Use approval system

Abstract

To provide a use approval system, a management server, a remote controller and a use approval method in which a user can easily confirm a use agreement for using information of an apparatus provided in a facility.SOLUTION: A use approval system comprises: an apparatus that is provided in a facility; and a remote controller that operates the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a transmission unit that transmits identification information of the apparatus to the remote controller. The remote controller comprises an output unit that outputs access information for accessing to a use agreement for obtaining approval to use information of the apparatus on the basis of the identification information of the apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a license system, a management server, a remote controller, and a license method. [Background technology]

[0002] Based on the idea that it is difficult to read terms of use on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a technique has been proposed for sending terms of use to an email address specified by the mobile terminal (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-5442 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned technology is premised on the premise that the service covered by the terms of use is used by a mobile terminal. In other words, which service is covered by the terms of use is specified by the identification information of the mobile terminal.

[0005] In recent years, attention has been focused on systems that use information about equipment installed in facilities (such as water heaters, fuel cell devices, and power storage devices) managed on the server side for equipment failure diagnosis, etc. Since the equipment information may include personal information, even in such systems, permission to use the equipment information must be obtained.

[0006] However, the display device provided on the remote controller of the device is very small, and it is not realistic to have the user check the terms of use displayed on such a display device.

[0007] Furthermore, even if one were to try to use the above-mentioned technology of sending terms of use to an email address, there may be cases where it would be impossible to specify an email address using a remote controller. Even if it were possible to specify an email address using a remote controller, it would be impossible to identify the device that is the subject of the terms of use, and it would be impossible to determine which device the terms of use were agreed to.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a licensing system, management server, remote controller, and licensing method that enable users to easily check the terms of use for using information from equipment installed in a facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A license system according to a first aspect includes a device provided in a facility and a remote controller for operating the device. The device includes a transmission unit for transmitting identification information of the device to the remote controller. The remote controller includes an output unit for outputting access information for accessing terms of use for obtaining permission to use information of the device based on the identification information of the device.

[0010] The management server according to the second feature includes a management unit that manages terms of use for obtaining permission to use information from equipment installed in a facility, a first transmission unit that transmits the terms of use to a terminal device that reads access information output from a control device that operates the equipment, and a second transmission unit that transmits authentication information to the control device for authenticating permission to use information from the equipment as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information.

[0011] The management server according to the third feature includes a management unit that manages terms of use for obtaining permission to use information on equipment installed in a facility, a first transmission unit that transmits the terms of use to a terminal device that reads access information output from a control device that operates the equipment, and a second transmission unit that transmits authentication information to the control device for authenticating permission to use information on the equipment as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information.

[0012] A remote controller according to a fourth aspect of the present invention operates a device installed in a facility. The remote controller includes a receiving unit that receives identification information of the device, and an output unit that outputs access information for accessing a usage agreement for obtaining permission to use information of the device, based on the identification information of the device.

[0013] A licensing method according to a fifth feature includes the steps of: transmitting identification information of a device installed in a facility to a remote controller that operates the device; and outputting, by the remote controller, access information for accessing terms of use for obtaining permission to use information of the device, based on the identification information of the device. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a licensing system, management server, remote controller, and licensing method that enable users to easily check the terms of use for using information from equipment installed in a facility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a license system 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the license system 100 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a usage scene according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a usage permission method according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a usage scene according to the first modification. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a usage permission method according to the first modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a usage permission method according to the second modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a usage permission method according to the third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic.

[0017] [Embodiment] (Outline of the license system) A schematic configuration of a license system according to an embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the license system 100 includes a facility 10, a terminal device 20, a server 30, and a server 40. The facility 10, the terminal device 20, the server 30, and the server 40 are connected by a network 120. The network 120 is the Internet. The network 120 may include a dedicated line such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or may include a mobile communication network.

[0018] The facility 10 is a facility that has at least an apparatus (in FIG. 1, a fuel cell device 210) and a remote controller 230. Although not particularly limited, the facility 10 may be a non-commercial facility such as a residence, or a commercial facility such as an office or a store. The facility 10 may also be a factory.

