Hot water supply system, hot water supply device, and server

Abstract

To provide a hot water supply system that, when personal information of a user is automatically input to a repair reception page, can prevent personal information of a third person from being displayed by mistake on the repair reception page.SOLUTION: A display input unit 131 of a hot water supply device 10 displays a two-dimensional bar code including the address of a repair reception page. A control unit 21 of a portable terminal device 20 accesses the address included in the two-dimensional bar code to cause the display input unit 23 of the portable terminal device 20 to display the repair reception page, and transmits, to a server 30, a serial number and an authentication code received on the repair reception page. The control unit 31 of the server 30 reads personal information linked to the serial number from a storage unit 32 on the basis of successful authentication with the authentication code, and transmits, to the portable terminal device 20, data for displaying the repair reception page to which the personal information has already been input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water supply system, a hot water supply device, and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a water heating device equipped with a water heater and a remote controller (hereinafter abbreviated as "remote control") for remotely controlling the water heater, when an error such as a breakdown occurs in the water heating device, an error code corresponding to the type of error is displayed on the display unit of the remote control. If the user cannot resolve the error by himself, he or she will have to request repairs from the manufacturer.

[0003] To facilitate smooth repair requests, a possible configuration would be to display a two-dimensional barcode for repair reception on the display of the remote control when an error occurs in the water heating device. The manufacturer has a server that can provide a web page for accepting repair requests as a repair reception page, and the repair reception page can be accessed by reading the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the display with a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone.

[0004] The repair reception page requires the user to enter product information such as the model name, error information such as error codes, and personal information such as the user's name and address. Entering these required items can be relatively time-consuming, and there is also a risk of input errors.

[0005] Therefore, a specification is being considered in which when water heating apparatus-specific information capable of identifying an individual water heating apparatus, such as a serial number, is input, the user's personal information linked to the serial number is automatically input to a repair reception page. When purchasing a water heating apparatus, the user registers owner information including the serial number and personal information by using a web page or the like for owner registration. The registered personal information is linked to the serial number and stored in a server.

[0006] In addition, the following Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which, when a user reads a barcode attached to a product using a terminal and sends the obtained barcode information to a server, the server sends an after-sales service web page for each product to the terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-259420 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, if a specification were implemented in which personal information is automatically entered into the repair reception page based on the input of a serial number (information specific to the water heating device) as described above, there is a risk that if a serial number other than the serial number of the product owned by the user is entered, personal information of a third party linked to that serial number would be displayed on the repair reception page, which could lead to the leakage of personal information.

[0009] In view of such problems, the present invention aims to provide a hot water supply system, a hot water supply device, and a server that can prevent personal information of a third party from being erroneously displayed on the repair reception page when the user's personal information can be automatically entered on the repair reception page. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water supply apparatus, a server capable of providing a web page for receiving a repair request related to the hot water supply apparatus as a repair reception page, and a terminal device capable of communicating with the server. In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the repair reception page has input fields for hot water supply apparatus specific information, an authentication code, error information, and personal information. The hot water supply apparatus includes a device display unit that displays a barcode including an address of the repair reception page when an error occurs in the hot water supply apparatus. The terminal device includes a reading unit capable of reading the barcode, a terminal display unit, a terminal control unit, and an input unit. The server includes a storage unit in which the personal information is stored in association with the hot water supply apparatus specific information, and a server control unit. The terminal control unit accesses the address included in the barcode to obtain data for displaying the repair reception page from the server, and causes the terminal display unit to display the repair reception page, and receives input of the hot water supply apparatus specific information and the authentication code into the repair reception page by the input unit, and transmits the received hot water supply apparatus specific information and the authentication code to the server. Based on the success of authentication using the received authentication code, the server control unit reads out the personal information linked to the received water heating apparatus specific information from the memory unit, and transmits data to the terminal device for displaying the repair reception page into which the read out personal information has been entered.

[0011] The water heating apparatus unique information is unique information that is assigned to each water heating apparatus and identifies that water heating apparatus. An example of the water heating apparatus unique information is a serial number.

[0012] For example, the personal information may include a name and a telephone number, and the authentication code may be a code generated based on the water heating apparatus specific information and different from the water heating apparatus specific information, a code generated based on the name, a code generated based on the telephone number, a code generated based on an MC address used for communication between the water heating apparatus and a server connected to the water heating apparatus, a password preset by a user, or a one-time password.

[0013] The server may be physically configured as one server, or may be physically configured as multiple servers connected via the Internet or a local network.

[0014] According to the hot water supply system of this aspect, when an error occurs in the hot water supply device, a barcode including an address of a repair reception page is displayed on a device display unit of the hot water supply device, allowing a user to easily access the repair reception page by reading the barcode with a terminal device and to make a repair request on the repair reception page displayed on the device display unit of the terminal device.

[0015] Furthermore, the water heating apparatus unique information and the authentication code are accepted on the repair reception page, and if authentication is successful, personal information, which is one of the information required for repair reception, is automatically entered on the repair reception page. This saves the user the trouble of inputting personal information on the repair reception page, and makes it easier for the user to input the required information on the repair reception page. Moreover, even if incorrect water heating apparatus unique information is entered, if authentication using the authentication code is not possible, the personal information of a third party linked to that water heating apparatus unique information is not automatically entered, thereby preventing the personal information of a third party from being mistakenly displayed on the repair reception page.

[0016] In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the device display unit may be configured to display the authentication code.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the user can easily understand the authentication code and input it into the repair reception page.

[0018] In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the device display unit may be configured to display the hot water supply device specific information and the error information.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the user can easily understand the water heating apparatus specific information and the error information and input them to the repair reception page.

[0020] In the hot water supply system according to this aspect, the repair reception page may include an initial input page including input fields for the hot water supply apparatus specific information and the authentication code, and a main input page following the initial input page including input fields for the error information and the personal information. In this case, the terminal control unit may be configured to accept input of the hot water supply apparatus specific information and the authentication code into the initial input page by the input unit. Furthermore, the server control unit may be configured to transmit data to the terminal device for displaying the main input page in which the personal information has been input, based on successful authentication using the received authentication code, and to transmit data to the terminal device for displaying the main input page in which the personal information has not been input, based on failed authentication using the received authentication code.

[0021] According to the above configuration, if authentication is not possible due to the input of incorrect water heating apparatus specific information or authentication code, a main input page with no personal information input is displayed. This allows the user to proceed to the main input page and input information required for repair reception without having to re-enter the correct water heating apparatus specific information or authentication code.

