Maintenance support system, and maintenance support method

Abstract

To reduce time and economic constraints on apparatus replacement.SOLUTION: A maintenance support system for transmitting prescribed information on the basis of information acquired from an apparatus being a maintenance object includes a state estimation unit for predicting a deterioration level of the apparatus and its duration on the basis of operation information acquired periodically from the apparatus, an assessment amount calculation unit for calculating an assessment amount according to the predicted deterioration level on the basis of assessment reference determined in each model of the apparatus, and a state determination unit for determining whether to notify a user of the apparatus of assessment information including the assessment amount on the basis of the predicted deterioration level and its duration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance support system and a maintenance support method that presents to a user the appropriate timing for selling a product that is currently in use. [Background technology]

[0002] Recycling of home appliances and other products is being carried out from the viewpoint of environmental protection, etc. In addition, it is expected that home appliance manufacturers will proactively purchase old appliances at a reasonable price, which will not only recycle the products but also motivate consumers (users) to purchase new products, leading to sales promotion.

[0003] Conventionally, an invention of this type is shown in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses technology relating to a ledger management system that targets equipment that is the subject of buying and selling used goods, estimates the vehicle condition using information related to driving operations, information indicating the vehicle behavior, and usage history information including driving modes, calculates an estimated vehicle evaluation value, and transmits it to the owner's terminal.

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, the usage history and maintenance information of the transaction object are managed by a distributed ledger. Therefore, all users can use the same information recorded in the distributed ledger to commonly understand the condition of the transaction object, and ultimately the value of the transaction object that is the basis of the transaction, thereby realizing fair transactions with high transparency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-149320 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in conventional technologies such as Patent Document 1, the time when a user wants to know the appraisal information may not coincide with the time when a manufacturer wants to convey it. In other words, while a user is likely to consider replacing an item due to events such as changes in life stages, changes in tastes, or moving, a manufacturer may want to encourage replacement when the item can be used as a second-hand or refurbished item, or when deterioration has progressed to the point where stable operation may be impaired.

[0007] In addition, while each has its own needs, users rarely actively seek out appraisal information when there are no events as described above and the device is operating normally. On the other hand, even if a user is not considering replacing the device, there may be cases where the device suddenly needs to be replaced due to a breakdown or other reason.

[0008] In such cases, users often need a replacement as soon as possible, and not only does the breakdown cause inconvenience, but buying a new one is also a financial and time burden. It is also an issue for manufacturers, as they may not be able to provide products that meet the needs of users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a maintenance support system that transmits specified information based on information obtained from equipment to be maintained, and is configured to include a state estimation unit that predicts the deterioration level of the equipment and its duration based on operating information obtained periodically from the equipment, an assessment amount calculation unit that calculates an assessment amount according to the predicted deterioration level based on assessment standards established for each type of equipment, and a state determination unit that determines whether to notify the user of the equipment of assessment information including the assessment amount based on the predicted deterioration level and its duration. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, by adjusting the time when the user wants to know the assessed price of the equipment and the time when the manufacturer wants to inform the user by using state estimation based on data, it is possible to reduce restrictions on replacing equipment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a maintenance support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the processing of the maintenance support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a data example of operation information of a target device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is an example of a notification condition database in a notification condition storage unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 3 is an example of an assessment information database in an assessment information storage unit in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 13 is a screen display example of assessment details in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is an example of a weighting table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a maintenance support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of a maintenance support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a product information database according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a usage model according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13 is an example of an inventory management database according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a maintenance support system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of a screen display of a management report in still another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0013] (1) Overall system configuration and functions of each part Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a maintenance support system in this embodiment. First, the overall configuration of the maintenance support system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In this description, the target device is a household washer / dryer, and the owner is the user (user) of the device. The maintenance support system 100 is made up of various devices used at the installation location 10 of the device to be maintained and at the remote monitoring center 30.

[0014] Here, the maintenance target device installation location 10 is, for example, within a home, where a home gateway 4 is installed. The home gateway 4 has a short-distance wireless data communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and can communicate with the target device.

[0015] Moreover, a home electric appliance, which is an example of the target appliance, is installed at the maintenance target appliance installation location 10. In this embodiment, a home electric appliance, a washer / dryer 1, is installed at the maintenance target appliance installation location 10. This appliance can communicate with the home gateway 4 by a short-distance wireless data communication function. Note that the home gateway 4 and the appliance may communicate with each other by wire.

[0016] Furthermore, the home gateway 4 can be connected to a server (maintenance support server) 3 of a maintenance company provided in a remote monitoring center 30 via the Internet 5, which is an example of a network. The maintenance support server 3 receives operation information indicating the operation status of the washer / dryer 1 via the home gateway 4. The maintenance support server 3 has a function of executing state estimation using the operation information.

[0017] The maintenance support server 3 can also be connected to a user terminal 2, such as a mobile phone used by a user, via the Internet 5. The above-mentioned operation information may be transmitted from each home appliance to the maintenance support server 3 via the user terminal 2. In this case, the operation information may be communicated in the order of the home appliance (washer / dryer 1) → user terminal 2 → home gateway 4 → Internet 5 → maintenance support server 3, or may be communicated directly from the user terminal 2 to the maintenance support server 3 via the Internet 5 without going through the home gateway 4. The user terminal 2 can be realized by an information processing device (computer) having a communication function, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

[0018] In this embodiment, a home washer / dryer 1 is used as an example of a home appliance, but the same can be said for refrigerators and air conditioners. The maintenance targets of the maintenance support system 100 are not limited to home appliances, but may be industrial equipment such as robots, consumer equipment such as other home appliances, or equipment that can be rented or bought and sold as second-hand goods.

[0019] In addition, the washer / dryer 1 is described as being owned by the user for his / her own use, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where a large number of devices are owned for the purpose of being used by others, such as a coin laundry. In this case, the user is an administrator, and the user mobile terminal 2 is a mobile terminal of the administrator, such as the owner of the coin laundry.

[0020] First, in addition to the normal washing and drying function, washer / dryer 1 is equipped with information receiving unit 11, information transmitting unit 12, display unit 13, and information acquiring unit 14. Information acquiring unit 14 acquires predetermined operation information of washer / dryer 1. Then, information acquiring unit 14 uses information transmitting unit 12 to transmit the operation information of washer / dryer 1 periodically, such as at regular intervals, to maintenance support diagnosis server 3 via Internet 5.

[0021] Furthermore, information acquiring unit 14 acquires location information and an appliance identification number of washer / dryer 1 in addition to the operation information. Information receiving unit 12 can receive information from other devices such as maintenance support server 3 and display the contents of the information on display unit 13.

[0022] The user terminal 2 includes an information receiving unit 21, an information transmitting unit 22, a display unit 23, and a device management unit 24. Here, the display unit 23 includes an input unit for the user to perform various operations, and may be configured to have both a display function and an input function, such as a touch panel.

[0023] The device management unit 24 controls various processes and the overall operation of the user terminal 2, and is composed of a processor and a storage device, both of which are not shown.

[0024] The maintenance support server 3 includes an information receiving unit 31, an information transmitting unit 32, a state estimating unit 33, a state determining unit 34, an assessment amount calculating unit 35, a result storing unit 36, a notification condition storing unit 301, and an assessment condition storing unit 302. When the state determining unit 34 determines that the state of the target device (the washer / dryer 1 in this embodiment) estimated by the state estimating unit 33 requires notification, the assessment amount calculating unit 35 calculates an assessment amount, and the information transmitting unit 32 notifies the user via the Internet 5.

[0025] The result of the determination by status determination unit 34, the status estimation result of the device used in the determination, and the notification history are stored in result storage unit 36. Here, the notification destination is either or both of user terminal 2 and washer / dryer 1, and information related to the assessment result is displayed on at least one of display unit 13 and display unit 23.

[0026] The maintenance support server 3 can be realized by an information processing device (computer). In this case, it is preferable that a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) executes various processes described later according to each program for the state estimation unit 33, state determination unit 34, and assessment amount calculation unit 35. Each unit may also be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0027] The notification condition storage unit 301 mainly records notification conditions including whether or not notification is required for the deterioration level of the target device as shown in Fig. 4, and the assessment information storage unit 302 mainly records information for calculating the assessment amount of the target device as shown in Fig. 5. These can be realized by a storage medium such as a HDD, and each program can be stored therein. Note that the various information and databases may be configured separately from the maintenance support server 3.

