Management system, control method for management system, information processing device, and program

Abstract

The present invention facilitates improving the manageability of facilities where air-conditioning devices are installed.　The present invention comprises: air-conditioning devices; and an information processing device used by a manager who manages a plurality of facilities where the air-conditioning devices are installed. The information processing device outputs use mode information which is information indicating the use modes of the air-conditioning devices, for each of the plurality of facilities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system, a control method for a management system, an information processing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that displays the device performance and power consumption of air conditioning equipment provided for each property in a comparable manner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a management system, a control method for a management system, an information processing apparatus, and a program that can improve the manageability of facilities where air conditioners are installed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The management system in the present disclosure includes an air conditioner, and an information processing apparatus used by an administrator who manages a plurality of facilities each installed with the air conditioner, wherein the information processing apparatus outputs, for each of the plurality of facilities, usage mode information which is information indicating the usage mode of the air conditioner in a predetermined period, and for each of the facilities to , outputs a graph which is a two-dimensional graph in which the usage mode information is plotted as points, and for the facility designated by the information processing apparatus, the graph plots not only the point corresponding to the newest predetermined period but also the point corresponding to the second newest predetermined period, thereby showing the temporal change in the usage mode of the air conditioner Furthermore, the information processing device outputs a list for each facility showing the usage information indicating the ratio of the set temperature during the predetermined period to the set temperature that the air conditioning system can set, and the color of the numerical display column in the list showing the ratio differs according to the ratio indicated by the numerical display column. .

[0006] Furthermore, the control method for the management system in this disclosure is a control method for a management system comprising an air conditioning system and an information processing device used by an administrator who manages multiple facilities in which the air conditioning system is installed, wherein the information processing device outputs usage information, which is information indicating the usage pattern of the air conditioning system during a predetermined period, for each of the multiple facilities, and for each facility to The system outputs a graph which is a two-dimensional graph in which the usage information is plotted as points. The graph shows the change over time in the usage pattern of the air conditioner by plotting the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period in addition to the point corresponding to the most recent predetermined period for the facility specified in the information processing device. Furthermore, the information processing device outputs a list for each facility showing the usage information indicating the ratio of the set temperature during the predetermined period to the set temperature that the air conditioning system can set, and the color of the numerical display column in the list showing the ratio differs according to the ratio indicated by the numerical display column. .

[0007] Furthermore, the information processing device in this disclosure is an information processing device used by an administrator who manages multiple facilities in which air conditioning equipment is installed, and comprises an output control unit that outputs usage information, which is information indicating the usage pattern of the air conditioning equipment during a predetermined period, for each of the multiple facilities, and the output control unit controls each facility to The system outputs a graph which is a two-dimensional graph in which the usage information is plotted as points. The graph shows the change over time in the usage pattern of the air conditioner by plotting the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period in addition to the point corresponding to the most recent predetermined period for the facility specified in the information processing device. Furthermore, the output control unit outputs a list for each facility showing the usage information indicating the ratio of the set temperature during the predetermined period to the set temperature that the air conditioner can set, and the color of the numerical display column in the list showing the ratio differs according to the ratio indicated by the numerical display column. .

[0008] Furthermore, the program in this disclosure causes the processor of an information processing device used by an administrator who manages multiple facilities where air conditioning systems are installed to function as an output control unit that outputs usage information, which is information indicating the usage pattern of the air conditioning system during a predetermined period, for each of the multiple facilities, and the output control unit for each of the facilities toThe system outputs a graph which is a two-dimensional graph in which the usage information is plotted as points. The graph shows the change over time in the usage pattern of the air conditioner by plotting the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period in addition to the point corresponding to the most recent predetermined period for the facility specified in the information processing device. Furthermore, the output control unit outputs a list for each facility showing the usage information indicating the ratio of the set temperature during the predetermined period to the set temperature that the air conditioner can set, and the color of the numerical display column in the list showing the ratio differs according to the ratio indicated by the numerical display column. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The management system, control method for the management system, information processing device, and program described in this disclosure enable administrators to recognize how air conditioning systems are used at each facility, allowing them to issue appropriate improvement instructions to each facility regarding the use of air conditioning systems. This improves the manageability of facilities where air conditioning systems are installed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the management system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the administrator terminal. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the management server. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the first facility list. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a second facility list. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a list of third facilities. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a list of facilities in the fourth category. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the first graph. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the second graph. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the administrator terminal and the management server. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the administrator terminal and the management server. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operations of an administrator terminal and a management server [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operations of an administrator terminal and a management server [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third graph [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fourth graph [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0011] (Findings and the like underlying the present disclosure) At the time when the inventors arrived at the idea of the present disclosure, there existed a technique for collectively outputting various types of information to the administrator of a facility where an air conditioning apparatus is installed, as described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, in order to improve the manageability of the facility. However, conventional techniques have not taken into consideration collectively outputting information on how the air conditioning apparatus has been used. Therefore, the inventors discovered an issue that there is room for improvement in enhancing the manageability of facilities equipped with air conditioning apparatuses, and to solve this issue, the subject matter of the present disclosure was developed. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a management system, a control method for the management system, an information processing apparatus, and a program that can improve the manageability of a facility where an air conditioning apparatus is installed.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unnecessarily detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following descriptions are provided to enable a person skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the appended claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Management System] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a management system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The management system 100 is a system that manages multiple facilities 1 in which air conditioning units 10 are installed. Specifically, the management system 100 manages the set temperature of the room conditioned by the air conditioning unit 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "set temperature"), the number of times the set temperature has been changed, the operating rate of the air conditioning unit 10, and the operating rate of the dehumidification operation of the air conditioning unit 10. Here, the operating rate of the air conditioning unit 10 refers to the percentage of time during a predetermined period (for example, 24 hours) when the power to the air conditioning unit 10 was turned on. Also, the operating rate of the dehumidification operation of the air conditioning unit 10 refers to the percentage of time during a predetermined period (for example, 24 hours) when the dehumidification operation of the air conditioning unit 10 was being performed. In this embodiment, Facility 1 is exemplified as a store that provides goods or services, but Facility 1 is not limited to a store; it can be any building in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed.

[0014] The management system 100 includes an air conditioning system 10. Figure 1 illustrates a case where the management system 100 manages four or more facilities 1. Therefore, the management system 100 in this embodiment includes four or more air conditioning systems 10. Note that the number of air conditioning systems 10 included in the air conditioning system 10 is not limited to four or more, and may be less than four. The air conditioning system 10 operates using its indoor unit 13 and outdoor unit 12 to provide air conditioning, and the indoor unit 13 provides air conditioning to the room to be air-conditioned in the facility 1 where the indoor unit 13 is installed. The air conditioning system 10 is connected to a network NW. The network NW is a communication network consisting of a public telephone network, a dedicated line, or other communication circuits.

[0015] The management system 100 includes an administrator terminal 2. The administrator terminal 2 is a terminal device used by administrator P, who manages multiple facilities 1. Administrator P is not limited to a person, but may be an entity that has management authority over facility 1 (for example, a company that operates facility 1). The administrator terminal 2 shown in Figure 1 is a laptop computer, but it may also be a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a smartphone. The administrator terminal 2 is connected to a network NW. For each of the multiple facilities 1, the administrator terminal 2 displays information indicating the usage of the air conditioning system 10 (hereinafter referred to as "usage information"). This allows administrator P to recognize how the air conditioning system 10 was used, that is, how the air conditioning system 10 was used, for each facility 1. Administrator terminal 2 corresponds to the "information processing device" in this disclosure.

[0016] The management system 100 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages facility 1. The management server 3 is connected to the network NW and processes information with the air conditioning unit 10 and the administrator terminal 2 as clients. In each diagram, the management server 3 is represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 is composed of a single device. For example, the management server 3 may be composed of multiple server devices with different processing contents. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by administrator P, or it may be a server device not owned by administrator P.

[0017] [1-1-2. Configuration of the air conditioning system] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the air conditioning system 10 will be described. The air conditioning system 10 comprises an air conditioning control device 11, an outdoor unit 12, an indoor unit 13, a remote control 14, and an air conditioning communication device 15.

