U.S. patent application number 10/103563 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-07 for in-store equipment remote monitoring system.
Invention is credited to Kawaai, Tsuyoshi, Nakajima, Hideki.
Application Number | 20020163431 10/103563 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18953023 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020163431 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakajima, Hideki ; et
al. |
November 7, 2002 |
In-store equipment remote monitoring system
Abstract
An in-store equipment remote-monitoring system comprises a
controller provided in each store and monitoring and controlling
in-store equipment and a monitoring computer connected to the
controller in the store through a public line, the controller
comprising data transmission means for transmitting to the
monitoring computer data related to each in-store equipment and
predetermined measurement data, and display means for displaying
power saving advice information fed from the monitoring computer,
and the monitoring computer comprising power saving advice
information production means for producing power saving advice
information for efficiently operating each in-store equipment on
the basis of the data received from the controller, and power
saving advice information transmission means for transmitting to
the controller the produced power saving advice information.
Inventors: |
Nakajima, Hideki; (Daito
City, JP) ; Kawaai, Tsuyoshi; (Uji City, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSELL, LLP
Suite 800
1850 M Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
18953023 |
Appl. No.: |
10/103563 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/540 ;
340/3.1; 340/584; 340/600; 340/601 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
H05B 47/105 20200101; H05B 47/14 20200101; G05D 23/1905 20130101;
H05B 47/11 20200101; F24F 11/46 20180101; H05B 47/165 20200101;
F24F 11/58 20180101; H05B 47/155 20200101; Y02B 20/40 20130101;
H05B 47/175 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/540 ;
340/3.1; 340/601; 340/600; 340/584 |
International
Class: |
G08B 021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 30, 2001 |
JP |
2001-99485 |
Claims
What is claimed
1. An in-store equipment remote monitoring system comprising a
controller provided in each store and monitoring and controlling
in-store equipment and a monitoring computer connected to the
controller in the store through a public line, wherein the
controller comprises data transmission means for transmitting to
the monitoring computer data related to each in-store equipment and
predetermined measurement data, and display means for displaying
power saving advice information fed from the monitoring computer,
and the monitoring computer comprises power saving advice
information production means for producing power saving advice
information for efficiently operating each in-store equipment on
the basis of the data received from the controller, and power
saving advice information transmission means for transmitting to
the controller the produced power saving advice information.
2. The in-store equipment remote monitoring system according to
claim 1, wherein when the in-store equipment is illuminating
equipment, the data transmission means transmits inside-store
illumination set by a user and an outside-store illumination
measured value from the controller to the monitoring computer, and
the power saving advice information production means comprises
means for calculating, on the basis of historical data related to
the outside-store illumination measured values received from the
controller, historical data related to weather forecasting, and
weather forecasting for tomorrow, an outside-store illumination
estimated value for each time of all tomorrow, and means for
calculating, on the basis of the obtained outside-store
illumination estimated value for each time of all tomorrow and the
set inside-store illumination received from the controller,
recommended inside-store illumination for each time of all
tomorrow.
3. The in-store equipment remote monitoring system according to
claim 1, wherein when the in-store equipment is air conditioning
equipment, the data transmission means transmits an inside-store
temperature set by a user, an inside-store temperature measured
value and an outside-store temperature measured value, and the
measured value of a factor affecting the inside-store temperature
by equipment other than the air conditioning equipment from the
controller to the monitoring computer, and the power saving advice
information production means comprises means for calculating, on
the basis of historical data related to the inside-store
temperature measured values, the outside-store temperature measured
values, and the measured values of the factors affecting the
inside-store temperature by the equipment other than the air
conditioning equipment which are received from the controller,
historical data related to weather forecasting, and weather
forecasting for tomorrow, an inside-store temperature estimated
value for each time of all tomorrow, and means for calculating, on
the basis of the obtained inside-store temperature estimated value
for each time of all tomorrow and the set inside-store temperature
received from the controller, an inside-store temperature
adjustment level for each time of all tomorrow.
