Apparatus management system, apparatus management device, apparatus management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus management system, an apparatus management device, an apparatus management method, and a program that can facilitate recognition of a management state of power demand / supply of each of a plurality of users.SOLUTION: A cloud server 1 includes: a function list notification unit 111 that transmits function list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of management functions to a terminal device 5; a data processing method list notification unit 112 that transmits data processing method list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of data processing methods set in advance to the terminal device 5; a setting information acquisition unit 113 that acquires function setting information and data processing method setting information transmitted from the terminal device 5; an apparatus control unit 116 that controls a water heater 31 based on the function setting information and the data processing method setting information as acquired; and an apparatus state notification unit 118 that based on the function setting information and the data processing method setting information as acquired, generates apparatus state notification information indicating a state of the water heater 31 for transmission to the terminal device 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device management system, a device management apparatus, a device management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A water heater control device has been proposed that controls the heating operation of multiple storage-type water heaters (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This water heater control device predicts the power consumption and hot water usage in a residence in which multiple water heaters are installed, and generates an operation schedule for each of the multiple water heaters so that the predicted power consumption is reduced to below a preset power consumption threshold. Such water heater control devices are often used by so-called aggregators that manage the supply and demand of electricity for apartment buildings in which multiple water heaters controlled by the water heater control device are installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-137215 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since aggregators often manage the power supply and demand for apartment buildings using their own unique methods, the water heater control device is required to have the function of operating multiple water heaters on different operation schedules for each aggregator used. For this reason, it has been common for multiple aggregators to each own a hot water control device for managing the power supply and demand, and to use their own hot water control device to manage the power supply and demand for the apartment buildings they manage using their own unique methods. However, in a situation where multiple aggregators each operate their own hot water control devices, it may become difficult to grasp the management status of the power supply and demand for the apartment buildings by each of the multiple aggregators.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned reasons, and aims to provide an equipment management system, an equipment management device, an equipment management method, and a program that can easily grasp the management status of the power supply and demand of each of multiple users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the device management system according to the present disclosure includes: a device management device that manages a plurality of devices; a terminal device owned by a user that is capable of communicating with the equipment management device; The device management device a function list notification unit that generates function list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of management functions that are preset for managing the plurality of devices, and transmits the function list information to the terminal device; a data processing method list notification unit that generates data processing method list information indicating a list of a plurality of preset data processing methods that indicate methods for processing data transmitted from the plurality of devices, and transmits the data processing method list information to the terminal device; a setting information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user from the plurality of types of management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user from the plurality of types of data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information, both transmitted from the terminal device; a device control unit that controls the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information; The device has a device status notification unit that generates device status notification information indicating the status of each of the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information and transmits the information to the terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a terminal device generates at least one of function setting information indicating a management function selected by a user from among multiple preset management functions indicated by function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by a user from among multiple preset data processing methods indicated by data processing method list information. In addition, in a device management device, a setting information acquisition unit acquires at least one of function setting notification information and data processing method setting notification information transmitted from the terminal device. Then, a device control unit controls multiple devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting notification information and data processing method setting notification information, and a device status notification unit generates device status notification information indicating the status of each of the multiple devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and data processing method setting information, and transmits the device status notification information to the terminal device. This allows a single device management device to control multiple devices and notify the terminal device of the status of each of the multiple devices based on at least one of the management function selected by the user from among multiple preset management functions and the data processing method selected by the user from among multiple preset data processing methods. This makes it easier to understand the management status of power supply and demand for each of multiple users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a device management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a device management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a device management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a device management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A shows the operation of a device management system according to an embodiment, in which FIG. 1A shows the operation when there is no aggregator server that cooperates with the cloud server, and FIG. 1B shows the operation when there is an aggregator server that cooperates with the cloud server. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of a device management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A is a diagram showing an example of an aggregator information input screen image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to an embodiment; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing another example of an aggregator information input screen image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to an embodiment; and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of a function setting image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to embodiment 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a data processing method setting image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of an authentication information notification image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of a device management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of a device management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication information notification image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to an embodiment; [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a device management process executed by a cloud server according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to a modified example. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a setting information generation process executed by a terminal device according to a modified example. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a setting information generation process executed by a terminal device according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a device management system according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a fee master storage unit according to a modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an aggregator information input screen image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A device management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The device management system according to the embodiment includes a device management device that manages multiple devices, and a terminal device that is owned by a user and that can communicate with the device management device. The device management device has a function list notification unit that generates function list notification information including function list information that indicates a list of multiple types of management functions that have been preset for managing multiple devices, and transmits the function list notification information to the terminal device; a data processing method list notification unit that generates data processing method list information that indicates a list of multiple types of data processing methods that have been preset and indicates methods of processing data transmitted from the multiple devices, and transmits the function list notification information to the terminal device; a setting information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of function setting notification information that indicates a management function selected by a user from the multiple types of management functions indicated by the function list information, and data processing method setting notification information that indicates a data processing method selected by the user from the multiple types of data processing methods indicated by the data processing method list information, transmitted from the terminal device; a device control unit that controls the multiple devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting notification information and the data processing method setting notification information; and a device status notification unit that generates device status notification information that indicates the status of each of the multiple devices, based on at least one of the acquired function setting notification information and the data processing method setting notification information, and transmits the device status notification information to the terminal device. The terminal device has a setting information generation unit that generates at least one of function setting notification information indicating a management function selected by a user from multiple types of management functions indicated by the function list information included in the function list notification information, and data processing method setting notification information including data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by a user from multiple types of data processing methods indicated by the data processing method list information included in the data processing method notification information, and a setting notification unit that transmits at least one of the generated function setting notification information and data processing method setting notification information to the equipment management device.

[0010] The device management system according to this embodiment is used in an apartment building B1 that comprises a group of multiple dwelling units H0, H1, etc., as shown in FIG. 1 . Here, the apartment building B1 is, for example, an apartment building that receives power via a high-voltage collective power receiving system. The apartment building B1 is not limited to an apartment building, but may be another type of apartment building composed of multiple dwelling units H0, H1, etc. Each dwelling unit H0, H1, etc. is equipped with a water heater 31, other devices 32, a communication control device 2 that can communicate with the water heater 31 and the devices 32 via a local network NW21 established in the dwelling units H0, H1, etc., and a broadband router (hereinafter referred to as "BBR") 8 that can communicate with the communication control device 2 via the local network NW21. Examples of the other devices 32 include low-voltage energy resources such as air conditioners, storage batteries, and electric vehicles. The local network NW21 is a wireless or wired local area network (LAN). The BBR8 is also connected to a wide area network NW1 such as the Internet. The device management system according to this embodiment includes a terminal device 5 (5A) owned by a so-called aggregator that manages the power supply to, for example, an apartment building B1, and a cloud server 1. The terminal device 5A and the cloud server 1 are capable of communicating with each other via the wide area network NW1. Here, the terminal device 5A directly acquires device status notification information (described below) transmitted from the cloud server 1 via the wide area network NW1.

[0011] Furthermore, the device management system according to this embodiment may be used in a plurality of detached houses H10, H11, ..., which receive power through a high-voltage bulk power receiving system, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. In FIG. 2, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Here, each of the dwelling units H0, H1, ..., is equipped with a power generation facility 33, and each power generation facility 33 is capable of communicating with the communication control device 2 via a local network NW22. An example of the power generation facility 33 is a solar-powered power generation facility. The cloud server 1 may be linked to an aggregator server 9, each of which is owned by an aggregator. In this case, the cloud server 1 transmits device status notification information to the aggregator server 9 via the wide area network NW1, and the terminal device 5B acquires the device status notification information transmitted from the aggregator server 9.