[0019] For example, the facility 10 includes a fuel cell device 210, a water heating device 220, a remote controller 230, and an EMS (Energy Management System) 240.

[0020] The fuel cell device 210 is a distributed power source that generates power using fuel. The fuel cell device 210 is an example of a device provided in the facility 10. For example, the fuel cell device 210 is composed of a PCS and a fuel cell.

[0021] For example, the fuel cell device 210 may be a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell), a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC: Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell), or a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC: Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell).

[0022] The water heater 220 has a hot water tank and maintains or increases the amount of water (hot water) stored in the hot water tank, or maintains or increases the temperature of the water (hot water) stored in the hot water tank, using exhaust heat from the fuel cell device 210. Such control may be referred to as boiling the water stored in the hot water tank.

[0023] Remote controller 230 is an example of a control device connected to fuel cell device 210. For example, remote controller 230 is connected to fuel cell device 210 and water heating device 220 by a communication line. The communication line may be wireless or wired. Remote controller 230 is a controller mainly for operating water heating device 220. Remote controller 230 may also be used as a controller for operating fuel cell device 210.

[0024] For example, remote controller 230 has touch panel 231. Touch panel 231 is used to display various information (such as the state of water heating apparatus 220) and may be used to input various information (such as operation instructions for water heating apparatus 220).

[0025] The EMS 240 manages the power of the facility 10. For example, the EMS 240 may manage the forward flow power of the facility 10, or may manage the reverse flow power of the facility 10. The EMS 240 may manage the operating state of the fuel cell apparatus 210, or may manage the operating state of the water heating apparatus 220.

[0026] The terminal device 20 is a terminal device carried by a user. The terminal device 20 may be a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0027] The server 30 is a server that manages the fuel cell device 210 provided in the facility 10. Although not particularly limited, the server 30 may be a server managed by an entity that provides or manufactures the fuel cell device 210. For example, the server 30 may collect information (output power, operating state, etc.) of the fuel cell device 210 for the purpose of maintenance of the fuel cell device 210 or the like. Alternatively, the server 30 may collect information (output power, operating state, etc.) of the fuel cell device 210 for the purpose of optimizing the operation of the fuel cell device 210 or the like. The information collected by the server 30 may be used for purposes other than those mentioned above.

[0028] In the embodiment, the server 30 manages the terms of use for obtaining permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210. The server 30 may manage the terms of use in association with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0029] Here, the identification information of the fuel cell device 210 is at least information that enables the fuel cell device 210 installed in the facility 10 to be distinguished from fuel cell devices installed in other facilities. For example, the identification information may be the serial number of the fuel cell device 210. The identification information may include the manufacturer's name and model number of the fuel cell device 210. However, the manufacturer's name and model number of the fuel cell device 210 alone cannot serve as identification information. For example, the server 30 may manage the terms of use in a memory area specified by a different URL for each fuel cell device 210.

[0030] Server 40 is a server that manages water heating apparatus 220 provided in facility 10. Although not particularly limited, server 40 is a server managed by an entity that provides or manufactures water heating apparatus 220. The entity that provides or manufactures water heating apparatus 220 may be different from the entity that provides or manufactures fuel cell apparatus 210. Server 40 may collect information such as the operating status of water heating apparatus 220.

[0031] (Functional block of the license system) The following describes the functional blocks of the usage permission system according to the embodiment, focusing mainly on the fuel cell device 210, the remote controller 230, the terminal device 20, and the server 30.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell device 210 includes a communication unit 211 and a control unit 212.

[0033] The communication unit 211 includes a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, or 5G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.3.

[0034] In this embodiment, the communication unit 211 has at least a function of communicating with the remote controller 230. The communication unit 211 constitutes a transmission unit that transmits identification information of the fuel cell device 210 to the remote controller 230.

[0035] The control unit 212 includes at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by a plurality of circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) communicatively connected to each other.

[0036] In an embodiment, the control unit 212 controls the fuel cell device 210. The control unit 212 may instruct the communication unit 211 to transmit the identification information in response to the start of a setting procedure for the fuel cell device 210. The setting procedure for the fuel cell device 210 may be included in a procedure for connecting the fuel cell device 210 to the remote controller 230. The setting procedure for the fuel cell device 210 may be interpreted as a procedure for registering the fuel cell device 210 with the server 30.