[0018] The outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 13 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. In this way, the indoor unit 13 and the outdoor unit 12 constitute a heat pump in the air conditioning system 10.

[0019] The remote control 14 is installed on the wall of the room under air conditioning. The remote control 14 has multiple operation buttons for the user of the air conditioning system 10 to start or stop operation, operate menus, and use cursor keys. The remote control 14 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature and the operating status of the indoor unit 13.

[0020] The air conditioning communication device 15 is equipped with communication hardware such as communication circuits that conform to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network consisting of public telephone lines, dedicated lines, and other communication circuits.

[0021] The air conditioning control device 11 is a device that controls various parts of the air conditioning system 10, and is connected to the outdoor unit 12, indoor unit 13, remote control 14, and air conditioning communication device 15. The air conditioning control device 11 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), memory, and interface circuits for connecting other devices and sensors. The air conditioning control device 11 then realizes various functions of the air conditioning system 10 by having the processor execute control programs stored in memory.

[0022] The air conditioning control device 11 generates upload data UD, which is data to be uploaded to the management server 3, and transmits the generated upload data UD to the management server 3 via the air conditioning communication device 15. The air conditioning control device 11 transmits at least one of the first upload data UD1 and the second upload data UD2 to the management server 3.

[0023] The first uploaded data UD1 and the second uploaded data UD2 both include information indicating the facility ID (Identification), air conditioner ID, upload date and time, information indicating the operating rate of the air conditioning system 10, information indicating the operating rate of the dehumidification operation of the air conditioning system 10, and set temperature-related information. The facility ID is an ID that uniquely identifies facility 1 in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed. The air conditioner ID is an ID that uniquely identifies the air conditioning unit 10. The upload date and time is the date and time when the uploaded data (UD) is uploaded. The set temperature-related information includes one or more correspondence records that associate the set temperature with the date and time when that set temperature was changed. The set temperature-related information includes correspondence records for the set temperature during the period from the previous upload data UD transmission to the current upload data UD transmission.

[0024] The first uploaded data UD1 further includes information indicating that the temperature control of the air conditioning unit 10 is first temperature control. First temperature control is a control that, when the set temperature is changed, operates the unit so that the temperature of the conditioned room remains at the changed set temperature until the set temperature is changed again. The second uploaded data UD2 further includes information indicating that the temperature control of the air conditioner 10 is second temperature control. Second temperature control is a control method that, when the set temperature is changed to a second temperature other than the first temperature while the air conditioner is operating to set the set temperature to the first temperature, operates the air conditioner for a predetermined period to set the set temperature to the second temperature, and then returns the set temperature to the first temperature once that predetermined period has elapsed. The first temperature is a temperature recommended by administrator P as the set temperature and is predetermined.

[0025] The air conditioning control device 11 generates upload data UD at predetermined intervals (for example, a 1-day cycle) and sends the generated upload data UD to the management server 3.

[0026] [1-1-3. Administrator Terminal Configuration] Figure 2 shows the configuration of administrator terminal 2. The administrator terminal 2 comprises a terminal control device 20, a terminal communication device 21, a display 22, and an input interface 23.

[0027] The terminal control device 20 is a device that controls various parts of the administrator terminal 2. The terminal control device 20 includes a terminal processor 200, which is a processor such as a CPU or MPU, a terminal memory 210, and interface circuits to which other devices and sensors are connected. The terminal processor 200 corresponds to the “processor” in this disclosure.

[0028] The terminal memory 210 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the terminal processor 200. The terminal memory 210 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The terminal memory 210 may also include RAM (Random Access Memory) which constitutes the work area of ​​the terminal processor 200. The terminal memory 210 may also include non-volatile storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The terminal memory 210 stores data processed by the terminal processor 200 and control programs 211 executed by the terminal processor 200. The control program 211 corresponds to the “program” in this disclosure.

[0029] The terminal control device 20 is connected to a terminal communication device 21, a display 22, and an input interface 23. The terminal communication device 21 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the management server 3. The display 22 is composed of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) or OLEDs (Organic LEDs), etc. The display 22 may also be an external device connected to the administrator terminal 2. The input interface 23 connects to devices such as operation switches, touch-sensitive panels, mice, and keyboards, detects input operations from administrator P, and outputs the detection results to the terminal processor 200.

[0030] The terminal processor 200 functions as a terminal communication control unit 201, a display control unit 202, and a reception unit 203 by reading and executing a control program 211 stored in the terminal memory 210. The display control unit 203 corresponds to the "output control unit" in this disclosure.

[0031] The terminal communication control unit 201 communicates with the management server 3 via the terminal communication device 21. The display control unit 202 causes information to be displayed on the display 22. The reception unit 203 receives various inputs from administrator P via the input interface 23.

[0032] [1-1-4. Management Server Configuration] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 comprises a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31. The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300, such as a CPU or MPU, a server memory 310, and interface circuits to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0033] The server memory 310 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The server memory 310 may also include RAM which constitutes the work area of ​​the server processor 300. The server memory 310 may also include non-volatile storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs. The server memory 310 stores data processed by the server processor 300, a control program 311 executed by the server processor 300, a first management database 312, and a second management database 313.

[0034] The first management DB312 is a database that manages uploaded data UD. The first management DB312 stores uploaded data UD.

[0035] The second management DB 313 is a database that manages information regarding improvement items. Improvement items are items for improving the usage of the air conditioning system 10. Each record stored in the second management DB 313 contains a group ID, information about the improvement item, and information about the improvement implementation period. The group ID is an ID that uniquely identifies the group that has been grouped by the grouping described later. The improvement implementation period is the period during which improvements to the usage of the air conditioning system 10 are implemented.

[0036] The server communication device 31 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the air conditioning unit 10 and the administrator terminal 2.

[0037] The server processor 300 functions as a server communication control unit 301, a list generation unit 302, a graph generation unit 303, an execution result generation unit 304, and a database processing unit 305 by reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the server memory 310.

[0038] The server communication control unit 301 communicates with the air conditioning unit 10 and the administrator terminal 2 via the server communication device 31. The server communication control unit 301 receives the uploaded data UD from the air conditioning unit 10. The server communication control unit 301 receives list request information, graph request information, registration request information, and implementation result request information from the administrator terminal 2. The list request information is information requesting image data of the facility list SL. The facility list SL will be described later. The graph request information is information requesting image data of the graph GF. Details of the graph GF will also be described later. The registration request information is information requesting the registration of information related to improvement items. The implementation result request information is information requesting image data of the implementation result image. Details of the implementation result image will also be described later.

[0039] The list generation unit 302 generates a facility list SL. The facility list SL includes a first facility list SL1, a second facility list SL2, a third facility list SL3, and a fourth facility list SL4.

[0040] Figure 4 shows an example of the first facility list SL1. The first facility list SL1 is a list that displays the proportion of set temperatures set during the first temperature control for multiple facilities 1. In other words, the first facility list SL1 shows the breakdown of set temperatures set during the first temperature control for multiple facilities 1. The first facility list SL1 has setting ratio information J1 as usage pattern information for each facility 1. Figure 4 illustrates a case where the first facility list SL1 has setting ratio information J1 for five facilities 1.

[0041] The setting ratio information J1 shows the setting ratio for each of the settable temperatures that the air conditioner 10 can set (hereinafter referred to as the settable temperature). In the example in Figure 4, the settable temperatures are each temperature from 16°C to 30°C in 1°C increments, and the fan mode. Fan mode refers to operation in which the indoor unit 13 rotates the fan without the air conditioner 10 performing heat exchange, but in this embodiment, fan mode is included in the concept of settable temperature. The setting ratio information J1 is provided with a numerical display field L for each of the settable temperatures, and the setting ratio is displayed in the numerical display field L. The configurable temperature corresponds to the “specified subject” in this disclosure.

[0042] The color of the numerical display field L in the setting ratio information J1 differs depending on the setting ratio indicated by the numerical display field L. In the example in Figure 4, the numerical display field L showing the setting ratio of 5% or more but less than 15% is a darker color than the numerical display field L showing the setting ratio of less than 5%. Also in the example in Figure 4, the numerical display field L showing the setting ratio of 15% or more but less than 35% is a darker color than the numerical display field L showing the setting ratio of 5% or more but less than 15%. Also in the example in Figure 4, the numerical display field L showing the setting ratio of 35% or more but less than 50% is a darker color than the numerical display field L showing the setting ratio of 15% or more but less than 35%. Also in the example in Figure 4, the numerical display field L showing the setting ratio of 50% or more is a darker color than the numerical display field L showing the setting ratio of 35% or more but less than 50%. Note that the stepped thresholds that differentiate the colors of the numerical display field L are not limited to the example in Figure 4. These thresholds may be set in multiple stages or fewer. Furthermore, the values ​​of these thresholds are not limited to the example in Figure 4 and may be set to any value by the administrator P.

[0043] If the setting ratio information J1 indicates a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10, the first facility list SL1 includes information indicating the characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10. Here, the setting ratio information J1 indicating the characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10 is, for example, information indicating a predetermined number of settings above a predetermined percentage. For example, let's define setting ratio information J1 indicating a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10 as setting ratio information J1 indicating one or more settings above 50%. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the first facility list SL1 includes information indicating the characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10, such as "Store E tends to set it to 18°C."

[0044] The list generation unit 302 generates the first facility list SL1, for example, as follows: The list generation unit 302 retrieves all first upload data UD1 uploaded during a predetermined period from the first management DB 312. The list generation unit 302 retrieves all first upload data UD1 with the corresponding upload date and time from the first management DB 312. Then, the list generation unit 302 generates one setting ratio information J1 for the first upload data UD1 with matching facility IDs from the retrieved first upload data UD1 as follows: The list generation unit 302 refers to the setting temperature relationship information of all target first upload data UD1 and calculates the number of settings for each configurable temperature. Next, the list generation unit 302 calculates the total of the calculated number of settings. Next, the list generation unit 302 calculates "(calculated number of settings / total of calculated number of settings) × 100" for each configurable temperature to calculate the setting ratio for each configurable temperature. Next, the list generation unit 302 sets the numerical value displayed in the numerical display field L to the calculated setting ratio for each configurable temperature. During this setting, the list generation unit 302 displays a color in the numerical display field L according to the setting percentage. The list generation unit 302 performs the same procedure for other facility IDs and generates setting ratio information J1 for other facility 1 as well. When the list generation unit 302 generates setting ratio information J1 for all facility IDs, it generates information indicating that the generated setting ratio information J1 indicates a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10. The list generation unit 302 then generates a first facility list SL1, which arranges the generated setting ratio information J1 for each facility 1. Furthermore, if information indicating a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10 is generated, the list generation unit 302 generates a first facility list SL1 that includes this information.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an example of the second facility list SL2. The second facility list SL2 is a list that displays the proportion of set temperatures set during the second temperature control for multiple facilities 1. In other words, the second facility list SL2 shows the breakdown of set temperatures set during the second temperature control for multiple facilities 1. The second facility list SL2 has set temperature proportion information J1 for each facility 1. In the example in Figure 5, the second facility list SL2 has set temperature proportion information J1 for five facilities 1.

[0046] The setting ratio information J1 shows the setting ratio for each of the configurable temperatures. In the example in Figure 5, the configurable temperatures are each temperature from 16°C to 30°C in 1°C increments, and the fan setting. The configurable temperatures shown in the second facility list SL2 also include the fan setting in the concept of configurable temperatures. Similar to the first facility list SL1, the numerical display field L in the second facility list SL2 is colored according to the setting ratio.

[0047] The list generation unit 302 generates the second facility list SL2, for example, as follows: The list generation unit 302 retrieves all of the second upload data UD2 uploaded during a predetermined period from the first management DB 312. Then, similar to the first facility list SL1, the list generation unit 302 generates setting ratio information J1 for each facility 1 from the retrieved second upload data UD2, and generates a second facility list SL2 by listing the generated setting ratio information J1. If the generated setting ratio information J1 indicates a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10, the list generation unit 302 generates a second facility list SL2 that includes information indicating that.

[0048] Figure 6 shows an example of the third facility list SL3. The third facility list SL3 is a list that displays the number of times the set temperature was changed during the first temperature control period within a single day for multiple facilities 1. The third facility list SL3 has change count information J2 as usage pattern information for each facility 1. In the example in Figure 6, the third facility list SL3 has change count information J2 for five facilities 1.

[0049] The change count information J2 indicates the number of times the set temperature was changed for each time period in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:00. The change count information J2 is provided with a numerical display field L for each time period in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:00, and the number of changes is displayed in the numerical display field L. Each time period in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:00 corresponds to the "prescribed subject" in this disclosure. The color of the numerical display field L in the change count information J2 differs depending on the number of changes indicated by the numerical display field L. In the example in Figure 6, the numerical display field L indicating 1 to less than 5 changes is displayed in a darker color than the numerical display field L indicating 0 changes. Also in the example in Figure 6, the numerical display field L indicating 5 to less than 10 changes is displayed in a darker color than the numerical display field L indicating 1 to less than 5 changes. Also in the example in Figure 6, the numerical display field L indicating 10 to less than 15 changes is displayed in a darker color than the numerical display field L indicating 5 to less than 10 changes. Also in the example in Figure 6, the numerical display field L indicating 15 or more changes is displayed in a darker color than the numerical display field L indicating 10 to less than 15 changes. The stepped thresholds that differentiate the colors of the numerical display field L are not limited to the example in Figure 6. These thresholds may be set in multiple stages or fewer. Furthermore, the values ​​of these thresholds are not limited to the example in Figure 6 and may be set to any value by the administrator P.

[0050] If the change count information J2 indicates a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10, the third facility list SL3 includes information indicating the characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10. Here, the change count information J2 indicating a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10 is, for example, information indicating that the number of changes exceeds a predetermined number within a predetermined time period. A specific example of this change count information J2 indicating a characteristic usage pattern will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0051] The list generation unit 302 generates the third facility list SL3 as follows: The list generation unit 302 retrieves all first upload data UD1 uploaded during a predetermined period from the first management DB 312. Next, the list generation unit 302 generates one change count information J2 for the first upload data UD1 with a matching facility ID from the retrieved first upload data UD1 as follows: The list generation unit 302 refers to the set temperature relationship information for all target first upload data UD1 and calculates the total number of set temperature changes for each hourly time period from 0:00 to 23:00. Next, the list generation unit 302 sets the value displayed in the numerical display field L for each hourly time period from 0:00 to 23:00 to the calculated total value. During this setting, the list generation unit 302 displays a color in the numerical display field L according to the set change count. The list generation unit 302 performs the same procedure for other facility IDs and generates change count information J2 for other facility 1 as well. The list generation unit 302 generates information indicating that the generated change count information J2 indicates a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning device 10. The list generation unit 302 then generates a third facility list SL3, which arranges the generated change count information J2 for each facility 1. Furthermore, if the generated change count information J2 indicates a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10, the list generation unit 302 generates a third facility list SL3 that includes information indicating this.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of facility list SL4. The fourth facility list SL4 is a list that displays the number of times the set temperature was changed during the second temperature control period within a 1-hour time frame for multiple facilities 1. The fourth facility list SL4 has change count information J2 for each facility 1. In the example in Figure 7, the fourth facility list SL4 has change count information J2 for five facilities 1.

[0053] The change count information J2 shows the number of times the set temperature has been changed for each time period, in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:00. Similar to the third facility list SL3, in the fourth facility list SL4, the numerical display field L is displayed in a color corresponding to the set number of changes.

[0054] Similar to the third facility list SL3, if the change count information J2 indicates a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10, the fourth facility list SL4 will include information indicating that characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10. For example, suppose the change count information J2 that shows 10 or more changes three or more times between 4 PM and midnight is defined as change count information J2 indicating a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the fourth facility list SL4 will include information indicating a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10, such as "Store C tends to change the set temperature at night."

