Guiding information providing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a guiding information providing apparatus for providing guiding information, the guiding information providing apparatus being configured to reduce paper resources to be consumed and enable easy access to detailed handling information while preventing accesses to the detailed handling information from an unspecified and large number of people.SOLUTION: A guiding information providing apparatus is configured as an inverter device 1 serving as a device, the guiding information providing apparatus including a device-side providing unit 11 serving as a providing unit which provides, as guiding information for browsing detailed handling information, information obtained by encrypting at least a part of a serial number uniquely assigned to the device, or information including the information obtained by encrypting at least the part of the serial number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a guide information providing device that provides guide information for browsing detailed handling information. [Background technology]

[0002] When purchasing equipment, it is common to purchase not only the equipment itself, but also the product with, for example, an instruction manual attached or packaged in the package. Conventionally, in order to conserve paper resources, paper-based accessories were provided as printed materials with simple operating instructions and contact information, while detailed instruction manuals were provided as electronic files on optical media such as CD-ROMs or DVDs.

[0003] However, due to the decline in PCs that come standard with optical drives and the widespread use of mobile devices that do not have optical drives, such as smartphones and tablets, it is expected that users do not have the environment to read optical media. Furthermore, as the number of items included increases, there is also the problem that the environmental burden during transportation increases due to the increase in the volume and weight of the product. For this reason, in recent years, it has become common to attach simple instruction manuals to products and make detailed instruction manuals accessible via networks such as the Internet. This method of providing instruction manuals can reduce the consumption of paper resources and can quickly provide the latest information even if, for example, the instruction manual is revised.

[0004] However, for example, for business reasons, it is conceivable that there may be a situation where access to a detailed instruction manual should be limited to actual users, and access from the general public should be restricted. Hereinafter, information such as an instruction manual that describes the detailed functions and operation of a device will be referred to as detailed operation information. This detailed operation information is not limited to instruction manuals provided in paper form that have been converted into electronic files, but also includes information that explains functions and operation using audio, animation, video, etc.

[0005] One method for restricting access to the detailed handling information is, for example, to have users register as users. This would allow the provision of the detailed handling information to be limited to registered users, making it possible to restrict access to the detailed handling information. However, because user registration requires a procedure, and because, depending on the type of device, an examination is required after application for user registration, it may take time even for actual users to perform initial setup or respond to malfunctions.

[0006] Also, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, it is conceivable to provide an instruction manual to a user who has actually purchased the device by having the user input the device's serial number. However, depending on the type of device, the format of the serial number may be made public, and in that case, there is a risk that detailed operating information may be accessed by inferring the serial number based on the public information, even if the user does not own the device, or even if the device is different from the device currently being used.

[0007] Depending on the type of equipment, the technical information contained in the detailed handling information may be subject to export control. For example, for an inverter device, which is an industrial device, technical information for using a frequency converter is provided as detailed handling information, and this technical information is subject to so-called catch-all control. Therefore, in the case of equipment subject to export control, it is necessary to restrict access to the detailed handling information from the general public, while it is desirable to be able to easily and quickly provide the detailed handling information to actual users who need it for installation, maintenance, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-183358 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, we provide a guidance information providing device that can reduce the consumption of paper resources and provide guidance information that can achieve both easy access to detailed handling information and suppression of access to the detailed handling information from an unspecified number of people. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The guidance information providing device according to the embodiment includes a providing unit that provides information in which at least a portion of a serial number uniquely assigned to a device is encrypted, or information including information in which at least a portion of the serial number is encrypted, as guidance information for viewing detailed handling information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a guide information providing device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] Figure 1 showing an example of how the page is displayed on a browser screen [Diagram 3] Figure 2 showing an example of how the page is displayed on a browser screen [Figure 4] Figure 3 showing an example of how the page is displayed on a browser screen [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of guidance information using an extension panel; [Figure 6] Figure 4 showing an example of how the page is displayed on a browser screen [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a guide information providing device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 8] Figure 5 showing an example of the display of the setting tool [Figure 9] Figure 6 showing an example of the display of the setting tool [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a guide information providing device according to a third embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, components that are substantially common to the embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0013] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, an inverter device 1, which is an industrial device, is targeted as a device for which detailed handling information is provided via a network. This inverter device 1 is assigned a unique serial number for the purpose of manufacturing history management and quality assurance. This serial number is written, for example, on a nameplate or a simple instruction manual provided on the inverter device 1, and is also stored as software information in the device-side storage unit 6. As an example, the serial number is assigned in a predetermined format such as "INV001A002" in which the first three digits indicate the type of device, the next four digits indicate the date of manufacture, and the last three digits indicate a serial number, and this format may be made public.

