Equipment systems, equipment, programs for equipment, and programs for communication terminals.

Abstract

This technology provides a way to make it easier for users to take action when communication is interrupted while remotely controlling equipment via a server from a communication terminal. [Solution] The equipment system comprises equipment installed in a building, a communication terminal, and a server that is connected to the equipment and the communication terminal via an external network so as to be able to communicate with each other. The communication terminal can remotely control the equipment via the server. The equipment system further comprises a first notification means that notifies information about a communication interruption in a first notification form when a communication interruption occurs between either the equipment or the communication terminal and the server, and a second notification means that notifies information about the interruption in a second notification form different from the first notification form if the interruption continues even after the first notification means has notified information about the interruption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a technology that can remotely control equipment from a communication terminal via a server.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an equipment system including equipment installed in a building, a server, and a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling the equipment via the server. In order for the communication terminal to remotely control the equipment via the server, it is necessary to be able to execute communication from the communication device to the equipment via the server. In the equipment system of Patent Document 1, the equipment detects whether communication with the server is possible. When communication between the equipment and the server is not possible, the equipment notifies that the communication with the server has been interrupted in a predetermined notification form such as display on a display or a warning sound.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the equipment system of Patent Document 1, when the equipment detects that communication with the server has been interrupted, the equipment notifies that the communication with the server has been interrupted in a predetermined notification form. However, if the user is in a state where it is difficult to notice the notification in the predetermined notification form, there is a problem that the user does not notice the notification and the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server is not restored.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology for making it easier for a user to take measures when a communication interruption occurs when remotely controlling equipment from a communication terminal via a server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect of the technology disclosed herein, the equipment system comprises equipment installed in a building, a communication terminal, and a server that is communicatively connected to the equipment and the communication terminal via an external network. The communication terminal can remotely control the equipment via the server. The equipment system further comprises a first notification means for notifying information about a communication interruption in a first notification form when a communication interruption occurs between either the equipment or the communication terminal and the server, and a second notification means for notifying information about the interruption in a second notification form different from the first notification form if the interruption continues after the first notification means has notified information about the interruption.

[0007] In the above equipment system, when communication is interrupted between either the equipment or the communication terminal and the server, information about the interruption is first notified using a first notification method. If the interruption continues, it is then notified using a second notification method that differs from the first notification method. Because information about the interruption is notified using multiple different notification methods when communication is interrupted between the equipment and the server, or between the communication terminal and the server, users are more likely to notice the communication interruption. This makes it easier for users to take action to restore communication.

[0008] In a second aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the first embodiment described above, both the first notification mode and the second notification mode may be notifications via a communication terminal.

[0009] With this configuration, when a communication interruption persists, information about the interruption is notified through multiple different notification methods via the communication terminal. Users often carry a communication terminal with them. Therefore, users are more likely to notice a communication interruption and take action to restore communication.

[0010] In a third aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the first aspect described above, both the first notification mode and the second notification mode may be notification via equipment.

[0011] With this configuration, when a communication outage persists, information about the outage is notified through multiple different notification methods via the equipment. As a result, users can easily notice the communication outage even if they do not have a communication terminal with them, and can more easily take action to restore communication.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the first aspect described above, the first notification mode may be notification via equipment. The second notification mode may be notification via a communication terminal.

[0013] With this configuration, when a communication outage persists, information about the outage is first broadcast via the equipment, and then further broadcast via the communication terminal. By broadcasting information about the outage through different media (i.e., equipment and communication terminal), users become more likely to notice the communication outage and take action to restore it.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, the second notification means may notify information regarding the interruption if the interruption continues after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first notification means notified information regarding the interruption, or if the interruption continues after the first notification means has notified information regarding the interruption a predetermined number of times.

[0015] With this configuration, if the communication interruption persists, the second notification means can send information about the interruption at an appropriate time.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the first or second aspect described above, the equipment may include a communication unit capable of communicating with a communication terminal without going through a server. When communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted, the communication unit may transmit a first notification instruction signal to the communication terminal instructing the communication unit to notify information regarding the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server. The first notification means is provided in the communication terminal and may notify information regarding the interruption when the communication terminal receives the first notification instruction signal transmitted from the communication unit. If the interruption continues after the first notification instruction signal has been transmitted to the communication terminal, the communication unit may transmit a second notification instruction signal to the communication terminal instructing the communication unit to further notify information regarding the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server. The second notification means is provided in the communication terminal and may notify information regarding the interruption when the communication terminal receives the second notification instruction signal transmitted from the communication unit.

[0017] In this configuration, when communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted, a first notification signal is sent from the communication unit of the equipment to the communication terminal. If the interruption continues after the first notification signal is sent, a second notification signal is sent from the communication unit to the communication terminal. As a result, the communication terminal can receive information that communication between the equipment and the server has been interrupted directly from the equipment without going through the server. This means that even if communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted, the communication terminal can receive information that communication between the equipment and the server has been interrupted directly from the equipment. By broadcasting information about the interruption via the communication terminal, users can more easily notice that communication between the equipment and the server has been interrupted.

[0018] In a seventh aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the first or fourth aspect described above, the equipment may include a communication unit capable of communicating with a communication terminal without going through a server. A first notification means is provided in the equipment and may notify information regarding the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server in a first notification form via the equipment when communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted. If the interruption continues after the first notification means has notified information regarding the interruption, the communication unit may transmit a notification instruction signal to the communication terminal instructing the notification of information regarding the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server. A second notification means is provided in the communication terminal and may notify information regarding the interruption when the communication terminal receives a notification instruction signal transmitted from the communication unit.

