Computer programs for notification systems and mobile terminals

Abstract

We provide technology to make it easier for users to notice notifications. [Solution] The notification system comprises a communication device and a mobile terminal, the communication device comprising a server communication unit that performs server communication using a first communication method with a server, and a signal output unit that outputs a status signal indicating the status of the server communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method, and the mobile terminal comprising a notification execution unit that performs notification to the user when it receives the status signal from the communication device indicating that the server communication is impossible using the second communication method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a notification system that executes notification to a user.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information terminal that reports an abnormality of a gas meter to a server. The information terminal displays a notification screen when a communication line for reporting to the server is incommunicable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, if the user is not near the information terminal, the user will not notice the notification screen. If the user does not notice the notification screen, the recovery of communication between the information terminal and the server will be delayed. This specification provides a technology for making it easier for the user to notice the notification.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In a first aspect of this technology, the notification system includes a communication device and a mobile terminal. The communication device includes a server communication unit that executes server communication using a first communication method with a server, and a signal output unit that outputs a status signal indicating the status of the server communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method. The mobile terminal includes a notification execution unit that executes notification to a user when receiving the status signal indicating that the server communication is impossible from the communication device using the second communication method.

[0006] According to the above configuration, notifications to the user are delivered via a mobile device carried by the user. By delivering notifications via a mobile device close to the user, the user is more likely to notice the notification.

[0007] In a second embodiment, in the first embodiment described above, the notification execution unit may perform notification to the user if the identifier included in the status signal matches an identifier stored in the mobile terminal, and may not perform notification to the user if the identifier included in the status signal does not match an identifier stored in the mobile terminal.

[0008] The above configuration makes it possible to suppress the execution of notifications based on status signals whose source is unknown.

[0009] In a third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment described above, the signal output unit may repeatedly output the status signal.

[0010] A single transmission may not ensure that the status signal reaches the mobile device. By repeatedly outputting the status signal, it is possible to reliably deliver the signal to the mobile device.

[0011] In a fourth embodiment, in the third embodiment described above, the notification execution unit may, if the situation continues where the status signal is not received after the notification to the user has been performed, but the status signal is received again, perform the notification to the user again.

[0012] With the above configuration, if a user leaves the communication range of the second communication method and then returns to it, the user will be notified again. By notifying the user again when they return near the communication device, the user can be prompted to restore server communication.

[0013] In the fifth embodiment, in the third embodiment described above, the notification execution unit may perform notification to the user if the number of times the status signal is received per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and may not perform notification to the user if the number of times the status signal is received per unit time is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0014] If the number of times a status signal is received per unit time is below a predetermined threshold, it means that the reception of the status signal is unstable. When the reception of the status signal is unstable, the status signal is received intermittently, and as a result, notifications to the user may be repeatedly and intermittently executed. With the above configuration, notifications to the user are not executed when the reception of the status signal is unstable, and the repeated and intermittent execution of notifications to the user can be suppressed. Also, if the number of times a status signal is received per unit time is above a predetermined threshold, it means that a user is approaching the communication device. By executing a notification to the user approaching the communication device, the user can be prompted to restore server communication.

[0015] In the sixth embodiment, in any of the first to fifth embodiments described above, the signal output unit may start outputting the status signal when the state of the communication device changes from a state in which server communication is possible to a state in which server communication is impossible.

[0016] With the above configuration, the output of a status signal can be initiated when notification to the user is impossible. Since no status signal is output when it is possible, the power consumption of the communication device can be reduced.

[0017] In the seventh embodiment, in the sixth embodiment described above, the signal output unit may start outputting the status signal when a predetermined operation is performed on the communication device after the state of the communication device has changed from the possible state to the impossible state.

[0018] Since a predetermined operation is performed on the communication device, it is presumed that the user is currently active. According to the above configuration, when it is presumed that the user is currently active, a notification is sent to the user. By sending a notification to a currently active user, the user is more likely to notice the notification.

[0019] In the eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects described above, the signal output unit may output the status signal by broadcast.

[0020] For example, a comparative example can be envisioned in which a link is established with a mobile device, and a status signal is output using the established link. In this comparative example, a process to establish the link is required. In contrast, the above configuration does not require a process to establish the link, and notification to the user can be performed quickly.

[0021] In the ninth aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects described above, the status signal includes operating status information indicating the current operating state of the communication device, and the notification execution unit may perform notification to the user when it receives the status signal from the communication device indicating that server communication is impossible and the operating status information in the status signal indicates a predetermined operating state.

