Equipment status management system and equipment status management method

Abstract

To provide a device state management system that makes it possible for a user to facilitate management of a device state even if a device does not originally have a function to detect a device state by a sensor or the like provided in advance and a function to connect to a network outside the device.SOLUTION: A device state management system 100 includes a device state detection sensor 1 that is retrofitted on devices 31 to 35 and a server 2 including a device state acquiring unit 22 that acquires device states of the devices 31 to 35 to which the device state detection sensor 1 is attached by acquiring and processing a device state signal transmitted from the device state detection sensor 1. The device state acquiring unit 22 processes device state signals by corresponding algorithms on the basis of device identification information and sensor identification information and acquires a device state. The server 2 transmits the acquired information on the device state to a user terminal via a network 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a device state management system and a device state management method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a component management system for analytical instruments has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a component management system for analytical instruments, which includes an analytical instrument, a server, and a management PC. In this component management system for analytical instruments, the analytical instrument has a detection function for detecting the operation information of the components of the analytical instrument and a function for connecting to a network outside the instrument. Then, the operation information of the components detected by the detection function of the analytical instrument is transmitted to the server via the network, and the operation information of the components detected by the detection function of the analytical instrument is managed by the server. Also, the user can browse, via the network, the operation information of the components of the analytical instrument managed by the server using the management PC.

[0004] Although not specified in Patent Document 1, a conventional component management system for analytical instruments as described in Patent Document 1 has a detection function for detecting the state of the instrument such as the operation information of the components, and thus various sensors are provided in the analytical instrument.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in conventional analytical instrument component management systems such as the one described in Patent Document 1, the manageable instruments are limited to those that have a function to detect the instrument's status using pre-installed sensors and a function to connect to an external network. Therefore, there is a need for an instrument status management system and instrument status management method that allows users to easily manage the status of instruments even if they do not originally have a function to detect the instrument's status using pre-installed sensors and a function to connect to an external network.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a device status management system and a device status management method that allows users to easily manage the status of devices, even for devices that do not originally have a function to detect the status of the device using pre-installed sensors or the like, or a function to connect to an external network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In the first aspect of this invention, the equipment status management system is used by the user multiple Equipment operating status, and, multiple The system includes a signal acquisition unit that acquires an equipment status signal to obtain equipment status, which includes at least one of the usage status of consumables in the equipment, and a communication unit that is connected to a network and transmits the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit. multiple device Each of It is added later. multiple A device status acquisition unit that is connected to a network and acquires device status signals transmitted from the communication unit of the device status detection sensor via the network, and processes the acquired device status signals to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor is attached, and a device status acquisition unit that processes the device status signals according to the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor multipleThe system includes a server with a storage unit that stores signal processing algorithms, and the device status acquisition unit is configured to acquire the device status of a device to which a device status detection sensor has been retrofitted by processing the device status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the device status detection sensor using a corresponding signal processing algorithm, based on device identification information for identifying the device and sensor identification information for identifying the device status detection sensor attached to the device, and the server is configured to allow the user multiple A user terminal equipped with a schedule management function for managing the usage schedule of the equipment, and a display unit, The usage reservation schedule, which shows the usage reservations for multiple devices, and the actual operating status of those devices are displayed simultaneously. The schedule information is configured to be transmitted over the network. The system further includes a usage information display unit that displays algorithm usage information, which includes information on at least one of the number and type of signal processing algorithms corresponding to the device status detection sensor used by the user. .

[0009] The device status management method in the second aspect of this invention is used by the user multiple Equipment operating status, and, multiple A device status signal for obtaining device status, which includes at least one of the usage status of consumables in the device, multiple device Each of Added later multiple A signal acquisition step obtained by a device status detection sensor, a signal transmission step that transmits the device status signal from the device status detection sensor via the network, and a user multiple A server with a schedule management function for managing the usage schedule of equipment acquires equipment status signals transmitted from equipment status detection sensors via the network in a signal transmission step, and processes the acquired equipment status signals to acquire the equipment status of equipment to which the equipment status detection sensors are attached in an equipment status acquisition step, and a user terminal equipped with a display unit, A usage reservation schedule showing the reservation of multiple devices, Acquired in the equipment status acquisition step multiple Equipment Actual Operating status and are displayed simultaneously The system includes a device status information transmission step that transmits schedule information over a network, and a device status acquisition step that, based on device identification information for identifying a device and sensor identification information for identifying a device status detection sensor attached to the device, transmits a device status signal from a device status detection sensor. Among several pre-stored signal processing algorithms The process includes the step of obtaining the device status of a device to which a device status detection sensor has been retrofitted by processing the signal using a pre-stored signal processing algorithm corresponding to the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor. The further step includes displaying algorithm usage information on the usage information display unit, which includes information on at least one of the number and type of signal processing algorithms corresponding to the equipment status detection sensors used by the user. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a device status management system, and the second aspect relates to a device status management method. The device status management system is connected to a network and uses a device status detection sensor, which is retrofitted to the device used by the user, to acquire a device status signal that includes at least one of the operating status of the device used by the user and the usage status of consumables in the device. The device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor is then acquired by a server. This allows the server to acquire the device status, including at least one of the operating status of the device used by the user and the usage status of consumables in the device, via the network using the device status detection sensor retrofitted to the device. As a result, even devices that do not originally have a function to detect the device status using a pre-installed sensor or a function to connect to an external network can acquire their device status using the device status detection sensor retrofitted to the device. Furthermore, the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor is attached is acquired by processing the device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor by the server. The acquired device status information is then transmitted to a user terminal equipped with a display unit. This allows the user to easily understand the device status by displaying the acquired device status information on the user terminal's display. As a result, even for devices that do not originally have a function to detect the device status using pre-installed sensors, or a function to connect to an external network, a device status management system and method that can be easily managed by the user can be provided. Furthermore, based on device identification information for identifying the device and sensor identification information for identifying the device status detection sensor attached to the device, the device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor is processed by a corresponding signal processing algorithm, and the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor has been retrofitted is acquired.As a result, even when managing a plurality of devices in a device state management system, it is possible to perform processing corresponding to each of the device state detection sensors and the devices on the device state signals acquired by the device state detection sensors attached to each of the plurality of devices. As a result, the states of a plurality of devices can be collectively managed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a device state management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the network connection between the server and the device state detection sensor in the device state management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the devices managed in the device state management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a device state management system. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the network connection between the server and the device state detection sensor in the device state management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the configuration of a device state management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0014] The device status management system 100 (see Figure 1) is an IoT (Internet of Things) system for centrally managing the status (operating status, etc.) of multiple devices used (owned) by a user. As shown in Figure 1, the device status management system 100 comprises a device status detection sensor 1 that is retrofitted to the device, and a server 2 connected to a network 101. The device status detection sensor 1 is an IoT sensor capable of communicating with the network 101 outside the sensor. Furthermore, the device status management system 100 is a system in which the status of devices owned by users of the device status management system 100 is managed on a server 2 managed by the provider of the device status management system 100.