[0019] In this configuration, when communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted, information about the interruption is first broadcast via the equipment. If the interruption continues, a notification signal is sent from the communication unit of the equipment to the communication terminal, and the information is then broadcast again via the communication terminal. By broadcasting information about the interruption through different media (i.e., the equipment and the communication terminal), users can more easily notice when communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted.

[0020] In an eighth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in any one of the first to seventh aspects described above, the first notification means may continuously or intermittently provide information regarding the interruption.

[0021] With this configuration, the first notification means can continuously or intermittently report information about the interruption. As a result, users are more likely to notice the notifications from the first notification means and thus more likely to notice the interruption of communication early.

[0022] In the ninth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the facility equipment is facility equipment installed in a building. The facility equipment can communicate with a server via an external network. The server can communicate with a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling the facility equipment via the external network. When a communication interruption occurs between either one of the facility equipment and the communication terminal and the server, the facility equipment includes a first notification means for notifying information regarding the interruption in a first notification form, and a second notification means for notifying information regarding the interruption in a second notification form different from the first notification form when the interruption continues even after the first notification means notifies the information regarding the interruption.

[0023] According to such a configuration, when a communication interruption occurs between either one of the facility equipment and the communication terminal and the server, the information regarding the interruption is first notified in the first notification form, and if the interruption continues even after that, it is notified in a second notification form different from the first notification form. Therefore, the same operational effects as those of the above-described facility equipment system can be achieved.

[0024] In the tenth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the facility equipment is facility equipment installed in a building. The facility equipment includes a first communication unit capable of communicating with a server via an external network. The server can communicate with a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling the facility equipment via the external network. When a communication interruption occurs between the facility equipment and the server, the facility equipment further includes a first notification means for notifying information regarding the interruption in a first notification form, and a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the server. When the interruption continues even after the first notification means notifies the information regarding the interruption, the second communication unit transmits a notification instruction signal for instructing the notification of information regarding the communication interruption between the facility equipment and the server to the communication terminal.

[0025] With such a configuration, when a communication interruption occurs between the facility equipment and the server, information regarding the interruption is first notified via the facility equipment. Subsequently, if the interruption continues, a notification instruction signal is transmitted from the facility equipment to the communication terminal, and the information is further notified via the communication terminal. As a result, information regarding the interruption is notified via different media (i.e., the facility equipment and the communication terminal). Therefore, the same operational effects as those of the above-described facility equipment system can be achieved.

[0026] In an eleventh aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, the facility equipment is equipment installed in a building. The facility equipment includes a first communication unit capable of communicating with a server via an external network. The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling the facility equipment via the external network. The facility equipment further includes a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the server. When a communication interruption occurs between the facility equipment and the server, the second communication unit transmits a first notification instruction signal to the communication terminal to instruct the communication terminal to notify information regarding the communication interruption between the facility equipment and the server in a first notification form. If the interruption continues after transmitting the first notification instruction signal to the communication terminal, the second communication unit transmits a second notification instruction signal to the communication terminal to instruct the communication terminal to notify the information regarding the interruption in a second notification form different from the first notification form.

[0027] With such a configuration, when a communication interruption occurs between the facility equipment and the server, information regarding the interruption can first be notified in a first notification form via the communication terminal by transmitting a first notification instruction signal from the facility equipment to the communication terminal. Subsequently, if the interruption continues, information regarding the interruption can further be notified in a second notification form via the communication terminal by transmitting a second notification instruction signal from the facility equipment to the communication terminal. Therefore, the same operational effects as those of the above-described facility equipment system can be achieved.

[0028] In a twelfth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, the program is executed in equipment installed in a building. The equipment is capable of communicating with a server via an external network. The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling the equipment via an external network. When a communication interruption occurs between either the equipment or the communication terminal and the server, the program causes a first notification to be made regarding the interruption, and if the interruption continues after the first notification has been made, the program causes a second notification, different from the first notification, to be made regarding the interruption.

[0029] With this configuration, when communication is interrupted between either the equipment or the communication terminal and the server, information about the interruption is first notified using a first notification method. If the interruption continues, it is then notified using a second notification method different from the first notification method. Therefore, it can achieve the same effects as the equipment system and equipment described above.

[0030] In a thirteenth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, the program is executed in equipment installed in a building. The equipment includes a first communication unit capable of communicating with a server via an external network. The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling the equipment via an external network. The equipment further includes a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the server. When a communication interruption occurs between the equipment and the server, the program causes information about the interruption to be broadcast by a first notification form, and if the interruption continues after information about the interruption has been broadcast by the first notification form, the program causes the second communication unit to send a notification instruction signal to the communication terminal instructing the broadcasting of information about the communication interruption between the equipment and the server.

[0031] With this configuration, when communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted, information about the interruption is first broadcast via the equipment. If the interruption continues, a notification instruction signal is sent from the equipment to the communication terminal, making it possible to broadcast the information via the communication terminal. This makes it possible to broadcast information about the interruption via different media (i.e., equipment and communication terminal). Therefore, it can achieve the same effects as the equipment system and equipment described above.

[0032] In a fourteenth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, the program is executed in equipment installed in a building. The equipment includes a first communication unit capable of communicating with a server via an external network. The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling the equipment via an external network. The equipment further includes a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the server. When a communication interruption occurs between the equipment and the server, the program causes the second communication unit to send a first notification instruction signal to the communication terminal, instructing it to broadcast information about the communication interruption between the equipment and the server in a first notification mode. If the interruption continues after the first notification instruction signal has been sent to the communication terminal, the program causes the second communication unit to send a second notification instruction signal to the communication terminal, instructing it to broadcast information about the interruption in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode.