[0022] Since the operating status information indicates a predetermined operating state, it can be inferred that the user is currently active. According to the above configuration, when it is inferred that the user is currently active, a notification is sent to the user. By sending notifications to users who are currently active, the user is more likely to notice the notification.

[0023] In the tenth embodiment, in any of the first to ninth embodiments described above, the notification execution unit may, if it receives the status signal from the communication device indicating that server communication is impossible and the current time is within a predetermined time period, perform notification to the user.

[0024] As the predetermined time, for example, the time when it is estimated that the user is active is set. According to the above configuration, notification to the user is executed at the time when the user is currently active. By executing notification to the currently active user, it becomes easier for the user to notice the notification.

[0025] In the 11th aspect, in any of the above 1st to 10th aspects, the notification execution unit may receive the status signal indicating that the server communication is impossible from the communication device, and execute the notification to the user when a predetermined operation on the mobile terminal is performed.

[0026] Since a predetermined operation is performed on the mobile terminal, it is estimated that the user is currently active. According to the above configuration, when it is estimated that the user is currently active, notification to the user is executed. By executing notification to the currently active user, it becomes easier for the user to notice the notification.

[0027] In the 12th aspect, in any of the above 1st to 11th aspects, the status signal includes cause information indicating the cause of the impossibility of the server communication, and the notification to the user may be related to the cause indicated by the cause information.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the user can take measures according to the cause of the impossibility of the server communication.

[0029] In the 13th aspect, in the above 12th aspect, the first communication method is a method of communicating with the server on the Internet via a repeater, and when the cause information indicates a first cause of the impossibility of communication between the repeater and the communication device, the notification to the user is related to the first cause, and when the cause information indicates a second cause of the impossibility of communication between the repeater and the server, the notification to the user may be related to the second cause.

[0030] With the above configuration, users can take appropriate action depending on whether the problem lies between the relay and the communication device, or between the communication device and the server.

[0031] In the 14th aspect, in any of the first to 11 aspects described above, the communication device may be equipment. The equipment can notify the user that server communication is impossible.

[0032] As a 15th aspect, a computer program for a mobile terminal is disclosed. The computer program controls the computer of the mobile terminal, namely, a receiving unit that receives a status signal indicating the status of server communication from a communication device that performs server communication using a first communication method with a server, using a second communication method different from the first communication method; and a notification execution unit that, when it receives the status signal from the communication device indicating that server communication is impossible, using the second communication method, it performs notification to the user. To make it function as such.

[0033] Even with the above configuration, by executing the notification on a mobile device that is close to the user, it becomes easier for the user to notice the notification.

[0034] The communication device itself, the computer program for implementing the communication device, and the control method for implementing the communication device are all novel and useful. Furthermore, the mobile terminal itself and the control method for implementing the mobile terminal are also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the communication system according to each embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the remote control according to the first to sixth embodiments. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of a mobile terminal according to the first and seventh embodiments. [Figure 4]This is a sequence diagram showing a specific case related to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of a mobile terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of a mobile terminal according to the third to sixth embodiments. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the remote control according to the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) The communication system 2 comprises a remote control 10, a repeater 8, a mobile terminal 100, and a remote control server 200. The remote control 10 is connected to the internet 6 via the repeater 8. The mobile terminal 100 and the remote control server 200 are connected to the internet 6. The mobile terminal 100 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 vendors of the water heater 50 and the remote control 10.

[0039] (Configuration of remote control 10; Figure 1) 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".

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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, a combination of a router and an access point, etc. 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 remote control server 200 on the Internet 6 via LANI / F16. BTI / F18 is an interface for performing communication in accordance with Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark). BTI / F18 can transmit beacon signals in accordance with Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0042] 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.

[0043] (Configuration of mobile terminal 100; Figure 1) The mobile terminal 100 comprises 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 mobile terminal 100 can communicate with the remote control 10 via the LANI / F 116. The mobile terminal 100 can also communicate with the remote control 10 via the BTI / F 118.

[0044] The mobile communication interface 117 is an interface for performing communication using mobile communication such as 4G and 5G. The mobile terminal 100 can communicate with the remote control server 200 on the Internet 6 via either the mobile communication interface 117 or the LAN interface 116.

[0045] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The CPU 132 controls the operation of the mobile 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 mobile 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.