[0055] The list generation unit 302 generates the fourth facility list SL4 as follows: The list generation unit 302 retrieves all of the second upload data UD2 uploaded during a predetermined period from the first management DB 312. Then, similar to the third facility list SL3, the list generation unit 302 generates change count information J2 for each facility 1 from the retrieved second upload data UD2, and generates a fourth facility list SL4 by listing the generated change count information J2. If the generated change count information J2 indicates a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10, the list generation unit 302 generates a fourth facility list SL4 that includes information indicating this.

[0056] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, the graph generation unit 303 generates either the first graph GF1 or the second graph GF2. In both the first graph GF1 and the second graph GF2, points are plotted for each facility 1, and the plotted points are grouped based on the similarity of the usage patterns of the air conditioning system 10. The difference between the first graph GF1 and the second graph GF2 is that the second graph GF1 shows the change over time in the usage patterns of the air conditioning system 10 for facility 1 designated by the administrator P, while the first graph GF1 does not show this change over time.

[0057] Figure 8 shows an example of the first graph GF1. The first graph GF1 is a two-dimensional graph. The vertical and horizontal axes of the first graph GF1 do not necessarily have to be parameters that are correlated with each other, but it is preferable to set them to be parameters that are correlated with each other. By setting parameters that are correlated with each other, the administrator P can grasp the tendency of which operation each facility 1 prioritizes when using the air conditioning system 10. In the example in Figure 8, the vertical axis is set to a parameter corresponding to the set temperature, and the horizontal axis is set to a parameter corresponding to the operating rate of the air conditioning system 10. Note that there is a correlation between the set temperature and the operating rate of the air conditioning system 10. An example of this correlation is when a user lowers the set temperature while simultaneously running the air conditioning system 10 for a short period of time in order to lower the temperature in a short period of time.

[0058] The points in the first graph GF1 are grouped by a grouping method such as multivariate analysis. In this embodiment, the points in the first graph GF1 are of different types for each group. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the points in the first graph GF1 are grouped into five groups by plotting them using five types of points (white circles, white triangles, white squares, black circles, and black triangles). Note that the grouping method is not limited to differentiating the type of points, but may also be done by differentiating the color of the points. The vertical axis corresponds to the "first axis" of this disclosure. The horizontal axis corresponds to the "second axis" of this disclosure.

[0059] The graph generation unit 303 generates the first graph GF1, for example, as follows: The graph generation unit 303 retrieves one upload data UD with the most recent upload date and time for each facility from the first management DB 312. Next, the graph generation unit 303 plots one point for each retrieved upload data UD as follows: The graph generation unit 303 plots points representing the set temperature and the operating rate of the air conditioner 10 based on the upload data UD on a coordinate system where the vertical axis is the set temperature and the horizontal axis is the operating rate of the air conditioner 10. Since the set temperature and the operating rate of the air conditioner 10 indicate the usage pattern of the air conditioner 10, the plotted points represent usage pattern information indicating the usage pattern of the air conditioner 10. Here, the set temperature based on the upload data ID may be any of the set temperatures described in the set temperature relationship information of the upload data UD, the average of the set temperatures described in the set temperature relationship information of the upload data UD, or the highest temperature among the set temperatures described in the set temperature relationship information of the upload data UD. The graph generation unit 303 plots points for all the acquired uploaded data UD, and then groups the plotted points. Next, the graph generation unit 303 assigns a group ID to each of the grouped points and generates a table H that shows the correspondence between the type of plotted point and the assigned group ID. The graph generation unit 303 then generates a first graph GF1 having plotted and grouped points and a generated table H.

[0060] Figure 9 shows an example of the second graph GF2. The second graph GF2 is a two-dimensional graph. The vertical and horizontal axes of the first graph GF1 do not necessarily have to be parameters that are correlated with each other, but it is preferable to set them to be parameters that are correlated with each other. By setting parameters that are correlated with each other, the administrator P can grasp the tendency of which operation each facility 1 prioritizes when using the air conditioning system 10. In the example in Figure 9, the vertical axis is set to a parameter corresponding to the set temperature, and the horizontal axis is set to a parameter corresponding to the operating rate of the air conditioning system 10. The points in the second graph GF2 are grouped in the same way as in the first graph GF1. The second graph GF2 has change information J3. The change information J3 shows the change over time in the usage pattern of the air conditioning system 10 for facility 1 specified by the administrator terminal 2. In Figure 9, the change information J3 is an arrow.

[0061] The graph generation unit 303 generates the second graph GF2, for example, as follows. The graph generation unit 303 retrieves one upload data UD with the most recent upload date and time for each facility 1 from the first management DB 312. Next, the graph generation unit 303 retrieves the second most recent upload data UD with the facility ID of facility 1 specified by the administrator terminal 2 from the first management DB 312. The graph generation unit 303 uses the most recent upload data to plot and group points in the same way as the first graph GF1. Next, the graph generation unit 303 plots points for the second most recent upload data UD of facility 1 specified by the administrator terminal 2. Finally, the graph generation unit 303 superimposes change information J3, which shows an arrow pointing from the point corresponding to the second most recent upload data UD to the point corresponding to the most recent upload data UD, onto the coordinate system.

[0062] The horizontal axis in Figures 8 and 9 represents the operating rate of the air conditioning system 10, but other parameters may be used. For example, the horizontal axis of graph GF may represent the operating rate of the dehumidification operation of the air conditioning system 10. Alternatively, in the case of systems using cooling, the horizontal axis of graph GF may represent the operating rate of the dehumidification operation relative to the total operating time of the air conditioning system 10. Furthermore, the vertical and horizontal axes in Figures 8 and 9 may be set to parameters other than those described above. However, the vertical and horizontal axes in Figures 8 and 9 are parameters that are correlated with each other. There is a correlation between the set temperature and the operating rate of the dehumidification operation. An example of this correlation is when the set temperature is increased while dehumidification is performed frequently in order to prioritize humidity.

[0063] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, the implementation result generation unit 304 generates an implementation result image, which is an image showing the implementation results. The implementation result shows the results of the implementation of the improvement items. The implementation result shown in the implementation result image includes information showing the energy saving effect obtained by improving the use of the air conditioning system 10 for each group grouped in graph GF. Here, the energy saving effect is the power consumption that was reduced (hereinafter referred to as "reduced power consumption"). Furthermore, the implementation result shown in the implementation result image also includes information showing the improvement items for which a reduction in power consumption of a predetermined standard or higher was obtained among the improvement items assigned to each group.

[0064] The result generation unit 304 generates the result image, for example, as follows: First, the implementation result generation unit 304 performs the following processing for each record stored in the second management DB 313 to determine the reduced power consumption for each group grouped in the graph GF. Specifically, the implementation result generation unit 304 calculates the average of the reduced power consumption of each facility 1 belonging to the group, and uses that average as the reduced power consumption for the group. The correspondence between groups and the facilities 1 belonging to the group is appropriately managed by the management server 4 through ID management, etc. Here, the implementation result generation unit 304 calculates the reduced power consumption for each facility 1 as follows: The implementation result generation unit 304 obtains from the first management DB 312 the upload data UD that has the oldest upload date and time recorded and that falls within the improvement implementation period, and the upload data UD that has the newest upload date and time recorded and that falls within the improvement implementation period. Next, for each of the two obtained upload data UDs, the implementation result generation unit 304 calculates the power consumption based on the set temperature and two types of operating rates recorded in the upload data UD, and uses the difference in the calculated power consumption as the reduced power consumption for facility 1. The results generation unit 304, after determining the reduced power consumption for each group as described above, identifies the group that achieved a reduced power consumption of a predetermined standard or higher and recognizes the improvement items assigned to the identified group. The result generation unit 304 then generates an implementation result image that includes information indicating the reduced power consumption for each group and information indicating the identified improvement items.

[0065] When the server communication control unit 301 receives the upload data UD, the database processing unit 305 stores the upload data UD in the first management DB 312. When the database processing unit 305 receives registration request information from the administrator terminal 2, it stores a record containing various information included in the received registration request information in the second management DB 313.