[0037] The remote controller 230 includes a communication unit 232 , an output unit 233 , an input unit 234 , a storage unit 235 , and a control unit 236 .

[0038] The communication unit 232 includes a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, or 5G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.3.

[0039] In an embodiment, the communication unit 232 constitutes a receiving unit that receives the identification information from the fuel cell device 210. The communication unit 232 may constitute a second receiving unit that receives an authorization confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210 as a result of accessing the terms of use by the access information.

[0040] The output unit 233 outputs various information by sound or image. In an embodiment, the output unit 233 may be the above-mentioned touch panel 231. For example, the output unit 233 constitutes an output unit that outputs access information for accessing terms of use for obtaining permission to use information of the fuel cell device 210 based on the identification information of the fuel cell device 210. The output unit 233 may constitute a display unit that displays the access information in the form of a two-dimensional barcode or the like. The access information may be a URL that specifies a storage area in which the terms of use are managed.

[0041] Input unit 234 is an input unit for inputting various information. In an embodiment, input unit 234 may be the above-mentioned touch panel 231. For example, input unit 234 is used to input operation instructions to water heating apparatus 220, etc.

[0042] The storage unit 235 is configured with a storage medium such as a non-volatile memory and / or a HDD. The storage unit 235 may store identification information of the fuel cell device 210. The storage unit 235 may store access information specified by the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0043] The control unit 236 includes at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by a plurality of circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) communicatively connected to each other.

[0044] In an embodiment, the control unit 236 controls the remote controller 230. In response to receiving the identification information of the fuel cell device 210, the control unit 236 may instruct the output unit 233 to output (in an embodiment, display) the access information.

[0045] The terminal device 20 includes a communication unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, a display unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[0046] The communication unit 21 includes a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, or 5G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.3.

[0047] In the embodiment, the communication unit 21 may have a function of communicating with the server 30. The communication unit 21 receives the terms of use from the server 30 by accessing the server 30 based on the access information.

[0048] The acquisition unit 22 acquires the access information from the remote controller 230. In the embodiment, the acquisition unit 22 may be a reader that reads a two-dimensional barcode. For example, the acquisition unit 22 may be configured by a camera that captures an image of the two-dimensional barcode.

[0049] The display unit 23 displays various information. In the embodiment, the display unit 23 displays the terms of use received from the server 30. Although not particularly limited, the display unit 23 may be configured with a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL. The display unit 23 may be configured with a touch panel that allows various information to be input.

[0050] The control unit 24 includes at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by a plurality of circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) communicatively connected to each other.

[0051] In the embodiment, the control unit 24 controls the terminal device 20. The control unit 24 may instruct the communication unit 21 to access the terms of use stored in the server 30 in response to obtaining (reading, in the embodiment) the access information.

[0052] The server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a management unit 32, and a control unit 33.

[0053] The communication unit 31 includes a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n, ZigBee, Wi-SUN, LTE, or 5G, or may be a wired communication module conforming to a standard such as IEEE802.3.

[0054] In the embodiment, the communication unit 31 may have a function of communicating with the terminal device 20 and the remote controller 230. The communication unit 31 constitutes a first transmission unit that transmits the terms of use to the terminal device 20. The communication unit 31 constitutes a second transmission unit that transmits permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the remote controller 230 as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information.

[0055] The management unit 32 is configured with a storage medium such as a non-volatile memory and / or a HDD. As described above, the management unit 32 manages the terms of use for obtaining permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210. The server 30 may manage the terms of use in association with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210. For example, the server 30 may manage the terms of use in a storage area designated by a different URL for each fuel cell device 210.

[0056] The control unit 33 includes at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured by a single integrated circuit (IC), or may be configured by a plurality of circuits (such as integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits) communicatively connected to each other.

[0057] In an embodiment, the control unit 33 may instruct the communication unit 31 to transmit the terms of use in response to access to the terms of use. The control unit 33 may instruct the communication unit 31 to transmit permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 in response to permission (agreement) to the terms of use.

