JP2002238084A - System for managing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an equipment management system with which a user can respectively set information acquisition conditions in remotely monitoring equipment, control conditions in performing a remote operation or the like, and each user can also respectively customize a menu displaying method, when the user performs the setting. SOLUTION: A menu preparation image 121, provided with a layout display window 122 and a menu parts selection window 123, is transmitted to a user side, a simple menu configuration composed of only minimum required parts is given by default, and menu parts 124 given by the menu parts selection window 123 can be arranged at desired positions within the layout display window 122.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an equipment management system, and more particularly to a system for remotely controlling or remotely monitoring equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Equipment such as air conditioners is widely used in ordinary houses, apartment houses, hotels, factories, hospitals, stores, and stations. The operation of these equipment is generally controlled by each user at the installation location.

[0003]

A technique for remotely controlling such equipment using a telephone line or the like is known. For example, there is a technique in which equipment is connected to a telephone line via a modem, a router, a power line LAN router, or the like, a control signal is transmitted by a push signal of a telephone, and the equipment is remotely controlled from the outside.

However, in such a conventional technique, the user only remotely controls the equipment at his / her own discretion, and is limited to simple controls such as power on / off control and temperature setting of the air conditioner. ing. In addition, it is difficult for the user himself to perform control that requires a lot of data such as current environmental information of the place where the equipment is installed and other complicated controls.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable environmental information of equipment and its installation location to be monitored from outside, and to enable remote control of the equipment to an appropriate operating state. Providing equipment management server,
Equipment that allows the user to individually set information acquisition conditions for remote monitoring and control conditions for remote operation, and allows each user to individually customize the menu display method at the time of setting. An object of the present invention is to provide a device management system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a management system for facility equipment which encourages a user to develop a menu display having a high use value so that the benefits of both a server administrator and a user can be enjoyed. Is to provide.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an equipment management server monitors operation status of an equipment by acquiring operation information of the equipment and current environmental information at a place where the equipment is installed. An equipment management server for providing monitoring information for performing the operation and transmitting a control signal for remotely operating the equipment, comprising: a setting receiving unit, a menu display unit, and a user menu setting unit. The setting receiving means receives, for each of a plurality of operation items, settings of information acquisition conditions when providing monitoring information and control conditions when performing remote operation. The menu display unit displays a plurality of operation items in a menu format according to the set display method so that the setting reception unit allows the selection of the operation items for receiving the setting of the information acquisition condition or the control condition. The user menu setting means receives a setting of a display method when displaying a plurality of operation items on the menu display means.

In this case, it is possible for the user to customize the menu display for setting the remote operation of the equipment according to individual preferences and requests. An equipment management server according to claim 2 of the present invention is the equipment management server according to claim 1, wherein the equipment management server is built in or connected to the equipment, and operates information of the equipment and the current information at the installation location of the equipment. Acquisition and transmission of environmental information, as well as connection to an equipment control device that receives a control signal and sends it out to the equipment through a communication line, and enables operation information and environmental information through the communication line and the equipment control device. It is characterized by transmitting and receiving information and control signals.

In this case, a signal is transmitted / received through a communication line to / from a facility device control device built in or near the facility device, and operation information of the facility device and environmental information of the installation location are monitored. Equipment devices can be controlled reliably. As a communication line, an ordinary public line network, P
Any of a wireless network such as an HS and a mobile phone, the Internet, a cable television network, a dedicated line, and the like can be used.

A facility equipment management server according to claim 3 of the present invention is the facility equipment management server according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a server accessible from an information terminal device, The display means and the user menu setting means are provided to be available to the user by the server.

In this case, it is possible to configure so that the user accesses the server from the outside and performs remote monitoring and remote control of the equipment. The information terminal equipment includes a personal computer with an Internet connection, a mobile phone, a PHS, a personal digital assistant (PDA: Personal Digital Assistants), and a set top box (STB: Set Top Box) connected to a cable TV line or an Internet line. Televisions and the like can be used.

[0012] An equipment management server according to claim 4 of the present invention is the equipment management server according to claim 3, wherein
It is characterized by further comprising a user menu publishing means for publishing the display method set by the user menu setting means so that other users can use the display method.

In this case, it is possible to provide a large number of menu display methods created by the user, and the user can select a menu display method according to his / her preference or request. The cost required for development can be reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facility equipment management server comprising: a user point table for storing user points of each user; And a user point management means for receiving an input and updating a user point table of a user who has created the display method based on the evaluation points.

[0015] In this case, the menu display methods created by the user can be ranked and disclosed, and the published menu display method can be used as an indication of selection when the user uses the menu display method.

A facility equipment management server according to claim 6 of the present invention is the facility equipment management server according to claim 5,
A charging information table that manages charging information of each user; and a point reduction unit that updates charging information of each user in the charging information table based on user points managed in the user point table. I have.

In this case, it is possible to encourage the user who has created the menu display method to create a menu display method with high utility value by returning profits based on the evaluation points. The program according to claim 7 of the present invention provides monitoring information for monitoring operation status of the equipment by acquiring operation information of the equipment and current environmental information at the installation location of the equipment, A program that causes a computer to function as a facility equipment management server that transmits a control signal for remote control, and sets information acquisition conditions when providing monitoring information and control conditions when performing remote control in a plurality of operation items. A setting receiving means for receiving each time, and a menu display means for displaying a plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method in order to select an operation item for receiving the setting of the information acquisition condition or the control condition in the setting receiving means. And a user menu setting means for receiving a setting of a display method when displaying a plurality of operation items on the menu display means. Is a program for causing a computer to function as 備機 device management server.