[0066] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each device in the management system 100 will be described. [1-2-1. Operations related to displaying the facility list] First, we will explain the operation of each device in the management system 100 that is involved in the display of the facility list SL. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of administrator terminal 2 and management server 3. In Figure 10, flowchart FA shows the operation of administrator terminal 2, and flowchart FB shows the operation of management server 3.

[0067] As shown in flowchart FA, the reception unit 203 accepts input of the type of facility list SL to be requested from the management server 3 (step SA1). In step SA1, the reception unit 203 accepts input specifying at least one of the first facility list SL1, the second facility list SL2, the third facility list SL3, and the fourth facility list SL4.

[0068] The terminal communication control unit 201 sends list request information to the management server 3 (step SA2). The list request information sent in step SA2 contains the type of facility list SL received in step SA1.

[0069] As shown in the flowchart FB, the server communication control unit 301 receives list request information from the administrator terminal 2 (step SB1).

[0070] Next, the list generation unit 302 generates a facility list SL of the type described in the list request information received in step SA1 (step SB2). For example, if the list request information received in step SA1 records a first facility list SL1 and a second facility list SL2 as the types of facility list SL, the list generation unit 302 generates the first facility list SL1 and the second facility list SL2.

[0071] Next, the server communication control unit 301 transmits the image data of the facility list SL generated in step SB2 to the administrator terminal 2 (step SB3). If the list generation unit 302 generated multiple facility lists SL in step SB2, the server communication control unit 301 transmits the image data of each of the generated facility lists SL to the administrator terminal 2.

[0072] As shown in the flowchart FA, the terminal communication control unit 201 receives image data of the facility list SL from the management server 3 (step SA3).

[0073] Next, the display control unit 202 displays the facility list SL indicated by the image data received in step SA4 on the display 22 (step SA4). If the management server 3 sends multiple image data in step SA4, the display control unit 202 displays multiple facility list SLs.

[0074] Displaying the first facility list SL1 in step SA4 has the following effect: By displaying the first facility list SL1, administrator P can recognize which set temperature is set and to what extent for each facility in the first temperature control. Therefore, administrator P can give appropriate improvement instructions for each facility regarding the set temperature in the first temperature control.

[0075] Furthermore, the display of the second facility list SL2 in step SA4 has the following effect: By displaying the second facility list SL2, administrator P can recognize which set temperatures are set and to what extent for each facility in the second temperature control. Therefore, administrator P can issue appropriate improvement instructions for each facility regarding the set temperatures in the second temperature control.

[0076] Displaying the third facility list SL3 in step SA4 has the following effect: By displaying the third facility list SL3, administrator P can recognize how much the set temperature was changed for each facility during each time period in the first temperature control. Therefore, administrator P can issue appropriate improvement instructions for each facility regarding the set temperature in the first temperature control.

[0077] Furthermore, the display of the fourth facility list SL4 in step SA4 has the following effect: By displaying the fourth facility list SL4, administrator P can recognize how much the set temperature was changed for each facility during each time period in the second temperature control. Therefore, administrator P can issue appropriate improvement instructions for each facility regarding the set temperature in the second temperature control. Furthermore, because the fourth facility list SL4 is displayed in step SA4, administrator P can accurately recognize the temperature sensation felt by the user of the air conditioner 10, compared to the third facility list SL3. More specifically, when the air conditioner 10 is operating with the first temperature control, the set temperature is unlikely to change from the set temperature set by the user of the air conditioner 10. This is because, for example, the set temperature is set higher in the early morning during winter, and even if it feels a little hot during the day, discomfort can be alleviated by putting on or taking off clothes. Therefore, the third facility list SL3 may not accurately reflect the perceived temperature of the air conditioner 10 users. However, in the second temperature control, even if the set temperature is changed, it returns to the recommended set temperature, making it highly likely that users will change the set temperature multiple times. Therefore, the fourth facility list SL4 is highly likely to accurately reflect the perceived temperature of the air conditioner 10 users. Consequently, administrator P can accurately recognize the perceived temperature of the air conditioner 10 users and issue appropriate improvement instructions for each facility that reflect the perceived temperature of the air conditioner 10 users.

[0078] [1-2-2. Operations related to graph display] Next, the operation of each device in the management system 100 related to the display of graph GF will be explained. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of administrator terminal 2 and management server 3. In Figure 11, flowchart FC shows the operation of administrator terminal 2, and flowchart FD shows the operation of management server 3.

[0079] As shown in flowchart FC, the reception unit 203 determines whether or not it has received an input specifying facility 1 (step SC1).

[0080] If the reception unit 203 determines that it has not received input specifying facility 1 (step SC1: NO), the terminal communication control unit 201 sends first graph request information to the management server 3 (step SC2). The first graph request information is graph request information requesting the first graph GF1.

[0081] On the other hand, if the reception unit 203 determines that it has received input specifying facility 1 (step SC1: YES), the terminal communication control unit 201 sends second graph request information to the management server 3 (step SC3). The second graph request information is information requesting the second graph GF2 and includes the facility ID of facility 1 received by the reception unit 203.

[0082] As shown in flowchart FD, the server communication control unit 301 receives either the first graph request information or the second graph request information from the administrator terminal 2 (step SD1).

[0083] Next, the graph generation unit 303 generates graph GF (step SD2). If the first graph request information is received in step SD1, the graph generation unit 303 generates the first graph GF1. If the second graph request information is received in step SD2, the graph generation unit 303 generates the second graph GF2. The second graph GF2 generated in step SD2 has change information J3 for facility 1 indicated by the facility ID included in the second graph request information.

[0084] Next, the server communication control unit 301 transmits the image data of graph GF generated in step SB2 to the administrator terminal 2 (step SD3).

[0085] As shown in flowchart FC, the terminal communication control unit 201 receives image data of graph GF from the management server 3 (step SC4).

[0086] Next, the display control unit 202 displays the graph GF, which is represented by the image data received in step SC4, on the display 33 (step SC5).

[0087] Displaying the first graph GF1 in step SA4 has the following effect: By displaying the first graph GF1, the administrator P can recognize facilities 1 with similar usage patterns for the air conditioning system 10. Therefore, even if there are many facilities 1, the administrator P can issue appropriate improvement instructions regarding the use of the air conditioning system 10 in groups of facilities with similar usage patterns. For example, by displaying the first graph GF1 in the example in Figure 8, the administrator P can issue improvement instructions to lower the set temperature, raise the set temperature, and reduce the operating rate of the air conditioning system 10 in groups.

[0088] In step SA4, the display of the second graph GF1 provides the following additional effect in addition to the effect of the first graph GF1. Specifically, since the change information J3 is displayed, the administrator P can recognize how the usage of the air conditioning system 10 in the designated facility 1 has changed. Therefore, the administrator P can recognize the changes in the usage of the air conditioning system 10 over time for each facility 1 and issue further improvement instructions for each facility 1.

[0089] [1-2-3. Actions related to registering improvement items and improvement implementation period] After assigning improvement items to each group grouped in graph GF, administrator P can register the assigned improvement items and the improvement implementation period using administrator terminal 2. Next, the operation of each device of the management system 100 related to the registration of improvement items and improvement implementation periods will be explained.

[0090] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of administrator terminal 2 and management server 3. In Figure 12, flowchart FE is a flowchart showing the operation of administrator terminal 2, and flowchart FF is a flowchart showing the operation of management server 3.

[0091] As shown in flowchart FE, the reception unit 203 receives input of improvement items and improvement implementation periods from administrator P for each group (step SE1).

[0092] Next, the terminal communication control unit 201 sends registration request information to the management server 3 (step SE2). The registration request information records, for each group, the group ID, the information of the entered improvement items, and the information of the entered improvement implementation period, all linked together.

[0093] As shown in flowchart FF, the server communication control unit 301 receives registration request information from the administrator terminal 2 (step SF1).

[0094] Next, the database processing unit 305 generates records to be stored in the second management DB 313 (step SF2). In step SF2, the database processing unit 305 generates a record for each group ID included in the registration request information received in step SF1.