4. The in-store equipment remote monitoring system according to
claim 3, wherein the measured value of the factor affecting the
inside-store temperature by the equipment other than the air
conditioning equipment is the measured value of the interior
temperature of a freezing equipment and/or the number of times of
opening/closing of a store outlet/inlet door.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an in-store equipment
remote monitoring system.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Conventionally, a system so adapted that the interior
temperature of freezing equipment is monitored by a remote
monitoring device, and the remote monitoring device changes the set
value of the interior temperature of the freezing equipment
depending on the monitored interior temperature has been developed
(see JP-A-2000-245595). However, an in-store equipment remote
monitoring system for achieving power saving has not been developed
yet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an in-store
equipment remote monitoring system capable of efficiently operating
in-store equipment.
[0006] The present invention is directed to an in-store equipment
monitoring system comprising a controller provided in each store
and monitoring and controlling in-store equipment and a monitoring
computer connected to the controller in the store through a public
line, which is characterized in that the controller comprises data
transmission means for transmitting to the monitoring computer data
related to each in-store equipment and predetermined measurement
data, and display means for displaying power saving advice
information fed from the monitoring computer, and the monitoring
computer comprises power saving advice information production means
for producing power saving advice information for efficiently
operating each in-store equipment on the basis of the data received
from the controller, and power saving advice information
transmission means for transmitting to the controller the produced
power saving advice information.
[0007] When the in-store equipment is illuminating equipment, an
example of the data transmission means is one for transmitting
inside-store illumination set by a user and an outside-store
illumination measured value from the controller to the monitoring
computer. Further, an example of the power saving advice
information production means is one comprising means for
calculating, on the basis of historical data related to the
outside-store illumination measured values received from the
controller, historical data related to weather forecasting, and
weather forecasting for tomorrow, an outside-store illumination
estimated value for each time of all tomorrow, and means for
calculating, on the basis of the obtained outside-store
illumination estimated value for each time of all tomorrow and the
set inside-store illumination received from the controller,
recommended inside-store illumination for each time of all
tomorrow.
[0008] When the in-store equipment is air conditioning equipment,
an example of the data transmission means is one for transmitting
an inside-store temperature set by a user, an inside-store
temperature measured value and an outside-store temperature
measured value, and the measured value of a factor affecting the
inside-store temperature by equipment other than the air
conditioning equipment from the controller to the monitoring
computer. An example of the power saving advice information
production means is one comprising means for calculating, on the
basis of historical data related to the inside-store temperature
measured values, the outside-store temperature measured values, and
the measured values of the factors affecting the inside-store
temperature by the equipment other than the air conditioning
equipment which are received from the controller, historical data
related to weather forecasting, and weather forecasting for
tomorrow, an inside-store temperature estimated value for each time
of all tomorrow, and means for calculating, on the basis of the
obtained inside-store temperature estimated value for each time of
all tomorrow and the set inside-store temperature received from the
controller, an inside-store temperature adjustment level for each
time of all tomorrow.
[0009] An example of the measured value of the factor affecting the
inside-store temperature by the equipment other than the air
conditioning equipment is the measured value of the interior
temperature of a freezing equipment and/or the number of times of
opening/closing of a store outlet/inlet door.
[0010] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an
in-store monitoring system;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of
equipment in each store;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining a method of producing
power saving advice information corresponding to illuminating
equipment 32;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a database for
illumination estimation;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the estimated value of an
outside-store illumination level and an inside-store illumination
adjustment level (a recommended illumination level for each time of
tomorrow);
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of display of
data received from a monitoring PC 20;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining a method of producing
power saving advice information corresponding to air conditioning
equipment 33;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a database for
temperature estimation;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing data calculated in the
process of calculating an inside-store temperature estimated
value;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a graph showing an inside-store temperature
estimated value and an inside-store temperature adjustment level (a
recommended temperature level for each time of tomorrow); and
[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an example of display of
data received from a monitoring PC 20.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, an embodiment of the present
invention will be described.
[0023] [1] Description of Configuration of In-Store Equipment
Monitoring System
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of an in-store
equipment monitoring system.
[0025] The in-store equipment monitoring system comprises stores 1
such as a plurality of convenience stores and a monitoring center 2
for providing power saving advice information to each of the stores
1.
[0026] A controller 10 for synthetically monitoring the operating
state of each equipment in the store 1 and measured values by
various types of measuring devices as well as controlling each
equipment is installed in the store 1. A monitoring personal
computer (a monitoring PC) 20 is installed in the monitoring center
2.