[0033] With this configuration, when communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted, information regarding the interruption can first be notified via the communication terminal in a first notification form by sending a first notification instruction signal from the equipment to the communication terminal. If the interruption continues, a second notification instruction signal can be sent from the equipment to the communication terminal, allowing for further notification via the communication terminal in a second notification form. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the equipment system and equipment described above.

[0034] In a 15th aspect of the technology disclosed herein, a program is executed on a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling equipment installed in a building. The communication terminal can communicate with a server via an external network. The equipment can communicate with the server via an external network. When a communication interruption occurs between either the equipment or the communication terminal and the server, the program causes a first notification to be made regarding the interruption, and if the interruption continues after the first notification has been made, the program causes a second notification, different from the first notification, to be made regarding the interruption.

[0035] With this configuration, when communication is interrupted between either the equipment or the communication terminal and the server, information about the interruption is first notified using a first notification method. If the interruption continues, it is then notified using a second notification method, which is different from the first notification method. Therefore, it can achieve the same effects as the equipment system described above.

[0036] In a sixteenth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, a program is executed in a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling equipment installed in a building. The equipment is capable of communicating with a server via an external network. The communication terminal comprises a first communication unit capable of communicating with the server via an external network, and a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the server. The program causes the second communication unit to broadcast information about a communication interruption in a first broadcasting mode when it receives a broadcasting instruction signal from the equipment instructing it to broadcast information about a communication interruption between the equipment and the server, and to broadcast information about the interruption in a second broadcasting mode different from the first broadcasting mode when the second communication unit receives another broadcasting instruction signal from the equipment after receiving the broadcasting instruction signal.

[0037] With this configuration, when communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted, information regarding the interruption is transmitted via the communication terminal in a first notification form after a first notification instruction signal is received from the equipment. If the interruption continues, a second notification instruction signal is received from the equipment, and the information is transmitted via the communication terminal in a second notification form. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the equipment system and equipment described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the equipment system according to Examples 1 to 4. [Figure 2] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process by which the server detects whether communication between the server and the remote control is possible in Example 1. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process in Example 2 where the remote control detects whether communication between the server and the remote control is possible. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process in Example 3 where the remote control detects whether communication between the server and the remote control is possible. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process in which a communication terminal notifies information regarding the interruption of communication between the server and the remote control in Example 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] (Configuration of Equipment System 2) The equipment system 2 comprises a remote control 10, a repeater 8, a communication terminal 100, and a remote control server 200. The remote control 10 is connected to the internet 6 via the repeater 8. The communication terminal 100 and the remote control server 200 are connected to the internet 6. The communication terminal 100 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet.

[0040] The remote control 10 is installed inside the house. The remote control 10 is connected to the water heater 50. The remote control 10 can receive various instructions for the water heater 50 (for example, instructions for operation, instructions for setting temperature, etc.). The water heater 50 is a thermal appliance that has the function of heating tap water or a heat transfer medium to produce hot water (i.e., the function of hot water supply). The water heater 50 may be equipped with only a gas heat source, only a heat pump heat source, both a gas heat source and a heat pump heat source, or other types of heat sources.

[0041] The remote control server 200 provides a remote control service for remotely controlling the water heater 50. The remote control server 200 manages account information for users to use the service. Account information includes an account name and password. The remote control server 200 is installed on the Internet 6 by, for example, the vendor of the water heater 50 and the remote control 10. Hereafter, the remote control server 200 will be simply referred to as "server 200".

[0042] (Configuration of remote control 10) The remote control 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display 14, a LAN interface 16, a Bluetooth® interface 18, and a control unit 30. In the following, "interface" will be abbreviated as "I / F" and "Bluetooth" will be abbreviated as "BT".

[0043] The control unit 12 is equipped with multiple keys. By operating the control unit 12, the user can input various instructions to the remote control 10. The display 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays various information. The display 14 may also be a touchscreen, in which case the display 14 is part of the control unit 12.

[0044] LANI / F16 is an interface for performing communication via LAN4. LAN4 is wireless or wired and is formed by a repeater 8. The repeater 8 is a device that relays communication between the Internet 6 and LAN4. The repeater 8 is, for example, a router, or a combination of a router and an access point. The repeater 8 is connected to the Internet 6. LAN4 is, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The remote control 10 can communicate with the server 200 on the Internet 6 via LANI / F16. The remote control 10 can also communicate with the communication terminal 100 via BTI / F18.

[0045] The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The CPU 32 controls the operation of the remote control 10 according to the program 40 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 also stores a remote control identifier RI1 that identifies the remote control 10.

[0046] (Configuration of communication terminal 100) The communication terminal 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display 114, a LANI / F 116, a mobile communication I / F 117, a BTI / F 118, and a control unit 130. The operation unit 112 is, for example, a touchscreen. The LANI / F 116 is connectable to LAN4, and the communication terminal 100 can communicate with the remote control 10 via the LANI / F 116. The communication terminal 100 can also communicate with the remote control 10 via the BTI / F 118.

[0047] The mobile communication interface 117 is an interface for performing communication using mobile communication such as 4G and 5G. The communication terminal 100 can communicate with the server 200 on the internet 6 via either the mobile communication interface 117 or the LAN interface 116.

[0048] The control unit 130 comprises a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 controls the operation of the communication terminal 100 according to the programs 140 and 142 stored in the memory 134. The OS program 140 is a program for executing the basic processing of the communication terminal 100. The remote control application 142 is an application program for remotely controlling the water heater 50. The remote control application 142 is provided, for example, by the vendor of the remote control 10 and the water heater 50.

