Display device, storage system, display method, program, and storage device

Abstract

This display device comprises a plurality of light emission units that are arranged in a row, and a control unit that controls light emission of the plurality of light emission units. The control unit is capable of performing: first control for performing control on the basis of the number of the plurality of light emission units to be illuminated, which is determined in accordance with a storage amount of a storage target stored in a storage unit; second control for performing control on the basis of the combination of the number of the plurality of light emission units to flash and the positions of flashing, which are determined in accordance with the site of an abnormality occurring in a main device that has the storage unit; and third control for performing control on the basis of the flashing mode of the plurality of light emission units, which is determined in accordance with the mode of an abnormality that has occurred in the main device.

Description

Display device, storage system, display method, program, and storage device

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, a storage system, a display method, a program, and a storage device. This invention claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-039310, filed on March 14, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a display that displays the details of an abnormality using a plurality of light sources (rod-shaped light sources and annular light sources) arranged in a predetermined direction. In Patent Document 1, the details of the abnormality are distinguished by the lighting position or blinking speed of each light source.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-198664

[0004] However, even if the abnormality is identified by the lighting position or blinking speed of each light source, only a few abnormalities can be displayed, making it difficult to identify the abnormal object (abnormal part).

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application aims to provide a display device, a storage system, a display method, a program, and a storage device that can easily identify an abnormal object (an abnormal portion).

[0006] To solve the above problems, aspects of the present invention have the following configuration: (1) A display device according to one aspect of the present invention (e.g., display device 1 in the embodiments) is a display device including a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting elements 51, 52, and 53 in the embodiments) aligned in a row, and a controller (e.g., controller 82 in the embodiments) that controls the light emission of the plurality of light-emitting elements, wherein the controller is capable of executing a first control that controls based on the number of light-emitting elements that light up, which is determined according to the amount of storage target stored in a storage unit (e.g., storage unit 311 in the embodiments), a second control that controls based on a combination of the number of light-emitting elements that blink and the positions at which they blink, which is determined according to the location of an abnormality that has occurred in a main device having the storage unit (e.g., display device 1, storage device 10 in the embodiments), and a third control that controls based on the blinking pattern of the plurality of light-emitting elements, which is determined according to the pattern of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device.

[0007] (2) In the display device described in (1) above, the plurality of light-emitting units used in the second control and the plurality of light-emitting units used in the third control may be the same.

[0008] (3) In the display device according to (1) or (2) above, the storage unit may be an energy storage unit that stores energy or an energy source.

[0009] (4) In the display device described in (3) above, the energy storage unit may be a power storage unit that stores power.

[0010] (5) A storage system according to one aspect of the present invention (e.g., storage system 300 in the embodiment) comprises a storage device having the storage section (e.g., storage device 10 in the embodiment) and a display device described in any one of (1) to (4) above.

[0011] (6) A display method according to one aspect of the present invention is a display method for a display device having a plurality of light-emitting elements aligned in a row and a control unit that controls the light emission of the plurality of light-emitting elements, the display method including a first step of controlling based on the number of the plurality of light-emitting elements that are lit, which is determined according to the storage amount of the storage object stored in the storage unit; a second step of controlling based on a combination of the number of the plurality of light-emitting elements that blink and the blinking positions, which is determined according to the location of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device having the storage unit; and a third step of controlling based on the blinking pattern of the plurality of light-emitting elements, which is determined according to the type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device.

[0012] (7) A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer having a plurality of light-emitting units aligned in a row and a control unit that controls the light emission of the plurality of light-emitting units to execute the following steps: a first step in which the control unit controls the number of the plurality of light-emitting units that are lit, which is determined according to the amount of storage of the storage object stored in the storage unit; a second step in which the control unit controls the number of the plurality of light-emitting units that blink and the combination of the blinking positions, which is determined according to the location of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device that has the storage unit; and a third step in which the control unit controls the number of light-emitting units that blink, which is determined according to the type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device.

[0013] (8) A storage device according to one aspect of the present invention (for example, the storage unit 86 in the embodiment) stores the program described in (7) above.

[0014] According to the display device described in (1) above of the present invention, the first control is based on the number of light-emitting elements that light up, which is determined according to the storage amount of the storage object stored in the storage unit; the second control is based on the combination of the number of light-emitting elements that blink and the blinking positions, which is determined according to the part of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device that has the storage unit; and the third control is based on the blinking pattern of the light-emitting elements, which is determined according to the type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device, thereby making it possible to easily identify the abnormal object (abnormal part).

[0015] According to the display device described in (2) above of the present invention, the number of light-emitting elements can be reduced compared to when the plurality of light-emitting elements used in the second control and the plurality of light-emitting elements used in the third control are different from each other, and therefore, an abnormal object (abnormal portion) can be easily identified using a small number of light-emitting elements.

[0016] According to the display device of the present invention described above in (3), in a configuration in which the storage unit is an energy storage unit that stores energy or an energy source, an abnormal object (abnormal portion) can be easily identified.

[0017] According to the display device of the present invention described above in (4), in a configuration in which the energy storage unit is a power storage unit that stores power, an abnormal object (an abnormal portion) can be easily identified.

