Information presentation device, constant-temperature device, information presentation method, and program

Abstract

This information presentation device presents an operation stage of an in-operation constant-temperature device provided with an accommodation chamber and a compressor. The information presentation device comprises: a storage unit that stores a threshold value set for determining the operation stage; an acquisition unit that acquires device information including information of the internal temperature of the accommodation chamber, information of the temperature of air outside the constant-temperature device, and information of an operation parameter of the compressor; and a control unit that acquires the operation stage on the basis of the device information and the threshold value set, and presents the acquired operation stage.

Description

Information presentation device, constant temperature device, information presentation method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information presentation device, a constant temperature device, an information presentation method, and a program that present an operation stage of an operation state of a constant temperature device.

[0002] Conventionally, as an example of a constant temperature device, a refrigeration device having a storage compartment as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. Such a refrigeration device includes a cooling device that cools the storage compartment. The cooling device has a compressor that compresses and sends out a refrigerant.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-190917

[0004] By the way, in the constant temperature device as described above, it is important to grasp the operation stage of the operation state of the constant temperature device from the viewpoint of detecting an abnormality of the constant temperature device in advance.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an information presentation device, a constant temperature device, an information presentation method, and a program that can present an operation stage of an operation state of a constant temperature device.

[0006] One aspect of the information presentation device according to the present invention is an information presentation device that presents an operation stage related to an operation state of a constant temperature device including a storage compartment and a compressor, and includes a storage unit that stores a threshold set for determining the operation stage, and an acquisition unit that acquires device information including information on the temperature inside the storage compartment, information on the outside air temperature of the constant temperature device, and information on the operation parameters of the compressor, and a control unit that acquires an operation stage based on the device information and the threshold set and presents the acquired operation stage.

[0007] One aspect of the constant temperature device according to the present invention is equipped with the above-described information presentation device.

[0008] One aspect of the information presentation method according to the present invention is an information presentation method for presenting operating stages relating to the operating state of a constant temperature apparatus equipped with a storage compartment and a compressor, comprising the steps of: acquiring apparatus information including information relating to the internal temperature of the storage compartment, information relating to the ambient temperature, and information relating to the operating parameters of the compressor; acquiring an operating stage based on the apparatus information and a threshold set for determining the operating stage; and presenting the acquired operating stage.

[0009] One aspect of the program according to the present invention is a program that operates on a computer mounted on an information display device that displays operation stages relating to the operating state of a constant temperature device equipped with a storage compartment and a compressor, wherein the computer, by executing the program, acquires device information including information on the internal temperature of the storage compartment, information on the ambient temperature of the constant temperature device, and information on the operating parameters of the compressor, acquires an operation stage based on the device information and a threshold set for determining the operation stage, and presents the acquired operation stage.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information display device, a constant temperature device, an information display method, and a program that can display the operating stages of the operating state of a constant temperature device.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information presentation system including an information presentation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cooling device. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the information presentation device. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a threshold set stored by the information presentation device. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information presentation system. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for estimating the estimated arrival time. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the first image displayed on the display unit of the information presentation device. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the second image displayed on the display unit of the information presentation device. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the third image displayed on the display unit of the information presentation device. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the fourth image displayed on the display unit of the information presentation device. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the fifth image displayed on the display unit of the information presentation device.

[0012] The information display device, constant temperature device, information display method, and program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The information described below, along with the attached drawings, is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the only possible embodiment.

[0013] [Embodiment] An information presentation system S comprising an information presentation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information presentation system S.

[0014] The system configuration of the information presentation system S will be described below with reference to Figure 1. The information presentation system S consists of an information presentation device 1 and at least one refrigeration device 3. The information presentation device 1 and the refrigeration device 3 are connected via a network N.

[0015] This information presentation system S is a system that presents the operating stages related to the operating state of the refrigeration device 3. The refrigeration device 3 is an example of a constant temperature device.

[0016] The constant temperature device is not limited to a refrigeration device, but may be any type of constant temperature device equipped with a storage compartment and a compressor. Specifically, the constant temperature device may be a refrigeration device. In the following description, the term "refrigeration device" may be replaced with the term "constant temperature device" as appropriate.

[0017] First, let me briefly explain the configuration of the refrigeration device 3. The refrigeration device 3 is, for example, an ultra-low temperature freezer. An ultra-low temperature freezer is a device that cools the inside to an ultra-low temperature (for example, around -80°C). The refrigeration device 3 may also be a medical refrigerator or a blood refrigerator, etc.

[0018] The refrigeration device 3 has a main body 31 and a machine room 32 located below it. The machine room 32 may be located above the main body 31.

[0019] The main body 31 includes a box 311, a door 312, and an information providing unit 313.

[0020] The box 311 is formed, for example, from a metal plate and / or a synthetic resin plate. The box 311 is composed of a box-shaped member with an open front.

[0021] The door portion 312 is openable and closable and is provided on the box body 311 so as to close the opening of the box body 311. The refrigeration device 3 has a storage compartment 314 which is formed by the space enclosed by the box body 311 and the door portion 312.

[0022] The information providing unit 313 is located on the front of the box body 311. The position of the information providing unit 313 is not particularly limited. The information providing unit 313 may also be incorporated into the refrigeration device 3.

[0023] The information provision unit 313 acquires information related to the refrigeration device (hereinafter referred to as "device information") from the refrigeration device 3. The information provision unit 313 then sends the acquired device information to the information presentation device 1, which will be described later.

[0024] The information provision unit 313 sends device information to the information display device 1 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the information provision unit 313 may send device information to the information display device 1 in response to a request from the information display device 1.

[0025] Furthermore, the information provision unit 313 may send the device information to the information presentation device 1 each time it acquires device information from the refrigeration device 3.

[0026] Furthermore, the information provision unit 313 may send device information to the information display device 1 in batches at predetermined times. In this case, the information provision unit 313 may send a day's worth of device information to the information display device 1 in batches.

[0027] The machine room 32 is located below the main body 31. Some of the devices that make up the cooling system 4 are located in the machine room 32. Examples of the devices located in the machine room 32 are the compressor 411 and the pressure reducer 413, which will be described later. The cooling system 4 is configured to cool the storage compartment 314 to a predetermined temperature or lower (for example, -80°C or lower).

[0028] The configuration of the cooling device 4 will be described below. However, the configuration of the cooling device is not limited to the configuration of the cooling device 4 described later.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the cooling device 4 includes a refrigeration circuit 41, a first temperature detection unit 42, a second temperature detection unit 43, and an operation parameter detection unit 44.

[0030] The refrigeration circuit 41 includes a compressor 411, a condenser 412, a pressure reducer 413, and an evaporator 414.

[0031] Each element constituting the refrigeration circuit 41 is connected to the others by piping. The refrigerant in the piping changes its state as it moves through the refrigeration circuit 41, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 2. １ The storage compartment 314 is cooled by circulation in the direction indicated.