[0049] When a user installs the remote control application 142 on the communication terminal 100 and launches the remote control application 142, the communication terminal 100 performs an authentication process with the server 200. This enables the communication terminal 100 to communicate with the server 200. In a modified example, the user may enter account information into the communication terminal 100 when installing the remote control application 142. The communication terminal 100 then sends the account information to the server 200. The server 200 performs authentication of the account information received from the communication terminal 100. If the authentication of the account information is successful, the server 200 allows the communication terminal 100 to log in to the server 200. This enables the communication terminal 100 to communicate with the server 200. Next, the communication terminal 100 obtains the remote control identifier RI1 from the remote control 10. For example, the communication terminal 100 searches for the remote control 10 connected to LAN4 and obtains the remote control identifier RI1 from the remote control 10 via LAN4 and the repeater 8. In a modified version, the communication terminal 100 may obtain the remote control identifier RI1 from the remote control 10 using a communication means other than LAN4, such as BT. In another modified version, the communication terminal 100 may obtain the remote control identifier RI1 by reading an information code (e.g., a barcode, a two-dimensional code) displayed on the remote control 10's display 14 with the communication terminal 100's camera (not shown). In yet another modified version, the communication terminal 100 may obtain the remote control identifier RI1 by manual input. In this case, for example, the remote control identifier RI1 is displayed on the remote control 10's display 14 as an alphanumeric string of a predetermined number of digits, and the user manually inputs the string displayed on the display 14 into the communication terminal 100. The communication terminal 100 stores the remote control identifier RI1 obtained from the remote control 10 in memory 134 and also transmits it to the server 200. As a result, the server 200 stores the remote control identifier RI1 received from the communication terminal 100 in association with the logged-in account information.

[0050] (Server 200 configuration) The server 200 comprises a communication interface 216 and a control unit 230. The communication interface 216 is an interface for performing communication over the Internet 6 and is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 comprises a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The CPU 232 controls the operation of the server 200 according to a program 240 stored in the memory 234.

[0051] The memory 234 stores the account table 242. The account table 242 manages account information. For each of multiple users, the account table 242 stores the account information assigned to that user, the remote control identifier that identifies the remote control 10 used by that user, and user information in association with each user. The user information includes information about the user that they have registered, such as their address, telephone number, email address, and SNS accounts.

[0052] (Processing by Server 200) As described above, the server 200 stores the remote control identifier RI1 in association with the account information. When the server 200 receives an instruction signal from the communication terminal 100 that has logged in using the account information, it sends the instruction signal to the remote control 10 identified by the remote control identifier RI1 stored in association with the logged-in account information. As a result, the remote control 10 performs an action according to the instruction signal (for example, an instruction to fill the bathtub with hot water).

[0053] For remote control to be performed, the remote control 10 must be able to communicate with the server 200 via LAN4, repeater 8, and the Internet 6, and the communication terminal 100 must be able to communicate with the server 200 via either the mobile communication I / F 117 or LANI / F 116. However, for some reason, communication between the remote control 10 and the server 200 or between the communication terminal 100 and the server 200 may become impossible. Reasons for this failure include, for example, a malfunction in the repeater 8, the disappearance of LAN4 to which LANI / F 16 is connected due to replacement of the repeater 8, the disconnection of the repeater 8 from the Internet 6, the communication terminal 100 being located in a place where it cannot connect to the mobile communication I / F 117 and LANI / F 116, or the server 200 ceasing to operate due to maintenance, etc. This embodiment aims to address situations where communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 becomes impossible, or where communication between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100 becomes impossible.

[0054] (Processing implemented by equipment system 2) Referring to Figure 2, the process by which the server 200 (specifically the CPU 232) detects a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 in the equipment system 2 will be described.

[0055] First, the server 200 determines whether communication with the remote control 10 has been interrupted (S12). The remote control 10 queries the server 200 at a pre-set query time to inquire about the status of communication with the server 200. The query time is, for example, a time when it is highly likely that the user is not using the water heater 50, for example, 2 a.m. For example, the query time is pre-set by the vendors of the remote control 10 and the water heater 50 and stored in memory 34. In a modified example, the query time may be arbitrarily set by the user. Specifically, when the query time arrives, the remote control 10 (more specifically, the CPU 32) sends a keep-alive signal to the server 200. The keep-alive signal is sent from LANI / F16 to the server 200 via LAN4, repeater 8 and the internet 6. When the server 200 receives the keep-alive signal sent from the remote control 10, it sends a response signal to the remote control 10. The response signal is sent to the remote control 10 via communication I / F216 and the internet 6. When the server 200 receives a keep-alive signal from the remote control 10 at the time of the inquiry, the server 200 determines that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is possible (i.e., communication has not been interrupted) (NO in S12), and terminates the process shown in Figure 2.

[0056] On the other hand, if the server 200 does not receive a keep-alive signal from the remote control 10 at the time of inquiry, the server 200 determines that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted (YES in S12). The server 200 then determines whether the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for a first predetermined time or longer (for example, 7 days or more) (S14). For example, in this embodiment, the remote control 10 sends a keep-alive signal to the server 200 once a day (for example, at 2 a.m.). The server 200 determines whether it has not received a keep-alive signal from the remote control 10 for 7 days or more consecutively.

[0057] If the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for less than 7 days (NO in S14), the server 200 determines whether the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for a second predetermined time (the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time) or longer (for example, 3 days or more) (S16). If the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for less than 3 days (NO in S16), the server 200 transmits a signal (hereinafter also called a notification instruction signal) to the communication terminal 100 instructing it to notify information regarding the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 (hereinafter also called interruption information) (S18). The notification instruction signal is transmitted to the communication terminal 100 via the communication I / F 216 and the Internet 6. When the communication terminal 100 receives a notification instruction signal transmitted from the server 200, it notifies the server 200 of the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10. For example, the communication terminal 100 displays a push notification from the remote control application 142 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "application 142") on the display 114. In this case, the communication terminal 100 may display the push notification on the display 114 only once when it receives the notification instruction signal, or it may display the push notification on the display 114 many times at regular intervals.

