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

Abstract

To provide a display method, or the like, capable of supporting introduction of a function of a device management system.SOLUTION: A display method includes the steps of: displaying a first screen indicating a first function of a device management system 20 which is available depending on the authority defined for each predetermined group, on a display unit 32 of an information terminal 30; and displaying a first operated region for transitioning to a second screen for describing a second function of the device management system 20 which is available when the authority is extended, on the display unit 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a power management system that estimates the power consumption for each of various power systems such as an air conditioning system, a lighting system, and a power outlet system in a building (for example, a building) that is a facility to be managed, and performs a display that can be recognized by people. In the power management system, a PAC air conditioner, an entrance and exit management system, and a lighting control system are connected to a power monitoring device via a network line (see, for example, Patent Document 1). <00000!0>

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a display method and the like that can assist in the introduction of the functions of an equipment management system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A display method according to an aspect of the present invention is a display method executed by an information terminal capable of communicating with an equipment management system that manages equipment provided in a facility, and includes a step of displaying, on a display unit of the information terminal, a first screen indicating a first function of the equipment management system that can be used by a privilege defined for each predetermined group, and a step of displaying, on the display unit, a first operable area for transitioning to a second screen for explaining a second function of the equipment management system that can be used when the privilege is extended.

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

[0007] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system that can communicate with an equipment management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, and comprises a display unit and an information processing unit that displays on the display unit a first screen showing a first function of the equipment management system that can be used according to the authority set for each predetermined group, and the information processing unit displays on the display unit a first operable area for transitioning to a second screen for explaining a second function of the equipment management system that can be used when the authority is extended.

[0008] An equipment management system according to one aspect of the present invention is an equipment management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, comprising a communication unit that communicates with an information terminal having a display unit, wherein the communication unit transmits to the information terminal information for displaying on the display unit a first screen showing a first function of the equipment management system that can be used according to the authority set for each predetermined group, and transmits to the information terminal information for displaying on the display unit a first operated area for transitioning to a second screen explaining a second function of the equipment management system that can be used when the authority is extended.

[0009] A communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer system for managing equipment installed in a facility, and is performed by a computer system capable of communicating with an information terminal having a display unit, wherein the communication method includes transmitting to the information terminal information for displaying on the display unit a first screen showing a first function of the computer system that can be used according to the authority defined for each predetermined group, and transmitting to the information terminal information for displaying on the display unit a first operated area for transitioning to a second screen explaining a second function of the computer system that can be used when the authority is extended.

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

[0011] The display method and other features of the present invention can support the introduction of functions in a device management system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the display system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the first management screen for a management point. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of registration information. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram of operation example 1 of the display system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of management information. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the second management screen for a management point. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the third management screen for a management point. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the alarm list screen. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram of operation example 2 of the display system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a menu screen. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a feature introduction screen. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a first example of a modified menu screen. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a second example of a modified menu screen. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the detailed screen for management points. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a display system according to a modification example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0014] Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and redundant descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

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

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

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

[0018] The equipment management system 20 is a system for managing equipment installed in the facility 90. Specifically, the equipment management system 20 manages equipment in units of management points corresponding to the equipment. One management point may be associated with one piece of equipment, or multiple management points may be associated with one piece of equipment. For example, if a lighting fixture 21 is managed for both its lighting status (on or off) and its malfunction (not lighting), then two management points may be associated with the lighting fixture 21.

[0019] The equipment management system 20 can control and monitor equipment installed in facility 90 as part of its management point management. Specifically, the equipment management system 20 comprises multiple lighting fixtures 21, multiple air conditioning fixtures 22, multiple measuring instruments 23, a control device 24, a gateway device 25, and a server system 26. The multiple lighting fixtures 21, multiple air conditioning fixtures 22, multiple measuring instruments 23, the control device 24, and the gateway device 25 are installed in facility 90, while the server system 26 is installed outside facility 90. "Installed in facility 90" can be rephrased as "installed on the premises of facility 90." If facility 90 is considered as a building, the equipment installed in facility 90 may include not only equipment installed inside the building but also equipment installed outside the building.