[0015] The device status management system 100 allows for the monitoring and management of device status by retrofitting the device status detection sensor 1 to the device, regardless of the type of device or manufacturer. This enables users to implement IoT functionality in devices that do not originally have communication capabilities to the network 101 or repeater 4.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the equipment status detection sensor 1 includes an open / close sensor 11, a temperature and humidity sensor 12, a temperature and humidity sensor 13, a current sensor 14, and a vibration sensor 15, which are retrofitted to each of the following: the safety cabinet 31, the refrigerator 32, the CO2 incubator 33, the centrifuge 34, and the pump 35. The safety cabinet 31, the refrigerator 32, the CO2 incubator 33, the centrifuge 34, and the pump 35 are examples of the "equipment" in the claims. The temperature and humidity sensors 12 and 13 are examples of the "temperature sensor" and "humidity sensor" in the claims.

[0017] Server 2 includes a storage unit 21 in which a signal processing algorithm 21a for processing device status signals is stored according to the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor 1. The storage unit 21 includes a storage device (internal storage) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0018] The provider of the device status management system 100, when providing the device status management system 100, pre-installs (adds) device status detection sensors 1 to the user's devices, according to the device and the device information the user wants to track. Then, the provider of the device status management system 100 registers (sets) and masters a signal processing algorithm 21a for processing the device status signals acquired by the device status detection sensor 1, according to the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor 1, for each user. Mastering means associating each of the multiple signal processing algorithms 21a registered according to the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor 1 with the corresponding device and the corresponding device status detection sensor 1, and creating a database for each user. Specifically, the provider of the device status management system 100 associates each of the multiple signal processing algorithms 21a with the device identification information and sensor identification information described later, and creates a database. Furthermore, the work of registering (setting) and mastering the signal processing algorithms 21a is performed in advance by the provider of the device status management system 100 before the user uses the device status management system 100. As described above, the signal processing algorithm 21a, which is mastered and registered (set) by the provider of the equipment status management system 100, is stored in the storage unit 21 of the server 2.

[0019] Server 2 includes a device status acquisition unit 22 that acquires device status signals transmitted from device status detection sensor 1 via network 101 and processes the acquired device status signals to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor 1 is attached. The device status acquisition unit 22 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory.

[0020] Furthermore, Server 2 includes a communication unit 23 for connecting to Network 101. The communication unit 23 is a communication interface. The device status acquisition unit 22 of Server 2 acquires device status signals via Network 101 using the communication unit 23.

[0021] Furthermore, if the provider of the device status management system 100 provides the device status management system 100 as a subscription-type service, the monthly usage fee for the device status management system 100 is set according to the number and type of sensors retrofitted as device status detection sensors 1. In the device status management system 100, as described later, information on the device status detection sensors 1 used by the user is uploaded to the server 2 and stored in the storage unit 21 of the server 2. This allows the provider of the device status management system 100 to easily calculate the usage fee for the device status management system 100 by obtaining the number and type of sensors retrofitted as device status detection sensors 1 and used by the user from the information uploaded to the server 2.

[0022] Furthermore, the device status management system 100 includes a PC (Personal Computer) 24 to which the display unit 24a is connected. The PC 24 is a service management (user information management) terminal used by the provider of the device status management system 100 to manage user information in order to manage the service usage status and usage fees of users who use the device status management system 100. Note that the display unit 24a is an example of the "usage information display unit" in the claims.

[0023] The server 2 then transmits sensor usage information, which is information (usage information) about the device status detection sensor 1 used by the user, to the PC 24. In the first embodiment, the PC 24 is connected to the server 2 via the communication unit 23, but the connection between the PC 24 and the server 2 is not limited to this. For example, the PC 24 may be connected to the server 2 via the network 101 and the communication unit 23.

[0024] In the first embodiment, information including the number and type of device status detection sensors 1 used by the user is transmitted from the server 2 as sensor usage information. The display unit 24a then displays the number and type of device status detection sensors 1 used by the user as sensor usage information. For example, the display unit 24a displays the number of device status detection sensors 1 used by the user and the number of types of device status detection sensors 1 as numbers, as well as the type of each device status detection sensor 1 used by the user. Alternatively, the information regarding the number of device status detection sensors 1 used by the user may be displayed as a list, along with their respective types.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the provider of the device status management system 100 can obtain sensor usage information from the server 2, which includes information on the number and type of device status detection sensors 1 used by the user. Based on this sensor usage information, the provider of the device status management system 100 can then determine the number and type of device status detection sensors 1 used by the user. This allows the provider of the device status management system 100 to easily manage the service, such as setting usage fees, based on the sensor usage information transmitted from the server 2, when providing the device status management system 100 as a subscription-type service. Furthermore, the sensor usage information may also include information other than the number and type of device status detection sensors 1, such as the operating time of the device status detection sensors 1 used by the user. In addition, the usage fees for the device status management system 100 may be set automatically by the server 2 based on the sensor usage information.

[0026] Server 2 is configured to transmit device status information acquired by the device status acquisition unit 22 to user terminals, namely PCs (Personal Computers) 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54, via the network 101. The device status management system 100 is configured to be accessible by multiple user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). This allows multiple people in each of the user companies or organizations to simultaneously check the device status information acquired by the device status acquisition unit 22. Note that PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54 are examples of "user terminals" in the claims.

[0027] Furthermore, Server 2 is provided in common for multiple users (user companies or user organizations). Therefore, the device status acquisition unit 22 of Server 2 acquires the device status of the devices used by each of the multiple users. Based on authentication using user ID and password, Server 2 transmits information on the device status of the devices owned by each user, which have been IoT-enabled by the device status management system 100, to each user's user terminal. In other words, information on the device status of the devices used by each of the multiple users is transmitted from Server 2 to each user's user terminal. In addition, sensor usage information (usage information) for each of the multiple users is transmitted from Server 2 to the PC 24 to which the display unit 24a is connected. As a result, the provider of the device status management system 100 can acquire sensor usage information from Server 2, which includes information on the number and type of device status detection sensors 1 used by each of the multiple users, as information on the device status detection sensors 1 used by each of the multiple users (usage information). Therefore, the provider of the equipment status management system 100 can determine the number and type of equipment status detection sensors 1 used by each of multiple users based on the sensor usage information.

[0028] PC 51 and smartphones 52, 53, and 54 are each equipped with display units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a, respectively. Display unit 51a includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Display units 52a, 53a, and 54a are touch panel displays including, for example, liquid crystal displays or organic EL displays. PC 51 is connected to network 101 via wired communication using a LAN cable or the like. Smartphones 52, 53, and 54 are connected to network 101 via wireless communication using Wi-Fi or the like. Users can check the device status information acquired by server 2 using PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54, which have been authenticated using a user ID (access ID) and password for using the device status management system 100.

[0029] Furthermore, the device status management system 100 is configured so that users can access the server 2 using a PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, or 54 to understand the device status information acquired by the device status acquisition unit 22. Specifically, the device status management system 100 is configured to display the device status information transmitted from the server 2 on the display units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a, respectively, using a web browser application installed on the PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54. The device status management system 100 allows users to understand the device status information of each device managed by the device status management system 100 by operating the PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54.