In this case, it is possible to provide a program for the equipment management server that allows the user to customize the menu display for setting the remote operation of the equipment according to individual preferences and requests.

A program according to claim 8 of the present invention provides monitoring information for acquiring operation information of equipment and current environmental information at a place where the equipment is installed to monitor the operation status of the equipment, A program that causes a computer to function as an equipment management server that transmits a control signal for remotely controlling equipment, and includes a plurality of information acquisition conditions for providing monitoring information and setting of control conditions for remote operation. Setting receiving means for receiving each of the operation items, and a menu for displaying a plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method so that the setting receiving means can select an operation item for receiving the setting of the information acquisition condition or the control condition. Display means, and a user menu setting method for receiving a setting of a display method when displaying a plurality of operation items on the menu display means. When an access accepting means for accepting an access from the information terminal apparatus via the Internet, a display method set in the user menu setting means,
User menu publishing means for publishing so that it can be used by other users, and display methods published by the user menu publishing means, accepting input of evaluation points from other users, based on the evaluation points, User point management means for updating the user point table of the user who has created the display method; and point reduction means for updating the charging information of each user in the charging information table based on the user points managed in the user point table. This is a program that causes a computer to function as a facility device management server including

When this program causes a computer to function as a facility equipment management server, it becomes possible for a user to customize a menu display for setting remote operation of facility equipment according to individual preferences and requests.
In addition, it is possible to provide a large number of menu display methods created by the user, and the user can select a menu display method according to his / her preference or request. Can be reduced. Furthermore, by ranking the menu display methods created by the user and publishing them, as a guide for selection when the user uses them, and by returning profit to the user who created the menu display method based on evaluation points Therefore, it is possible to encourage creation of a menu display method having a high use value.

A recording medium according to a ninth aspect of the present invention provides monitoring information for monitoring operation status of equipment by acquiring operation information of equipment and current environmental information at a place where the equipment is installed. A computer-readable recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to function as an equipment management server that transmits a control signal for remotely operating equipment, wherein information acquisition conditions and remote operation when providing monitoring information are provided. Setting receiving means for receiving control condition settings for each of a plurality of operation items when performing the setting, and a menu according to a set display method for allowing the setting receiving means to select an operation item for receiving information acquisition conditions or control condition settings. Menu display means for displaying a plurality of operation items in a format, and display when displaying a plurality of operation items on the menu display means A computer-readable recording medium recording a program that causes a computer to function as the equipment management server and a user menu setting means for receiving settings of law.

In this case, the program for the equipment management server, which enables the user to customize the menu display for setting the remote operation of the equipment according to individual preferences and requests, is distributed in a form recorded on a recording medium. It is possible to do.

A recording medium according to a tenth aspect of the present invention provides monitoring information for monitoring operation status of equipment by acquiring operation information of equipment and current environmental information at a place where the equipment is installed. A computer-readable recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to function as an equipment management server that transmits a control signal for remotely operating equipment, wherein information acquisition conditions and remote operation when providing monitoring information are provided. Setting accepting means for accepting the setting of control conditions for performing for each of a plurality of operation items,
A menu display means for displaying a plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method so that the setting reception means can select an operation item for receiving the setting of the information acquisition condition or the control condition, and a plurality of operations on the menu display means. A user menu setting unit for receiving a setting of a display method when displaying an item, an access receiving unit for receiving access from an information terminal device via the Internet, and a display method set by the user menu setting unit for another user. User menu publishing means for publishing so that it can be used by the user and display methods published by the user menu publishing means accept input of evaluation points from other users and create display methods based on the evaluation points. User point manager who updates the user point table for the user A computer-readable recording program for causing a computer to function as an equipment management server comprising: a point redemption unit that updates charging information of each user in a charging information table based on user points managed in a user point table. It is a possible recording medium.

In this case, it is possible to distribute the program as described in claim 8 in the form of being recorded on a recording medium, and the user can display a menu for setting the remote operation of the facility equipment according to individual preference or request. A server administrator that provides a large number of menu display methods created by the user, which can be customized according to the user, and enables the user to select a menu display method according to his / her preference or request. The menu display method that can reduce the cost required for menu development on the side, and rank and display the menu display methods created by the user, and can use this as a guide for selection when the user uses it. Return profits based on the evaluation points to the user who created
It is possible to obtain actions and effects such as creation of a menu display method having high use value can be encouraged.

The operation setting receiving method in the equipment management server according to claim 11 of the present invention monitors the operation status of the equipment by acquiring the operation information of the equipment and the current environmental information at the installation location of the equipment. An operation setting reception method in an equipment management server that provides monitoring information for transmitting a control signal for remotely operating equipment, and a method for receiving information for providing monitoring information and performing remote operation. A first step of receiving the setting of the control condition for each of a plurality of operation items, and a plurality of operation items in a menu format by a set display method for selecting an operation item for receiving the setting of the information acquisition condition or the control condition. And a third step of receiving a setting of a display method when displaying a plurality of operation items. It is an operation setting reception method in a server.