[0020] Lighting equipment 21, air conditioning equipment 22, and measuring equipment 23 are each examples of equipment installed in facility 90. Lighting equipment 21 is equipment that illuminates the space within facility 90, and air conditioning equipment 22 is equipment that adjusts the temperature of the space within facility 90 by supplying temperature-controlled air. Measuring equipment 23 is equipment that measures the energy consumption (electricity) within facility 90. Measuring equipment 23 may also be a sensor (sensing device). Specifically, measuring equipment 23 may be equipment that senses the state of the space within facility 90, such as the presence or absence of people, the number of people, and the state of the environment, such as temperature, humidity, and brightness. The number of lighting equipment 21, air conditioning equipment 22, and measuring equipment 23 provided by the equipment management system 20 is not particularly limited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0034] After the application program is installed on the information terminal 30, user registration is performed. As a result of user registration, the server system 26 stores information about one or more users who share the management screen shown in Figure 2 and the alarm information list screen (described later) as registered information. Figure 3 shows an example of the registered information stored in the storage unit 29 of the server system 26. The registered information is associated with the ID of the installed application program and the username.

[0035] In the following embodiments, the application program will be abbreviated as "app," and the application program ID will be abbreviated as "app ID." In the registration information, contact information such as an email address may be associated with the app ID. In addition, permissions may be associated with the registration information; in the example in Figure 4, the presence or absence of administrator privileges is associated.

[0036] [Example of operation 1] The following describes an example of operation (Operation Example 1) performed by the display system 10 to display the management screen (Figure 2). Figure 4 is a sequence diagram of Operation Example 1 of the display system 10. Note that the gateway device 25 is not shown in the sequence diagram of Figure 4.

[0037] The control device 24 manages the status of devices such as lighting equipment 21, air conditioning equipment 22, and measuring equipment 23 that are connected to the control device 24 via communication. For example, it sends notification information to the server system 26 (via the gateway device 25) to notify the status of a management point (S11). The notification information is sent periodically from the control device 24 to the server system 26, but may also be sent from the control device 24 to the server system 26 triggered by a change in the status of a management point. Alternatively, the notification information may be sent from the control device 24 to the server system 26 upon request from the server system 26.

[0038] The communication unit 27 of the server system 26 receives notification information. The information processing unit 28 updates the management information stored in the storage unit 29 based on the received notification information (S12). Figure 5 shows an example of management information.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the management information includes the management point No. (ID of the management point), the ID of the map on which the management point is displayed, the 2D coordinates of the management point on the map, the ID of the equipment corresponding to the management point, the equipment name, the type of management point, and the most recent status of the management point.

[0040] Of the management information, information other than the most recent status of the management point is fixed information that is registered (set) in advance. This fixed information may be registered by the server system 26 acquiring (reusing) similar information stored in the control device 24, or it may be newly registered in the server system 26 separately from the information stored in the control device 24.

[0041] The notification information includes, for example, the ID of the management point and information indicating the current (most recent) status of the management point. The information processing unit 28 can update the most recent status of the management point from the management information each time it receives notification information.

[0042] Here, the information terminal 30 on which the above application is installed can visualize the information contained in such management information and present it to the user as a management screen (Figure 2).

[0043] For example, the user performs a predetermined operation to instruct the information terminal 30 to run the above application, and the operation reception unit 31 receives the predetermined operation (S13). Once the operation reception unit 31 receives the predetermined operation, the information processing unit 34 sends a request to display the management screen to the server system 26 using the communication unit 33 (S14). In other words, the communication unit 33 sends a display request to the server system 26. The display request includes the application ID of the application installed on the information terminal 30.

[0044] The communication unit 27 of the server system 26 receives a display request. Based on the received display request, the information processing unit 28 uses the communication unit 27 to send display screen information for visualizing management information and displaying it as a management screen to the information terminal 30 (S15). In other words, the communication unit 27 sends display screen information to the information terminal 30.

[0045] The communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives display screen information. The information processing unit 34 displays the management screen (Figure 2) on the display unit 32 based on the received display screen information (S16).

[0046] Furthermore, the same processing as in steps S13 to S16 is performed when the administration screen is updated and when screen transitions occur in response to user actions. If the administration screen is automatically updated (described later), the processing in step S13 is omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, the same processing as in steps S13 to S16 is performed when the menu screen, introduction screen, and the area to be operated are displayed, as described later. Specifically, information for displaying the menu screen, introduction screen, or area to be operated is transmitted (output) from the communication unit 27 of the server system 26 to the information terminal 30, and the information processing unit 34 of the information terminal 30 displays the menu screen, introduction screen, or area to be operated on the display unit 32.

[0048] [Management screen] The administration screen has three tabs: "Graphics," "Related Lists," and "Points." Figure 2 shows the first administration screen when the "Graphics" tab is selected.