[0030] Furthermore, PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54 may be terminals owned by the user before the introduction of the device status management system 100, or they may be terminals sold or rented to the user by the provider of the device status management system 100 when the device status management system 100 is introduced.

[0031] Furthermore, the device status information transmitted via the network 101 may be modified to correspond to the terminal or access ID. For example, each of the smartphones 52, 53, and 54 receives device status information processed by the server 2 (device status acquisition unit 22), while the PC 51 receives, in addition to the device status information processed by the server 2, information before processing by the server 2, such as the device status signal (raw signal or signal obtained by noise reduction processing of the raw signal) acquired by the device status detection sensor 1.

[0032] Furthermore, the device status management system 100 includes a repeater 4 connected to the network 101. The repeater 4 is a gateway device that relays the connection between the device status detection sensor 1 and the network 101. The device status detection sensor 1 and the repeater 4 are configured to communicate wirelessly using wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi. The repeater 4 may be a gateway device owned by the user prior to the introduction of the device status management system 100, or it may be a gateway device sold or rented to the user by the provider of the device status management system 100 when the device status management system 100 is introduced.

[0033] The device status signal acquired by the device status detection sensor 1 is transmitted to the repeater 4. The device status signal transmitted to the repeater 4 is then transmitted to the server 2 via the network 101. In addition to the device status signal, the server 2 also receives the user-specific ID and the ID of the repeater 4 (gateway device) from the repeater 4. In this way, the server 2 is configured to acquire the device status signal from the device status detection sensor 1 via the repeater 4 and the network 101.

[0034] The device status detection sensor 1 is configured to acquire a device status signal for obtaining the device status, including the operating status of the device used by the user. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the open / close sensor 11, temperature and humidity sensor 12, temperature and humidity sensor 13, current sensor 14, and vibration sensor 15 each include signal acquisition units 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a, respectively, for acquiring a device status signal for obtaining the device status, including the operating status of the device to which each sensor is attached.

[0035] Furthermore, the device status detection sensor 1 is configured to connect to the network 101 and transmit device status signals. Specifically, the open / close sensor 11, temperature and humidity sensor 12, temperature and humidity sensor 13, current sensor 14, and vibration sensor 15 are connected to the network 101 and include communication units 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, and 15b, respectively, which transmit device status signals acquired by their respective signal acquisition units (signal acquisition units 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, and 15a). The communication units 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, and 15b are communication interfaces. The communication units 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, and 15b are configured to perform wireless communication with the repeater 4 using wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi.

[0036] The data including the device status signals to server 2 may be uploaded discretely at predetermined intervals (time intervals), or it may be uploaded in real time. Alternatively, the device status detection sensor 1 may have a memory for storing the device status signals between upload timings, and the data including the device status signals between upload timings may be uploaded to server 2 in batches at predetermined intervals (time intervals).

[0037] Each communication unit (communication units 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, and 15b) of the equipment status detection sensor 1 (on / off sensor 11, temperature / humidity sensor 12, temperature / humidity sensor 13, current sensor 14, and vibration sensor 15) transmits, for example, a sensor-specific ID, sensor type, sensor name, sensor model number, type of data detected by the sensor (current, voltage, temperature, and humidity, etc.), data acquisition date and time, the value of the data acquired by the sensor, and the unit of the value of the data acquired by the sensor, via the repeater 4 and network 101, and uploads them to server 2.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the device status acquisition unit 22 acquires a device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor 1 via the network 101, and processes the acquired device status signal using a corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a based on device identification information for identifying the device and sensor identification information for identifying the device status detection sensor 1 attached to the device, thereby acquiring the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor 1 has been retrofitted.

[0039] The device identification information includes, for example, the name or model number of the device to which the device status detection sensor 1 is retrofitted. The sensor identification information includes, for example, the name or model number of the sensor of the device status detection sensor 1. The device status acquisition unit 22 may also identify the user, device, and sensor based on the IP address or the like.

[0040] In the device status management system 100, the method of processing the device status signal data in the device status acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 differs depending on the type of sensor used as the device status detection sensor 1, the type of data detected by the sensor used as the device status detection sensor 1, and the type of device to which the sensor used as the device status detection sensor 1 is retrofitted. Details of the processing of the device status signal according to each device will be described later.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the memory unit 21 stores signal processing algorithms 21a corresponding to each of the following combinations: the open / close sensor 11 and the safety cabinet 31, the temperature and humidity sensor 12 and the refrigerator 32, the temperature and humidity sensor 13 and the CO2 incubator 33, the current sensor 14 and the centrifugal separator 34, and the vibration sensor 15 and the pump 35.

[0042] The open / close sensor 11 is configured to detect the opening and closing of an openable door 31a (see Figure 3) provided on the safety cabinet 31. The open / close sensor 11 is configured to acquire an equipment status signal based on the opening and closing of the door 31a of the safety cabinet 31 using a signal acquisition unit 11a, and to transmit the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 11a from the communication unit 12b. The open / close sensor 11 is, for example, a magnetic door sensor. In the first embodiment, a magnet 6 is retrofitted to the door 31a in accordance with the open / close sensor 11. The signal acquisition unit 11a detects the magnetic force of the magnet 6 retrofitted to the door 31a and acquires the signal that changes based on the opening and closing of the door 31a as an equipment status signal.

[0043] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the open / closed state of the door 31a of the safety cabinet 31 as the operating status of the safety cabinet 31, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit 11b of the open / closed sensor 11 based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0044] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to acquire the open / closed state of the door 31a by processing the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 11a of the open / closed sensor 11 based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 then obtains information as equipment status information of the safety cabinet 31, indicating whether or not the safety cabinet 31 is in use, from the open / closed state of the door 31a acquired based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0045] The temperature and humidity sensor 12 is configured to detect the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator 32. The temperature and humidity sensor 12 acquires an equipment status signal based on the temperature inside the refrigerator 32 via the signal acquisition unit 12a, and also acquires an equipment status signal based on the humidity inside the refrigerator 32. The temperature and humidity sensor 12 is configured to transmit the equipment status signals acquired by the signal acquisition unit 12a via the communication unit 12b.

[0046] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the temperature inside the refrigerator 32 as an operating status of the refrigerator 32, by processing equipment status signals transmitted from the communication unit 12b of the temperature and humidity sensor 12. Furthermore, the equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the humidity inside the refrigerator 32 as an operating status of the refrigerator 32, by processing the equipment status signals transmitted from the communication unit 12b of the temperature and humidity sensor 12 based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0047] The device status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 records (saves) the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator 32 detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 12 in the storage unit 21. The device status acquisition unit 22 is configured to generate a graph showing the changes in temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator 32 over time, as device status information of the refrigerator 32, based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0048] The temperature and humidity sensor 13 is configured to detect the temperature and humidity inside the CO2 incubator 33. The temperature and humidity sensor 13 acquires an equipment status signal based on the temperature inside the CO2 incubator 33 via the signal acquisition unit 13a, and also acquires an equipment status signal based on the humidity inside the refrigerator 32. The temperature and humidity sensor 13 is configured to transmit the equipment status signals acquired by the signal acquisition unit 13a via the communication unit 13b.

