the operating status of equipment 3B. Terminal device 5 also displays a notification screen image GA3 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 10(A). Note that in Figure 10(A), the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Figure 9(A). Notification screen image GA3 includes message information M133 indicating that the operating status of equipment 3B is "heat dissipation operation in progress". Alternatively, terminal device 5 displays a notification screen image GA4 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 10(B). Note that in Figure 10(B), the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Figure 9(A). The notification screen image GA4 includes message information M134 indicating that the operating status of device 3B is "humidity discharge operation in progress". The terminal device 5 also displays notification screen image GA5, for example, as shown in Figure 11(A), on the display unit 504. Note that in Figure 11(A), the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in Figure 9(A). The notification screen image GA5 includes message information M135 indicating that the operating status of device 3A is "dehumidification operation in progress". Alternatively, the terminal device 5 displays notification screen image GA6, for example, as shown in Figure 11(B), on the display unit 504. Note that in Figure 11(B), the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in Figure 9(A). The notification screen image GA6 includes message information M134 indicating that the operating status of device 3B is "pollen PM2.5 intrusion prevention in progress".

[0045] Returning to Figure 8, let's assume that after the processing in step S19 described above, the cloud server 1 determines that there are devices 3 that operate in coordination with each other (step S25). In this case, the cloud server 1 generates coordination information including coordination status information stored in the coordination status storage unit 135 and coordination setting information stored in the coordination setting storage unit 134 (step S26). Next, the operating status information of devices 3A and 3B, air quality information indicating the indoor and outdoor air quality of building H, air quality level information, and coordination information are transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5 (step S27).

[0046] Meanwhile, when terminal device 5 acquires operating status information, air quality information, and linkage information, the display information storage unit 534 selects message information from the message information stored therein that represents the operating status indicated by the acquired operating status information, and message information that represents the linkage setting and linkage status indicated by the linkage information (step S28). Next, terminal device 5 generates a notification screen image that includes the selected message information (step S29). After that, terminal device 5 displays the generated notification screen image on the display unit 504 (step S24). Here, terminal device 5 displays a notification screen image GA7 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 12(A). Note that in Figure 12(A), the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in Figure 9(A). The notification screen image GA7 includes message information M137 that represents the linkage setting indicated by the linkage information, "Energy-saving air conditioning in progress," and message information M138 that represents the linkage status of devices 3A and 3B. Alternatively, terminal device 5 displays a notification screen image GA8 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 12(B). Note that in Figure 12(B), the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in Figure 9(A). Notification screen image GA8 includes message information M139 and M140 that represent the cooperation status of devices 3A and 3B. Terminal device 5 also displays a notification screen image GA9 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 13. Note that in Figure 13, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in Figure 9(A). Notification screen image GA9 includes message information M137 that represents the cooperation setting "Energy-saving air conditioning in progress" indicated by the cooperation information, and message information M141 that represents the cooperation status of devices 3A and 3B.

[0047] Returning to Figure 8, let's assume that after processing in step S17, the cloud server 1 determines that the building air quality indicated by the selected air quality information is outside the first acceptable air quality range (step S30). In this case, as shown in Figure 14, if the cloud server 1 determines that the operating equipment that needs to be operated to bring the building air quality within the first acceptable vacant room range is in operation (step S31), it identifies the environmental parameters that need improvement (step S32). Next, the operating status information of equipment 3A and 3B, the air quality information and air quality level information of building H, and environmental parameter information indicating the identified environmental parameters are transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5 (step S33).

[0048] Meanwhile, when the terminal device 5 acquires the operating status information, air quality information, and environmental parameter information, the display information storage unit 534 selects message information from the message information stored therein that represents the operating status indicated by the acquired operating status information (step S34). Next, the terminal device 5 generates a notification screen image that includes the selected message information (step S35). At this time, the terminal device 5 determines the display mode of the selected message information based on the acquired environmental parameter information and generates a notification screen image that includes the message image of the determined display mode. After that, the terminal device 5 displays the generated notification screen image on the display unit 504 (step S24). Here, the terminal device 5 displays, for example, the notification screen image GA10 shown in Figure 15(A) on the display unit 504. Note that in Figure 15(A), the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in Figure 9(A). The notification screen image GA10 has a display mode in which the message information M113 indicating the temperature inside the building H is emphasized. Furthermore, the notification screen image GA10 includes message information M142 and M131 representing the operating status of devices 3A and 3B. Alternatively, the terminal device 5 displays the notification screen image GA11 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 15(B). Note that in Figure 15(B), the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Figure 9(A). The notification screen image GA11 has a display mode in which message information M114, which indicates the humidity inside building H, is emphasized. Furthermore, the notification screen image GA11 includes message information M143 representing the operating status of device 3B. Furthermore, the terminal device 5 displays the notification screen image GA12 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 16. Note that in Figure 16, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Figure 9(A). The notification screen image GA11 includes message information M115 representing the PM2.5 concentration inside building H and message information M144 representing the operating status of device 3B.