[0095] Next, the database processing unit 305 stores the record generated in step SF2 in the second management DB 313 (step SF2).

[0096] [1-2-4. Operations related to displaying the results of the implementation] Administrator P can display the results of the improvement items on administrator terminal 2. Next, the operation of each device in the management system 100 related to the display of implementation results will be explained. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of administrator terminal 2 and management server 3. In Figure 13, flowchart FG shows the operation of administrator terminal 2, and flowchart FH shows the operation of management server 3.

[0097] As shown in flowchart FG, the reception unit 203 sends the execution result request information to the management server 3 to request the execution result (step SG1).

[0098] As shown in flowchart FH, the server communication control unit 301 receives the execution result request information from the administrator terminal 2 (step SH1).

[0099] Next, the result generation unit 304 generates an image of the results (step SH2).

[0100] Next, the server communication control unit 301 transmits the image data of the execution result image generated in step SH2 to the administrator terminal 2 (step SH3).

[0101] Next, the terminal communication control unit 201 receives image data of the execution result image from the management server 3 (step SG2).

[0102] Next, the display control unit 201 displays the result image indicated by the image data received in step SG2 on the display 33 (step SG3).

[0103] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the management system 100 comprises an air conditioning unit 10 and an administrator terminal 2 used by an administrator P who manages multiple facilities 1 in which the air conditioning unit 10 is installed. The administrator terminal 2 displays usage information, which is information indicating how the air conditioning unit 10 is used, for each of the multiple facilities 1.

[0104] According to this, the administrator P will be able to recognize how the air conditioning system 10 has been used for each facility 1, and will be able to issue appropriate improvement instructions for each facility 1 regarding the use of the air conditioning system 10. Therefore, the management system 100 can improve the manageability of the facilities 1 in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed.

[0105] Administrator terminal 2 displays multiple usage patterns together.

[0106] According to this, the administrator P can compare the usage patterns of the air conditioning system 10 at multiple facilities 1, enabling the administrator P to provide more appropriate improvement instructions to each facility 1 regarding the use of the air conditioning system 10. Therefore, the management system 100 can further improve the manageability of the facility 1 where the air conditioning system 10 is installed.

[0107] The administrator terminal 2 displays usage information indicating how the air conditioning system 10 is used for a predetermined target.

[0108] According to this, the administrator P will be able to recognize how the air conditioning system 10 is used for a given target, and will be able to give more appropriate improvement instructions for each facility 1 regarding the use of the air conditioning system 10. Therefore, the management system 100 can further improve the manageability of the facilities 1 in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed.

[0109] When the usage information indicates a characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning unit 10, the administrator terminal 2 displays information indicating the characteristic usage pattern of the air conditioning unit 10 along with the usage information.

[0110] This makes it easier for administrator P to determine what kind of improvement instructions to give, allowing administrator P to give more appropriate improvement instructions for each facility 1. Therefore, the management system 100 can further improve the manageability of the facility 1 in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed.

[0111] The air conditioning system 10 performs a second temperature control, which returns the set temperature to its pre-change state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the set temperature of the room being conditioned was changed. The usage information indicates the number of times the set temperature of the room being conditioned was changed in the second temperature control.

[0112] According to this, the administrator P will be able to accurately recognize the temperature sensation felt by users of the air conditioning system 10, and will be able to give more appropriate improvement instructions for the use of the air conditioning system 10 at each facility 1. Therefore, the management system 100 can further improve the manageability of the facility 1 where the air conditioning system 10 is installed.

[0113] The administrator terminal 2 displays a graph in which usage information for each facility 1 is plotted as points, and the points are grouped based on the similarity of the usage patterns of the air conditioning system 10.

[0114] According to this, administrator P can recognize facilities 1 that have similar usage patterns for the air conditioning system 10. Therefore, administrator P can issue improvement instructions regarding the use of the air conditioning system 10 to groups of facilities with similar usage patterns. Thus, the management system 100 can improve the manageability of facilities 1 where the air conditioning system 10 is installed.

[0115] Graph GF is a two-dimensional graph. The parameters on the vertical axis and the parameters on the horizontal axis of Graph GF are parameters that are correlated with each other in the operation of the air conditioning system 10.

[0116] According to this, by setting the parameters on the vertical and horizontal axes to correlated parameters, the administrator P can recognize which usage patterns of the air conditioning system 10 are prioritized for each facility 1. Therefore, the administrator P can issue appropriate improvement instructions regarding the use of the air conditioning system 10 in groups of similar usage patterns. Thus, the management system 100 can further improve the manageability of the facilities 1 in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed.

[0117] The parameter on the vertical axis represents the set temperature of the room to be conditioned by the air conditioning unit 10. The parameter on the horizontal axis represents the operating rate of the dehumidification operation of the air conditioning unit 10.

[0118] For example, in the summer, some facilities 1 may prioritize temperature and lower the set temperature while frequently performing dehumidification, while others may prioritize humidity and frequently perform dehumidification while raising the set temperature. As in the present invention, by recognizing the operating rate of dehumidification in relation to the set temperature for each facility 1, administrator P can manage which operation each facility 1 prioritizes. Therefore, administrator P can issue appropriate improvement instructions to each facility 1 regarding the set temperature and the operating rate of dehumidification.

[0119] The parameter on the vertical axis represents the set temperature of the room to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning system 10. The parameter on the horizontal axis represents the operating rate of the air conditioning system 10.

[0120] It is assumed that there are facilities 1 that operate with a strong air conditioning setting for a short period of time, and facilities 1 that operate with a weaker air conditioning setting for a long period of time. According to the present invention, the administrator P can manage which operation each facility 1 prioritizes by recognizing the operating rate of the air conditioning system 10 in relation to the set temperature for each facility 1. Therefore, the administrator P can issue appropriate improvement instructions regarding the set temperature and the operating rate of the air conditioning system 10.

[0121] Graph GF shows the changes in the usage patterns of the air conditioning system 10 over time.

[0122] According to this, administrator P can recognize how the usage of the air conditioning system 10 has changed. Therefore, administrator P can issue further improvement instructions for each facility 1.

[0123] In graph GF, each grouped group is assigned an improvement item for the use of the air conditioning system 10. The administrator terminal 2 displays information for each group indicating the energy-saving effect obtained by implementing the assigned improvement item.

[0124] According to this, administrator P can recognize how much energy savings have been achieved by implementing improvement items for each group, and therefore administrator P can take effective improvement measures on a group basis. Thus, the management system 100 can improve the manageability of facility 1.

[0125] Administrator terminal 2 displays information indicating which improvement items assigned to the group have achieved energy-saving effects exceeding a predetermined standard.

[0126] According to this, administrator P can recognize which improvement items were effective. Therefore, administrator P can issue further improvement instructions for each facility 1, and the management system 100 can improve the manageability of each facility 1.

[0127] In a control method for a management system 100 comprising an air conditioning unit 10 and an administrator terminal 2 used by an administrator P who manages multiple facilities 1 in which the air conditioning units 10 are installed, the administrator terminal 2 displays usage information, which is information indicating the usage pattern of the air conditioning unit 10, for each of the multiple facilities 1.

[0128] According to this, it produces the same effects as the management system 100 described above.

[0129] The administrator terminal 2 used by administrator P, who manages multiple facilities 1 in which air conditioning units 10 are installed, includes a display control unit 201 that displays usage information, which is information indicating how the air conditioning unit 10 is used, for each of the multiple facilities 1.

[0130] According to this, it produces the same effects as the management system 100 described above.

[0131] The control program 211 causes the terminal processor 200 of the administrator terminal 2, used by administrator P who manages multiple facilities 1 in which the air conditioning units 10 are installed, to function as a display control unit 202 that displays usage information, which is information indicating how the air conditioning units 10 are used, for each of the multiple facilities 1.

[0132] According to this, it produces the same effects as the management system 100 described above.

[0133] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In the description of Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In Embodiment 2, the administrator terminal 2 displays the third graph GF3 and the fourth graph GF4.