[0049] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the temperature inside the CO2 incubator 33 as the operating status of the CO2 incubator 33, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit 13b of the temperature and humidity sensor 13. Furthermore, the equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the humidity inside the CO2 incubator 33 as the operating status of the CO2 incubator 33, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit 13b of the temperature and humidity sensor 13 based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0050] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 records (saves) the temperature and humidity inside the CO2 incubator 33, detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 13, in the storage unit 21. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 is configured to generate a graph showing the changes in temperature and humidity inside the CO2 incubator 33 over time, as information on the equipment status of the CO2 incubator 33, based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0051] The current sensor 14 is configured to detect the current consumption of the centrifugal separator 34. The current sensor 14 is configured to acquire an equipment status signal based on the current consumption of the centrifugal separator 34 by the signal acquisition unit 14a, and to transmit the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 14a from the communication unit 14b. The current sensor 14 is attached to the power plug 34a of the centrifugal separator 34 and is configured to detect the current consumption of the centrifugal separator 34.

[0052] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including power consumption as an operating status of the centrifuge 34, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit 14b of the current sensor 14 based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0053] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to acquire the power consumption of the centrifuge 34 from the current consumption at predetermined unit time intervals acquired by the current sensor 14, based on a corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a, and to analyze the operating status of the centrifuge 34. Specifically, the equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 determines whether the centrifuge 34 is in a standby state, stopped state, or operating state based on whether the acquired power consumption of the centrifuge 34 exceeds a threshold set based on the power consumption specified in the specifications of the centrifuge 34. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 then acquires information on whether the centrifuge 34 is in a standby state, stopped state, or operating state as equipment status information for the centrifuge 34.

[0054] The vibration sensor 15 is configured to detect vibrations of the pump 35. The vibration sensor 15 is configured to acquire an equipment status signal based on the vibrations of the pump 35 using a signal acquisition unit 15a, and to transmit the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 15a from a communication unit 15b.

[0055] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the vibration of the pump 35 as the operating status of the pump 35, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit 15b of the vibration sensor 15 based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0056] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 acquires whether the pump 35 is operating or not from the equipment status, including the vibration of the pump 35 acquired by the vibration sensor 15, based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 then acquires information on the operating state of the pump 35 as equipment status information for the pump 35. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 also acquires the vibration pattern of the pump 35 from the equipment status, including the vibration of the pump 35 acquired by the vibration sensor 15, based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 then determines whether the pump 35 is vibrating abnormally or not based on the acquired vibration pattern of the pump 35. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 then acquires information on whether the operating state of the pump 35 is normal as equipment status information for the pump 35.

[0057] Server 2 also has a schedule management function that manages the user's equipment usage schedule. The schedule management function provided by Server 2 allows users to view the equipment usage status, reserve equipment use, change reservations, and cancel reservations.

[0058] Furthermore, Server 2 is configured to acquire the device status, including the operating status of the device, transmitted from the communication unit (communication units 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, and 15b) of the device status detection sensor 1 via Network 101, and to transmit schedule information, which associates the device status including the operating status of the device, to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54) via Network 101. Specifically, schedule information, which displays the actual operating status of the device along with the schedule indicating the reservation for use of the device, is transmitted to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54) via Network 101.

[0059] Furthermore, the server 2 is configured to notify user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54) if the value based on the device status signal exceeds a predetermined threshold set based on the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor 1. In the first embodiment, the server 2 is configured to notify user terminals if the value based on the device status signal exceeds a predetermined threshold set based on the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0060] Specifically, if the temperature inside the refrigerator 32, based on the device status signal acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor 12, exceeds the set temperature range of the refrigerator 32, a warning (alert) will be issued via display or sound using the user terminal (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). Similarly, if the humidity inside the refrigerator 32, based on the device status signal acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor 12, exceeds the set humidity range of the refrigerator 32, a warning will be issued via display or sound using the user terminal.

[0061] Furthermore, if the temperature value inside the CO2 incubator 33, based on the equipment status signal acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor 13, exceeds the set temperature range of the CO2 incubator 33, a warning (alert) will be issued via display or sound using the user terminal (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). Also, if the humidity value inside the CO2 incubator 33, based on the equipment status signal acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor 13, exceeds the set humidity range of the CO2 incubator 33, a warning will be issued via display or sound using the user terminal.

[0062] Furthermore, if the open / closed state of the safety cabinet 31, which is determined based on the equipment status signal acquired by the open / closed sensor 11, exceeds a predetermined time, a warning (alert) may be issued by display or sound if the door 31a of the safety cabinet 31 is left open.

[0063] Furthermore, if the power consumption value of the centrifuge 34 based on the equipment status signal acquired by the current sensor 14 exceeds the specified power consumption value, a warning (alert) may be issued by display or sound indicating that the power consumption of the centrifuge 34 is abnormal.

[0064] Furthermore, if the waveform of the vibration pattern of the pump 35, obtained based on the equipment status signal acquired by the vibration sensor 15, exceeds a predetermined range, a warning (alert) may be issued by display or sound indicating that abnormal vibration is occurring in the pump 35.

[0065] (Process flow for acquiring device status information) Next, the processing flow for acquiring device status information by the device status management system 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Prior to the processing shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 21 of the server 2 has a signal processing algorithm 21a for processing device status signals according to the combination of device and device status detection sensor 1 stored in advance.

[0066] First, in step 901, an equipment status signal is acquired. In step 901, an equipment status signal, including the operating status of the equipment used by the user, is acquired by an equipment status detection sensor 1 retrofitted to the equipment. After the completion of step 901, the processing steps proceed to step 902. Note that step 901 is an example of the "signal acquisition step" in the claims.

[0067] In step 902, a device status signal is transmitted from the device status detection sensor 1 via the network 101. After the completion of step 902, the processing steps proceed to step 903. Step 902 is an example of the "signal transmission step" in the claims.

[0068] In step 903, the device status of the device is acquired. In step 903, the server 2 acquires the device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor 1 in step 902 via the network 101, and processes the acquired device status signal to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor 1 is attached. After the completion of step 903, the processing steps proceed to step 904. Note that step 903 is an example of the "device status acquisition step" in the claims.

[0069] In step 903, the device status signal is processed by a pre-stored signal processing algorithm 21a in order to process the device status signal according to the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor 1. Also in step 903, as described above, the device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor 1 is processed by the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a based on the device identification information and the sensor identification information, and the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor 1 has been retrofitted is obtained.

[0070] In step 904, device status information is transmitted. In step 904, the device status information acquired in step 903 is transmitted to the user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54) via the network 101. After the completion of step 904, the processing steps proceed to step 905. Step 904 is an example of the "device status information transmission step" in the claims.