[0014] The target devices are not limited to single industrial devices such as the inverter device 1, but may also include devices incorporating the inverter device 1, other industrial devices, or so-called electronic devices, electrical devices, or mechanical devices. In addition, any number that is uniquely assigned to each device, such as an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number assigned to a mobile phone or a data communication card, or a Media Access Control address (MAC address) assigned to a network interface, is considered to be a type of serial number and is included in the target of the present invention.

[0015] In this embodiment, detailed handling information refers to information including detailed functions and handling methods of the inverter device 1, detailed technical information for use, etc. However, the information included in the detailed handling information is not limited to these, and the type of information to be included can be appropriately selected and set by the equipment supplier, such as a manufacturing company or a sales company.

[0016] First, a schematic configuration of the inverter device 1 will be described. When parameters such as operating conditions are set from an operation panel 2, the inverter device 1 generates a control signal in a control circuit 3, and based on the control signal, a main circuit 4 converts, for example, a commercial power source to supply power to a load 5. The load 5 may be, for example, a pump, a compressor, a conveying machine, or a lifting machine. The inverter device 1 is also capable of detecting operating conditions such as output and energization time, and abnormal conditions such as short circuits and ground faults, based on detection results from current sensors and voltage sensors (not shown) provided in the main circuit 4, and of setting the inverter device 1 to a trip state as a protective operation.

[0017] Each detected state or parameter is associated with time as operation information, setting information, abnormality information, or trip information, and is stored in the device-side storage unit 6. In addition, the fan 7 that cools the control circuit 3, main circuit 4, etc. has a set service life based on, for example, temperature and power-on time, and information such as the power-on time of the fan 7 is also stored in the device-side storage unit 6 as operation information.

[0018] Various optional items can be attached to the inverter device 1. In the case of Fig. 1, the inverter device 1 is provided with an extension panel 8 that can be operated while being extended from the inverter device 1 by a cable, and a noise filter 9 for reducing noise as optional items. Information about what optional items are provided in the inverter device 1 is stored in the device-side storage unit 6 as option information.

[0019] However, the optional items shown in Fig. 1 are just examples, and for example, an input reactor, a DC reactor, a braking unit, a braking resistor, a surge voltage suppression filter, etc. can also be installed as optional items. Note that "OPA" and "OPB" in parentheses next to the optional items in Fig. 1 are information indicating the type, and correspond to, for example, a model number or a serial number.

[0020] The inverter device 1 also includes an apparatus-side communication unit 10 that communicates with an external device, and an apparatus-side providing unit 11 that can provide various information to the external device. The apparatus-side communication unit 10 has a wired or wireless communication interface, and communicates with an operation terminal 13 and the like that is connected via an internal network 12. This operation terminal 13 is configured as a so-called personal computer, and includes an operation-side communication unit 14 that communicates with the outside, and a display 15 for displaying various information.

[0021] The device side providing unit 11 has a Web server function and provides various information such as operation information, setting information, abnormality information, and trip information to the operation terminal 13. Therefore, when the inverter device 1 is accessed from the operation terminal 13 using browser software, device information, operation information, parameter information, trip information, for example, an output meter that displays the current output, and a graph that displays the history of the output, are displayed in each display area 17 of the browser screen 16, as shown in Fig. 2. In addition, parameter settings, user account and password settings, etc. can also be managed from this browser screen 16.

[0022] Furthermore, the device-side providing unit 11 provides, as guidance information, information in which at least a part of the serial number of the device is encrypted or information including information in which at least a part of the serial number is encrypted, to an external device communicably connected. That is, in this embodiment, the inverter device 1 functions as a guidance information providing device that provides guidance information, and enables the guidance information to be displayed on a browser screen of the external device, and enables a button linked to the guidance information to be displayed on the browser screen.