[0134] Figure 14 shows an example of the third graph GF3. The third graph, GF3, shows when the set temperature was changed during the first temperature control period over a 24-hour period. The horizontal axis of Graph 3 GF3 shows the time of day in one-hour increments. The first vertical axis of Graph 3 GF3 shows temperature. The second vertical axis of Graph 3 GF3 shows power consumption.

[0135] Graph 3, GF3, shows the Japan Meteorological Agency's outside air temperature for different time periods throughout the day. The Japan Meteorological Agency's outside air temperature is the temperature announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The third graph, GF3, shows the store temperature during different time periods of the day. The store temperature is the average of the temperatures inside facility 1 detected by the air conditioning unit 10. For example, if two air conditioning units 10 are installed in facility 1, the store temperature is the average of the temperatures inside facility 1 detected by the two air conditioning units 10. The third graph, GF3, shows the intake temperature during different time periods of the day. The intake temperature is the temperature inside facility 1 as detected by the air conditioning system 10. The third graph, GF3, shows the power consumption of the air conditioning system 10 during different time periods of the day.

[0136] The third graph, GF3, includes icon ICs. Icon ICs indicate when the set temperature was changed. In Figure 14, a hand-shaped icon is used as an example of an icon IC, but the image of the icon IC is not limited to a hand. Icon ICs are displayed in the third graph GF3 at positions corresponding to the time when the set temperature was changed. In the third graph GF3 shown in Figure 3, it can be seen that the set temperature was changed 8 times in one day.

[0137] Figure 15 shows an example of the fourth graph, GF4. Graph 4, GF4, shows when the set temperature was changed during the second temperature control period over a 24-hour period. The horizontal axis of Graph 4 GF4 shows the time of day in one-hour increments. The first vertical axis of Graph 4 GF4 shows temperature. The second vertical axis of Graph 4 GF4 shows power consumption.

[0138] Graph 4, GF4, like Graph 3, GF3, shows the Japan Meteorological Agency's outside temperature, the store's temperature, the intake temperature, and the power consumption of the air conditioning system 10 during the day.

[0139] Furthermore, the fourth graph GF4 includes an icon IC. The icon IC indicates the timing when the set temperature was changed. In the fourth graph GF4, the icon IC is displayed at the position corresponding to the time when the set temperature was changed. In the fourth graph GF4 shown in Figure 4, it can be seen that the set temperature was changed twice in one day.

[0140] In the management system 1000 of this embodiment, the administrator terminal 2 requests at least one of the third graph GF3 and the fourth graph GF4 from the server device 3, and the graph generation unit 303 of the server device 3 generates the graph corresponding to the request. Then, in the management system 1000 of this embodiment, the server device 3 transmits the graph data generated by the graph generation unit 303 to the administrator terminal 2, and the administrator terminal 2 displays at least one of the third graph GF3 and the fourth graph GF4.

[0141] The first uploaded data D1 of this embodiment further records a combination of the temperature inside facility 1 detected by the air conditioning unit 10 over a day and the date and time of detection of this temperature. The graph generation unit 303 of this embodiment then generates a third graph GF3, for example, as follows.

[0142] The request from administrator terminal 2 contains the date specified by administrator P and the facility ID of facility 1 specified by administrator P. The graph generation unit 303 retrieves all first upload data D1 from the first management DB 312 that contain the upload date and time corresponding to the date recorded in the request from administrator terminal 2, and that contain the facility ID recorded in the request from administrator terminal 2. Furthermore, the graph generation unit 303 accesses the Japan Meteorological Agency's database and obtains data on the Japan Meteorological Agency's outside temperature and outside humidity for the date recorded in the request from the administrator terminal 2.

[0143] The graph generation unit 303 generates a graph of the in-store temperature and intake temperature over a 24-hour period from the combination of the temperature inside facility 1 and the detection date and time recorded in the acquired first uploaded data D1. Furthermore, the graph generation unit 303 generates a graph of the Japan Meteorological Agency's outside temperature and outside humidity for a 1-day period from the acquired data on the Japan Meteorological Agency's outside temperature and outside humidity. Furthermore, the graph generation unit 303 calculates the hourly power consumption over a day based on the set temperature and two types of operating rates recorded in the acquired first uploaded data D1. The graph generation unit 303 then generates a third graph GF3 which includes a graph of the store temperature, a graph of the intake temperature, a graph of the Japan Meteorological Agency's outside temperature, and a graph showing the calculated power consumption, and displays an icon IC at the time corresponding to the change date and time recorded in the acquired first upload data D1.

[0144] Furthermore, in generating the fourth graph GF4, the graph generation unit 303 retrieves all of the second upload data D2 from the second management DB 313, which contains the upload date and time corresponding to the date recorded in the request from the administrator terminal 2, and which also contains the facility ID recorded in the request from the administrator terminal 2. Then, the graph generation unit 303 generates the fourth graph GF4 in the same manner as the third graph GF3.

[0145] Thus, in Embodiment 2, the administrator P can easily understand when the set temperature was changed during the day, allowing the administrator P to issue appropriate improvement instructions for each facility 1 regarding the use of the air conditioning system 10. Therefore, the management system 100 can improve the manageability of the facilities 1 in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed. In particular, because the third screen G3 and the fourth screen G4 can be compared, the administrator P can understand which temperature control is suitable for each facility 1, thereby further improving the manageability of the facilities 1 in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed.

[0146] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In the description of Embodiment 3, components that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In Embodiment 3, the administrator terminal 2 displays the frequency of changes to the set temperature per unit period (e.g., one day) within a predetermined period (e.g., one week) for both the first temperature control and the second temperature control.

[0147] In the management system 1000 of this embodiment, the administrator terminal 2 requests a report from the server device 3, and the server device 3 generates the report. This report is a document that records the frequency of changes in the set temperature per unit period over a predetermined period for each of the first and second temperature controls. The management system 1000 of this embodiment transmits the report data generated by the server device 3 to the administrator terminal 2, and the administrator terminal 2 displays the report to show the frequency of changes in the set temperature per unit period over the predetermined period.

[0148] The report request from administrator terminal 2 contains the facility ID of facility 1 specified by administrator P. The server processor 300 retrieves all of the first upload data D1, which contains the facility ID recorded in the request from administrator terminal 2, from the first management DB 312. The server processor 300 also retrieves all of the second upload data D2, which contains the facility ID recorded in the request from administrator terminal 2, from the second management DB 313. Then, the server processor 300 calculates the frequency of setting temperature changes per unit period over a predetermined period and generates a report recording the calculated change frequency.

[0149] Thus, in Embodiment 3, the administrator terminal 2 displays the frequency of changes in the set temperature per unit period within a predetermined period for each of the first and second temperature controls. This allows administrator P to easily understand how often the set temperature is changed per unit period, enabling administrator P to issue appropriate improvement instructions for the use of the air conditioning system 10 for each facility 1. Therefore, the management system 100 can improve the manageability of the facilities 1 in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed. In particular, because a comparison can be made between the first temperature control and the second temperature control, administrator P can understand which temperature control is most suitable for each facility 1. Thus, the manageability of the facilities 1 in which the air conditioning system 10 is installed can be further improved.

[0150] Furthermore, the report displayed in Embodiment 3 may include information indicating the level of comfort in Facility 1. The level of comfort in Facility 1 is an indicator of how comfortable Facility 1 is. The information indicating the level of comfort recorded in the report may be numerical or graphical, with different values ​​depending on the frequency of changes in the set temperature recorded in the report.

[0151] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been presented as an example disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in Embodiment 1 to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0152] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the display control unit 202 was exemplified as the "output control unit" of this disclosure. That is, in the above-described Embodiment 1, display was exemplified as the method of outputting information to administrator P. However, the method of outputting information to administrator P is not limited to display and may be other methods such as printing. For example, if the output method is printing, the "information processing device" of this disclosure may be a printing device.