[0058] On the other hand, if the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues for 3 days or more but less than 7 days (NO in S14 and YES in S16), the server 200 notifies the SNS account registered by the user of the interruption information (S20). The SNS account registered by the user is stored in the account table 242. The server 200 notifies the SNS account stored in the account table 242 of the interruption information. In this case, the server 200 may notify the SNS account of the interruption information only once when the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for 3 days or more, or it may notify the SNS account of the interruption information each time it detects an interruption in communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10. Furthermore, if the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues for 3 days or more (i.e., after notifying the SNS account of the interruption information), the communication terminal 100 may not execute the push notification of the app 142, or it may execute the push notification of the app 142 repeatedly. If push notifications from app 142 are to be sent after the SNS account has been notified of the communication interruption, then if the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues for more than 3 days, both the display of the push notification from app 142 on the display 114 and the notification to the SNS account will be sent.

[0059] In this embodiment, if communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is interrupted, the interruption information is displayed on the display 114 of the communication terminal 100 via a push notification from the app 142. If the interruption in communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues, the interruption information is notified to the SNS account. By notifying the interruption information in these two different forms, the user can more easily notice that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted.

[0060] Furthermore, if communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is interrupted for more than 7 days (YES in S14), the server 200 sends interruption information to the email address registered by the user (S22). The email address registered by the user is stored in the account table 242. The server 200 sends interruption information to the email address stored in the account table 242. At this time, the server 200 may send the email only once when the state of interruption in communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for more than 7 days, or it may send the email each time it detects an interruption in communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10. Also, if communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues for more than 7 days (i.e., after sending the email), the push notification of the app 142 and the notification to the SNS account may not be executed, or both the push notification of the app 142 and the notification to the SNS account may be executed repeatedly, or only one of the push notification of the app 142 and the notification to the SNS account may be executed repeatedly.

[0061] In this embodiment, information about the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is displayed on the display 114 of the communication terminal 100 via a push notification from the app 142. Furthermore, if the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues even after notification via SNS, the interruption information is further sent to the email address. By notifying the interruption information through multiple different notification methods in this way, users can more easily notice that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted.

[0062] Furthermore, while there are many notification formats that can be provided by the equipment system 2, some notification formats may be perceived as bothersome by many users. On the other hand, notification formats that are less bothersome to users are more likely to be overlooked by users. By providing multiple notification formats to notify of communication interruptions between the server 200 and the remote control 10, the interruption information is provided in both notification formats that are less bothersome to users and notification formats that are more likely to be bothered by users. In addition, the interruption information is provided in both notification formats that are difficult for users to notice and notification formats that are easy for users to notice. When communication interruptions between the server 200 and the remote control 10 persist, providing interruption information in multiple notification formats reduces the level of annoyance users feel towards notifications and makes it easier for users to notice them.

[0063] In this embodiment, three types of notifications to the user were used: push notification from app 142, notification via SNS, and email. However, the configuration is not limited to these. When notifying of disconnection information via the communication terminal 100, the information may be notified by means of, for example, sending an SMS, displaying a warning message, using voice such as a beep or warning message, or vibration. Furthermore, if the notification method is display, voice, and vibration, it may be executed only once, executed continuously for a certain period of time and then stopped, executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals, or executed continuously. When the server 200 notifies of disconnection information using user information stored in the account table 242, the information may be notified by means of, for example, an automated voice call to a registered phone number or mailing direct mail to a registered address.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification methods to the user are changed in the following order: push notification from app 142, notification via SNS, and email. However, the configuration is not limited to this. Since the most convenient and easily noticeable notification method will vary from user to user, it may be possible to allow users to set their preferred notification method.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is interrupted for 3 days or more, or for 7 days or more, information about the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is notified in a different notification format. However, 3 days and 7 days are just examples, and the timing of notifying in a different notification format can be selected as appropriate. Also, the timing of notifying in a different notification format does not have to be a predetermined time after communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is interrupted (for example, 3 days or 7 days later), but may be after the notification has been made a predetermined number of times using the aforementioned notification format.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 was interrupted, interruption information was notified in three different notification formats. However, the number of notification formats for notifying interruption information may be less than three or more than three.

[0067] (Example 2) In the above embodiment 1, the server 200 detected the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the remote control 10 may detect the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10. In Figure 3, an example is shown in which interruption information is notified by two types of notification methods when the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues.

[0068] First, the remote control 10 determines whether or not communication with the server 200 has been interrupted (S100). When the query time arrives, the remote control 10 sends a keep-alive signal to the server 200, and when the server 200 receives the keep-alive signal sent from the remote control 10, it sends a response signal to the remote control 10. When the remote control 10 receives a response signal from the server 200 for the keep-alive signal it sent to the server 200 at the query time, it determines that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is possible (i.e., communication has not been interrupted) (NO in S100), and terminates the process shown in Figure 3.

[0069] On the other hand, if the remote control 10 does not receive a response signal from the server 200 even after a certain period of time has passed since the time of inquiry, the remote control 10 determines that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted (YES in S100). Next, the remote control 10 determines whether the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for a predetermined period of time or longer (for example, 3 days or more) (S110). If the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for less than 3 days (NO in S110), the remote control 10 displays information about the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 on the display 14 (S120). If the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues for 3 days or more (YES in S110), the remote control 10 emits a warning sound such as a beep to notify the server 200 and the remote control 10 of the interruption of communication (S130).

[0070] In this embodiment, the remote control 10 detects a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10, notifies the user of the interruption information via the remote control 10, and if the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues, the remote control 10 notifies the user of the interruption information through a different notification method. In this embodiment as well, by notifying the user of the interruption information through multiple different notification methods, the user can more easily notice that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted. Furthermore, by notifying the user of the interruption information via the remote control 10, the user can more easily notice that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted even if the user does not carry or check the communication terminal 100.