[0023] The operation terminal 13 is connected to the inverter device 1 so as to be able to communicate with it, and accesses detailed operation information using guidance information provided by the inverter device 1, or presents the guidance information provided by the inverter device 1 to the user. Specifically, a detailed information button 18 linked to the guidance information is provided on the browser screen 16 of the operation terminal 13, and by clicking on this detailed information button 18, it is possible to refer to various detailed operation information provided in a server-side storage unit 21 of an information providing server 20 via an external network 19 such as the Internet. At this time, the access destination is guided to the detailed operation information of the device in use only by using the guidance information, as will be described in detail later.

[0024] In the information providing server 20, detailed handling information such as detailed instruction manual A which is detailed handling information for the inverter device 1 of type A, detailed instruction manual B which is detailed handling information for the inverter device 1 of type B, and detailed instruction manual C which is detailed handling information for the inverter device 1 of type C are prepared. In addition, in the information providing server 20, technical information including trouble handling examples for explaining how to handle various abnormalities and trip handling methods showing how to handle when a trip occurs is prepared as detailed handling information. In addition, in the information providing server 20, option information A and option information B which explain handling and technical information regarding optional items are prepared as detailed handling information. However, the detailed handling information shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the number and types of detailed handling information prepared in the information providing server 20 are not limited to this.

[0025] Then, the information providing server 20 decrypts the encrypted serial number contained in the guidance information transmitted from the operation terminal 13 in the authentication function unit 23, and makes it possible to identify and view detailed handling information corresponding to the decrypted serial number, that is, the serial number of the inverter device 1 that is actually being used.

[0026] Next, the operation and effects of the above-mentioned configuration will be described. The detailed handling information includes, for example, detailed functions and handling methods of the inverter device 1, detailed technical information for use, etc. Therefore, it is expected that there will be a situation where, for business reasons or the like, access to the detailed handling information will be limited to actual users, and access from the general public will be restricted. In particular, the inverter device 1 is subject to export control even as a standalone device, and technical information included in the detailed handling information, for example, for using a frequency converter, is also subject to export control, and it is therefore necessary to restrict access to the detailed handling information when providing it via a network.

[0027] The reason why the detailed handling information is not stored in the device-side storage unit 6 of the inverter device 1 is due to capacity limitations. In other words, to store the detailed handling information, a more sophisticated storage medium is required, which leads to problems such as higher prices and an increased environmental load due to an increased number of parts. On the other hand, if the configuration provides guidance information, the required storage capacity does not increase significantly, and considering the possibility that the instruction manual will be updated, it is believed that by providing the information via a network, it is possible to provide more benefits to users with the existing configuration.

[0028] Therefore, in this embodiment, by using guidance information, it is possible to reduce the consumption of paper resources and to achieve both easy access to detailed handling information of the device in use and suppression of access to the detailed handling information from an unspecified number of people.

[0029] The guidance information is information for browsing the detailed handling information, and in this embodiment, it is information for restrictively guiding the access destination when accessing the detailed handling information to the detailed handling information of the inverter device 1 in use. Specifically, the inverter device 1 provides, as an example of the guidance information, a URL to which the Web address of the information providing server 20 prepared by the supply side and information obtained by encrypting the serial number are added as a query parameter. At this time, since the serial number is uniquely assigned to the inverter device 1, the guidance information is also unique to the inverter device 1, so that the device in use can be identified based on the guidance information. Note that the encryption technology for encrypting the serial number may be an existing technology or a new technology unique to the supply side. In addition, the type of encryption technology used may be kept secret by the supply side.

[0030] For example, suppose the web address is "https: / / www.?????.co.jp / Manuals / " and the encrypted information of the serial number is "BDtpm41ZqSqaso6OHr0eYSU+wJ7ROGFD". In this case, the guidance information is generated as "https: / / www.?????.co.jp / Manuals / ?s=BDtpm41ZqSqaso6OHr0eYSU+wJ7ROGFD". Note that the "?" above is a symbol to separate the web address part from the query parameter part, the "s" above is the name of the parameter, and the "=" above is a symbol to match the parameter name and value. However, the web address and query parameters shown here are just examples, and the address may contain a model number or other query parameters. Note that although "www.?????.co.jp" is a domain name, it is conveniently called "?????", a non-existent domain name, to avoid overlapping with the name of an actual company.