[0058] (Usage scenario) A usage scene of the embodiment will be described below. In Fig. 3, the operation of the fuel cell device 210 is omitted.

[0059] 3, first, the remote controller 230 displays access information for accessing the terms of use for obtaining permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210. For example, the access information is displayed in the form of a two-dimensional barcode. The remote controller 230 may display a message prompting access to the terms of use together with the access information.

[0060] Here, the access information is displayed based on the identification information of the fuel cell device 210. For example, the access information is information for accessing the terms of use in a storage area designated by a different URL for each fuel cell device 210 (for example, a URL corresponding to the identification information).

[0061] Second, the terminal device 20 reads the access information. For example, the terminal device 20 reads the access information by capturing an image of the identification information with a camera.

[0062] Thirdly, based on the read access information, the terminal device 20 accesses the terms of use managed by the server 30. For example, the terminal device 20 accesses a storage area specified by a URL included in the access information.

[0063] Fourth, the server 30 transmits the terms of use associated with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210 to the terminal device 20.

[0064] Fifth, the terminal device 20 displays the terms of use received from the server 30.

[0065] Sixth, the terminal device 20 transmits permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the server 30 in response to a user operation. For example, the user operation is an operation of selecting "Agree" displayed on the terminal device 20. Such permission is a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information.

[0066] Seventh, the server 30 manages the permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210. Since the access information is displayed based on the identification information of the fuel cell device 210, the server 30 can know which fuel cell device 210 the permission is for.

[0067] Eighth, the server 30 transmits a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the remote controller 230. The permission confirmation is a message indicating that the permission has been confirmed by the server 30. The communication between the remote controller 230 and the server 30 may have been established in the setting procedure of the fuel cell device 210. By transmitting the permission to the remote controller 230, transmission of the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the server 30 is started.

[0068] (Usage permission method) The license method according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0069] 4, in step S10, a setting procedure for the fuel cell device 210 is started. In the setting procedure, communication is established between the fuel cell device 210 and the remote controller 230. In the setting procedure, communication is established between the remote controller 230 and the server 30.

[0070] In step S 11 , the fuel cell device 210 transmits identification information of the fuel cell device 210 to the remote controller 230 .

[0071] In step S12, the remote controller 230 displays access information for accessing the terms of use for obtaining permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 based on the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0072] In step S13, the terminal device 20 reads the access information displayed on the remote controller 230.

[0073] In step S14, the terminal device 20 accesses the server 30 based on the access information.

[0074] In step S15, the server 30 transmits the terms of use corresponding to the access information to the terminal device 20. The terms of use corresponding to the access information are associated with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0075] In step S16, the terminal device 20 displays the terms of use received from the server 30.

[0076] In step S17, the terminal device 20 transmits permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the server 30 as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information.

[0077] In step S18, the server 30 manages the permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210. The permission is managed in association with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0078] In step S 19 , the server 30 transmits to the remote controller 230 a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210 .

[0079] In step S20, the remote controller 230 transmits a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the fuel cell device 210.

[0080] In step S100, transmission of information about the fuel cell device 210 is started. The information about the fuel cell device 210 may be transmitted directly from the fuel cell device 210 to the server 30. The information about the fuel cell device 210 may be transmitted to the server 30 via at least one of the remote controller 230 and the EMS 240.

[0081] At least one of the fuel cell device 210, the remote controller 230, and the EMS 240 may not transmit the information of the fuel cell device 210 if permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 is not obtained.

[0082] 4, the condition for starting transmission of information from the fuel cell device 210 includes transmission of permission confirmation to the remote controller 230 and the fuel cell device 210. However, the condition for starting transmission of information from the fuel cell device 210 may be satisfied in a state where permission is managed by the server 30. In such a case, the processes of steps S19 and S20 may be omitted.