[0018] According to the storage system of the present invention described above in (5), by including the display device, an abnormal object (an abnormal portion) can be easily identified.

[0019] According to the display method described in (6) above of the present invention, in the first step, control is performed based on the number of the multiple light-emitting elements that are lit, which is determined according to the storage amount of the storage object stored in the storage unit; in the second step, control is performed based on the combination of the number of the multiple light-emitting elements that blink and the blinking positions, which is determined according to the part of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device that has the storage unit; and in the third step, control is performed based on the blinking pattern of the multiple light-emitting elements, which is determined according to the type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device, thereby making it possible to easily identify the abnormal object (abnormal part).

[0020] According to the program described in (7) above of the present invention, the computer can easily identify abnormal objects (abnormal parts) by executing the following steps: a first step in which the control unit controls based on the number of multiple light-emitting parts that are lit, which is determined according to the storage amount of the storage object stored in the storage unit; a second step in which the control unit controls based on the combination of the number of multiple light-emitting parts that blink and the blinking positions, which is determined according to the part of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device that has the storage unit; and a third step in which the control unit controls based on the blinking pattern of the multiple light-emitting parts, which is determined according to the type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device.

[0021] According to the storage device of the present invention described above in (8), by storing the above program, an abnormal object (an abnormal portion) can be easily identified.

[0022] 1 is a front view of a storage system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a storage system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a display unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a fault type according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of fault details according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing examples of summary information and detailed information according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a state transition diagram showing an example of a fault occurrence according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting values ​​for fault display according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display on a display unit according to a first comparative example. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display on a display unit according to a second comparative example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display on a display unit according to a third comparative example.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," do not only mean such arrangements strictly, but also include states in which the components are relatively displaced by an angle or distance to a degree that allows tolerances or the same function to be obtained. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component has been appropriately changed to make each component recognizable.

[0024] 1 to 3, a storage system 300 includes a storage device 10 and a display device 1. In the following description, three mutually orthogonal axial directions as shown in the figures are defined as the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. The up-down direction is also called the vertical direction. The downward direction in the up-down direction corresponds to the direction of gravity.

[0025] <Storage Device> The storage device 10 is configured as a unit using a single battery pack. For example, the storage device 10 is a mobile power pack (MPP). For example, the storage device 10 is a storage battery (secondary battery) such as a battery. For example, the storage device 10 is a lithium-ion battery. For example, the storage device 10 can be used as a power source for a traction motor mounted on a two-wheeled or four-wheeled electric vehicle. Note that the storage device 10 can be used for various purposes, not limited to the above. For example, the storage device 10 may be applied to electrical equipment other than electric vehicles.

[0026] The storage device 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the following description, the surfaces of the storage device 10 are defined as an upper surface 11, a lower surface 12, a left surface 13, a right surface 14, a front surface 15, and a rear surface (not shown) based on the state in which the storage device 10 is housed in the display device 1 (when functioning as a holding device).

[0027] The storage device 10 is accommodated in the accommodation space 21 through the opening 20. When the storage device 10 is accommodated, the top surface 11 and the front surface 15 of the storage device 10 are exposed from the display device 1. A handle 17 is provided on the front surface 15 of the storage device 10. For example, a user can hold the handle 17 and carry the storage device 10 in a hanging state with the rear surface facing downward. The storage device 10 can stand on its own with the rear surface abutting the ground or floor.

[0028] A first terminal (not shown) is provided on the upper rear surface of the storage device 10. For example, the first terminal includes a plurality of generally flat metal terminals spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. For example, the first terminal is a concave receptacle (female connector) extending in the left-right direction.

[0029] 3, the storage device 10 includes a storage unit 311, a control unit 312, a communication unit 313, and a power source 314. The storage unit 311 is capable of storing a storage target. The storage unit 311 is an energy storage unit that stores energy. The energy storage unit is a power storage unit that stores power. For example, the power storage unit includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series or in parallel. The battery cells are repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0030] The control unit 312 determines the storage amount of the storage object stored in the storage unit 311 based on information acquired by sensors (not shown) provided in the storage device 10 and the storage unit 311. The control unit 312 is responsible for the overall control of the storage device 10.

[0031] The control unit 312 includes a calculation unit 315 and a storage unit 316. For example, the calculation unit 315 is configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, the storage unit 316 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data, a flash memory, etc.

[0032] The control unit 312 transmits information indicating the storage amount of the storage object stored in the storage unit 311 (specifically, information indicating the remaining battery charge) to the display device 1 via the communication unit 313. The control unit 312 transmits information indicating an abnormality in the storage device 10 or the storage unit 311 to the display device 1 via the communication unit 313.

[0033] The communication unit 313 is capable of communicating with the communication unit 83 of the display device 1. For example, the communication unit 313 is capable of performing wired communication with the communication unit 83 of the display device 1. Note that the communication is not limited to wired communication, and wireless communication may be performed between the communication unit 313 of the storage device 10 and the communication unit 83 of the display device 1.