[0049] Returning to Figure 14, suppose that when the cloud server 1 determines, as described above, that the indoor air quality is outside the first permissible air quality range (step S30), it determines that the necessary operating equipment that needs to be operated to bring the indoor air quality within the first permissible vacant room range is stopped (step S36). In this case, the cloud server 1 identifies the environmental parameters that need improvement (step S32). Next, the cloud server 1 identifies the control content of at least one piece of equipment 3 based on the indoor air quality determined to be outside the first permissible air quality range, and selects control identification information that identifies the identified control content from the pre-set control identification information stored in the control identification information storage unit 136 (step S37). Subsequently, the operating status information, air quality information, air quality level information, identified environmental parameter information, and selected control identification information are transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5 (step S38).

[0050] Meanwhile, when the terminal device 5 acquires the operating status information, air quality information, environmental parameter information, and control identification information, the display information storage unit 534 selects message information from the message information stored therein that represents the operating status indicated by the acquired operating status information, and message information corresponding to the control identification information (step S39). Subsequently, the terminal device 5 generates a notification screen image including the selected message information (step S40). At this time, the terminal device 5 determines the display mode of the selected message information based on the acquired environmental parameter information, and generates a notification screen image including the message image of the determined display mode. Next, the terminal device 5 displays the generated notification screen image on the display unit 504 (step S24).

[0051] Here, the terminal device 5 displays a notification screen image GA13 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 17(A). Note that in Figure 17(A), components similar to those in Figure 9(A) are denoted by the same reference numerals. The notification screen image GA13 has a display mode in which message information M115 indicating the temperature inside building H is highlighted. The notification screen image GA13 also includes message information M145 prompting the start of operation of devices 3A and 3B corresponding to the control identification information. Alternatively, the terminal device 5 displays a notification screen image GA14 on the display unit 504, for example, as shown in Figure 17(B). Note that in Figure 17(B), components similar to those in Figure 9(A) are denoted by the same reference numerals. The notification screen image GA14 has a display mode in which message information M116 indicating the humidity inside building H is highlighted. The notification screen image GA14 also includes message information M145 prompting the start of operation of devices 3A and 3B corresponding to the control identification information.

[0052] Returning to Figure 14, suppose that when Cloud Server 1 determines that the indoor air quality is within the first permissible air quality range (Step S18), as described above, it also determines that the outdoor air quality is outside the second permissible air quality range (Step S41). Furthermore, suppose Cloud Server 1 determines that the operating equipment necessary to maintain the indoor air quality within the first permissible vacant room range is stopped (Step S42). In this case, as shown in Figure 18, Cloud Server 1 identifies the control content of at least one piece of equipment 3 based on the outdoor air quality which has been determined to be outside the second permissible air quality range. Then, Cloud Server 1 selects control identification information that identifies the identified control content from the pre-set control identification information stored in the control identification information storage unit 136 (Step S43). Subsequently, the operating status information, air quality information, air quality level information, and the selected control identification information are transmitted from Cloud Server 1 to Terminal Device 5 (Step S44).

[0053] Meanwhile, when terminal device 5 acquires operating status information, air quality information, and control identification information, it selects message information corresponding to the control identification information (step S45). Subsequently, terminal device 5 generates a notification screen image containing the selected message information (step S46). Next, terminal device 5 displays the generated notification screen image on the display unit 504 (step S24). Here, terminal device 5 displays, for example, the notification screen image GA15 shown in Figure 19 on the display unit 504. Note that in Figure 19, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in Figure 9(A). The notification screen image GA15 includes message information M145 prompting the start of operation of devices 3A and 3B corresponding to the control identification information.

[0054] Returning to Figure 18, let's assume that after the processing in step S16, the cloud server 1 refers to the air quality information acquisition destination storage unit 137 and determines that the air quality information acquisition destination is not set (step S47). In this case, the cloud server 1 generates the aforementioned unset notification information (step S48). Subsequently, the operating status information and the generated unset notification information are sent from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5 (step S49). If some of the air quality information acquisition destinations are set, the air quality information acquired from those destinations is sent from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5.