[0027] The controller 10 in each of the stores 1 is networked to
each equipment in the store 1. Further, the controller 10 in the
store 1 is connected to the monitoring PC 20 in the monitoring
center 2 through a public line (an analog telephone line, an ISDN
(Integrated Services Digital Network), etc.) 3.
[0028] [2] Description of Configuration of Equipment in Store
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the configuration of equipment in each
store.
[0030] As equipment in the store, there are provided in this
example a solar battery 31, illuminating equipment 32, air
conditioning equipment (an air conditioner) 33, freezing equipment
(including a freezing showcase, a compressor, etc.) 34,
refrigerating equipment (a refrigerator) 35, a garbage disposer 36,
and a store outlet/inlet door (an automatic door) 37. The equipment
is networked to the controller 10.
[0031] As a measuring device, there are provided in this example a
device 41 for measuring power produced by the solar battery 31, a
device 42 for measuring power consumption of each equipment, an
inside-store illumination measuring device 43, an outside-store
illumination measuring device 44, an interior temperature measuring
device 45, an outside-store temperature measuring device 46, a
device 47 for measuring the interior temperature of the freezing
equipment 34 (a device for measuring the interior temperature of
the freezing showcase), a device for measuring the interior
temperature of the refrigerating equipment 35, a counter 48 for
counting the number of times of opening/closing of the automatic
door 37, and so forth. Each of the measuring devices is connected
to the controller 10.
[0032] [3] Description of Outline of Operations of In-Store
Equipment Monitoring System
[0033] The controller 10 in each of the stores 1 transmits
information related to each equipment in the store 1 and measured
values by various measuring devices to the monitoring PC 20 in the
monitoring center 2 through the public line 3. The monitoring PC 20
produces power saving advice information for reducing power
consumption for each store on the basis of data sent from the
controller 10 in the store 1 and transmits the produced power
saving advice information to the corresponding controller 10. The
controller 10 in the store 1 displays the power saving advice
information sent from the monitoring PC 20 on a monitor of the
controller 10. A user operates the controller 10 on the basis of
the power saving advice information displayed on the monitor, to
control the power consumption of each equipment.
[0034] A large part of the power of the store depends on the
illuminating equipment 32, the air conditioning equipment (air
conditioner) 33, the freezing equipment (freezing showcase) 34, and
the refrigerating equipment (refrigerator) 35. Accordingly, the
monitoring PC 20 produces the following power saving advice
information with respect to the equipment, and provides the
produced power saving advice information to the controller 10.
(1) Illuminating Equipment 32
[0035] The monitoring PC 20 estimates outside-store illumination
corresponding to one day on the basis of outside-store illumination
and data representing weather forecasting, and provides power
saving advice information for efficiently driving the illuminating
equipment 32 on the basis of the results of the estimation of the
outside-store illumination.
(2) Air Conditioning Equipment (Air Conditioner) 33
[0036] Generally, the air conditioning equipment 33 carries out
driving control on the basis of only an inside-store temperature
and inside-store humidity. The monitoring PC 20 in the monitoring
center 2 also provides power saving advice information for
efficiently driving the air conditioning equipment 33 in
consideration of other factors affecting the inside-store
temperature together with the inside-store temperature, an
outside-store temperature, and data representing weather
forecasting.
[0037] Here, the other factors affecting the inside-store
temperature include the interior temperature of the freezing
equipment (freezing showcase) 34 and the number of times of
opening/closing of the automatic door 37 per unit time.
(3) Freezing Equipment 34 or Refrigerating Equipment 35
[0038] For example, the monitoring PC 20 provides, with respect to
the freezing equipment 34, power saving advice information for
efficiently controlling the opening/closing of an electromagnetic
valve and an output of a compressor in consideration of the set
temperature of the air conditioning equipment 33 and the
inside-store temperature.
[0039] The monitoring PC 20 only monitors, with respect to the
solar battery 31 and the garbage disposer 36, the driving, and
receives from the controller 10 a warning in a case where the
equipment develops a fault.
[0040] [4] Description of Method of Producing Power Saving Advice
Information for Illuminating Equipment 32
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, a method of producing power saving
advice information related to the illuminating equipment 32 will be
specifically described. Here, description is made of a method of
producing power saving advice information related to the
illuminating equipment 32 in one predetermined store 1.