[0032] The compressor 411 operates under the control of the control unit 51 (described later) to move the refrigerant in the piping. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 411 passes through each element constituting the refrigeration circuit 41 and returns to the compressor 411. In the refrigeration circuit 41, the refrigerant is directed by arrow A in Figure 2. １ It flows in the direction indicated.

[0033] The configuration of the compressor 411 is the same as that of a compressor in a conventional refrigeration system, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0034] The configuration of the condenser 412 and the vacuum reducer 413 is the same as the configuration of the condenser and vacuum reducer in conventionally known refrigeration systems.

[0035] The evaporator 414 is, for example, a pipe made of copper or aluminum. The evaporator 414 is installed on the rear plate of the enclosure 311. The evaporator 414 extends from top to bottom while meandering in the left-right direction. This configuration of the evaporator 414 is the same as the configuration of evaporators in conventionally known refrigeration systems. The evaporator 414 is not limited to the rear plate, but may also be installed on the side plates, top plate, and / or bottom plate of the enclosure 311.

[0036] The first temperature detection unit 42 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is fixed to a predetermined position on the box body 311. The first temperature detection unit 42 detects the temperature of the storage compartment 314 (hereinafter referred to as "internal temperature").

[0037] The detected value of the first temperature detection unit 42 is referred to as information regarding the temperature of the storage compartment (hereinafter referred to as "internal temperature information"). The first temperature detection unit 42 sends the detected value to a control unit 51 described later.

[0038] The second temperature detection unit 43 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is fixed at a predetermined position of the box body 311. The second temperature detection unit 43 detects the temperature around the refrigeration device 3 (hereinafter referred to as the outside air temperature).

[0039] The detected value of the second temperature detection unit 43 is referred to as information regarding the outside air temperature of the refrigeration device (hereinafter referred to as "outside air temperature information"). The outside air temperature information of the refrigeration device 3 corresponds to an example of the information regarding the outside air temperature of the thermostatic device. The second temperature detection unit 43 sends the detected value to a control unit 51 described later.

[0040] The operation parameter detection unit 44 is a sensor and is fixed at a predetermined position of the box body 311. The operation parameter detection unit 44 detects the operation parameters of the compressor 411. The detected value of the operation parameter detection unit 44 is referred to as information regarding the operation parameters (hereinafter referred to as "operation parameter information").

[0041] In the case of the present embodiment, the operation parameter detection unit 44 detects the rotation speed of the compressor 411. Note that the operation parameters detected by the operation parameter detection unit 44 are not limited to the rotation speed of the compressor 411.

[0042] The operation parameters detected by the operation parameter detection unit 44 may be, for example, the current value supplied to the compressor 411 or the pressure value of the refrigerant output from the compressor 411.

[0043] In addition, the operation parameters detected by the operation parameter detection unit 44 may be various operation parameters having a correlation with the rotation speed of the compressor 411.

[0044] The operation of the cooling device 4 having the above configuration is controlled by the control unit 51. The control unit 51 may be a general-purpose (micro) computer having an input port, an output port, an arithmetic device, and the like.

[0045] The control unit 51 may be physically configured such that a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a storage (e.g., HDD or SSD) are connected by a bus, or may be composed of a one-chip LSI or the like. The control unit 51 is, for example, arranged in the machine room 32.

[0046] The control unit 51 controls the operation of the cooling device 4 so that the temperature of the storage 314 is maintained at a preset temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "set temperature"). The control unit 51 switches the control method between so-called PID control and so-called ON / OFF control according to the operating conditions including the set temperature.

[0047] Further, the control unit 51 sends the in-store temperature information obtained from the first temperature detection unit 42, the outside air temperature information obtained from the second temperature detection unit 43, and the operation parameter information obtained from the operation parameter detection unit 44 to the information providing unit 313. The in-store temperature information, the outside air temperature information, and the operation parameter information constitute the device information.

[0048] Next, the configuration of the information presentation device 1 will be described. The information presentation device 1 presents an operation stage regarding the operation state of the refrigeration device 3. The operation stage is determined according to the device information. In the case of this embodiment, the operation stage is represented by a 10-stage stage.

[0049] The operation stage 1 is a stage corresponding to the initial state of the refrigeration device 3. The operation stages 1 to 7 are stages in which the refrigeration device 3 is operating in a sound state. The operation stages 8 to 10 are stages in which the refrigeration device 3 is operating in an unsound state.

[0050] The operation stage 8 is a warning target operation stage (hereinafter referred to as the "warning operation stage"). The operation stages 9 and 10 are operation stages in which there is a relatively high possibility of a failure occurring in the refrigeration device 3.

[0051] The information presentation device 1 according to this embodiment can notify the user of the operation state of the refrigeration device 3 by presenting the operation stage of the refrigeration device 3 to the user of the refrigeration device 3.

[0052] The following describes the specific configuration of the information display device 1. The information display device 1 is a server configured with a computer.

[0053] The computer may be a personal computer, a server, or an embedded computer. If the information display device 1 is composed of an embedded computer, the embedded computer may be incorporated into a constant temperature device such as a refrigeration unit. In other words, the constant temperature device such as a refrigeration unit may have the same functions as the information display device 1 described later.

[0054] Furthermore, the information display device 1 may be composed of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device.

[0055] The information display device 1 is connected to multiple refrigeration units 3 via a network N. In this embodiment, the information display device 1 is connected to multiple refrigeration units 3 installed in multiple medical institutions M1 and M2.

[0056] Furthermore, the number of medical institutions and refrigeration units to which the information display device 1 is connected is not limited to the number of medical institutions and refrigeration units in this embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the information display device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 13, an acquisition unit 14, a display unit 12, and a control unit 15.

[0058] The communication unit 11 communicates with the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313) via the network N. The communication unit 11 includes an information transmission unit and an information reception unit (not shown), etc. The operation of the communication unit 11 is controlled by the control unit 15.

[0059] The communication unit 11 sends information acquired from the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313) to the acquisition unit 14. Alternatively, the communication unit 11 may also send information acquired from the acquisition unit 14 or the control unit 15 to the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313).

[0060] The display unit 12 displays information. The display unit 12 is a display. The type of display is not particularly limited. The display operation of the display unit 12 is controlled by the control unit 15.

[0061] The memory unit 13 is composed of a memory (e.g., RAM) or storage (e.g., HDD or SSD) mounted on the information presentation device 1.

[0062] The memory unit 13 stores a threshold set for determining the operation stage. The threshold set includes a plurality of thresholds corresponding to operation stages divided into steps. In this embodiment, the threshold set includes a plurality of thresholds corresponding to operation stages 1 to 10, which are divided into 10 steps.

[0063] Figure 4 shows an example of a threshold set. The threshold set 131 will be described below with reference to Figure 4.

[0064] In this embodiment, the threshold set 131 is in table format. However, the format of the threshold set 131 is not limited to table format.

[0065] In threshold set 131, "CT (Chamber temperature)" refers to the temperature of the storage compartment 314 (hereinafter referred to as "internal temperature").