[0049] The first management screen is a screen that displays a map of at least a portion of the facility 90. Circular objects indicating the locations of management points are displayed on the map of the first management screen. In the example in Figure 2, 10 circular objects are displayed on the map. The shape of the objects indicating the locations of management points is not particularly limited.

[0050] The circular object's display changes depending on the current state of the management point it represents. For example, if the management point manages two states, on or off, it will display a first color (e.g., green) when on and a second color (e.g., red) different from the first when off. This display is achieved by associating the management point No. (ID of the management point), the ID of the map on which the management point is displayed, the 2D coordinates of the management point on the map, and the current state of the management point in the management information (Figure 5).

[0051] Users can update the status of the management point to the latest state by selecting the update button 32a. Additionally, if the automatic update icon 32b in the lower right corner of the screen is turned on, the status of the management point will be automatically updated at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 2 seconds).

[0052] In the first administration screen, the ID of the currently displayed map (corresponding to "0001") and the name of the map (corresponding to "Overall Layout") are displayed above the three tabs. The currently displayed map is, in other words, the selected map. Users can select a map from the second administration screen, which appears when the "Related Lists" tab is selected. Figure 6 shows an example of the second administration screen.

[0053] The storage unit 29 of the server system 26 hierarchically manages multiple maps related to the facility 90, and the second management screen is a map selection screen that shows the hierarchical structure of the multiple maps. On the second management screen, a list of maps related to each map can be displayed. Each of the multiple maps is assigned an ID (corresponding to the map ID in the management information).

[0054] When the "Points" tab is selected from the three tabs, a third management screen is displayed, which shows a list of management points in the selected map. Figure 7 shows an example of the third management screen.

[0055] In the third management screen, management points are displayed in a list, with each unit consisting of a management point number (e.g., P0001), a management point name (e.g., lighting equipment, west side), and a management point type (e.g., individual lighting). In other words, this is a list display.

[0056] The third management screen has a picture icon 32c for each management point. When a user selects a picture icon 32c, they transition from the third management screen to the first management screen. In other words, the picture icon 32c is an operation area used to transition from the third management screen (the screen where management points are listed) to the first management screen (the screen where management points are displayed on the map).

[0057] Furthermore, picture icon 32c does not need to be provided at all management points; it may be provided at only some management points. For example, the presence or absence of picture icon 32c on the third management screen may be determined according to the type of management point or the type of equipment corresponding to the management point.

[0058] [Example of operation 2] The display system 10 can display an alarm list screen on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 to notify the user that an alarm has occurred in the equipment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the alarm list screen. Below, an example of operation (operation example 2) for displaying such an alarm list screen will be described. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram of operation example 2 of the display system 10. Note that the gateway device 25 is not shown in the sequence diagram of Figure 9.

[0059] The control device 24 manages the status of equipment such as lighting equipment 21, air conditioning equipment 22, and measuring equipment 23 that are connected to the control device 24 via communication. When it determines that an abnormality has occurred in the equipment (hereinafter also referred to as an alarm occurring), it sends an alarm notification (via the gateway device 25) to the server system 26 (S21).

[0060] The conditions for determining what state of the equipment triggers an alarm are pre-registered in the control device 24. Examples of these conditions include the lighting equipment 21 not turning on despite a lighting command being sent, the internal temperature of the air conditioning equipment 22 exceeding a predetermined temperature (the air conditioning equipment 22 is overheating), or the measured value of the measuring instrument 23 being outside a predetermined range (an abnormal value).

[0061] The communication unit 27 of the server system 26 receives an alarm notification. The alarm notification includes the ID of the equipment that caused the alarm, information indicating the specific content of the alarm (abnormality), and time information indicating the time the alarm occurred. Based on the received alarm notification, the information processing unit 28 updates the management information stored in the storage unit 29, which is the management information for the equipment installed in the facility 90 (S22). The management information is information that aggregates the alarm notification.

[0062] The processes described above in steps S21 and S22 are performed each time the control device 24 determines that an alarm has been generated in the equipment.

[0063] Furthermore, when the control device 24 determines that the equipment that caused the alarm has recovered, it sends a recovery notification (via the gateway device 25) to the server system 26 (S23).

[0064] The communication unit 27 of the server system 26 receives a recovery notification. The recovery notification includes the ID of the recovered equipment and time information indicating the time of recovery. Based on the received recovery notification, the information processing unit 28 updates the management information stored in the storage unit 29, which is the management information of the equipment installed in the facility 90 (S24).

[0065] The processes described above in steps S23 and S24 are performed each time the control device 24 determines that the equipment has been restored.