[0042] In the predetermined store 1, the user sets desired
illumination (desired inside-store illumination) for the controller
(in-store controller) 10 (step 1). The controller 10 acquires an
outside-store illumination measured value from the outside-store
illumination measuring device 44 (step 2). The controller 10
transmits the illumination set by the user and the acquired
outside-store illumination measured value to the monitoring PC 20
in the monitoring center 2 (step 3). Such processing is performed
for each predetermined time period.
[0043] When the monitoring PC 20 in the monitoring center 2
receives the set illumination and the outside-store illumination
measured value from the controller 10 (step 11), it stores them in
a storage device (step 12).
[0044] Processing for calculating an inside-store illumination
adjustment level corresponding to all tomorrow is performed on the
basis of the set illumination and the outside-store illumination
measured value which have been so far received and data
representing weather forecasting (step 13).
[0045] Description is made of the processing for calculating the
inside-store illumination adjustment level. The monitoring PC 20
produces a database for illumination estimation storing the date,
the time, the probability of precipitation, and outside-store
illumination, as shown in FIG. 4, on the basis of the data
representing weather forecasting and the outside-store illumination
measured value sent from the controller 10 in the predetermined
store 1.
[0046] The probability of precipitation for tomorrow is acquired
from weather forecasting for tomorrow, and outside-store
illumination, corresponding to several days in the past on which
the probability of precipitation is the same as the probability of
precipitation for tomorrow, are extracted, starting with the newest
one from the database for illumination estimation. The averages of
the extracted outside-store illumination, at the same time,
corresponding to several days are respectively calculated.
Consequently, an outside-store illumination estimated value for
each time of all tomorrow is calculated, as indicated by A in FIG.
5.
[0047] An outside-store illumination adjustment level (a
recommended illumination level) for each time of all tomorrow is
then determined, as indicated by B in FIG. 5, on the basis of the
outside-store illumination estimated value for each time of all
tomorrow and the received set illumination. That is, four types of
inside-store illumination adjustment levels (levels 1 to 4) are
prepared using the set illumination as the best inside-store
illumination adjustment level (level 4). The inside-store
illumination adjustment level is determined such that the higher
the outside-store illumination estimated value becomes, the lower
the inside-store illumination adjustment level becomes.
[0048] Furthermore, an electricity rate corresponding to the
difference in power consumption between a case where the
illuminating equipment 32 is driven for a whole day such that the
set illumination is obtained and a case where the illuminating
equipment 32 is driven for a whole day such that the determined
inside-store illumination adjustment level for each time is
obtained is calculated.
[0049] The monitoring PC 20 transmits data such as the recommended
illumination level corresponding to all tomorrow thus obtained to
the controller 10 in the predetermined store 1 (step 14).
[0050] When the controller 10 receives the data such as the
recommended illumination level from the monitoring PC 20 (step 4),
it processes the data, and displays the processed data on a screen
on the day of control (step 5). An example of the screen is
illustrated in FIG. 6. The user operates the controller 10 with
reference to displayed contents, to control the illuminating
equipment 32.
[0051] [5] Description of Method of Producing Power Saving Advice
Information Related to Air Conditioning Equipment 33
[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, a method of producing power saving
advice information related to the air conditioning equipment 33
will be specifically described. Here, description is made of a
method of producing the power saving advice information related to
the air conditioning equipment 33 in one predetermined store 1.
[0053] In the predetermined store 1, the user sets a desired
temperature (a desired inside-store temperature) for the controller
(in-store controller) 10 (step 101). The controller 10 acquires an
inside-store temperature measured value, an outside-store
temperature measured value, and an interior temperature measured
value (a measured value of the interior temperature of the freezing
showcase) from the inside-store temperature measuring device 45,
the outside-store temperature measuring device 46, and the interior
temperature measuring device 47, and acquires the number of times
of opening/closing from the counter 49 (step 102). The controller
10 transmits the temperature set by the user, and the inside-store
temperature measured value, the outside-store temperature measured
value, the interior temperature measured value, and the number of
times of door opening/closing which have been acquired to the
monitoring PC 20 in the monitoring center 2 (step 103). Such
processing is performed for each predetermined time period.