[0066] In threshold set 131, "AT (Ambient temperature)" refers to the ambient temperature of the refrigeration unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as "ambient temperature"). In threshold set 131, "(CT, AT)" refers to the combination of the internal temperature and the ambient temperature.

[0067] In threshold set 131, "Stage" refers to the operating stage related to the operating state of the refrigeration device 3.

[0068] In threshold set 131, "OP (Operation Parameter)" refers to the operating parameter of the compressor 411. In this embodiment, the operating parameter is the rotational speed of the compressor 411 (hereinafter referred to as "rotational speed").

[0069] The types of operating parameters in the threshold set 131 may be determined according to the types of operating parameters that the information presentation device 1 obtains from the refrigeration device 3.

[0070] Specifically, if the operating parameter that the information display device 1 obtains from the refrigeration device 3 is the current value supplied to the refrigeration device 3, then the operating parameter in the threshold set 131 may be the current value.

[0071] In threshold set 131, "OP" is a threshold for determining the operating stage of the refrigeration device 3. For example, if the internal temperature is CT4 and the outside temperature is AT4, the operating parameter (rotation speed) required for the operating stage to be 2 is OP4-2.

[0072] In this embodiment, in the threshold set 131, the largest difference between the thresholds of consecutive operating stages is the difference between the threshold of the second lowest operating stage (specifically, operating stage 2) and the threshold of the lowest operating stage (specifically, operating stage 1).

[0073] To give a specific example, the difference between the threshold for operation stage 2 (e.g., OP4-2) and the threshold for operation stage 1 (e.g., OP4-1) is greater than, for example, the difference between the threshold for operation stage 3 (e.g., OP4-3) and the threshold for operation stage 2 (e.g., OP4-2).

[0074] This threshold set configuration helps to suppress variations in the initial operating stage between products due to differences in their initial state. In other words, the initial operating stage of all products can be standardized to operating stage 1, regardless of variations in their initial state.

[0075] As described above, the threshold set 131 is a threshold table that associates a threshold value indicating the compressor rotation speed (specifically, "OP") with the internal temperature (specifically, "CT") and the outside temperature (specifically, "AT").

[0076] Furthermore, the memory unit 13 may store threshold sets, including an ascending threshold set for determining an ascending operation stage and a descending threshold set for determining a descending operation stage.

[0077] If the threshold set for increasing is set 131, then the thresholds included in the threshold set for decreasing (i.e., the values ​​of OP) may be smaller than the thresholds included in the threshold set for increasing (i.e., threshold set 131) (i.e., the values ​​of OP).

[0078] Specifically, the threshold included in the threshold set for descent (i.e., the value of OP) is smaller by a predetermined value α than the threshold included in the threshold set for ascent (i.e., threshold set 131) (i.e., the value of OP).

[0079] For example, if the ascending threshold is OP4-4 in threshold set 131, then the descending threshold corresponding to OP4-4 is α smaller than OP4-4.

[0080] By setting separate thresholds for ascending and descending for a single operating stage, the ease with which the operating stage ascends and descends can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the ascending and descending thresholds are set so that the operating stage is less likely to descend than to ascend.

[0081] The acquisition unit 14 acquires device information from the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313). As described above, the device information includes internal temperature information, outside temperature information, and operating parameter information.

[0082] The acquisition unit 14 acquires device information from the information provision unit 313 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, when acquiring device information, the acquisition unit 14 sends a request to the information provision unit 313. The request includes information requesting that the device information be sent to the information presentation device 1.

[0083] The information provision unit 313 generates a response containing device information and sends it to the information presentation device 1. The acquisition unit 14 then acquires the device information contained in the response sent by the information provision unit 313.

[0084] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 14 acquires a day's worth of device information at a predetermined time. The acquisition unit 14 sends the acquired device information to the control unit 15. The operation of the acquisition unit 14 is controlled by the control unit 15.

[0085] From the viewpoint of accurately identifying the operating stage, the acquisition unit 14 preferably acquires only the operating parameters in a stable operating state (hereinafter referred to as "stable operating parameters") from the information on operating parameters included in the device information as operating parameter information.

[0086] The stable operation parameters are the operating parameters when the compressor 411 is operating in a stable operation state. In this embodiment, the compressor 411 operates in PID control mode or ON / OFF control mode.

[0087] PID control mode is an example of the first control mode. ON / OFF control mode is an example of the second control mode.

[0088] When the compressor 411 is operating in PID control mode, the stable operating state of the compressor 411 is a state in which the change in internal temperature remains within a predetermined range.

[0089] On the other hand, when the compressor 411 is operating in ON / OFF control mode, the stable operating state of the compressor 411 is a state in which the operating parameters of the compressor 411 (for example, rotational speed) fluctuate periodically.

[0090] The stable operation parameters may include the operation parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using the PID control mode, and the operation parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using the ON / OFF control mode.

[0091] If the compressor 411 operates only in PID control mode, the stable operation parameters may include only the operation parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using PID control mode.

[0092] If the compressor 411 operates only in ON / OFF control mode, the stable operation parameters may include only the operation parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state by ON / OFF control mode.

[0093] The operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using PID control mode correspond to an example of the first stable operating parameters. Furthermore, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using ON / OFF control mode correspond to an example of the second stable operating parameters.

[0094] Furthermore, the device information obtained from the information provision unit 313 also includes operating parameters (hereinafter referred to as "unstable operation parameters") when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state.

[0095] An unstable operating state of the compressor 411 refers to, for example, the operating state of the compressor 411 corresponding to the state in which the door 312 of the refrigeration unit 3 is open. Furthermore, the operating state of the compressor 411 from the time the door 312 of the refrigeration unit 3 is closed after it has been opened is also included in the unstable operating state.

[0096] Furthermore, the operating state of the compressor 411 from the time the set temperature of the refrigeration unit 3 is changed until the internal temperature reaches the set temperature is also included in the unstable operating state.

[0097] The control unit 15 may be a general-purpose (micro)computer having input ports, output ports, and an arithmetic unit, etc.

[0098] The control unit 15 may, in substance, be configured such that a CPU, ROM, RAM, and storage (e.g., HDD or SSD) are connected by a bus, or it may be configured as a single-chip LSI.

[0099] The control unit 15 stores various programs and data necessary to realize its functions in RAM or storage (HDD or SSD). The programs and / or data necessary to realize the functions of the control unit 15 may also be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium that can be read by the processor.

[0100] Examples of recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, MOs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and portable hard drives. Semiconductor memory such as USB memory is also an example of a recording medium.

[0101] The processor reads and executes a program stored in RAM or storage (HDD or SSD), thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 15. The functions of the control unit 15 are briefly described below.

[0102] The control unit 15 acquires an operation stage related to the operating state of the refrigeration device 3 based on the device information acquired from the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313) and the threshold set 131 stored in the storage unit 13.

[0103] Specifically, the control unit 15 obtains a threshold value ("OP" in the threshold set 131) from the threshold set 131 that corresponds to the device information obtained from the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313).