[0031] The above guidance information is set as a link in the detailed information button 18, and when the user clicks the detailed information button 18, the guidance information is transmitted to the information providing server 20. When the information providing server 20 acquires the guidance information via the server side communication unit 22, the information providing server 20 decrypts the encrypted serial number included in the guidance information in the authentication function unit 23, and provides the decrypted serial number, that is, the detailed handling information corresponding to the serial number of the inverter device 1 actually being used. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3, a new tab is added to the browser screen 16, and a detailed instruction manual A in document format, for example, corresponding to the inverter device 1 of type A is displayed in the display area 17.

[0032] The information providing server 20 can directly display detailed handling information corresponding to the serial number as shown in Figure 3, but can also provide detailed handling information to the user by providing a Web page that lists, for example, multiple pieces of detailed handling information corresponding to the serial numbers and allowing the user to select one, or by transferring the user to another Web page where corresponding detailed handling information is available, or by combining these.

[0033] By encrypting the serial number in this manner, even if someone knows the serial number, or even if a URL for detailed handling information is displayed on browser screen 16, they cannot enter a URL corresponding to another serial number unless they know the encryption method, thereby restricting access to detailed handling information for other devices.

[0034] Even for devices that are assigned serial numbers for manufacturing history management and quality assurance, and whose serial numbers are relatively easy to guess, it is possible to provide the detailed handling information to actual users only, and to restrict access to the detailed handling information from the general public. The ability to restrict access to the detailed handling information is extremely useful for devices that can be used for purposes other than those at the time of purchase, such as the inverter device 1, and devices that incorporate such devices, particularly devices that are subject to export control.

[0035] According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. The guidance information providing device includes a device-side providing unit 11 that provides information including an encrypted serial number uniquely assigned to the device as guidance information for viewing detailed handling information.

[0036] This not only reduces the consumption of paper resources, but also allows easy access to the detailed handling information since it can be viewed based on the guidance information. Furthermore, by encrypting the serial number, it is possible to prevent access to the detailed handling information of unused devices and to prevent access from the general public.

[0037] In this embodiment, a providing unit that provides guidance information is provided in the device, and the detailed handling information is accessed from an external device that receives the guidance information from the device. In other words, the providing unit enables the external device that is communicably connected to the device to browse the detailed handling information using the guidance information and present the guidance information. In this case, the inverter device 1 is wired to a power source, and the guidance information is presented only when the power is turned on, so that the guidance information is obtained from the device that is actually in use. Therefore, access to the detailed handling information can be limited to devices that are in use, and access to the detailed handling information of devices that are not in use and access from an unspecified number of people can be appropriately suppressed. In addition, even if a product photo is leaked to an e-commerce site for used goods, for example, the detailed handling information cannot be accessed, and the risk of unauthorized access to detailed information can be reduced.

[0038] In reality, it is assumed that the operation terminal 13 is not connected to the external network 19 in order to prevent unauthorized access from the outside. In that case, the operation terminal 13 cannot directly access the information providing server 20. In addition, it is assumed that a mobile terminal 24 such as a tablet or smartphone used by a worker on-site is connected to the external network 19 but is not connected to the internal network 12, and thus cannot obtain guidance information from the inverter device.

[0039] Therefore, the inverter device 1 is configured to be able to present the guidance information to the user via the operation terminal 13. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, a presentation link 25 for presenting the coded guidance information is displayed on the browser screen 16 of the operation terminal 13. When the user clicks on the presentation link 25, coded information 26 in which the guidance information is, for example, coded in a two-dimensional code form is displayed as shown in Fig. 4.

[0040] 1, the user can obtain guidance information by photographing the coded information 26 with the terminal camera 27 of the mobile terminal 24 shown in FIG. 1, and can use the guidance information to access the information providing server 20 via the mobile communication unit 28. This makes it possible to display detailed handling information on the mobile display unit 29, and the user can view the detailed handling information using the mobile terminal 24.

[0041] In this case, the guidance information may be coded by the inverter device 1 or by the operation terminal 13. The coded information 26 is not limited to a two-dimensional code, but may be a one-dimensional code or a text code. For example, in the case of a text code, the text code can be copied and saved as text on the operation terminal 13, and the network can be switched to a public line, so that the detailed technical information can be viewed from the operation terminal 13. The coded information 26 may be an image, or the guidance information may be provided in a state in which it is not visible to the naked eye. For example, the image may be a random image generated based on a serial number, or an image that is not visible to the naked eye may be provided by using a so-called digital watermarking technique or by inserting hidden characters.