[0055] Meanwhile, when terminal device 5 acquires operating status information and unset notification information, it selects message information representing the operating status of equipment 3 indicated by the operating status information, and also selects message information prompting registration of the air quality information acquisition destination based on the unset notification information (step S50). Subsequently, terminal device 5 generates a notification screen image containing each of the selected message information (step S51). Subsequently, terminal device 5 displays the generated notification screen image on the display unit 504 (step S24). Here, terminal device 5 displays, for example, the notification screen image GA16 shown in Figure 20 on the display unit 504. Note that in Figure 20, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in Figure 9(A). Notification screen image GA16 includes message information M117 and M126 prompting registration of the air quality information acquisition destination. Notification screen image GA16 also includes message information M148 representing the operating status of equipment 3B.

[0056] Next, when a user performs an air quality information acquisition destination setting operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 5 to set the destination for acquiring air quality information, the terminal device 5 accepts the air quality information acquisition destination setting operation (step S52). Subsequently, setting information including air quality information acquisition destination information indicating the destination for acquiring air quality information set by the air quality information acquisition destination setting operation is transmitted from the terminal device 5 to the cloud server 1 (step S53). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires the setting information transmitted from the terminal device 5, it stores the air quality information acquisition destination information included in the acquired setting information in the air quality information acquisition destination storage unit 137 (step S54).

[0057] Next, the state management process performed by the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment to manage the state of the equipment 3 and the air quality inside the building H will be explained with reference to Figures 21 and 22. This state management process is started when the program for executing the state management process is launched on the cloud server 1. First, as shown in Figure 21, the operating state acquisition unit 111 and the air quality acquisition unit 113 determine whether or not they have acquired operating state information and air quality information, respectively (step S101). If the operating state acquisition unit 111 and the air quality acquisition unit 113 determine that they have not acquired operating state information and air quality information (step S101: No), the process in step S103, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if at least one of the operating state acquisition unit 111 and the air quality acquisition unit 113 determines that it has acquired operating state information and air quality information (step S101: Yes), the operating state storage unit 131 and the air quality storage unit 132 update the operating state information and air quality information they store with the acquired operating state information and air quality information (step S102).

[0058] Next, the operating status notification unit 112 and the air quality notification unit 116 determine whether or not they have acquired the operating status request information and air quality request information transmitted from the terminal device 5 (step S103). If the operating status notification unit 112 and the air quality notification unit 116 determine that they have not acquired the operating status request information and air quality request information (step S103: No), the process in step S114, described later, is executed. On the other hand, suppose the operating status notification unit 112 and the air quality notification unit 116 determine that they have acquired the operating status request information and air quality request information (step S103: Yes). In this case, the operating status notification unit 112 identifies the operating status information to be transmitted to the terminal device 5 from the operating status information stored in the operating status storage unit 131 (step S104). Subsequently, the air quality acquisition unit 113 refers to the air quality information acquisition destination information stored in the air quality information acquisition destination storage unit 137 and determines whether or not an air quality information acquisition destination corresponding to the terminal device 5 has not been set (step S105). If the air quality acquisition unit 113 determines that no air quality information acquisition destination corresponding to the terminal device 5 has been set (step S105: Yes), the process of step S113 described below is executed.

[0059] On the other hand, suppose the air quality acquisition unit 113 determines that an air quality information acquisition destination corresponding to the terminal device 5 has already been set (Step S105: No). In this case, the indoor air quality selection unit 114 and the outdoor air quality selection unit 115 each select air quality information to be transmitted to the terminal device 5 from the air quality information stored in the air quality storage unit 132, based on the priority information stored in the priority storage unit 133. Here, the indoor air quality selection unit 114 selects indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality selection unit 115 selects outdoor air quality information. Then, the air quality level determination unit 123 determines the air quality level of the indoor air quality based on the indoor air quality information (Step S106).