[0104] The method for obtaining the threshold value will be explained below with reference to Figure 4. The control unit 15 obtains device information from the acquisition unit 14. The device information includes internal temperature information, outside temperature information, and operation parameter information.

[0105] The control unit 15 first identifies the threshold sequences corresponding to the internal temperature information and the external temperature information from the threshold sequences C1 to C6 in the threshold set 131 shown in Figure 4.

[0106] Next, the control unit 15 identifies a threshold from the threshold set 131 based on the operation parameter information included in the device information. Then, the control unit 15 acquires the operation stage corresponding to the identified threshold.

[0107] Referring to Figure 4, a specific example of how to obtain the threshold value will be explained. In this example, the device information is identified as follows: Internal temperature information: CT5 External temperature information: AT5 Operating parameter information: OP ｒｅａｌ

[0108] In the case of the above device information, the control unit 15 identifies the threshold sequence C5 corresponding to "CT5, AT5" from the threshold set 131.

[0109] Next, the control unit 15 receives the operation parameter information OP ｒｅａｌ The corresponding operation stage is identified from threshold column C5.

[0110] For example, operation parameter information OP ｒｅａｌ However, if the threshold column C5 is greater than or equal to OP5-2 and less than OP5-3 (OP5-2 ≤ OP ｒｅａｌ <OP5-3> The control unit 15 identifies OP5-2 as a threshold corresponding to the device information. Then, the control unit 15 identifies an operation stage (i.e., operation stage 2) that corresponds to the identified threshold (i.e., OP5-2) as an operation stage.

[0111] In the method for identifying the operation stage described above (referred to as the "first identification method"), the control unit 15 uses the internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and operation parameter information included in the device information as they are. The control unit 15 then acquires the operation stage based on the internal temperature information, ambient temperature information, and operation parameter information included in the device information, and the threshold set 131.

[0112] However, the control unit 15 may identify the operating stage using a health score obtained by converting the internal temperature information, outside temperature information, and operating parameter information included in the device information using a predetermined conversion formula. This method is referred to as the second identification method.

[0113] The health score in the second identification method is, for example, a value obtained by converting the operating parameter information (specifically, rotational speed) included in the device information into operating parameters corresponding to the first internal temperature (e.g., CT5 in Figure 4) and the first ambient temperature (e.g., AT5 in Figure 4). The first internal temperature and the first ambient temperature may be determined appropriately for each product.

[0114] In this case, the control unit 15 identifies the operating stage based on the calculated health score and the threshold sequence (e.g., threshold sequence C5 in Figure 4) in the threshold set 131 that corresponds to the first internal temperature (e.g., CT5 in Figure 4) and the first outside temperature (e.g., AT5 in Figure 4).

[0115] According to this second identification method, the threshold set 131 only needs to include data from threshold columns (e.g., threshold column C5) corresponding to the first internal temperature (e.g., CT5 in Figure 4) and the first outside temperature (e.g., AT5 in Figure 4). Therefore, the amount of data in the threshold set 131 can be reduced.

[0116] In this embodiment, the control unit 15 acquires the operating stage for all device information acquired from the acquisition unit 14. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 14 acquires a day's worth of device information all at once from the refrigeration device 3 (specifically, the information provision unit 313).

[0117] Therefore, the control unit 15 acquires the operation stage from each of the device information for one day. Then, the control unit 15 determines the final operation stage based on the average value of all the acquired operation stages.

[0118] Furthermore, if the operating parameters included in the device information acquired from the acquisition unit 14 consist only of the stable operating parameters described above, the control unit 15 may acquire the operating stage only if the number of stable operating parameters included in the device information is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of data points.

[0119] In other words, the control unit 15 does not need to acquire the operation stage if the number of stable operation parameters included in the device information is less than a predetermined number of data points. Such a configuration is preferable from the viewpoint of improving the reliability of the operation stage.

[0120] However, the control unit 15 may acquire an operating stage as a reference operating stage even if the stable operating parameters are less than or equal to a predetermined number of data points.

[0121] The control unit 15 presents the acquired operation stage. Specifically, the control unit 15 displays the operation stage on the display unit 12. The image displayed on the display unit 12 will be described later.

[0122] The user can understand the operating status of the refrigeration device 3 by looking at the operation stage displayed on the display unit 12.

[0123] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may display the acquired operation stage to an external terminal (not shown) connected to the information display device 1. The external terminal may be, for example, a terminal installed in medical institutions M1 and M2 (e.g., a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone).

[0124] The external terminal may display the operation stage presented by the control unit 15 on its display unit. In this case, it is preferable that the display mode of the external terminal's display unit is the same as the display mode of the display unit 12 in the information presentation device 1.

[0125] Furthermore, the control unit 15 acquires the operating duration of the compressor 411 for each operating stage. The control unit 15 then displays the acquired operating duration. Specifically, the control unit 15 displays the operating duration on the display unit 12.

[0126] By looking at the operating time displayed on the display unit 12, the user can understand how the operating state of the refrigeration unit 3 is changing.

[0127] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may display the acquired operating time to an external terminal (not shown) connected to the information display device 1.

[0128] Furthermore, the control unit 15 estimates the time required for the operation stage to reach the warning operation stage from the current operation stage (hereinafter referred to as the estimated arrival time). The control unit 15 then displays the estimated arrival time. Specifically, the control unit 15 displays the estimated arrival time on the display unit 12.

[0129] In this embodiment, the warning operation stage is operation stage 8. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 estimates the time required for the operation stage to reach operation stage 8 from the current operation stage (in other words, the arrival time) and / or the date on which it will reach operation stage 8.

[0130] The time required to reach operation stage 8 is referred to as the estimated arrival time. The date on which operation stage 8 is reached is referred to as the estimated arrival date. The method for estimating the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival date is not particularly limited. An example of a method for estimating the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival date will be described later.

[0131] The user can see the estimated arrival time displayed on the display unit 12 and determine the date and time when the refrigeration unit 3 will reach the warning operation stage (operation stage 8 in this embodiment).

[0132] Furthermore, the control unit 15 presents the operation stage along with a recommended action to the user before the operation stage reaches the warning operation stage. In this embodiment, the warning operation stage is operation stage 8. When the operation stage reaches operation stage 7, the control unit 15 presents a recommended action to the user.

[0133] Recommended actions for the user include, for example, cleaning the filter, defrosting, and / or adjusting the internal temperature. Other recommended actions may include various actions to address situations identified based on the device information.

[0134] The main components of the information presentation system S have been described above. The operation of the information presentation system S will now be explained. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information presentation system S.

[0135] First, the information presentation system S is a system that presents the operating stages related to the operating status of the refrigeration equipment 3, based on the equipment information of the refrigeration equipment 3 installed in medical institutions M1 and M2.

[0136] An example of the operation of the information presentation system S includes processes performed in the refrigeration unit 3 and processes performed in the information presentation device 1. The process shown in Figure 5 is referred to as the information presentation process.