[0012] The water heater 31, the devices 32, and the power generation equipment 33 periodically generate device status notification information including device status information indicating the status of the devices themselves and device identification information for identifying the devices themselves, and transmit the generated device status notification information to the cloud server 1 via the local networks NW21, NW22, the communication control device 2, BBR8, and the wide area network NW1. Furthermore, upon receiving control information transmitted from the cloud server 1, the devices 3 operate based on the received control information.

[0013] When the communication control device 2 acquires the equipment status notification information transmitted from the water heater 31, the equipment 32, and the power generation equipment 33, it adds header information to the acquired equipment status notification information specifying the cloud server 1 as the destination and its own device as the source, and then transmits the equipment status notification information to the cloud server 1 via the BBR8 and the wide area network NW1.

[0014] The terminal device 5 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, and as shown in FIG. 3 , includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a main memory 502, an auxiliary memory 503, a display 504, an input unit 505, and a communication unit 506. The terminal device 5 is used by the administrator of the apartment complex B[j], such as a so-called aggregator. This administrator corresponds to the second user. The main memory 502 is a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The auxiliary memory 503 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores programs for realizing various functions of the terminal device 5. The display 504 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like, and displays various information. The input unit 505 is, for example, a keyboard, and receives operations from the administrator and outputs information indicating the received operations to the CPU 501. The communication unit 506 has an interface for connecting to the wide area network NW1.

[0015] The CPU 501 loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 503 into the main storage unit 502 and executes them, thereby functioning as a function list acquisition unit 511, a data processing method list acquisition unit 512, a display control unit 513, a setting information generation unit 514, a setting notification unit 515, an authentication information acquisition unit 516, an appliance status acquisition unit 517, and an aggregator information notification unit 518, as shown in FIG. 4. The auxiliary storage unit 503 shown in FIG. 3 also includes a function master storage unit 531, a data processing method master storage unit 532, a setting storage unit 533, an authentication information storage unit 534, and an appliance status storage unit 535, as shown in FIG. 4. The function master storage unit 531 stores function list information indicating a list of multiple types of pre-set management functions for managing the water heater 31, the appliances 32, etc. Examples of the management functions include a "daytime boil-up function," a "load leveling function," a "demand suppression function," a "periodic report output function," a "history data download function," and a "demand forecasting function." The "daytime heating function" predicts the amount of surplus power generated by the solar power generation facility 33 during the next day and operates the water heater 31 according to an operation schedule that prioritizes heating with the surplus power during the daytime over heating at night. The "load leveling function" distributes the time periods during which the water heater 31 heats up to reduce daily power consumption variations. The "demand suppression function" monitors power consumption in real time and stops heating by the water heater 31 when power consumption approaches a preset reference power. The "periodic report output function" provides a monthly report to the aggregator, including information on the utilization rate of surplus power and the effectiveness of reducing power consumption variations. The "history data download function" enables downloading property information, power consumption information, etc., of the water heater 31 from the cloud server 1. The "demand forecasting function" predicts the next day's power consumption and hot water consumption based on actual power consumption and hot water consumption data.

[0016] The data processing method master storage unit 532 stores data processing method list information indicating a list of multiple preset data processing methods indicating methods for processing data transmitted from the water heater 31, the appliance 32, etc. The setting storage unit 533 stores function setting information indicating a management function selected by a user from multiple management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by a user from multiple data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information. The authentication information storage unit 534 stores authentication information for authenticating a user who owns a terminal device 5 in the cloud server 1. This authentication information includes, for example, user identification information and password information assigned to the user. The appliance status storage unit 535 stores appliance status information indicating the status of the water heater 31, the appliance 32, etc., in association with appliance identification information that identifies the corresponding water heater 31, the appliance 32, etc.

[0017] When function list acquisition unit 511 acquires function list information transmitted from cloud server 1, it stores the acquired function list information in function master storage unit 531. When data processing method list acquisition unit 512 acquires data processing method list information transmitted from cloud server 1, it stores the acquired data processing method list information in data processing method master storage unit 532.

[0018] When a user performs an aggregator information registration preparation operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 5 to register information about the aggregator, the display control unit 513 accepts the aggregator information registration preparation operation, forms an aggregator information input screen image for inputting information about the aggregator, and displays the aggregator information input screen image on the display unit 504. The aggregator information includes, for example, terminal device identification information for identifying the terminal device 5 owned by the aggregator, and linkage information indicating whether the aggregator server 9 owned by the aggregator is to be linked to the cloud server 1. Furthermore, the display control unit 513 forms a function selection image for the user to select a function of the device management system based on the function list information stored in the function master storage unit 531, and displays the function selection image on the display unit 504. Furthermore, the display control unit 513 forms a data processing method selection image for the user to select a data processing method based on the data processing method list information stored in the data processing method master storage unit 532, and displays the function selection image on the display unit 504. Furthermore, the display control unit 513 forms an appliance status notification image indicating the status of the water heater 31, appliances 32, etc., based on the appliance status information stored in the appliance status storage unit 535, and causes the display unit 504 to display the image. Furthermore, the display control unit 513 forms an authentication information notification image for notifying the user of the authentication information, based on the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 534, and causes the display unit 504 to display the image. Furthermore, the display control unit 513 forms an appliance status notification image indicating the status of the water heater 31, appliances 32, etc., based on the appliance status information stored in the appliance status storage unit 535, and causes the display unit 504 to display the image.

[0019] When the user performs an aggregator information registration operation to input information about an aggregator into the input unit 505 while the aggregator information input screen image described above is displayed on the display unit 504, the aggregator information notification unit 518 accepts the aggregator information registration operation, generates aggregator information including the input information, and transmits the generated aggregator information to the cloud server 1. Here, the aggregator information also includes information indicating whether or not to use the aggregator server 9 that operates in cooperation with the cloud server 1.

[0020] The setting information generation unit 514 generates function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user via the input unit 505 from among multiple types of management functions indicated by the function list information included in the above-mentioned function list notification information. The setting information generation unit 514 also generates data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user via the input unit 505 from among multiple types of data processing methods indicated by the data processing method list information included in the above-mentioned data processing method notification information. The setting information generation unit 514 stores the generated function setting information and data processing method setting information in the setting storage unit 533. When the user performs an operation on the input unit 505 to confirm the selected management function and data processing method, the setting notification unit 515 generates the function setting information, function setting notification information including the data processing method setting information, and data processing method setting notification information stored in the setting storage unit 533 in response to this, and transmits them to the cloud server 1.

[0021] When authentication information acquisition unit 516 acquires authentication information notification information including authentication information transmitted from cloud server 1, it extracts the authentication information included in the acquired authentication setting notification information and stores it in authentication information storage unit 534.

[0022] When the user performs an appliance status acquisition operation via input unit 505 to acquire appliance status information indicating the status of water heater 31, appliance 32, etc. from cloud server 1, appliance status acquisition unit 517 accepts the appliance status acquisition operation, generates appliance status request information requesting cloud server 1 to transmit the appliance status information, and transmits the appliance status request information to cloud server 1. Here, in the appliance status acquisition operation, the user performs an operation to input authentication information acquired from cloud server 1, i.e., user identification information, password information, etc. assigned to the user, via input unit 505. In response, appliance status acquisition unit 517 generates appliance status request information including the input authentication information. Then, when appliance status acquisition unit 517 acquires appliance status notification information transmitted from cloud server 1, it extracts the appliance status information included in the acquired appliance status notification information and stores the extracted appliance status information in appliance status storage unit 535.