[0042] In this way, by configuring the guidance information provided by an apparatus such as the inverter device 1 to be presented so that it can be used on other devices such as the operation terminal 13 or the mobile terminal 24, it is possible to reduce the consumption of paper resources and achieve effects similar to those of the embodiment, such as providing easy access to the detailed handling information while restricting access to the detailed handling information from an unspecified number of people.

[0043] Also, for example, when the extension panel 8 has a liquid crystal display 30 as shown in FIG. 5, the extension panel 8 can be configured to display the coded information 26. In other words, the extension panel 8 can be used as an external device connected to the inverter device 1 so as to be able to communicate with it. With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain various effects similar to those of the embodiment, and furthermore, it becomes possible to easily and quickly access the detailed handling information at the installation site. Also, for example, even when multiple people are working, the detailed handling information can be easily accessed from each of their mobile terminals 24, which greatly improves workability.

[0044] So far, the configuration in which information including information obtained by encrypting the entire serial number is provided as the guidance information has been exemplified, but information in which at least a part of the serial number is encrypted can be provided as the guidance information. In this case, the Web address for accessing the information providing server 20 may be provided by, for example, displaying it on the browser screen 16, or by printing it on a paper-based package that accompanies the device or on a package that packs the device. This is because industrial devices such as the inverter device 1 are packaged with at least a minimum of accessories that describe matters related to product safety and matters required for compliance with standards or regulations such as UL standards (USA) or CE marking (Europe), and by using these accessories, paper resources are not wasted.

[0045] When such guidance information is used, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, a number display button 31 is prepared on the browser screen 16. When the number display button 31 is clicked, an access code 33, which is a serial number encrypted in text format, is displayed, for example, as a pop-up. This allows the user to access the website and enter the access code 33 to view the detailed handling information. In this case, if the number display button 31 is clicked to display the access code 33, it becomes possible to access the detailed handling information from the mobile terminal 24. Also, the coded guidance information can be made available on the mobile terminal 24 by clicking the presentation link 25 to display the text.

[0046] With this configuration, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. Also, by combining information obtained by encrypting a part of the serial number with the above Web address, information including the information obtained by encrypting a part of the serial number can be provided as guidance information, or the guidance information can be presented in an encoded form.

[0047] In addition, by using guidance information to access detailed technical information, it is believed possible to impose access restrictions equivalent to those in the case of providing information on conventional CD-ROMs or printed paper, making this method suitable for export control.

[0048] It can also be combined with a configuration in which the information providing server 20 imposes restrictions based on location information such as the IP address of the access source. This makes it possible to take measures such as not restricting access from within Japan, but restricting access from overseas. In this case, access may be restricted completely, or access to some important information may be restricted. It is also possible to easily access detailed handling information by determining the user's language based on location information such as the IP address and providing information according to that language.

[0049] In addition, the same effect as the embodiment can be obtained by the information providing system 34 shown in FIG. 1, which includes a guidance information providing device having a providing unit that provides guidance information, and an information providing server 20 in which detailed handling information is prepared.

[0050] Second embodiment The second embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a providing unit is provided in an external device that is communicably connected to the device. Since there are configurations common to the first embodiment, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. This embodiment can be used in combination with the first embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, the inverter device 1A as the device in this embodiment has a configuration generally common to that of the first embodiment, but does not include the device-side providing unit 11. Instead, the operation terminal 13A is provided with an operation-side providing unit 35 that provides guidance information. In other words, in this embodiment, the inverter device 1A provides the serial number in plain text to the operation terminal 13A, the operation terminal 13A encrypts the serial number to generate guidance information, and the generated guidance information is used to access detailed handling information or to present the guidance information so that it can be used by other devices. In other words, in this embodiment, the operation terminal 13A functions as a guidance information providing device.

[0052] 8, the operating side providing unit 35 is executed by the operating terminal 13A, and is realized as software in a form incorporated in a setting tool 36 for performing various settings for the inverter device 1. In other words, the setting tool 36 corresponds to a guidance information providing device. The setting tool 36 is provided with various menus, icons, etc., and when connected to the inverter device 1 so as to be able to communicate with it, displays device information of the inverter device 1, currently set parameter information, etc. in the display area 17A. Note that the configuration of the setting tool 36 is an example, and is not limited to this.

