Equipment diagnostic system, equipment diagnostic device, equipment diagnostic method, and program

Abstract

An equipment diagnostic system (1): sequentially acquires, from equipment, first data indicating the state of the equipment at a first time, second data indicating the operation performed by the equipment at a second time, and third data defining settings regarding the operation of the equipment; identifies a first time period during which one or more events based on at least one of the first data and the second data occurred, on the basis of the first data, the second data, the first time, and the second time; estimates a second time period during which performance degradation of the equipment occurred, on the basis of a performance target value representing target performance of the equipment; determines the cause of the performance degradation from among the one or more events on the basis of the first time period, which is associated with the one or more events, and the second time period; and outputs, as a diagnostic result of diagnosis, diagnostic information including the cause and the time period during which the cause occurred.

Description

Device diagnostic system, device diagnostic device, device diagnostic method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device diagnostic system, a device diagnostic device, a device diagnostic method, and a program.

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-144993 discloses a technique for evaluating whether a device is malfunctioning or functioning properly based on the device's past operation history in response to a user's inquiry.

[0003] JP 2019-160109 A

[0004] The present disclosure provides an equipment diagnostic system and the like that can easily identify the cause of a performance degradation of an equipment.

[0005] an estimation unit that estimates a second time period in which performance degradation of the device occurred based on the first data and the performance target value; a determination unit that determines a cause of the performance degradation from the one or more events based on the first time period and the second time period associated with the one or more events stored in the storage unit; and an output unit that outputs diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

[0006] a setting unit that sets a performance target value that represents a target performance of the device based on the third data; an estimation unit that estimates a second time period in which performance degradation of the device occurred based on the first data and the performance target value; a determination unit that determines a cause of the performance degradation from the one or more events based on the first time period and the second time period associated with the one or more events stored in the storage unit; and an output unit that outputs diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

[0007] Furthermore, an equipment diagnostic method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an equipment diagnostic method using one or more processors included in an equipment diagnostic system that performs a diagnosis on the performance of an equipment, the method comprising: sequentially acquiring first data indicating a state of the equipment at a first time, second data indicating an operation being performed by the equipment at a second time, and third data specifying settings related to the operation of the equipment; identifying a first time period in which one or more events based on at least one of the first data and the second data occurred based on the first data and the second data and the first time period; correlating the one or more events with the first time period and storing the first time period; setting a performance target value representing a target performance of the equipment based on the third data; estimating a second time period in which performance degradation of the equipment occurred based on the first data and the performance target value; determining a cause of the performance degradation from among the one or more events based on the first time period and the second time period associated with the one or more events that have been stored; and outputting diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

[0008] These general or specific aspects may be realized by a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized by any combination of a device, a method, a system, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a non-transitory recording medium.

[0009] The device diagnostic system and the like according to the present disclosure can easily identify the cause of a degradation in device performance.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a device diagnostic system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of a home appliance according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of a device diagnostic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device diagnostic system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a second time period based on a change in temperature inside a storage unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an event identified by an identification unit and its time period. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a UI displayed on an information terminal, which presents connection information.

[0011] (Knowledge Forming the Basis of the Present Disclosure) Because devices that operate continuously operate for long periods of time, there is a problem in that when an abnormality occurs, it is difficult to identify the cause of the abnormality. For example, even if a user notices an abnormality in a refrigerator and requests a service technician to resolve the abnormality, the same abnormality symptoms may not appear when the service technician checks the refrigerator. This is because, because the refrigerator has been operating for a long period of time, the cause of the abnormality that the user noticed may not recur when the service technician diagnoses the refrigerator, or data indicating that the cause has recurred is likely to be unavailable. In other words, it is difficult for a service technician to diagnose whether the refrigerator abnormality is chronic or temporary based on short-term operating data obtained during the refrigerator diagnosis. Therefore, in order to identify the abnormality in the refrigerator, the service technician must analyze the state of the refrigerator by going back to the time when the user noticed the abnormality. Furthermore, because a user cannot request a service technician to resolve the abnormality unless they notice the abnormality, the abnormality in the device may be overlooked, resulting in a delayed response to the abnormality.

[0012] This problem is not limited to devices that operate constantly, but can also occur in devices that operate periodically (for example, daily).

[0013] Therefore, the present inventors have conducted extensive research and have come up with an equipment diagnostic system that can easily identify the cause of the deterioration of equipment performance.

[0014] an estimation unit that estimates a second time period in which performance degradation of the device occurred based on the first data and the performance target value; a determination unit that determines a cause of the performance degradation from among the one or more events based on the first time period and the second time period associated with the one or more events stored in the storage unit; and an output unit that outputs diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

[0015] According to this, the cause of the performance degradation of the device is identified from one or more events based on the second time period in which the performance degradation occurred, and a diagnosis result including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred is output. Therefore, for example, a service technician can easily identify the cause of the performance degradation (abnormality) of the device by checking the diagnosis result.

[0016] Furthermore, the diagnosis of the performance of the device is performed based on one or more pieces of first data that are constantly stored, so that the service technician can identify the cause of the performance degradation of the device without having to analyze the state of the device from the time when the user noticed the abnormality.

[0017] An equipment diagnostic system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the equipment diagnostic system according to the first aspect, wherein the equipment diagnostic system sequentially performs the diagnoses, and further comprises a result accumulation unit that accumulates, over a predetermined period of time, a plurality of the diagnostic results output by the sequentially performed diagnoses, and a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of the factor by using the latest diagnostic result output by the output unit and a previous diagnostic result accumulated in the result accumulation unit at the timing immediately before the latest diagnostic result.