[0071] In step 905, device status information is displayed. In step 903, the device status information transmitted in step 904 is displayed on the display units (display units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a) of the user terminal (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). After step 905 is completed, the processing steps return to step 901. As a result, the device status information displayed on the user terminal is updated each time a new device status signal is acquired.

[0072] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0073] In the first embodiment, a device status detection sensor 1 (open / close sensor 11, temperature / humidity sensor 12, temperature / humidity sensor 13, current sensor 14, and vibration sensor 15) is attached to the equipment used by the user (safety cabinet 31, refrigerator 32, CO2 incubator 33, centrifuge 34, and pump 35) and connected to the network 101, to acquire device status signals for obtaining the device status, including the operating status of the equipment used by the user. The device status signals transmitted from the device status detection sensor 1 are then acquired by the server 2. As a result, the server 2 can acquire the device status, including the operating status of the equipment used by the user, via the network 101 using the device status detection sensor 1 attached to the equipment used by the user. Consequently, even equipment that does not originally have a function to detect the device status using pre-installed sensors, etc., or a function to connect to the network 101 outside the equipment, can acquire its device status using the device status detection sensor 1 attached to the equipment. Furthermore, the device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor 1 is processed by the server 2 to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor 1 is attached. The acquired device status information is then transmitted to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54) equipped with display units (display units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a). By displaying the acquired device status information on the display unit of the user terminal, the user can easily understand the device status by visually checking the information displayed on the user terminal's display unit. As a result, even for devices that do not originally have a function to detect the device status using pre-installed sensors, etc., and a function to connect to an external network 101, a device status management system 100 and a device status management method can be provided that can be easily managed by the user. In addition, based on device identification information for identifying the device and sensor identification information for identifying the device status detection sensor 1 attached to the device, the device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor 1 is processed by the corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor 1 has been retrofitted.This allows the device status management system 100 to manage multiple devices, and to process the device status signals acquired by the device status detection sensors 1 retrofitted to each of the multiple devices, according to the device status detection sensors 1 and each device. As a result, the status of multiple devices can be managed centrally.

[0074] Furthermore, the following additional effects can be obtained by configuring the equipment status management system 100 according to the first embodiment described above as follows.

[0075] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the equipment status detection sensor 1 provided in the equipment status management system 100 includes a current sensor 14 that detects the current consumption of the centrifuge 34 (equipment). The current sensor 14 is configured to acquire an equipment status signal based on the current consumption of the centrifuge 34 by a signal acquisition unit 14a and to transmit the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 14a from a communication unit 14b. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 is configured to acquire the equipment status, including power consumption as the operating status of the centrifuge 34, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit 14b of the current sensor 14. As a result, the server 2 can acquire information on whether or not the centrifuge 34 is operating as equipment status information for the centrifuge 34, based on the change in the power consumption of the centrifuge 34. As a result, the server 2 can transmit the information on whether or not the centrifuge 34 is operating, acquired by the server 2, as equipment status information to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53 and 54). This allows users to determine whether the centrifuge 34 is operating or not via their user terminal, without having to go to the location where the centrifuge 34 is installed. Furthermore, users can understand the operating rate of the centrifuge 34 from the information displayed on their user terminal indicating whether or not the centrifuge 34 is operating.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the equipment status detection sensor 1 provided in the equipment status management system 100 includes a temperature and humidity sensor 12 that detects the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator 32 (equipment). The temperature and humidity sensor 12 is configured to acquire equipment status signals based on the temperature inside the refrigerator 32 and equipment status signals based on the humidity inside the refrigerator 32 by a signal acquisition unit 12a, and to transmit the acquired equipment status signals from a communication unit 12b. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator 32 as the operating status of the refrigerator 32, by processing the equipment status signals transmitted from the communication unit 12b of the temperature and humidity sensor 12. As a result, the server 2 can transmit the information on the changes in temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator 32 acquired by the server 2 as equipment status information to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). This allows the user to understand the changes in temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator 32, which are acquired by the server 2, by visually viewing the information on the changes in temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator 32 displayed on the user terminal.

[0077] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the equipment status detection sensor 1 provided in the equipment status management system 100 includes a temperature and humidity sensor 13 that detects the temperature and humidity inside the CO2 incubator 33 (equipment). The temperature and humidity sensor 13 is configured to acquire equipment status signals based on the temperature inside the CO2 incubator 33 and equipment status signals based on the humidity inside the CO2 incubator 33 by a signal acquisition unit 13a, and to transmit the acquired equipment status signals from a communication unit 13b. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator 32 as the operating status of the CO2 incubator 33, by processing the equipment status signals transmitted from the communication unit 13b of the temperature and humidity sensor 13. As a result, the server 2 can transmit the information on the changes in temperature and humidity inside the CO2 incubator 33 acquired by the server 2 as equipment status information to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). This allows the user to understand the changes in temperature and humidity inside the CO2 incubator 33, which are acquired by the server 2, by visually viewing the information on the changes in temperature and humidity inside the CO2 incubator 33 displayed on the user terminal.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the equipment status detection sensor 1 provided in the equipment status management system 100 includes an open / close sensor 11 that detects the opening and closing of an openable / closable door 31a provided in the safety cabinet 31 (equipment). The open / close sensor 11 is configured to acquire an equipment status signal based on the opening and closing of the door 31a of the safety cabinet 31 by a signal acquisition unit 11a, and to transmit the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 11a from a communication unit 12b. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the open / closed state of the door 31a of the safety cabinet 31, as the operating status of the safety cabinet 31, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit 11b of the open / close sensor 11. As a result, the server 2 can acquire whether or not the safety cabinet 31 is in use as equipment status information for the safety cabinet 31, based on the open / closed state of the door 31a of the safety cabinet 31. As a result, the server 2 can transmit information on whether or not the safety cabinet 31 is in use as equipment status information to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). This allows users to determine whether or not the safety cabinet 31 is in use without having to go to its location, using their user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). Furthermore, users can understand the utilization rate of the safety cabinet 31 from the information on whether or not the safety cabinet 31 is in use, as obtained by the server 2 and displayed on their user terminals.