[0046] When a user installs the remote control application 142 on the mobile terminal 100, they enter their account information into the mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 then sends this account information to the remote control server 200. The remote control server 200 authenticates the account information received from the mobile terminal 100. If the authentication is successful, the remote control server 200 allows the mobile terminal 100 to log in to the remote control server 200. Next, the mobile terminal 100 obtains the remote control identifier RI1 from the remote control 10. For example, the mobile 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 example, the mobile terminal 100 may also obtain the remote control identifier RI1 from the remote control 10 using a communication method other than LAN4, such as Bluetooth. In another modification, the mobile 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 mobile terminal 100's camera (not shown). In yet another modification, the mobile 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 mobile terminal 100. The mobile terminal 100 stores the remote control identifier RI1 obtained from the remote control 10 in memory 134 and transmits it to the remote control server 200. As a result, the remote control server 200 stores the remote control identifier RI1 received from the mobile terminal 100 in association with the logged-in account information.

[0047] (Processing by remote control server 200; Figure 1) As described above, the remote control server 200 stores the remote control identifier RI1 in association with the account information. When the remote control server 200 receives an instruction signal from the mobile 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).

[0048] In order to perform remote control, the remote control 10 must be able to communicate with the remote control server 200 via LAN4, repeater 8, and the Internet 6 (hereinafter referred to as "server communication"). However, there are cases where server communication becomes impossible for some reason. Reasons for server communication becoming impossible include, for example, a malfunction in the repeater 8, the disappearance of LAN4 to which LANI / F16 is connected due to replacement of the repeater 8, the disconnection of the repeater 8 from the Internet 6, the occurrence of temporary radio interference, or the shutdown of the remote control server 200 due to maintenance, etc. This embodiment aims to address situations in which server communication becomes impossible.

[0049] (Processing of remote control 10; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the process executed by the CPU 32 of the remote control 10 according to the program 40 will be explained. The process in Figure 2 is executed periodically, triggered by the power being turned on of the remote control 10.

[0050] In S10, the CPU 32 determines whether or not server communication is possible. For example, the CPU 32 determines that server communication is impossible if LANI / F16 is not connected to LAN4. Alternatively, for example, the CPU 32 sends an acknowledgment signal to the remote control server 200 via LANI / F16 and the Internet 6. The CPU 32 then determines that server communication is impossible if it does not receive a response to the acknowledgment signal. Alternatively, for example, the CPU 32 communicates with the remote control server 200 periodically, and the CPU 32 may determine that server communication is impossible if this periodic communication is interrupted for a predetermined period of time.

[0051] If CPU32 determines that server communication is impossible (YES in S10), it proceeds to processing from S12 onwards. On the other hand, if CPU32 determines that server communication is possible (NO in S10), it skips processing from S12 onwards and terminates the process shown in Figure 2.

[0052] In S12, the CPU32 starts repeatedly broadcasting the beacon signal via BTI / F18. The transmission period of the beacon signal is, for example, 10 times / second. In a modified version, the beacon signal may be transmitted only once.

[0053] The beacon signal is a signal that conforms to the Bluetooth Low Energy standard. For example, in one protocol that conforms to the Bluetooth Low Energy standard, the beacon signal includes three setting items: UUID, Major Num, and Minor Num. The UUID is set to the remote control identifier RI1, the Major Num is set to the operating status information, and the Minor Num is set to the cause information. Note that the above three setting items are just examples.

[0054] The operating status information indicates the current operating status of the water heater 50. The operating status information may show, for example, "Stopped," "Filling Bathtub," or "Reheating." Note that "Stopped," "Filling Bathtub," and "Reheating" are just examples of operating states.

[0055] The cause information indicates the reason why server communication became impossible. The cause information indicates either "LAN" or "Server". Cause information "LAN" indicates that LANI / F16 is not connected to LAN4. Cause information "Server" indicates that LANI / F16 is connected to LAN4, but no response to the confirmation signal is received from the remote control server 200. Causes indicated by cause information "LAN" include, for example, the disappearance of LAN4 or the power off of repeater 8. Causes indicated by cause information "Server" include the repeater 8 being disconnected from the internet 6 or the remote control server 200 ceasing to operate.

[0056] In S14, CPU32 monitors for the recovery of server communication. If server communication is recovered (YES in S14), CPU32 proceeds to S16. In S16, CPU32 stops transmitting the beacon signal that was started in S12. When S16 is finished, CPU32 terminates the process shown in Figure 2.