[0060] Subsequently, the air quality determination unit 117 determines whether the air quality inside the building is outside a preset first air quality tolerance range based on the air quality information inside the building selected by the air quality selection unit 114 (step S107). If the air quality determination unit 117 determines that the air quality inside the building is outside the aforementioned first air quality tolerance range (step S107: Yes), the process in step S116 described later is executed. On the other hand, suppose the air quality determination unit 117 determines that the air quality inside the building is within the aforementioned first air quality tolerance range (step S107: No). In this case, the air quality determination unit 117 determines whether the air quality outside the building is outside a preset second air quality tolerance range based on the air quality outside the building selected by the air quality selection unit 115 (step S108). If the air quality determination unit 117 determines that the air quality outside the building is outside the aforementioned second air quality tolerance range (step S108: Yes), the process in step S116 described later is executed. On the other hand, the air quality determination unit 117 determines that the air quality outside the building is within the aforementioned second air quality tolerance range (Step S108: No).

[0061] In this case, the cooperation information notification unit 120 refers to the cooperation setting information stored in the cooperation setting storage unit 134 and determines whether or not there are devices 3 that operate in cooperation with each other (step S109). Here, suppose the cooperation information notification unit 120 determines that there are devices 3 that operate in cooperation with each other (step S109: Yes). In this case, the cooperation information notification unit 120 generates cooperation information that includes the cooperation setting information stored in the cooperation setting storage unit 134 and the cooperation status information stored in the cooperation status storage unit 135 (step S110). Next, the operation status notification unit 112 transmits the operation status information stored in the operation status storage unit 131 to the terminal device 5. Also, the air quality notification unit 116 transmits to the terminal device 5 the air quality information selected by the indoor air quality selection unit 114 and the outdoor air quality selection unit 115, respectively, and air quality level information indicating the air quality level determined by the air quality level determination unit 123. Furthermore, the linked information notification unit 120 transmits the generated linked information to the terminal device 5 (step S111). Subsequently, the process of step S114, described later, is executed.

[0062] On the other hand, suppose the linked information notification unit 120 determines in step S109 that there are no devices 3 that operate in cooperation with each other (step S109: No). In this case, the operation status notification unit 112 transmits the operation status information stored in the operation status storage unit 131 to the terminal device 5. Also, the air quality notification unit 116 transmits to the terminal device 5 the air quality information selected by the indoor air quality selection unit 114 and the outdoor air quality selection unit 115, respectively, as well as air quality level information indicating the air quality level determined by the air quality level determination unit 123 (step S112). After that, the process in step S114, described below, is executed.

[0063] Furthermore, if the air quality acquisition unit 113 determines in step S104 that the air quality information acquisition destination corresponding to the terminal device 5 is not set (step S105: Yes), the setting unit 124 generates the aforementioned unset notification information and sends it to the terminal device 5 (step S113). Next, the setting unit 124 determines whether or not it has acquired the setting information sent from the terminal device 5 within a predetermined waiting time after sending the unset notification information (step S114). If the setting unit 124 determines that it was not able to acquire the setting information sent from the terminal device 5 within a predetermined waiting time after sending the setting notification information (step S114: No), the process in step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the setting unit 124 determines that it has acquired the setting information sent from the terminal device 5 within a predetermined waiting time after sending the setting notification information (step S114: Yes), it stores the air quality information acquisition destination information included in the acquired setting information in the air quality information acquisition destination storage unit 137 (step S115). Subsequently, the process in step S101 is executed again.

[0064] Furthermore, suppose the air quality determination unit 117 determines in step S107 that the indoor air quality is outside the aforementioned first air quality tolerance range (step S107: Yes), or determines in step S108 that the outdoor air quality is outside the aforementioned second air quality tolerance range (step S108: Yes). In this case, the environmental parameter identification unit 118 identifies at least one type of environmental parameter included in the indoor air quality information to be improved, based on the operating status information of at least one of the devices 3, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information (step S116). Subsequently, the control identification unit 121 determines whether the device 3 that needs to be operated to bring the indoor air quality within the first vacant room tolerance range, or the device 3 that needs to be operated to maintain the indoor air quality within the first vacant room tolerance range, is in operation (step S117). Here, suppose the control identification unit 121 determines that the device 3 that needs to be operated is in operation (step S117: Yes). In this case, the operating status notification unit 112 transmits the operating status information stored in the operating status storage unit 131 to the terminal device 5. The air quality notification unit 116 also transmits to the terminal device 5 the air quality information selected by the building air quality selection unit 114 and the building air quality selection unit 115, respectively, and air quality level information indicating the air quality level determined by the air quality level determination unit 123. Furthermore, the environmental parameter notification unit 125 transmits to the terminal device 5 environmental parameter information indicating the environmental parameters identified by the environmental parameter identification unit 118 (step S118). Next, the process in step S114 is executed again. On the other hand, suppose the control identification unit 121 determines that the equipment 3 that needs to be operated is stopped (step S117: No). In this case, the control identification unit 121 identifies the control content of at least one equipment 3 to bring the building air quality within the first air quality tolerance range, or at least one equipment 3 to maintain the building air quality within the first air quality tolerance range. Then, the control identification unit 121 selects control identification information from the pre-set control identification information stored in the control identification information storage unit 136 to identify the identified control content (step S119).Next, the operating status notification unit 112 transmits operating status information to the terminal device 5, the air quality notification unit 116 transmits air quality information and air quality level information to the terminal device 5, and the environmental parameter notification unit 125 transmits environmental parameter information to the terminal device 5. In addition, the control notification unit 122 transmits the control identification information selected by the control identification unit 121 to the terminal device 5 (step S120). After that, the process of step S114 is executed again.