[0137] First, in step S101 of Figure 5, the control unit 51 of the refrigeration device 3 acquires device information including internal temperature information, outside air temperature information, and operating parameter information. Then, the control unit 51 sends the acquired device information to the information provision unit 313.

[0138] The control unit 51 acquires device information, including internal temperature information, external temperature information, and operating parameter information, at predetermined timings. The control unit 51 may sequentially send the acquired device information to the information provision unit 313.

[0139] Alternatively, the control unit 51 may send the acquired device information to the information provision unit 313 all at once at a predetermined timing.

[0140] The control unit 51 acquires internal temperature information from the first temperature detection unit 42. The control unit 51 acquires outside air temperature information from the second temperature detection unit 43. The control unit 51 acquires operation parameter information from the operation parameter detection unit 44.

[0141] Next, in step S102 of Figure 5, the information provision unit 313 sends the device information acquired from the control unit 51 to the information display device 1. In this embodiment, the information provision unit 313 sends a day's worth of device information to the information display device 1 all at once at a predetermined timing.

[0142] The device information includes multiple datasets, each consisting of one set of internal temperature information, one set of external temperature information, and one set of operating parameters. The number of datasets included in the device information is determined according to the interval at which the control unit 51 acquires the device information.

[0143] Steps S101 and S102 described above are performed in the refrigeration device 3. Steps S101 and S102 are performed by the respective refrigeration devices 3 installed in medical institutions M1 and M2. The steps performed in the information display device 1 will be described below.

[0144] In step S103 of Figure 5, the acquisition unit 14 of the information presentation device 1 acquires device information sent from the refrigeration device 3.

[0145] Next, in step S104 of Figure 5, the acquisition unit 14 performs a filtering process.

[0146] The device information sent from the refrigeration device 3 includes the stable operation parameters and unstable operation parameters described above. In other words, the device information includes a dataset containing stable operation parameters and a dataset containing unstable operation parameters.

[0147] Therefore, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 14 extracts only the dataset containing stable operation parameters from the device information. This processing by the acquisition unit 14 is referred to as the filtering process of the acquisition unit 14.

[0148] In this embodiment, the compressor 411 in the refrigeration system 3 operates in PID control mode or ON / OFF control mode.

[0149] Therefore, the device information includes the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in PID control mode and the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in ON / OFF control mode.

[0150] Furthermore, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in PID control mode include the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state in PID control mode and the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state in PID control mode.

[0151] Hereinafter, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using PID control mode will be referred to as the first stable operating parameters. Conversely, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state using PID control mode will be referred to as the first unstable operating parameters.

[0152] Furthermore, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in ON / OFF control mode include the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state in ON / OFF control mode, and the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state in ON / OFF control mode.

[0153] Hereinafter, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in a stable state using the ON / OFF control mode will be referred to as the second stable operating parameters. Conversely, the operating parameters when the compressor 411 operates in an unstable state using the ON / OFF control mode will be referred to as the second unstable operating parameters.

[0154] The acquisition unit 14 extracts a dataset containing the first stable operation parameter and a dataset containing the second stable operation parameter from the device information.

[0155] As described above, when the compressor 411 is operating in PID control mode, the change in internal temperature falls within a predetermined range during the stable operation state of the compressor 411. Therefore, the acquisition unit 14 extracts a dataset including the first stable operation parameter from the device information based on the change in internal temperature.

[0156] Furthermore, the method for extracting the dataset containing the first stable operation parameters from the device information is not particularly limited. Based on predetermined stable operation conditions, it may be determined whether or not the compressor 411 operated in a stable state, and the dataset containing the first stable operation parameters may be extracted from the device information.

[0157] Furthermore, as described above, when the compressor 411 is operating in ON / OFF control mode, the operating parameters of the compressor 411 (e.g., rotational speed) fluctuate periodically during the stable operation state of the compressor 411. Therefore, the acquisition unit 14 extracts a dataset including the second stable operation parameters from the device information based on the periodicity of the operating parameters (e.g., rotational speed).

[0158] Furthermore, the method for extracting the dataset containing the second stable operation parameters from the device information is not particularly limited. Based on predetermined stable operation conditions, it may be determined whether or not the compressor 411 operated in a stable state, and the dataset containing the second stable operation parameters may be extracted from the device information.

[0159] The acquisition unit 14 merges a dataset containing the first stable operation parameters with a dataset containing the second stable operation parameters to generate new device information. This new device information is sometimes referred to as filtering device information (hereinafter simply as "device information"). The acquisition unit 14 then sends the filtering device information to the control unit 15.

[0160] Next, in step S105 of Figure 5, the control unit 15 acquires the operation stage. The method by which the control unit 15 acquires the operation stage is as described above.

[0161] The control unit 15 performs a process to acquire the operation stage for all data sets included in the device information (i.e., filtering device information) acquired from the acquisition unit 14.

[0162] Therefore, the control unit 15 acquires the operation stage for each dataset included in the device information. Then, the control unit 15 calculates the average value of all acquired operation stages.

[0163] The control unit 15 determines the average value of the calculated operation stages as the final operation stage. In this embodiment, the operation stage is determined once a day.

[0164] In step S105 of Figure 5, if the current operating stage is the operating stage (operating stage 7) immediately preceding the warning operating stage (operating stage 8), the control unit 15 estimates the time and / or date required to reach the warning operating stage from the current operating stage.

[0165] The time estimated by the control unit 15 to reach the warning operation stage from the current operation stage is called the estimated arrival time. The date estimated by the control unit 15 to reach the warning operation stage is called the estimated arrival date.

[0166] Now, referring to Figure 6, the method by which the control unit 15 obtains the estimated arrival time and estimated arrival date will be explained. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the method for estimating the estimated arrival time. The control unit 15 estimates the estimated arrival time using a so-called linear approximation method.

[0167] The horizontal axis of Figure 6 represents the elapsed time since reaching operational stage 4 (hereinafter simply referred to as "elapsed time"). The origin of Figure 6 corresponds to the time when operational stage 4 was reached. The vertical axis of Figure 6 represents the health score or operational parameters.

[0168] As described above, the health score is a value obtained by converting the operating parameters (specifically, rotational speed) included in the device information into operating parameters (specifically, rotational speed) corresponding to the first internal temperature (e.g., CT5 in Figure 4) and the first ambient temperature (e.g., AT5 in Figure 4).

[0169] The control unit 15 plots the relationship between the elapsed time and the health score or operating parameters between operation stage 4 and operation stage 7, as shown in the diagram in Figure 6. The control unit 15 also finds an approximate straight line by approximating each of these plots with a straight line.

[0170] The control unit 15 then estimates the time required for the health score or operating parameters to reach the threshold corresponding to the warning operation stage (the "estimated arrival time" in Figure 6) based on the approximate straight line. The control unit 15 also estimates the estimated arrival date based on the estimated arrival time.