In this case, it is possible for the user to accept a menu display customized according to individual preferences and requirements, and to allow the user to appropriately register a menu display for setting remote operation and remote monitoring of the equipment. Becomes possible.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, an operation setting receiving method in an equipment management server monitors operation status of equipment by acquiring operation information of equipment and current environmental information at a place where the equipment is installed. For receiving an operation setting in a facility equipment management server for providing monitoring information for transmitting a control signal for remotely controlling facility equipment, the information acquisition condition when providing the monitoring information and performing the remote operation A first step of receiving the setting of the control condition for each of a plurality of operation items, and a plurality of operations in a menu format according to a set display method for selecting an operation item for receiving the setting of the information acquisition condition or the control condition. A second step of displaying an item, a third step of receiving a setting of a display method when displaying a plurality of operation items, and a set table. A fourth step of publishing the method so that it can be used by another user; and accepting an input of an evaluation point from another user for the disclosed display method, and changing the display method based on the evaluation point. A fifth step of updating the created user point table of the user; and a sixth step of updating the charging information of each user in the charging information table based on the user points managed in the user point table. This is an operation setting reception method of the equipment management server.

In this case, it is possible for the user to accept a menu display customized according to individual preferences and requests, and to allow the user to appropriately register a menu display for setting remote operation and remote monitoring of the equipment. Can be provided, and a large number of menu display methods created by the user can be provided, so that the user can select a menu display method according to his / her preference or request. In addition, the menu display method created by the user can be ranked and disclosed, and can be used as a guide for selection when the user uses the menu display method. Furthermore, it is possible to return the profit based on the evaluation points to the user who has created the menu display method, and to urge the user to create a menu display method with high use value.

A facility equipment management system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is built in or connected to the facility equipment, and acquires and transmits operation information of the facility equipment and current environmental information at a place where the facility equipment is installed. To monitor the operation status of the equipment by receiving the control signal for controlling the operation of the equipment and sending it to the equipment, and the operation information and the environmental information from the equipment control device. And a facility equipment management server that provides a monitoring signal and transmits a control signal for remotely controlling the facility equipment. The equipment management server includes a setting receiving unit that receives, for each of a plurality of operation items, setting of information acquisition conditions when providing monitoring information and control conditions when remote operation is performed, and information acquisition conditions or control by the setting reception unit. A menu display means for displaying a plurality of operation items in a menu format according to the set display method, and a display method for displaying a plurality of operation items on the menu display means, in order to allow the user to select an operation item for receiving the condition setting. User menu setting means for receiving settings.

In this case, a large number of menu display methods created by the user are provided, and a facility device management system that allows the user to select a menu display method according to his / her own preference or request is provided. Can be.

An equipment management system according to claim 14 of the present invention is built in or connected to equipment, acquires and transmits operation information of equipment and current environmental information at a place where the equipment is installed, and transmits the information. To monitor the operation status of the equipment by receiving the control signal for controlling the operation of the equipment and sending it to the equipment, and the operation information and the environmental information from the equipment control device. And a facility equipment management server that provides a monitoring signal and transmits a control signal for remotely controlling the facility equipment. The equipment management server includes a setting receiving unit that receives, for each of a plurality of operation items, setting of information acquisition conditions when providing monitoring information and control conditions when remote operation is performed, and information acquisition conditions or control by the setting reception unit. A menu display means for displaying a plurality of operation items in a menu format according to the set display method, and a display method for displaying a plurality of operation items on the menu display means, in order to allow the user to select an operation item for receiving the condition setting. The user menu setting means for receiving settings, the access receiving means for receiving access from the information terminal device via the Internet, and the display method set by the user menu setting means are disclosed so that other users can use them. The user menu publishing means and the display method published by the user menu publishing means are used by other users. User point management means for receiving an input of evaluation points from the user and updating the user point table of the user who has created the display method based on the evaluation points, and charging based on the user points managed in the user point table. Point redemption means for updating the billing information of each user in the information table.

In this case, a large number of menu display methods created by the user can be provided, and an equipment management system can be provided that allows the user to select a menu display method according to his / her preference or request. . In addition, in this equipment management system, a menu display method created by a user is ranked and made public, and this can be used as a guide for selection when the user uses the menu display method. It is possible to obtain effects and effects such as returning profits based on the evaluation points and prompting creation of a menu display method having a high use value.

[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Schematic Configuration of System] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an equipment management system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

This system is a service system that remotely monitors and remotely controls equipment installed in each house 3 or the like for a fee, and is provided by a company that operates the management center 2.

This system is mainly composed of a management server device 21 in a management center 2 operated by a business operator, and an equipment controller 31 installed in each house 3 or the like. The business operator registers a user who wants to remotely monitor and remotely control the facility equipment 35 in the house for a fee, and operates the system with an annual membership fee or the like.

The management server device 21 installed in the management center 2 is connected to the database 22 and the connection device 23 via the LAN in the management center 2, and is connected to the home via the connection device 23 and the communication line 50. 3 and can communicate with the equipment controller 31 installed therein. As the communication line 50, any of a normal public line network, a wireless line network such as a PHS and a mobile phone, the Internet, a cable TV network, and a dedicated line can be used.

The management server device 21 acquires the operating information of the equipment 35 and the current environment information in the house 3 transmitted from the equipment controller 31 and performs predetermined processing based on the information. A main control server for transmitting a control signal for controlling the equipment 35 based on the conditions to the controller 31 is provided. The main control server is, for example, the equipment 3 transmitted from the equipment controller 31 in response to a request from the portable terminal 41 or the information terminal 32 owned by the user.
5 and the current environmental information in the house 3 are acquired, and the mobile terminal 4
1 and the information terminal device 32. In addition, the main control server generates a control signal for operating the facility device 35 in response to a request from the portable terminal device 41 or the information terminal device 32 owned by the user, and transmits the control signal to the facility device controller 31. The operation information of the equipment 35 transmitted from the equipment controller 31 is appropriately stored in the database 22 as the equipment operation information.