[0083] (Action and Effects) In the embodiment, the remote controller 230 outputs access information for accessing the terms of use for obtaining permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210, based on the identification information of the fuel cell device 210. With this configuration, even in a situation where the terminal device 20 used to view the terms of use cannot directly grasp the identification information of the fuel cell device 210, the server 30 can grasp the correspondence between the identification information of the fuel cell device 210 and the terms of use. In other words, the user can easily confirm the terms of use for using the information of the fuel cell device 210 while identifying the fuel cell device 210 that is the subject of permission.

[0084] Here, consider the case where remote controller 230 is a controller for operating water heating apparatus 220. In such a case, server 30 to which information of fuel cell apparatus 210 is transmitted is different from server 40 which manages remote controller 230 (water heating apparatus 220). Therefore, from the viewpoint of information management, it is not normally permitted for remote controller 230 to transmit information to server 30.

[0085] However, according to the embodiment, remote controller 230 outputs access information for accessing the terms of use for obtaining permission to use the information of fuel cell device 210, based on the identification information of fuel cell device 210. With such a configuration, the terms of use can be easily viewed by terminal device 20, and permission to use the information of fuel cell device 210 can be obtained appropriately. Furthermore, this mechanism for obtaining permission allows remote controller 230 to transmit information of fuel cell device 210 to server 30 that does not directly manage remote controller 230 (hot water heating device 220).

[0086] [Change Example 1] Modification 1 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0087] In the first modified example, a case will be described in which input of authentication information is requested when permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 is given. In such a case, the communication unit 31 of the server 30 constitutes a second transmission unit that transmits authentication information to the remote controller 230 for authenticating permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 as a result of accessing the terms of use by the access information. The input unit 234 of the remote controller 230 constitutes an input unit that inputs authentication information for authenticating permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 as a result of accessing the terms of use by the access information. Although not particularly limited, the authentication information may be a combination of a predetermined number of letters and numbers. The authentication information may also be a one-time password issued each time the terms of use are accessed.

[0088] Here, when the authentication information is not a one-time password, the storage unit 235 of the remote controller 230 may store the authentication information input in the setting procedure of the fuel cell device 210. In such a case, the control unit 236 of the remote controller 230 may determine whether the authentication information input to the input unit 234 matches the authentication information stored in the storage unit 235 in the second or subsequent access to the terms of use. If the two match, the communication unit 232 of the remote controller 230 may transmit permission or authentication information for using the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the server 30. Although not particularly limited, the second or subsequent access to the terms of use may be an access to the terms of use retried after the network 120 is interrupted, or may be an access to the changed terms of use as described in the second modification example.

[0089] (Usage scenario) The following describes a usage scene of the modified example 1. In Fig. 5, the operation of the fuel cell device 210 is omitted. Descriptions that overlap with the usage scene of the above-mentioned embodiment (see Fig. 3) will be omitted.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 5, first, the remote controller 230 displays access information for accessing the terms of use for obtaining permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0091] Second, the terminal device 20 reads the access information. For example, the terminal device 20 reads the access information by capturing an image of the identification information with a camera.

[0092] Thirdly, based on the read access information, the terminal device 20 accesses the terms of use managed by the server 30. For example, the terminal device 20 accesses a storage area specified by a URL included in the access information.

[0093] Fourth, the server 30 transmits the terms of use associated with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210 to the terminal device 20. In the first modification, the server 30 transmits the authentication information together with the terms of use to the terminal device 20. However, the server 30 may transmit the authentication information separately from the terms of use.

[0094] Fifth, the terminal device 20 displays the terms of use received from the server 30. In the first modification, the terminal device 20 displays the authentication information together with the terms of use. However, the terminal device 20 may display the authentication information separately from the terms of use.

[0095] Sixth, the remote controller 230 accepts the input of the authentication information. The remote controller 230 may display a message prompting the input of the authentication information. The remote controller 230 transmits the authentication information to the server 30 in response to the input of the authentication information.

[0096] Seventh, the server 30 determines whether the authentication information sent to the terminal device 20 matches the authentication information received from the remote controller 230. If the two match, the server 30 determines that permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 has been obtained. If the two do not match, the server 30 determines that permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 has not been obtained. The server 30 manages the permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0097] Eighth, the server 30 transmits a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the remote controller 230 .

[0098] (Usage permission method) The following describes a usage permission method according to Modification Example 1. The operation of step S100 is the same as in FIG.