[0053] Furthermore, the setting tool 36, as a function of the providing unit, generates, as guidance information, information including information in which at least a part of the serial number is encrypted, such as the URL described in the first embodiment, or information in which at least a part of the serial number is encrypted. The setting tool 36 is provided with a detailed information button 18A linked to the guidance information.

[0054] When the detailed information button 18A is clicked, the setting tool 36 transmits guidance information to the information providing server 20, and when detailed operating information is provided from the information providing server 20, the setting tool 36 displays, for example, an instruction manual A for the inverter device 1A in a new display area 17A. Alternatively, although not shown, when the detailed information button 18A is clicked and there is a plurality of pieces of applicable detailed operating information, the setting tool 36 can display them in a list so that the user can select and view them.

[0055] In this way, a configuration that enables an external device connected to the device to communicate with the device to generate guidance information using the serial number provided by the device, or a configuration that enables an external device to present guidance information, can reduce the consumption of paper resources, and since it is possible to view detailed handling information based on the guidance information, easy access to the detailed handling information is possible. Furthermore, by encrypting the serial number, it is possible to suppress access to the detailed handling information of devices that are not in use, and various other effects can be obtained, similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0056] Furthermore, the setting tool 36 provides a presentation link 25A for displaying coded information 26 obtained by coding the guidance information in order to deal with a situation in which the operation terminal 13A is not connected to the external network 19. When the presentation link 25A is clicked, coded information 26 obtained by two-dimensionally coding the guidance information is presented in a new display area 17A as shown in Fig. 9. This makes it possible to use the guidance information from other devices such as the mobile terminal 24, and to use the detailed handling information during work at the installation site, etc.

[0057] The setting tool 36 can also provide information in which at least a part of the serial number described in the first embodiment is encrypted, or information including information in which at least a part of the serial number is encrypted. In that case, the web address for accessing the information providing server 20 may be displayed on the new display area 17A screen or printed on a paper medium attached to the device. Even with such a configuration, the user can easily access the detailed handling information by using the information. When displaying the detailed handling information in the new display area 17A, the information may be displayed as a function of the setting tool 36, or the setting tool 36 may transfer the information and display it on browser software, or software capable of displaying detailed technical information may be started and displayed.

[0058] Even in an environment where the setting tool 36 can be used, it can be combined with the inverter device 1A having the device-side providing unit 11. This makes it possible to access detailed handling information by displaying guidance information on the extension panel 8 in a situation where, for example, the operation terminal 13A is installed in an office and the mobile terminal 24 is used for work at the site.

[0059] Also, it is possible to provide the inverter device 1 with the device-side providing unit 11, and use the operation terminal 13 not equipped with the operation-side providing unit 35 to provide the detailed information button 18A linked to the guidance information provided by the inverter device 1 in the setting tool 36. That is, in the configuration of the first embodiment, it is possible to use the setting tool 36 not equipped with the operation-side providing unit 35 instead of the Web server function of the inverter device 1.

[0060] In addition, when presenting coded guidance information, similarly to the first embodiment, it is not limited to a two-dimensional code, but may be a one-dimensional code, a text code, an image, or a configuration in which the guidance information is presented in a state in which it is not visible, etc. In addition, the setting tool 36 is not limited to one for a personal computer, but may be implemented as an application for the mobile terminal 24.

[0061] Moreover, an information providing system 34A in which a providing unit for providing guide information is provided in an external device can also provide the same effects as those of the embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, even if the inverter device 1 does not have a web server function, or if the inverter device 1 has a web server function but the user does not use the web server function, or if the web server function cannot be utilized, such as in the case of a mobile terminal 24, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0063] Third embodiment The third embodiment will be described below. This embodiment is a modified or expanded example of the first and second embodiments, and can be used in combination with the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the description will be made with reference to Figs. 1 to 9.

[0064] 1, the inverter device 1 stores operation information, setting information, abnormality information, trip information, etc. The inverter device 1 also stores information on optional items such as the extension panel 8 and the noise filter 9 as option information. The inverter device 1 can read out this information when necessary.

[0065] Therefore, the guidance information may be provided with information including information on optional items provided in the inverter device 1 in addition to the encrypted serial number. In this case, the information on the optional items may or may not be encrypted. In other words, the guidance information may be provided with information on optional items provided in the device.