[0066] In this way, the server system 26 manages whether an alarm has occurred in equipment installed in facility 90, and whether or not that equipment has been restored, using management information. The information terminal 30 on which the above application is installed can visualize the management information and present it to the user as an alarm list screen (Figure 8).

[0067] For example, the user performs a predetermined operation to instruct the information terminal 30 to run the above application, and the operation reception unit 31 receives the predetermined operation (S25). Once the operation reception unit 31 receives the predetermined operation, the information processing unit 34 sends a request to display the list screen to the server system 26 using the communication unit 33 (S26). In other words, the communication unit 33 sends a display request to the server system 26. The display request includes the application ID of the application installed on the information terminal 30.

[0068] The communication unit 27 of the server system 26 receives a display request. Based on the received display request, the information processing unit 28 transmits display screen information, which visualizes the management information and displays it as an alarm list screen, to the information terminal 30 using the communication unit 27 (S27). In other words, the communication unit 27 transmits display screen information to the information terminal 30. When generating the display screen information, the information processing unit 28 performs processes such as converting the device ID in the management information to the name of a pre-registered device (such as "EF-5-1 Men's Toilet Exhaust Fan" in the alarm list screen in Figure 8).

[0069] The communication unit 33 of the information terminal 30 receives display screen information. The information processing unit 34 displays the alarm list screen (Figure 8) on the display unit 32 based on the received display screen information (S28). The same processing as in steps S25 to S28 is performed when the alarm list screen is updated.

[0070] On the alarm list screen, alarm information for an alarm generated by a single device is displayed in predetermined units. These predetermined units are for each type of alarm, and include alarms related to device malfunctions and alarms related to abnormal device measurements. These units for each type of alarm can also be considered as units for each type of device.

[0071] In the example in Figure 8, one unit of alarm information includes an icon 32d indicating whether the alarm is active or has been resolved, time information 32e, the name of the device 32f, a responder display area 32g, an icon 32h indicating the response status, and a setting icon 32i. Multiple units of alarm information (multiple alarm information units) are sorted and displayed in a list, for example, based on the time information.

[0072] In the above-mentioned predetermined units (unit classifications), the occurrence of an alarm and the recovery from the occurrence of said alarm are considered as one unit (the same unit). Therefore, when the server system 26 receives an alarm notification, one unit of alarm information is generated, and the generated alarm information is updated when the server system 26 receives a recovery notification corresponding to said alarm notification. Specifically, the icon 32d is updated from "alarm occurring" to "recovered," and the time information 32e is updated from the time the alarm occurred to the time the alarm was recovered.

[0073] In addition, within the above-mentioned predetermined units, the occurrence of an alarm and the recovery from the occurrence of said alarm may be treated as separate units. That is, when the server system 26 receives an alarm notification, one unit of alarm information may be generated, and when the server system 26 receives a recovery notification corresponding to said alarm notification, another unit of alarm information may be generated.

[0074] As described above, the display system 10 (communication unit 27 of the server system 26) can transmit (output) information for displaying alarm information of alarms generated in the equipment on the information terminal 30 (display unit 32) in predetermined units.

[0075] In this example, the determination of whether an abnormality occurred in the equipment (an alarm was triggered) was made by the control device 24, but this determination may also be made by the server system 26 based on data collected from the control device 24, etc.

[0076] [Menu screen and feature introduction screen] Incidentally, when the menu screen is displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30, the user can display the management screen or the alarm list screen by performing a predetermined operation. Figure 10 shows an example of the menu screen. As shown in Figure 10, the menu screen is equipped with menus (functions) such as "Alarm List," "Graphics," "Point Search," "History," and "Alarm Email Settings."

[0077] When the menu screen is displayed and "Alarm List" (operated area 32j) is selected, the alarm list screen shown in Figure 9 is displayed. Also, when "Graphics" is selected, the first management screen shown in Figure 2 is displayed.

[0078] When "Point Search" is selected, a search screen for managed points (not shown) is displayed, allowing the user to search (narrow down) managed points by entering search criteria. When "History" is selected, a list of managed point history information is displayed. This function is also called the history function. When "Alert Email" is selected, a settings screen for sending notifications to a designated email address when an alert occurs is displayed.

[0079] As shown above, the menu screen displays a list of functions that can be implemented using the device management system 20. Here, if the first business operator that provides functions (services) using the device management system 20 is different from the second business operator that receives the functions (for example, the business operator to which the user of the information terminal 30 belongs), the functions that the second business operator can use are determined by the contract between the second business operator and the first business operator. For example, whether or not the alarm function (a function that displays an alarm list screen) can be used may differ depending on the contract.