[0071] In this embodiment, the notification method used by the remote control 10 is display on the display 14 and a warning sound, but the configuration is not limited to this. When notifying about a power outage via the remote control 10, the notification method may also be, for example, an automated voice warning message, or the illumination or flashing of the display 14 or a warning light (not shown).

[0072] (Example 3) In the above embodiment 2, when the remote control 10 detected a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10, it notified the interruption information only through the remote control 10. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when the remote control 10 detects a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10, it may notify the interruption information through the remote control 10 and the communication terminal 100, respectively. In Figure 4, an example is given of when the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues and the interruption information is notified using two different notification methods. Furthermore, the two notification methods are just examples, and the interruption information may be notified using other notification methods as well.

[0073] First, the remote control 10 determines whether communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted (S200). If communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted (YES in S200), it determines whether the interruption in communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for a predetermined period of time or longer (for example, 3 days or more) (S210). If the interruption in communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for less than 3 days (NO in S210), the remote control 10 displays the communication interruption information between the server 200 and the remote control 10 on the display 14 (S220). Note that the processing in S200 to S220 is the same as the processing in S100 to S120 in Figure 3, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0074] If communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is interrupted for more than three days (YES in S210), the remote control 10 sends a notification signal to the communication terminal 100 regarding the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 (S230). As described above, the remote control 10 can communicate with the communication terminal 100 via the BTI / F18. The notification signal is sent to the communication terminal 100 via the BTI / F18. When the communication terminal 100 receives the notification signal sent from the remote control 10, it notifies the communication interruption information between the server 200 and the remote control 10 by, for example, displaying a push notification from the application 142 on the display 114.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the remote control 10 detects a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10, it not only notifies the user of the interruption information via the remote control 10, but also notifies the user of the interruption information via the communication terminal 100. As a result, the user is more likely to notice that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted.

[0076] (Example 4) In the above embodiments 1 and 3, when the server 200 or remote control 10 detected a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10, the communication terminal 100 notified the interruption information using one type of notification method. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 5, when the server 200 or remote control 10 detected a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10, the communication terminal 100 may notify the interruption information using multiple types of notification methods. In Figure 5, an example is given in which the interruption information is notified using two types of notification methods when the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues. Furthermore, the two notification methods are just examples, and the interruption information may be notified using other notification methods.

[0077] First, the communication terminal 100 (specifically, the CPU 132) determines whether or not it has received a notification signal instructing the server 200 to notify of a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 (S300). The notification signal is transmitted from the server 200 when the server 200 detects a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 (see S18 in Figure 2), and also from the remote control 10 when the remote control 10 detects a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 (see S230 in Figure 4). The communication terminal 100 waits until it receives a notification signal (NO in S300).

[0078] When the communication terminal 100 receives a notification signal (YES in S300), it determines whether the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has continued for a predetermined period of time or longer (for example, 3 days or more) (S310). Specifically, if the communication terminal 100 receives another notification signal within a predetermined period after receiving the first notification signal, it determines that the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 is continuing. On the other hand, if the communication terminal 100 does not receive another notification signal even after a predetermined period has elapsed since receiving the first notification signal, it determines that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been restored. As described above, the server 200 and the remote control 10 detect the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 based on whether or not they have received a keep-alive signal and a response signal to it. Since the keep-alive signal is transmitted periodically (for example, once a day), if the communication terminal 100 does not receive another notification signal even after more than one day has passed since receiving the notification signal, it can determine that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been restored. If the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues for less than three days (NO in S310), the communication terminal 100 displays a push notification from the app 142 on the display 114 (S320). If the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues for three days or more (YES in S310), the CP1U32 causes the communication terminal 100 to vibrate to notify the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 (S320).

[0079] In this embodiment, the remote control 10 or the server 200 detects a communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10, and if the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10 continues, it notifies the interruption information via the communication terminal 100 using multiple different notification methods. In this embodiment as well, by notifying the interruption information using multiple different notification methods, the user can more easily notice that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted. Furthermore, by notifying the interruption information via the communication terminal 100, the user can more easily notice that communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10 has been interrupted, even if the user is away from the remote control 10.

[0080] In this embodiment, after receiving a notification instruction signal, the communication terminal 100 determines the type of notification mode to be transmitted via the communication terminal 100. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the remote control 10 or the server 200 may determine the type of notification mode to be transmitted via the communication terminal 100. In this case, the remote control 10 or the server 200 should transmit a notification instruction signal to the communication terminal 100 that includes information regarding the determined type of notification mode to be transmitted via the communication terminal 100.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 4, the determination of whether or not to notify in a different notification mode (S14 and S16 in Figure 2, S110 in Figure 3, S210 in Figure 4, and S310 in Figure 5) was made based on the duration (number of days) of the communication interruption between the server 200 and the remote control 10, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the determination of whether or not to notify in a different notification mode may be made based on the number of times the previous notification mode has been used (i.e., the cumulative number of times).

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 4, the remote control 10 or the server 200 detected the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10. However, the communication terminal 100 or the server 200 may also detect the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100. In this case, the server 200 may detect the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100, or the communication terminal 100 may detect the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100.

[0083] The communication terminal 100 queries the server 200 at a pre-set query time to inquire about the status of communication between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100. The query time is, for example, a time when the user is likely to notice the screen displayed on the display 114 of the communication terminal 100. For example, the query time is a time when the user is expected to be active, for example, 9 p.m. When the query time arrives, the communication terminal 100 sends a keep-alive signal to the server 200. The keep-alive signal is sent to the server 200 via LANI / F116 or mobile communication I / F117 and the internet 6. When the server 200 receives the keep-alive signal sent from the communication terminal 100, it sends a response signal to the communication terminal 100. Therefore, the server 200 and the communication terminal 100 can use the keep-alive signal sent by the communication terminal 100 to the server 200 to detect a break in communication between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100.

[0084] If the server 200 detects a communication interruption between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100, the server 200 will notify the communication interruption information between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100 using one of several different notification methods while the communication interruption between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100 continues. The multiple notification methods can be selected from, for example, notification methods that are notified via the remote control 10 by sending a notification instruction signal to the remote control 10 (e.g., display on the display 14 or generation of a warning sound), and notification methods that use user information stored in the account table 242 (e.g., notification via SNS or email sending). Alternatively, the multiple notification methods can also be selected from notification methods that are notified via the communication terminal 100 (e.g., push notification or warning sound from app 142) by the remote control 10 sending the notification instruction signal received from the server 200 to the communication terminal 100 via BTI / F18.

[0085] If the communication terminal 100 detects a communication interruption between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100, the communication terminal 100 will notify the server 200 and the communication terminal 100 of the communication interruption using one of several different notification methods while the communication interruption between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100 continues. The multiple notification methods can be selected from the notification methods notified via the communication terminal 100. In addition, the multiple notification methods can also be selected from the notification methods notified via the remote control 10 by the communication terminal 100 transmitting a notification instruction signal to the remote control 10 via the BTI / F118.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 4, the remote control 10 and communication terminal 100 send a keep-alive signal to the server 200, and the server 200 sends a response signal to the remote control 10 and communication terminal 100 when it receives the keep-alive signal from the remote control 10 and communication terminal 100, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the server 200 may send a keep-alive signal to the remote control 10 and communication terminal 100, and the remote control 10 and communication terminal 100 may send a response signal to the server 200 when they receive the keep-alive signal from the server 200. In such a configuration, it is also possible to detect the interruption of communication between the server 200 and the remote control 10, or between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100. Also, in the above embodiments 1 to 4, the interruption of communication with the server 200 was detected using the keep-alive signal that the remote control 10 and communication terminal 100 send to the server 200, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, instead of a keep-alive signal, a heartbeat signal transmitted by the remote control 10 and the communication terminal 100 to the server 200 may be used to detect a loss of communication with the server 200. In a further modification, instead of a keep-alive signal, periodic data communication may be performed between the server 200 and the remote control 10, and between the server 200 and the communication terminal 100.

[0087] Alternatively, the system may be configured so that the remote control 10 and the server 200 detect a communication interruption between the remote control 10 and the server 200. In this configuration, the initial notification may be made by the remote control 10, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the server 200 may send a notification instruction signal to the communication terminal 100, thereby causing the communication terminal 100 to be notified.

[0088] Furthermore, although the communication between the remote control 10 and the repeater 8 was described as Wi-Fi and the communication between the remote control 10 and the communication terminal 100 as BT, the system is not limited to these and may be composed of other communication methods such as local 5G, WiMAX®, Wi-SUN®, ZigBee®, infrared communication, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, although the equipment system 2 shown in Figure 1 includes a water heater 50, it is not limited to this configuration. The equipment system 2 may include other equipment instead of the water heater 50, such as a heating device, cooking appliance, clothes dryer, dishwasher, etc., that can connect to the internet 6.

[0090] The following points should be noted regarding the equipment system 2 described in the embodiment. The water heater 50 in the embodiment is an example of "equipment," and the remote control server 200 is an example of a "server." LANI / F16 is an example of a "first communication unit" provided by the "equipment," and LANI / F18 is an example of a "communication unit" and a "second communication unit" provided by the "equipment." LANI / F116 and mobile communication I / F117 are examples of a "first communication unit" provided by a "communication terminal," and LANI / F118 is an example of a "second communication unit" provided by a "communication terminal."

[0091] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 2: Equipment and Systems 4: LAN 6: Internet 8: Repeater 10: Remote control 12:Operation section 14: Display 16 :LANI / F 18: BTI / F 30: Control Unit 32:CPU 34: Memory 40: Program 50: Water heater 100: Communication terminal 112:Operation unit 114: Display 116 :LANI / F 117: Mobile communication interface 118: BTI / F 130: Control Unit 132:CPU 134: Memory 140: OS Program 142: Remote control app 200: Remote control server 216: Communication I / F 230: Control Unit 232:CPU 234: Memory 240: Program 242: Account Table RI1: Remote control identifier

Claims

1. Equipment and machinery installed in the building, Communication terminal and The system includes a server that is connected to the aforementioned equipment and communication terminal via an external network, enabling communication between them, The communication terminal enables remote control of the equipment via the server. When a communication interruption occurs between either the aforementioned equipment or the aforementioned communication terminal and the server, a first notification means notifies information regarding the interruption in a first notification form, A system of equipment further comprising: a second notification means that, if the interruption continues after the first notification means has notified information regarding the interruption, notifies information regarding the interruption in a second notification form different from the first notification form.

2. The equipment system according to claim 1, wherein both the first notification mode and the second notification mode are notifications transmitted via the communication terminal.

3. The equipment system according to claim 1, wherein both the first notification mode and the second notification mode are notifications transmitted via the equipment.

4. The first notification method is notification via the equipment, The equipment system according to claim 1, wherein the second notification mode is notification via the communication terminal.

5. The equipment system according to claim 1, wherein the second notification means notifies information regarding the interruption if the interruption continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first notification means notified information regarding the interruption, or if the interruption continues even after the first notification means has notified information regarding the interruption a predetermined number of times.

6. The aforementioned equipment includes a communication unit that can communicate with the communication terminal without going through the server. When communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted, the communication unit transmits a first notification instruction signal to the communication terminal instructing the notification of information regarding the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server. The first notification means is provided in the communication terminal, and when the communication terminal receives the first notification instruction signal transmitted from the communication unit, it notifies information regarding the interruption. If the interruption continues even after the first notification instruction signal has been transmitted to the communication terminal, the communication unit transmits a second notification instruction signal to the communication terminal, which further instructs the notification of information regarding the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server. The equipment system according to claim 1, wherein the second notification means is provided in the communication terminal, and when the communication terminal receives the second notification instruction signal transmitted from the communication unit, it notifies information regarding the interruption.

7. The aforementioned equipment includes a communication unit that can communicate with the communication terminal without going through the server. The first notification means is provided in the equipment, and when communication between the equipment and the server is interrupted, it notifies information regarding the interruption via the equipment in the first notification form. If the interruption continues after the first notification means has notified information regarding the interruption, the communication unit transmits a notification instruction signal to the communication terminal instructing the notification of information regarding the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server. The equipment system according to claim 1, wherein the second notification means is provided in the communication terminal, and when the communication terminal receives the notification instruction signal transmitted from the communication unit, it notifies information regarding the interruption.

8. The equipment system according to claim 1, wherein the first notification means continuously or intermittently notifies information regarding the interruption.

9. Equipment installed in a building, It is possible to communicate with the server via an external network, The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal that can remotely control the equipment via the external network. When a communication interruption occurs between either the aforementioned equipment or the aforementioned communication terminal and the server, a first notification means notifies information regarding the interruption in a first notification form, Equipment further comprising: a second notification means that, after the first notification means has notified information regarding the interruption, if the interruption continues, notifies information regarding the interruption in a second notification form different from the first notification form.

10. Equipment installed in a building, It is equipped with a first communication unit that can communicate with a server via an external network, The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal that can remotely control the equipment via the external network. When a communication interruption occurs between the aforementioned equipment and the server, a first notification means notifies information regarding the interruption by a first notification method, The system further comprises a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the aforementioned server, If the interruption continues after the first notification means has notified information regarding the interruption, the second communication unit transmits a notification instruction signal to the communication terminal instructing the notification of information regarding the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server.

11. Equipment installed in a building, It is equipped with a first communication unit that can communicate with a server via an external network, The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal that can remotely control the equipment via the external network. The system further includes a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the aforementioned server, The aforementioned second communications unit is, When a communication interruption occurs between the equipment and the server, a first notification instruction signal is transmitted to the communication terminal instructing it to notify the communication terminal of information regarding the communication interruption between the equipment and the server in a first notification form. Equipment that, after transmitting the first notification instruction signal to the communication terminal, transmits a second notification instruction signal to the communication terminal if the interruption continues, instructing the communication terminal to broadcast information regarding the interruption in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode.

12. A program that is executed in equipment installed in a building, The aforementioned equipment can communicate with a server via an external network. The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal that can remotely control the equipment via the external network. The aforementioned program, When a communication interruption occurs between either the aforementioned equipment or the aforementioned communication terminal and the server, information regarding the interruption is notified by the first notification method. A program that, if the interruption continues after the interruption has been reported by the first notification method, reports information about the interruption by a second notification method different from the first notification method.

13. A program that is executed in equipment installed in a building, The aforementioned equipment includes a first communication unit capable of communicating with a server via an external network. The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal that can remotely control the equipment via the external network. The aforementioned equipment further comprises a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the server, The aforementioned program, When a communication interruption occurs between the aforementioned equipment and the server, information regarding the interruption is notified by the first notification method. A program that, if the interruption continues after the first notification method has been used to notify information regarding the interruption, causes the second communication unit to send a notification instruction signal to the communication terminal that instructs the notification of information regarding the interruption of communication between the equipment and the server.

14. A program that is executed in equipment installed in a building, The aforementioned equipment includes a first communication unit capable of communicating with a server via an external network. The server is capable of communicating with a communication terminal that can remotely control the equipment via the external network. The aforementioned equipment further comprises a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the server, The aforementioned program, When a communication interruption occurs between the equipment and the server, the second communication unit transmits a first notification instruction signal to the communication terminal, instructing it to notify the communication terminal of information regarding the communication interruption between the equipment and the server in a first notification format. A program that, if the interruption continues after the first notification instruction signal has been transmitted to the communication terminal, causes the second communication unit to transmit a second notification instruction signal to the communication terminal, instructing the communication terminal to broadcast information regarding the interruption in a second notification format different from the first notification format.

15. A program executed on a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling equipment installed in a building, The aforementioned communication terminal is capable of communicating with the server via an external network. The aforementioned equipment is capable of communicating with the server via the external network, The aforementioned program, When a communication interruption occurs between either the aforementioned equipment or the aforementioned communication terminal and the server, information regarding the interruption is notified by the first notification method. A program that, if the interruption continues after the interruption has been reported by the first notification method, reports information about the interruption by a second notification method different from the first notification method.

16. A program executed on a communication terminal capable of remotely controlling equipment installed in a building, The aforementioned equipment can communicate with a server via an external network. The aforementioned communication terminal is A first communication unit capable of communicating with the server via the external network, It comprises a second communication unit capable of communicating with the communication terminal without going through the aforementioned server, The aforementioned program, When the second communication unit receives a notification instruction signal from the equipment instructing the notification of information regarding a communication interruption between either the equipment or the communication terminal and the server, it will notify the information regarding the interruption in the first notification mode. A program that, after receiving the aforementioned notification instruction signal, causes the second communication unit to further receive the aforementioned notification instruction signal from the equipment, to broadcast information regarding the interruption in a second notification form different from the first notification form.

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