[0171] Next, in step S106 of Figure 5, the control unit 15 presents the operation stage. Specifically, the operation stage is displayed on the display unit 12. This completes the process performed by the information presentation device 1.

[0172] The processes described in steps S103 to S106 are performed in the information presentation device 1. These processes in steps S103 to S106 are included in the information presentation method according to this embodiment.

[0173] Furthermore, the processing in steps S103 to S106 may be performed in the refrigeration device 3. In this case, the information presentation method according to this embodiment is performed in the refrigeration device 3.

[0174] Furthermore, the processes described in steps S103 to S106 are carried out by a computer (not shown) mounted on the information display device 1 executing a program.

[0175] Furthermore, when the processes in steps S103 to S106 are performed in the refrigeration unit 3, the processes in steps S103 to S106 are realized by a computer (not shown) installed in the refrigeration unit 3 executing a program.

[0176] The images displayed on the display unit 12 will be described below. Figures 7 to 11 show examples of images displayed on the display unit 12 under the control of the control unit 15.

[0177] Figure 7 shows the first image G1 displayed on the display unit 12. The first image G1 is an image displayed on the display unit 12 under the control of the control unit 15.

[0178] The configuration of the first image G1 will now be explained. The first image G1 has a menu display area Ra, an asset display area Rb, a health display area R11, a parameter display area R12, a log display area R13, a message display area R14, and a graph display area R15.

[0179] The menu display area Ra displays an image representing the display menu of the display unit 12. In this embodiment, five types of menu images G11a to G11e are displayed in the menu display area Ra.

[0180] The first image G1 shown in Figure 7 corresponds to the menu image G11a. Specifically, the menu image G11a is an image used to display the monitoring image. When the user selects the menu image G11a, the first image G1 is displayed on the display unit 12. The first image G1 is sometimes also referred to as the monitoring image.

[0181] The asset display area Rb displays information identifying all refrigeration units 3 connected to the information display device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "asset identification information"). The user can select the asset identification information corresponding to the desired refrigeration unit 3 from the asset identification information.

[0182] Information about the refrigeration unit 3 corresponding to the asset identification information selected by the user is displayed in the health display area R11, parameter display area R12, log display area R13, message display area R14, and graph display area R15.

[0183] The health display area R11 displays the asset image G12 and the operation stage image G13. The asset image G12 is an image of the refrigeration device 3.

[0184] The asset image G12 of the refrigeration unit 3, corresponding to the asset identification information selected by the user, is displayed in the health display area R11. The user can understand the appearance of the refrigeration unit 3 by looking at the asset image G12.

[0185] The operation stage image G13 is an image showing information about the operation stage acquired by the control unit 15 in step S105 described above.

[0186] In this embodiment, the operation stage image G13 includes a stage graph image G131 that graphically shows the operation stage, a stage numerical image G132 that numerically shows the operation stage, and a transition image G133 that transitions the display of the display unit 12 to the third image G3.

[0187] The stage graph image G131 is composed of a bar graph divided into 10 stages. The bottom bar in the stage graph image G131 represents operation stage 1. The top bar in the stage graph image G131 represents operation stage 10.

[0188] The stage graph image G131 includes a marker image G134 that indicates the current operating stage. In this embodiment, the marker image G134 is displayed to the right of the bar graph indicating operating stage 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operating stage is 4.

[0189] Furthermore, in the stage graph image G131, the bar graphs representing operating stages 1 to 7 and the bar graphs representing operating stages 8 to 9 are different colors. Operating stages 1 to 7 represent operating stages in a healthy state. In this embodiment, the bar graphs representing operating stages 1 to 7 are green.

[0190] On the other hand, operating stages 8 to 10 are operating stages in an unhealthy state. In this embodiment, the bar graph representing operating stages 8 to 10 is red.

[0191] This configuration allows users to visually understand whether the refrigeration unit 3 is operating in a healthy or unhealthy state. Furthermore, users can intuitively grasp how healthy the refrigeration unit 3 is operating in.

[0192] The stage numerical image G132 is an image that shows the numerical values ​​of the operating stages. The stage numerical image G132 is displayed next to the stage graph image G131. By looking at the stage numerical image G132, the user can intuitively understand the operating stages of the refrigeration unit 3.

[0193] The parameter display area R12 displays images showing the parameters of the refrigeration device 3. In this embodiment, the parameter display area R12 displays an image showing the internal temperature and an image showing the outside temperature.

[0194] In addition, the parameter display area R12 displays an image showing the status of the refrigeration unit 3, as well as the parameters of the refrigeration unit 3. In this embodiment, the parameter display area R12 displays an image showing the open / closed state of the door 312.

[0195] Furthermore, the parameter display area R12 may display images showing various parameters of the refrigeration device 3 and images showing the status of the refrigeration device 3. The parameters and status of the refrigeration device 3 are basically information obtained from the refrigeration device 3.

[0196] The log display area R13 displays an image showing the log related to the refrigeration unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "log image"). The log includes the operation log of the refrigeration unit 3 and the error log of the refrigeration unit 3.

[0197] The message display area R14 displays an image indicating a notification to the user. The graph display area R15 displays a graph relating to the parameters of the refrigeration device 3, as shown in the parameter display area R12. In this embodiment, the message display area R14 displays a graph showing the internal temperature.

[0198] The first image G1 described above is the image displayed on the display unit 12 during all of the operation stages 1 to 10. The operation stage image G13 shown in the health display area R11 of the first image G1 is changed according to the operation stage.

[0199] Next, the configuration of the second image G2 shown in Figure 8 will be explained. The second image G2 is the image that is displayed when the user selects the transition image G133 in the first image G1.

[0200] The second image G2 has a menu display area Ra, an asset display area Rb, and a detailed health display area R21. The menu display area Ra and the asset display area Rb are the same as the menu display area Ra and the asset display area Rb in the first image G1 described above.

[0201] The detailed health display area R21 displays the operation stage image G21 and the stage progression image G22.

[0202] The operation stage image G21 is an image showing information about the operation stage acquired by the control unit 15 in step S105 described above.

[0203] In this embodiment, the operation stage image G21 includes a stage graph image G211 that graphically represents the operation stage, and a stage numerical image G212 that numerically represents the operation stage.

[0204] Stage graph image G211, like the stage graph image G131 described above, is composed of a bar graph divided into 10 stages.

[0205] The stage graph image G211 includes a marker image G213 that indicates the current operating stage. In this embodiment, the marker image G213 is displayed to the right of the bar graph indicating operating stage 4. Therefore, the operating stage is 4.

[0206] The configuration of the other stage graph image G211 is the same as that of the stage graph image G131 described above. Also, the stage numerical image G212 is the same as that of the stage numerical image G132 described above.

[0207] Stage progression image G22 is a graph showing the relationship between the operating stage of the refrigeration unit 3 and the date. In stage progression image G22, the horizontal axis represents the date, and the vertical axis represents the operating stage.

[0208] The stage progression image G22 includes a bar graph image G221 showing the number of days elapsed for each operating stage. The stage progression image G22 shown in Figure 8 shows three bar graph images G221 corresponding to operating stages 2 to 4.