[0018] This makes it possible to identify factors based on multiple first data in a period spanning two periods: the period that was the subject of diagnosis in the latest diagnostic result and the period that was the subject of diagnosis in the diagnostic result immediately before that.

[0019] An equipment diagnostic system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the equipment diagnostic system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the determination unit determines, from among the one or more events, one specific event that occurred in a third time period that is the sum of the second time period and a predetermined time period before and after the second time period, as the cause.

[0020] This makes it possible to identify the cause from one or more events that occurred during a third time period, which takes into account the period before and after the second period in which performance degradation occurred, i.e., the period when signs of performance degradation appeared and the lingering period in which the effects of performance degradation remain, thereby reducing the risk of missing a cause.

[0021] An equipment diagnostic system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the equipment diagnostic system according to the third aspect, wherein, when there are multiple specific events that occurred in the third time period, the determination unit determines one specific event from among the multiple specific events as the cause based on priorities that are pre-associated with the multiple specific events.

[0022] Therefore, it is possible to identify one factor that has a greater effect on performance degradation from among a plurality of specific events.

[0023] A device diagnostic system according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the device diagnostic system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a display unit that displays the diagnostic information.

[0024] This allows the user to visually recognize the diagnostic results contained in the diagnostic information.

[0025] An equipment diagnostic system according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the equipment diagnostic system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the display unit acquires the diagnostic information from the output unit via a network and displays the acquired diagnostic information.

[0026] Therefore, the diagnosis results can be displayed on a display unit of an information terminal held by the user, for example.

[0027] An equipment diagnostic system according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is an equipment diagnostic system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the state of the equipment indicated by the first data is detected by one or more sensors provided in the equipment.

[0028] An equipment diagnostic system according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is an equipment diagnostic system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the equipment is a household appliance equipped with at least one of an actuator and a heater, and the operation being performed by the equipment is indicated by a control instruction for driving at least one of the actuator and the heater.

[0029] A device diagnostic system according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the device diagnostic system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a data storage unit that acquires the first data, the second data, and the third data from the device via a network, and sequentially stores the acquired first data, the second data, and the third data.

[0030] a setting unit that sets a performance target value that represents a target performance of the device based on the third data; an estimation unit that estimates a second time period in which performance degradation of the device occurred based on the first data and the performance target value; a determination unit that determines a cause of the performance degradation from the one or more events based on the first time period and the second time period associated with the one or more events stored in the storage unit; and an output unit that outputs diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

[0031] an apparatus diagnostic method according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the method being performed by one or more processors included in an apparatus diagnostic system that performs a diagnosis on the performance of an apparatus, the method comprising: sequentially acquiring first data indicating a state of the apparatus at a first time, second data indicating an operation being performed by the apparatus at a second time, and third data specifying settings related to the operation of the apparatus; identifying a first time period in which one or more events based on at least one of the first data and the second data occurred, based on the first data and the second data and the first time period; correlating the one or more events with the first time period and storing the first data and the second data; setting a performance target value representing a target performance of the apparatus, based on the third data; estimating a second time period in which performance degradation of the apparatus occurred, based on the first data and the performance target value; determining a cause of the performance degradation from among the one or more events, based on the first time period and the second time period associated with the one or more events stored; and outputting diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

[0032] A program according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the device diagnosis method according to the eleventh aspect.

[0033] These general or specific aspects may be realized by a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized by any combination of a device, a method, a system, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a non-transitory recording medium.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0035] The inventors have provided the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0036] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a device diagnostic system according to an embodiment.

[0037] Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates an information terminal 10, a server 20, a home appliance 30, a network 60, and routers 61 and 62. For example, the device diagnostic system 1 includes the information terminal 10, the server 20, and the home appliance 30 among these components. The device diagnostic system 1 may not include the information terminal 10, the home appliance 30, or both the information terminal 10 and the home appliance 30. Note that the above components of the device diagnostic system 1 do not necessarily need to be hardware. The device diagnostic system 1 may be realized by executing necessary software among the software stored in the information terminal 10, the software stored in the server 20, and the software stored in the home appliance 30 by one or more processors included in at least one of the information terminal 10, the server 20, and the home appliance 30 corresponding to the necessary software. The information terminal 10, the server 20, and the home appliance 30 are communicatively connected to each other via the network 60. The router 61 is a device that mediates the communication connection of the home appliance 30 to the network 60. The router 61 may mediate the communication connection of the information terminal 10 to the network 60. The router 62 is a device that mediates the communication connection of the information terminal 10 to the network 60.

[0038] The device diagnostic system 1 is a system that identifies the cause of a performance degradation (abnormality) that has occurred in the home appliance 30, based on a log generated by the home appliance 30. The device diagnostic system 1 may store device information for identifying the home appliance 30 and user information in association with each other in the server 20.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information terminal according to an embodiment.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 10 includes, as its hardware configuration, a processor 101, a main memory 102, a storage 103, a communication IF (Interface) 104, an input device 105, and a display 106.

[0041] The processor 101 is a processor that executes a program stored in the storage 103 or the like.

[0042] The main memory 102 is a volatile storage area that is used to temporarily store data generated during processing by the processor 101, used as a work area used when the processor 101 executes a program, and used to temporarily store data received by the communication IF 104.