[0034] The power source 314 supplies power to each of the components of the storage device 10. For example, the power source 314 can convert commercial AC power to DC power. For example, the power source 314 can supply the converted DC power to each of the components of the storage device 10.

[0035] <Display Device> Referring also to Figure 2, the display device 1 also functions as a holding device that detachably holds the storage device 10. "Detachable" means that it can be attached and detached. In the embodiment, among the detachable aspects, it is a freely detachable aspect that does not require a separate tool or the like for attachment and detachment.

[0036] The display device 1 comprises a holding portion 2 that detachably holds the storage device 10, a bottom portion 3 that faces a placement surface F when the display device 1 is placed thereon, a front portion 4 having a front surface 4a facing forward of the display device 1, a rear portion 5 having a rear surface 5a facing rearward of the display device 1, an upper portion 6 having a top surface 6a facing upward of the display device 1, a left side portion 7 having a left surface 7a facing leftward of the display device 1, and a right side portion 8 having a right surface 8a facing rightward of the display device 1. In the embodiment, the placement surface F on which the display device 1 is placed is a flat ground or floor surface (horizontal plane).

[0037] An opening 20 is formed in the display device 1 from the front portion 4 to the top portion 6. A storage space 21 having a shape that follows the outer shape of the storage device 10 is formed inside the display device 1 through the opening 20. The storage space 21 is recessed from the top portion 6 of the display device 1. The storage space 21 is formed by a plurality of surfaces (specifically, a bottom surface (top surface 31a of the first portion 31) and three side surfaces (inner surfaces of the left and right side portions 7, 8 and a front surface 32a of the second portion 32) that rise from the left and right edges and rear end of the bottom surface, respectively). Note that at least one of the three side surfaces does not have to be flat.

[0038] The holding unit 2 has a first part 31 that holds the underside 12 of the storage device 10 (an example of a first surface that faces the first direction of the storage device 10) and a second part 32 that holds the rear surface of the storage device 10 (an example of a second surface that faces the second direction that intersects with the first direction of the storage device 10). The holding unit 2 as a whole has a generally L-shaped cross section.

[0039] The holding portion 2 is provided so that the storage device 10 can be attached and detached in a direction along the first portion 31. The lower surface 12 of the storage device 10 abuts against the upper surface 31a of the first portion 31 when the storage device 10 is stored. The rear surface of the storage device 10 abuts against the front surface 32a of the second portion 32 when the storage device 10 is stored. The upper surface 31a of the first portion 31 is configured smoothly so that the lower surface 12 of the storage device 10 can slide smoothly along the upper surface 31a.

[0040] An area 33 to which a label can be attached is provided on the front surface 32a of the second portion 32. A through-hole 34 that penetrates the second portion 32 in the front-rear direction is formed in the upper part of the second portion 32. The through-hole 34 extends in the left-right direction to correspond to the position of a first terminal (not shown) of the storage device 10. A second terminal 35 that is detachable from the first terminal provided on the storage device 10 is provided on the upper rear surface of the second portion 32.

[0041] For example, the second terminal 35 is attached to the second part 32 via a bracket (not shown) using a fastening member such as a bolt 37. For example, first, a bracket to which the second terminal 35 is fixed is placed on the rear surface of the second part 32. Next, the bolt 37 is tightened from the outside of the display device 1 (the front side of the second part 32) into the female thread portion (not shown) of the bracket. This allows the second terminal 35 to be fixed to the second part 32 via the bracket.

[0042] For example, the second terminal 35 includes a plurality of generally flat metal terminals spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. For example, the second terminal 35 is a plug (male connector) extending in the left-right direction. The second terminal 35 protrudes forward (specifically, forward and upward) from the through-hole 34. The portion of the second terminal 35 protruding forward from the through-hole 34 is always exposed.

[0043] For example, a user pushes the storage device 10 accommodated in the accommodation space 21 backward along the top surface of the first part 31. This causes the plug (second terminal 35) of the display device 1 to fit into the first terminal (receptacle) of the storage device 10. This allows the first terminal and the second terminal 35 to be connected.

[0044] The front part 4 is disposed below the holding part 2 when viewed from the front of the display device 1. The front part 4 has a front surface 4a facing the front of the display device 1. A display unit 50 (see FIG. 4 ), such as an indicator, is provided on the front surface 4a of the front part 4.

[0045] 3 , the display device 1 includes a display unit 50, a control unit 82, a communication unit 83, and a power supply 84. The display unit 50 can display the amount of storage target stored in the storage unit 311, abnormalities in the storage device 10 or the storage unit 311, etc. The control unit 82 is responsible for overall control of the display device 1.

[0046] Although not shown, the display device 1 includes a power converter that is provided so as to be able to transmit power to the storage device 10 held in the holding unit 2. For example, the power converter (not shown) is an AC / DC inverter. For example, the power converter converts AC power supplied from a power source (for example, grid power) into DC power and supplies it to the storage device 10.

[0047] For example, the control unit 82 controls a power conversion device. For example, an AC power source external to the display device 1 is connected to the power conversion device. In this state, when the first terminal of the storage device 10 is connected to the second terminal 35 of the display device 1, power is supplied to the storage device 10 via the power conversion device. This charges the storage device 10. Note that it is also possible to configure the storage device 10 to supply power to the display device 1 when the first terminal of the storage device 10 is connected to the second terminal 35 of the display device 1.

[0048] Although not shown, an electrical terminal (receptacle) to which a plug of an electrical device such as an AC power outlet is connected may be provided on the upper portion 6 of the display device 1. For example, a DC / AC inverter may be provided inside the display device 1 to convert DC power supplied from the storage device 10 into AC power and supply it to an electrical device connected to the outlet. In this case, the display device 1 functions as a power supply device in addition to functioning as a charging device.

[0049] The control unit 82 includes a calculation unit 85 and a storage unit 86 (corresponding to a computer-readable storage device). For example, the calculation unit 85 is configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, the storage unit 86 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, a flash memory, etc.

[0050] The control unit 82 displays information using the display unit 50 based on information transmitted from the storage device 10 via the communication unit 83 (specifically, information indicating the amount of storage stored in the storage unit 311, information indicating an abnormality in the storage device 10 or the storage unit 311, etc.).

[0051] The communication unit 83 is capable of communicating with the communication unit 313 of the storage device 10. For example, the communication unit 83 is capable of performing wired communication with the communication unit 313 of the storage device 10. Note that the communication is not limited to wired communication, and wireless communication may be performed between the communication unit 83 of the display device 1 and the communication unit 313 of the storage device 10.

[0052] The power supply 84 supplies power to each of the components of the display device 1. For example, the power supply 84 can convert commercial AC power into DC power. For example, the power supply 84 can supply the converted DC power to each of the components of the display device 1.

[0053] <Display Unit> Referring also to Fig. 4, the display unit 50 includes a plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53 aligned in a row. The display unit 50 has a long side in the left-right direction. The plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53 are arranged along the long side of the display unit 50. For example, the light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53 are configured by LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0054] For example, the light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53 may have an LED (light source) located immediately behind them, or may have light guided by a light guide from an LED located farther away. Note that the configuration of the light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0055] The multiple light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53 include a power light 51, a remaining power light 52, and a communication light 53. The power light 51, remaining power light 52, and communication light 53 are arranged in this order on the display unit 50 from one side (the left side in the figure) to the other side (the right side in the figure) in the left-right direction. Note that the multiple light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53 do not necessarily have to include the communication light 53. For example, the installation mode of the communication light 53 can be changed according to design specifications.

[0056] The power light 51 is disposed on one end side of the display unit 50 (the left end side in the figure). For example, the power light 51 emits green light when the power is on. For example, the power light 51 is turned off when the power is off. For example, the power light 51 emits red light when an abnormality or the like occurs. For example, when the power light 51 emits red light, a fault notification or a warning notification may be issued. Note that the manner in which the power light 51 emits light is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0057] The remaining charge light 52 is disposed between the power light 51 and the communication light 53 in the left-right direction. For example, the remaining charge light 52 emits light according to the remaining battery charge. For example, the remaining charge light 52 allows the user to recognize setting mode information, charging status (e.g., remaining charge), error code information, etc., depending on the light emission pattern. For example, the remaining charge light 52 emits light in green. Note that the light emission pattern of the remaining charge light 52 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0058] The remaining power indicator 52 includes a plurality of segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D. The plurality of segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the display unit 50. In the example shown in the figure, four segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D are provided.

[0059] Hereinafter, of the four segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D, the first segment 55A from the left in the drawing will be referred to as "segment 1 55A," the second segment 55B as "segment 2 55B," the third segment 55C as "segment 3 55C," and the fourth segment 55D as "segment 4 55D." Note that the numbers of segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D are not limited to those described above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D are rectangular with their longer sides in the left-right direction, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D may be rectangular with their longer sides in the up-down direction. For example, the segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D may be square. For example, the segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D may be circular or elliptical. For example, the shapes of the segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D are not limited to the above and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0061] The communication light 53 is located on the other end side (the right end side in the figure) of the display unit 50. For example, the communication light 53 emits light in response to LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication, which is an example of a communication standard. For example, the communication light 53 allows the user to recognize communication mode information, communication status, SD write status, etc., depending on the light emission pattern. The SD write status refers to the write status of an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, which is an example of a flash memory card standard.

[0062] <Control Unit> The control unit 82 controls the light emission of the plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, 53. The control unit 82 is capable of executing a first control that performs control based on the number of the plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, 53 that are lit, which is determined according to the storage amount of the storage object stored in the storage unit 311; a second control that performs control based on a combination of the number of light-emitting units 51, 52, 53 that blink and the positions at which they blink, which is determined according to the location of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device having the storage unit 311; and a third control that performs control based on the blinking pattern of the plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, 53, which is determined according to the pattern of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device.

[0063] For example, the main device may be a display device 1 having a plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53 installed thereon, or a storage device 10 held by the display device 1. For example, the main device may be a charging device, a power supply device, a vehicle, etc. Note that the form of the main device is not limited to the above and may be changed according to design specifications.

[0064] For example, an abnormality occurring in the main device may be an abnormality such as a breakdown. An abnormality may include not only an abnormality such as a breakdown, but also a possible state of a breakdown. For example, an abnormality location may be a part where an abnormality such as a breakdown has occurred. For example, an abnormality state may be the type of breakdown. For example, a blinking state may be the number of blinks, the blinking frequency, the wavelength of light, the frequency, etc.

[0065] In the following explanation, examples of abnormalities (abnormality contents) occurring in the main device include charging board abnormality, battery abnormality, and communication board abnormality. Charging board abnormality refers to an abnormality in the charging board provided in the display device 1. For example, charging board abnormality is a malfunction of the charging board, etc. Battery abnormality refers to an abnormality in the battery cell provided in the storage device 10. For example, battery abnormality is a malfunction of the battery cell, etc. Communication board abnormality refers to an abnormality in the communication board provided when the above communication standards are adopted. For example, communication board abnormality is a malfunction of the communication board, etc.

[0066] <First Control> In the first control, the control unit 82 turns on the power light 51 and the remaining light 52 among the multiple light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53. "Turning on" in the first control refers to turning on when dividing the lights into on and off, and includes blinking, which is intermittent lighting. For example, in the first control, the control unit 82 turns on the power light 51 in green and turns on or blinks at least some of the remaining light 52 in green.

[0067] For example, in the first control, the control unit 82 performs different lighting / flashing actions while charging is stopped (before charging starts) and while charging is in progress. For example, while charging is stopped, the control unit 82 lights up all of the target segments proportional to the remaining battery capacity. For example, while charging is in progress, the control unit 82 flashes only the largest segment (in this embodiment, the rightmost segment) among the target segments proportional to the remaining battery capacity.

[0068] For example, when the remaining battery charge (an example of the storage capacity of a storage target stored in the storage unit 311) is 0% or more and less than 25%, the control unit 82 causes the first segment 55A to flash green and the other segments 55B, 55C, and 55D to turn off. For example, when the remaining battery charge is 25% or more and less than 50%, the control unit 82 causes the first segment 55A to light up green, the second segment 55B to flash green, and the other segments 55C and 55D to turn off. For example, when the remaining battery charge is 50% or more and less than 75%, the control unit 82 causes the first and second segments 55A and 55B to light up green, the third segment 55C to flash green, and the other segment 55D to turn off. For example, when the remaining battery charge is 75% or more, the control unit 82 causes the first to third segments 55A, 55B, and 55C to light up green and the fourth segment 55D to flash green.

[0069] <Second Control> In the second control, the control unit 82 turns on the power light 51 and flashes the remaining light 52 among the plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53. For example, in the second control, the control unit 82 turns on the power light 51 in red and flashes at least some of the remaining light 52 in green.

[0070] For example, if the abnormality is a charging board abnormality (if the abnormality in the main device is the charging board), the control unit 82 turns off the 1st and 2nd segments 55A, 55B and causes two 3rd and 4th segments 55C, 55D to flash green. For example, if the abnormality is a battery abnormality (if the abnormality in the main device is the battery), the control unit 82 causes all 1st to 4th segments 55A, 55B, 55C, 55D to flash green. For example, if the abnormality is a communication board abnormality (if the abnormality in the main device is the communication board), the control unit 82 turns off the 1st, 3rd, and 4th segments 55A, 55C, 55D and causes one 2nd segment 55B to flash green.

[0071] <Third Control> In the third control, of the plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, and 53, the power light 51 is turned on and the remaining light 52 is caused to flash. For example, in the third control, the control unit 82 turns on the power light 51 in red and causes at least some of the remaining light 52 to flash in green. The plurality of light-emitting units 51 and 52 used in the second control and the plurality of light-emitting units 51 and 52 used in the third control are the same.

[0072] For example, if the abnormality is a predetermined malfunction, the control unit 82 causes a predetermined segment used in the second control to flash in green in a predetermined manner as a predetermined error code.

[0073] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of the control procedure will be described in which the display device 1 starts displaying when the first terminal of the storage device 10 is connected to the second terminal 35 of the display device 1.

[0074] In step S1, the control unit 82 executes an abnormality detection. After step S1, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0075] In step S2, the control unit 82 determines the nature of the abnormality. For example, the control unit 82 determines that a charging board abnormality, a battery abnormality, or a communication board abnormality has occurred when the following predetermined conditions are met:

[0076] For example, a charging board abnormality corresponds to a case where a current sensor does not work even though a current command is issued from the control unit 82. When the current sensor does not work, the control unit 82 determines that the abnormality is a charging board abnormality.

[0077] For example, a battery abnormality is detected by the storage device 10 itself. When a battery abnormality is detected, the storage device 10 transmits information indicating that the abnormality is a battery abnormality to the control unit 82 via the communication unit 313. When the control unit 82 receives the information, it determines that the abnormality is a battery abnormality.

[0078] For example, a communication board abnormality corresponds to a case where no communication command is received from the communication board to the control unit 82 for a predetermined time or longer (for example, no scheduled contact is received). If the communication command is not received, the control unit 82 determines that the abnormality is a communication board abnormality.

[0079] If the abnormality is a charging board abnormality, the control unit 82 proceeds to step S3. If the abnormality is a battery abnormality, the control unit 82 proceeds to step S4. If the abnormality is a communication board abnormality, the control unit 82 proceeds to step S5.

[0080] In step S3, control unit 82 executes a charging board abnormality indication. For example, control unit 82 indicates a charging board abnormality by turning on power light 51 in red and by flashing two 3- and 4-segment indicators 55C and 55D in green in remaining power indicator 52 (see FIG. 6). After step S3, control proceeds to step S6.

[0081] In step S6, the control unit 82 executes the display of error codes 1 to 99. For example, the control unit 82 displays error codes 1 to 99 by long flashing the tens digit and short flashing the ones digit (see FIG. 8). The long flashing refers to a long flashing that includes a long lighting period longer than the threshold and an extinguishing period that lasts for a predetermined period. The short flashing refers to a short flashing that includes a short lighting period shorter than the threshold and an extinguishing period that lasts for a predetermined period. The duration of one long flashing is longer than the duration of one short flashing.

[0082] In step S4, the control unit 82 executes a battery abnormality display. For example, the control unit 82 displays a battery abnormality by turning on the power light 51 in red and flashing the first to fourth segments 55A, 55B, 55C, and 55D of the remaining power light 52 in green (see FIG. 6). After step S4, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0083] In step S7, the control unit 82 displays the error codes 1 to 99. For example, the control unit 82 displays the error codes 1 to 99 by making the tens digit flash long and the ones digit flash short (see FIG. 8).

[0084] In step S5, the control unit 82 displays a communication board abnormality. For example, the control unit 82 displays a communication board abnormality by turning on the power light 51 in red and by flashing one of the two segments 55B of the remaining power light 52 in green (see FIG. 6). After step S5, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0085] In step S8, the control unit 82 displays the error codes 1 to 99. For example, the control unit 82 displays the error codes 1 to 99 by making the tens digit flash long and the ones digit flash short (see FIG. 8).

[0086] 6 is a diagram showing examples of fault types according to the embodiment. For example, a customer (e.g., a charger user) can determine the fault type (e.g., a faulty module) by looking at the lit position and number of lit remaining lights 52 (e.g., the blinking position and number of blinking segments 55A to 55D).

[0087] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of fault details according to the embodiment. For example, a company (e.g., an operating company, a repair company, etc.) can determine the fault details by counting the number of long and / or short flashes of the remaining power indicator 52 (e.g., the number of long and / or short flashes of segments 55A to 55D).

[0088] <Summary Information and Detailed Information> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing examples of summary information and detailed information according to an embodiment. The summary information includes information about the fault type and the state of the remaining battery indicator 52. The detailed information includes an error code, detailed fault information, and information about the flashing state of the remaining battery indicator 52. In this embodiment, the remaining battery indicator 52, which is used to display the remaining battery power, flashes in a combination of long and short flashes to communicate fault information. By changing the "segment position" and "number of segments" that flash on the remaining battery indicator 52 depending on the location of the fault, the user can instantly identify the location of the fault.

[0089] In the example shown in the figure, up to 99 error codes can be displayed for each of the charging board failure, battery failure, and communication board failure by changing the number of long and short flashes. By changing the number of long and short flashes to display up to 297 error codes, it is possible to grasp the details of the failure without using a dedicated diagnostic tool.

[0090] <Example of Fault Occurrence> Figure 9 is a state transition diagram showing an example of fault occurrence according to the embodiment. Normal in the diagram indicates the process from the standby state to charging completion. The standby state refers to the state before the battery, which is the storage device 10, is inserted into the display device 1. When the battery is inserted into the display device 1, charging of the battery begins. In the example shown in the diagram, the charging state is indicated by the power light 51 being lit green and one segment 55A of the remaining charge light 52 flashing green.

[0091] When a predetermined time has passed since the start of battery charging, the battery will be fully charged (charging completed). In this state, the power light 51 lights up green and all segments 55A to 55D of the remaining battery charge light 52 light up green.

[0092] The warning in the figure indicates that the battery or charging board has reached a high temperature. For example, if the battery temperature rises while charging, the battery will reach a high temperature. For example, if the battery reaches a high temperature, the control unit 82 will stop charging the battery. For example, after stopping battery charging, the control unit 82 may start charging the battery if the battery temperature drops below a predetermined temperature.

[0093] For example, if the temperature of the charging board rises during charging, the charging board will reach a high temperature. For example, if the charging board reaches a high temperature, the control unit 82 will perform charging while suppressing the charging output.

[0094] The faults shown in the figure indicate a charging board abnormality, a battery abnormality, and a communication board abnormality. For example, when a predetermined condition (for example, step S2 above) is satisfied during normal operation or during a warning, the control unit 82 determines that a fault has occurred.

[0095] For example, if there is an abnormality in the charging board, the control unit 82 causes two locations, the 3rd and 4th segments 55C and 55D, to blink. For example, if there is an abnormality in the battery, the control unit 82 causes four locations, the 1st to 4th segments 55A, 55B, 55C and 55D, to blink. For example, if there is an abnormality in the communication board, the control unit 82 causes one location, the 2nd segment 55B, to blink.

[0096] <Example of fault display setting values> Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of fault display setting values ​​according to the embodiment. The example shown in the figure shows the case of error code 19. In the case of error code 19, the control unit 82 causes the tens digit to flash once for a long time and the ones digit to flash nine times for a short time. Thereafter, the control unit 82 turns off the lights for a predetermined time until the next cycle.

[0097] The long lighting time (tens digit) Lt10 is longer than the short lighting time (units digit) Lt1 (Lt10>Lt1). The extinguishing time Et from the long lighting of the tens digit to the short lighting of the units digit is shorter than the long lighting time (tens digit) Lt10 (Et<Lt10). For example, the extinguishing time Et may be the same as the short lighting time (units digit) Lt1 (Et=Lt1).

[0098] The extinguishing time St from the last short lighting of the ones digit to the next cycle (until the next long lighting of the tens digit) is longer than the long lighting time Lt10 (tens digit) (St>Lt10). For example, the extinguishing time St may be several times or more the long lighting time Lt10 (tens digit).

[0099] <Effects> As described above, the display device 1 of the above embodiment includes a plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, 53 aligned in a row, and a control unit 82 that controls the light emission of the plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, 53. The control unit 82 is capable of executing a first control that performs control based on the number of lit light-emitting units among the plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, 53, which is determined according to the amount of storage target stored in the storage unit 311; a second control that performs control based on a combination of the number of flashing light-emitting units among the plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, 53 and the flashing positions, which is determined according to the location of an abnormality that has occurred in the main device; and a third control that performs control based on the flashing pattern of the plurality of light-emitting units 51, 52, 53, which is determined according to the type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device having the storage unit 311. According to this configuration, the first control is based on the number of lit light-emitting elements 51, 52, 53, which is determined according to the amount of storage target stored in storage unit 311. The second control is based on the number of blinking light-emitting elements 51, 52, 53 and the combination of the blinking positions, which is determined according to the location of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device having storage unit 311. The third control is based on the blinking pattern of the light-emitting elements 51, 52, 53, which is determined according to the type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device, thereby making it possible to easily identify the abnormal object (abnormal portion). In addition, according to this configuration, even with a small number of light-emitting elements (lighting elements, segments), it is possible to identify a large number of abnormal contents, abnormal objects, and combinations thereof.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting elements 51, 52 used in the second control and the plurality of light-emitting elements 51, 52 used in the third control are the same. With this configuration, the number of light-emitting elements 51, 52 can be reduced compared to when the plurality of light-emitting elements 51, 52 used in the second control and the plurality of light-emitting elements 51, 52 used in the third control are different. Therefore, an abnormal object (abnormal portion) can be easily identified using a small number of light-emitting elements 51, 52.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the storage unit 311 is an energy storage unit that stores energy. According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the storage unit 311 is an energy storage unit that stores energy, an abnormal object (an abnormal portion) can be easily identified.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the energy storage unit 311 is a power storage unit that stores power. According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the energy storage unit 311 is a power storage unit that stores power, an abnormal object (an abnormal portion) can be easily identified.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the storage system 300 includes the storage device 10 having the storage unit 311 and the above display device 1. According to this configuration, by including the above display device 1, an abnormal object (an abnormal portion) can be easily identified.

[0104] For example, as shown in Comparative Example 1 of FIG. 11 , one segment of the 1-segment indicator 55A may be flashed. Also, as shown in Comparative Example 2 of FIG. 12 , one segment of the 4-segment indicator 55D may be flashed. However, in Comparative Example 1, the flashing pattern can occur even when there is no abnormality (during normal use), making it difficult for users to identify an abnormality. In Comparative Example 2, although the pattern is not exactly the same as when there is no abnormality (during normal use), the flashing of one end light is difficult to notice. In contrast, in this embodiment, the left and right end segments 55A and 55D are not flashed to distinguish them from the remaining charge indicator during charging. For example, in this embodiment, when there is an abnormality in the communication board, one segment of the 2-segment indicator 55B is flashed. Therefore, the user can easily identify an abnormality in the communication board.

[0105] For example, as shown in Comparative Example 3 in FIG. 13 , when multiple segments are flashed, the flashing may be performed with a gap between the segments. In the example shown in the figure, the 2nd and 4th segments 55B and 55D are flashed. However, in Comparative Example 3, visibility is poor, making it difficult for users to count the number of flashes. In contrast, in this embodiment, when multiple segments are flashed, the flashing is not performed with a gap between the segments. For example, in this embodiment, when there is an abnormality in the charging board, two segments, the 3rd and 4th segments 55C and 55D (an example of consecutive segments), are flashed. Therefore, the user can easily determine whether there is an abnormality in the charging board and can easily grasp the details of the abnormality by counting the number of flashes.

[0106] For example, it is common ergonomics to make the flashing speed faster for events of high severity than for events of low severity. However, after extensive research and testing the visibility of several flashing patterns, the inventors of the present application discovered that flashing at different speeds simultaneously makes the display very difficult to see. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power light 51 flashes when a warning occurs and remains lit when a malfunction occurs (see FIG. 9). This allows the user to easily grasp the details of a malfunction.

[0107] <Modifications> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the plurality of light-emitting elements used in the second control and the plurality of light-emitting elements used in the third control are the same, but this is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of light-emitting elements used in the second control and the plurality of light-emitting elements used in the third control may be different from each other. For example, the display device may include a light-emitting element dedicated solely to displaying a flashing pattern indicating an abnormality. For example, the pattern of the light-emitting elements used in the second control and the third control may be changed according to design specifications.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the storage unit is described as an energy storage unit that stores energy, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the energy storage unit may store an energy source. For example, the energy storage unit may store an energy source for generating energy such as electric power. For example, the energy storage unit may store hydrogen, which is fuel for a fuel cell. For example, the object stored by the storage unit may be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the energy storage unit is described as a power storage unit that stores electric power, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the energy storage unit may be a hydrogen container that stores hydrogen, which is fuel for a fuel cell. For example, the object stored in the energy storage unit may be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0110] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the display device (when functioning as a holding device) is provided with a plug (second terminal) that can be connected to the receptacle (first terminal) of the capacitor, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the display device may be provided with a receptacle, and the capacitor may be provided with a plug that fits into the receptacle. For example, the configuration of the first terminal and the second terminal may be changed according to design specifications.

[0111] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the display device includes one holding unit that holds a single capacitor, but this is not limiting. For example, the display device may include multiple holding units and be configured to be able to hold multiple capacitors simultaneously. For example, the display device may be arranged in multiple rows in at least one of the left-right and up-down directions, so as to hold multiple capacitors simultaneously. For example, the manner in which the display device holds the capacitors can be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0112] In the above embodiment, a charging device that supplies power to a battery from an external source has been described as an example of a display device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display device may be a power supply device that supplies battery power to an external device. For example, the display device may be a power supply device that does not have a charging function. For example, the display device may be applied to a battery mounting portion of a power utilization device that utilizes battery power. For example, the application mode of the display device may be changed depending on design specifications.

[0113] In the above embodiment, a case where a storage battery (secondary battery) such as a battery is detachably held as a power storage device has been described as an example of a display device, but this is not limiting. For example, the display device may hold a capacitor as a power storage device. For example, the power storage device is not limited to a battery, and may be other power storage devices such as a capacitor. For example, the power storage device to which the present invention is applied may be changed according to design specifications.

[0114] A program for implementing all or part of the functions of the display device and storage system of the present invention may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform all or part of the processing performed by the display device and storage system. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. It also includes a WWW system equipped with a website provision environment (or display environment). The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0115] The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0116] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0117] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Display device (main device) 10 Storage device 50 Display unit 51 Power light (light-emitting unit) 52 Remaining amount light (light-emitting unit) 53 Communication light (light-emitting unit) 82 Control unit 86 Memory unit (memory device) 300 Storage system 311 Storage unit

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a plurality of light-emitting units aligned in a row; and a control unit that controls light emission of the plurality of light-emitting units, The control unit a first control that controls based on the number of the light-emitting units to be lit, the number being determined according to the storage amount of the storage object stored in the storage unit; a second control that controls based on a combination of the number of flashing light-emitting units and the positions at which the light-emitting units flash, the combination being determined according to the location of the abnormality that has occurred in the main device having the storage unit; and third control that controls based on a blinking pattern of the plurality of light-emitting units that is determined according to the type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device. Display device.

2. the plurality of light-emitting units used in the second control and the plurality of light-emitting units used in the third control are the same. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. The storage unit is an energy storage unit that stores energy or an energy source. The display device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The energy storage unit is a power storage unit that stores power. The display device according to claim 3 .

5. a storage device having the storage portion; The display device according to claim 1 or 2, Storage system.

6. A display method for a display device including a plurality of light-emitting units aligned in a line and a control unit that controls light emission of the plurality of light-emitting units, The display method includes: a first step of controlling the number of light-emitting units to be lit, the number being determined according to the amount of storage of the storage object stored in the storage unit; a second step of controlling the number and positions of the light-emitting units to be flashed, the number and positions being determined according to the location of the abnormality occurring in the main device having the storage unit; and a third step of controlling the main device based on a blinking pattern of the plurality of light-emitting units, the blinking pattern being determined in accordance with the type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device. Display method.

7. A computer including a plurality of light-emitting units aligned in a line and a control unit that controls light emission of the plurality of light-emitting units, a first step in which the control unit controls the number of the light-emitting units to be lit based on the number determined according to the amount of storage of the storage object stored in the storage unit; a second step in which the control unit controls the number and positions of the plurality of light-emitting units to blink, the combination being determined according to the location of the abnormality occurring in the main device having the storage unit; and a third step in which the control unit controls the main device based on a blinking pattern of the plurality of light-emitting units that is determined according to a type of abnormality that has occurred in the main device. program.

8. A computer-readable storage device storing the program according to claim 7.