[0209] Furthermore, each elapsed days graph image G221 has an elapsed days image G222 that shows the numerical value of the elapsed days. The elapsed days image G222 is an image that shows the operating duration for each operating stage. By looking at the elapsed days image G222, the user can intuitively understand the number of days elapsed for each operating stage.

[0210] The second image G2 described above is the image displayed on the display unit 12 during operation stages 1 to 6. The operation stage image G21 and the stage progression image G22 shown in the detailed health display area R21 of the second image G2 are changed according to the operation stage.

[0211] Next, the configuration of the third image G3 shown in Figure 9 will be explained. The third image G3 is the image displayed on the display unit 12 when the operation stage reaches operation stage 7.

[0212] The basic structure of the third image G3 is the same as that of the second image G2 described above. Below, we will explain the structure of the third image G3, focusing on the differences from the second image G2.

[0213] The third image G3 has a menu display area Ra, an asset display area Rb, and a detailed health display area R21. The menu display area Ra and the asset display area Rb are the same as the menu display area Ra and the asset display area Rb in the first image G1 and the second image G2 described above.

[0214] The detailed health display area R31 displays the operation stage image G31 and the stage progression image G32.

[0215] The operation stage image G31 is an image showing information about the operation stage acquired by the control unit 15 in step S105 described above.

[0216] In this embodiment, the operation stage image G31 includes a stage graph image G311 that graphically represents the operation stage, and a stage numerical image G312 that numerically represents the operation stage. The configuration of the stage graph image G311 is the same as that of the stage graph image G211 described above.

[0217] The stage graph image G311 includes a marker image G313 that indicates the current operating stage. In this embodiment, the marker image G313 is displayed to the right of the bar graph indicating operating stage 7. Therefore, the operating stage is 7.

[0218] Stage progression image G32, like the stage progression image G22 described above, is a graph showing the relationship between the operating stage of the refrigeration device 3 and the date.

[0219] Furthermore, the stage progression image G32 includes a bar graph image G321 showing the number of days elapsed for each operating stage. The stage progression image G32 shows three bar graph images G321 corresponding to operating stages 5 to 7.

[0220] Furthermore, each elapsed days graph image G321 includes an elapsed days image G322 that shows the numerical value of the elapsed days. By looking at the elapsed days image G322, the user can intuitively understand the number of days elapsed for each operation stage.

[0221] Furthermore, the detailed health display area R31 displays the recommended action image G33 and the predicted image G34.

[0222] The recommended operation image G33 is displayed below the stage graph image G311. The recommended operation image G33 is an image that shows the operation recommended to the user in the operation stage indicated by the stage graph image G311 and the stage numerical image G312.

[0223] In this embodiment, the recommended operation image G33 shows filter cleaning, defrosting, and adjustment of the internal temperature as recommended operations.

[0224] Operation stage 7 is the operation stage immediately preceding the warning operation stage (operation stage 8 in this embodiment). The user can avoid the operation stage becoming the warning operation stage by performing the actions shown in the recommended operation image G33. Note that the actions shown in the recommended operation image G33 are not limited to the three types of actions described above.

[0225] The prediction image G34 is displayed below the recommended operation image G33. The prediction image G34 is an image that shows the date (in other words, the estimated arrival date) on which the operation stage will reach the warning operation stage (operation stage 8 in this embodiment). The method for estimating the estimated arrival date is as described above.

[0226] The third image G3 described above is the image displayed on the display unit 12 during operation stage 7. The operation stage image G31 and the stage progression image G32 shown in the detailed health display area R31 of the third image G3 are changed according to the operation stage.

[0227] Next, the configuration of the fourth image G4 shown in Figure 10 will be explained. The fourth image G4 is the image displayed on the display unit 12 when the operation stage reaches operation stage 8.

[0228] The basic structure of the fourth image G4 is the same as that of the third image G3 described above. Below, we will explain the parts of the fourth image G4's structure that differ from those of the third image G3.

[0229] The fourth image G4 has a menu display area Ra, an asset display area Rb, and a detailed health display area R41. The menu display area Ra and the asset display area Rb are the same as the menu display area Ra and the asset display area Rb in the first image G1, second image G2, and third image G3 described above.

[0230] The detailed health display area R41 displays the operation stage image G41 and the stage progression image G42.

[0231] The operation stage image G41 is an image showing information about the operation stage acquired by the control unit 15 in step S105 described above.

[0232] In this embodiment, the operation stage image G41 includes a stage graph image G411 that graphically represents the operation stage, and a stage numerical image G412 that numerically represents the operation stage. The configuration of the stage graph image G411 is the same as that of the stage graph image G311 described above.

[0233] The stage graph image G411 includes a marker image G413 that indicates the current operating stage. In this embodiment, the marker image G413 is displayed to the right of the bar graph indicating operating stage 8. Therefore, the operating stage is 8.

[0234] Stage progression image G42, like the stage progression image G32 described above, is a graph showing the relationship between the operating stage of the refrigeration device 3 and the date. In stage progression image G42, the horizontal axis represents the date, and the vertical axis represents the operating stage.

[0235] Stage progression image G42 includes elapsed days graph image G421, which shows the number of days elapsed for each operating stage as a bar graph. Stage progression image G42 shows three elapsed days graph images G421 corresponding to operating stages 6 to 8.

[0236] Furthermore, each elapsed days graph image G421 includes an elapsed days image G422 that shows the numerical value of the elapsed days. By looking at the elapsed days image G422, the user can intuitively understand the number of days elapsed for each operational stage.

[0237] Furthermore, the detailed health display area R41 displays the recommended action image G43. The recommended action image G43 is the same as the recommended action image G33 in the third image G3 described above. Note that the fourth image G4 does not include the predicted image G34 in the third image G3 described above.

[0238] The fourth image G4 described above is an image displayed on the display unit 12 during operation stages 8 to 10. The operation stage image G41 and the stage progression image G42 shown in the detailed health display area R41 of the fourth image G4 are changed according to the operation stage.

[0239] Next, the configuration of the fifth image G5 shown in Figure 11 will be explained. The fifth image G5 shown in Figure 11 is the image corresponding to the menu image G11b. Specifically, the menu image G11b is an image for displaying the health check image. When the user selects the menu image G11b, the fifth image G5 is displayed on the display unit 12. The fifth image G5 is sometimes referred to as the health check image.

[0240] The fifth image G5 has a menu display area Ra, a health display area R51, and an asset status display area R52. The menu display area Ra is the same as the menu display area Ra in the first image G1 described above.

[0241] The health display area R51 displays a health distribution image G51 showing the distribution of the health status of all refrigeration units 3 connected to the information display device 1. The health distribution image G51 includes a pie chart image showing the distribution of healthy refrigeration units 3 and unhealthy refrigeration units 3.