[0065] As described above, according to the control system of this embodiment, the screen generation unit 513 of the terminal device 5 generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit 504, which includes operating status information of the equipment 3, indoor air quality information of building H, and outdoor air quality information, in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of the equipment 3, the indoor air quality, and the outdoor air quality. As a result, the user can simultaneously recognize the operating status of the equipment 3, the indoor air quality, and the outdoor air quality through the notification screen image displayed on the display unit 504, making it easy for the user to understand whether each of the equipment 3 installed in building H is operating appropriately according to the environment inside and outside building H.

[0066] Furthermore, the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment includes an indoor air quality selection unit 114 that selects at least one indoor air quality information from among multiple indoor air quality information acquired by the air quality acquisition unit 113 based on a preset priority. The cloud server 1 also includes an outdoor air quality selection unit 115 that selects at least one outdoor air quality information from among multiple outdoor air quality information acquired by the air quality acquisition unit 113 based on a preset priority. The screen generation unit 513 of the terminal device 5 generates a notification screen image that includes the indoor air quality indicated by the at least one selected indoor air quality information, the outdoor air quality information, and message information indicating the outdoor air quality. As a result, by setting a priority based on the measurement accuracy of the environmental sensor or environmental sensor 2 provided in the device 3, it becomes possible to display air quality information that takes into account the measurement accuracy of each environmental sensor.

[0067] Furthermore, the display information storage unit 534 in this embodiment stores multiple types of message information representing the operating status of the equipment 3 related to improving the air quality inside the building, associating them with the corresponding operating status information. The screen generation unit 513 then selects message information representing the operating status indicated by the operating status information of the equipment 3 from among the multiple types of message information stored in the display information storage unit 534, and generates a notification screen image including the selected message information. As a result, users can easily grasp the status of improvement in the air quality inside the building through the message information representing the operating status of the equipment 3 included in the notification screen image displayed on the display unit 504 of the terminal device 5.

[0068] Furthermore, in the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment, the air quality determination unit 117 determines whether the air quality inside the building is outside a preset first acceptable air quality range based on the air quality information inside the building, and the control identification unit 121 identifies the control content of the equipment 3 to bring the air quality inside the building within the first acceptable air quality range if the air quality inside the building is outside the first acceptable air quality range. Then, the screen generation unit 513 of the terminal device 5 generates a notification screen image that includes message information indicating the identified control content. As a result, the user can understand the control content of the equipment 3 necessary to improve the air quality inside the building H by checking the message information indicating the control content of the equipment 3 included in the notification screen image displayed on the display unit 504 of the terminal device 5.

[0069] Furthermore, in the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment, if the air quality determination unit 117 determines that the air quality inside the building is within the aforementioned first air quality tolerance range, it determines, based on the air quality outside the building, whether or not the air quality outside the building is outside a preset second air quality tolerance range. Then, if the control identification unit 121 determines that the air quality outside the building is outside the second air quality tolerance range, it identifies the control content of the equipment 3 necessary to maintain the air quality inside the building within the first air quality tolerance range. Then, the screen generation unit 513 of the terminal device 5 generates a notification screen image that includes message information indicating the identified control content. As a result, the user can understand the control content of the equipment 3 necessary to maintain the air quality inside the building H by checking the message information indicating the control content of the equipment 3 included in the notification screen image displayed on the display unit 504 of the terminal device 5.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the setting unit 124 generates unset notification information to inform the user that the air quality information acquisition destination by the air quality acquisition unit 113 is not set if the air quality acquisition unit 113 cannot acquire at least one of the air quality information inside the building or the air quality information outside the building. The screen generation unit 513 of the terminal device 5 then selects message information prompting the user to register the air quality information acquisition destination based on the unset notification information and generates a notification screen image containing the selected message information. As a result, the user can easily understand the registration content necessary to display the air quality information inside the building H on the notification screen image by checking the message information prompting the user to register the air quality information acquisition destination included in the notification screen image displayed on the display unit 504 of the terminal device 5.