[0043] The storage 103 is a non-volatile storage area that holds various data such as programs, etc. The storage 103 stores, for example, various data generated as a result of processing by the processor 101 and various data received by the communication IF 104.

[0044] The communication IF 104 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the server 20, the home appliance 30, or the device diagnostic device 40 via the network 60. The communication IF 104 may be, for example, an interface for wireless communication such as a wireless LAN interface or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface. The communication IF 104 may also be an interface for wired communication such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a wired LAN interface.

[0045] The input device 105 is an interface for receiving input from a person. The input device 105 may be a pointing device such as a mouse, a touchpad, a touch panel, or a trackball, or may be a keyboard.

[0046] The display 106 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server according to an embodiment.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 includes, as its hardware configuration, a processor 201, a main memory 202, a storage 203, and a communication IF (Interface) 204.

[0049] The processor 201 is a processor that executes a program stored in the storage 203 or the like.

[0050] The main memory 202 is a volatile storage area that is used to temporarily store data generated during processing by the processor 201, used as a work area used when the processor 201 executes a program, and used to temporarily store data received by the communication IF 204.

[0051] The storage 203 is a non-volatile storage area that holds various data such as programs, etc. The storage 203 stores, for example, various data generated as a result of processing by the processor 201 and various data received by the communication IF 204.

[0052] The communication IF 204 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the information terminal 10, the home appliance 30, or the device diagnostic device 40 via the network 60. The communication IF 204 may be, for example, an interface for wireless communication such as a wireless LAN interface or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface. The communication IF 204 may also be an interface for wired communication such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a wired LAN interface.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a home appliance according to an embodiment.

[0054] 4 , the home appliance 30 includes an actuator 301, a heater 302, a control circuit 303, a communication IF (Interface) 304, a display 305, and an input device 306. Note that the home appliance 30 only needs to include at least one of the actuator 301 and the heater 302, and does not necessarily need to include both the actuator 301 and the heater 302.

[0055] The actuator 301 is a mechanical element that converts input energy into physical motion based on an electrical signal. Examples of the actuator 301 that can be used include, but are not limited to, an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, and a pneumatic actuator. The home appliance 30 does not necessarily have to include one actuator 301, but may include multiple actuators 301. When the home appliance 30 includes multiple actuators 301, the multiple actuators 301 may be of different types or the same type.

[0056] The heater 302 is an electric heater that converts electric energy into thermal energy. The heater 302 heats an object by, for example, Joule heating, induction heating, or dielectric heating. For example, a nichrome wire, a coil, or a magnetron can be used as the heater 302. Note that the home appliance 30 is not limited to having one heater 302, and may also have multiple heaters 302. When the home appliance 30 has multiple heaters 302, the multiple heaters 302 may be of different types or the same type.

[0057] The control circuit 303 controls the operation of at least one of the actuator 301 and the heater 302. A memory (not shown) included in the control circuit 303 stores information (such as a program) for the control circuit 303 to control the operation of at least one of the actuator 301 and the heater 302.

[0058] The communication IF 304 communicates with the server 20 via the network 60. The communication IF 304 may be a communication interface for transmitting data to and from the server 20 or an external device such as the device diagnostic device 40. The communication IF 304 may be an interface for wireless communication, such as a wireless LAN interface or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface. The communication IF 304 may also be an interface for wired communication, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a wired LAN interface.

[0059] The display 305 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0060] The input device 306 receives input from a person. The input device 306 is, for example, a touch panel. The input device 306 is not limited to a touch panel, and may be another input device such as a mechanical button.

[0061] The home appliance 30 is, for example, a refrigerator or a freezer that maintains a constant temperature inside. The home appliance 30 is not limited to a refrigerator or a freezer as long as it operates for a long period of time. The home appliance 30 may be a digital signage that constantly displays information or a surveillance camera that constantly takes pictures. In the following description, the home appliance 30 is a refrigerator.

[0062] Here, when the home appliance 30 is a refrigerator, the actuator 301 of the home appliance 30 is, for example, a motor that drives a compressor. Also, when the home appliance 30 is a refrigerator, the home appliance 30 does not need to include the heater 302.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the device diagnostic device according to the embodiment.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, the device diagnostic device 40 includes, as its hardware configuration, a processor 401, a main memory 402, a storage 403, and a communication IF (Interface) 404.

[0065] The processor 401 is a processor that executes a program stored in the storage 403 or the like.

[0066] The main memory 402 is a volatile storage area that is used to temporarily store data generated during processing by the processor 401, used as a work area used when the processor 401 executes a program, and used to temporarily store data received by the communication IF 404.

[0067] The storage 403 is a non-volatile storage area that holds various data such as programs, etc. The storage 403 stores, for example, various data generated as a result of processing by the processor 401 and various data received by the communication IF 404.

[0068] The communication IF 404 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the information terminal 10, the server 20, or the home appliance 30 via the network 60. The communication IF 404 may be, for example, an interface for wireless communication such as a wireless LAN interface or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface. The communication IF 404 may also be an interface for wired communication such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a wired LAN interface.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a device diagnosis system according to an embodiment.

[0070] The device diagnostic system 1 includes an information terminal 10, a server 20, a home appliance 30, and a device diagnostic apparatus 40. In Fig. 6, the routers 61 and 62 are not shown.