[0022] In the above configuration, the initial input page may further include an operation button for proceeding to the main input page. In this case, the terminal control unit may be configured to transmit a request command to the server requesting data for the main input page based on the input unit receiving an operation on the operation button, and, if the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code have been input when the request command is transmitted, to add these pieces of information to the request command. Furthermore, the server control unit may be configured to perform authentication using the authentication code if the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code have been added to the received request command, and to transmit data to the terminal device for displaying the main input page in which the personal information has not been input, if at least one of the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code has not been added to the received request command.

[0023] According to the above configuration, when the operation button is operated without inputting at least one of the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code on the initial input page, the main input page on which no personal information has been input is displayed. This allows the user to proceed to the main input page and input information necessary for repair reception even if the water heating apparatus specific information or the authentication code has not been input.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a water heating apparatus. The water heating apparatus according to this aspect includes an apparatus control unit and an apparatus display unit. Here, the apparatus control unit causes the apparatus display unit to display a barcode including an address of a repair reception page, which is a Web page for receiving a repair request related to the water heating apparatus, and an authentication code when an error occurs in the water heating apparatus. The repair reception page has input fields for water heating apparatus specific information, authentication code, error information, and personal information, and is provided from a server. A terminal device that reads the barcode accesses the address to display the repair reception page, and also accepts input of the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code into the repair reception page and transmits it to the server. Then, the server reads out the personal information linked to the received water heating apparatus specific information from a storage unit based on the fact that authentication has been successful using the received authentication code, and transmits data for displaying the repair reception page into which the personal information has been input to the terminal device.

[0025] According to the water heating device of this aspect, as in the first aspect, the user can save the trouble of inputting personal information to the repair reception page, and can easily input the necessary information to the repair reception page. Moreover, it is possible to prevent personal information of a third party from being displayed on the repair reception page by mistake. Furthermore, the user can easily understand the authentication code and input it to the repair reception page.

[0026] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a server capable of providing a terminal device with a web page for accepting repair requests related to a water heating apparatus as a repair reception page. In the server according to this aspect, the repair reception page has input fields for water heating apparatus specific information, an authentication code, error information, and personal information. The terminal device includes a reading unit capable of reading a barcode including an address of the repair reception page, which is displayed on a device display unit of the water heating apparatus when an error occurs in the water heating apparatus, a terminal display unit, a terminal control unit, and an input unit. The server includes a storage unit in which the personal information is stored in association with the water heating apparatus specific information, and a server control unit. The terminal control unit accesses the address included in the barcode to obtain data for displaying the repair reception page from the server, and causes the terminal display unit to display the repair reception page, and accepts input of the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code into the repair reception page by the input unit, and transmits the accepted water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code to the server. Based on the success of authentication using the received authentication code, the server control unit reads out the personal information linked to the received water heating apparatus specific information from the memory unit, and transmits data to the terminal device for displaying the repair reception page into which the read out personal information has been entered.

[0027] According to the server of this aspect, as in the first aspect, the user can easily input the necessary information to the repair reception page without having to input the personal information to the repair reception page. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the personal information of a third party from being displayed on the repair reception page by mistake. Effect of the Invention

[0028] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hot water supply system, hot water supply device, and server that can prevent personal information of a third party from being erroneously displayed on the repair reception page when the user's personal information can be automatically entered on the repair reception page.

[0029] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiment. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2(a) to 2(c) are diagrams showing circuit blocks of a hot water supply device, a mobile terminal device, and a server that constitute a hot water supply system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a combustion system and piping of a water heater according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configurations of owner registration information and repair reception information, respectively, according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by a control unit of a kitchen remote control to cause a display input unit of the kitchen remote control to display a two-dimensional barcode for accessing a repair reception page according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen in which an error code is displayed according to an embodiment, FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a solution method screen according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6(c) is a diagram showing an example of a repair request information screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by a control unit of a mobile terminal device for receiving repair requests for a water heating apparatus using a repair request page according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by a control unit of a server for receiving a repair request for a water heating apparatus using the repair request page according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of an initial input page constituting a repair reception page according to an embodiment. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of a main input page constituting a repair reception page according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of a main input page in a state in which personal information has been automatically input according to an embodiment, and Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of an authentication failure notification page according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system according to the first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of owner registration information according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water supply system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0033] 1, hot water supply system 1 includes water heating apparatus 10, mobile terminal device 20, and server 30. Mobile terminal device 20 is capable of reading a two-dimensional barcode displayed on a remote controller of water heating apparatus 10 when an error occurs in water heating apparatus 10. Mobile terminal device 20 is also capable of communicating with server 30 via router 50 or base station 60 and external communication network 40. External communication network 40 is, for example, the Internet.

[0034] Water heating device 10 includes water heater 11 and remote controllers 12 and 13. Water heater 11 is a gas water heater that supplies hot water using gas as fuel. Hot water generated by water heater 11 is supplied to a kitchen faucet, bathtub 2 (see FIG. 3), faucet, etc. through pipes connected to hot water outlet 11a. If water heater 11 has a floor heating function, a bathroom heating function, and a heating function using a panel heater, hot water is supplied from water heater 11 to devices that realize these functions.

[0035] Remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to water heater 11 and are used to make various settings for each function of water heating device 10. Remote controller 12 includes display unit 121 and input unit 122, and remote controller 13 includes display / input unit 131 consisting of a touch panel and operation button 132. The operator can make any settings for filling the water tank and adjusting the hot water temperature by operating input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on display unit 121. The operator can also make settings for filling the water tank, etc. by operating display / input unit 131. Furthermore, the operator can start functions (operations) such as filling the water tank, by operating input unit 122 and display / input unit 131.

[0036] The remote controller 12 is installed in the bathroom, and the remote controller 13 is installed outside the bathroom, for example, in a kitchen. The remote controllers 12 and 13 are provided with audio windows 12a and 13a for inputting and outputting audio.

[0037] Hereinafter, the remote controller 12 installed in the bathroom will be referred to as the "bathroom remote control 12," and the remote controller 13 installed in the kitchen or the like will be referred to as the "kitchen remote control 13."

[0038] An operation button 122a is included in the input section 122 of the bathroom remote control 12. The operation buttons 122a and 132 are buttons for switching the water heater 11 between an operation on state and an operation off state.