[0099] 6, in step S30, a setting procedure for the fuel cell device 210 is started. In the setting procedure, communication is established between the fuel cell device 210 and the remote controller 230. In the setting procedure, communication is established between the remote controller 230 and the server 30.

[0100] In step S 31 , the fuel cell device 210 transmits identification information of the fuel cell device 210 to the remote controller 230 .

[0101] In step S32, the remote controller 230 displays access information for accessing the terms of use for obtaining permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 based on the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0102] In step S33, the terminal device 20 reads the access information displayed on the remote controller 230.

[0103] In step S34, the terminal device 20 accesses the server 30 based on the access information.

[0104] In step S35, the server 30 transmits the terms of use corresponding to the access information to the terminal device 20. The terms of use corresponding to the access information are associated with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210. The server 30 transmits authentication information to the terminal device 20 together with the terms of use.

[0105] In step S36, the terminal device 20 displays the terms of use received from the server 30.

[0106] In step S37, the remote controller 230 accepts the input of the authentication information and transmits the authentication information to the server 30. The input of the authentication information can be considered as permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0107] In step S38, the server 30 manages the permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 according to the result of comparing the authentication information transmitted in step S35 with the authentication information received in step S37. Specifically, the server 30 may determine whether the authentication information transmitted in step S35 matches the authentication information received in step S37. If the two match, the server 30 determines that permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 has been obtained and manages the permission. If the two do not match, the server 30 determines that permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 has been obtained. The server 30 may transmit a message to the remote controller 230 indicating that the two do not match or that the authentication is an error. The permission is managed in association with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0108] In step S39, the server 30 transmits to the remote controller 230 a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0109] In step S40, the remote controller 230 transmits to the fuel cell device 210 a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0110] At least one of the fuel cell device 210, the remote controller 230 and the EMS 240 may not transmit information about the fuel cell device 210 if authentication information is not input or if the authentication information does not match.

[0111] 6, the conditions for starting transmission of information from the fuel cell device 210 include transmission of permission confirmation to the remote controller 230 and the fuel cell device 210. However, the conditions for starting transmission of information from the fuel cell device 210 may be met in a state where permission is managed by the server 30. In such a case, the processes of steps S39 and S40 may be omitted.

[0112] (Action and Effects) In the first modification, the remote controller 230 has an input unit 234 for inputting authentication information for authenticating permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information. With this configuration, security regarding permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 is improved.

[0113] In the first modification, the remote controller 230 may store the authentication information input in the setting procedure of the fuel cell device 210. With such a configuration, it is possible to omit re-input of the authentication information when accessing the terms of use for the second or subsequent times.

[0114] [Change Example 2] Modification 2 of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0115] In the second modification, a case where the terms of use are changed will be described. Specifically, when the terms of use are changed, the server 30 transmits a change notification indicating that the terms of use have been changed to the remote controller 230. In such a case, the communication unit 232 of the remote controller 230 constitutes a first receiving unit that receives the change notification indicating that the terms of use have been changed. The output unit 233 outputs access information in response to the change notification.

[0116] Here, the server 30 may change the terms of use in the storage area accessed in the setting procedure of the fuel cell device 210. If the storage unit 235 of the remote controller 230 stores the access information in the setting procedure, the access information used in the setting procedure can be reused.

[0117] (Usage permission method) The following describes the license method according to the second modification.

[0118] 7, in step S50, the server 30 changes the terms of use. The server 30 may change the terms of use in a storage area accessed in the setting procedure of the fuel cell device 210.

[0119] In step S51, the server 30 transmits to the remote controller 230 a change notification indicating that the terms of use have been changed.

[0120] In step S52, the remote controller 230 displays access information for accessing the changed terms of use. The access information may be the same as the access information used in the setting procedure. In response to receiving the change notification, the remote controller 230 may notify the user of the change in the terms of use. Such a notification may be an alert sound output or an image display.

[0121] In step S53, the terminal device 20 reads the access information displayed on the remote controller 230.

[0122] In step S54, the terminal device 20 accesses the server 30 based on the access information.

[0123] In step S55, the server 30 transmits the terms of use corresponding to the access information to the terminal device 20. The terms of use corresponding to the access information are associated with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0124] In step S56, the terminal device 20 displays the terms of use received from the server 30.

[0125] In step S57, the terminal device 20 transmits to the server 30 permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information.

[0126] In step S58, the server 30 manages the permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210. The permission is managed in association with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0127] In step S 59 , the server 30 transmits to the remote controller 230 a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210 .

[0128] In step S60, the remote controller 230 transmits a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the fuel cell device 210.

[0129] In step S200, the transmission of information of the fuel cell device 210 continues. The information of the fuel cell device 210 may be transmitted directly from the fuel cell device 210 to the server 30. The information of the fuel cell device 210 may be transmitted to the server 30 via at least one of the remote controller 230 and the EMS 240.

[0130] At least one of the fuel cell device 210, the remote controller 230 and the EMS 240 may stop transmitting the information of the fuel cell device 210 if permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 is not obtained.

[0131] 7, the conditions for continuing the transmission of information from the fuel cell device 210 include the transmission of permission confirmation to the remote controller 230 and the fuel cell device 210. However, the conditions for continuing the transmission of information from the fuel cell device 210 may be met with permission being managed by the server 30. In such a case, the processes of steps S59 and S60 may be omitted.

[0132] (Action and Effects) In the second modification, the remote controller 230 displays access information for accessing the terms of use in response to receiving a change notification indicating that the terms of use have been changed. With this configuration, even if the terms of use have been changed, the user can be made aware of the change in the terms of use through the remote controller 230, and can be prompted to consent to the changed terms of use.

[0133] In the second modification, the remote controller 230 stores the access information used in the setting procedure. Furthermore, the server 30 changes the terms of use in the storage area accessed in the setting procedure. With this configuration, there is no need to change the access information before and after the change in the terms of use, and access to the terms of use is easy.

[0134] [Change Example 3] The third modification of the embodiment will be described below. Differences from the embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0135] In the embodiment, the access information is displayed in the form of a two-dimensional barcode, and is read by the terminal device 20. In contrast, in the third modification, the access information is information transmitted by a short-range wireless method such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or RFID (Radio Frequency IDentifier), and is received by the terminal device 20. In such a case, the acquisition unit 22 of the terminal device 20 acquires the access information by short-range wireless communication. The access information may include identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0136] (Usage permission method) The following describes a usage permission method according to Modification Example 3. The operation of step S100 is the same as in FIG. 4, so the description of step S100 will be omitted.

[0137] 8, in step S70, a setting procedure for the fuel cell device 210 is started. In the setting procedure, communication is established between the fuel cell device 210 and the remote controller 230. In the setting procedure, communication is established between the remote controller 230 and the server 30.

[0138] In step S 71 , the fuel cell device 210 transmits identification information of the fuel cell device 210 to the remote controller 230 .

[0139] In step S72, the remote controller 230 transmits access information for accessing the terms of use of the fuel cell device 210 to the terminal device 20. The access information includes the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0140] In step S73, the terminal device 20 accesses the server 30 based on the access information. When accessing the server 30, the terminal device 20 transmits identification information to the server 30.

[0141] In step S74, the server 30 transmits to the terminal device 20 the terms of use corresponding to the identification information.

[0142] In step S75, the terminal device 20 displays the terms of use received from the server 30.

[0143] In step S76, the terminal device 20 transmits permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the server 30 as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information.

[0144] In step S77, the server 30 manages the permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210. The permission is managed in association with the identification information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0145] In step S78, the server 30 transmits to the remote controller 230 a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210.

[0146] In step S79, the remote controller 230 transmits a permission confirmation regarding the information of the fuel cell device 210 to the fuel cell device 210.

[0147] 8, the conditions for starting transmission of information about the fuel cell device 210 include transmission of permission confirmation to the remote controller 230 and the fuel cell device 210. However, the conditions for starting transmission of information about the fuel cell device 210 may be met in a state where permission is managed by the server 30. In such a case, the processes of steps S78 and S79 may be omitted.