[0028] (2) Treatment method Next, the main processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the maintenance support server 3 in this embodiment, with the processing proceeding from left to right. Also, the storage unit referenced in each processing is described.

[0029] First, the information receiving unit 31 receives operation information from the washer-dryer 1 (process S310). Then, the state estimating unit 33 performs state estimation regarding the degree of deterioration of the washer-dryer 1 based on the received operation information, and predicts the deterioration level of the washer-dryer 1 and the duration of that level (process S311, process S312).

[0030] For this purpose, the state estimation unit 33 has a deterioration estimation model 33A in which the operating information and the tendency of changes in the calculated values ​​due to deterioration are expressed as functions for multiple degrees of deterioration for items that are assumed to have the potential to deteriorate in advance.

[0031] Based on this deterioration estimation model 33A, state estimation unit 33 calculates the degree of deterioration from the received operation information, and classifies it into levels such as level 1, level 2, etc. (the higher the deterioration level, the greater the degree of deterioration). Here, the operation information includes setting information of washer / dryer 1, operation data (operating time, integrated current, number of operations, number of high-load operations, sensor data), model information (product number, supplier identification information), malfunction information (alarm occurrence history, repair history), control data, and at least one of these calculated values. Fig. 3 shows an example of the operation information in the form of a data table.

[0032] Furthermore, the state estimation unit 33 predicts the duration of the calculated deterioration level. This prediction of the duration may be made by estimating the rate of progress from the amount of change between the previously calculated degree of deterioration and the current calculation result, or may be made by using an empirical period assumed for each level, and the duration is predicted as short (1 week), medium (3 months), or long (1 year), for example. When predicting the rate of progress, the past degree of deterioration and the calculation time stored in the result storage unit 36 ​​are used.

[0033] As will be described later, the duration may include items that are updated in conjunction with the assessment information database. Specifically, when there is a change in the assessment base amount determined by the product model, this is a value that directly affects the profit of the user at the time of sale, etc., and since it is considered to be of high urgency (immediate notification is required), the predicted value of the duration is determined to be "short" regardless of the progress speed or empirical period. In this embodiment, it is preferable to perform processes S311 and S312 at a predetermined cycle.

[0034] Thereafter, the state determination unit 34 compares the calculated deterioration level and the predicted duration of this deterioration level with the notification condition database stored in the notification condition storage unit 301 (process S313). Here, Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the notification condition database in a table format. The notification condition database is information in which the deterioration level of the device, the predicted duration of the deterioration level, the necessity of notification, and the notification frequency are associated with each other.

[0035] The notification frequency here refers to the number of days from the last notification until the next notification of the same content, which is predefined. In this embodiment, since it is desirable to perform processes S311 and S312 at a predetermined cycle, and state estimation is performed at regular intervals, the same result may be output for a while. For example, if the state estimation result shows that the degradation level is low (degradation level is "Level 1") and continues for a while, and the duration is short (duration prediction is "Short"), there is a high possibility that the degradation level will change (worsen) soon, so "Needed" is selected as the necessity of notification.

[0036] However, if the duration is long, the same state estimation result will continue for a long period of time, and the notification content will be the same during that time, so frequent notifications are not necessary. For this reason, the notification condition database is designed to set and manage notification frequencies.

[0037] If the state determination unit 34 determines that the predetermined notification condition is met as a result of the comparison process in process S313, the process proceeds to the assessment amount calculation unit 35 calculating the assessment amount (process S314). On the other hand, if the state determination unit 34 determines that the notification condition is not met, the process determines that there is no need to notify the assessment amount, and returns to the information reception (process S310).

[0038] The assessment amount calculation unit 35 calculates the assessment amount of the washer / dryer 1 using the assessment information database stored in the assessment information storage unit 302. Here, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the assessment information database in a table format. The assessment information database is information in which the deterioration level of the equipment, the assessment amount conversion coefficient for the deterioration level, and the assessment standard amount determined by the product model are associated with each other.

[0039] The assessment standard price determined by the product model may be variable. In other words, the assessment standard price may be reviewed from outside the support system in consideration of changes in the market price of unused products of the same model of the assessed product and the deterioration of parts over time.