[0023] When the aggregator server 9 acquires device status request information transmitted from the terminal device 5, it transmits the device status request information to the cloud server 1 in response to the acquisition. Then, when the aggregator server 9 acquires device status notification information transmitted from the cloud server 1, it generates device status notification information including the device status information included in the acquired device status notification information and transmits the generated device status notification information to the terminal device 5. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that an aggregator server 9 cooperating with the cloud server 1 does not exist, and a user performs an operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 5A to specify not to use the aggregator server 9 cooperating with the cloud server 1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5(A), information is transmitted and received between the terminal device 5A and the cloud server 1 without going through the aggregator server 9. On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that an aggregator server 9 cooperating with the cloud server 1 exists, and a user performs an operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 5B to specify to use the aggregator server 9 cooperating with the cloud server 1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5(B), information is transmitted and received between the terminal device 5A and the cloud server 1 via the aggregator server 9.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 3 , the cloud server 1 functions as an equipment management device that manages the water heater 31, the equipment 32, etc. This cloud server 1 is, for example, a computer used as a server, and includes a CPU 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a communication unit 106, and a bus 109 that connects the various units. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory unit 102 is a volatile memory and is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 has non-volatile memory, functions as a ROM and storage, and stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 1. The communication unit 106 communicates with the equipment 3 via the wide area network NW1, the BBR 8, the communication control device 2, and the local networks NW21 and NW22.

[0025] By loading a program stored in auxiliary storage unit 103 into main storage unit 102 and executing it, CPU 101 functions as a function list notifying unit 111, a data processing method list notifying unit 112, a setting information acquiring unit 113, an authentication information generating unit 114, an authentication information notifying unit 115, a device control unit 116, a device status acquiring unit 117, a device status notifying unit 118, an authentication unit 119, and an aggregator information acquiring unit 120, as shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in Fig. 3 includes a function master storage unit 131, a data processing method master storage unit 132, a setting storage unit 133, an authentication information storage unit 134, a device status storage unit 135, and an aggregator information storage unit 136, as shown in Fig. 4. Aggregator information storage unit 136 stores aggregator information generated in terminal device 5. Function master storage unit 131 stores function list information indicating a list of multiple types of management functions that have been set in advance.

[0026] The data processing method master storage unit 132 stores data processing method list information indicating a list of multiple types of pre-set data processing methods. The setting storage unit 133 stores function setting information and data processing method setting information for each aggregator in association with the aggregator information. The authentication information storage unit 134 stores authentication information for each aggregator in association with the aggregator information. The appliance status storage unit 135 stores appliance status information for the water heater 31, appliance 32, etc. in association with the aggregator information of the aggregator that manages them. When the aggregator information acquisition unit 120 acquires aggregator information transmitted from the terminal device 5, it stores the acquired aggregator information in the aggregator information storage unit 136.

[0027] When new aggregator information is stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136, the function list notification unit 111 transmits the function list information stored in the function master storage unit 131 to the terminal device 5 based on the new aggregator information. When new aggregator information is stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136, the data processing method list notification unit 112 transmits the data processing method list information stored in the data processing method master storage unit 132 to the terminal device 5 based on the new aggregator information.

[0028] When the setting information acquisition unit 113 acquires function setting notification information transmitted from the terminal device 5, it extracts function setting information included in the acquired function setting notification information and stores the extracted function setting information in the setting storage unit 133. Furthermore, when the setting information acquisition unit 113 acquires data processing method setting notification information transmitted from the terminal device 5, it extracts data processing method setting information included in the acquired data processing method setting notification information and stores the extracted data processing method setting information in the setting storage unit 133. Here, the setting information acquisition unit 113 stores the aggregator information stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136 in association with the extracted function setting information and data processing method setting information in the setting storage unit 133.

[0029] The authentication information generation unit 114 generates authentication information of the aggregator that owns the terminal device 5 that is the sender of the function setting notification information and the data processing method setting notification information, and stores the generated authentication information in association with the aggregator information in the authentication information storage unit 134. The authentication information notification unit 115 generates authentication information notification information that includes the authentication information and has the terminal device 5 as its destination, based on the aggregator information that corresponds to the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 134, and transmits the authentication information notification information to the terminal device 5.

[0030] The device control unit 116 controls the water heater 31, the devices 32, etc., based on at least one of the function setting information and the data processing method setting information stored in the setting storage unit 133. For example, if the setting storage unit 133 stores function setting information indicating a "daytime heating function," the device control unit 116 generates control information for controlling the water heater 31 to heat water in the daytime and transmits it to the water heater 31. Also, if the setting storage unit 133 stores function setting information indicating a "load leveling function," for example, the device control unit 116 generates control information for controlling the water heater 31 to distribute the time periods during which the water heater 31 heats water so as to reduce the overall variation in power consumption throughout the day of the water heater 31, the devices 32, etc., and transmits it to the water heater 31.

[0031] When the device status acquisition unit 117 acquires device status notification information periodically transmitted from the water heater 31, the device 32, etc., it extracts the device status information and device identification information included in the acquired device status notification information, associates the extracted device status information with the device identification information, and stores them in the device status storage unit 135. When the device status notification unit 118 acquires device status request information transmitted from the terminal device 5 or the aggregator server 9, the authentication unit 119 uses the authentication information included in the acquired device status request information to perform authentication processing on the terminal device 5 that is the sender of the device status request information, and notifies the device status notification unit 118 of the result.

[0032] The appliance status notification unit 118 determines whether to use the aggregator server 9 operating in cooperation with the cloud server 1, based on the aggregator information stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136. If the appliance status notification unit 118 determines not to use the aggregator server 9, it sets the destination of the appliance status notification information to the terminal device 5. On the other hand, if the appliance status notification unit 118 determines to use the aggregator server 9, it sets the destination of the appliance status notification information to the aggregator server 9. Furthermore, upon acquiring appliance status request information transmitted from the terminal device 5 or the aggregator server 9, the appliance status notification unit 118 notifies the authentication unit 119 of authentication information included in the acquired appliance status request information. If the authentication by the authentication unit 119 is successful, the appliance status notification unit 118 generates appliance status notification information indicating the respective states of the water heater 31, the appliance 32, etc., based on at least one of the function setting information and the data processing method setting information stored in the setting storage unit 133, and transmits the generated appliance status notification information to the terminal device 5 or the aggregator server 9. For example, when the setting storage unit 133 stores data processing method setting information indicating that the “integrated amount of power” for “15 minutes” is to be calculated, the device status notification unit 118 calculates the transition of the integrated amount of power at 15-minute intervals for each of the water heater 31, the device 32, etc., generates status notification information indicating the transition of the calculated integrated amount of power, and transmits it to the terminal device 5 or the aggregator server 9. Also, when the setting storage unit 133 stores data processing method setting information indicating that data “in the process of boiling” for the water heater 31 is to be extracted, the device status notification unit 118 extracts device status information acquired for the water heater 31 while the water is being boiled, generates status notification information including the extracted device status information, and transmits it to the terminal device 5 or the aggregator server 9.

[0033] Next, the operation of the appliance management system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. Here, it is assumed that the cloud server 1 extracts appliance status information and appliance identification information included in the appliance status notification information periodically transmitted from the water heater 31, the appliance 32, etc., each time the cloud server 1 acquires appliance status notification information, and stores the extracted appliance status information and appliance identification information in the appliance status storage unit 135 in association with each other. It is also assumed that the cloud server 1 controls the water heater 31, the appliance 32, etc., based on at least one of the function setting information and the data processing method setting information stored in the setting storage unit 133. First, as shown in FIG. 6, when a user belonging to an aggregator performs the above-described aggregator information registration preparation operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 5A, the terminal device 5A accepts the aggregator information registration preparation operation, forms the above-described aggregator information input screen image, and displays it on the display unit 504 (step S1).

[0034] Here, the terminal device 5A displays an aggregator information input screen image GA1 as shown in Fig. 7(A) on the display unit 504, for example. The aggregator information input screen image GA1 includes an input field image B11 representing an input field for inputting the name of the aggregator, and input field images B12 and B13 representing input fields for inputting address information indicating an address assigned to the terminal device 5A owned by the aggregator and other information indicating contact information. Then, when the user performs an operation to complete input of various information on the input unit 505 while the terminal device 5A is displaying the aggregator information input screen image GA1 on the display unit 504, the terminal device 5A displays an aggregator information input screen image GA2 as shown in Fig. 7(B) on the display unit 504, for example. The aggregator information input screen image GA2 includes button images CB21 and CB22 representing check boxes for selecting whether or not to use the aggregator server 9 that operates in cooperation with the cloud server 1, and a button image BU21 that is selected when the selection of whether or not to use the aggregator server 9 is completed. In the above-mentioned aggregator information registration operation, the user performs an operation to input various information and an operation to select the button images CB21, CB22, and BU21 while the aggregator information input screen images GA1 and GA2 are displayed on the display unit 504.

[0035] 6, when the user performs an aggregator information registration operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 5A, the terminal device 5A accepts the aggregator information registration operation and generates aggregator information including the information input in the aggregator information registration operation (step S2). Next, the generated aggregator information is transmitted from the terminal device 5A to the cloud server 1 (step S3).

[0036] On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 acquires the aggregator information, it stores the acquired aggregator information in the aggregator information storage unit 136. Next, it is assumed that the cloud server 1 determines, based on the aggregator information stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136, that there is no linked server, that is, that the aggregator server 9 operating in cooperation with the cloud server 1 is not used (step S4). In this case, the cloud server 1 sets the destination of the device state notification information to the terminal device 5A (step S5). Thereafter, based on the aggregator information stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136, the function list information stored in the function master storage unit 131 is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5A (step S6), and the data processing method list information stored in the data processing method master storage unit 132 is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5 (step S7). On the other hand, when terminal device 5A acquires the function list information, it stores the acquired function list information in function master storage unit 531 and stores the acquired data processing method list information in data processing method master storage unit 532 (step S8). Next, based on the function list information stored in function master storage unit 531, terminal device 5A forms a function selection image for the user to select a management function of the device management system and displays it on display unit 504 (step S9).

[0037] Here, the terminal device 5A displays a function selection image GA3, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(C), on the display unit 504. The function selection image GA3 includes a button image CB31 representing a checkbox for selecting a management function and a button image BU31 that is selected when the selection of the management function is complete. The selectable management functions include, for example, at least one of a daytime heating function, a load leveling function, a periodic report output function, a history data download function, and a demand forecasting function. In the function selection operation described above, the user performs an operation to select a management function while the function selection image GA3 is displayed on the display unit 504, and then performs an operation to select the button image BU31.

[0038] 6, when the user performs the above-mentioned function selection operation on input unit 505 of terminal device 5A, terminal device 5A accepts the function selection operation and generates function setting notification information including function setting information indicating the management function selected by the function selection operation (step S10). Subsequently, the generated function setting notification information is transmitted from terminal device 5A to cloud server 1 (step S11). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the function setting notification information, cloud server 1 extracts the function setting information included in the acquired function setting notification information and stores the extracted function setting information in setting storage unit 133 (step S12).

[0039] In addition, the terminal device 5A forms a data processing method selection image for the user to select a data processing method based on the data processing method list information stored in the data processing method master storage unit 532, and displays it on the display unit 504 (step S13).

[0040] Here, terminal device 5A displays, for example, a data processing method selection image GA4 as shown in Fig. 8(A) on display unit 504. Data processing method selection image GA4 includes button images CB41, CB42, CB43, and CB44 representing various check boxes for selecting a data processing method, and button image BU41 that is selected when the selection of the data processing method is complete. In the data processing method selection operation described above, the user performs an operation to select a data processing method while data processing method selection image GA4 is displayed on display unit 504, and then performs an operation to select button image BU41.

[0041] 6, when the user performs the above-mentioned data processing method selection operation on input unit 505 of terminal device 5A, terminal device 5A accepts the data processing method selection operation and generates data processing method setting notification information including data processing method setting information indicating the data processing method selected by the data processing method selection operation (step S14). Thereafter, the generated data processing method setting notification information is transmitted from terminal device 5A to cloud server 1 (step S15). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the data processing method setting notification information, cloud server 1 extracts the data processing method setting information included in the acquired data processing method setting notification information and stores the extracted data processing method setting information in setting storage unit 133 (step S16).

[0042] 9, the cloud server 1 generates authentication information for the aggregator that owns the terminal device 5 that is the sender of the function setting notification information and the data processing method setting notification information, and stores the generated authentication information in the authentication information storage unit 134 in association with the aggregator information. Then, the cloud server 1 generates authentication information notification information that includes the authentication information and has the terminal device 5A as its destination, based on the aggregator information corresponding to the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 134 (step S17). The generated authentication information notification information is then transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 5A (step S18). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the authentication information notification information, the terminal device 5A extracts the authentication information included in the acquired authentication setting notification information and stores it in the authentication information storage unit 534 (step S19). Then, the terminal device 5A forms an authentication information notification image for notifying the user of the authentication information, based on the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 534, and displays the image on the display unit 504 (step S20). Here, the terminal device 5A displays an authentication information notification image GA5, for example, as shown in Fig. 8(B), on the display unit 504. The authentication information notification image GA5 includes a message image M51 that indicates the settings of the management function and the data processing method, and a message image M52 that indicates the contents of the authentication information.

[0043] Returning to FIG. 9 , next, when the user performs the aforementioned device status acquisition operation via input unit 505 of terminal device 5A, terminal device 5A accepts the device status acquisition operation and generates the aforementioned device status request information (step S21). The generated device status request information is transmitted from terminal device 5A to cloud server 1 (step S22). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the device status request information, cloud server 1 performs authentication processing using authentication information included in the acquired device status request information. Then, if authentication is successful (step S23), cloud server 1 generates device status notification information indicating the respective states of water heater 31, device 32, etc., based on at least one of the function setting information and the data processing method setting information stored in setting storage unit 133 (step S24). Subsequently, the generated device status notification information is transmitted from cloud server 1 to terminal device 5 (step S25). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the device status notification information, terminal device 5A extracts the device status information included in the acquired device status notification information and stores it in device status storage unit 535 (step S26). Thereafter, the terminal device 5A forms an appliance status notification image showing the status of the water heater 31, appliance 32, etc. based on the appliance status information stored in the appliance status memory unit 535, and displays it on the display unit 504 (step S27).

[0044] Furthermore, when the user performs the aforementioned aggregator information registration preparation operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 5B, the terminal device 5A accepts the aggregator information registration preparation operation, forms the aforementioned aggregator information input screen image, and displays it on the display unit 504 (step S1). Then, when the user performs the aggregator information registration operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 5B to specify the use of the aggregator server 9 that operates in cooperation with the cloud server 1, the terminal device 5A accepts the aggregator information registration operation and generates aggregator information including the information input in the aggregator information registration operation (step S28). Next, the generated aggregator information is transmitted from the terminal device 5A to the cloud server 1 (step S29).

[0045] On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 acquires the aggregator information, it stores the acquired aggregator information in the aggregator information storage unit 136 and determines, based on the aggregator information stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136, that there is a linked server, that is, that the aggregator server 9 operating in cooperation with the cloud server 1 will be used (step S30). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the cloud server 1 sets the aggregator server 9 as the destination of the device status notification information (step S31). Subsequently, after the series of processes from step S6 to step S19 described above are executed, the terminal device 5A forms an authentication information notification image for notifying the user of the authentication information based on the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 534 and displays the image on the display unit 504 (step S32). Here, the terminal device 5B displays, for example, an authentication information notification image GA6 as shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 504. The authentication information notification image GA6 includes a message image M61 that shows the settings for the management functions and data processing methods, a message image M62 that shows the contents of the authentication information, and message information M63 that shows the URL of a web page that contains information about using the aggregator server 9.

[0046] Returning to FIG. 10 , when the user subsequently performs the aforementioned device status acquisition operation via input unit 505 of terminal device 5B, terminal device 5B accepts the device status acquisition operation and generates the aforementioned device status request information (step S33). The generated device status request information is transmitted from terminal device 5B to aggregator server 9 (step S34), and then transmitted from aggregator server 9 to cloud server 1 (step S35). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the device status request information, cloud server 1 performs authentication processing using authentication information included in the acquired device status request information. Then, if authentication is successful (step S36), cloud server 1 generates device status notification information indicating the respective states of water heater 31, device 32, etc., based on at least one of the function setting information and the data processing method setting information stored in setting storage unit 133 (step S37). Next, the generated device status notification information is transmitted from cloud server 1 to aggregator server 9 (step S38). On the other hand, when the aggregator server 9 acquires the appliance status notification information, it generates appliance status notification information including the appliance status information included in the acquired appliance status notification information (step S39). Then, the generated appliance status notification information is transmitted from the aggregator server 9 to the terminal device 5B (step S40). On the other hand, when the terminal device 5B acquires the appliance status notification information, it extracts the appliance status information included in the acquired appliance status notification information and stores it in the appliance status storage unit 535 (step S41). Next, the terminal device 5B forms an appliance status notification image indicating the status of the water heater 31, the appliance 32, etc., based on the appliance status information stored in the appliance status storage unit 535, and displays the image on the display unit 504 (step S42).

[0047] Next, the device management process executed by the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. This device management process is initiated when a program for executing the device management process is launched in the cloud server 1. In parallel with this device management process, the device control unit 116 is executing a process for controlling the water heater 31, the device 32, etc. based on at least one of the function setting information and the data processing method setting information stored in the setting storage unit 133. In parallel with this device management process, the device status acquisition unit 117 is executing a process for acquiring device status notification information transmitted from the water heater 31, the device 32, etc., extracting the device status information and device identification information included in the acquired device status notification information, and storing the extracted device status information and device identification information in the device status storage unit 135 in association with each other.

[0048] First, the aggregator information acquisition unit 120 determines whether or not aggregator information transmitted from the terminal device 5 has been acquired (step S101). If the aggregator information acquisition unit 120 determines that the aggregator information has not been acquired (step S101: No), the processing of step S112, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the aggregator information acquisition unit 120 determines that the aggregator information has been acquired (step S101: Yes), the aggregator information acquisition unit 120 stores the acquired aggregator information in the aggregator information storage unit 136. Next, the device status notification unit 118 determines whether or not to use the aggregator server 9 that operates in cooperation with the cloud server 1, based on the aggregator information stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136 (step S102). If the device status notification unit 118 determines that the aggregator server 9 will be used (step S102: Yes), the device status notification unit 118 sets the aggregator server 9 as the destination of the device status notification information (step S103). On the other hand, if the device status notifying unit 118 determines that the aggregator server 9 is not to be used (step S102: No), it sets the destination of the device status notifying information to the terminal device 5 (step S104).

[0049] Next, the function list notification unit 111 transmits the function list information stored in the function master storage unit 131 to the terminal device 5 based on the aggregator information stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136 (step S105). Subsequently, the data processing method list notification unit 112 transmits the data processing method list information stored in the data processing method master storage unit 132 to the terminal device 5 based on the aggregator information stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136 (step S106).

[0050] Thereafter, when the setting information acquisition unit 113 acquires function setting notification information transmitted from the terminal device 5 (step S107), it extracts function setting information included in the acquired function setting notification information, associates the extracted function setting information with the aggregator information, and stores the extracted function setting information in the setting storage unit 133 (step S108). Next, when the setting information acquisition unit 113 acquires data processing method setting notification information transmitted from the terminal device 5 (step S109), it extracts data processing method setting information included in the acquired data processing method setting notification information, and associates the extracted data processing method setting information with the aggregator information, and stores the extracted data processing method setting information in the setting storage unit 133 (step S110).

[0051] Next, the authentication information generation unit 114 generates authentication information of the aggregator that owns the terminal device 5 that is the sender of the function setting notification information and the data processing method setting notification information, and stores the generated authentication information in association with the aggregator information in the authentication information storage unit 134. Then, the authentication information notification unit 115 generates authentication information notification information that includes the authentication information and has the terminal device 5 as its destination, based on the aggregator information that corresponds to the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 134, and transmits the authentication information notification information to the terminal device 5 (step S111).

[0052] Thereafter, the device status notification unit 118 determines whether or not device status request information transmitted from the terminal device 5 or the aggregator server 9 has been acquired (step S112). If the device status notification unit 118 determines that device status request information has not been acquired (step S112: No), the process of step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the device status notification unit 118 determines that device status request information has been acquired (step S112: No), it notifies the authentication unit 119 of the authentication information included in the acquired device status request information. Then, when the device status notification unit 118 acquires device status request information transmitted from the terminal device 5 or the aggregator server 9, the authentication unit 119 executes authentication processing of the terminal device 5 that is the sender of the device status request information, using the authentication information included in the acquired device status request information. Next, the authentication unit 119 determines whether or not the authentication has been successful (step S113). If the authentication unit 119 determines that the authentication has failed (step S113: No), the process of step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, suppose that the authentication unit 119 determines that the authentication is successful (step S113: Yes). In this case, the appliance status notification unit 118 generates appliance status notification information indicating the respective states of the water heater 31, the appliance 32, etc., based on at least one of the function setting information and the data processing method setting information stored in the setting storage unit 133, and transmits the generated appliance status notification information to the terminal device 5 or the aggregator server 9 (step S114). Subsequently, the process of step S101 is executed again.

[0053] As described above, in the device management system according to the present embodiment, the terminal device 5 generates at least one of function setting notification information indicating a management function selected by a user from among multiple preset management functions indicated by the function list information, and data processing method setting notification information indicating a data processing method selected by a user from among multiple preset data processing methods indicated by the data processing method list information. Furthermore, in the cloud server 1, the setting information acquisition unit 113 acquires at least one of the function setting notification information and the data processing method setting notification information transmitted from the terminal device 5. Then, the device control unit 116 controls the water heater 31, the device 32, etc., based on the acquired at least one of the function setting notification information and the data processing method setting notification information. The device status notification unit 118 generates device status notification information indicating the respective statuses of the water heater 31, the device 32, etc., based on the acquired at least one of the function setting notification information and the data processing method setting notification information, and transmits the generated device status notification information to the terminal device 5. As a result, the cloud server 1 functioning as one device management device can control the water heater 31, the devices 32, etc. and notify the terminal device 5 of the status of each of the water heater 31, the devices 32, etc. based on at least one of a management function selected by the user from among multiple types of management functions and a data processing method selected by the user from among multiple types of data processing methods. This makes it easy to understand the management status of power supply and demand for each of multiple aggregators.

[0054] Furthermore, in the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment, after the function setting information and the data processing method setting information are acquired by the setting information acquisition unit 113, the authentication information generation unit 114 generates authentication information for authenticating the user, and the authentication information notification unit 115 transmits the generated authentication information to the terminal device 5. Then, upon acquiring the authentication information notification information, the terminal device 5 extracts the authentication information included in the acquired authentication setting notification information, and, based on the extracted authentication information, forms an authentication information notification image including a message indicating the setting contents of the management function and the data processing method and a message image indicating the contents of the authentication information, and displays the authentication information notification image on the display unit 504. This allows the user to understand the set management mechanism and data processing method, and the contents of the authentication information, by checking the authentication information notification image.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, a terminal device may form and display on a display unit a function setting image for allowing a user to select a management purpose to be realized by at least one preset management function and a data processing method setting image for allowing a user to select a processing performance index to be realized by at least one preset data processing method, and a setting information generation unit may generate function setting notification information based on the management purpose selected by the user and generate data processing method setting notification information based on the processing performance index selected by the user. The terminal device may also display on the display unit a function setting image for allowing a user to select a management purpose in a questionnaire format and a data processing method setting image for allowing a user to select a processing performance index in a questionnaire format.

[0056] 13 on the display unit 504. The setting image GA201 includes a button image CB201 representing a checkbox for selecting whether or not to use the aggregator server 9 that operates in cooperation with the cloud server 1, button images CB202 and CB203 representing checkboxes for selecting management purposes, and button images CB204, CB205, CB206, and CB207 representing checkboxes for selecting processing performance indicators. This setting image GA201 corresponds to an image that includes both the function setting image and the data processing method setting image described above.

[0057] 14 and 15, the setting information generation process executed by terminal device 5 according to this modification will be described in detail. Note that this setting information generation process is executed when terminal device 5 displays setting image GA201 shown in FIG. 13 on display unit 504. First, setting information generation unit 514 determines whether or not an operation to select "daytime heating" for "control purpose" in setting image GA201 has been accepted (step S2201). Here, when setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "daytime heating" has been accepted (step S2201: Yes), function setting information indicating "daytime heating" is stored in the setting storage unit, and display control unit 513 causes display unit 504 to display setting image GA201 indicating that button image CB202 corresponding to "daytime heating" has been selected (step S2202). On the other hand, if the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select “daytime heating” has not been received (step S2201: Yes), it determines whether an operation to select “load leveling” of the “control objective” in the setting image GA201 has been received (step S2203). Here, if the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select “load leveling” has not been received (step S2203: No), the processing of step S2207, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select “load leveling” has been received (step S2203: Yes), it stores function setting information indicating “load leveling” and “demand control function” in the setting storage unit 533, and the display control unit 513 displays the setting image GA201, which indicates that the button image CB202 corresponding to “load leveling” has been selected, on the display unit 504 (step S2204).

[0058] Next, the setting information generation unit 514 determines whether or not an operation to select “Yes” for “Request advanced control” in the setting image GA201 has been accepted (step S2205). If the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select “No” for “Request advanced control” in the setting image GA201 has been accepted (step S2205: No), the processing of step S2207, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select “Yes” for “Request advanced control” in the setting image GA201 has been accepted (step S2205: Yes), the setting information generation unit 514 stores function setting information indicating the “demand forecasting function” in the setting storage unit 533, and the display control unit 513 displays the setting image GA201, which indicates that the button image CB203 corresponding to “Yes” for “Request advanced control” has been selected, on the display unit 504 (step S2206).

[0059] Next, the setting information generation unit 514 determines whether or not an operation to select "Use" of "Data Utilization" in the settings image GA201 has been accepted (step S2207). If the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "Do Not Utilize" of "Data Utilization" in the settings image GA201 has been accepted (step S2207: No), the processing of step S2221, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "Use" of "Data Utilization" in the settings image GA201 has been accepted (step S2207: Yes), the setting information generation unit 514 determines whether or not an operation to select "Device Status" of "Desired Data" in the settings image GA201 has been accepted (step S2208). Here, when the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "Device Status" has been received (step S2208: Yes), it stores function setting information indicating "Boiling Status," "Remaining Hot Water Amount Measurement Value," "Tank Capacity Value," "Automatic Boiling Setting," and "Daytime Boiling-Related Information" in the setting storage unit 533 (step S2209). Thereafter, the setting information generation unit 514 determines whether an operation to select "As Fine as Possible" for "Data Interval" in the setting image GA201 has been received (step S2210). Here, when the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "As Fine as Possible" has been received (step S2210: Yes), it stores function setting information indicating "Default Interval" in the setting storage unit 533 (step S2211). On the other hand, when the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "As Fine as Possible" has not been received (step S2210: No), it determines whether an operation to select "Normal" for "Data Interval" has been received (step S2212). Here, if setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "normal" has been received (step S2212: Yes), it stores function setting information indicating "30-minute intervals" in setting storage unit 533 (step S2213). On the other hand, if setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "rough" for "data interval" has been received (step S2212: No), it stores function setting information indicating "1-hour intervals" in setting storage unit 533 (step S2214). Thereafter, the process of step S2221 is executed.

[0060] Furthermore, if the setting information generation unit 514 determines in step S2208 that an operation to select "cumulative power / hot water volume" of "desired data" in the setting image GA201 has been accepted (step S2208: No), the setting information generation unit 514 stores the function setting information indicating "cumulative power" and "cumulative hot water volume" in the setting storage unit 533 (step S2215). Next, the setting information generation unit 514 determines whether an operation to select "as fine as possible" of "data interval" in the setting image GA201 has been accepted (step S2216). Here, if the setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "as fine as possible" has been accepted (step S2216: Yes), the setting information generation unit 514 stores the function setting information indicating "5-minute accumulation" in the setting storage unit 533 (step S2217). On the other hand, if setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "as fine as possible" has not been received (step S2216: No), it determines whether an operation to select "normal" for "data interval" has been received (step S2218). Here, if setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "normal" has been received (step S2218: Yes), it stores function setting information indicating "30-minute accumulation" in setting storage unit 533 (step S2219). On the other hand, if setting information generation unit 514 determines that an operation to select "rough" for "data interval" has been received (step S2218: No), it stores function setting information indicating "1-hour accumulation" in setting storage unit 533 (step S2220).

[0061] Next, the setting information generating unit 514 determines whether or not an operation to select "Yes" for "Request operation results" in the setting image GA201 has been accepted (step S2221). If the setting information generating unit 514 determines that an operation to select "No" for "Request operation results" in the setting image GA201 has been accepted (step S2221: No), the processing of step S2223, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the setting information generating unit 514 determines that an operation to select "Yes" for "Request operation results" in the setting image GA201 has been accepted (step S2221: Yes), the setting information generating unit 514 stores function setting information indicating the "periodic report output function" in the setting storage unit 533 (step S2222).

[0062] Next, setting notification unit 515 generates function setting notification information including the function setting information stored in setting storage unit 533 and transmits it to cloud server 1 (step S2223), and also generates data processing method setting notification information including the data processing method setting information stored in setting storage unit 533 and transmits it to cloud server 1 (step S2224). Thereafter, the process of step S2201 is executed again.

[0063] This configuration can improve the convenience for users when selecting management functions and data processing methods.

[0064] In an embodiment, the management function and the data processing method may be associated with fee information indicating a fee to be paid by the user to an operator who operates the cloud server 1 functioning as a device management device. In this case, the fee may be set to a different price depending on the attributes of the management function and the data processing method. When the total of the fee corresponding to the management function selected by the user and the fee corresponding to the data processing method selected by the user exceeds a predetermined standard total fee, the display control unit of the terminal device may form at least one of a function setting image and a data processing method setting image in a display mode that notifies the user that the total of the fees corresponding to at least one of the management function and the data processing method selected by the user has exceeded the predetermined standard total fee.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 16 , the device management system according to this modification includes a cloud server 3001 and a terminal device 3005. The cloud server 3001 includes an aggregator information acquisition unit 3120, a fee calculation unit 3122, a fee notification unit 3123, an aggregator information storage unit 3136, and a fee master storage unit 3137. The aggregator information storage unit 3136 stores aggregator information generated by the terminal device 5, as well as unit count information indicating the number of water heaters 31, appliances 32, etc. that the aggregator is expected to manage. The fee master storage unit 3137 stores fee information indicating fees for each of a plurality of preset management functions in association with function information indicating the management functions, as shown in FIG. 17 . The fee master storage unit 3136 also stores fee information indicating fees for each of a plurality of preset data processing methods in association with data processing method information indicating the data processing methods. The example shown in FIG. 17 shows a fee per unit per month. For example, if you select the "Daytime heating" management function, the fee per unit per month is 100 yen. Also, if you select "Heating in progress" as the data processing method, the fee per unit per month is 10 yen.

[0066] Returning to FIG. 16, upon acquiring the aggregator information and the number information transmitted from the terminal device 5, the aggregator information acquisition unit 3120 stores the acquired aggregator information and the number information in the aggregator information storage unit 136.

[0067] The fee calculation unit 3122 calculates the total fee corresponding to the management function and data processing method selected by the user, based on the function setting information and data processing method setting information stored in the setting storage unit 133, the number of units information stored in the aggregator information storage unit 136, and the fee information stored in the fee master storage unit 3136. The fee calculation unit 3122 then notifies the fee notification unit 3123 of total fee information indicating the calculated total fee. The fee notification unit 3123 transmits the notified total fee information to the terminal device 5.

[0068] The terminal device 3005 includes an aggregator information notification unit 3518, a fee acquisition unit 3519, and a fee storage unit 3536. The fee storage unit 3536 stores total fee information indicating the total fee corresponding to the management function and data processing method selected by the user, and standard total fee information indicating the estimated management cost assumed by the aggregator.

[0069] When a user belonging to the aggregator performs the above-mentioned aggregator information registration preparation operation on the input unit 505 of the terminal device 3005, the display control unit 513 causes the display unit 504 to display, for example, an aggregator information input screen image GA301 as shown in Fig. 18. Note that in Fig. 18, the same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 7(A). The aggregator information input screen image GA301 includes, in addition to input field images B11, B12, and B13, an input field B314 for inputting the purpose of use of the aggregator, an input field B315 for inputting the estimated number of water heaters 31, devices 32, etc. managed by the aggregator, and an input field B316 for inputting the estimated management cost estimated by the aggregator.

[0070] When the user performs the aggregator information registration operation on the input unit 505 while the aggregator information input screen image GA301 is displayed on the display unit 504, the aggregator information notification unit 3518 accepts the aggregator information registration operation, generates the aggregator information, number information indicating the input estimated number of units, and standard total fee information indicating the input estimated management cost, and transmits the generated aggregator information and number information to the cloud server 1. The aggregator information notification unit 3518 also stores the standard total fee information in the fee storage unit 3536.

[0071] When fee acquisition unit 3519 acquires total fee information transmitted from cloud server 3001, it stores the acquired total fee information in fee storage unit 3536. Then, display control unit 513 forms a function setting image and a data processing method setting image including a message image indicating the total fee indicated by the total fee information stored in fee storage unit 3536, and displays them on display unit 504. Here, when the total fee indicated by the total fee information stored in fee storage unit 3536 exceeds the standard total fee indicated by the standard total fee information stored in fee storage unit 3536, display control unit 513 forms at least one of the function setting image and the data processing method setting image in a display mode that notifies the user that the total fee has exceeded the standard total fee, and displays them on display unit 504.

[0072] According to this configuration, the aggregator can ascertain the fee to be paid by the aggregator to the operator who operates the cloud server 1 by checking the message image indicating the total amount of fees included in the function setting image and the data processing method setting image displayed on the display unit 504 of the terminal device 3005. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fee to be paid to the operator from exceeding the fee expected by the aggregator.

[0073] Furthermore, the various functions of the cloud server 1 and terminal device 5 according to the present disclosure may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. In this case, the software or firmware may be written as a program, and the program may be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or an MO (Magneto-Optical Disc). The program may then be read and installed on a computer to configure a computer capable of realizing each of the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, if each function is realized by sharing the work between an operating system (OS) and an application, or by cooperation between the OS and an application, only the parts other than the OS may be stored on the recording medium.

[0074] Furthermore, each program can be superimposed on a carrier wave and distributed over a network. For example, the program can be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on the network and distributed over the network. These programs can then be started and run under the control of the OS in the same way as other application programs, thereby enabling the above-mentioned processing to be performed.

[0075] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0076] (Appendix 1) a device management device that manages a plurality of devices; a terminal device owned by a user that is capable of communicating with the equipment management device; The device management device a function list notification unit that generates function list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of management functions that are preset for managing the plurality of devices, and transmits the function list information to the terminal device; a data processing method list notification unit that generates data processing method list information indicating a list of a plurality of preset data processing methods that indicate methods for processing data transmitted from the plurality of devices, and transmits the data processing method list information to the terminal device; a setting information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user from the plurality of types of management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user from the plurality of types of data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information, both transmitted from the terminal device; a device control unit that controls the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information; a device status notification unit that generates device status notification information indicating a status of each of the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information, and transmits the generated device status notification information to the terminal device; Equipment management system. (Appendix 2) The terminal device an input unit; a setting information generating unit that generates at least one of function setting information indicating the management function selected by the user via the input unit from among the plurality of types of management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating the data processing method selected by the user via the input unit from among the plurality of types of data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information; a setting notification unit that transmits at least one of the generated function setting information and the generated data processing method setting information to the device management device; 1. An equipment management system as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The terminal device A display unit; a display control unit that forms a function setting image for allowing a user to select a management purpose to be realized by at least one of the management functions that has been preset, and a data processing method setting image for allowing a user to select a processing performance index to be realized by at least one of the data processing methods that has been preset, and displays the images on the display unit; the setting information generation unit generates the function setting information based on the management purpose selected by the user, and generates the data processing method setting information based on the processing performance index selected by the user. 1. An equipment management system as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) the function setting image prompts the user to select the management purpose in a questionnaire format, the image for setting the data processing method prompts the user to select the processing performance index in a questionnaire format; 1. An equipment management system as described in Appendix 3. (Appendix 5) the plurality of devices includes a water heater; The management function includes at least one of a daytime heating function, a load leveling function, a periodic report output function, a history data download function, and a demand forecasting function. 5. The device management system of claim 1. (Appendix 6) the management function and the data processing method are associated with fee information indicating a fee to be paid by the user to an operator who operates the device management device; when the sum of the fee corresponding to the management function selected by the user and the fee corresponding to the data processing method selected by the user exceeds a standard total fee set by the user, the display control unit forms at least one of the function setting image and the data processing method setting image in a display mode that notifies the user that the sum of the fees corresponding to at least one of the management function and the data processing method selected by the user has exceeded the standard total fee. 5. An equipment management system according to claim 3 or 4. (Appendix 7) The fee is set at different prices depending on the attributes of the management function and the attributes of the data processing method. 10. The equipment management system described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 8) The device management device an authentication information generation unit that generates authentication information for authenticating the user after the setting information acquisition unit acquires at least one of the function setting information and the data processing method setting information; an authentication information notification unit that transmits the generated authentication information to the terminal device; 8. The device management system of any one of appendixes 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) A device management device for managing a plurality of devices, a function list notification unit that transmits function list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of management functions that have been preset for managing the plurality of devices to a terminal device held by the user; a data processing method list notification unit that transmits to the terminal device data processing method list information that indicates a list of a plurality of preset data processing methods that indicate methods for processing data transmitted from the plurality of devices; a setting information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user from the plurality of types of management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user from the plurality of types of data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information, both transmitted from the terminal device; a device control unit that controls the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information; a device status notification unit that generates device status notification information indicating a status of each of the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information, and transmits the generated device status notification information to the terminal device; Equipment management device. (Appendix 10) 1. A device management method using a device management device that manages a plurality of devices and a terminal device that is owned by a user and that is capable of communicating with the device management device, comprising: a step of transmitting function list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of management functions preset for managing the plurality of devices, from the device management device to the terminal device; a step of transmitting, by the device management device, to the terminal device, data processing method list information indicating a list of a plurality of preset data processing methods indicating methods for processing data transmitted from the plurality of devices; a step in which the device management device acquires at least one of function setting information transmitted from the terminal device, the function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user from the plurality of types of management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user from the plurality of types of data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information; a step of the device management device controlling the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information; and a step in which the device management device generates device status notification information indicating a status of each of the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information, and transmits the generated device status notification information to the terminal device. Equipment management method. (Appendix 11) Computer, a function list notification unit that transmits function list information indicating a list of multiple types of management functions that have been set in advance for managing multiple devices to a terminal device held by the user; a data processing method list notification unit that transmits to the terminal device data processing method list information indicating a list of a plurality of preset data processing methods indicating methods for processing data transmitted from the plurality of devices; a setting information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user from the plurality of types of management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user from the plurality of types of data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information, both transmitted from the terminal device; a device control unit that controls the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information; a device status notification unit that generates device status notification information indicating a status of each of the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information, and transmits the generated device status notification information to the terminal device; A program to function as a [Industrial Applicability]

[0077] The present disclosure is suitable as an appliance management system that manages water heaters installed in each residence that has a bulk power receiving contract with an electric power company. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1,3001 Cloud server, 2 Communication control device, 5,5A,5B,3005 Terminal device, 8 BBR, 9 Aggregator server, 31 Water heater, 32 Equipment, 33 Power generation equipment, 101,501 CPU, 102,502 Main memory unit, 103,503 Auxiliary memory unit, 106,506 Communication unit, 109,509 Bus, 111 Function list notification unit, 112 Data processing method list notification unit, 113 Setting information acquisition unit, 114 Authentication information generation unit, 115 Authentication information notification unit, 116 Equipment control unit, 117 Equipment status acquisition unit, 118 Equipment status notification unit, 119 Authentication unit, 120,3120 Aggregator information acquisition unit, 131,531 Equipment master memory unit, 132,532 Data processing method master memory unit, 133,533 Setting memory unit, 134, 534 authentication information memory unit, 135, 535 device status memory unit, 136, 3136 aggregator information memory unit, 504 display unit, 505 input unit, 511 function list acquisition unit, 512 data processing method list acquisition unit, 513 display control unit, 514 setting information generation unit, 515 setting notification unit, 516 authentication information acquisition unit, 517 device status acquisition unit, 518, 3518 aggregator information notification unit, 3122 fee calculation unit, 3123 fee notification unit, 3136 fee master memory unit, 3519 fee acquisition unit, 3536 fee memory unit, B1 apartment building, B11, B12, B13, B314, B315, B316 Input field images, BU21,BU31,BU41,CB21,CB31,CB41,CB42,CB43,CB44,CB201,CB202,CB203,CB204,CB205,CB206,CB207 button images, GA1,GA2,GA301 aggregator information input screen images, GA3 function setting images, GA4 data processing method setting images, GA5,GA6 authentication information notification images, GA7 setting images, H0,H1,H10,H11 residences, M51,M52,M61,M62,M63 message images, NW1 wide area network, NW21,NW22 local network

Claims

1. a device management device that manages a plurality of devices; a terminal device owned by a user and capable of communicating with the device management device; The device management device includes: a function list notification unit that generates function list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of management functions that are preset for managing the plurality of devices, and transmits the function list information to the terminal device; a data processing method list notification unit that generates data processing method list information indicating a list of a plurality of preset data processing methods indicating methods for processing data transmitted from the plurality of devices, and transmits the data processing method list information to the terminal device; a setting information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of function setting information transmitted from the terminal device, the function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user from among the multiple types of management functions indicated by the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user from among the multiple types of data processing methods indicated by the data processing method list information; a device control unit that controls the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information; and a device status notification unit that generates device status notification information indicating a status of each of the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information, and transmits the device status notification information to the terminal device. Equipment management system.

2. The terminal device An input unit; a setting information generating unit that generates at least one of function setting information indicating the management function selected by the user via the input unit from among the multiple types of the management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating the data processing method selected by the user via the input unit from among the multiple types of the data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information; a setting notification unit that transmits at least one of the generated function setting information and the generated data processing method setting information to the device management device. The device management system according to claim 1 .

3. The terminal device A display unit; a display control unit that forms a function setting image for allowing a user to select a management purpose to be realized by at least one of the management functions that has been preset, and a data processing method setting image for allowing a user to select a processing performance index to be realized by at least one of the data processing methods that has been preset, and displays the images on the display unit; the setting information generation unit generates the function setting information based on the management purpose selected by the user, and generates the data processing method setting information based on the processing performance index selected by the user. The device management system according to claim 2 .

4. the function setting image prompts the user to select the management purpose in a questionnaire format, the data processing method setting image prompts the user to select the processing performance index in a questionnaire format; The device management system according to claim 3 .

5. The plurality of devices includes a water heater, The management function includes at least one of a daytime heating function, a load leveling function, a periodic report output function, a history data download function, and a demand forecasting function. The device management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the management function and the data processing method are associated with fee information indicating a fee to be paid by the user to an operator who operates the equipment management device; when the sum of the fee corresponding to the management function selected by the user and the fee corresponding to the data processing method selected by the user exceeds a standard total fee set by the user, the display control unit forms at least one of the function setting image and the data processing method setting image in a display mode that notifies the user that the sum of the fees corresponding to at least one of the management function and the data processing method selected by the user has exceeded the standard total fee. The device management system according to claim 3 .

7. The fee is set to different prices depending on the attributes of the management function and the attributes of the data processing method. The device management system according to claim 6.

8. The device management device includes: an authentication information generating unit that generates authentication information for authenticating the user after the setting information acquiring unit acquires at least one of the function setting information and the data processing method setting information; and an authentication information notification unit that transmits the generated authentication information to the terminal device. The device management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. A device management device for managing a plurality of devices, a function list notification unit that transmits function list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of management functions that are preset for managing the plurality of devices to a terminal device held by a user; a data processing method list notification unit that transmits to the terminal device data processing method list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of data processing methods that are set in advance and indicate methods of processing data transmitted from the plurality of devices; a setting information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of function setting information transmitted from the terminal device, the function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user from among the multiple types of management functions indicated by the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user from among the multiple types of data processing methods indicated by the data processing method list information; a device control unit that controls the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information; and a device status notification unit that generates device status notification information indicating a status of each of the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information, and transmits the device status notification information to the terminal device. Equipment management device.

10. A device management method using a device management device that manages a plurality of devices and a terminal device that is owned by a user and is capable of communicating with the device management device, comprising: a step of transmitting function list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of management functions preset for managing the plurality of devices, to the terminal device, by the device management device; a step of transmitting, by the device management device, to the terminal device, data processing method list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of data processing methods set in advance, which indicate methods of processing data transmitted from the plurality of devices; a step of the device management device acquiring at least one of function setting information transmitted from the terminal device, the function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user from among the multiple types of the management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user from among the multiple types of the data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information; a step of controlling the plurality of devices by the device management device based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information; and a step of generating device status notification information indicating a status of each of the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information, and transmitting the device status notification information to the terminal device. Equipment management method.

11. Computer, a function list notification unit that transmits function list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of management functions that are preset for managing a plurality of devices to a terminal device held by a user; a data processing method list notification unit that transmits, to the terminal device, data processing method list information indicating a list of a plurality of types of data processing methods that are set in advance and indicate methods of processing data transmitted from the plurality of devices; a setting information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of function setting information indicating a management function selected by the user from the multiple types of management functions indicated in the function list information, and data processing method setting information indicating a data processing method selected by the user from the multiple types of data processing methods indicated in the data processing method list information, both transmitted from the terminal device; a device control unit that controls the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information; a device status notifying unit that generates device status notification information indicating a status of each of the plurality of devices based on at least one of the acquired function setting information and the acquired data processing method setting information, and transmits the device status notification information to the terminal device; A program to function as a

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