[0079] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the equipment status detection sensor 1 provided in the equipment status management system 100 includes a vibration sensor 15 that detects vibrations of the pump 35 (equipment). The vibration sensor 15 is configured to acquire an equipment status signal based on the vibrations of the pump 35 by a signal acquisition unit 15a and to transmit the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 15a from a communication unit 15b. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the vibrations of the pump 35 as the operating status of the pump 35, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit 15b of the vibration sensor 15. As a result, the server 2 can acquire the operating status of the pump 35 as equipment status information from the equipment status, including the vibrations of the pump 35 as the operating status of the pump 35. As a result, the operating status information of the pump 35 acquired by the server 2 can be transmitted as equipment status information to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53 and 54). As a result, users can understand the operating status of the pump 35 from the operating status information of the pump 35 displayed on the user terminal.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, server 2 has a schedule management function that manages the user's equipment usage schedule. Server 2 is configured to acquire equipment status, including the operating status of the equipment, transmitted from the communication unit (communication units 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, and 15b) of the equipment status detection sensor 1 via the network 101, and to transmit schedule information, which associates the equipment status including the operating status of the equipment, to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54) via the network 101. As a result, users can check the operating status of the equipment and the equipment usage schedule on their user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). Consequently, users can compare the equipment usage schedule with the actual operating status of the equipment, allowing them to create equipment usage schedules more efficiently. This makes it possible to increase the utilization rate of the equipment managed by the equipment status management system 100.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the server 2 is configured to notify user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54) if the value based on the device status signal exceeds a predetermined threshold set based on the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor 1. As a result, if an abnormal device status signal is acquired that exceeds a predetermined threshold set based on the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor 1, a notification can be sent to the user terminal. Consequently, even if the user is in a location away from the device, they can quickly become aware of the occurrence of a device malfunction through the notification sent to their user terminal.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the equipment status management system 100 includes a display unit 24a (usage information display unit) that displays sensor usage information, including information on the number and type of equipment status detection sensors 1 used by the user. This allows the provider of the equipment status management system 100 to easily grasp the number and type of equipment status detection sensors 1 used by the user by visually checking the sensor usage information displayed on the display unit 24a. As a result, when providing the equipment status management system 100 as a subscription-type service, the provider of the equipment status management system 100 can easily set the usage fee for users of the equipment status management system 100 according to the number and type of equipment status detection sensors 1 used by the user.

[0083] [Second Embodiment] Referring to Figure 5, the configuration of the equipment status management system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the figure, parts with the same configuration as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0084] In the equipment status management system 200, the equipment status detection sensor 1 includes a weight sensor 16 in addition to an open / close sensor 11, a temperature and humidity sensor 12, a temperature and humidity sensor 13, a current sensor 14, and a vibration sensor 15, as shown in Figure 5. The weight sensor 16 acquires an equipment status signal for obtaining the equipment status, including the usage status of consumables in the equipment.

[0085] The weight sensor 16 includes a signal acquisition unit 16a that acquires equipment status signals. The weight sensor 16 is also connected to the network 101 and includes a communication unit 16b that transmits the equipment status signals acquired by the signal acquisition unit 16a. The communication unit 16b is a communication interface. The communication unit 16b is configured to perform wireless communication with the repeater 4 using a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi.

[0086] The weight sensor 16 is retrofitted to instruments such as analytical devices that consume samples for analysis. The weight sensor 16 measures the weight of the sample used during analysis, which is used as a consumable for the instrument.

[0087] The weight sensor 16 is configured to acquire an equipment status signal based on the change in the weight of the equipment's consumables using a signal acquisition unit 16a, and to transmit the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 16a from the communication unit 16b. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 is configured to acquire the equipment status, which includes the weight of the equipment's consumables as the usage status of the consumables in the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal acquired by the weight sensor 16 based on a signal processing algorithm 21a.

[0088] The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to analyze the usage status of consumables of the equipment based on the change in weight of the consumables of the equipment acquired by the weight sensor 16, using a signal processing algorithm 21a. Specifically, the equipment status acquisition unit 22 of server 2 is configured to calculate the remaining amount of consumables from the change in weight of the consumables of the equipment acquired by the weight sensor 16, and to acquire the calculated remaining amount of consumables as equipment status information.

[0089] Furthermore, if the remaining amount (weight) of consumables of the equipment, as acquired by the equipment status acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 based on the equipment status signal acquired by the weight sensor 16, falls below a predetermined value, a notification may be sent to the user terminal indicating that the consumables of the equipment need to be replenished or replaced.

[0090] The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0091] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0092] In the second embodiment of the device status management system 200, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a device status management system 200 that can be easily managed by a user even if the device does not originally have a function to detect the status of the device using a pre-installed sensor or the like, or a function to connect to an external network 101.

[0093] Furthermore, the equipment status management system 200 according to the second embodiment described above can be configured as follows, thereby achieving the following additional benefits.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the equipment status detection sensor 1 of the equipment status management system 200 includes a weight sensor 16. The weight sensor 16 is configured to acquire an equipment status signal based on the change in the weight of the equipment's consumables via a signal acquisition unit 16a, and to transmit the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit 16a via a communication unit 16b. The equipment status acquisition unit 22 of the server 2 is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the weight of the equipment's consumables as a usage status of the consumables in the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit 16b of the weight sensor 16. As a result, the server 2 can acquire the remaining amount of consumables as equipment status information from the weight of the consumables in the equipment. Consequently, the server 2 can transmit the information on the remaining amount of consumables acquired by the server 2 as equipment status information to user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54). As a result, users can understand the remaining amount of consumables in the equipment via their user terminal without having to directly check the equipment. Furthermore, users can easily determine whether or not consumables for the equipment need to be replenished or replaced based on the information on the usage status of consumables sent to their terminal.

[0095] Furthermore, the other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0096] [Differentiation] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (exceptions) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0097] For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, the equipment status management systems 100 and 200 were shown as examples of configurations in which the equipment status management system acquires the equipment status of equipment to which the equipment status detection sensor 1 has been retrofitted, and transmits the acquired equipment status information to a user terminal via the network 101, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the equipment status management system may acquire the equipment status of equipment (such as a chromatograph) that originally has a function to detect the equipment status using a pre-installed sensor and a function to connect to an external network, via the network. Furthermore, the equipment status management system may be configured to manage and transmit to a user terminal via the network the equipment status information of equipment that originally has a function to detect the equipment status using a pre-installed sensor and a function to connect to an external network, in addition to the equipment status information of equipment to which the equipment status detection sensor has been retrofitted.

[0098] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the acquired device status signal is processed by a corresponding signal processing algorithm 21a based on device identification information for identifying the device and sensor identification information for identifying the device status detection sensor 1 attached to the device, in order to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor 1 has been retrofitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the server may be configured to process the acquired device status signal by a signal processing algorithm selected by the user.

[0099] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the equipment status management systems 100 and 200 were shown as examples including an open / close sensor 11, a temperature / humidity sensor 12, a temperature / humidity sensor 13, a current sensor 14, and a vibration sensor 15 as equipment status detection sensors 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the equipment status management system may include infrared sensors, light sensors, acceleration sensors, gyro sensors, image sensors, sound sensors, pressure sensors, and distance sensors as equipment status detection sensors. In addition, the equipment status management system may be configured to detect whether or not there are people around the workbench using an infrared sensor or distance sensor retrofitted to the workbench, and to acquire the usage status of the workbench.

[0100] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the equipment state detection sensor 1 includes temperature and humidity sensors 12 and 13, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor may be provided individually. Also, the temperature sensor may include a thermocouple.

[0101] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which one sensor is retrofitted to a single device as a device state detection sensor, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, multiple sensors may be retrofitted to a single device. In this case, the server's memory unit stores a signal processing algorithm for acquiring the device state of a device using multiple device state signals. Then, in the server, the device state of the device is acquired by processing the multiple device state signals based on the signal processing algorithm for acquiring the device state of a device using multiple device state signals. In other words, the device state management system (the server's device state acquisition unit) may acquire the device state of a device based on the detection results of multiple (two or more) sensors.