[0148] 8, the terminal device 20 transmits identification information to the server 30 when accessing the server 30. However, the third modification example is not limited to this. For example, based on the same concept as the embodiment, the access information may be information for accessing the terms of use associated with the identification information without including the identification information.

[0149] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described by the above-mentioned embodiment, the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0150] In the embodiment, the fuel cell device 210 is exemplified as the device installed in the facility 10. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The device installed in the facility 10 may be a distributed power source such as a solar cell device, a power storage device, a wind power generation device, or a geothermal power generation device. The device installed in the facility 10 may be a home appliance such as an air conditioner or a lighting device. In these cases, an entity that provides or manufactures the device installed in the facility 10 may be different from an entity that provides or manufactures the device controlled by the remote controller 230.

[0151] In the embodiment, the case where the remote controller 230 is provided separately from the EMS 240 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The EMS 240 may function as a remote controller.

[0152] Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, at least some of the functions of the EMS 240 may be executed by a cloud server connected to the network 120. The EMS 240 may be considered to include a cloud server. In such a case, at least some of the functions of the EMS 240 may be realized by an application running on the terminal device 20 described above.

[0153] In the first modification, a case has been exemplified in which the server 30 judges whether the authentication information input to the remote controller 230 matches the authentication information stored in the server 30. However, the first modification is not limited to this. The server 30 may transmit the authentication information to the terminal device 20 and also to the remote controller 230. In such a case, the storage unit 235 of the remote controller 230 may store the authentication information received from the server 30. The control unit 236 of the remote controller 230 may judge whether the authentication information input to the input unit 234 matches the authentication information stored in the storage unit 235. If the two match, the communication unit 232 of the remote controller 230 may transmit permission to use the information of the fuel cell device 210 or authentication information to the server 30. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 10...facility, 20...terminal device, 21...communication unit, 22...acquisition unit, 23...display unit, 24...control unit, 30...server, 31...communication unit, 32...management unit, 33...control unit, 40...server, 100...licensing system, 120...network, 210...fuel cell device, 211...communication unit, 212...control unit, 220...hot water heater, 230...remote controller, 231...touch panel, 232...communication unit, 233...output unit, 234...input unit, 235...storage unit, 236...control unit, 240...EMS

Claims

1. Equipment provided at the facility; A remote controller for operating the device, the device includes a transmission unit that transmits identification information of the device to the remote controller; The remote controller includes an output unit that outputs access information for accessing terms of use for obtaining permission to use information of the device based on identification information of the device.

2. 2. The license system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit includes a display unit that displays the access information.

3. The terms of use are managed in a state associated with identification information of the device, 3. The license system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the access information for accessing the terms of use associated with the device identification information.

4. the remote controller includes a first receiving unit that receives a change notification indicating that the terms of use have been changed; 4. The license system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the access information in response to the change notification.

5. 5. The license system according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller includes a storage unit that stores the access information.

6. 2. The license system according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller comprises a second receiving unit configured to receive a license confirmation relating to information on the device as a result of accessing the terms of use by means of the access information.

7. The license system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the remote controller is provided with an input unit for inputting authentication information for authenticating permission to use information of the device as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information.

8. a management department that manages terms of use for obtaining permission to use information from devices installed in the facility; a first transmission unit that transmits the terms of use to a terminal device that reads access information output from a control device that operates the device; a second transmission unit that transmits permission to use information of the device to the control device as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information.

9. a management department that manages terms of use for obtaining permission to use information from devices installed in the facility; a first transmission unit that transmits the terms of use to a terminal device that reads access information output from a control device that operates the device; a second transmission unit that transmits, to the control device, authentication information for authenticating permission to use information on the device as a result of accessing the terms of use using the access information; and

10. A remote controller for operating equipment installed in a facility, A receiving unit that receives the identification information of the device; A remote controller including an output unit that outputs access information for accessing terms of use for obtaining permission to use information of the device based on the identification information of the device.

11. transmitting identification information of a device provided in a facility to a remote controller that operates the device; and a step of outputting, by the remote controller, access information for accessing terms of use for obtaining permission to use information of the device, based on the identification information of the device.

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