[0040] Next, the information transmission unit 32 notifies the user portable terminal 2 and / or the washer / dryer 1 of the assessment details (process S315). That is, a notification is executed to the user. As an example of the notification method, a notification email may be sent to the user portable terminal 2, and the assessment details may be displayed on the screen when the user opens the received email, or the assessment details may be notified using a notification function of an application program in the equipment management unit 24.

[0041] When the assessment details are to be notified to the washer / dryer 1, the assessment details can be received by the information receiving unit 11 and then displayed on the display unit 13. In this case, the operation panel can be used as the display unit 13. It is also desirable that at least the latest data of the displayed details be stored in the information acquiring unit 14.

[0042] 6 shows an example of the screen display of the assessment contents displayed on the user terminal 2 and the washer / dryer 1. The assessment contents to be displayed include an assessment level qualitatively indicating the magnitude of the assessment amount, the assessment amount, the assessment amount expiration date, and a prediction of the duration of the assessment level. In addition to these, a proposal for an alternative product to the washer / dryer 1 may be displayed. As this alternative product, another product with similar specifications to the washer / dryer 1 currently being used may be proposed, or another alternative product that is considered more suitable for the user may be proposed using the user's past usage history, etc. (A method for proposing such an alternative product will be described in detail in Example 2 as an alternative product proposal system (advisory system)).

[0043] Also, the appraisal amount may be set for a plurality of conditions selectable by the user and displayed. The plurality of conditions selectable by the user may be a case where the user obtains a substitute by a means designated by the maintenance support system, a case where the user arranges a substitute by a method other than that designated, a case where the user does not need a substitute, etc., and the appraisal amount may be calculated by weighting each of the cases.

[0044] For example, using a weighting table such as that shown in FIG. 7, in the case of condition 1 (replacement: yes, replacement destination: company's direct sales site), the appraisal weighting coefficient is "1.0", so the appraisal price 801 in FIG. 6 is 40,000 yen, but if the user selects condition 3 (replacement: yes, replacement destination: mass retailer store), the appraisal weighting coefficient is "0.8", so the appraisal price 801 is calculated as 40,000 yen x 0.8 = 32,000 yen.

[0045] The assessed value is not limited to the purchase price in cash. For example, it may be points equivalent to cash that can be used on an EC site. In this case, more options can be offered to the user. Furthermore, depending on the site, the purchaser may be able to receive preferential treatment, which may reduce the financial burden on the user.

[0046] Furthermore, the displayed contents may be different between display unit 13 of the washer / dryer 1 and display unit 23 of the user terminal 2. When displayed on display unit 13 of the washer / dryer 1, the assessment information may be recorded in part of data collection unit 14 of the washer / dryer 1 so that it is not displayed all the time but can be displayed as needed. In this case, the assessment information includes the assessment level and the assessment time.

[0047] When displayed on the display unit 23 of the user terminal 2, the user may check the appraisal amount and, if he or she wishes to sell the washer / dryer 1 at the displayed appraisal amount, may send a purchase request via email or the equipment management unit 24.

[0048] (3) Effects of this embodiment As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, state estimation can be performed periodically based on operation information acquired from the washer-dryer 1. Here, the operation information can be acquired from sensors and circuit boards used for operation control and management of the washer-dryer 1. Therefore, the configuration allows state estimation even when there is no device such as a special measuring instrument for state estimation. This makes it possible to inform the user of the deterioration of the equipment and encourage them to take action, such as purchasing a replacement, before the deterioration progresses to the point where an abnormality becomes apparent to the user, such as a stoppage of operation or functionality.

[0049] In addition, when deterioration causes the operation or functionality of equipment to stop, the user must immediately purchase a replacement, and is forced to choose from products in stock. However, if the level of deterioration is high, the user can be notified at a point in time when there is still time before the abnormality becomes apparent, thereby alleviating the time constraints on the user's equipment selection.

[0050] In addition, notifications of the appraisal amount are only made when the equipment's deterioration level and predicted duration meet the appraisal conditions, which prevents excessive notifications and takes into consideration users who do not actively wish to have an appraisal.

[0051] In addition, because the appraisal value is calculated taking into account the level of deterioration of the equipment and how long that deterioration has continued, users will be more likely to choose ways to use the equipment that will prevent deterioration in order to maintain its value (for example, in the case of a washer-dryer, doing as much laundry as possible at the same time and avoiding using the dryer function as much as possible), which may ultimately reduce the burden on the environment.

[0052] Furthermore, the notification of the assessed value is not only given when deterioration has progressed, but also when the deterioration level is low, i.e., when the device is in good condition (when the resale appraisal price is high). This allows the user to know the value of the device he or she owns, and in addition, if a more attractive product is released after the purchase, the necessary functions change due to a change in life stage, or the purchased product does not match the user's taste, the user can request a resale at a higher value, thereby easing the financial constraints on replacement.

[0053] In addition, the system is set up so that the frequency of notifications of the assessed value increases when the assessment standard value is lowered, which directly affects the user's profits, thereby easing the economic constraints of replacing the product for the user. Furthermore, by managing the frequency of notifications, the system does not notify the user of information that the user already knows frequently, so as not to bother the user.

[0054] In addition, purchasing equipment with a low level of deterioration allows manufacturers to sell it as a refurbished product after performing maintenance such as repairs and cleaning, which is beneficial for both users and manufacturers, and ultimately the environment.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after information is received by information receiving unit 11 of washer / dryer 1, contents including at least the appraisal information are displayed on display unit 13, and at least the latest information among them is stored in information collecting unit 14. As a result, even if the user sells washer / dryer 1 by a means other than that specified by the maintenance support system, the deterioration level of the washer / dryer 1 can be confirmed from the device itself, making it possible to make a satisfactory purchase and sale. EXAMPLES

[0056] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. This embodiment is an advisory system for individuals that proposes more suitable alternative products to users based on the past usage history of the target device. The process in this embodiment may be performed together with the proposal of the appraisal contents described in the first embodiment, or may be performed alone.

[0057] Here, the target device is a home washer / dryer as in the first embodiment, and the owner is the user (user) of the device. FIG. 8A shows the overall configuration of a maintenance support system 100A in this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that it has an advisory system 40. That is, the advisory system 40 in this embodiment is a part of the maintenance support system 100A, and is provided in the maintenance support server 3A of the remote monitoring center 30A.

[0058] The advisory system 40 includes an operational state estimation unit 41 , a proposal content determination unit 42 , a product information database 401 , a usage model 402 , and an inventory management database 403 .

[0059] The product information database 401 associates a device ID with the specifications of the product, such as the dimensions of the device, the amount of washable laundry, and the grade indicating the presence or absence of optional functions, etc. An example of a data table of the product information database 401 is shown in FIG.

[0060] The usage model 402 includes items such as operation frequency, load during operation, selected operation mode, etc., and serves as a criterion for classifying the usage of the device by the user into one of different models assumed in advance. Fig. 10 shows an example of a data table of the usage model 402.

[0061] The inventory management database 403 is a database that links the inventory status of products managed by the maintenance support system 100A with their prices, and the products managed may include not only unused products but also second-hand products and refurbished products. An example of a data table of the inventory management database 403 is shown in FIG. 11.

[0062] Next, the processing method will be described with reference to Fig. 8B. The advisory system 40 starts processing when the state determination unit 34 determines that notification is required (processing S410).

[0063] The information receiving unit 31 acquires device information (such as the product model, past operating status and operating conditions of the product) from the device (washer / dryer 1) used by the user (process S411).

[0064] In the operational state estimation unit 41, the operational state of the washer-dryer 1 is classified based on the obtained equipment information, the product information database 401 and the usage model 402, and specifications suitable for a replacement for the washer-dryer 1 are output (process S412).

[0065] The proposal content determination unit 42 searches the inventory status of models that match the output specifications based on the inventory management database 403, determines products that can be offered to the user (process S413), and transmits this content from the information transmission unit 32 to the user terminal 2 (process S414).

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, by utilizing the device information of the washer / dryer 1, it is possible to notify the user of the assessment information and at the same time suggest a suitable alternative product to the user, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to consider a product. Also, by utilizing the inventory information, it is possible to suggest available products. Furthermore, by including second-hand and refurbished products in the inventory information, it is possible to provide options that can reduce the economic burden compared to unused products. EXAMPLES

[0067] Hereinafter, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a maintenance support system 100B in this embodiment. The difference from the first and second embodiments is that the owner is not a user, but a business operator or manager, for example, a leasing or rental business operator. In other words, this is an advisory system for business operators.

[0068] A first feature of the configuration of this embodiment is that the maintenance support server 3B includes an operation plan unit 37.

[0069] The second feature is that the maintenance support server 3 can be connected to an administrator terminal 6 via the Internet 5, rather than to a user terminal 2. The administrator terminal 6 can be realized by an information processing device (computer) such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

[0070] In FIG. 12, the device is shown as a single washer / dryer 1, but it is possible to manage a plurality of different types of devices.

[0071] The maintenance support system 100B estimates the state of the device at a predetermined fixed cycle. In this embodiment, the notification condition database of the notification condition storage unit 301 shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment does not take into consideration the items of notification necessity and notification frequency, and calculates the assessed amount at a fixed cycle.

[0072] Based on the assessment result, the operation plan unit 37 calculates the timing of replacing deteriorated equipment with substitutes and the cost involved, and notifies the manager terminal 6 of the results as a management report at regular intervals. The notification of the management report may be more periodically than that for users described in the first and second embodiments, for example, once a month or once every three months. An example of a display screen of the management report is shown in FIG. 13.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, the deterioration level of the managed equipment is estimated at regular intervals and the asset value is assessed, thereby making it possible to propose replacement with a new model when necessary while reducing the risk of equipment failure or shutdown due to the progression of deterioration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100: Maintenance support system 1: Washer / dryer 2: User terminal 3: Maintenance support server 4: Home Gateway 5: Internet 6: Administrator terminal 10: Location of equipment to be maintained 30: Remote monitoring center 40: Advisory System

Claims

1. A maintenance support system that transmits predetermined information based on information acquired from a device to be maintained, a state estimation unit that predicts a deterioration level and a duration of the deterioration of the equipment based on operation information periodically acquired from the equipment; an appraisal value calculation unit that calculates an appraisal value according to the predicted deterioration level based on appraisal criteria for the equipment; a state determination unit that determines whether or not to notify a user of the device of assessment information including the assessment amount based on the predicted deterioration level and its duration; A maintenance support system comprising:

2. The maintenance support system according to claim 1, A maintenance support system, wherein the assessment information further includes either an assessment level of the equipment or an expiration date of the assessment amount.

3. The maintenance support system according to claim 1, A maintenance support system, wherein the assessment amount calculation unit calculates an assessment amount according to a plurality of conditions regarding acquisition of a replacement product that can be selected by an owner of the equipment.

4. The maintenance support system according to claim 1, A maintenance support system characterized by having an information transmission unit that transmits the assessment information to at least one of the equipment and a terminal of a user of the equipment when the status determination unit determines that the assessment information should be notified.

5. The maintenance support system according to claim 4, The assessment information transmitted to the device is stored in the device body. Maintenance support system.

6. The maintenance support system according to claim 1, A maintenance support system characterized by having a notification condition database in which at least one of the necessity for notification of the assessment information and the notification frequency is associated with the deterioration level and its duration predicted by the state estimation unit.

7. The maintenance support system according to claim 1, A maintenance support system comprising an advisory system for suggesting an alternative to the device to the user based on past usage of the device.

8. The maintenance support system according to claim 7, The advisory system includes: A usage model including a plurality of different models that assumes in advance how the user will use the device; An inventory management database that links the stock status of alternative products with their prices is provided, A maintenance support system which proposes an alternative to the equipment based on the operating status received from the equipment.

9. The maintenance support system according to claim 8, A maintenance support system, wherein the inventory management database includes products other than unused products, such as second-hand products and refurbished products.

10. The maintenance support system according to claim 7, The advisory system includes: A maintenance support system comprising an operation planning unit that proposes an operation plan for the equipment to the user, who is a business operator.

11. A maintenance support method for transmitting predetermined information based on information acquired from a device to be maintained, comprising: predicting the deterioration level and duration of the equipment based on operation information periodically obtained from the equipment; Calculating an appraisal value according to the predicted deterioration level based on appraisal criteria for the equipment; determining whether to notify a user of the device of assessment information including the assessment amount based on the predicted deterioration level and its duration; If it is determined that the assessment information should be notified, the assessment information is notified to the user. A maintenance support method comprising:

Images