The management server device 21 has a web server for opening a web page accessible via the Internet 51 to the user. The web server transmits various information to the portable terminal device 41 or the information terminal device 32 owned by the user, and receives information transmitted from the portable terminal device 41 or the information terminal device 32 via the Internet. Portable terminal device 41
PHS, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs: Per
Sonal Digital Assistants) and other terminal devices that can be connected to the Internet can be used. Further, as the information terminal device 32, a personal computer having a communication function capable of Internet connection, a set-top box (STB: SB) connected to a cable TV line or an Internet line.
et Top Box).

The management server 21 is provided with an authentication server for determining whether or not the accessor who has accessed the web server via the Internet 51 is a person having a legitimate access right. The authentication server checks the user ID and password entered by the accessor against the customer information registered in the database 22, and permits access to the web page when it is determined that the user has a valid access right. Further, the management server 21 includes a billing server that manages billing information of each user according to the contract contents and the like. The billing server updates the billing information stored in the database 22 according to the contract contents and other conditions.

The database 22 includes customer information entered at the time of registration, billing information indicating a billing state, equipment operating information including the operating state of the equipment 35 transmitted from the equipment controller 31, the portable terminal 41, Various types of information such as a content menu in which contents provided on the Internet to the information terminal device 32 are stored.

In the house 3 where the equipment 35 is installed, an equipment controller 31 to which the equipment 35 is connected is installed. The equipment controller 31 is sold or lent to a user, and is connected to the equipment 35 by wire or wirelessly.

The equipment controller 31 is connected to the communication line 5
A communication function capable of communicating with the management center 2 via the communication center 0 is provided, and it is possible to transmit operation information on the operation state of each equipment 35 and environmental information in the house 3 to the management center 2 side. At the same time, a control signal transmitted from the management center 2 is translated into a control command of each equipment 35 and transmitted. The communication between the main control server of the management server device 21 and the equipment device controller 31 is configured to be able to be started or disconnected from either side. The equipment controller 31 may be built in any of the equipment 35.

The equipment controller 31 has storage means for storing address information of the management center 2 and communicates with the management center 2 using the address data. [Main control server] The equipment 3 of the management server 21
The main control server that performs the remote monitoring and remote control 5 performs control based on a flowchart as shown in FIG.

In step S1, it is determined whether or not there is a remote monitoring / remote operation instruction from the user. When the user wants to check the current operation status of the equipment 35 or the environmental information inside the house 3, or change the current operation state of the equipment 35, the user uses the portable terminal device 41 or the information terminal device 32. It accesses the management server device 21 and sends a signal to that effect. The management server device 21
If an instruction signal from the user is received, step S
Move to 2.

In step S2, remote monitoring and operation processing of the equipment 35 is executed based on the instruction signal received from the user. If the instruction signal received from the user is an instruction to confirm the current operation status of the equipment 35 or the environmental information inside the house 3, the instruction signal is transmitted to the equipment controller 31 via the connection device 23 and the communication line 50. Communication is performed, and the operation information of the corresponding equipment 35 and the house 3
And the like, and transmits it to the portable terminal device 41 or the information terminal device 32. When the instruction signal received from the user is an instruction to change the current operation status of the equipment 35, the communication is performed with the equipment controller 31 via the connection device 23 and the communication line 50, and An instruction signal for changing the operation state of the equipment 35 to be operated is transmitted.

In step S3, a determination is made based on preset conditions, and the equipment 35 is determined based on the determination result.
Is to be determined. For example, equipment 3
5. Schedule management for performing on / off control of 5 based on the day of the week and date and time set by the user, remote environment management for changing the operation state of the equipment 35 based on the thermal environment in the house 3, power consumption set by the user It is determined whether or not each processing condition such as energy saving control for controlling the operation state of the equipment 35 based on the upper limit value has been reached. If it is determined that the condition for changing the operation state of the equipment 35 has been reached, the step is performed. S
Move to 4.

In step S4, a control signal for the equipment 35 is generated, and this control signal is transmitted to the equipment controller 31 via the communication line 50. Step S5
Then, the equipment controller 31 installed in the house 3
It is determined whether or not an abnormal signal regarding the environment in the equipment 35 or the house 3 has been received from. When an abnormality occurs in the operation of the equipment 35 or in the thermal environment in the house 3,
An abnormal signal is generated by the equipment 31, and the abnormal signal is transmitted to the management center 2 via the communication line 50. When the main control server of the management server 21 receives such an abnormal signal, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, an emergency process based on the occurrence of an abnormality in the house 3 is executed. For example, a process corresponding to the situation is executed, for example, by notifying the portable terminal device 41 owned by the user of the occurrence of an abnormality and transmitting a control for instructing the stoppage of the equipment 35 to the equipment controller 31.

In step S7, it is determined whether or not operation information of the equipment 35 has been received. Each time the operation state of the equipment 35 is changed, the equipment controller 31 may sequentially generate the operation information and transmit it to the management server 21. The equipment controller 31 stores the operation information of the equipment 35 in units of one day, one week, one month, or the like, and stores the operation information during a time period when the communication line is not congested, such as at night. It can also be configured to transmit to the management server device 21 side. When receiving such operation information, the management server device 21 proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the device operation information in the database 22 is updated based on the received operation information.
At this time, if it is determined that replacement of consumables or maintenance processing is necessary based on the device operation information of each facility device 35, notification information to that effect is generated, and the portable terminal device 41 owned by the user is generated. The notification information can be transmitted to the device controller 31 or the equipment controller 31 side.

In step S9, another process is executed. [Web Server] An example of the operation of the web server of the management server device 21 that opens a web page accessible through the Internet 51 to the user is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In step 11 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the user has made an access. If there is access from the portable terminal device 41 or the information terminal device 32 owned by the user via the Internet 51, step S12 is performed.
Move to

In step S12, an ID input screen for inputting a user ID and a password is transmitted to the accessing user, and the user ID and the password input by the user are authenticated.

When a user accesses from a portable terminal device 41 such as a portable telephone or a PHS, the portable terminal device 4
FIG. 4 shows an example of an ID input screen displayed on the first liquid crystal display device. The ID input screen 101 shown here includes an ID input box 102, a password input box 103, an OK
Operation buttons 105 to 107 corresponding to input buttons 104 and buttons attached to the terminal are provided.
The user inputs his / her own user ID and password set in the ID input box 102 and the password input box 103, and presses an OK input button 104.
The user information can be transmitted by selecting.

When the web server receives the user ID from the user
When the user ID and the password are received, the user ID and the password are passed to the authentication server and collated with the customer information in the database 22. By receiving the collation result, it is determined whether or not the user ID and the password are valid. . If it is determined that the user ID and the password are not valid, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, an error process for transmitting a message indicating that the authentication has failed to the user side is executed, and in step S23
Move to If it is determined that the user ID and the password are valid, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, an initial menu screen of this service is displayed. FIG. 5 shows an example of the initial menu screen. The initial menu screen 111 corresponds to a selection item display section 112 for displaying selection items such as start of use of a selected menu, selection of a used menu, creation / registration / deletion of a menu, display of accumulated points, and buttons attached to a terminal. It consists of operation button display sections 105-107.

By operating the operation button corresponding to the operation button display section 106, the user moves the cursor 113 displayed on the selection item display section 112 to invert the item to be selected, and instructs confirmation. By operating the operation button, the selection item can be determined. The web server executes each process based on the selection item instructed by the user.

<Menu creation / registration / deletion> Step S
At 15, it is determined whether “menu creation / registration / deletion” has been selected from the initial menu screen 111. When it is determined that “menu creation / registration / deletion” is selected on the initial menu screen 111, the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, a menu creation tool for creating a new menu screen is provided to the user, and menu creation / registration processing for accepting registration of the created menu is executed. This menu creation tool uses CG
It can be realized as an application of a general technology such as I (Common Gateway Interface) or JAVA (registered trademark) Script. FIG. 6 shows an example of a menu creation screen displayed on the portable terminal device 41 by such a menu creation tool. The menu creation screen 121 includes a layout display window 122 and a menu component selection window 123.

The layout display window 122 displays the layout of the menu display screen to be created, and is provided with a simple menu configuration consisting of only the minimum necessary components by default.

The menu part selection window 123 displays menu parts 124 that can be arranged on the menu display screen, and includes constituent parts such as operation buttons and information display windows prepared in advance. The menu component 124 includes, for example, an operation button for instructing start / stop of operation of the equipment 35, a stop button, a room temperature display section for displaying room temperature in the house 3, a temperature setting button for room temperature setting, and power consumption. A power consumption display section for confirmation, an event-action setting section for performing operation settings such as changing the operation state of the equipment 35 at a set time, and a plurality of operations such as cooling operation + temperature setting + humidity setting with one action. A plurality of action buttons for performing settings for execution, a page move button for moving to another page in the menu screen, an evaluation score input page move button for inputting a menu evaluation point, and the like are provided. Operation button display 1
By appropriately operating the operation buttons corresponding to 05 to 107, the menu component 124 can be selected and arranged at a desired position in the layout display window 122.

It is also possible to create a layout of a plurality of menu display screens in the menu creation screen 121 and set each layout in a hierarchical structure. When the user registers the menu display screen created in this way and makes an announcement that the menu display screen is to be made public, the web server displays the created menu display screen in the database 22 together with its hierarchical structure and creator information. As a content menu. At this time, the published content menu is
It is set so that changes by other users are not allowed.
Thus, the right of the creator of the content menu can be protected.

At the same time, the identification information relating to the content menu is transmitted to the charging server, and the information of the content menu is associated with the charging information of the creator. <Selection of Use Menu> In step S17, it is determined whether or not “selection of use menu” is selected from the initial menu screen 111. On the initial menu screen 111,
If it is determined that the “use menu selection” has been selected, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, a list of all menus registered and published in the past is displayed, and a selection instruction of a menu to be used by the user is received from the list. The menu list can be displayed in a hierarchical structure after grouping. Grouping can be, for example, "menus you have made yourself", "menus you have used in the past", "menus recommended by manufacturers", "menus with high points", "other menus", etc. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which one screen is sorted and displayed in the descending order of the acquired points. Further, by appropriately providing a sort key, a configuration in which a list displayed by an arbitrary sort key can be displayed can be provided.

When the user selects a menu to be used from the menu displayed in the list, the web server stores the identification information of the selected menu in the database 22 in association with the customer information of the user, and When the user makes an access for remote monitoring and operation next time, the remote monitoring and operation is performed using this menu.

<Accumulated Point Display> For a menu registered and published as a content menu created by a user in the database 22, another user can input an evaluation point. This evaluation point is provided with an evaluation point transmission function in each menu so that another user who uses the published menu evaluates it from the viewpoint of ease of use and transmits the evaluation point as an evaluation point. Can be summed up. A user point table is set for each user, and when an evaluation point is transmitted to a menu created by the user, the evaluation point is added to the user points to update the user point table.

On the initial menu screen 111, a selection item of accumulated point display for referring to the user's own user point is provided. In the step S19, it is determined whether or not this "accumulated point display" is selected on the initial menu screen 111. If it is determined that this “accumulated point display” is selected on the initial menu screen 111, the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S20, the accumulated points of the user are transmitted to the user, and accumulated point display processing for displaying the accumulated points on the portable terminal device 41 or the information terminal device 32 is executed. Here, the accumulated points of the user stored in the database 22 together with the customer information or the billing information are read and transmitted to the user. At this time, it is also possible to configure so that the billing information of the user is transmitted at the same time.

<Start Use of Selected Menu> Step S
At 21, it is determined whether or not “start use of selected menu” is selected from the initial menu screen 111. If it is determined that “start use of selected menu” has been selected from the initial menu screen 111, the process proceeds to step S22. For example, when the user performs remote monitoring / operation, by selecting “start use of selected menu”, it becomes possible to perform setting of remote monitoring / operation using a menu selected in advance.

In step S22, the selected menu registered as the customer information in the database 22 is transmitted to the user side, displayed on the portable terminal device 41 or the information terminal device 32 owned by the user, and an instruction is given based on the menu. Execute the instruction receiving process for receiving the instruction.

The database 22 stores the identification information of the menu selected in the menu selection processing in step S18 in association with the customer information of the user, and based on the identification information of the menu associated with the customer information. Call the content menu and send it to the user. When the user does not select a menu in advance in the menu selection processing, the content menu prepared by default is set to be displayed.

In the instruction accepting process of step S22, instructions and settings for remote monitoring / operation are accepted based on such a content menu. For example, when the user wants to check the current operation state of the equipment 35 or the environmental information inside the house 3 or change the current operation state of the equipment 35, select an instruction from the displayed menu and select To the web server side. The web server passes the received instruction signal to the main control server,
Execute remote monitoring or remote control processing.

When the main control server changes the condition setting for automatic control of the equipment 35, the user selects a setting change menu from the displayed menu and changes the setting. For example, a schedule management in which the on / off control of the equipment 35 as described above is performed based on the day of the week and date and time set by the user, a remote environment in which the operation state of the equipment 35 is changed based on the thermal environment in the house 3. management,
Equipment 3 based on the power consumption upper limit set by the user
Each processing condition such as energy saving control for controlling the operation state of No. 5 is configured to be set by the user, and an instruction to change the setting is received.

The content menu created by the user and registered and published in the database 22 is configured so that the user who uses it can give evaluation points and transmit them. When an evaluation point is input from the content menu, the identification information and the evaluation point information of the content menu are transmitted from the user to the web server. When receiving the evaluation points of the content menu, the web server adds the evaluation points to the user points of the creator of the content menu. The user points of each user are stored in a user point table set together with customer information or billing information in the database 22, and the transmitted evaluation points are added to the user points of the creator of the content menu, and the user points are added. Update the point table.

In the case of a pay-as-you-go system based on the quantity of the equipment 35 to which the user has contracted, the frequency of remote monitoring and operation, the usage time of the web page, etc., a user point is given based on the usage fee and accumulated. Services such as discounting from billing and giving other benefits based on points are conceivable. By adding the evaluation points given to the creator of the content menu to such user points, it is possible to give a user who has created a highly evaluated content menu a privilege such as discounting the charge. For example, it is possible to set such that the evaluation score for each operation is a perfect score of 10, and every time the user obtains 50 points, the usage fee of one web page is free. However, it is necessary to set (profiter's profit) = (service usage fee of all users) − (total privilege service) so as not to be negative.

When the instruction receiving process in step S22 is completed, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the connection with the portable terminal device 41 or the information terminal device 32 owned by the user is terminated, and other processing is executed.

[Other Embodiments] In the case of access from a portable terminal device 41, particularly a portable telephone or PHS,
Although the menu screen display is described, the menu screen display on the PDA, the menu screen display on the notebook personal computer or the desktop personal computer, and the menu screen display on the television to which the STB is connected can be prepared as appropriate.

By permitting banner registration on each menu screen, this content menu can be used as an advertising medium.

[0079]

According to the equipment management server according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible for the user to customize the menu display for setting the remote operation of the equipment according to individual preferences and requests. A user-friendly menu can be created and registered.

The equipment management server according to the second aspect of the present invention transmits and receives signals through a communication line to and from the equipment control device built in or near the equipment to operate the equipment. By monitoring the information and environmental information of the installation location, it is possible to reliably control the equipment.

The facility equipment management server according to the third aspect of the present invention can be configured so that a user accesses the web server from outside to remotely monitor and remotely control the equipment. Information terminal devices include PCs, mobile phones, PHS, and mobile information terminals (PD
A: Personal Digital Assistants), a television having a set top box (STB: Set Top Box) connected to a cable television line or an Internet line, or the like can be used.

In the equipment management server according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a large number of menu display methods created by the user, and the user selects a menu display method according to his / her taste or request. Is possible,
The server administrator can reduce the cost required for menu development.

In the equipment management server according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a menu display method created by a user can be ranked and disclosed, and the disclosed menu display method can be selected when the user uses it. Can be used as a guide.

In the equipment management server according to claim 6 of the present invention, the user who has created the menu display method can return a profit based on the evaluation points to urge the user to create a menu display method with high use value. .

In the program according to claim 7 of the present invention,
It is possible to provide a program for an equipment management server that allows a user to customize a menu display for setting remote operation of equipment according to individual preferences and requests.

When the computer is caused to function as an equipment management server by the program according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the user customizes the menu display for setting the remote operation of the equipment according to individual preferences and requests. It becomes possible. In addition, it is possible to provide a large number of menu display methods created by the user, and the user can select a menu display method according to his / her preference or request. Can be reduced. In addition, the menu display method created by the user is ranked and released, and this is used as a guide for selection when the user uses it,
By returning profits based on the evaluation points to the user who has created the menu display method, it is possible to encourage the user to create a menu display method with high use value.

In the recording medium according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a program for a facility equipment management server that allows a user to customize a menu display for setting remote operation of facility equipment according to individual preferences and requests. Can be distributed in a form recorded on a recording medium.

In the recording medium according to claim 10 of the present invention,
The program according to claim 8 can be distributed in a form recorded on a recording medium, and a user can customize a menu display for setting remote operation of the equipment according to individual preferences and requests. Provides a large number of menu display methods created by the user, and allows the user to select a menu display method according to his own preferences and requirements. The menu display methods created by the user that can be reduced can be ranked and released, and this can be used as an indication of selection when the user uses it. It is possible to obtain an operation and effect such as that a profit can be returned based on the information and a menu display method having a high use value can be created.

According to the operation setting receiving method in the equipment management server according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible for a user to receive a menu display customized in accordance with individual preferences and requests, and to remotely operate and remotely control equipment. A menu display for setting monitoring can be appropriately registered by the user.

The operation setting receiving method in the equipment management server according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention enables a user to receive a menu display customized in accordance with individual preferences and requests, and enables remote operation and remote control of equipment. The menu display for setting the monitoring can be registered by the user as appropriate, and a large number of menu display methods created by the user can be provided, and the user can select a menu display method according to his own preferences and requirements It is possible to do. In addition, the menu display method created by the user can be ranked and disclosed, and can be used as a guide for selection when the user uses the menu display method. Furthermore, it is possible to return the profit based on the evaluation points to the user who has created the menu display method, and to urge the user to create a menu display method with high use value.

The equipment management system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides a large number of menu display methods created by the user, and allows the user to select a menu display method according to his / her preference or request. It is possible to provide a simple equipment management system.

[0092] The equipment management system according to claim 14 of the present invention provides a large number of menu display methods created by the user, and enables the user to select a menu display method according to his / her taste or request. It is possible to provide a simple equipment management system. In addition, in this equipment management system, a menu display method created by a user is ranked and made public, and this can be used as a guide for selection when the user uses the menu display method. It is possible to obtain effects and effects such as returning profits based on the evaluation points and prompting creation of a menu display method having a high use value.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an equipment management system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a control flowchart of a main control server.

FIG. 3 is a control flowchart of a web server.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an ID input screen.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an initial menu screen.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a menu creation screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 ID input screen 111 Initial menu screen 121 Menu creation screen

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/00 654 G06F 3/00 654B 17/60 122 17/60 122C 324 324 332 332 336 336 H04M 11 / 00 301 H04M 11/00 301 F term (reference) 5E501 AA02 AA13 AB03 AB08 AC23 AC25 CB03 DA11 EA10 EB05 FA05 FA06 5H215 AA11 BB09 CC09 CX06 CX08 GG03 GG05 KK04 KK06 5K048 BA08 DC06 DC07 FB10 FC01 GB08 HA01

Claims (14)