[0080] This contract may be made on a per-contractor (business) basis, with one or more users belonging to it, or on a per-facility basis, with a maximum of 90 facilities. If we express the unit of the contract as a predetermined group, it can be considered that each predetermined group is granted the authority to use the functions.

[0081] Here, if certain functions are unavailable (not contracted), the display system 10 will display an introduction screen for those functions instead of the corresponding display screen when a function is selected on the menu screen. For example, if the alarm function is not contracted and the operated area 32j labeled "Alarm List" is operated, the display system 10 will display an introduction screen for the alarm function instead of the alarm list screen. Figure 11 shows an example of an introduction screen for the alarm function.

[0082] The alarm function introduction screen shown in Figure 11 is an example of a screen used to explain functions that can be used by expanding the permissions beyond the current level. The introduction screen displays at least one of the function's content and its usage conditions.

[0083] The functionality corresponds to the descriptions in Figure 11, such as "You can display the occurrence / recovery status of alarms in chronological order," "You can assign a person in charge of responding to each alarm and share the response status," and "You can record and share the status of each alarm in conjunction with the history function." The conditions for using the functionality correspond to "*Only available to users who have contracted for the history function" in Figure 11.

[0084] Examples of conditions for using a function include the cost required to enable the function, the available contract units, the environments in which it can be used, and the maximum number of alarm information items that can be displayed.

[0085] Furthermore, on the introduction screen, a "Like" button (32k) is displayed as an interactive area for users to rate the features or their descriptions. In the upper right corner of the introduction screen, the total number of users who have pressed the "Like" button (32k) is displayed as the rating status. Once the total number of users is selected, a list of the names of the users who pressed the "Like" button (32k) is displayed. In other words, the rating status includes information about the users who performed the ratings.

[0086] In this way, if the evaluation status is displayed on the introduction screen, it becomes easy to understand the opinions of users who are actually using the display system 10 regarding the extent to which the features introduced on the introduction screen are necessary. Senior users, such as administrators, belonging to the second-party service provider that receives the features can consider introducing uncontracted features based on the evaluation status displayed on the introduction screen. In addition, persons belonging to the first-party service provider that provides the features (such as sales representatives) can propose the introduction of uncontracted features to senior users belonging to the second-party service provider based on the evaluation status displayed on the introduction screen.

[0087] Furthermore, the lower right corner of the referral screen displays the contact information of the first service provider (telephone number and email address, etc.) for implementing uncontracted features. In other words, the referral screen also functions as a display screen for informing users about the start of using uncontracted features. This creates an environment where senior users belonging to the second service provider can easily contact the first service provider to implement uncontracted features.

[0088] In addition, a separate screen may be displayed for notifying the user of the start of use of unsubscribed features. For example, the user may transition from the introduction screen to the screen for notifying the user of the start of use of unsubscribed features. Furthermore, the screen for notifying the user of the start of use of unsubscribed features may not be a contact page, but rather a screen containing an input form for applying for a contract.

[0089] [Example of menu screen] In the menu screen shown in Figure 10, all menus such as "Alarm List," "Graphics," "Point Search," "History," and "Alarm Email Settings" are displayed regardless of whether the function is available or not. However, functions (menus) that are not available on the menu screen do not need to be displayed. Figure 12 shows an example of a menu screen related to such a modification.

[0090] Figure 12 shows the menu screen when the alarm function is unavailable, and "Alarm List" and "Alarm Email Settings" are not displayed. Since the menus for unavailable functions are not displayed in the menu screen of Figure 12, these menus cannot be used as the area to be operated to display the introduction screen. Therefore, the menu screen of Figure 12 is provided with a separate area to be operated 32l for displaying the introduction screen. When the area to be operated 32l is operated, the function introduction screen shown in Figure 11 is displayed.

[0091] In this way, by not displaying unavailable functions as menu items, user errors and other issues are suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, the menu screen may distinguish between available and unavailable functions. Figure 13 shows an example of a menu screen where available and unavailable functions are displayed separately. In Figure 13, the functions located in the "Not Contracted" column correspond to unavailable functions. In such a menu screen, if an uncontracted function is selected, a function introduction screen like that shown in Figure 11 may be displayed.

[0093] By clearly distinguishing between available and unavailable features in this way, user errors and other issues can be suppressed.