[0066] In this way, by accessing the information providing server 20 using the guidance information including the information on the optional items, in addition to the detailed handling information, the detailed handling information such as the option information A and the option information B can be selectively viewed or viewed all at once. Therefore, it is possible to guide the user to the information he / she needs while restricting access to the detailed handling information, thereby improving convenience. It is also possible to restrict the instruction manuals for the optional items that can be accessed.

[0067] The guidance information may include operation information of the device or life expectancy prediction information of the device. For the inverter device 1, the operation information may include, for example, the power-on time, the load 5 drive time, and the fan 7 operation time. The operation information may include operation information of optional items, not limited to the inverter device 1. The life expectancy prediction information is information obtained from the operation time and service life, and may be, for example, the remaining time, days, or years until the service life. For members that require regular maintenance, the remaining time or days until the next maintenance is expected. The guidance information may include at least one of the operation information and the life expectancy prediction information, or may include both. The operation information and the life expectancy prediction information may be encrypted or not encrypted.

[0068] In this way, by accessing the information providing server 20 using guidance information that includes operation information and life prediction information, it becomes possible to selectively or preferentially view useful information, such as information about parts that are nearing the end of their life or maintenance methods when maintenance is required, in addition to detailed handling information, thereby improving convenience.

[0069] Also, the guidance information may be provided including setting information such as parameters set in the device. In this case, the setting information may or may not be encrypted. Also, instead of including all parameters that can be set in the inverter device 1 in the guidance information, some major parameters may be included in the guidance information. In this case, it is possible to set whether or not to include a parameter in the guidance information as a property of the parameter, and for example, if the parameter is "0", the parameter is not included in the guidance information, and if the parameter is "1", the parameter is included in the guidance information, thereby making it possible to set whether or not to include the parameter in the guidance information for each parameter. Of course, it is also possible to set whether or not to include the parameter in the guidance information collectively.

[0070] For example, the inverter device 1 has a parameter "AUA" indicating the use, and if the value is set to "3", it is for a conveying device, and if the set value is "6", it is for a pump, and so on. Therefore, by including the "AUA" parameter in the guidance information, the user can view detailed handling information such as the setting method for each use. Note that the types of parameters are merely examples and are not limited to these. In addition, the guidance information may be configured to include a parameter whose setting has been changed, or may be configured to include whether or not the parameter setting has been changed.

[0071] In this way, by including the setting information in the guidance information, it becomes possible to selectively obtain information such as information on problems that occur with changing the settings, and explanations and guidance for changing the settings, from the information providing server 20, thereby improving convenience. In addition, by making it possible to select parameters to be included in the guidance information when displaying the guidance information, it becomes possible to accurately obtain the information the user desires.

[0072] The guidance information may be provided including information on the protective operation of the device, such as the occurrence of a trip or past history. In this case, the information on the protective operation of the device may be encrypted or not. As the information on the protective operation of the device, for example, whether or not a trip has occurred at the time of accessing the information providing server 20, or a chronological history of past trips, etc. are assumed.

[0073] This allows the user to easily view detailed handling information such as a trip explanation and a trip solution including information on the current and voltage values ​​that are trip criteria, and if the guidance information includes information that a trip has occurred at the moment, the information providing server 20 can selectively or preferentially display the trip solution, greatly improving convenience. Also, if the history of past trips is included, it becomes possible to display the trip solution even when the user accesses the detailed handling information after a trip has occurred and been reset, greatly improving convenience.

[0074] Also, the guidance information may be configured to include time information held by the inverter device 1, the operation terminal 13, or the mobile terminal 24. In this case, if the inverter device 1 is equipped with a real-time clock, the time information may be acquired from the real-time clock. If the inverter device 1 does not have a real-time clock, the time may be acquired from the operation terminal 13, as shown in the date and time display area 39 of FIG. 2, for example, and the guidance information may be generated by acquiring the time from the operation terminal 13. If the guidance information is generated on the operation terminal 13 side as in the second embodiment, the guidance information may be generated in a form including the time information. In addition, it is considered that the security and confidentiality of the time information can be improved by encrypting the time information in the same way as the serial number.

[0075] By including the time information in the guidance information in this way, for example, the information providing server 20 can analyze the time information in the query parameter, and if the access to the guidance information is close to the current time, it is highly likely that the access is made by the user, while if the time information is significantly different from the current time, it is possible to stop the access as there is a possibility of unauthorized access. This makes it possible to impose a time-based restriction even when the guidance information is shared on a network, and improves the effectiveness of export control. In addition, the information providing server 20 can set the validity period of the guidance information, which makes it possible to further improve security and confidentiality.