[0071] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, as shown in Figure 23, the cloud server 2001 may include a representative value calculation unit 2114 that calculates a representative value for each of at least one type of environmental parameter representing the indoor air quality indicated by each of the multiple indoor air quality information acquired by the air quality acquisition unit 113. In Figure 23, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 3. The representative value calculation unit 2114 calculates the average value and median value for the same environmental parameter indicated by the multiple indoor air quality information, and notifies the air quality notification unit 116, the air quality determination unit 117, and the air quality level determination unit 123 of the calculated average value and median value information as indoor air quality information. The screen generation unit 513 of the terminal device 5 then generates a notification screen image that includes representative value information, i.e., information indicating the average value or median value of the environmental parameter, which is calculated by the representative value calculation unit 2114 as indoor air quality information.

[0072] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the effects of variations in environmental parameters caused by differences in the installation location of environmental sensors.

[0073] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the screen generation unit 513 selects background image information corresponding to the notified air quality level information from among a plurality of types of background image information stored in the image storage unit 533, and generates a notification screen image using the selected background image information. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the terminal device 5 may be equipped with a discomfort index calculation unit (not shown) that calculates a discomfort index from the air quality level indicated by the air quality level information based on a discomfort index calculation function that calculates a discomfort index using the air quality level as an argument. The screen generation unit 513 may then generate a notification screen image that includes information indicating the discomfort index calculated by the discomfort index calculation unit.

[0074] Furthermore, the various functions of the cloud servers 1, 2001 and terminal device 5 related to this disclosure can be implemented using a normal computer system, not a dedicated system. For example, the cloud servers 1, 2001 and terminal device 5 that perform the above operations may be configured by distributing a program for performing the above operations to computers connected to a network, stored on a non-temporary recording medium (such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)) that can be read by the computer system, and then installing the program into the computer system.

[0075] Furthermore, the method of providing the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, the program may be uploaded to a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication line and distributed to the computer via the communication line. The computer then launches this program and executes it under the control of the operating system (OS), just like any other application. In this way, the computer functions as a cloud server 1, 2001 or terminal device 5 that performs the processes described above.

[0076] While embodiments and variations of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure includes combinations of embodiments and variations as appropriate, and modifications thereof as appropriate. [Industrial applicability]

[0077] This disclosure is suitable as a control system that allows terminal devices to check the operating status of equipment and the environment inside and outside the building in which the equipment is installed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 12001 Cloud Server, 2 Environmental Sensors, 3,3A,3B Equipment, 5 Terminal Device, 6 Weather Server, 41 Communication Adapter, 42 BBR, 101,501 CPU, 102,502 Main Memory Unit, 103,503 Auxiliary Memory Unit, 106,506 Communication Unit, 108 Timing Unit, 109,509 Bus, 111,511 Operating Status Acquisition Unit, 112 Operating Status Notification Unit, 113,512 Air Quality Acquisition Unit, 114 Indoor Air Quality Selection Unit, 115 Outdoor Air Quality Selection Unit, 116 Air Quality Notification Unit, 117 Air Quality Determination Unit, 118 Environmental Parameter Identification Unit, 119 Equipment Control Unit, 120 Linkage Information Notification Unit, 121 Control Identification Unit, 122 Control Notification Unit, 123 Air Quality Level Determination Unit, 124 Setting Unit, 125 Environmental parameter notification unit, 131, 531 Operating state storage unit, 132, 532 Air quality storage unit, 133 Priority storage unit, 134 Linkage setting storage unit, 135 Linkage status storage unit, 136 Control identification information storage unit, 137 Air quality information acquisition destination storage unit, 504 Display unit, 505 Input unit, 513 Screen generation unit, 514 Display control unit, 515 Environmental parameter acquisition unit, 516 Linkage information acquisition unit, 517 Control identification information acquisition unit, 518 Air quality level acquisition unit, 519 Reception unit, 520 Setting notification unit, 521 Display screen storage unit, 533 Image storage unit, 534 Display information storage unit, 535 Linkage information storage unit, 2114 Representative value calculation unit, GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA9, GA10, GA11, GA12, GA13, GA14, GA15, GA16 Notification screen image, GA101 Background image, H Building, M111, M112, M113, M114, M115, M116, M121, M122, M123, M124, M131, M132, M133, M134, M139, M140, M141, M142, M143, M148 Message information, NW1 Wide area network, NW2 Local network

Claims

1. Display unit and An operating status acquisition unit that acquires operating status information indicating the operating status of one or more devices, An air quality acquisition unit that acquires building air quality information indicating the air quality inside a building where one or more of the aforementioned devices are installed, and building air quality information indicating the air quality outside the building. A building air quality selection unit that selects at least one of the aforementioned building air quality information, The system includes a screen generation unit that generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of the one or more devices, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of the one or more devices, Each of the one or more devices has a first environmental sensor for measuring the air quality inside the building. The air quality acquisition unit performs at least one of the following: a process of acquiring building air quality information indicating the building air quality measured by a first environmental sensor provided in each of the one or more devices, and a process of acquiring building air quality information indicating the building air quality measured by a second environmental sensor installed in the building, from the second environmental sensor. The building air quality selection unit selects at least one building air quality information from among the multiple building air quality information acquired by the air quality acquisition unit, based on a predetermined priority. The screen generation unit generates the notification screen image which includes at least one selected piece of building air quality information. Control system.

2. Display unit and An operating status acquisition unit that acquires operating status information indicating the operating status of one or more devices, An air quality acquisition unit that acquires building air quality information indicating the air quality inside a building where one or more of the aforementioned devices are installed, and building air quality information indicating the air quality outside the building. A building exterior air quality selection unit that selects at least one of the aforementioned building exterior air quality information, The system includes a screen generation unit that generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of the one or more devices, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of the one or more devices, Each of the aforementioned one or more devices has a third environmental sensor for measuring the air quality outside the building. The air quality acquisition unit acquires the building outside air quality information, which indicates the building outside air quality measured by the third environmental sensor provided in each of the one or more devices, from each of the one or more devices, and also acquires the building outside air quality information, which indicates the building outside air quality, from the weather server. The building exterior air quality selection unit selects at least one of the building exterior air quality information from among the multiple building exterior air quality information acquired by the air quality acquisition unit, based on a predetermined priority. The screen generation unit generates the notification screen image which includes at least one of the selected building outside air quality information. Control system.

3. Display unit and An operating status acquisition unit that acquires operating status information indicating the operating status of one or more devices, An air quality acquisition unit that acquires building air quality information indicating the air quality inside a building where one or more of the aforementioned devices are installed, and building air quality information indicating the air quality outside the building. A screen generation unit that generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of the one or more devices, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of the one or more devices, The system includes an environmental parameter identification unit that identifies at least one type of environmental parameter included in the building air quality information to be improved from among a plurality of pre-set types of environmental parameters, based on the operating status information of one or more of the above-mentioned devices and at least one of the building air quality information and the building air quality information. The screen generation unit generates the notification screen image in a display mode that notifies the user that the identified at least one type of environmental parameter has been improved. Control system.

4. Display unit and An operating status acquisition unit that acquires operating status information indicating the operating status of one or more devices, An air quality acquisition unit that acquires building air quality information indicating the air quality inside a building where one or more of the aforementioned devices are installed, and building air quality information indicating the air quality outside the building. A screen generation unit that generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of the one or more devices, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of the one or more devices, A cooperation information acquisition unit acquires cooperation information indicating the setting status of the cooperative operation mode for each of the one or more devices that operates in cooperation with other devices, and the status of cooperative operation with other devices. The system includes a display information storage unit that stores multiple types of message information representing the operating status of the equipment related to improving the air quality inside the building, in association with the corresponding linkage information. The screen generation unit generates the notification screen image which includes message information indicating the linked operation mode and linked operation status of the linked information of one or more devices. Control system.

5. Display unit and An operating status acquisition unit that acquires operating status information indicating the operating status of one or more devices, An air quality acquisition unit that acquires building air quality information indicating the air quality inside a building where one or more of the aforementioned devices are installed, and building air quality information indicating the air quality outside the building. A screen generation unit that generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of the one or more devices, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of the one or more devices, An air quality determination unit that determines whether the air quality inside the building meets pre-set conditions based on the air quality information inside the building, If the indoor air quality of the building does not meet the conditions, the control identification unit identifies the control content of at least one of the one or more devices used to make the indoor air quality of the building meet the conditions, The screen generation unit generates the notification screen image which includes message information indicating the content of the operation or setting for executing the identified control content. Control system.