[0102] Furthermore, although the first and second embodiments described above show an example where the opening / closing sensor 11 is a magnetic door sensor, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the opening and closing of the device door may be detected by a distance sensor.

[0103] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show an example in which the server 2 has a schedule management function for managing the user's equipment usage schedule, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the server may be configured to acquire equipment status and transmit equipment status information over the network without having a schedule management function.

[0104] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the server 2 notifies user terminals (PC 51, smartphones 52, 53, and 54) when a value based on the device status signal exceeds a predetermined threshold set based on the signal processing algorithm 21a, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a threshold for the server to notify may be set based on a combination of the device and the device status detection sensor, separate from the signal processing algorithm. Also, the device status management system does not need to set a threshold for the value based on the device status signal. That is, the server may be configured to transmit device status information over the network without making notifications in response to the value based on the device status signal.

[0105] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, for the sake of explanation, the processing in the device status management system of the present invention was explained using a flow-driven flowchart that processes the processes sequentially according to the processing flow, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the processing in the device status management system may be performed by event-driven processing, which executes processing on an event-by-event basis. In this case, the processing in the device status management system may be performed entirely by event-driven processing, or by a combination of event-driven and flow-driven processing.

[0106] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which sensor usage information, including information on the number and type of equipment status detection sensors 1 used by the user, is displayed on the display unit 24a (usage information display unit), the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, algorithm usage information, including information on at least one of the number and type of signal processing algorithms used by the user, may be transmitted from the server to the usage information display unit, and algorithm usage information, including information on at least one of the number and type of signal processing algorithms used by the user, may be displayed on the usage information display unit. In this case, the provider of the equipment status management system can easily grasp at least one of the number and type of signal processing algorithms used by the user by visually inspecting the algorithm usage information displayed on the usage information display unit. As a result, when providing the equipment status management system as a subscription-type service, the provider of the equipment status management system can easily set the usage fee for users of the equipment status management system according to at least one of the number and type of signal processing algorithms used by the user.

[0107] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the display unit 24a (usage information display unit) displays sensor usage information including the number and type of equipment status detection sensors 1 used by the user, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the usage information display unit may display sensor usage information including only one of the number and type of equipment status detection sensors used by the user. In addition, in the present invention, the usage information display unit may display algorithm usage information including only one of the number and type of signal processing algorithms used by the user.

[0108] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples where the usage fee for the equipment status management system 100 is set based on the number and type of equipment status detection sensors 1 when the equipment status management system is provided as a subscription-type service, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, when the equipment status management system is provided as a subscription-type service, the usage fee for the equipment status management system may be set based on one of the following: the type of equipment status detection sensor used by the user, the number of equipment status detection sensors, the type of signal processing algorithm, or the number of signal processing algorithms. Alternatively, the usage fee for the equipment status management system may be set based on two or more of the following: the type of equipment status detection sensor used by the user, the number of equipment status detection sensors, the type of signal processing algorithm, and the number of signal processing algorithms, excluding the combinations of the number and type of equipment status detection sensors shown in the first and second embodiments above. Alternatively, the usage fee for the equipment status management system may be automatically set by the server based on at least one of the following: the type of equipment status detection sensor used by the user, the number of equipment status detection sensors, the type of signal processing algorithm, and the number of signal processing algorithms.

[0109] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which sensor usage information is transmitted from server 2, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the device status management system may have a separate server for service management of the device status management system, in addition to the server for device status management that transmits device status information to user terminals via the network, and the service management server may transmit usage information of at least one of sensor usage information and algorithm usage information. The usage fee for the device status management system may be automatically set by the service management server based on at least one of the sensor usage information and algorithm usage information.

[0110] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show an example where the usage information display unit that displays sensor usage information (usage information) is a display unit 24a connected to a PC 24, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the usage information display unit that displays at least one of the usage information, which is either sensor usage information or algorithm usage information, may be a display of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet connected to a server via a network. Alternatively, the usage information display unit that displays at least one of the usage information, which is either sensor usage information or algorithm usage information, may be a display directly connected to a server.

[0111] [Aspect] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0112] (Item 1) The system includes a signal acquisition unit that acquires an equipment status signal to obtain the equipment status, which includes at least one of the operating status of the equipment used by the user and the usage status of consumables in the equipment, and a communication unit that is connected to a network and transmits the equipment status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit, and is used as an equipment status detection sensor that is retrofitted to the equipment. The system includes: a device status acquisition unit that is connected to a network and acquires the device status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the device status detection sensor via the network, and acquires the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor is attached by processing the acquired device status signal; and a server including a storage unit that stores a signal processing algorithm for processing the device status signal according to the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor. The device status acquisition unit is configured to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor has been retrofitted, by processing the device status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the device status detection sensor using a corresponding signal processing algorithm, based on device identification information for identifying the device and sensor identification information for identifying the device status detection sensor attached to the device. The aforementioned server is configured to transmit information about the device status acquired by the device status acquisition unit to a user terminal equipped with a display unit, via a network, in a device status management system.

[0113] (Item 2) The equipment status management system according to item 1, wherein the equipment status detection sensor, which is retrofitted to the equipment and includes the signal acquisition unit and the communication unit, includes at least one of the following: a current sensor for detecting the current consumption of the equipment; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the equipment; a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity inside the equipment; an open / close sensor for detecting the opening and closing of an openable / closable door provided on the equipment; a weight sensor for measuring the weight of consumables of the equipment; and a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations of the equipment.

[0114] (Item 3) The aforementioned device state detection sensor includes the current sensor which is retrofitted to the device. The current sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the current consumption of the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to item 2, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including power consumption as the operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the current sensor.

[0115] (Item 4) The aforementioned equipment status detection sensor includes the temperature sensor which is retrofitted to the equipment. The temperature sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the temperature inside the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to item 2 or 3, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the temperature inside the equipment as the operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the temperature sensor.

[0116] (Item 5) The aforementioned equipment status detection sensor includes the humidity sensor which is retrofitted to the equipment. The humidity sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the humidity inside the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the humidity inside the equipment as the operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the humidity sensor.

[0117] (Item 6) The aforementioned device state detection sensor includes the aforementioned open / close sensor which is retrofitted to the device. The opening / closing sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the opening and closing of the device door using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the open / closed state of the door of the equipment as the operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the open / closed sensor.

[0118] (Item 7) The aforementioned equipment status detection sensor includes the vibration sensor which is retrofitted to the equipment. The vibration sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the vibration of the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to any one of items 2 to 6, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the vibration of the equipment as the operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the vibration sensor.

[0119] (Item 8) The aforementioned equipment state detection sensor includes the weight sensor which is retrofitted to the equipment. The weight sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the change in the weight of the consumables of the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to any one of items 2 to 7, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the weight of the consumables of the equipment as the usage status of the consumables of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal acquired by the weight sensor.