[Claims] The present invention provides operation information of facility equipment and current environmental information at a place where the facility equipment is installed, provides monitoring information for monitoring the operation status of the facility equipment, and remotely controls the facility equipment. A setting receiving unit for receiving, for each of a plurality of operation items, information acquisition conditions for providing the monitoring information and setting of control conditions for performing the remote operation. A menu display unit that displays the plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method so that the setting reception unit selects an operation item that receives setting of an information acquisition condition or a control condition; and the menu display unit. And a user menu setting means for receiving a setting of a display method when displaying the plurality of operation items. 2. The apparatus is built in or connected to the equipment, acquires operation information of the equipment and current environmental information at an installation location of the equipment, transmits the acquired information, and receives the control signal, 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is connectable to a facility device control device to be transmitted to the facility device through a communication line, and transmits and receives the operation information, environment information, and control signal through the communication line and the facility device control device.
The equipment management server according to 1. 3. The server according to claim 1, further comprising a server accessible from the information terminal device, wherein the setting receiving unit, the menu display unit, and the user menu setting unit are provided to the user from the server so as to be usable. Equipment management server. 4. The facility equipment management server according to claim 3, further comprising a user menu publishing unit that publishes the display method set by the user menu setting unit so that another user can use the display method. 5. A user point table for storing user points of each user; and input of evaluation points from other users for a display method published by the user menu publication means, based on the evaluation points. The equipment management server according to claim 4, further comprising: user point management means for updating a user point table of a user who has created a display method. 6. A billing information table for managing billing information of each user, and a point reduction means for updating billing information of each user in the billing information table based on user points managed in the user point table. And comprising
An equipment management server according to claim 5. 7. Obtaining operation information of equipment and current environmental information at the installation location of the equipment, providing monitoring information for monitoring the operation status of the equipment, and remotely operating the equipment. A program that causes a computer to function as an equipment management server that transmits a control signal for controlling the information acquisition condition when providing the monitoring information and the control condition when performing the remote operation for each of a plurality of operation items. Setting accepting means for receiving the setting of the information acquisition condition or the control condition by the setting accepting means, and displaying the plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method. And a user menu setting for receiving a setting of a display method when displaying the plurality of operation items on the menu display means. Program for causing a computer to function as the equipment management server comprising: a stage, a. 8. Obtaining operation information of equipment and current environmental information at the installation location of the equipment, providing monitoring information for monitoring the operation status of the equipment, and remotely operating the equipment. A program that causes a computer to function as an equipment management server that transmits a control signal for controlling the information acquisition condition when providing the monitoring information and the control condition when performing the remote operation for each of a plurality of operation items. Setting accepting means for receiving the setting of the information acquisition condition or the control condition by the setting accepting means, and displaying the plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method. And a user menu setting for receiving a setting of a display method when displaying the plurality of operation items on the menu display means. A stage, an access accepting means for accepting an access from the information terminal apparatus via the Internet, a set display method in the user menu setting means,
A user menu publishing unit that publishes the file so that it can be used by another user; and a display method published by the user menu publishing unit, receives input of an evaluation point from another user, and, based on the evaluation point, A user point management unit that updates a user point table of a user who has created the display method; and a point reduction that updates charging information of each user in a charging information table based on the user points managed in the user point table. Means for causing a computer to function as an equipment management server. 9. Obtaining operation information of equipment and current environmental information at the installation location of the equipment, providing monitoring information for monitoring the operation status of the equipment, and remotely operating the equipment. A computer-readable recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to function as an equipment management server that transmits a control signal for controlling the information acquisition condition when providing the monitoring information and the remote operation Setting receiving means for receiving a setting of a condition for each of a plurality of operation items; A menu display means for displaying the operation items of the plurality of operation items; User menu setting means and, equipment management computer readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to function as a server having a receiving setting of How to Display. 10. Obtaining operation information of equipment and current environmental information at the installation location of the equipment, providing monitoring information for monitoring the operation status of the equipment, and remotely operating the equipment. A computer-readable recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to function as an equipment management server that transmits a control signal for controlling the information acquisition condition when providing the monitoring information and the remote operation Setting receiving means for receiving a setting of a condition for each of a plurality of operation items; Menu display means for displaying the operation items of: and displaying the plurality of operation items on the menu display means. A user menu setting means for accepting the setting of the display method, an access accepting means for accepting an access from the information terminal apparatus via the Internet, a set display method in the user menu setting means,
A user menu publishing unit that publishes the file so that it can be used by another user; and a display method published by the user menu publishing unit, receives input of an evaluation point from another user, and, based on the evaluation point, A user point management unit that updates a user point table of a user who has created the display method; and a point reduction that updates charging information of each user in a charging information table based on the user points managed in the user point table. And a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to function as an equipment management server is provided. 11. Obtaining operation information of equipment and current environmental information at a place where the equipment is installed, providing monitoring information for monitoring the operation status of the equipment, and remotely operating the equipment. An operation setting reception method in a facility equipment management server that transmits a control signal for transmitting a control signal, wherein the information acquisition condition when providing the monitoring information and the setting of the control condition when performing the remote operation are set for each of a plurality of operation items. A first step of accepting; a second step of displaying the plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method so as to select an operation item for accepting setting of an information acquisition condition or a control condition; And a third step of receiving a setting of a display method when the operation item is displayed. 12. Obtaining operation information of equipment and current environmental information at the installation location of the equipment, providing monitoring information for monitoring the operation status of the equipment, and remotely operating the equipment. An operation setting reception method in a facility equipment management server that transmits a control signal for transmitting a control signal, wherein the information acquisition condition when providing the monitoring information and the setting of the control condition when performing the remote operation are set for each of a plurality of operation items. A first step of accepting; a second step of displaying the plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method so as to select an operation item for accepting setting of an information acquisition condition or a control condition; A third step of accepting the setting of the display method when displaying the operation item of the above, and the set display method can be used by another user. The fourth step of publishing, and receiving an input of an evaluation point from another user for the disclosed display method, and updating the user point table of the user who created the display method based on the evaluation point. And a sixth step of updating the billing information of each user in the billing information table based on the user points managed in the user point table. . 13. A control built in or connected to equipment for acquiring and transmitting operation information of the equipment and current environmental information at a place where the equipment is installed, and performing operation control of the equipment. An equipment control device that receives a signal and sends the signal to the equipment, and receives operation information and environmental information from the equipment control device, and provides monitoring information for monitoring the operation status of the equipment. An equipment management system that transmits a control signal for remotely controlling the equipment, and an equipment management server, the equipment management server, the information acquisition conditions when providing the monitoring information, Setting accepting means for accepting setting of control conditions for performing the remote operation for each of a plurality of operation items; setting of information acquisition conditions or control conditions by the setting accepting means; A menu display unit that displays the plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method to allow the user to select an operation item to be received; and a display method for displaying the plurality of operation items on the menu display unit. And a user menu setting means for receiving settings. 14. A device built in or connected to the equipment for acquiring and transmitting operation information of the equipment and current environmental information at a place where the equipment is installed, and for controlling operation of the equipment. An equipment control device that receives a control signal and sends it to the equipment, and provides operation information and environmental information from the equipment control device to provide monitoring information for monitoring the operation status of the equipment. An equipment management server that transmits a control signal for remotely controlling the equipment, wherein the equipment management server provides the monitoring information. And a setting receiving unit that receives setting of control conditions for performing the remote operation for each of a plurality of operation items; and an information acquisition condition or a control condition in the setting receiving unit. A menu display unit that displays the plurality of operation items in a menu format according to a set display method in order to select an operation item that accepts a setting; and a display method when the plurality of operation items are displayed on the menu display unit. User menu setting means for receiving the setting of, an access receiving means for receiving access from the information terminal device via the Internet, and a display method set by the user menu setting means,
A user menu publishing unit that publishes the file so that it can be used by another user; and a display method published by the user menu publishing unit, receives input of an evaluation point from another user, and, based on the evaluation point, A user point management unit that updates a user point table of a user who has created the display method; and a point reduction that updates charging information of each user in a charging information table based on the user points managed in the user point table. And a facility equipment management system comprising: