JP7742534B2 - Control system and display method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control system and a display method.

Various technologies have been proposed for controlling devices installed in facilities such as homes. Patent Document 1 discloses a control system that makes it easy to operate home appliances.

JP 2016-181180 A

By the way, device names and other information may be set in the control system so that users can identify the devices.

The present invention provides a control system and display method that improves convenience when users set device names.

A control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control unit that displays on a display unit a name setting screen that includes a name setting icon for setting the name of one or more devices installed in a facility and one or more control icons for individually controlling the one or more devices, and a device control screen that is a screen separate from the name setting screen. The device control screen includes one or more manipulated areas that are manipulated by a user to individually control the one or more devices, and each of the one or more manipulated areas displays the name of the device that is controlled by manipulating the manipulated area and that is set via the name setting screen.

A display method according to one aspect of the present invention is a display method executed by a computer, and includes a display step of displaying on a display unit a name setting screen including name setting icons for setting names for one or more devices installed in a facility and one or more control icons for individually controlling the one or more devices, and an equipment control screen that is a screen separate from the name setting screen, wherein the equipment control screen includes one or more operated areas operated by a user to individually control the one or more devices, and each of the one or more operated areas displays the name of the device to be controlled by operating the operated area, the name being set via the name setting screen.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned display method.

The control system and display method of the present invention can improve convenience when users set device names.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a facility to which the control system according to the embodiment is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device control screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the name setting screen. FIG. 5 shows an example of a name setting window. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the option setting screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a narrowing-down pattern designation screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the name setting screen.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of a control system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 10 includes a control terminal 20, multiple devices 30, an information terminal 40, and a server device 50. The control terminal 20, multiple devices 30, and information terminal 40 are located, for example, within the same facility 70. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the interior of the facility 70. Specifically, the facility 70 is a detached house or a private area of an apartment building. Note that the control system 10 only needs to include at least one device 30. Also, FIG. 1 shows the main devices included in the control system 10, and some devices, such as a wireless router, are not shown.

The following describes in detail each device included in the control system 10. The control terminal 20 is an EMS (Energy Management System) controller with energy management functions, and manages the power consumption of the device 30. The control terminal 20 also controls the device 30 and displays the operating status of the device 30. Control of the device 30 includes, for example, starting the operation of the device 30, stopping the operation of the device 30, and changing the operating status of the device 30. The device 30 is controlled by sending a control signal from the control terminal 20 (second communication unit 26) to the device 30.

The control terminal 20 is not limited to an EMS controller, but may be another controller without energy management functionality, or a gateway device. The control terminal 20 includes an operation reception unit 21, a display unit 22, a control unit 23, a memory unit 24, a first communication unit 25, and a second communication unit 26.

The operation acceptance unit 21 accepts user operations. For example, the operation acceptance unit 21 accepts user tap operations when the name setting screen described below is displayed. The operation acceptance unit 21 is implemented, for example, by a touch panel, but may also be implemented by hardware keys, etc.

The display unit 22 displays images. The display unit 22 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

The control unit 23 performs information processing related to the control of the device 30. The control unit 23 also performs display processing related to setting the name of the device 30, which will be described later, or processing for setting the name of the device 30. The control unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 23 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the control unit 23 executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 24.

The memory unit 24 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the control unit 23, as well as information necessary to display display screens such as the name setting screen described below (information that the control unit 23 reads and uses to display the display screens). The memory unit 24 is realized, for example, by semiconductor memory.

The first communication unit 25 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the control terminal 20 to communicate with the server device 50, the information terminal 40, and the like via the wide area communication network 80. The first communication unit 25 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but it may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the first communication unit 25.

The second communication unit 26 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the control terminal 20 to communicate with the device 30 via a local communication network. The second communication unit 26 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but it may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the second communication unit 26.

Device 30 is a device controlled by control terminal 20, or in other words, a device that is the target of control by control terminal 20. Device 30 is installed within the premises of facility 70. Device 30 includes, for example, a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating with control terminal 20 (second communication unit 26). Specific examples of device 30 include lighting equipment, lighting switches (wiring devices), air conditioning equipment, electric shutters, air purifiers, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, open/close sensors, delivery lockers, power storage systems, heat pump water heaters, and range hoods.

The information terminal 40 is an information terminal for processing information related to setting the name of the device 30. Specifically, the information terminal 40 is a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer, but may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal.

The information terminal 40 includes an operation reception unit 41, a display unit 42, a control unit 43, a memory unit 44, a first communication unit 45, and a second communication unit 46.

The operation acceptance unit 41 accepts user operations. For example, the operation acceptance unit 41 accepts user tap operations or drag-and-drop operations when the name setting screen described below is displayed. If the information terminal 40 is a personal computer or the like, the operation acceptance unit 41 is realized by a keyboard and mouse or the like. If the information terminal 40 is a smartphone or tablet terminal or the like, the operation acceptance unit 41 is realized by a touch panel, for example.

The display unit 42 displays images. The display unit 42 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

The control unit 43 performs display processing related to the setting of the name of the device 30, which will be described later. The control unit 43 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 43 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the control unit 43 executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 44.

The memory unit 44 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the control unit 43, as well as information necessary to display display screens such as the name setting screen described below (information that the control unit 43 reads and uses to display the display screens). The memory unit 44 is realized, for example, by semiconductor memory.

The first communication unit 45 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the information terminal 40 to communicate with the control terminal 20, server device 50, and the like via the wide area communication network 80. The first communication unit 45 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but it may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the first communication unit 45.

The second communication unit 46 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the information terminal 40 to communicate with the control terminal 20 via a local communication network. The second communication unit 46 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but it may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the second communication unit 46.

The server device 50 is a cloud server that manages multiple control terminals, including the control terminal 20. The server device 50 is used, for example, by a business that provides the control terminal 20. The server device 50 is used, for example, when remotely controlling the equipment 30 from outside the facility 70 using the information terminal 40.

[Control icons on the name setting screen]
A user can control the device 30 by operating the operation reception unit 21 of the control terminal 20. At this time, the control unit 23 of the control terminal 20 displays a device control screen as shown in Fig. 3 on the display unit 22. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device control screen. Fig. 3 shows the device control screen for controlling the air conditioning device.

The device control screen shown in FIG. 3 includes multiple operated areas 22d that are operated by the user to individually control multiple devices 30 (specifically, three air conditioning devices). Each of the multiple operated areas 22d displays the name of the device 30 that will be controlled by operating that operated area 22d, as well as the operating status of that device 30 (such as the operating mode and set temperature in the case of an air conditioning device). In the example of FIG. 3, living room air conditioner 01 corresponds to the name of the device 30. Although not shown, device control screens for devices 30 other than air conditioning devices, such as lighting devices, are also provided separately.

Here, the names of the devices 30 displayed in the operated area 22d are set by a user, such as a general user or the installer (professional user) of the control system 10, when the control system 10 is installed. Specifically, the names are set after the devices 30 are registered. Registering the devices 30 means that the second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 and the devices 30 are able to communicate with each other, and that control signals can be sent from the second communication unit 26 to the devices 30. Once the names of the devices 30 have been set, the control unit 23 stores name setting information indicating the names of the multiple devices 30 that have been set in the memory unit 24. Storing the name setting information causes the installed names to be reflected on the device control screen (operated area 22d).

When setting a name, the control unit 23 of the control terminal 20 displays a name setting screen such as that shown in Figure 4 on the display unit 22. Figure 4 shows an example of the name setting screen. The name setting screen is a separate screen from the device control screen.

As shown in the "Name" column in Figure 4, a name is set for the device 30 that combines, for example, the name of the location where the device 30 is installed (e.g., living room, children's room, bedroom, etc.) and the device name (e.g., air conditioner), which is the name of the device 30 itself. More specifically, a name such as "Living Room Air Conditioner 01" is set. For example, when the name setting icon 22a in Figure 4 is tapped, the control unit 23 superimposes and displays a window for setting the name. Figure 5 shows an example of the window for setting the name.

As shown in Figure 5, when the pull-down button in the window is tapped, a list of pre-prepared installation location name options is displayed. The user can change the name of the installation location by selecting one of the displayed installation location name options. The device name is automatically set during registration, but can also be changed in the name setting window. Both the installation location name and device name can also be freely entered manually.

Note that if there is only one device 30 of the same type, such as only one air conditioning device, the device name may be automatically set as the name of this device 30. In other words, for devices 30 for which there are no other devices 30 of the same type, the name of the installation location does not need to be assigned.

Here, the user actually operates the target device 30, visually confirms the installation location of the operated device 30, and then selects the name of the installation location. In this case, the user typically needs to transition to the device control screen shown in Figure 3 above in order to operate the device 30, which is inconvenient for the user.

In the control system 10, the name setting screen includes multiple control icons 22b for individually controlling multiple devices 30 that have been registered. By tapping a control icon 22b, the user can switch between operating and stopping the device 30 corresponding to that control icon 22b. Note that the control of the device 30 possible by operating the control icon 22b is simpler than the control of the device possible by operating the device control screen.

In this way, a name setting screen that includes the name setting icon 22a and the control icon 22b on the same screen allows the user to operate the device 30 without transitioning from the name setting screen to the device control screen, eliminating the need to transition between screens and improving convenience when setting names.

The device 30 includes sensing devices such as temperature sensors and open/close sensors (sensors for detecting the open/close state of openings such as windows). When the device 30 is a sensing device, a status display area 22c (see FIG. 4) showing the status of the device 30 may be provided instead of the control icon 22b. For example, if the device 30 is a temperature sensor, the status display area 22c displays the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and if the device 30 is an open/close sensor, the status display area 22c displays either the open state or the closed state.

In this way, the name setting screen, which includes the name setting icon 22a and the status display area 22c on the same screen, allows the user to check the status of the device 30 without transitioning the name setting screen to the device control screen. This allows the user to set a name while checking the status of the device 30.

[Display order change icon on name setting screen]
4, the names of the devices 30 are displayed in the order in which the devices 30 were registered. For example, the "numbers" in FIG. 4 correspond to the order in which the devices 30 were registered, and the name of the device 30 displayed at the top is the name of the device 30 that was registered first, and the name of the device 30 displayed at the bottom is the name of the device 30 that was registered last. The display order (display position) of the operated area 22d on the device control screen also follows the order in which the devices 30 were registered.

In this way, if the order in which the devices 30 are registered, the display order of the device 30 names on the name setting screen, and the display order of the operated area 22d are completely linked, then if you want to change the display order of the device 30 names on the name setting screen or the display order of the operated area 22d, you will need to re-register the device 30, which is inconvenient.

In the control system 10, the name setting screen includes a display order change icon 22e for changing the display order of the names of multiple devices 30 on the name setting screen. As shown in FIG. 4, the name setting screen includes the display order change icon 22e on the same screen as the name setting icon 22a and the control icon 22b.

A set of display order change icons 22e is displayed for each device 30 name, and each set of display order change icons 22e includes an upward arrow icon and a downward arrow icon.

When an icon with an upward arrow is tapped, the control unit 23 displays the name of the device 30 corresponding to that icon one position above the current position. On the other hand, when an icon with a downward arrow is tapped, the control unit 23 displays the name of the device 30 corresponding to that icon one position below the current position. In other words, the control unit 23 changes the display order of the names of multiple devices 30 on the name setting screen based on the user's operation on the display order change icon 22e when the name setting screen is displayed.

In this way, the display order change icon 22e allows the user to change the display order of the names of multiple devices 30 on the name setting screen by operating the display order change icon 22e.

The display order of the names of the multiple devices 30 on the name setting screen is linked to the display order (display position) of the operated areas 22d on the device control screen. In other words, the control unit 23 changes the order of the multiple operated areas 22d on the device control screen in accordance with the display order of the names of the multiple devices 30 changed via the name setting screen.

In this way, the display order change icon 22e allows the user to change the order of multiple operated areas 22d on the device control screen by operating the display order change icon 22e.

[Option setting screen]
5, the name of the installation location is set by selecting one from a selection of installation location names prepared in advance. In the control system 10, many selections are prepared in advance to accommodate various facilities 70, but if all the selections are displayed, it takes time to select an installation location.

The control system 10 therefore provides an option setting screen for narrowing down the options. The control unit 23 can display such an option setting screen. Figure 6 shows an example of the option setting screen.

The option setting screen shown in FIG. 6 displays a slide bar for each of the multiple options to set whether or not to display each option. For example, the user can set the option to be displayed in the window of FIG. 5 by swiping the slide bar to the right. The user can also set the option not to be displayed in the window of FIG. 5 by swiping the slide bar to the left.

In this way, the option setting screen allows users to narrow down the installation location options, thereby reducing the time required to select an installation location.

[Filtering pattern specification screen]
Furthermore, a plurality of patterns (hereinafter also referred to as narrowing-down patterns) for displaying or not displaying each of a plurality of options (options for installation locations) are stored in advance in the storage unit 24 of the control terminal 20. The control unit 23 displays a narrowing-down pattern designation screen for designating one of the plurality of narrowing-down patterns, and the user can designate one of the plurality of patterns through the narrowing-down pattern designation screen. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the narrowing-down pattern designation screen.

In the narrowing-down pattern specification screen of FIG. 7, a radio button is assigned to each of the multiple narrowing-down patterns. The user can specify a narrowing-down pattern by tapping a radio button. When a narrowing-down pattern is specified, the control unit 23 narrows down the options displayed in the name setting screen window according to the specified narrowing-down pattern.

For example, if a control system 10 (control terminal 20 and device 30) is installed in each of multiple private areas in a newly constructed apartment building, the user (in this case, the contractor) will need to set the same name in each of the multiple private areas. In other words, the same name setting will need to be repeated. In such a case, the user will specify the optimal narrowing pattern when setting the name in another private area that they visit next, based on the results of setting the name in the first private area they visit. This allows the user to reduce the time required to select an installation location when setting the name in that other private area.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the name is set based on a user operation on the control terminal 20, but the name may be set based on a user operation on the information terminal 40 in addition to or instead of a user operation on the control terminal 20. The setting of the name of the device 30 based on a user operation on the information terminal 40 is realized, for example, by the control unit 43 executing a dedicated application program that has been pre-installed in the storage unit 44. The setting of the name of the device 30 based on a user operation on the information terminal 40 may also be realized by the control unit 43 executing a browser.

When a name for the device 30 is set based on a user's operation on the information terminal 40, the control unit 43 displays a name setting screen on the display unit 42. Figure 8 shows an example of the name setting screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the information terminal 40.

The name setting screen shown in FIG. 8 includes, on the same screen, a name setting icon 42a for setting the name of the device 30, a control icon 42b for individually controlling the device 30, and a status display area 42c for individually displaying the status of the device 30. The control unit 43 can display such a name setting screen on the display unit 42. Although not shown, the control unit 43 can also display a device control screen similar to that shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 42.

When the pull-down button corresponding to the installation location included in the name setting icon 42a is operated, a selection of pre-prepared installation location names is displayed. The user can change the name of the installation location by selecting one from the displayed installation location name options. Furthermore, when the control icon 42b is operated, the device 30 corresponding to that control icon 42b is switched between operating and stopped. Furthermore, the status display area 42c displays the status of the device 30.

This allows the user to operate the device 30 without transitioning from the name setting screen to the device control screen, eliminating the need to transition between screens and improving convenience when setting a name. Furthermore, the user can check the status of the device 30 without transitioning from the name setting screen to the device control screen. Therefore, the user can set a name while checking the status of the device 30.

When names are set based on an operation on the operation reception unit 41 of the information terminal 40, name setting information indicating the names of the multiple devices 30 that have been set is transmitted from the information terminal 40 to the control terminal 20 and stored in the memory unit 24 of the control terminal 20. At this time, the name setting information may be transmitted from the second communication unit 46 of the information terminal 40 to the second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 via a local communication network, or from the first communication unit 45 of the information terminal 40 to the first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 via a wide area communication network 80. When the name setting information is transmitted to the control terminal 20 via the wide area communication network 80, the name setting information is relayed by the server device 50.

Furthermore, when the device 30 is controlled based on an operation on the operation reception unit 41 of the information terminal 40, when the control terminal 20 receives a control command for the device 30 transmitted by the information terminal 40, the control terminal 20 controls the device 30 based on the received control command. The control command may be transmitted from the second communication unit 46 of the information terminal 40 to the second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 via a local communication network, or may be transmitted from the first communication unit 45 of the information terminal 40 to the first communication unit 25 of the control terminal 20 via a wide area communication network 80. When the control command is transmitted to the control terminal 20 via the wide area communication network 80, the control command is relayed by the server device 50.