6. Display unit and An operating status acquisition unit that acquires operating status information indicating the operating status of one or more devices, An air quality acquisition unit that acquires building air quality information indicating the air quality inside a building where one or more of the aforementioned devices are installed, and building air quality information indicating the air quality outside the building. A screen generation unit that generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on the display unit in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of the one or more devices, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of the one or more devices, An air quality determination unit that determines whether the air quality outside the building meets pre-set conditions based on the aforementioned air quality outside the building, If the air quality outside the building does not meet the above conditions, the system further includes a control identification unit that identifies the control content of at least one of the one or more devices used to maintain the air quality inside the building under the above conditions, The screen generation unit generates the notification screen image which includes message information prompting the user to execute the identified control content. Control system.

7. Each of the one or more devices has a first environmental sensor for measuring the air quality inside the building. The air quality acquisition unit performs at least one of the following: a process of acquiring building air quality information indicating the building air quality measured by a first environmental sensor provided in each of the one or more devices, and a process of acquiring building air quality information indicating the building air quality measured by a second environmental sensor installed in the building, from the second environmental sensor. The system further includes a representative value calculation unit that calculates a representative value for each of at least one type of environmental parameter representing the indoor air quality indicated by each of the plurality of indoor air quality information acquired by the air quality acquisition unit, The screen generation unit generates the notification screen image which includes representative value information indicating the representative value. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The system further includes a display information storage unit that stores multiple types of message information representing the operating status of the equipment related to improving the air quality inside the building, in association with the corresponding operating status information. The screen generation unit selects message information representing the operating status indicated by the operating status information of one or more devices from among the multiple types of message information stored in the display information storage unit, and generates the notification screen image including the selected message information. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The system further includes an air quality level determination unit that determines the level of the air quality inside the building based on the aforementioned air quality information inside the building, The screen generation unit generates the notification screen image in which the background image color of at least the area including the portion that displays the building's indoor air quality information is a color corresponding to the building's indoor air quality level. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. If the air quality acquisition unit is unable to acquire at least one of the indoor air quality information and the outdoor air quality information, the system further includes a setting unit that generates an unset notification to inform the user that the destination for air quality information acquisition by the air quality acquisition unit is not set. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The control system acquires operating status information indicating the operating status of each of the one or more devices, each of which has a first environmental sensor that measures the indoor air quality inside a building where one or more devices are installed. The control system acquires building air quality information indicating the air quality inside the building and building air quality information indicating the air quality outside the building. The control system includes the steps of generating a single notification screen image to be displayed on a display unit in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of the one or more devices, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of the one or more devices, and the indoor air quality and outdoor air quality information of the one or more devices, The control system performs at least one of the following steps: acquiring building air quality information from each of the one or more devices, which indicates the air quality inside the building measured by a first environmental sensor provided in each of the one or more devices; and acquiring building air quality information from the second environmental sensor, which indicates the air quality inside the building measured by a second environmental sensor installed in the building. The control system selects at least one of the acquired indoor air quality information based on a predetermined priority, The control system includes the step of generating a notification screen image that includes at least one selected piece of building air quality information, Status management method.

12. Computers, An operating status acquisition unit that acquires operating status information indicating the operating status of one or more devices. An air quality acquisition unit that acquires indoor air quality information indicating the indoor air quality inside a building where one or more of the aforementioned devices are installed, and outdoor air quality information indicating the outdoor air quality outside the building. A building air quality selection unit that selects at least one of the aforementioned building air quality information, A screen generation unit that generates a single notification screen image to be displayed on a display unit in order to simultaneously notify the user of the operating status of one or more devices, the indoor air quality information, and the outdoor air quality information of one or more devices, It is a program designed to function as such. Each of the one or more devices has a first environmental sensor for measuring the air quality inside the building. The air quality acquisition unit performs at least one of the following: a process of acquiring building air quality information indicating the building air quality measured by a first environmental sensor provided in each of the one or more devices, and a process of acquiring building air quality information indicating the building air quality measured by a second environmental sensor installed in the building, from the second environmental sensor. The building air quality selection unit selects at least one building air quality information from among the multiple building air quality information acquired by the air quality acquisition unit, based on a predetermined priority. The screen generation unit generates the notification screen image which includes at least one selected piece of building air quality information. program.

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