[0094] [Example of transitioning from another display screen to a feature introduction screen] In the above embodiment, an example of transitioning from the menu screen to the function introduction screen was described, but the function introduction screen may also be accessed from other display screens. Other display screens include, for example, the management point details screen. Figure 14 shows an example of the management point details screen. The management point details screen shown in Figure 14 is displayed, for example, when the name of the management point is manipulated on the third management screen (Figure 7).

[0095] On the management point details screen, a history function icon 32m is provided for using the history function. The history function icon 32m is displayed regardless of whether the history function is available or not. If the history function is unavailable and the history function icon 32m is operated, an introductory screen for the history function (not shown) is displayed.

[0096] The history function icon 32m may be displayed when the history function is available, and may not be displayed when it is unavailable. Furthermore, the history function icon 32m may be displayed in color when the history function is available, and in gray when it is unavailable. In this case, when the grayed-out history function icon 32m is operated, an introduction screen for the history function may be displayed.

[0097] As explained above, the transition to the function introduction screen can be performed from any of the various display screens that the display system 10 can display.

[0098] [Example of display based on permissions] Incidentally, it is conceivable that contracts for the use of functions may be made on a per-business unit or per 90-facility basis, with the availability of functions varying depending on the individual user's authority (such as whether or not they have administrator privileges as shown in Figure 3). For example, a contract could stipulate that users belonging to the second business unit who have administrator privileges can use the alarm function, but users who do not have administrator privileges cannot.

[0099] In such cases, the display system 10 (server system 26) can perform the following display control. For example, the display system 10 displays the menu screen shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 of a user with administrator privileges (i.e., a user who can use the alarm function), and displays the menu screen shown in Figure 12 on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 of a user who does not have administrator privileges (i.e., a user who cannot use the alarm function). In other words, the menu screen displays items according to the individual user's privileges.

[0100] Furthermore, the display system 10 may display the menu screen shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30, regardless of whether or not the user has administrator privileges. In this case, when a user with administrator privileges (i.e., a user who can use the alarm function) operates the controlled area 32j, the alarm list screen (Figure 8) is displayed, and when a user without administrator privileges (i.e., a user who cannot use the alarm function) operates the controlled area 32j, the alarm function introduction screen (Figure 11) is displayed. In other words, on screens related to the function selected on the menu screen, items corresponding to individual privileges are displayed.

[0101] Thus, the display system 10 may change the menu screen displayed to a user according to the user's individual permissions, or it may change the screen to which the user transitions from the menu screen according to the user's individual permissions. The display system 10 can perform display control according to the user's individual permissions.

[0102] [Example of the introduction screen] In the above embodiment, the introduction screen was a screen that explained the functions using text and images, but it may also be a screen that allows for demonstration operation. Alternatively, a trial may be performed in which the functions can be actually used for a certain period of time, and the introduction screen may be displayed after the expiration of that period.

[0103] Furthermore, the content displayed on the introduction screen may be changed according to the user's individual permissions. Generally, the decision to implement a feature is often made by a user with administrator privileges. Therefore, the display system 10, for example, displays only a description of the feature on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 of a user without administrator privileges, and displays an introduction screen on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 of a user with administrator privileges that includes a description of the feature as well as more detailed information such as price and contact information. This allows the display system 10 to display the introduction screen effectively and efficiently.

[0104] [Modified configuration 1] In the above embodiment, the server system 26 is a system located outside the facility 90, and the control device 24, the server system 26 (communication unit 27), and the information terminal 30 (communication unit 33) communicated using a wide-area communication network. However, the server system 26 may be an on-premise system installed within the facility 90, and the control device 24, the server system 26, and the information terminal 30 may communicate using a local communication network. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a display system according to such a modified example. The display system 10a shown in Figure 15 can perform the same operations as the display system 10.

[0105] [Modified configuration 2] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display of various screens on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 30 was achieved by the information terminal 30 (information processing unit 34) executing an application, but this may also be achieved by executing a general-purpose browser. In other words, the display system 10 (or display system 10a) may be implemented as an open system that does not require the installation of an application.

[0106] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from these examples.

[0107] Invention 1 is a display method performed by an information terminal 30 that can communicate with an equipment management system 20 that manages equipment installed in a facility 90, and includes the steps of: displaying a first screen showing a first function of the equipment management system 20 that can be used by a predetermined group according to the authority set forth for each group on a display unit 32 of the information terminal 30; and displaying a first operable area on the display unit 32 for transitioning to a second screen for explaining a second function of the equipment management system 20 that can be used when the authority is extended. The first screen is, for example, the menu screen in Figure 10 or Figure 12, and the second screen is, for example, the introduction screen in Figure 11. The first operable area is, for example, the operable area 32j or the operable area 32l. The first operable area may be provided on the first screen or on a screen other than the first screen.

[0108] This display method, by showing a second screen, can support the implementation of a second function by higher-level users such as administrators.

[0109] Invention 2 is a display method of Invention 1, wherein the content of the second function is displayed on the second screen.

[0110] This display method, by showing the content of the second function on the second screen, can support the implementation of the second function by senior users.

[0111] Invention 3 is a display method of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the conditions for using the second function are displayed on the second screen.

[0112] This display method can support senior users in implementing the second function by displaying the usage conditions for the second function on the second screen.

[0113] Invention 4 is a display method of any of Inventions 1 to 3, further comprising the step of displaying a second actionable area on a second screen for receiving user feedback on a second function or a description of the second function. The second actionable area is, for example, a "Like" button 32k.

[0114] This display method allows us to obtain user feedback on the description of the second function.

[0115] Invention 5 is a display method of Invention 4, further comprising the step of displaying the evaluation status on a second screen.

[0116] This display method can support the adoption of the second function by showing the user evaluation status of the second function's description.

[0117] Invention 6 is a display method of Invention 5, wherein the evaluation status includes information about the user who performed the evaluation.

[0118] This display method can support the adoption of the second function by top users by showing the evaluation status of users regarding the description of the second function, including information about the users who performed the evaluation.

[0119] Invention 7 is a display method from any of Inventions 1 to 6, further comprising the step of displaying a third screen on the display unit 32 for notifying the user of the start of use of the second function. The third screen is, for example, the introduction screen shown in Figure 11, but may be a screen other than the introduction screen.

[0120] This display method, by showing a third screen, creates an environment where senior users can easily contact others to implement the second function.

[0121] Invention 8 is a display method from Inventions 1 to 7, wherein individual permissions are defined for each user belonging to a predetermined group in terms of permissions, and the second screen explains the second function according to the individual permissions.

[0122] This display method allows for effective and efficient display of the second screen.

[0123] Invention 9 is a display method, one of Inventions 1 to 8, in which, in terms of permissions, individual permissions are defined for each user belonging to a predetermined group, and items corresponding to the individual permissions are displayed on the first screen, or on the fourth screen related to the first function selected on the first screen. The fourth screen is, for example, the alarm list screen in Figure 8, or the introduction screen in Figure 11. Invention 9 is an invention that corresponds to the permission-based display example of the above embodiment.

[0124] This display method allows either the first screen, tailored to the user's individual permissions, or the fourth screen, also tailored to the user's individual permissions.

[0125] Invention 10 is a method of displaying any of Inventions 1 to 9, wherein a predetermined group is a group for each subscriber that includes one or more users.

[0126] This display method can support higher-level users in extending the permissions defined for each subscriber (introducing a second function).

[0127] Invention 11 is a method of displaying any of Inventions 1 to 9, wherein a given group is a group of 90 facilities.

[0128] This display method can support higher-level users in extending permissions (introducing a second function) as defined for each facility level.

[0129] Invention 12 is a program that causes the information terminal 30 to execute any of the display methods from Inventions 1 to 11.

[0130] According to such a program, the information terminal 30 can support the introduction of a second function by a senior user by displaying a second screen.

[0131] Invention 13 is an information processing system that can communicate with an equipment management system 20 that manages equipment installed in a facility 90, and comprises a display unit 32 and an information processing unit 34 that displays on the display unit 32 a first screen showing a first function of the equipment management system that can be used according to the authority set for each predetermined group, and the information processing unit 34 displays on the display unit 32 a first operable area for transitioning to a second screen for explaining a second function of the equipment management system 20 that can be used when authority is extended. Information terminal 30 is an example of an information processing system.

[0132] Such an information processing system can support the introduction of a second function by a senior user by displaying a second screen.

[0133] Invention 14 is an equipment management system 20 for managing equipment installed in a facility 90, comprising a communication unit 27 that communicates with an information terminal 30 having a display unit 32, wherein the communication unit 27 transmits to the information terminal 30 information for displaying on the display unit 32 a first screen showing a first function of the equipment management system 20 that can be used according to the authority set for each predetermined group, and transmits to the information terminal 30 information for displaying on the display unit 32 a first operable area for transitioning to a second screen explaining a second function of the equipment management system 20 that can be used when authority is extended.

[0134] Such a device management system 20 can support the introduction of a second function by a higher-level user by providing information for displaying a second screen to the information terminal 30.