[0054] When the monitoring PC 20 in the monitoring center 2 stores
the inside-store temperature measured value, the outside-store
temperature measured value, the interior temperature measured
value, and the number of times of door opening/closing from the
controller 10 (step 11), it stores them in a storage device (step
112).
[0055] Processing for calculating the inside-store temperature
adjustment level corresponding to all tomorrow on the basis of the
inside-store temperature measured value, the outside-store
temperature measured value, the interior temperature measured
value, and the number of times of door opening/closing which have
been so far received, and data representing weather forecasting
(step 113).
[0056] Description is made of the processing for calculating the
inside-store temperature adjustment level. The monitoring PC 20
produces a database for temperature estimation storing the date,
the time, the inside-store temperature measured value, the
outside-store temperature measured value, the interior temperature
measured value, the number of times of door opening/closing per
unit time, and weather, as shown in FIG. 8, on the basis of the
data representing weather forecasting and the inside-store
temperature measured value sent from the controller 10 in the
predetermined store 1. An interval .DELTA.t between times t is 10
minutes, for example.
[0057] An inside-store temperature estimated value (t+1) at time
t+1 is defined by the following equation (1) using an inside-store
temperature (t), an outside-store temperature (t), an interior
temperature (t), and the number of times of door opening/closing
(t) per unit time at time t, i.e., .DELTA.t before the time t+1. 1
Inside - store temperature estimated value ( t + 1 ) at time t + 1
= a .times. inside - store temperature ( t ) + b .times. outside -
store temperature ( t ) + c .times. interior temperature ( t ) + d
.times. the number of times of door opening / closing ( t ) per
unit time ( 1 )
[0058] In the foregoing equation (1), a, b, c, and d are
coefficients. Each of the coefficients a, b, c, and d is calculated
by multiple regression analysis on the basis of data for one year
in the past.
[0059] Weather for tomorrow is then acquired from weather
forecasting for tomorrow, and data, corresponding to several days
in the past on which weather is the same as the weather for
tomorrow, are extracted, starting with the newest one, from the
database for temperature estimation. The averages of the extracted
data, at the same time, corresponding to several days are
respectively calculated for the inside-store temperature measured
value, the outside-store temperature measured value, the interior
temperature measured value, and the number of times of door
opening/closing per unit time. Consequently, data representing the
inside-store temperature measured value (the average), the
outside-store temperature measured value (the average), the
interior temperature measured value (the average), and the number
of times of door opening/closing per unit time (the average) are
obtained for each time of one day, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0060] The obtained data for each time of one day {the inside-store
temperature measured value (the average), the outside-store
temperature measured value (the average), the interior temperature
measured value (the average), and the number of times of door
opening/closing per unit time (the average) are substituted in the
foregoing equation (1), to calculate an inside-store temperature
estimated value at the next time. Consequently, an inside-store
temperature estimated value for each time of all tomorrow is
obtained, as indicated by A in FIG. 10.
[0061] An inside-store temperature adjustment level (a recommended
temperature level) for each time of all tomorrow is then
determined, as indicated by B in FIG. 10, on the basis of the
inside-store temperature estimated value for each time of all
tomorrow and the received set temperature. That is, four types of
inside-store temperature adjustment levels (levels 1 to 4) are
prepared using the set illumination as the best inside-store
temperature adjustment level (level 4). The inside-store
temperature adjustment level is determined such that the higher the
inside-store temperature estimated value becomes, the lower the
inside-store temperature adjustment level becomes.
[0062] Furthermore, an electricity rate corresponding to the
difference in power consumption between a case where the air
conditioning equipment 33 is driven for a whole day such that the
set temperature is obtained and a case where the air conditioning
equipment 33 is driven for a while day such that the determined
inside-store temperature adjustment level for each time is obtained
is calculated.
[0063] The monitoring PC 20 transmits data such as the recommended
temperature level corresponding to all tomorrow thus obtained to
the controller 10 in the predetermined store 1 (step 114).
[0064] When the controller 10 receives the data such as the
recommended temperature level from the monitoring PC 20 (step 104),
it processes the data, and displays the processed data on a screen
on the day of control (step 105). An example of the screen is
illustrated in FIG. 11. The user operates the controller 10 with
reference to displayed contents, to control the air conditioning
equipment 33.
[0065] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *