Hot water supply system, method for displaying the history screen of the hot water supply system, and program

Abstract

To make it easier to understand the history of the water heater's heating operation. [Solution] The hot water supply system 100 includes a history acquisition unit 31a and a display control unit 31b in the mobile terminal 3. The history acquisition unit 31a is a component that acquires the hot water heating operation history data D11 from a management device (server 4) that manages various types of data. The display control unit 31b is a component that controls the operation of the display unit 34. The display control unit 31b displays a screen on the display unit 34 as a history screen representing the hot water heating operation history data D11, which includes a graph representing the heating time, and which allows the heating time to be switched and displayed for any period of time.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water supply system, a method for displaying a history screen of the hot water supply system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a hot water supply system that uses solar power generation to perform operations such as boiling operation, boiling-up operation, and hot water discharging operation. In addition, a hot water supply system has been proposed in which a user's mobile terminal is notified of the hot water discharging operation by a hot water dispenser (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 does not intend to inform the user of how much solar power generation is used to perform the boiling operation (including the boiling-up operation) of the hot water dispenser. Therefore, it has been difficult for the user to recognize how much solar power generation is used in the boiling operation of the hot water dispenser. Such prior art is desired to make it easier to recognize the boiling operation history of the hot water dispenser.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a main object thereof is to provide a hot water supply system or the like that makes it easier to grasp the boiling operation history of a hot water dispenser.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a hot water supply system comprising: a history acquisition unit that acquires hot water heating operation history data of a hot water supply unit from a management device that manages various types of data; and a display control unit that controls the operation of a display unit, wherein the display control unit displays a screen on the display unit as a history screen representing the hot water heating operation history data, which includes a graph representing the hot water heating time, and which is capable of switching and displaying the hot water heating time for any given period. Other methods will be described later. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily understand the history of the water heater's heating operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of a mobile device. [Figure 2B] This is an internal configuration diagram of a mobile device. [Figure 3A] This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of a server (management device). [Figure 3B] This is an internal configuration diagram of the server (management device). [Figure 4] This is an internal diagram of the hot water storage tank unit. [Figure 5A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the operation of a mobile device. [Figure 5B] This is a diagram (2) illustrating the operation of a mobile device. [Figure 5C] This is a diagram (3) illustrating the operation of a mobile device. [Figure 5D] This is a diagram (4) illustrating the operation of a mobile device. [Figure 5E] This is a diagram (5) illustrating the operation of a mobile device. [Figure 6A] This is a diagram (1) illustrating the operation of a mobile device. [Figure 6B]It is an operation explanatory diagram (2) of a mobile terminal. [Figure 7A] It is an operation explanatory diagram (1) of a mobile terminal. [Figure 7B] It is an operation explanatory diagram (2) of a mobile terminal. [Figure 7C] It is an operation explanatory diagram (3) of a mobile terminal. [Figure 8A] It is an operation explanatory diagram (1) of a mobile terminal. [Figure 8B] It is an operation explanatory diagram (2) of a mobile terminal. [Figure 9A] It is an operation explanatory diagram (1) of a mobile terminal. [Figure 9B] It is an operation explanatory diagram (2) of a mobile terminal. [Figure 10] It is an operation explanatory diagram of a mobile terminal. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the operation of a hot water supply system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiments") will be described in detail. Note that each drawing only schematically shows the present invention to such an extent that it can be sufficiently understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited only to the illustrated examples. Also, in each drawing, common components and similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0010] <Configuration of the Hot Water Supply System> Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the hot water supply system 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the hot water supply system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0011] In Figure 1, the thick solid lines indicate the piping through which hot and cold water flows. The dashed lines in Figure 1 indicate communication lines (including wireless communication). The hot water supply system 100 shown in Figure 1 is a system that performs operations such as heating, reheating, and filling the bathtub based on signals from the mobile terminal 3, in addition to the operation of the bath remote control R1 and the kitchen remote control R2. The hot water supply system 100 is configured to perform heating operations (including reheating) using solar power generation.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the hot water supply system 100 in this embodiment includes a water heater W1, a communication unit 1, a router 2, multiple mobile terminals 3, a server 4, a solar power generation panel 5, and a power conditioner 6. In the hot water supply system 100, in addition to the bathtub 99 to which hot water is supplied from the water heater W1, remote controls R such as a bath remote control R1 and a kitchen remote control R2, the communication unit 1, the router 2, etc. are installed inside the building H1.

[0013] Furthermore, the hot water supply system does not necessarily have to be a configuration that includes a water heater W1 or solar power generation panels 5. In other words, it may be a hot water supply system that is an information processing device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or kitchen remote control described later) that has a history acquisition unit and a display control unit as described later, and only performs information processing by displaying information on the display unit.

[0014] The water heater W1 is a device that performs functions such as heating, reheating, and filling the bathtub. As shown in Figure 1, the water heater W1 is equipped with a heat pump unit 7, a hot water storage tank unit 8, a bathroom remote control R1, and a kitchen remote control R2.

[0015] Communication unit 1 is a device that acts as an intermediary between the water heater W1 and the router 2 to facilitate communication. For example, a wireless adapter can be used as such a communication unit 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, communication unit 1 is connected to both the kitchen remote control R2 and the router 2. Note that wireless communication or wired communication may be used between communication unit 1 and the router 2. Furthermore, communication unit 1 may be built into the kitchen remote control R or the hot water storage tank unit 8.

[0016] Router 2 is a device that relays communications based on a predetermined communication protocol. In the example shown in Figure 1, Router 2 is connected to Communication Unit 1 and is also connected to Server 4 via Networks N1 and N2 in sequence.

[0017] Mobile device 3 is a device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or wearable device, and it communicates with server 4 via network N2. The user of mobile device 3 is, for example, someone who uses water heater W1 on a daily basis (such as a resident of building H1). Each mobile device 3 is associated with water heater W1 by inputting the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and performing WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), etc. In other words, by operating mobile device 3 in a prescribed manner, the user can change the settings of water heater W1 or start the water filling operation.

[0018] Server 4 manages data related to water heater W1, and also has the function of communicating with mobile terminals 3 via network N2, and communicating with communication unit 1 sequentially via networks N2, N1 and router 2. Server 4 functions as a management device that manages data for each water heater W1.

[0019] The solar power generation panel 5 generates solar power and consists of multiple solar cells 5a installed in a predetermined frame (not shown). The power conditioner 6 has the function of converting the DC power output from the solar power generation panel 5 into AC power. The power conditioner 6 is electrically connected to the water heater W1 and also to the power grid E1.

[0020] Furthermore, it is possible to use the power generated by the solar power generation panel 5 to operate the water heater W1, and it is also possible to supply this generated power to the power grid E1 (sell it). In this embodiment, the user can set the acceptable time range for operating the water heater W1 using the power generated by the solar power generation by operating the mobile terminal 3.

[0021] The configuration of the mobile terminal 3 will be described below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the mobile terminal 3. Figure 2B is an internal configuration diagram of the mobile terminal 3.

[0022] The mobile terminal 3 is implemented by a computer with the configuration shown in Figure 2A, such as a smartphone or tablet. As shown in Figure 2A, this computer includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, and SSD 304. This computer also includes an input / output interface 305 (labeled as input / output I / F (Interface) in Figure 2A), a communication interface 306 (labeled as communication I / F in Figure 2A), and a media interface 307 (labeled as media I / F in Figure 2A). The computer may have an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) instead of the SSD 304, or it may have an HDD in addition to the SSD 304. Furthermore, the computer that implements the functions of the mobile terminal 3 includes a display unit 34 consisting of an LCD display or the like, and an operation unit 35 consisting of a touch panel or side keys or the like.

[0023] The CPU 301 operates based on a control program PR3 stored in the ROM 302 or SSD 304 (stored in the storage unit 32 (Figure 2B)). The control program PR3 may be installed from the recording medium 312 to the computer if it is recorded on the recording medium 312, or downloaded from an external device (not shown) to the computer via a communication line if it is recorded on an external device. The control program PR3 includes a boot program executed by the CPU 301 when the computer starts up, as well as programs related to the computer's hardware.

[0024] The CPU 301 functions as a mobile terminal 3 by executing the control program PR3. As shown in Figure 2B, the mobile terminal 3 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, a display unit 34, and an operation unit 35. The control unit 31 has a history acquisition unit 31a and a display control unit 31b. The history acquisition unit 31a is a component that acquires the water heating operation history data D11 of the water heater W1 (Figure 1) from the server 4 (management device) which manages various types of data. The display control unit 31b is a component that controls the operation of the display unit 34. The storage unit 32 stores the control program PR3 and the water heating operation history data D11.

[0025] The configuration of Server 4 (management device) will be described below with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 3A is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of Server 4 (management device). Figure 3B is an internal configuration diagram of Server 4 (management device).

[0026] Server 4 (management device) is implemented by a computer with the configuration shown in Figure 3A. As shown in Figure 3A, this computer includes a CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, and SSD 404. This computer also includes an input / output interface 405 (labeled as input / output I / F (Interface) in Figure 3A), a communication interface 406 (labeled as communication I / F in Figure 3A), and a media interface 407 (labeled as media I / F in Figure 3A). The computer may have an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) instead of the SSD 404, or it may have an HDD in addition to the SSD 404. Furthermore, the computer that implements the functions of Server 4 (management device) is connected to input devices 410 such as a keyboard and mouse, and output devices 411 such as a display.

[0027] The CPU 401 operates based on a control program PR4 stored in the ROM 402 or SSD 404 (stored in the storage unit 42 (Figure 3B)). The control program PR4 may be installed from the recording medium 412 to the computer if it is recorded on the recording medium 412, or downloaded from an external device (not shown) to the computer via a communication line if it is recorded on an external device. The control program PR4 includes a boot program executed by the CPU 401 when the computer starts up, and programs related to the computer's hardware, etc.

[0028] The CPU 401 functions as a server 4 (management device) by executing the control program PR4. As shown in Figure 3B, the server 4 (management device) includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43, and is connected to an input device 410 and an output device 411. The control unit 41 has a user data acquisition unit 41a, a user data management unit 41b, and a power system management unit 41c. The user data acquisition unit 41a is a component that acquires user data D10 from each water heater W1 via networks N1 and N2. The user data D10 is various data about each user and each user's water heater W1, and includes the heating operation history data D11 of each water heater W1 and contract power data (not shown) that each user has contracted with the local power company. The user data management unit 41b is a component that manages the user data D10 acquired by the user data acquisition unit 41a. The power system management unit 41c is a component that manages power system data D20, etc. Power system data D20 is data relating to the contracted power of the region. The power system management unit 41c acquires power system data D20 from power system E1 via networks N1 and N2. The storage unit 42 stores the control program PR4, user data D10, and power system data D20. The storage unit 42 also stores the control program PR3 for download to the mobile terminal 3.

[0029] Server 4 (management device) acquires and manages user data D10 from each water heater W1. Then, in response to instructions from the mobile terminal 3, Server 4 (management device) provides (transmits) the user's water heater W1 heating operation history data D11 to the user's mobile terminal 3. In this embodiment, in response to instructions from the mobile terminal 3, Server 4 (management device) creates a screen as shown in Figures 5C to 10 based on the user data D10 and provides (transmits) it to the user's mobile terminal 3.

[0030] The configuration of the hot water storage tank unit 8 will be described below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is an internal diagram of the hot water storage tank unit 8.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the hot water storage tank unit 8 comprises a control unit 81, a storage unit 82, and a communication unit 83, and is connected to the bath remote control R1 and the kitchen remote control R2 for communication. The control unit 81 of the hot water storage tank unit 8, like the control unit 41 of the server 4, has a user data acquisition unit 81a, a user data management unit 81b, and a power system management unit 81c. The storage unit 82 of the hot water storage tank unit 8 stores the control program PR8, user data D10, and power system data D20.

[0032] The CPU (not shown) installed in the hot water storage tank unit 8 executes the control program PR8. This allows the hot water storage tank unit 8 to pre-acquire the water heating operation history data D11 and screens as shown in Figures 5C to 10 from the management device (server 4). Then, in response to instructions from the mobile terminal 3, the hot water storage tank unit 8 can provide (transmit) the water heating operation history data D11 of the user's water heater W1 to the user's mobile terminal 3. In addition, in response to instructions from the mobile terminal 3, the hot water storage tank unit 8 can create screens as shown in Figures 5C to 10 and provide (transmit) them to the user's mobile terminal 3.

[0033] <Mobile device operation> By operating the mobile terminal 3, the user can display screens such as those shown in Figures 5A to 10 on the display unit 34 of the mobile terminal 3. The operation of the mobile terminal 3 will be explained below with reference to each figure. Here, the mobile terminal 3 is assumed to be a smartphone owned by the user.

[0034] In this embodiment, the server 4 acquires user data D10 from each user's water heater W1 and manages the water heating operation history of the user's water heater W1 based on the water heating operation history data D11 contained in the user data D10. The server 4 then creates screens, for example, as shown in Figures 5C to 10, based on the water heating operation history data D11, and the mobile terminal 3 acquires each screen from the server 4 and displays each screen on the display unit 34. However, it is also possible for the mobile terminal 3 to acquire the user data D10 of the user's water heater W1 from the server 4 and create each screen based on the water heating operation history data D11 contained in the user data D10.

[0035] Figures 5A to 5E are diagrams illustrating the operation of the mobile terminal 3. Figure 5A shows the configuration of the home screen I10 of the mobile terminal 3. The home screen I10 displays the water heating operation management icon A11. The water heating operation management icon A11 is an icon for launching the application program that manages the water heating operation of the user's water heater W1.

[0036] On the home screen I10 (Figure 5A), tapping the water heating operation management icon A11 transitions the display screen to the initial startup screen I11, as shown in Figure 5B. In the example shown in Figure 5B, the initial startup screen I11 has a home button B11a, a concierge button B11b, a water usage button B11c, a support button B11d, and a settings button B11e. The home button B11a instructs the mobile device 3 to transition the display screen to the initial screen (home screen). The concierge button B11b instructs the mobile device 3 to execute the concierge function (guidance function). The water usage button B11c instructs the mobile device 3 to display the screen showing the amount of water used. The support button B11d instructs the mobile device 3 to execute the support function (suggestion function). The settings button B11e instructs the mobile device 3 to transition the display screen to the settings screen.

[0037] On the initial startup screen I11 (Figure 5B), tapping the settings button B11e transitions the display screen to the settings screen I12, as shown in Figure 5C. In the example shown in Figure 5C, the settings screen I12 has a display unit field I12a and a calendar I12b. The display unit field I12a is a field for specifying the unit of any period for which data is displayed, such as "week," "month," "3 months (season)," or "year." The calendar I12b is a means for specifying the period used to switch the history screen I13 (Figure 5D).

[0038] On the settings screen I12 (Figure 5C), for example, if you specify "week" in the display unit field I12a, set a period of one week in the calendar I12b, and tap the hot water usage button B11c, the display screen will transition to the history screen I13, as shown in Figure 5D. In the example shown in Figure 5D, the history screen I13 has a display unit field I13a, a heating time graph I13b, date data I13c, heating operation time I13d, and a close button I13e. The display unit field I13a is a field for specifying the unit of any period for which data is to be displayed. The heating time graph I13b is a graph that shows the heating time. In the example shown in Figure 5D, the heating time graph I13b shows the heating time during the day (e.g., 9am to 5pm) as an open bar graph and the heating time at night (e.g., 5pm to 9am) as a filled bar graph. The date data I13c represents the date on which the heating operation was performed. The heating operation time I13d represents the time the heating operation was performed. In the example shown in Figure 5D, the heating operation time I13d includes the daytime heating operation time I13da, the nighttime heating operation time I13db, and the total heating operation time I13dc. The daytime heating operation time I13da represents the heating time during the day (e.g., 9 am to 5 pm). The nighttime heating operation time I13db represents the heating time at night (e.g., 5 pm to 9 am). The total heating operation time I13dc represents the sum of the daytime heating time and the nighttime heating time. The close button I13e is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to close the history screen I13.

[0039] Incidentally, the white areas in each bar of the bar graph in Figure 5D represent the portion of the day when water heating is primarily done using electricity generated by solar power, although this depends on the weather conditions of the day. The larger the proportion of the white area in each bar, the more water heating is being done using solar power. Incidentally, although not particularly limited, in the example in Figure 5D, the bar graph for one day starts at 9 AM and ends at 9 AM the following day.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 5D, the boiling time graph I13b on the history screen I13 is represented as a bar graph. However, the boiling time graph I13b can be represented as any type of graph. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5E, the boiling time graph I13b is represented as a line graph.

[0041] The history screen I13 (Figures 5D and 5E) can display the heating time corresponding to the changed period by changing the period in the settings screen I12 (Figure 5C). For example, in the settings screen I12 (Figure 6A), if you specify "Month" in the display unit field I12a, set a period of one month in the calendar I12b, and tap the hot water usage button B11c, the display screen will transition to the history screen I13 shown in Figure 6B, for example. Figures 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the mobile terminal 3, respectively. The history screen I13 shown in Figure 6B shows the heating operation time for one month from 2 / 19 to 3 / 18 as a bar graph on a weekly basis.

[0042] Incidentally, in the example in Figure 6B, the bar graph for the week from February 19th to February 25th starts at 9:00 AM on February 19th and ends at 9:00 AM on February 26th.

[0043] The history screen I13 (Figures 5D and 5E) allows users to access various detailed data by tapping any location. For example, in the settings screen I12 (Figure 7A), tapping any location I13f on the boiling time graph I13b will transition the display screen to the detailed screen I14 shown in Figure 7B. Similarly, in the settings screen I12 (Figure 7A), tapping any location I13g on the date data I13c will transition the display screen to the reference screen I15 shown in Figure 7C. Figures 7A and 7C are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the mobile terminal 3. The detailed screen I14 shown in Figure 7B has a display unit field I14a, date data I14b, a timeline I14c, and a close button I14d. The reference screen I15 shown in Figure 7C has a display unit field I15a, date data I15b, weather data I15c, and a close button I15d. The display unit fields I14a and I15a specify the unit of time for which the data is displayed. The date data fields I14b and I15b specify the unit of time for which the data is displayed. The timeline I14c (Figure 7A) is a field that shows the boiling time (the time during which the boiling operation was performed). The weather data I15c (Figure 7B) is data that shows the weather for the corresponding day. In the example shown in Figure 7B, the time with hatching is the boiling time. The close buttons I14d and I15d are buttons that instruct the mobile terminal 3 to close the history screen I13. When the close buttons I14d and I15d are tapped, the display screen transitions to, for example, the initial startup screen I11 (Figure 5B). On the settings screen I12 (Figure 7A), the mobile terminal 3 displays the reference screen I15 shown in Figure 7C by tapping any tap location I13g in the date data I13c. This allows the user to view the weather data for the tapped day. As a result, users can see whether or not they used solar power on the day they tapped.

[0044] As shown in Figure 8A, the history screen I13 allows the user to freely change the time according to their purpose. Figure 8A is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the mobile terminal 3. The history screen I13 shown in Figure 8A is displayed on the display unit 34 by, for example, tapping the setting button B11e on the initial startup screen I11 shown in Figure 5B to display the menu screen (not shown), and then instructing the time change on the menu screen and entering the desired time. The history screen I13 shown in Figure 8A divides the water heating operation time into a first hour (e.g., 7am to 11pm) and a second hour (e.g., 11pm to 7am) according to the nighttime hours when electricity rates for power consumption are lower. In the example shown in Figure 8A, the water heating operation time I13d includes the first water heating operation time I13dd, the second water heating operation time I13de, and the total water heating operation time I13df. The first water heating operation time I13dd represents the water heating operation time in the first hour (e.g., 7am to 11pm). The second boiling operation time I13de represents the boiling operation time during the second period (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00). The total boiling operation time I13df represents the sum of the boiling operation time during the first period and the boiling operation time during the second period. Furthermore, the boiling time graph I13b on the history screen I13 shown in Figure 8A shows the boiling operation time during the first period as an open bar graph and the boiling operation time during the second period as a filled bar graph.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8B, the history screen I13 can freely switch between displaying boiling time and boiling amount according to the user's purpose. Figure 8B is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the mobile terminal 3. The history screen I13 shown in Figure 8B is displayed on the display unit 34 by, for example, tapping the setting button B11e on the initial startup screen I11 shown in Figure 5B to display the menu screen (not shown), and then instructing to change parameters on the menu screen. In the history screen I13 shown in Figure 8B, the "boiling amount" such as liters is displayed instead of the "boiling time" shown in Figure 5D.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9A, the mobile terminal 3 can display an electricity bill display screen I16, which represents electricity bill data, on the display unit 34 through user operation. Figure 9A is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the mobile terminal 3. The electricity bill display screen I16 shown in Figure 9A is displayed on the display unit 34 by, for example, tapping the setting button B11e on the initial startup screen I11 shown in Figure 5B to display a menu screen (not shown), and then instructing the display of electricity bills on the menu screen. The electricity bill display screen I16 shown in Figure 9A includes electricity bill data I16a, a setting change selection button I16b, a cancel button I16c, and a close button I16d. The electricity bill data I16a is data related to electricity bills, and is calculated, for example, based on contracted power data agreed upon between the user and the power company. The setting change selection button I16b is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to change the heating operation mode. The cancel button I16c is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to cancel the change in the heating operation mode. The close button I16d is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to close the electricity bill display screen I16. When the close button I16d is tapped, the display screen transitions to, for example, the initial startup screen I11 (Figure 5B).

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9B, the mobile terminal 3 can display a mode change display screen I17 on the display unit 34 by user operation to change the water heating operation mode. Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the mobile terminal 3. The mode change display screen I17 shown in Figure 9B is displayed on the display unit 34 by, for example, tapping the setting button B11e on the initial startup screen I11 shown in Figure 5B to display the menu screen (not shown), and then instructing the user to change the water heating operation mode on the menu screen. The mode change display screen I17 shown in Figure 9B includes guidance data I17a, a mode change selection button I17b, a cancel button I17c, and a close button I17d. Guidance data I17a is data that guides the user to change the water heating operation mode. The mode change selection button I17b is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to change the water heating operation mode. The cancel button I17c is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to cancel the change in the water heating operation mode. The close button I17d is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to close the mode change display screen I17. When the close button I17d is tapped, the display screen transitions to, for example, the initial startup screen I11 (Figure 5B).

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the mobile terminal 3 can display a support data display screen I18 on the display unit 34, which represents support data for the user based on how the user uses hot water and / or the heating time. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the mobile terminal 3. The support data display screen I18 shown in Figure 10 is displayed on the display unit 34 by tapping the support button B11d on the initial startup screen I11 shown in Figure 5B. The support data display screen I18 shown in Figure 10 includes support data I18a, a setting change selection button I18b, a cancel button I18c, and a close button I18d. Support data I18a is data to support the user. In the example shown in Figure 10, the support data I18a suggests changing the heating operation mode. The setting change selection button I18b is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to change the heating operation mode. The cancel button I18c is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to cancel the change in the heating operation mode. The close button I18d is a button that instructs the mobile terminal 3 to close the support data display screen I18. When the close button I16d is tapped, the display screen transitions to, for example, the initial startup screen I11 (Figure 5B).

[0049] The portable terminal 3 of the hot water supply system 100 operates as shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the hot water supply system 100.

[0050] For example, suppose the user operates the mobile terminal 3 and taps the water heating operation management icon A11 on the home screen I10 (Figure 5A). Then, as shown in Figure 11, the mobile terminal 3 accepts the selection of the water heating operation management application program (step S110). At this time, the display screen of the mobile terminal 3 transitions from the home screen I10 (Figure 5A) to the initial startup screen I11 (Figure 5B). The water heating operation management application program is a program provided on the mobile terminal 3 for managing the water heating operation.

[0051] After step S110, the user operates the mobile terminal 3 and taps the settings button B11e on the initial startup screen I11 (Figure 5B) to select various settings, and then selects the display period setting. The mobile terminal 3 then accepts the setting selection (step S120) and then accepts the display period selection (step S130).

[0052] After step S130, the mobile terminal 3 obtains the water heating operation history data D11 from the server 4 (step S140) and displays the history screen I13 on the display unit 34 (step S150). If the hot water storage tank unit 8 manages the water heating operation history data D11, the mobile terminal 3 may obtain the water heating operation history data D11 from the hot water storage tank unit 8.

[0053] After step S150, suppose the user operates the mobile terminal 3 to instruct it to switch screens. The mobile terminal 3 then receives the instruction to switch screens (step S160) and switches screens to display the desired information (step S170).

[0054] After step S170, suppose the user operates the mobile terminal 3 to give an arbitrary command. The mobile terminal 3 then accepts the command (step S180) and executes the process corresponding to the command (step S190).

[0055] <Hot water supply system, method of displaying the history screen of the hot water supply system, and main features of the program> The hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment can be configured to have the following features.

[0056] (1) As shown in Figure 2B, the hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment includes a history acquisition unit 31a and a display control unit 31b in the mobile terminal 3. The history acquisition unit 31a is a component that acquires the boiling operation history data D11 of the hot water heater W1 (Figure 1) from a management device (server 4) that manages various types of data. The display control unit 31b is a component that controls the operation of the display unit 34. The display control unit 31b displays a history screen I13 representing the boiling operation history data D11 on the display unit 34, which is a screen that includes a graph representing the boiling time and can switch and display the boiling time for any period of time.

[0057] In this embodiment, the hot water supply system 100 displays a screen including a graph representing the heating time as a history screen I13 on the display unit 34. This allows the user to grasp the heating operation history of the water heater W1 simply by glancing at the history screen I13. Such a hot water supply system 100 makes it easier to grasp the heating operation history of the water heater W1, thereby improving convenience.

[0058] (2) As shown in Figure 7A, in the hot water supply system 100 of item (1) above, the display control unit 31b transitions to the details screen I14 (Figure 7B) when a part of the history screen I13 is tapped, and displays the desired information in detail.

[0059] In this embodiment, the hot water supply system 100 can transition to the details screen I14 (Figure 7B) by tapping a part of the history screen I13, allowing for detailed display of arbitrary information. This enables the hot water supply system 100 to inform the user of the details of various information. Such a hot water supply system 100 can further improve convenience.

[0060] (3) As shown in Figure 7C, in the hot water supply system 100 described in item (1) above, the display control unit 31b displays the weather data I15c for the corresponding date on the display unit 34 when the tap location I13g of the date data I13c included in the history screen I13 (Figure 7A) is specified.

[0061] The hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment can display weather data I15c for a specified date on the display unit 34. This allows the hot water supply system 100 to inform the user of the weather conditions on the specified date. Such a hot water supply system 100 can further improve convenience.

[0062] (4) As shown in Figure 8A, in the hot water supply system 100 of item (1) above, the display control unit 31b changes the heating time according to the user's instructions.

[0063] The hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment can change the heating time according to the user's instructions. Such a hot water supply system 100 can further improve convenience.

[0064] (5) As shown in Figure 8B, in the hot water supply system 100 of item (1) above, the display control unit 31b switches and displays the heating time and heating amount according to the user's instructions.

[0065] The hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment can switch and display the heating time and heating amount according to the user's instructions. This makes it easier for the hot water supply system 100 to understand the heating operation history of the water heater W1. Such a hot water supply system 100 can further improve convenience.

[0066] (6) As shown in Figures 5D and 6B, in the hot water supply system 100 of item (1) above, the display control unit 31b switches to any unit, including weekly and monthly units, when a part of the history screen I13 (display unit field I13a) is tapped, and displays the history screen I13 34.

[0067] The hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment can switch to any unit and display the history screen I13 on the display unit 34. This makes it easier for the hot water supply system 100 to understand the history of the water heating operation of the water heater W1. Such a hot water supply system 100 can be made even more convenient.

[0068] (7) As shown in Figure 1, the hot water supply system 100 described in item (1) above includes a portable terminal 3 carried by the user and a management device (server 4). The management device (server 4) manages the water heating operation history data D11. As shown in Figure 2B, the portable terminal 3 has a history acquisition unit 31a, a display control unit 31b, and a display unit 34. The portable terminal 3 acquires the water heating operation history data D11 from the management device (server 4) by communicating with the management device (server 4).

[0069] In the hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment, the mobile terminal 3 can obtain the water heating operation history data D11 from the management device (server 4) by communicating with the management device (server 4).

[0070] (8) As shown in Figure 11, the history screen display method of the hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment includes a history acquisition step (step S140) and a display control step (steps S150 to S190). The history acquisition step (step S140) is a step of acquiring the boiling operation history data D11 of the hot water supply unit W1 from a management device (server 4) that manages various types of data. The display control step (steps S150 to S190) is a step of controlling the operation of the display unit 34. In the display control step (steps S150 to S190), for example, the history screen I13 shown in Figure 5D is displayed on the display unit 34. The history screen I13 is a screen that represents the boiling operation history data D11. The history screen I13 is a screen that includes a graph (boiling time graph I13b) that represents the boiling time. In addition, the history screen I13 is a screen that can switch and display the boiling time for any period (any unit including weekly and monthly).

[0071] The history screen display method of the hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment is a screen that includes a graph (hot water heating time graph I13b) representing the heating time, and a history screen I13 that can switch and display the heating time for any period can be displayed on the display unit 34. As a result, this history screen display method makes it easier to understand the heating operation history of the hot water supply unit W1. Such a history screen display method can improve the convenience of the hot water supply system 100.

[0072] (9) The program according to this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to perform a history acquisition step (step S140) and a display control step (steps S150 to S190).

[0073] The program according to this embodiment can implement a method for displaying the history screen of the hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0074] As described above, the hot water supply system 100 according to this embodiment makes it easier to understand the heating operation history of the water heater W1, thereby improving convenience.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace some of the configurations of the embodiments with other configurations, and it is also possible to add other configurations to the configurations of the embodiments. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of each configuration with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 3 Mobile devices 31,41,81 Control Unit 31a History acquisition unit 31b Display Control Unit 32,42,82 Storage part 33,43,83 Communications Department 34 Display section 4. Server (Management Device) 41a, 81a User data acquisition unit 41b,81b User Data Management Department 41c Power System Management Department 5. Solar power panels 5a solar cell 6. Power Conditioner 7 Heat pump unit 8. Hot water storage tank unit 99 Bathtubs 100 Hot water supply system 312,412 recording media A11 Water heating operation management icon B11a Home Button B11b Concierge Button B11c Hot water usage button B11d Support Button B11e Settings button D10 User Data D11 Water heating operation history data D20 Power System Data E1 Power system I10 Home Screen I11 Initial startup screen I12 Settings Screen I12a, I13a, I14a, I15a Display Unit Column I12b Calendar I13 History screen I13b Graph showing boiling time I13c, I14b, I15b Date data I13d Water heating operation time I13e, I14d, I15d, I16d, I17d, I18d Close button I13f, I13g tap locations I14 Details screen I14c Timeline I15 Reference screen I15c Weather Data I16 Electricity bill display screen I16a Electricity bill data I16b Settings Change Selection Button I16c, I17c, I18c Cancel button I17 Mode Change Display Screen I17a Guide Data I17b Mode Change Selection Button I18 Support Data Display Screen I18a Support Data I18b Settings Change Selection Button N1, N2 Network PR3, PR4, PR8 control programs W1 Water heater

Claims

1. A history acquisition unit that acquires the water heater's heating operation history data from a management device that manages various types of data, It comprises a display control unit that controls the operation of the display unit, The display control unit displays a screen on the display unit that includes a graph showing the boiling time as a history screen representing the boiling operation history data, and that allows the boiling time to be displayed by switching between arbitrary period periods. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

2. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1, The display control unit, when a part of the history screen is tapped, transitions to a details screen and displays the desired information in detail. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

3. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1, The display control unit, upon specifying a date data included in the history screen, displays the weather data for the corresponding date on the display unit. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

4. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1, The display control unit changes the boiling time according to the user's instructions. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

5. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1, The display control unit switches and displays the boiling time and boiling amount according to the user's instructions. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

6. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1, The display control unit switches to any unit, including weekly and monthly, when a part of the history screen is tapped, and displays the history screen on the display unit. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

7. In the hot water supply system according to claim 1, The system comprises a mobile terminal owned by the user and the aforementioned management device, The aforementioned management device manages the aforementioned water heating operation history data. The aforementioned mobile terminal has the history acquisition unit, the display control unit, and the display unit, and communicates with the management device to acquire the boiling operation history data from the management device. A hot water supply system characterized by the following features.

8. A history acquisition process that acquires the water heater's heating operation history data from a management device that manages various types of data, Includes a display control step that controls the operation of the display unit, In the display control step, the display unit is shown a history screen representing the boiling operation history data, which includes a graph showing the boiling time, and which is capable of switching and displaying the boiling time for any given period. A method for displaying the history screen of a hot water supply system, characterized by the following features.

9. On the computer, A history acquisition process that acquires the water heater's heating operation history data from a management device that manages various types of data, A program that executes a display control process that controls the operation of the display unit, In the display control step, the display unit is made to display a history screen representing the boiling operation history data, which includes a graph representing the boiling time, and which is capable of switching and displaying the boiling time for any given period. A program for that purpose.

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