[0076] 10, when a plurality of inverter devices 1 are used and the inverter devices 1 are communicably connected to each other via an inter-device network 40, information on the plurality of inverter devices 1 can be collectively provided as guidance information. For example, when an inverter device 1 having an device-side providing unit 11 and an inverter device 1A not having an device-side providing unit 11 are mixed, the inverter device 1 can be configured as a main device, where the inverter device 1 collectively generates guidance information by integrating information on the other inverter devices 1A, and provides the guidance information to the operation terminal 13 as in the first embodiment.

[0077] In other words, the inverter device 1 can be configured to provide information in which at least a portion of the serial number is encrypted, or information including information in which at least a portion of the serial number is encrypted, to other devices such as another inverter device 1, an extension panel 8, an operation terminal 13, or a mobile terminal 24 via the device side communication unit 10.

[0078] In this case, the information of each device such as the inverter device 1 and the inverter device 1A can be collected into one piece of guidance information, and the serial number of the inverter device 1, which is the main device, can be encrypted and included in the guidance information. A request for transmission of guidance information is sent to the inverter device 1 in response to a user's operation of the other device, and the inverter device 1 provides guidance information in response to the transmission request. Alternatively, the user can provide guidance information to the other device by operating the inverter device 1.

[0079] For example, the inverter device 1 serving as the main device may collect information from other inverter devices 1A connected within the same network, generate guidance information, and access the inverter device 1 via a browser to display or present the guidance information as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, when using a setting tool 36 as in the second embodiment, information when a user connects to and sets each inverter device 1 may be collected and stored, and the corresponding guidance information may be generated.

[0080] Alternatively, the inverter device 1 can aggregate the serial numbers of other inverter devices 1A and provide them to the operation terminal 13, and the operation terminal 13A can generate and access guidance information based on the serial numbers as in the second embodiment.

[0081] With this configuration as well, it is possible to reduce the consumption of paper resources, and since it is possible to view the detailed handling information based on the guidance information, the detailed handling information can be easily accessed. Furthermore, by encrypting the serial number, it is possible to prevent access to the detailed handling information of equipment that is not in use and to prevent access from the general public, thereby achieving the same effects as the first and second embodiments.

[0082] Also, the information providing system 34B configured to collect information on a plurality of devices into guidance information can provide the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments.

[0083] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] In the drawings, 1 and 1A indicate an inverter device (equipment, guidance information providing device), 8 indicates an extension panel (optional item, external device), 9 indicates a noise filter (optional item), 13 indicates an operation terminal (external device), 13A indicates an operation terminal (external device, guidance information providing device), 16 indicates a browser screen, 24 indicates a mobile terminal (external device, guidance information providing device), 26 indicates coded information (guidance information), 33 indicates an access code (guidance information), and 36 indicates a setting tool (guidance information providing device).

Claims

1. A guidance information providing device including a providing unit that provides information in which at least a portion of a serial number uniquely assigned to a device is encrypted, or information including information in which at least a portion of the serial number is encrypted, as guidance information for viewing detailed handling information.

2. The guidance information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit is provided in the device and enables an external device communicatively connected to the device to view the detailed handling information using the guidance information, or enables the guidance information to be presented.

3. The guidance information providing device according to claim 1, which enables an external device communicatively connected to the device to generate the guidance information using a serial number of the device provided by the device, or enables the external device to present the guidance information.

4. The guidance information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the device provides a serial number to an external device communicatively connected thereto, and enables the external device to generate the guidance information using the serial number, or enables the external device to present the guidance information.

5. The guide information providing device according to claim 4 , wherein the providing unit is implemented by a setting tool executed by the external device for making various settings for the device.

6. The guide information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit provides the guide information including information on optional items provided in the device.

7. The guide information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit provides the guide information including operation information of the device or life expectancy prediction information of the device.

8. The guide information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit provides the guide information including setting information set in the device.

9. The guide information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit provides the guide information including information on a protective operation of the device.

10. The guide information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit provides the guide information including time information related to a time when the guide information is provided.

11. The guide information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the providing unit provides information about a plurality of the devices collectively as the guide information.

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