The name setting screen shown in FIG. 8 does not include a display order change icon. However, the user can change the display order of the names of the devices 30 based on an operation on the operation reception unit 41 while the name setting screen is displayed. Specifically, if the area formed by the name setting icon 42a and the control icon 42b (or the status display area 42c) (i.e., the area spanning one line corresponding to one device 30) is defined as the name display area that displays the names of the devices 30, the display order can be changed by performing a long press on the name display area followed by a drag-and-drop operation. In other words, the control unit 43 can change the display order of the names of the devices 30 on the name setting screen based on an operation on the name display area.

The display order of the names of the multiple devices 30 on the name setting screen is linked to the display order (display position) of the operated areas on the device control screen (not shown). In other words, the control unit 43 changes the order of the multiple operated areas on the device control screen in accordance with the display order of the names of the multiple devices 30 changed via the name setting screen.

In this way, the user can change the arrangement of multiple operated areas on the device control screen by performing a specific operation such as drag-and-drop.

Although not shown, the control unit 43 can also display an option setting screen and a narrowing pattern specification screen on the display unit 42.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the control system 10 includes the control unit 23 (or the control unit 43) that displays, on the display unit 22 (or the display unit 42), a name setting screen that includes the name setting icon 22a (or the name setting icon 42a) for setting names for one or more devices 30 installed in the facility 70 and one or more control icons 22b (or the name setting icon 42b) for individually controlling the one or more devices 30, and an equipment control screen that is a screen separate from the name setting screen. The equipment control screen includes one or more operated areas 22d that are operated by the user to individually control the one or more devices 30, and each of the one or more operated areas 22d displays the name of the device 30 that is controlled by operating the operated area 22d and that is set through the name setting screen.

In this way, a name setting screen that includes the name setting icon 22a and the control icon 22b on the same screen allows the user to operate the device 30 without transitioning from the name setting screen to the device control screen, eliminating the need to transition between screens and improving convenience when setting a name. In other words, the control system 10 can improve convenience when the user sets the name of the device 30.

Furthermore, for example, the control unit 23 changes the display order of the names of one or more devices 30 on the name setting screen based on a user operation while the name setting screen is displayed.

Such a control system 10 can change the display order of the names of one or more devices 30 on the name setting screen based on user operation.

Also, for example, the name setting screen includes a display order change icon 22e on the same screen as the name setting icon 22a and the control icon 22b. The control unit 23 changes the display order of the names of one or more devices 30 on the name setting screen based on a user operation on the display order change icon 22e.

Such a control system 10 can change the display order of the names of one or more devices 30 on the name setting screen based on the user's operation on the display order change icon 22e.

Furthermore, for example, the name setting screen (see Figure 8) includes one or more name display areas (one row in Figure 8) that display the names of one or more set devices 30, and the control unit 43 changes the display order of the names of one or more devices 30 on the name setting screen based on operations on one or more name display areas.

Such a control system 10 can change the display order of the names of one or more devices 30 on the name setting screen based on a user's operation in the name display area.

Furthermore, for example, the control unit 23 changes the order of one or more operated areas 22d on the device control screen in accordance with the display order of the names of one or more devices changed via the name setting screen.

Such a control system 10 can change the order of one or more operated areas 22d on the device control screen in conjunction with the display order of the names of one or more devices 30 on the name setting screen.

Also, for example, the name setting screen includes one or more status display areas 22c that individually display the status of one or more devices 30 on the same screen as the name setting icon 22a and control icon 22b.

In this way, the name setting screen, which includes the name setting icon 22a and the status display area 22c on the same screen, allows the user to check the status of the device 30 without transitioning from the name setting screen to the device control screen. In other words, the control system 10 can improve the convenience for the user when setting the name of the device 30.

Also, for example, the name setting screen displays options for the names of one or more devices 30, and the control unit 23 displays an option setting screen on the display unit 22 for narrowing down the options.

Such a control system 10 can improve convenience for the user when setting the name of one or more devices 30 by narrowing down the options for the name.

Also, for example, the name setting screen displays options for the names of one or more devices 30. The control unit 23 displays a narrowing-down pattern designation screen on the display unit 22 for designating one of a plurality of predetermined narrowing-down patterns. The options displayed on the name setting screen are narrowed down according to the specified narrowing-down pattern.