[0135] Invention 15 is a computer system for managing equipment installed in a facility 90, and is a communication method performed by a computer system capable of communicating with an information terminal 30 having a display unit 32. The communication method involves transmitting information to the information terminal 30 for displaying a first screen on the display unit that shows a first function of the computer system that can be used according to the authority set for each predetermined group, and transmitting information to the information terminal 30 for displaying a first operated area on the display unit 32 that transitions to a second screen that explains a second function of the computer system that can be used when the authority is extended. The equipment management system 20 (server system 26) is an example of a computer system.

[0136] This communication method can support the introduction of the second function by the higher-level user by providing information for displaying the second screen to the information terminal 30.

[0137] Invention 16 is a program for causing a computer system to execute the communication method of Invention 15.

[0138] According to such a program, the computer system can support the introduction of the second function by a higher-level user by providing information for displaying the second screen to the information terminal 30.

[0139] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0140] For example, in the above embodiment, various systems such as a display system, an equipment management system, or an information processing system may be implemented by one device or by multiple devices. When a system is implemented by multiple devices, the components of the system (especially the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way.

[0141] Furthermore, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed in the communication between devices.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0144] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0145] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0146] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by various systems (computers) such as the display system, device management system, or information processing system of the above embodiment, or as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute the method. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0147] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0148] 10, 10a Display System 20. Equipment Management System (Computer System) 21 Lighting equipment (equipment) 22 Air conditioning equipment (equipment) 23 Measuring Instruments (Equipment) 27 Communications Department 30. Information terminals (information processing systems) 32 Display section 32j, 32l Operated area (first operated area) 32k Like button (Second manipulated area) 32m History function icon 34 Information Processing Section

Claims

1. A display method performed by an information terminal that can communicate with an equipment management system that manages equipment installed in a facility, The steps include displaying a first screen on the display unit of the information terminal that shows a first function of the equipment management system that can be used according to the authority set for each predetermined group, The process includes the step of displaying a first operated area on the display unit for transitioning to a second screen for explaining a second function of the device management system that can be used when the aforementioned authority is extended. Display method.

2. The content of the second function is displayed on the second screen. The display method according to claim 1.

3. The second screen displays the usage conditions for the second function. The display method according to claim 1.

4. Furthermore, the process includes the step of displaying a second operable area on the second screen for receiving user feedback on the second function or the description of the second function. The display method according to claim 1.

5. Furthermore, the evaluation status is to be displayed on the second screen. The display method according to claim 4.

6. The evaluation status includes information about the user who performed the evaluation. The display method according to claim 5.

7. Furthermore, the process includes the step of displaying a third screen on the display unit to notify the user of the start of use of the second function. The display method according to claim 1.

8. In the aforementioned authority, individual authority is defined for each user belonging to the predetermined group. In the second screen, the second function is explained according to the individual permissions. The display method according to claim 1.

9. In the aforementioned authority, individual authority is defined for each user belonging to the predetermined group. On the first screen, or on the fourth screen related to the first function selected on the first screen, items corresponding to the individual permissions are displayed. The display method according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned predetermined group is a group for each subscriber that includes one or more users. The display method according to claim 1.

11. The predetermined group is a group for each facility. The display method according to claim 1.

12. A program for causing the information terminal to execute the display method described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An information processing system that can communicate with an equipment management system that manages equipment installed in a facility, Display unit and The system includes an information processing unit that displays a first screen showing a first function of the equipment management system, which can be used according to the authority set for each predetermined group, on the display unit, The information processing unit displays a first operated area on the display unit for transitioning to a second screen that explains a second function of the device management system that can be used when the authority is extended. Information processing system.

14. A device management system for managing equipment installed in a facility, It is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with an information terminal having a display unit, The aforementioned communications unit is Information for displaying a first screen showing the first function of the equipment management system, which can be used according to the authority set for each predetermined group, is transmitted to the information terminal. Information is transmitted to the information terminal for displaying a first operated area on the display unit, which is used to transition to a second screen for explaining the second function of the device management system that can be used when the aforementioned authority is extended. Equipment management system.

15. A computer system for managing equipment installed in a facility, and a communication method performed by a computer system capable of communicating with an information terminal having a display unit, Information for displaying a first screen showing the first function of the computer system, which can be used according to the authority set for each predetermined group, is transmitted to the information terminal. Information is transmitted to the information terminal for displaying a first operated area on the display unit, which is used to transition to a second screen for explaining a second function of the computer system that can be used when the aforementioned privileges are extended. Communication method.

16. A program for causing the computer system to execute the communication method described in claim 15.

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