[0120] (Item 9) The equipment status management system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the server has a schedule management function for managing the usage schedule of the equipment by the user, and is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the operating status of the equipment transmitted from the communication unit of the equipment status detection sensor, via the network, and to transmit schedule information associated with the equipment status, including the operating status of the equipment, to the user terminal via the network.

[0121] (Item 10) The device status management system according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the server is configured to notify the user terminal when the value based on the device status signal exceeds a predetermined threshold set based on the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor.

[0122] (Item 11) The device status management system according to any one of items 1 to 10, further comprising a usage information display unit that displays usage information of at least one of the following: sensor usage information including information on the number and type of device status detection sensors used by the user, and algorithm usage information including information on the number and type of signal processing algorithms corresponding to the device status detection sensors used by the user.

[0123] (Item 12) A signal acquisition step involves acquiring an equipment status signal, which includes at least one of the operating status of the equipment used by the user and the usage status of consumables in the equipment, using an equipment status detection sensor retrofitted to the equipment. A signal transmission step of transmitting the device status signal from the device status detection sensor via the network, A device status acquisition step in which the server acquires the device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor in the signal transmission step via the network, and processes the acquired device status signal to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor is attached, The system includes a device status information transmission step that transmits the device status information acquired in the device status acquisition step to a user terminal equipped with a display unit via a network, A device status management method comprising the steps of acquiring the device status, wherein the device status acquisition step includes processing the device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor using a pre-stored signal processing algorithm corresponding to a combination of the device and the device status detection sensor, based on device identification information for identifying the device and sensor identification information for identifying the device attached to the device, to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor has been retrofitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 1. Equipment status detection sensor 2 servers 11. Open / Close Sensor 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a Signal acquisition section 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b, 15b, 16b Communication Department 12, 13 Temperature and humidity sensors (temperature sensor, humidity sensor) 14 Current Sensor 15. Vibration Sensor 16. Weight sensor 21 Memory section 21a Signal Processing Algorithms 22 Equipment Status Acquisition Unit 24a Display section (Usage information display section) 31. Safety Cabinet (Equipment) 31a Door 32 Refrigerator (appliance) 33. CO2 Incubator (Equipment) 34. Centrifugal separator (equipment) 35 Pumps (equipment) 51 PC (User Terminal) 52, 53, 54 Smartphone (user device) 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a Display section 100, 200 Equipment Status Management System 101 Network

Claims

1. The system includes a signal acquisition unit that acquires device status signals to obtain device status, which includes at least one of the operating status of multiple devices used by the user and the usage status of consumables in the multiple devices, and a communication unit that is connected to a network and transmits the device status signals acquired by the signal acquisition unit, and a plurality of device status detection sensors that are retrofitted to each of the multiple devices, The system includes: a device status acquisition unit that is connected to a network and acquires the device status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the device status detection sensor via the network, and acquires the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor is attached by processing the acquired device status signal; and a server including a storage unit that stores a plurality of signal processing algorithms for processing the device status signal according to the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor. The device status acquisition unit is configured to acquire the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor has been retrofitted, by processing the device status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the device status detection sensor using a corresponding signal processing algorithm, based on device identification information for identifying the device and sensor identification information for identifying the device status detection sensor attached to the device. The server has a schedule management function that manages the usage schedules of multiple devices by the user, and is configured to transmit schedule information to a user terminal equipped with a display unit, via the network, which simultaneously displays a usage reservation schedule indicating the usage reservations of multiple devices and the actual operating status of the multiple devices. A device status management system further comprising a usage information display unit that displays algorithm usage information including information on at least one of the number and type of signal processing algorithms corresponding to the device status detection sensor used by the user.

2. The device status management system according to claim 1, wherein the device status detection sensor, which is retrofitted to the device and includes the signal acquisition unit and the communication unit, includes at least one of the following: a current sensor for detecting the current consumption of the device; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the device; a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity inside the device; an open / close sensor for detecting the opening and closing of an openable / closable door provided on the device; a weight sensor for measuring the weight of consumables of the device; and a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations of the device.

3. The aforementioned device state detection sensor includes the current sensor which is retrofitted to the device. The current sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the current consumption of the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to claim 2, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including power consumption as an operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the current sensor.

4. The aforementioned equipment status detection sensor includes the temperature sensor which is retrofitted to the equipment. The temperature sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the temperature inside the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the temperature inside the equipment as the operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the temperature sensor.

5. The aforementioned equipment status detection sensor includes the humidity sensor which is retrofitted to the equipment. The humidity sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the humidity inside the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the humidity inside the equipment as the operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the humidity sensor.

6. The aforementioned device state detection sensor includes the aforementioned open / close sensor which is retrofitted to the device. The opening / closing sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the opening and closing of the device door using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the open / closed state of the door of the equipment as the operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the opening / closing sensor.

7. The aforementioned equipment status detection sensor includes the vibration sensor which is retrofitted to the equipment. The vibration sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the vibration of the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the vibration of the equipment as the operating status of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the communication unit of the vibration sensor.

8. The aforementioned equipment state detection sensor includes the weight sensor which is retrofitted to the equipment. The weight sensor is configured to acquire a device status signal based on the change in the weight of the consumables of the device using the signal acquisition unit, and to transmit the device status signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit from the communication unit. The equipment status management system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the equipment status acquisition unit of the server is configured to acquire the equipment status, including the weight of the consumables of the equipment as the usage status of the consumables of the equipment, by processing the equipment status signal acquired by the weight sensor.

9. The device status management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the server is configured to notify the user terminal when the value based on the device status signal exceeds a predetermined threshold set based on the combination of the device and the device status detection sensor.

10. The equipment status management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the usage information display unit further displays sensor usage information including information on at least one of the number and type of equipment status detection sensors used by the user.

11. A signal acquisition step in which a device status signal is acquired by a plurality of device status detection sensors retrofitted to each of the plurality of devices, for acquiring the device status, which includes at least one of the operating status of a plurality of devices used by the user and the usage status of consumables in the plurality of said devices, A signal transmission step of transmitting the device status signal from the device status detection sensor via the network, A server having a schedule management function for managing the usage schedules of multiple devices by the user acquires the device status signal transmitted from the device status detection sensor via the network in the signal transmission step, and acquires the device status of the device to which the device status detection sensor is attached by processing the acquired device status signal, and The system includes a device status information transmission step that transmits, via a network, schedule information to a user terminal equipped with a display unit, which simultaneously displays a usage reservation schedule indicating the usage reservations of multiple devices and the actual operating status of multiple devices acquired in the device status acquisition step. The equipment status acquisition step includes a step of acquiring the equipment status of the equipment to which the equipment status detection sensor has been retrofitted, by processing the equipment status signal transmitted from the equipment status detection sensor using a signal processing algorithm from a plurality of pre-stored signal processing algorithms that corresponds to the combination of the equipment and the equipment status detection sensor, based on equipment identification information for identifying the equipment and sensor identification information for identifying the equipment attached to the equipment, A device status management method further comprising the step of displaying algorithm usage information on a usage information display unit, which includes information on at least one of the number and type of signal processing algorithms corresponding to the device status detection sensor used by the user.

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