[0242] Furthermore, the health distribution image G51 includes numerical images showing the number of healthy refrigeration units 3 and the number of unhealthy refrigeration units 3. By looking at the health distribution image G51, users can intuitively grasp the distribution of healthy and unhealthy refrigeration units 3.

[0243] The asset status display area R52 displays images (hereinafter referred to as "asset status images") showing the status of all refrigeration units 3 connected to the information display device 1. Note that in the asset status display area R52 of Figure 11, some displays related to the information display device 1 are omitted.

[0244] The asset status image displays information about the asset's state (hereinafter referred to as "asset status information"), which is associated with asset identification information used to identify the asset.

[0245] The asset status information includes information regarding the installation location of the refrigeration unit 3, information regarding the health status of the refrigeration unit 3, and information regarding the number of days elapsed. The health status information indicates either a healthy or unhealthy state.

[0246] Information regarding the number of days elapsed indicates the time elapsed (specifically, the number of days) since reaching the current health status.

[0247] The user can select a desired asset from the asset identification information in the asset status image. When the user selects a desired asset from the asset identification information in the asset status image, images corresponding to the second image G2 to the fourth image G4 described above will be displayed.

[0248] (Operation and Effects of this Embodiment) The information presentation system S having the above configuration can present the user with the operating stages of the refrigeration device 3. The reason for this is as previously described. In addition, the operation and effects of the information presentation system S according to this embodiment are as previously described.

[0249] (Note) In the above embodiment, an information display device 1 connected to the refrigeration device 3 via a network N was given as an example of an information display device. However, the information display device may be incorporated into the refrigeration device.

[0250] In other words, a refrigeration device may be equipped with the functions of an information presentation device according to the present invention. In this case, the information presentation method according to the present invention may be implemented in the refrigeration device. Alternatively, in this case, the information presentation method according to the present invention may be implemented by a computer mounted on the refrigeration device executing a program.

[0251] All disclosures in the specification, drawings, and abstract contained in the Japanese application 2024-169359, filed on 27 September 2024, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0252] The present invention can be applied to various constant temperature devices, including freezing devices and refrigeration devices.

[0253] 1 Information display device 11 Communication unit 12 Display unit 13 Storage unit 131 Threshold set 14 Acquisition unit 15 Control unit 3 Refrigeration device 31 Main unit 311 Enclosure 312 Door unit 313 Information provision unit 314 Storage compartment 32 Machine room 4 Cooling device 41 Refrigeration circuit 411 Compressor 412 Condenser 413 Pressure reducer 414 Evaporator 42 First temperature detection unit 43 Second temperature detection unit 44 Operation parameter detection unit 51 Control unit C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 Threshold sequence G1 First image G11a, G11b, G11c, G11d, G11e Menu image G12 Asset image G13 Operation stage image G131 Stage graph image G132 Stage numerical image G133 Transition Image G134 Marker Image G2 Second Image G21 Operation Stage Image G211 Stage Graph Image G212 Stage Numerical Image G213 Marker Image G22 Stage Progression Image G221 Elapsed Days Graph Image G222 Elapsed Days Image G3 Third Image G31 Operation Stage Image G311 Stage Graph Image G312 Stage Numerical Image G313 Marker Image G32 Stage Progression Image G321 Elapsed Days Graph Image G322 Elapsed Days Image G33 Recommended Operation Image G34 Prediction Image G4 Fourth Image G41 Operation Stage Image G411 Stage Graph Image G412 Stage Numerical Image G413 Marker Image G42 Stage Progression Image G421 Elapsed Days Graph Image G422 Elapsed Days Image G43 Recommended operation image G5 Fifth image G51 Health distribution image N Network M1, M2 Medical institution Ra Menu display area Rb Asset display area R11 Health display area R12 Parameter display area R13 Log display area R14 Message display area R15 Graph display area R21 Detailed health display area R31 Detailed health display area R41 Detailed health display area R51 Health display area R52 Asset status display area S Information presentation system

Claims

1. An information display device for presenting operating stages relating to the operating state of a constant temperature apparatus equipped with a storage compartment and a compressor, comprising: a storage unit for storing a threshold set for determining the operating stage; an acquisition unit for acquiring apparatus information including information relating to the internal temperature of the storage compartment, information relating to the ambient temperature of the constant temperature apparatus, and information relating to the operating parameters of the compressor; and a control unit for acquiring the operating stage based on the apparatus information and the threshold set, and for presenting the acquired operating stage.

2. The information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold set includes a plurality of thresholds corresponding to the stepwise divided operation stages.

3. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires the operating duration of the compressor for each operation stage and displays the acquired operating duration.

4. The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit estimates the time required for the operation stage to reach the operation stage to be warned about from the current operation stage, and displays the estimated time.

5. The information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit identifies thresholds from the threshold set corresponding to the information regarding the internal temperature and the external temperature obtained from the constant temperature device, and obtains the operation stage based on the information regarding the operation parameters obtained from the constant temperature device and the thresholds identified from the threshold set.

6. The information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold set is a threshold table in which thresholds indicating the rotational speed of the compressor are associated with the internal temperature and the external temperature.

7. The information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the threshold set includes, with respect to one operating stage, an ascending threshold set used to determine when the operating stage is ascending, and a descending threshold set used to determine when the operating stage is descending, and the descending threshold set and the ascending threshold set are set so that the operating stage is less likely to descend than it is likely to ascend.

8. The information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires stable operating parameters of the compressor in a stable operating state as information relating to the operating parameters.

9. The information presentation device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit does not acquire the operation stage if the number of stable operation parameters included in the device information is less than or equal to a predetermined number of data points.

10. The information presentation device according to claim 8, wherein the stable operation parameters include a first stable operation parameter when the compressor operates in a stable operation state by the first control mode, and a second stable operation parameter when the compressor operates in a stable operation state by the second control mode.

11. In the threshold set, the difference between consecutive operating stages is greatest when the difference between the second lowest operating stage threshold and the lowest operating stage threshold is greatest, as described in claim 1.

12. The information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit presents a recommended operation to the user along with the operation stage before the operation stage reaches the operation stage subject to warning.

13. A constant temperature device equipped with the information display device described in claim 1.

14. An information presentation method for presenting operating stages relating to the operating state of a constant temperature apparatus equipped with a storage compartment and a compressor, comprising: a step of acquiring apparatus information including information relating to the internal temperature of the storage compartment, information relating to the ambient temperature, and information relating to the operating parameters of the compressor; a step of acquiring the operating stage based on the apparatus information and a threshold set for determining the operating stage; and a step of presenting the acquired operating stage.

15. A program that operates on a computer mounted on an information display device that displays operating stages relating to the operating state of a constant temperature apparatus equipped with a storage compartment and a compressor, wherein the computer, by executing the program, acquires apparatus information including information relating to the internal temperature of the storage compartment, information relating to the ambient temperature of the constant temperature apparatus, and information relating to the operating parameters of the compressor; acquires the operating stage based on the apparatus information and a threshold set for determining the operating stage; and presents the acquired operating stage.

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