[0039] When bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 are in the operation off state, display unit 121 and display input unit 131 are in the off state, and no operation of operation buttons other than operation buttons 122a, 132 is accepted. When operation buttons 122a, 132 are operated to switch to the operation on state, display unit 121 and display input unit 131 light up, the setting contents are displayed, and operation of each operation button can be accepted.

[0040] Furthermore, input unit 122 and display input unit 131 include buttons for changing the hot water supply temperature, and buttons for executing a reheating function, adding hot water, adding cold water, an automatic bath function, etc. The automatic bath function includes a function for filling bathtub 2 with hot water, and a reheating function for keeping the hot water in bathtub 2 warm.

[0041] The mobile terminal device 20 is, for example, a mobile phone or a smartphone, but may also be another type of mobile terminal device, such as a portable tablet terminal.

[0042] Server 30 can provide a web page as a repair reception page for receiving repair requests related to water heating apparatus 10. Server 30 may be physically composed of one server, or may be physically composed of multiple servers connected via the Internet or a local network. For example, the server may be composed of a web server, an application server, and a database server.

[0043] 2(a) to 2(c) are diagrams showing circuit blocks of hot water supply device 10, mobile terminal device 20 and server 30 which constitute hot water supply system 1, respectively.

[0044] 2(a), in water heating apparatus 10, water heater 11 includes control unit 111, storage unit 112, communication unit 113, and detection unit 114. Control unit 111 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each unit in water heater 11 according to a program stored in storage unit 112. Storage unit 112 includes a memory, and stores a predetermined control program.

[0045] Communication unit 113 communicates with bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 according to control from control unit 111. Communication unit 113 is connected to communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 via two-core communication lines L1 and L2. In addition, two-core communication lines L1 and L2 are connected to each other inside communication unit 113. Therefore, communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 are connected to each other by two-core communication lines L1 and L2. Therefore, a signal transmitted from any of communication units 113, 125, 135 is simultaneously transmitted to the other communication unit.

[0046] Detection unit 114 includes various sensors arranged in water heater 11. For example, detection unit 114 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot and cold water, a flow rate sensor for detecting the supply of hot and cold water, and the like.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the combustion system and piping of water heater 11. As shown in FIG.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, water heater 11 includes a hot water supply section 210, a re-heating section 220, and a bypass section 230 in addition to the components shown in FIG.

[0049] The hot water supply section 210 includes a water supply pipe 211, a hot water supply heat exchanger 212, a hot water supply pipe 213, a hot water supply combustor 214, and an air supply fan 215. The water supply pipe 211 is connected to a water pipe and the hot water supply heat exchanger 212, and the hot water supply pipe 213 is connected to the hot water supply heat exchanger 212, the bathroom faucet 3, and the external faucet 4. The hot water supply combustor 214 is supplied with gas (fuel gas) in an amount corresponding to the opening degree of a proportional valve 216 through a hot water supply gas pipe 217. When a gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to the hot water supply gas pipe 217. The hot water supply combustor 214 uses gas as fuel and combusts with an intensity corresponding to the amount of gas supplied.

[0050] The air supply fan 215 supplies air for combustion to the hot water combustor 214. The air supply fan 215 includes a fan, a motor for driving the fan, and a rotation sensor for detecting the number of rotations of the fan.

[0051] The reheating section 220 includes a return pipe 221, a bath heat exchanger 222, an outgoing pipe 223, a bath combustor 224, and a circulation pump 225. The return pipe 221 is connected to the circulation adapter 2a of the bathtub 2 and the bath heat exchanger 222, and the outgoing pipe 223 is connected to the bath heat exchanger 222 and the circulation adapter 2a.

[0052] The bath combustor 224 is supplied with an amount of gas (fuel gas) according to the opening of the proportional valve 226 through the bath gas pipe 227. When a gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to the bath gas pipe 227. The bath combustor 224 burns gas as fuel with an intensity according to the amount of gas supplied. The air supply fan 215 is shared between the hot water supply section 210 and the reheating section 220, and air for combustion is supplied from the air supply fan 215 to the bath combustor 224. A circulation pump 225 and a water level sensor S1 are arranged in the return pipe 221. The water level sensor S1 detects the water level in the bathtub 2 based on the water pressure in the return pipe 221.

[0053] The bypass unit 230 includes a bypass pipe 231 and a hot water supply solenoid valve 232. The bypass pipe 231 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 213 and the return pipe 221. The hot water supply solenoid valve 232 opens and closes the bypass pipe 231.

[0054] The control unit 111 controls the hot water combustor 214, the air supply fan 215 and the proportional valve 216 of the hot water supply unit 210, the bath combustor 224, the circulation pump 225 and the proportional valve 226 of the re-heating unit 220, the hot water solenoid valve 232 of the bypass unit 230, and the like.

[0055] When bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 is opened, the hot water supply function is executed. Water from the water pipe is introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211, and hot water combustor 214 combusts, heating hot water heat exchanger 212. The water introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 is heated to become hot water, and the hot water is supplied to bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 through hot water pipe 213. When bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 is closed, water supply from the water pipe to water supply pipe 211 stops, and combustion in hot water combustor 214 stops.

[0056] Furthermore, control unit 111 controls hot water supply unit 210 to execute a hot water filling function (automatic bath function). In this case, hot water solenoid valve 232 is opened, and water from a water pipe is introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211, and is heated by hot water heat exchanger 212. Then, hot water from hot water heat exchanger 212 is introduced into return pipe 221 through hot water supply pipe 213 and bypass pipe 231.

[0057] A portion of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 221 flows through the return pipe 221 toward the circulation adapter 2a and is poured from the circulation adapter 2a into the bathtub 2. The rest of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 221 flows through the return pipe 221 toward the bath heat exchanger 222, and further flows through the bath heat exchanger 222 and the outgoing pipe 223 before being poured into the bathtub 2 from the circulation adapter 2a.

[0058] When hot water is supplied and filled in the bathtub 2, the return pipe 221, the bath heat exchanger 222, and the supply pipe 223 are filled with water. This allows the water level sensor S1 to detect the water level in the bathtub 2. When the water level sensor S1 detects that the water level in the bathtub 2 has reached a preset water level, the hot water supply solenoid valve 232 is closed, the water supply from the water pipe to the water supply pipe 211 is stopped, and the combustion in the hot water supply combustor 214 is stopped.

[0059] In addition, the control unit 111 controls the reheating unit 220 to execute the reheating function. In this case, the circulation pump 225 operates and the bath combustor 224 starts combustion. The hot water in the bathtub 2 circulates between the bathtub 2 and a circulation path consisting of the return pipe 221, the bath heat exchanger 222, and the forward pipe 223, and is heated by the bath heat exchanger 222 during the circulation.

[0060] In addition to the water level sensor S1, the water heater 11 is equipped with a flow rate sensor S2 for detecting the flow rate of the water supply pipe 211, a thermistor S3 for detecting the temperature of the water introduced into the water supply pipe 211, and a thermistor S4 for detecting the temperature of the hot water after being heated by the hot water heat exchanger 212. These sensors are included in the detection unit 114 in FIG. 2(a).

[0061] Returning to Fig. 2(a), bathroom remote control 12 includes, in addition to display unit 121 and input unit 122 described above, control unit 123, memory unit 124, communication unit 125, and speaker 126. Display unit 121 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. Input unit 122 includes various operation buttons such as a temperature setting button. Display unit 121 may be a touch panel.

[0062] The control unit 123 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 124. The storage unit 124 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

[0063] Communication unit 125 communicates with water heater 11 and kitchen remote control 13 under the control of control unit 123. Speaker 126 outputs sound based on the audio signal generated by control unit 123. The sound output from speaker 126 is output from audio window 12a in FIG.

[0064] In addition to the above-mentioned display input unit 131 and operation button 132, kitchen remote control 13 includes a control unit 133, a memory unit 134, a communication unit 135, and a speaker 136.

[0065] The control unit 133 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 134. The storage unit 134 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

[0066] Communication unit 135 communicates with water heater 11 and bathroom remote control 12 under the control of control unit 133. Speaker 136 outputs audio based on an audio signal generated by control unit 133. The audio output from speaker 136 is output from audio window 13a in FIG.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the mobile terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display input unit 23, a speaker 24, a camera unit 25, and a wireless communication unit .

[0068] The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program. The control unit 21 has a web browser function to display web pages such as a repair reception page.

[0069] The display input unit 23 is, for example, a touch panel, and includes a display such as a liquid crystal panel and a touch sensor laminated on the display. The display input unit 23 displays various screens (images) and receives operations on the screen.

[0070] The speaker 24 outputs a sound based on the audio signal generated by the control unit 21 .

[0071] Camera unit 25 includes an imaging element, captures an image, and outputs the image to control unit 21. Camera unit 25 also functions as a reading unit that reads barcodes such as two-dimensional barcodes, and outputs the read barcodes to control unit 21.

[0072] The wireless communication unit 26 communicates with the router 50 and the base station 60 under the control of the control unit 21 .

[0073] 2(c), the server 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 32. The storage unit 32 includes a memory and a hard disk, and stores a predetermined control program and a database. The communication unit 33 performs predetermined control according to the control from the control unit 31.

[0074] Storage unit 32 stores owner registration information and repair reception information. The owner registration information is registered by the user when purchasing water heating apparatus 10, using an owner registration page which is a web page for owner registration. The repair reception information is registered when requesting repairs for water heating apparatus 10, using a repair reception page which is a web page for repair reception. Data for generating the owner registration page and the repair reception page are stored in storage unit 32, linked to addresses.

[0075] 4(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configurations of the owner registration information and the repair reception information, respectively.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the owner registration information is made up of product information of water heating apparatus 10 and personal information of the user. The product information includes, for example, the product name and serial number. The personal information includes, for example, the name (first name, furigana), postal code, address, telephone number, and email address. The serial number is an example of water heating apparatus-specific information that is assigned to each water heating apparatus 10 and identifies that water heating apparatus 10.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 4(b), the repair reception information is composed of product information, error information, and personal information. The product information includes, for example, a serial number. The error information includes, for example, an error code and details of the defect. The personal information includes, for example, the name (first name, hiragana), postal code, address, telephone number, and email address.

[0078] In hot water supply system 1 according to this embodiment, when an error occurs in hot water supply apparatus 10, a two-dimensional barcode including an address of a repair reception page is displayed on display input unit 131 of kitchen remote control 13 of hot water supply apparatus 10. When requesting repair, the user can read the two-dimensional barcode displayed on display input unit 131 with mobile terminal device 20 to display the repair reception page on display input unit 23 of mobile terminal device 20, and input repair reception information on the repair reception page, thereby making a repair request to the manufacturer.

[0079] In this embodiment, the display input unit 131 of the kitchen remote control 13 displays the authentication code and serial number together with the two-dimensional barcode. When the user inputs the serial number and authentication code on the repair reception page (initial input page), personal information out of the repair reception information (product information, error information, personal information) is automatically input on the repair reception page (main input page). This eliminates the need for the user to input personal information on the repair reception page.

[0080] In accordance with the above specifications, control processes performed by water heating device 10, mobile terminal device 20, and server 30 of water heating system 1 will be described in detail below.

[0081] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by control unit 133 of kitchen remote control 13 to display two-dimensional barcode 331 for accessing repair reception page 400 on display input unit 131 of kitchen remote control 13. Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of operation screen 310 in a state in which an error code is displayed, Fig. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of solution method screen 320, and Fig. 6(c) is a diagram showing an example of repair request information screen 330.

[0082] 5, in kitchen remote control 13, control unit 133 monitors whether an error has occurred in water heating apparatus 10 (water heater 11, bathroom remote control 12, kitchen remote control 13) (S101). If an error occurs in water heater 11 or bathroom remote control 12, these devices send a notice to the effect that an error has occurred and an error code indicating the type of error to kitchen remote control 13. Examples of errors include poor combustion in burners 214, 224, a malfunction of air supply fan 215, and detection failures of various sensors S1-S4.

[0083] When an error occurs in water heating apparatus 10 (S101: YES), control unit 133 causes display input unit 131 to display an error code (S102). For example, as shown in Fig. 6(a), icon 311 bearing the error code is added to operation screen 310 already displayed on display input unit 131. On operation screen 310, icon 311 is operated to transition to a screen displaying a method for solving the error.

[0084] When the icon 311 is operated (S103: YES), the control unit 133 causes the display input unit 131 to display a solution corresponding to the error code (S104). As shown in Fig. 6(b), a solution screen 320 in which the solution is described includes an icon 321 that is operated to proceed to a repair request. If the error is not resolved by the solution displayed on the display input unit 131, the user operates the icon 321. Note that when the error is resolved, the screen of the display input unit 131 returns to the operation screen 310 in which no error code is displayed.

[0085] When the icon 321 is operated (S105: YES), the control unit 133 causes the display input unit 131 to display the two-dimensional barcode 331 for accessing the repair reception page 400 (S106). Furthermore, the control unit 133 causes the display input unit 131 to display the error code, the serial number, and the authentication code (S107).

[0086] 6(c), a repair request information screen 330 including a two-dimensional barcode 331, an error code, a serial number, and an authentication code is displayed on the display input unit 131. That is, the serial number, the authentication code, and the error code are displayed on the same screen as the two-dimensional barcode 331 on the display input unit 131.

[0087] Here, the control unit 133 generates an authentication code based on the serial number. That is, the storage unit 134 stores an arithmetic expression that performs a predetermined calculation using all or some of the numbers included in the serial number. For example, the arithmetic expression can be one that multiplies all the numbers in the serial number. The control unit 133 sets the value obtained as a result of the calculation using the arithmetic expression as the authentication code. The serial number includes several digits, but may or may not include characters other than numbers.

[0088] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by control unit 21 of mobile terminal device 20 for accepting a repair request for water heating apparatus 10 using repair reception page 400. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by control unit 31 of server 30 for accepting a repair request for water heating apparatus 10 using repair reception page 400. Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of an initial input page 410 constituting repair reception page 400. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of a main input page 420 constituting repair reception page 400. Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of main input page 420 in a state in which personal information has been automatically input. Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of an authentication failure notification page 430.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 7, in the mobile terminal device 20, the control unit 21 reads the two-dimensional barcode 331 displayed on the display input unit 131 of the kitchen remote control 13 using the camera unit 25 (S201: YES), extracts the address (URL) of the repair reception page 400 from the two-dimensional barcode 331, and accesses the address (S202).

[0090] The repair reception page 400 is composed of an initial input page 410 and a main input page 420 following the initial input page 410 .

[0091] 9(a), the initial input page 410 includes a serial number input field 411 and an authentication code input field 412. The initial input page 410 also includes a transition button 413 for proceeding to a main input page 420.

[0092] 9(b), main input page 420 includes input fields 421 for personal information (name, reading, postal code, address, phone number, email address), input field 422 for serial number, and input field 423 for error information (error code, defect details). Main input page 420 also includes a done button 424.

[0093] When a touch operation is performed on each of the input fields 411, 412, 421, 422, and 423, a keyboard (not shown) is displayed superimposed on the bottom of each of the pages 410 and 420, and the user can use the keyboard to input information corresponding to each of the input fields 411, 412, 421, 422, and 423, such as a serial number, authentication code, and name.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 8, in the server 30, when the address of the repair reception page 400 is accessed by the mobile terminal device 20 (S301: YES), the control unit 31 transmits data (such as an HTML file) for generating the initial input page 410 to the mobile terminal device 20 (S302).

[0095] 7, when the control unit 21 of the mobile terminal device 20 receives the data of the initial input page 410 (S203: YES), it generates the initial input page 410 from the data, and displays the generated initial input page 410 (see FIG. 9(a)) on the display input unit 23 (S204). Then, the control unit 21 accepts input of a serial number and an authentication code into the initial input page 410 (S205), while waiting for an operation of the transition button 413 (S206).

[0096] Usually, the user checks the serial number and authentication code displayed on display input unit 131 of kitchen remote control 13, enters the serial number and authentication code in each input field 411, 412 of initial input page 410, and then presses transition button 413. Display input unit 23 accepts the input of the serial number and authentication code and the operation of transition button 413.

[0097] It is possible that the user operates the transition button 413 without inputting at least one of the serial number and the authentication code. In this case, the display input unit 23 accepts only the operation of the transition button 413, or the input of either the serial number or the authentication code and the operation of the transition button 413.

[0098] When the transition button 413 is operated (S206: YES), the control unit 21 adds the received serial number and authentication code to a request command requesting data on the main input page 420 and transmits the request command to the server 30 (S207). If the control unit 21 receives only one of the serial number and the authentication code, it transmits the request command together with that one piece of information, and if it receives neither piece of information, it transmits only the request command.

[0099] 8, when the control unit 31 of the server 30 receives a request command for the main input page 420 (S303: YES), it determines whether or not both the serial number and the authentication code are added to the request command (S304). If both the serial number and the authentication code are added (S304: YES), the control unit 31 performs authentication using the authentication code (S305).

[0100] The storage unit 32 of the server 30 stores an arithmetic expression for generating an authentication code based on a serial number, similar to kitchen remote control 13. The control unit 31 generates an authentication code from the received serial number using the arithmetic expression, and determines that authentication has been successful if the generated authentication code matches the received authentication code.

[0101] If authentication is successful (S305: YES), the control unit 31 searches the owner registration information in the memory unit 32 to extract personal information linked to the received serial number from the memory unit 32, and transmits data for generating a main input page 420 with the personal information already entered, incorporating the extracted personal information, to the mobile terminal device 20 (S306).

[0102] On the other hand, if the received serial number or authentication code is incorrect, the authentication code does not match and authentication cannot be performed. If authentication is not possible (S305: YES), the control unit 31 transmits data for generating an authentication failure notification page 430 for notifying the user that authentication has not been possible to the mobile terminal device 20 (S307).

[0103] Furthermore, if the control unit 31 determines in step S304 that neither the serial number nor the authentication code has been added (S304: NO), it transmits data for generating a main input page 420 on which no personal information has been entered to the mobile terminal device 20 (S308).

[0104] 7, the control unit 21 of the mobile terminal device 20 receives the page data (S208: YES), and if the page data is data of the main input page 420 in which personal information has already been input (S209: YES -> S210: YES), it generates a main input page 420 in which the personal information has been automatically input into input fields 421 as shown in Fig. 10(a), and displays the generated main input page 420 on the display input unit 23 (S211). At this time, the serial number has also been input into input field 422 on the main input page 420.

[0105] In this way, by automatically inputting personal information and serial number, the user need only input the remaining error information (error code, defect details) from the repair reception information required to accept a repair request on the main input page 420, i.e., the repair reception page 400.

[0106] On the other hand, if the data of the received page is data of main input page 420 on which no personal information has been entered (S209: YES → S210: NO), the control unit 21 generates a main input page 420 on which no repair reception information has been entered, as shown in Figure 9 (b), and displays the generated main input page 420 on the display input unit 23 (S212).

[0107] In this way, the user can proceed to the main input page 420 even if the serial number and authentication code are not entered. However, the user will need to enter all repair reception information on the main input page 420.

[0108] Furthermore, when the data of the received page is data of authentication failure notification page 430 (S209: NO), control unit 21 causes display input unit 23 to display authentication failure notification page 430 as shown in Fig. 10(b) (S212). Authentication failure notification page 430 includes message 431 indicating that authentication is not possible, back button 432 for returning to initial input page 410, and forward button 433 for proceeding to main input page 420.

[0109] When the user wishes to input the serial number and authentication code again on the initial input page 410, the user performs a back operation using the back button 432. When the control unit 21 accepts the back operation via the display input unit 23 (S214: YES), the control unit 21 returns to the process of step S204 and causes the display input unit 23 to display the initial input page 410 again.

[0110] When the user correctly inputs the serial number and authentication code and transmits this information to the server 30, data of the main input page 420 in which the personal information has already been input is transmitted from the server 30. In response to this, the control unit 21 causes the display input unit 23 to display the main input page 420 in which the personal information has already been input (S211).

[0111] On the other hand, if the user wishes to proceed directly to the main input page 420 on the authentication failure notification page 430, the user performs a forward operation using the forward button 433. When the control unit 21 accepts the forward operation via the display input unit 23 (S214: NO -> S215: YES), it transmits only a request command for the main input page 420 to the server 30 without adding the serial number and authentication code (S216). As a result, the data of the main input page 420 with no personal information entered is transmitted from the server 30, and the control unit 21 causes the display input unit 23 to display the main input page 420 with no personal information entered (S212).

[0112] In this way, if the user makes a mistake in the serial number or authentication code, the user can proceed to the main input page 420 without having to re-enter the correct serial number or authentication code. However, the user will need to enter all repair reception information on the main input page 420.

[0113] When the main input page 420 is displayed on the display input unit 23 (S211, S212), the control unit 21 accepts input of repair reception information to the main input page 420 by the display input unit 23 (S217). When the user has finished inputting all the repair reception information, the user operates the Complete button 424. When the Complete button 424 is operated (S218: YES), the control unit 21 transmits the accepted repair reception information to the server 30 (S219).

[0114] Returning to FIG. 8, when the control unit 31 of the server 30 receives the repair reception information from the mobile terminal device 20 (S309: YES), the control unit 31 stores the received repair reception information in the storage unit 32 (S310).

[0115] In this manner, the reception of the repair request is completed using the repair reception page 400. After that, data of a notification page (not shown) of the completion of the repair reception is transmitted from the server 30 to the mobile terminal device 20, and the notification page is displayed on the display input unit 23 of the mobile terminal device 20.

[0116] In addition, the authentication code displayed on the display input section 131 of the kitchen remote control 13 based on the occurrence of an error in the water heating apparatus 10 does not have to be generated using an arithmetic formula based on the serial number; for example, part of the serial number may be used as the authentication code.

[0117] Furthermore, the authentication code may not be displayed on display input unit 131 of kitchen remote control 13, but may be transmitted from server 30 to mobile terminal device 20 and displayed on display input unit 23 of mobile terminal device 20. At this time, for example, the email address stored in storage unit 32 of server 30 belongs to mobile terminal device 20. Furthermore, in this case, a one-time password may be transmitted as an authentication code from server 30 to mobile terminal device 20 together with the data of initial input page 410.

[0118] Furthermore, the authentication code may be generated based on the user's telephone number or name. In this case, if the authentication code is not the name or telephone number itself, the authentication code may be registered in advance in the server 30. Also, the authentication code generated based on the telephone number or name does not need to be displayed on the display input unit 131 or transmitted to the mobile terminal device 20.

[0119] Furthermore, a two-dimensional barcode 331 for accessing repair reception page 400, a serial number, an authentication code, and an error code may be displayed on display unit 121 of bathroom remote control 12 in addition to or instead of display input unit 131 of kitchen remote control 13. In this case, control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 executes a control process similar to the control process of Fig. 5. Display unit 121 displays screens similar to operation screen 310, solution screen 320, and repair request information screen 330 of Figs. 6(a) to (c).

[0120] <Effects of the embodiment> According to the present embodiment, when an error occurs in water heating apparatus 10, two-dimensional barcode 331 including the address of repair reception page 400 is displayed on display input unit 131 provided in water heating apparatus 10. This allows the user to easily access repair reception page 400 by reading two-dimensional barcode 331 with mobile terminal device 20, and to make a repair request on repair reception page 400 displayed on display input unit 23 of mobile terminal device 20.

[0121] Furthermore, the serial number and authentication code are accepted on repair reception page 400 (initial input page 410), and if authentication is successful, personal information out of the information required for repair reception (repair reception information) is automatically input on repair reception page 400 (main input page 420). This saves the user the trouble of inputting personal information on repair reception page 400, and makes it easier to input the required information (repair reception information) on repair reception page 400. Moreover, even if an incorrect serial number is input, if authentication cannot be performed using the authentication code, the personal information of a third party linked to that serial number is not automatically input, so it is possible to prevent the personal information of a third party from being erroneously displayed on repair reception page 400.

[0122] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an authentication code is displayed on display input unit 131 of water heating apparatus 10, so that the user who owns water heating apparatus 10 can easily understand the authentication code and enter it on repair reception page 400 (initial input page 410).

[0123] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the serial number and error code (error information) are displayed on display input section 131 of water heating apparatus 10, so that the user who owns water heating apparatus 10 can easily understand the serial number and error code and enter them on repair reception page 400 (initial input page 410, main input page 420).

[0124] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if authentication cannot be performed because the input serial number or authentication code is incorrect, main input page 420 with no personal information input is displayed. This allows the user to proceed to main input page 420 and input information required for repair reception (repair reception information) without having to re-enter the correct serial number or authentication code.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when transition button 413 is operated without inputting at least one of the serial number and the authentication code on initial input page 410, main input page 420 on which no personal information has been input is displayed. This allows the user to proceed to main input page 420 and input information required for repair reception (repair reception information) even if the serial number or authentication code has not been input.

[0126] <Change Example 1> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system 1 according to the first modified example.

[0127] In hot water supply system 1 according to this modified example, a user of mobile terminal device 20 can remotely control hot water supply apparatus 10 using mobile terminal device 20 both inside and outside the home. Remote control of hot water supply apparatus 10 by mobile terminal device 20 is performed via management server 70. Therefore, hot water supply apparatus 10 is communicatively connected to management server 70 via router 50 and external communication network 40 installed in the home. Furthermore, mobile terminal device 20 is communicatively connected to management server 70 via router 50 or base station 60 and external communication network 40.

[0128] Kitchen remote control 13 of water heating apparatus 10 is equipped with a wireless communication unit (not shown) for wirelessly communicating with router 50. In addition, kitchen remote control 13 and mobile terminal device 20 are equipped with a program for remote control (remote operation).

[0129] An initial setting is performed between water heating apparatus 10 and management server 70 in order to allow communication therebetween. During the initial setting, address information and ID information (identification information) of kitchen remote control 13 are transmitted from kitchen remote control 13 to management server 70 and registered in management server 70. The address information is, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address.

[0130] During initial setting, a pairing process is performed to associate mobile terminal device 20 with water heating apparatus 10 and register it in management server 70. Specifically, the ID information of water heating apparatus 10 (kitchen remote control 13) and the ID information and address information of mobile terminal device 20 are associated with each other and registered in management server 70. The address information is, for example, a MAC address.

[0131] Regardless of whether mobile terminal device 20 is located inside or outside the home, a command based on an operation performed by a user on mobile terminal device 20 is first transmitted to management server 70 via external communication network 40. In response to this, management server 70 transmits the received command to water heating apparatus 10 that is pre-associated with mobile terminal device 20 that received the command. The command from management server 70 is transmitted to kitchen remote control 13 of the corresponding water heating apparatus 10 via external communication network 40 and router 50. In this way, by remote operation from mobile terminal device 20, settings requested by the user are made in water heating apparatus 10, and functions requested by the user are started.

[0132] Furthermore, status information of water heating apparatus 10 is transmitted from kitchen remote control 13 to management server 70 via router 50 at predetermined intervals. The status information is information that indicates the current setting and operating status of water heating apparatus 10. Mobile terminal device 20 can obtain and display the latest status information from management server 70. This allows the user of mobile terminal device 20 to monitor the status of water heating apparatus 10 both inside and outside the home.

[0133] In this modified example, when initial settings are made between water heating apparatus 10 and management server 70, owner registration information (product information, personal information) is registered using a registration Web page or the like provided by server 30. The owner registration information is stored in memory unit 32 of server 30. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 12, the MC address of water heating apparatus 10 (kitchen remote control 13) used for communication between water heating apparatus 10 and management server 70 connected to water heating apparatus 10, and a password required for the above initial settings, which is set in advance by the user, are added to the owner registration information.

[0134] In this modified example, the authentication code can be any of the following, in addition to the code generated based on a serial number, the code generated based on a name or telephone number, and a one-time password from server 30, as mentioned in the above embodiment.

[0135] That is, the authentication code can be a code generated based on the MC address of water heating apparatus 10. That is, for example, the authentication code can be a value obtained by calculating a predetermined arithmetic expression using all or part of the MC address or numbers included in the MC address. The authentication code generated based on the MC address may be displayed on display input unit 131 of kitchen remote control 13, or may be transmitted from server 30 or management server 70 to mobile terminal device 20 and displayed on display input unit 23 of mobile terminal device 20.

[0136] Furthermore, the one-time password may be transmitted as an authentication code from management server 70 to water heating apparatus 10 and mobile terminal device 20, and displayed on display input units 131, 23 thereof.

[0137] Furthermore, a password preset by the user may be used as the authentication code. In this case, the password, which is the authentication code, does not need to be displayed on the display / input unit 131 or transmitted to the mobile terminal device 20.

[0138] <Other changes> In the above embodiment, the repair reception page 400 is composed of two pages, the initial input page 410 and the main input page 420. However, the repair reception page 400 may be composed of one page. In this case, the input fields for the serial number, the authentication code, the personal information, and the error code are included in one page, and the transition button 413 included in the initial input page 410 is replaced with an authentication button. In this configuration, when the authentication button is pressed after the serial number and the authentication code are entered in the repair reception page 400, authentication is performed. Then, when authentication is successful, the personal information is automatically entered in the repair reception page 400. Furthermore, the repair reception page 400 may be composed of three or more pages, such as by dividing the main input page 420 into two pages.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an error code, a serial number, and an authentication code are displayed on display input unit 131 of water heating apparatus 10 (kitchen remote control 13) together with two-dimensional barcode 331. However, at least one of the error code, the serial number, and the authentication code does not have to be displayed on display input unit 131. In particular, when an authentication code is transmitted to mobile terminal device 20, the authentication code does not have to be displayed on display input unit 131. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which all three of the error code, the serial number, and the authentication code are not displayed on display input unit 131.

[0140] Furthermore, in display / input unit 131 of water heating apparatus 10 (kitchen remote control 13), the error code, serial number, and authentication code may be displayed on a screen different from that of two-dimensional barcode 331, for example, on a screen moved one screen forward by a forward operation from the screen of two-dimensional barcode 331. However, if the error code, serial number, and authentication code are displayed on the same screen as two-dimensional barcode 331, it is easy for the user to grasp this information.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the serial number is used as the water heating apparatus unique information, but other unique information that differs for each water heating apparatus 10 may be used. When an authentication code is created based on this unique information, it is preferable that the unique information contains numbers. This is because it is easy to create an authentication code by an arithmetic formula using the numbers contained in the unique information.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the server 30 performs authentication using the received authentication code and the authentication is not possible, data of the authentication failure notification page 430 is transmitted to the mobile terminal device 20, and the authentication failure notification page 430 is displayed on the display input unit 23 in the mobile terminal device 20. When the forward button 433 is operated on the authentication failure notification page 430, data of the main input page 420 on which no personal information has been input is transmitted from the server 30 to the mobile terminal device 20, and the main input page 420 on which no personal information has been input is displayed on the display input unit 23. However, a configuration may be adopted in which, when authentication using the authentication code is not possible, data of the main input page 420 on which no personal information has been input is immediately transmitted from the server 30 to the mobile terminal device 20, and the main input page 420 on which no personal information has been input is displayed on the display input unit 23. In this case, in the control process of FIG. 8, the process of S307 is omitted, and when the control unit 31 determines NO in step S305, the process proceeds to step S308. Moreover, in the control process of FIG. 7, the processes of steps S209 and S213 to S216 are eliminated.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, two-dimensional barcode 331 is displayed on display input unit 131 of water heating apparatus 10 (kitchen remote control 13), but a barcode other than two-dimensional barcode 331, including the address of repair reception page 400, may also be displayed on display input unit 131.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above first modification, server 30 may also have the functions of management server 70, so that water heating apparatus 10 is connected to server 30 via external communication network 40 for remote control.

[0145] Furthermore, the configuration of water heater 11 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3, and may be other configurations. For example, in the configuration of Fig. 3, the hot water in bathtub 2 is reheated by circulating the hot water in bathtub 2 through bath heat exchanger 222, but the reheating function may be performed by water heater 11 adding high-temperature hot water to bathtub 2. Also, water heater 11 may be configured to perform only the hot water supply function without having reheating section 220 and bypass section 230. Furthermore, water heater 11 may be configured to include a heating section that performs hot water supply operation for heating functions such as floor heating and bathroom heating, in addition to the configuration of Fig. 3.

[0146] Furthermore, water heating apparatus 10 is not limited to one that uses gas fuel, and may be a water heating apparatus that uses oil as fuel. Water heating apparatus 10 may be of a storage type that uses a storage tank, and may further include a power generation unit such as a fuel cell.

[0147] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1. Hot water system 10. Hot water supply equipment 20 Mobile terminal device (terminal device) 21 Control unit (terminal control unit) 23 Display / input unit (terminal display unit, input unit) 25 Camera unit (reading unit) 30 Servers 31 Control unit (server control unit) 32 Storage section 131 Display input unit (device display unit) 133 Control section (device control section) 331 2D barcode (barcode) 400 Repair reception page 410 Initial Input Page 411, 412 Input field 413 Transition button (operation button) 420 Main Input Page 421~423 Input field

Claims

1. A water heater; a server capable of providing a web page for receiving a repair request related to the water heating apparatus as a repair reception page; A hot water supply system including a terminal device capable of communicating with the server, the repair reception page has input fields for water heating apparatus specific information, an authentication code, error information, and personal information, the water heating apparatus includes a device display unit that displays a barcode including an address of the repair reception page when an error occurs in the water heating apparatus; the terminal device includes a reading unit capable of reading the barcode, a terminal display unit, a terminal control unit, and an input unit; The server includes a storage unit in which the personal information is stored in association with the water heating apparatus specific information, and a server control unit; The terminal control unit By accessing the address included in the barcode, data for displaying the repair reception page is acquired from the server, and the repair reception page is displayed on the terminal display unit; The input unit accepts input of the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code to the repair reception page, Transmitting the received water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code to the server; The server control unit reading out the personal information linked to the received water heating apparatus specific information from the storage unit based on the fact that authentication has been successful using the received authentication code; transmitting data to the terminal device for displaying the repair reception page on which the read personal information has been input; A hot water supply system comprising:

2. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, The device display unit displays the authentication code. A hot water supply system comprising:

3. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, the device display unit displays the water heating device specific information and the error information. A hot water supply system comprising:

4. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, the repair reception page includes an initial input page including input fields for the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code, and a main input page subsequent to the initial input page including input fields for the error information and the personal information, The terminal control unit receiving input of the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code to the initial input page by the input unit; The server control unit transmitting data to the terminal device for displaying the main input page on which the personal information has been input, based on the fact that authentication has been successful using the received authentication code; transmitting data to the terminal device for displaying the main input page in which the personal information has not been input, based on the fact that authentication using the received authentication code has not been possible; A hot water supply system comprising:

5. In the hot water supply system according to claim 4, the initial input page includes an operation button for proceeding to the main input page; The terminal control unit sending a request command to the server to request data of the main input page based on the operation of the operation button being accepted by the input unit; If the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code are input when the request command is transmitted, the information is added to the request command; The server control unit If the hot water supply apparatus specific information and the authentication code are added to the received request command, authentication is performed using the authentication code; if at least one of the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code is not added to the received request command, transmitting data for displaying the main input page in which the personal information has not been input to the terminal device; A hot water supply system comprising:

6. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, The personal information includes name and phone number, The authentication code is a code different from the water heating apparatus specific information, which is generated based on the water heating apparatus specific information, a code generated based on the name, a code generated based on the telephone number, a code generated based on an MC address used for communication between the water heating apparatus and a server connected to the water heating apparatus, a password preset by a user, or a one-time password. A hot water supply system comprising:

7. In a hot water supply device, A device control unit and a device display unit are provided, the device control unit, when an error occurs in the water heating device, causes the device display unit to display a barcode including an address of a repair reception page, which is a web page for receiving a repair request related to the water heating device, and an authentication code; the repair reception page has input fields for the water heating apparatus specific information, the authentication code, the error information, and the personal information, and is provided by a server; the terminal device that reads the barcode accesses the address to display the repair reception page, and receives input of the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code on the repair reception page and transmits them to the server; The server reads out the personal information linked to the received water heating apparatus specific information from a storage unit based on the fact that authentication has been successful using the received authentication code, and transmits data for displaying the repair reception page into which the personal information has been input to the terminal device. A water heating apparatus characterized by the above.

8. A server capable of providing a web page for receiving a repair request related to a water heating apparatus to a terminal device as a repair reception page, the repair reception page has input fields for water heating apparatus specific information, an authentication code, error information, and personal information, The terminal device includes a reading unit capable of reading a barcode including an address of the repair reception page, the barcode being displayed on a device display unit of the water heating device when an error occurs in the water heating device, a terminal display unit, a terminal control unit, and an input unit; The server includes a storage unit in which the personal information is stored in association with the water heating apparatus specific information, and a server control unit; The terminal control unit accessing the address included in the barcode to obtain data for displaying the repair reception page from the server and displaying the repair reception page on the terminal display unit; The input unit accepts input of the water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code to the repair reception page, Transmitting the received water heating apparatus specific information and the authentication code to the server; The server control unit reading out the personal information linked to the received water heating apparatus specific information from the storage unit based on the fact that authentication has been successful using the received authentication code; transmitting data to the terminal device for displaying the repair reception page on which the read personal information has been input; A server comprising:

Images