[0153] In the above-described embodiment 1, the management server 3 is configured to generate the facility list SL, graph GF, and implementation result image. However, in other embodiments, the administrator terminal 2 may generate the facility list SL, graph GF, and implementation result image. In this other embodiment, the terminal processor 200 of the administrator terminal 2 functions as a list generation unit 302, a graph generation unit 303, and an implementation result generation unit 304. Also in this other embodiment, the terminal communication control unit 201 of the terminal processor 200 receives information and data necessary for each generation unit to generate data from the management server 3. The list generation unit 302, graph generation unit 303, and implementation result generation unit 304, which are operated by the terminal processor 200, then generate each image from the received data.

[0154] In the first embodiment described above, the management system 100 is configured to include a management server 3. However, in other embodiments, the management system 100 does not need to include a management server 3. In these other embodiments, the air conditioning device 10 transmits the uploaded data UD to the administrator terminal 2. Also in these other embodiments, the terminal memory 210 stores the first management DB 312 and the second management DB 313. Furthermore, in these other embodiments, the terminal processor 200 also functions as a list generation unit 302, a graph generation unit 303, an implementation result generation unit 304, and a database processing unit 305. This simplifies the configuration of the management system 100. In the above-described embodiment 1, Figure 6 shows how many times the set temperature was changed during the first temperature control period over a 24-hour period, and Figure 7 shows how many times the set temperature was changed during the second temperature control period over a 24-hour period. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is sufficient to show how many times the set temperature was changed during the first or second temperature control period for each predetermined condition. For example, it may show how many times the set temperature was changed during the first or second temperature control period for each ambient temperature, or how many times the set temperature was changed during the first or second temperature control period for each day of the week. By showing how many times the set temperature was changed during the first and second temperature control cycles for each ambient temperature, administrator P can estimate the perceived temperature at each location 1 for each ambient temperature, and thus take appropriate measures. Furthermore, since part-time staff at each location 1 are often assigned shifts on specific days and times, it is possible to estimate how each part-time staff member uses the air conditioning system 10 based on information indicating how many times the set temperature was changed during the first and second temperature control on each day of the week, and information indicating how many times the set temperature was changed during the first and second temperature control over a given time period of the day, thereby enabling appropriate countermeasures to be taken.

[0155] In the first embodiment described above, the uploaded data UD includes two types of operational rates. In other embodiments, the management server 3 may determine these two types of operational rates. In this case, the uploaded data UD records, for example, the time the air conditioner 10 was powered on and the time the air conditioner 10 performed dehumidification operation.

[0156] The processor, terminal processor 200, and server processor 300 of the air conditioning control device may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0157] The configurations of the devices in the management system 100 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 are examples, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually; it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented as software.

[0158] The operational step units shown in Figures 10-13 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not impede the intent of this disclosure.

[0159] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial applicability]

[0160] As described above, the management system, control method for the management system, information processing device, and program according to the present invention can be used to output the usage patterns of an air conditioning system to the manager of a facility where an air conditioning system is installed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 1 facility 2. Administrator terminal (information processing device) 3. Management Server 10. Air conditioning system 100 Management Systems 200 Terminal Processors (Processors) 202 Display Control Unit (Output Control Unit) 211 Control program (program) GF graph GF1 Graph 1 GF2 2nd graph J1 Setting Ratio Information (Usage Pattern Information) J2 Change Count Information (Usage Pattern Information) P Administrator SL Facility List SL1 Facility List SL2 Second Facility List SL3 Third Facility List SL4 4th Facility List

Claims

1. The system comprises an air conditioning system and an information processing device used by an administrator who manages multiple facilities in which the air conditioning system is installed. The aforementioned information processing device is For each of the multiple facilities, usage information is output, which is information indicating the usage pattern of the air conditioning system during a predetermined period. For each of the aforementioned facilities, a graph is output which is a two-dimensional graph in which the usage information is plotted as points. The graph shows the change over time in the usage pattern of the air conditioning system by plotting, for the facility specified in the information processing device, the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period in addition to the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period. Furthermore, the information processing device, The system outputs a list for each facility showing the usage information indicating the ratio of the setting of the set temperature during the predetermined period to the set temperature that the air conditioning system can set, The color of the numerical display column in the list showing the aforementioned percentages differs according to the percentage indicated by the numerical display column. Management system.

2. The aforementioned information processing device is Multiple usage patterns are output together. The management system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned information processing device is Outputs usage information indicating the usage pattern of the air conditioning system for a predetermined target. The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned information processing device is The system outputs usage information that highlights the characteristic usage patterns of the air conditioning system. The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The air conditioning system performs temperature control to return the set temperature to its state before the change, provided that a predetermined time has elapsed since the set temperature of the room to be conditioned was changed. The usage information indicates the number of times the set temperature has been changed in the temperature control. The management system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned information processing device is The system outputs a graph in which the usage information for each facility is plotted as points, and the points are grouped based on the similarity of the usage patterns of the air conditioning systems. The management system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned graph is a two-dimensional graph, The parameters on the first axis of the graph and the parameters on the second axis of the graph are parameters that are correlated with each other in the operation of the air conditioning system. The management system according to claim 6.

8. The parameter of the first axis is a parameter that indicates the set temperature of the room to be conditioned by the air conditioning system, The parameter of the second axis is a parameter that indicates the operating rate of the dehumidification operation of the air conditioning system. The management system according to claim 7.

9. The parameter of the first axis is a parameter that indicates the set temperature of the room to be conditioned by the air conditioning system, The parameter of the second axis is a parameter indicating the operating rate of the air conditioning system. The management system according to claim 7.

10. Each of the groups grouped in the graph above is assigned an item for improving the use of the air conditioning system. The aforementioned information processing device is For each of the aforementioned groups, information showing the energy-saving effect obtained by implementing the assigned improvement item will be output. The management system according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. The aforementioned information processing device is The system outputs information indicating the improvement items assigned to the group that have achieved an energy-saving effect exceeding a predetermined standard. The management system according to claim 10.

12. A control method for a management system comprising an air conditioning system and an information processing device used by an administrator who manages multiple facilities in which the air conditioning systems are installed, The aforementioned information processing device is For each of the multiple facilities, usage information is output, which is information indicating the usage pattern of the air conditioning system during a predetermined period. For each of the aforementioned facilities, a graph is output which is a two-dimensional graph in which the usage information is plotted as points. The graph shows the change over time in the usage pattern of the air conditioning system by plotting, for the facility specified in the information processing device, the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period in addition to the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period. Furthermore, the information processing device, The system outputs a list for each facility showing the usage information indicating the ratio of the setting of the set temperature during the predetermined period to the set temperature that the air conditioning system can set, The color of the numerical display column in the list showing the aforementioned percentages differs according to the percentage indicated by the numerical display column. Control methods for the management system.

13. An information processing device used by an administrator who manages multiple facilities equipped with air conditioning systems, Each of the multiple facilities is equipped with an output control unit that outputs usage information, which is information indicating how the air conditioning system is used during a predetermined period. The output control unit outputs a graph for each facility, which is a two-dimensional graph in which the usage information is plotted as points. The graph shows the change over time in the usage pattern of the air conditioning system by plotting, for the facility specified in the information processing device, the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period in addition to the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period. Furthermore, the output control unit, The system outputs a list for each facility showing the usage information indicating the ratio of the setting of the set temperature during the predetermined period to the set temperature that the air conditioning system can set, The color of the numerical display column in the list showing the aforementioned percentages differs according to the percentage indicated by the numerical display column. Information processing device.

14. The processor of the information processing device used by an administrator who manages multiple facilities equipped with air conditioning systems, Each of the multiple facilities is configured to function as an output control unit that outputs usage information, which is information indicating how the air conditioning system is used during a predetermined period. The output control unit outputs a graph for each facility, which is a two-dimensional graph in which the usage information is plotted as points. The graph shows the change over time in the usage pattern of the air conditioning system by plotting, for the facility specified in the information processing device, the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period in addition to the point corresponding to the second most recent predetermined period. Furthermore, the output control unit, The system outputs a list for each facility showing the usage information indicating the ratio of the setting of the set temperature during the predetermined period to the set temperature that the air conditioning system can set, The color of the numerical display column in the list showing the aforementioned percentages differs according to the percentage indicated by the numerical display column. program.

Images