Such a control system 10 can improve the convenience for users when setting the name of one or more devices 30 by narrowing down the options for the device's name according to a specified narrowing pattern.

The display method executed by a computer such as the control system 10 also includes a display step of displaying on the display unit 22 a name setting screen including a name setting icon 22a for setting the name of one or more devices 30 installed in the facility 70 and one or more control icons 22b for individually controlling the one or more devices 30, and an equipment control screen that is a screen separate from the name setting screen. The equipment control screen includes one or more operated areas 22d that are operated by the user to individually control the one or more devices 30. Each of the one or more operated areas 22d displays the name of the device 30 that is controlled by operating the operated area 22d and that is set via the name setting screen.

This display method can improve convenience when the user sets the name of the device 30.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, technology related to a name setting screen for setting the name of a device was described, but similar technology can also be applied to a name setting screen for setting the name of a branch circuit within a facility.

Furthermore, the display screens and operations on the display screens disclosed in the above embodiments are merely examples, and other display screens with similar functions and other operations performed for similar purposes may be employed in the control system.

In addition, while in the above embodiment the control system is realized by multiple devices, it may also be realized as a single device. For example, the control system may be realized as a single device equivalent to a control terminal or information terminal. When the control system is realized by multiple devices, the components of the control system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner.

For example, the communication method between devices in the above-described embodiments is not particularly limited. Furthermore, communication between devices may involve a relay device (e.g., a wireless router, etc.) (not shown).

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Furthermore, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be performed in parallel.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program appropriate for that component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. They may also be realized as any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

For example, the present invention may be realized as a control terminal or information terminal. The present invention may be realized as a display method executed by a computer such as a control system. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a display method. Such programs include dedicated application programs installed on information terminals. The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that would occur to those skilled in the art, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

10 Control system 22, 42 Display unit 22a, 42a Name setting icon 22b, 42b Control icon 22c, 42c Status display area 22d Operated area 22e Display order change icon 23, 43 Control unit 30 Equipment 70 Facility

Claims (10)

a control unit that displays on a display unit a name setting screen including name setting icons for setting names of one or more devices installed in the facility and one or more control icons for individually controlling the one or more devices on the same screen, and a device control screen that is a screen different from the name setting screen and is displayed by transitioning from the name setting screen ;
the device control screen includes one or more operation areas that are operated by a user to individually control the one or more devices;
In each of the one or more operated areas, a name of a device to be controlled by operating the operated area, which name is set through the name setting screen, is displayed. The control system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes a display order of the names of the one or more devices on the name setting screen based on an operation by the user while the name setting screen is displayed. the name setting screen includes a display order change icon on the same screen as the name setting icon and the control icon;
The control system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes the display order of the names of the one or more devices on the name setting screen based on the user's operation on the display order change icon. the name setting screen includes one or more name display areas for displaying the names of the one or more devices that have been set;
The control system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes a display order of the names of the one or more devices on the name setting screen based on an operation on one or more name display areas. The control system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit changes the arrangement of the one or more operated areas on the device control screen in accordance with the display order of the names of the one or more devices changed through the name setting screen. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the name setting screen includes one or more status display areas that individually display the status of the one or more devices on the same screen as the name setting icon and the control icon. the name setting screen displays options for names of the one or more devices;
The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit displays an option setting screen on the display unit for narrowing down the options. the name setting screen displays options for names of the one or more devices;
the control unit displays, on the display unit, a narrowing-down pattern designation screen for designating one of a plurality of predetermined narrowing-down patterns;
The control system according to claim 7 , wherein the options displayed on the name setting screen are narrowed down according to a specified narrowing pattern. 1. A computer-implemented display method comprising:
a display step of displaying on a display unit a name setting screen including a name setting icon for setting names of one or more devices installed in the facility and one or more control icons for individually controlling the one or more devices on the same screen, and a device control screen which is a screen different from the name setting screen and is displayed by transitioning from the name setting screen ;
the device control screen includes one or more operation areas that are operated by a user to individually control the one or more devices;
A display method in which a name of a device to be controlled by operating the one or more operated areas is displayed in each of the one or more operated areas, the name being set through the name setting screen. A program for causing a computer to execute the display method described in claim 9.