[0071] The information terminal 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a transmission unit 12, a storage unit 13, a display unit 14, and a reception unit 15. The information terminal 10 is realized, for example, as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0072] The acquisition unit 11 receives information from at least one of the server 20 and the home appliance 30 via the network 60. Specifically, the acquisition unit 11 receives display information including a diagnosis result from the server 20.

[0073] The transmitting unit 12 transmits information to at least one of the server 20 and the home appliance 30 via the network 60. Specifically, the transmitting unit 12 may transmit user information to the server 20.

[0074] The storage unit 13 stores user information for identifying a user. The user information may be information generated in the information terminal 10 based on an input by the user accepted by the accepting unit 15, which will be described later. The storage unit 13 also stores a program for realizing the functions of the information terminal 10. The storage unit 13 is, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0075] The display unit 14 displays an image or a UI (User Interface) generated by the information terminal 10. Specifically, the display unit 14 displays a diagnosis result based on the display information. The display unit 14 is, for example, a display 106.

[0076] The reception unit 15 receives input from the user. Specifically, the reception unit 15 receives input to the UI displayed on the display unit 14. The reception unit 15 is, for example, a touch panel. Note that the reception unit 15 is not limited to a touch panel and may be other input devices such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0077] The server 20 includes a communication unit 21 , a data storage unit 22 , a result storage unit 23 , and a determination unit 24 .

[0078] The communication unit 21 exchanges information with at least one of the information terminal 10 and the home appliance 30 via the network 60. The communication unit 21 receives user information from the information terminal 10. The communication unit 21 sequentially acquires first data, second data, and third data from the home appliance 30. The first data, second data, and third data may be included in one log, and the communication unit 21 may sequentially acquire this one log from the home appliance 30. The first data indicates a state of the home appliance 30 at a first time. The state of the home appliance 30 is indicated, for example, by detection values ​​detected by one or more sensors provided in the home appliance 30. The second data indicates an operation being performed by the home appliance 30 at a second time. The operation being performed by the home appliance 30 is indicated by a control instruction to drive at least one of the actuator 301 and the heater 302 provided in the home appliance 30. The first data may indicate any state of the home appliance 30 at the time each piece of data is generated. That is, one piece of first data may include multiple types of states. The third data is setting information that defines settings related to the operation of the home appliance 30. The setting information includes setting values ​​that indicate performance targets for causing at least one of the actuator 301 and the heater 302 to perform operations that maintain the performance of the home appliance 30. The setting information is generated based on setting values ​​stored in a memory (not shown) of the home appliance 30 when the setting information is generated by the home appliance 30. The setting information includes the time when the setting information was generated.

[0079] The communication unit 21 may be realized by, for example, the communication IF 204 .

[0080] The data accumulation unit 22 sequentially accumulates the acquired first data, second data, and third data. The data accumulation unit 22 accumulates, for example, a plurality of first data, a plurality of second data, and a plurality of third data acquired during a first period. When the data accumulation unit 22 acquires first data, second data, and third data that exceed the first period, the data accumulation unit 22 may delete the first data, second data, and third data that are older than the first period from the time of acquisition. Note that the data accumulation unit 22 does not need to accumulate a plurality of pieces of setting information, and may store only the latest setting information for each type of setting information. The data accumulation unit 22 may be realized by the storage 203.

[0081] Here, the configuration of the device diagnostic device 40 will be described.

[0082] Specifically, the device diagnostic device 40 includes an acquisition unit 41 , an identification unit 42 , a storage unit 43 , a setting unit 44 , an estimation unit 45 , a determination unit 46 , and an output unit 47 .

[0083] The acquisition unit 41 sequentially acquires the first data, the second data, and the third data. Specifically, the acquisition unit 41 acquires these pieces of data from the server 20 via the network 60. The acquisition unit 41 may be realized by, for example, the communication IF 404.

[0084] The identification unit 42 identifies a first time period in which one or more events based on at least one of the first data and the second data occurred, based on the first data, the second data, and the first time and the second time. The identification unit 42 identifies events based on the first data and the second data, such as a gas leak (refrigerant leak) or a gap in a door, and identifies the period in which these events occurred as the first time period. Note that a method for identifying events from the first data and the second data can use well-known techniques, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that the identification unit 42 may be realized, for example, by a processor 401, a main memory 402, and a storage 403.

[0085] The storage unit 43 stores the one or more events identified by the identification unit 42 in association with the first time periods in which the one or more events occurred. The storage unit 43 may be realized by the storage 403, for example.

[0086] The setting unit 44 sets a performance target value representing the target performance of the home appliance 30 based on the setting information serving as the third data. Specifically, the setting unit 44 sets the target temperature inside the refrigerator of the home appliance 30 as the performance target value. Because the setting information includes the setting value and the time at which the setting value was set, the setting unit 44 sets the performance target value for each time the setting information is generated. The setting information may indicate the refrigerator temperature setting and be expressed as setting values ​​indicating three levels: weak, medium, and strong. For example, if the setting information includes a weak setting value, the setting unit 44 sets the target temperature corresponding to the weak setting as the performance target value. Similarly, if the setting information includes a medium setting value, the setting unit 44 sets the target temperature corresponding to the medium setting as the performance target value, and if the setting information includes a strong setting value, the setting unit 44 sets the target temperature corresponding to the strong setting as the performance target value. Note that the setting unit 44 may be realized by, for example, the processor 401, the main memory 402, and the storage 403.

[0087] The setting unit 44 may set the performance target value based on the outside air temperature and the setting information. The information indicating the outside air temperature is included in the first data. When the setting information indicates weak, the setting unit 44 may set a temperature determined according to the outside air temperature within a temperature range corresponding to weak as the performance target value. When the setting information indicates medium, the setting unit 44 may set a temperature determined according to the outside air temperature within a temperature range corresponding to medium as the performance target value. When the setting information indicates strong, the setting unit 44 may set a temperature determined according to the outside air temperature within a temperature range corresponding to strong as the performance target value. The temperature range corresponding to weak is a temperature range higher than the temperature range corresponding to medium, and the temperature range corresponding to medium is a temperature range higher than the temperature range corresponding to strong.

[0088] Although the above describes an example in which the performance target value is set based on the third data and an example in which the performance target value is set based on the first data and the third data, the present invention is not limited to this. The performance target value may be set based on the second data. For example, the performance target value may be set to a different value depending on the operation mode, whether or not power-saving operation is performed, whether or not power-saving operation control is performed, etc.

[0089] The estimation unit 45 estimates a second time period in which performance degradation of the home appliance 30 occurred based on the plurality of first data and the performance target value. Specifically, the estimation unit 45 determines whether the temperature inside the home appliance 30 falls within a normal zone equal to or lower than a threshold value Th1, a gray zone greater than the threshold value Th1 but equal to or lower than a threshold value Th2, or an NG zone greater than the threshold value Th2. The normal zone is a temperature range indicating that the home appliance 30 is operating normally, i.e., that no performance degradation has occurred. The gray zone is a temperature range that is not a normal temperature range but may temporarily occur due to, for example, the opening and closing of a door. The NG zone is a temperature range indicating that the temperature inside the home appliance 30 is abnormally high. The estimation unit 45 determines the threshold value Th1 and the threshold value Th2 for each time when the setting information is set based on the performance target value set at that time. The estimation unit 45 may determine the performance target value as the threshold value Th1 and a value higher by a first temperature than the threshold value Th1 as the threshold value Th2. The estimation unit 45 may determine a second temperature lower than the performance target value as the threshold value Th1. The estimation unit 45 may be realized by, for example, the processor 401, the main memory 402, and the storage 403.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second time period based on a change in the temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, for example, based on the first data indicating the temperature inside the storage unit among the multiple first data acquired, the estimation unit 45 may estimate the time period from time t1 when the temperature inside the storage unit transitions from the gray zone to the NG zone to time t2 when the temperature inside the storage unit transitions from the gray zone to the normal zone as the time period when performance degradation occurs (i.e., the second time period).

[0092] Although the estimation unit 45 has been described as dividing the internal temperature of the home appliance 30 into three zones, the division into three zones is not limited to this, and may be any number of two or more zones. For example, when the internal temperature is divided into two zones, the estimation unit 45 may estimate, as the second time period, a time period included in a zone in which the internal temperature is higher than the threshold value Th1. In this way, the estimation unit 45 may estimate, as the second time period, a time period from the time when the internal temperature transitions to a zone with a temperature higher than the normal zone to the time when the internal temperature returns to the normal zone.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of events and their time periods identified by the identification unit.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 8 , the identification unit 42 identifies, based on the first data and the second data, the time period from time t21 when the door gap start is detected to time t22 when the door gap end is detected as the time period in which the door gap event occurred (i.e., the first time period). Based on the first data and the second data, the identification unit 42 also identifies, based on the first data and the second data, the time period from time t23 when the gas leak start is detected to time t24 when the gas leak end is detected as the time period in which the gas leak event occurred (i.e., the first time period). Based on the first data and the second data, the identification unit 42 also identifies, based on the first data and the second data, the time period from time t25 when the door gap start is detected to time t26 when the door gap end is detected as the time period in which the door gap event occurred (i.e., the first time period). Each of the identified events is stored in the memory unit 43 in association with the first time period of the event. Note that if the identification unit 42 identifies only one event, the memory unit 43 stores the single event in association with the first time period. The door gap event indicates that the door of the refrigerator, which is the home appliance 30, is not completely closed, creating a gap between the door and the opening of the refrigerator's storage compartment.

[0095] The determination unit 46 determines a cause of performance degradation from among the multiple events based on the first time slot and the second time slot associated with the multiple events stored in the storage unit 43. Specifically, the determination unit 46 calculates a third time slot that combines the second time slot with a predetermined time Δt1 before and after the second time slot. Then, the determination unit 46 determines, from among the multiple events, one specific event that corresponds to the first time slot and is included in the third time slot as the cause. Note that the determination unit 46 may be realized by, for example, the processor 401, the main memory 402, and the storage 403.

[0096] The third time period is a time period from time t11, which is a predetermined time Δt1 before the start time t1 of the second time period, to time t12, which is a predetermined time Δt1 after the end time t2 of the second time period. The third time period is a time period in which an event that is a candidate for causing performance degradation among multiple events is presumed to have occurred.

[0097] In the example of FIG. 8 , two events, a gas leak and a door gap, are identified as candidate causes (specific events) of performance degradation. In this manner, when there are multiple specific events corresponding to the first time slot included in the third time slot, the determination unit 46 determines one specific event from among the multiple specific events as a cause based on priorities previously associated with the multiple specific events. For example, different priorities are previously associated with each of the multiple events. In this embodiment, the priorities of the multiple events may be set higher the greater the impact that the event has on the performance degradation of the refrigerator's internal temperature. For example, the determination unit 46 determines the specific event with the highest priority from among the multiple specific events as a cause. Of the two events, a gas leak and a door gap, the gas leak is set to have a higher priority than the door gap. Therefore, the determination unit 46 determines the gas leak event as a cause.

[0098] The device diagnostic device 40 sequentially diagnoses the performance of the device. The diagnosis performed by the device diagnostic device 40 includes processes executed by the identifying unit 42, the storage unit 43, the setting unit 44, the estimating unit 45, the determining unit 46, and the output unit 47, and is a process of outputting a diagnostic result based on the first data, the second data, and the third data. In other words, the device diagnostic device 40 periodically repeats the diagnosis and outputs the diagnostic result each time a diagnosis is performed. For example, the device diagnostic device 40 may repeat the diagnosis every third period. The third period may be, for example, one day, two days, or any other length of time.

[0099] The output unit 47 outputs a diagnosis result including the factor determined by the determination unit 46 and the time period in which the factor occurred. The time period in which the factor occurred is a first time period in which the specific event determined as the factor occurred. The output unit 47 may output display information for displaying the diagnosis result on the display unit 14. Note that the output unit 47 may be realized by, for example, the communication IF 404.

[0100] Now, the server 20 will be described again.

[0101] The result accumulation unit 23 accumulates the diagnostic results output by the output unit 47. The result accumulation unit 23 accumulates, over a fourth period (a predetermined period), a plurality of diagnostic results obtained by successive diagnoses performed by the device diagnostic device 40. The result accumulation unit 23 may be realized by the storage 203.

[0102] Determination unit 24 determines whether or not there is a cause of performance degradation of home appliance 30, using the latest diagnostic result output by output unit 47 and past diagnostic results accumulated in result accumulation unit 23 at the timing immediately before the latest diagnostic result. That is, determination unit 24 determines whether or not there is a cause of performance degradation of home appliance 30, using the diagnostic result diagnosed in the latest third period and the diagnostic result diagnosed in the third period immediately before the latest third period. The determination result by determination unit 24 may be accumulated in result accumulation unit 23. Determination unit 24 may be realized by processor 201, main memory 202, and storage 203.

[0103] [2. Operation] Next, the operation of the device diagnosis system 1 will be described.

[0104] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a device diagnostic method in the device diagnostic system according to the embodiment.

[0105] The home appliance 30 detects a state of the home appliance 30 at a first timing and generates a log including the state and the time when the state was detected (S1). That is, the home appliance 30 generates first data, second data, and third data at the first timing. The first timing is, for example, a timing that occurs every five minutes.

[0106] The home appliance 30 transmits a log including the first data, the second data, and the third data to the server 20 via the network 60 (S2).

[0107] The server 20 receives the log from the server 20, thereby acquiring the log (S3).

[0108] The server 20 accumulates the acquired logs (S4).

[0109] Steps S1 to S5 are repeated periodically, so the server 20 accumulates a plurality of logs.

[0110] At the second timing, the server 20 transmits the accumulated logs to the device diagnostic device 40 (S5). The second timing may be a timing that occurs at a predetermined period, such as once a day or once a week.

[0111] The device diagnostic device 40 acquires a plurality of logs from the server 20 via the network 60 (S6).

[0112] The device diagnostic device 40 identifies a first time period in which one or more events based on the plurality of logs occurred, based on the state of the home appliance 30 included in the plurality of logs and the time at which the state was detected (S7). Step S7 is a process performed by the identification unit 42.

[0113] The device diagnostic device 40 stores the one or more events identified by the identification unit 42 in association with the first time slots in which the one or more events occurred (S8). Step S8 is a process performed by the storage unit 43.

[0114] The device diagnostic device 40 sets a performance target value representing the target performance of the home electric appliance 30 based on the third data (S9). Step S9 is a process performed by the setting unit 44.

[0115] The device diagnostic device 40 estimates the second time period in which the performance degradation of the home electric appliance 30 occurred, based on the plurality of first data and the performance target value (S10).

[0116] The device diagnostic device 40 determines the cause of the performance degradation from among the plurality of events based on the first time slot and the second time slot associated with the plurality of events stored in the storage unit 43 (S11). Step S11 is a process performed by the determination unit 46.

[0117] The device diagnostic device 40 outputs diagnostic information including the cause determined by the determination unit 46 and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis (S12). Step S12 is a process performed by the output unit 47.

[0118] The device diagnostic device 40 transmits the diagnostic results to the server 20 via the network 60 (S13). The device diagnostic device 40 may transmit the diagnostic results of the diagnostic processes to the server 20 each time the diagnostic processes of steps S6 to S12 are completed, or may store multiple diagnostic results in the device diagnostic device 40 and periodically transmit the stored multiple diagnostic results to the server 20.

[0119] The server 20 accumulates the diagnostic results for a predetermined period of time (S14).

[0120] The server 20 determines whether there is a cause of the performance degradation of the home appliance 30 by using the latest diagnostic result and the past diagnostic result accumulated immediately before the latest diagnostic result (S15).

[0121] The server 20 transmits the display information including the diagnosis result to the information terminal 10 via the network 60 (S16).

[0122] The information terminal 10 receives the display information and displays the diagnosis result included in the received display information on the display unit 14 (S17).

[0123] In addition, the server 20 may transmit display information including the diagnostic result to the information terminal 10 when outputting the diagnostic result, or may transmit display information including the diagnostic result to the information terminal 10 in response to a transmission request for the diagnostic result when receiving the request from the information terminal 10.

[0124] Furthermore, although the server 20 transmits the diagnostic result to the information terminal 10, the diagnostic result output by the device diagnostic device 40 in step S12 may be transmitted to the information terminal 10.

[0125] 3. Effects, etc. The device diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment diagnoses the performance of the home appliance 30. The device diagnostic system 1 includes an acquisition unit 41, an identification unit 42, a storage unit 43, a setting unit 44, an estimation unit 45, a determination unit 46, and an output unit 47. The acquisition unit 41 sequentially acquires first data, second data, and third data. The first data indicates a state of the home appliance 30 at a first time. The second data indicates an operation being performed by the home appliance 30 at a second time. The third data is data that defines settings related to the operation of the home appliance 30. The identification unit 42 identifies a first time period in which one or more events based on at least one of the first data and the second data occurred, based on the first data, the second data, and the first time and the second time. The storage unit 43 stores the one or more events in association with the first time period. The setting unit 44 sets a performance target value that indicates a target performance of the home appliance 30, based on the third data (setting information). The estimation unit 45 estimates a second time period in which performance degradation of the home appliance 30 occurred, based on the first data and the performance target value. The determination unit 46 determines a cause of the performance degradation from one or more events, based on the first time period and the second time period associated with the one or more events stored in the storage unit 43. The output unit 47 outputs diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

[0126] According to this, the cause of the performance degradation of the device is identified from one or more events based on the second time period in which the performance degradation occurred, and a diagnosis result including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred is output. Therefore, for example, a service technician can easily identify the cause of the performance degradation (abnormality) of the device by checking the diagnosis result.

[0127] Furthermore, the diagnosis of the performance of the home appliance 30 is performed based on one or more pieces of first data that are constantly accumulated. Therefore, the service technician can identify the cause of the performance degradation of the home appliance 30 without having to analyze the state of the home appliance 30 going back to the time when the user noticed the abnormality.

[0128] Furthermore, in device diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment, device diagnostic system 1 sequentially diagnoses the performance of home appliance 30. Device diagnostic system 1 further includes result accumulation unit 23 and determination unit 24. Result accumulation unit 23 accumulates, over a predetermined period, multiple diagnostic results output from the sequentially performed diagnoses. Determination unit 24 determines whether or not there is a cause for performance degradation of home appliance 30, using the latest diagnostic result output by output unit 47 and a previous diagnostic result accumulated in result accumulation unit 23 at the timing immediately before the latest diagnostic result.

[0129] This makes it possible to identify factors based on multiple first data in a period spanning two periods: the period that was the subject of diagnosis in the latest diagnostic result and the period that was the subject of diagnosis in the diagnostic result immediately before that.

[0130] Furthermore, in the device diagnosis system 1 according to this embodiment, the determination unit 46 determines, from among one or more events, one specific event that occurred in a third time period that is the combination of the second time period and a predetermined time period before and after the second time period, as the cause.

[0131] This makes it possible to identify the cause from one or more events that occurred during a third time period, which takes into account the period before and after the second period in which performance degradation occurred, i.e., the period when signs of performance degradation appeared and the lingering period in which the effects of performance degradation remain, thereby reducing the risk of missing a cause.

[0132] Furthermore, in the device diagnosis system 1 according to this embodiment, when there are multiple specific events corresponding to the first time period included in the third time period, the determination unit 46 determines one specific event from among the multiple specific events as the factor based on the priorities previously associated with the multiple specific events.

[0133] Therefore, it is possible to identify one factor that has a greater effect on performance degradation from among a plurality of specific events.

[0134] Moreover, the device diagnosis system 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a display unit 14 that displays the diagnosis information.

[0135] This allows the user to visually recognize the diagnostic results contained in the diagnostic information.

[0136] Furthermore, in the device diagnostic system 1 according to this embodiment, the information terminal 10 having the display unit 14 acquires diagnostic information from the output unit 47 via the network 60, and the display unit 14 displays the acquired diagnostic information.

[0137] Therefore, the diagnostic results included in the diagnostic information can be displayed on a display unit of an information terminal owned by the user, for example.

[0138] [4. Modifications] (1) In the above embodiment, the server 20 and the device diagnostic device 40 are configured as separate devices, but this is not limiting and they may be configured as a single device. That is, for example, the device diagnostic device 40 may have the functions of the communication unit 21, data storage unit 22, result storage unit 23, and determination unit 24 of the server 20.

[0139] (2) In the above embodiment, the server 20 includes the data storage unit 22, the result storage unit 23, and the determination unit 24. However, this is not limiting. The functions of the server 20 may be implemented separately on multiple servers. For example, the functions of the server 20 may be implemented by two servers: a first server including the communication unit 21 and the data storage unit 22, and a second server including the communication unit 21, the result storage unit 23, and the determination unit 24.

[0140] [5. Other] In the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program appropriate for that component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the system, information terminal, server, camera device, etc. of the above embodiments is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowcharts shown in the figures.

[0141] The following cases are also included in this disclosure:

[0142] (1) Specifically, each of the above devices is a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, hard disk unit, display unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. Each device achieves its function when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program. Here, a computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate commands to a computer to achieve a specified function.

[0143] (2) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components on a single chip, and specifically, is a computer system configured to include a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The system LSI achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0144] (3) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as an IC card or a standalone module that can be attached to each device. The IC card or module may be a computer system configured with a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunctional LSI. The IC card or module achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates in accordance with a computer program. The IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0145] (4) The present disclosure may be embodied as the above-described methods, a computer program for implementing these methods on a computer, or a digital signal comprising the computer program.

[0146] The present disclosure may also be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be a digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0147] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also be applied to transmitting the computer program or the digital signal via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0148] The present disclosure may also be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program.

[0149] The program or the digital signal may also be implemented by another independent computer system by recording it on the recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring it via the network or the like.

[0150] (5) The above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined with each other.

[0151] (6) In the above embodiment, the home appliance 30 includes the actuator 301 and the heater 302. However, the home appliance 30 may be configured without the actuator 301 and the heater 302.

[0152] The present disclosure is useful as an equipment diagnostic system that can easily identify the cause of a performance degradation of an equipment.

[0153] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Device diagnostic system 10 Information terminal 11 Acquisition unit 12 Transmission unit 13 Memory unit 14 Display unit 15 Reception unit 20 Server 21 Communication unit 22 Data accumulation unit 23 Result accumulation unit 24 Determination unit 30 Home appliance 40 Device diagnostic device 41 Acquisition unit 42 Identification unit 43 Memory unit 44 Setting unit 45 Estimation unit 46 Determination unit 47 Output unit 60 Network 61, 62 Router 101, 201, 401 Processor 102, 202, 402 Main memory 103, 203, 403 Storage 104, 204, 304, 404 Communication IF 105, 306 Input device 106, 305 Display 301 Actuator 302 Heater 303 Control circuit

Claims

1. An equipment diagnostic system for diagnosing the performance of an equipment, comprising: an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires first data indicating a state of the equipment at a first time, second data indicating an operation being performed by the equipment at a second time, and third data that specifies settings for the operation of the equipment; an identification unit that identifies a first time period in which one or more events based on at least one of the first data and the second data have occurred, based on the first data and the second data and the first time period; a storage unit that stores the one or more events in association with the first time period; a setting unit that sets a performance target value that indicates a target performance of the equipment, based on the third data; an estimation unit that estimates a second time period in which performance degradation of the equipment has occurred, based on the first data and the performance target value; a determination unit that determines a cause of the performance degradation from among the one or more events, based on the first time period and the second time period associated with the one or more events stored in the storage unit; and an output unit that outputs diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

2. The equipment diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the equipment diagnostic system performs the diagnoses sequentially, and further comprises: a result accumulation unit that accumulates, over a predetermined period of time, a plurality of diagnostic results output by the sequentially performed diagnoses; and a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of the factor by using the latest diagnostic result output by the output unit and a previous diagnostic result accumulated in the result accumulation unit at the timing immediately preceding the latest diagnostic result.

3. The device diagnosis system of claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines, from among the one or more events, one specific event that occurred during a third time period that is the sum of the second time period and a specified time period before and after the second time period, as the cause.

4. The equipment diagnosis system of claim 3, wherein, when there are multiple specific events occurring during the third time period, the determination unit determines one specific event from among the multiple specific events as the cause based on priorities previously associated with the multiple specific events.

5. An equipment diagnostic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a display unit for displaying the diagnostic information.

6. The device diagnostic system according to claim 5, wherein the display unit acquires the diagnostic information from the output unit via a network and displays the acquired diagnostic information.

7. An equipment diagnostic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the state of the equipment indicated by the first data is detected by one or more sensors provided in the equipment.

8. The device diagnostic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device is a home appliance equipped with at least one of an actuator and a heater, and the operation being performed by the device is indicated by a control instruction for driving at least one of the actuator and the heater.

9. An equipment diagnosis system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a data storage unit that acquires the first data, the second data, and the third data from the equipment via a network, and sequentially stores the acquired first data, the second data, and the third data.

10. An equipment diagnostic device for diagnosing the performance of an equipment, comprising: an acquisition unit that sequentially acquires first data indicating a state of the equipment at a first time, second data indicating an operation being performed by the equipment at a second time, and third data that specifies settings for the operation of the equipment; an identification unit that identifies a first time period in which one or more events based on at least one of the first data and the second data have occurred, based on the first data and the second data and the first time period; a storage unit that stores the one or more events in association with the first time period; a setting unit that sets a performance target value that indicates a target performance of the equipment, based on the third data; an estimation unit that estimates a second time period in which performance degradation of the equipment has occurred, based on the first data and the performance target value; a determination unit that determines a cause of the performance degradation from among the one or more events, based on the first time period and the second time period associated with the one or more events stored in the storage unit; and an output unit that outputs diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

11. An equipment diagnostic method using one or more processors provided in an equipment diagnostic system that performs a diagnosis on the performance of an equipment, comprising: sequentially acquiring first data indicating a state of the equipment at a first time, second data indicating an operation being performed by the equipment at a second time, and third data specifying settings related to the operation of the equipment; identifying a first time period in which one or more events based on at least one of the first data and the second data occurred based on the first data and the second data and the first time period, corresponding to and storing the one or more events and the first time period; setting a performance target value representing a target performance of the equipment based on the third data; estimating a second time period in which a performance degradation of the equipment occurred based on the first data and the performance target value; determining a cause of the performance degradation from among the one or more events based on the first time period and the second time period corresponding to the one or more stored events; and outputting diagnostic information including the cause and the time period in which the cause occurred as a diagnostic result of the diagnosis.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the device diagnosis method according to claim 11.

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