[0057] (Processing of mobile terminal 100; Figure 3) Referring to Figure 3, the process executed by the CPU 132 of the mobile terminal 100 according to the remote control application 142 will be described. Note that the process in Figure 3 may be executed in the foreground or in the background.

[0058] In S30, CPU132 monitors for the reception of a beacon signal from remote control 10 via BTI / F118. If CPU132 receives a beacon signal from remote control 10 (YES in S30), it proceeds to S32.

[0059] In S32, the CPU 132 determines whether the value of the UUID in the beacon signal received in S30 matches the remote control identifier RI1 in memory 134. If the CPU 132 determines that the value of the UUID in the beacon signal matches the remote control identifier RI1 in memory 134 (YES in S32), the process proceeds to S34. In the modified example, the UUID may be set to an identification number different from the remote control identifier RI1 (for example, a string of a predetermined number of digits). The mobile terminal 100 may have previously obtained the identification number from the remote control 10 in the same manner as the remote control identifier RI1. For example, the acquisition of the identification number may be performed when installing the remote control application 142. The determination in S30 may be a determination of whether the UUID matches the identification number in the mobile terminal 100. Generally speaking, in the determination in S32, an identification number different from the remote control identifier RI1 used for communication with the remote control server 200 may be used.

[0060] In S34, the CPU 132 displays a notification screen on the display 114 indicating that server communication for the remote control 10 is impossible. The notification screen is, for example, a pop-up notification displayed on a banner on the display 114 according to the remote control application 142 running in the background. In a modified example, the notification screen may be a screen displayed according to the remote control application 142 running in the foreground. Here, the CPU 132 displays notification screen SC1 indicating the cause information "LAN" when the Minor Num in the beacon signal indicates the cause information "LAN". The CPU 132 also displays notification screen SC2 indicating the cause information "Server" when the Minor Num in the beacon signal indicates the cause information "Server". Notification screen SC2 contains a different message from notification screen SC1. The user can look at the message in notification screen SC1 or SC2 and take appropriate action according to the cause of the server communication failure. In a modified example, the CPU 132 may display one type of notification screen regardless of the cause of the server communication failure.

[0061] When S34 finishes, CPU 132 terminates the process shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, if CPU 132 determines that the UUID value in the beacon signal does not match the remote control identifier RI1 in memory 134 (NO in S32), it skips the S34 process and returns to monitoring in S30. The fact that the UUID value in the beacon signal does not match the remote control identifier RI1 in memory 134 means that the source of the beacon signal is unknown. The determination in S32 allows for the suppression of the display of notification screens corresponding to beacon signals with unknown sources.

[0062] (Specific case; Figure 4) The specific cases realized by the processes shown in Figures 2 and 3 will be explained. As shown in Figure 4, in this case, LAN4, to which LANI / F16 is connected, disappears due to the replacement of repeater 8. Also, in the initial state of this case, the water heater 50 is stopped.

[0063] Remote control 10 determines at T10 that server communication is impossible (YES at S10 in Figure 2). Remote control 10 starts repeatedly broadcasting a beacon signal at T12A to T12C (S12). In this case, the beacon signal includes the remote control identifier RI1, the operating status information "Stopped", and the cause information "LAN".

[0064] In T12A and T12B, the mobile terminal 100 cannot receive the beacon signal because it is outside the communication range of the remote control 10's BTI / F18. In T12C, the mobile terminal 100 receives the beacon signal from the remote control 10 by moving into the communication range of the remote control 10's BTI / F18 (YES in S30 of Figure 3). In T14, the mobile terminal 100 determines that the value of the UUID in the beacon signal matches the remote control identifier RI1 in memory 134 (YES in S32). In T16, the mobile terminal 100 displays the notification screen (S34).

[0065] The user sees the notification screen and connects the remote control 10 to the new LAN. This restores server communication. T30 determines that server communication has been restored (YES in S14 of Figure 2) and stops transmitting the beacon signal (S16).

[0066] In this embodiment, the notification screen is displayed on the mobile terminal 100 carried by the user. By displaying the notification screen on the mobile terminal 100, which is close to the user, the user is more likely to notice the notification. In a modified example, the notification indicating that server communication is impossible may also be issued on the remote control 10 in addition to the mobile terminal 100. By issuing notifications on both the mobile terminal 100 and the remote control 10, the user's chances of noticing the notification can be increased.

[0067] Furthermore, a single transmission may not be enough to reach the mobile device 100. By repeatedly outputting the beacon signal, the beacon signal can be reliably delivered to the mobile device 100.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the remote control 10 starts transmitting a beacon signal when it determines that server communication is impossible (YES in S10 of Figure 2). Since the beacon signal is not transmitted when server communication is possible, the power consumption of the remote control 10 can be reduced.

[0069] Furthermore, a comparative example is envisioned in which a link (e.g., Bluetooth pairing) is established with a mobile terminal 100, and a signal indicating that server communication is impossible is transmitted using the established link. In this comparative example, the process of establishing the link is required. In contrast, in this embodiment, broadcasting is used, and the process of establishing the link is unnecessary. Notification to the user can be carried out quickly. In modifications, the configuration of the above comparative example may be adopted.

[0070] (Correspondence) Communication system 2 is an example of a "notification system". Remote control 10, mobile terminal 100, and remote control server 200 are examples of a "communication device", "mobile terminal", and "server", respectively. Repeater 8 is an example of a "repeater". Communication via LAN4 and communication according to BT are examples of a "first communication method" and a "second communication method", respectively. Beacon signal and remote control identifier RI1 are examples of a "status signal" and an "identifier", respectively. CPU 32, which performs communication with the remote control server 200, is an example of a "server communication unit". The cause indicated by cause information "LAN" and the cause indicated by cause information "server" are examples of a "first cause" and a "second cause", respectively. CPU 32, which performs the processing in S12 of Figure 2, and CPU 132, which performs the processing in S34 of Figure 3, are examples of a "signal output unit" and a "notification execution unit", respectively.

[0071] (Second example) (Processing of mobile terminal 100; Figure 5) This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that the processing of the mobile terminal 100 is different. In this embodiment, the processing of the mobile terminal 100 is performed in the order of S30 to S34 followed by the processing of S40 to S44.

[0072] In S40, after the notification screen is displayed, the CPU 132 again monitors for the reception of a beacon signal from the remote control 10 via the BTI / F 118. If the CPU 132 receives a beacon signal from the remote control 10 (YES in S40), it proceeds to S42. S42 is the same as S32. If the CPU 32 determines that the value of the UUID in the beacon signal matches the remote control identifier RI1 in memory 134 (YES in S42), it returns to S34. In S34, which is executed after S42 is determined to be YES, if the notification screen has been cleared, the CPU 32 displays the notification screen again. On the other hand, if the notification screen is already displayed, the CPU 32 continues to display the notification screen.

[0073] Furthermore, if the CPU 132 does not receive a beacon signal from the remote control 10 (NO in S40), or if it determines that the value of the UUID in the beacon signal does not match the remote control identifier RI1 in memory 134 (NO in S42), it proceeds to S44.

[0074] In S44, the CPU 132 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the display on the notification screen in S34 without receiving any beacon signals containing the remote control identifier RI1 in memory 134. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 minutes. If the CPU 132 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S44), it returns to monitoring in S40. On the other hand, if the CPU 132 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S44), it terminates the process shown in Figure 5.

[0075] For example, if the user moves out of the BTI / F18 communication range, S40 will determine NO, and the notification screen will not be displayed again. However, if the user returns to the BTI / F18 communication range before the predetermined time in S44 has elapsed, S42 will determine YES, and the notification screen will be displayed again. By issuing another notification to the user who has returned near the remote control 10, the user can be prompted to restore server communication.

[0076] In this embodiment, the CPU 132 displays the notification screen multiple times each time it receives a beacon signal. Displaying the notification screen multiple times makes it easier for the user to notice the notification. An upper limit may be set on the number of times the notification screen is displayed.

[0077] (Third embodiment) (Processing of mobile terminal 100; Figure 6) In the processing of the mobile terminal 100 in this embodiment, if it is determined to be YES in S32, the determination in S60 is executed. In S60, the CPU 132 determines whether the operating status information in the beacon signal indicates either "filling the bathtub" or "reheating". If the CPU 132 determines that the operating status information in the beacon signal indicates either "filling the bathtub" or "reheating" (YES in S60), it proceeds to S34. On the other hand, if the CPU 132 determines that the operating status information in the beacon signal indicates "stopped" (NO in S60), it returns to monitoring in S30.

[0078] Since the operating status information indicates either "filling the bathtub" or "reheating," it can be estimated that a user is currently active. In this embodiment, a notification screen is displayed when it is estimated that a user is currently active. By notifying the currently active user, it becomes easier for the user to notice the notification. Operating status information indicating "filling the bathtub," etc., is an example of "operating status information."

[0079] (Fourth embodiment) (Processing of mobile terminal 100; Figure 6) The processing of the mobile terminal 100 in this embodiment is the same as in the third embodiment, except that the content of S60 is different. In S60 of this embodiment, the CPU 132 determines whether the current time is within a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is the time period in which the user is presumed to be active, for example, from 7pm to 8pm. If the CPU 132 determines that the current time is within the predetermined time period (YES in S60), it proceeds to S34. On the other hand, if the CPU 132 determines that the current time is not within the predetermined time period (NO in S60), it returns to monitoring in S30.

[0080] In this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, a notification screen is displayed when it is estimated that a user is currently active. By notifying users who are currently active, it becomes easier for them to notice the notification. The predetermined time period in S60 is an example of a "predetermined time period".

[0081] (Fifth example) (Processing of mobile terminal 100; Figure 6) The processing of the mobile terminal 100 in this embodiment is the same as in the third embodiment, except that the content of S60 is different. In S60 of this embodiment, the CPU 132 determines whether the number of times a beacon signal is received per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 3 times / second). If the CPU 132 determines that the number of times a beacon signal is received per unit time is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (YES in S60), it proceeds to S34. On the other hand, if the CPU 132 determines that the number of times a beacon signal is received per unit time is less than the predetermined threshold (NO in S60), it returns to monitoring in S30.

[0082] If the number of times a beacon signal is received per unit time is less than a predetermined threshold, it means that the reception of the beacon signal is unstable. When the reception of the beacon signal is unstable, the beacon signal is received intermittently, and as a result, the notification screen may be displayed intermittently and repeatedly. According to this embodiment, the notification screen is not displayed when the reception of the beacon signal is unstable, and the intermittent and repeated display of the notification screen can be suppressed. Also, since the user may feel uncomfortable if the notification screen is displayed intermittently and repeatedly, the configuration of this embodiment can reduce the user's discomfort. Furthermore, if the number of times a beacon signal is received per unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, it means that the user is approaching the remote control 10. By issuing a notification to the user approaching the remote control 10, the user can be prompted to restore server communication. The predetermined threshold in S60 is an example of a "predetermined threshold".

[0083] (Sixth embodiment) (Processing of mobile terminal 100; Figure 6) The processing of the mobile terminal 100 in this embodiment is the same as in the third embodiment, except that the content of S60 is different. In S60 of this embodiment, the CPU 132 determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the remote control application 142. An operation on the remote control application 142 is, for example, an operation to move the remote control application 142 from background operation to foreground operation, an operation to launch the remote control application 142, or an operation to select an icon displayed according to the remote control application 142. If the CPU 132 determines that an operation has been performed on the remote control application 142 (YES in S60), it proceeds to S34. On the other hand, if the CPU 132 determines that no operation has been performed on the remote control application 142 (NO in S60), it returns to monitoring in S30.

[0084] Since operations are performed on the remote control application 142, it can be inferred that the user is currently active. In this embodiment as well, by issuing a notification to a currently active user, the user is more likely to notice the notification. Operations on the remote control application 142 are an example of "predetermined operations on a mobile terminal."

[0085] (Seventh Example) (Processing of remote control 10; Figure 7) This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that the processing of the remote control 10 is different. In this embodiment, the processing of the remote control 10 is further enhanced by the processing in S70. The CPU 32 proceeds to S70 if it determines that server communication is impossible (YES in S10). In S70, the CPU 32 determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the operation unit 12 of the remote control 10. If the CPU 32 determines that an operation has been performed on the operation unit 12 (YES in S70), it proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if the CPU 32 determines that no operation has been performed on the operation unit 12 (NO in S70), it returns to the determination in S10.

[0086] In this embodiment, the remote control 10 starts transmitting a beacon signal when an operation is performed on the operation unit 12 (YES in S70). Since an operation is performed on the operation unit 12, it is presumed that the user is currently active. According to this embodiment, when it is presumed that the user is currently active, a beacon signal is output and a notification screen is displayed on the mobile terminal 100. By performing a notification on a currently active user, the user is more likely to notice the notification. An operation on the operation unit 12 of the remote control 10 is an example of a "predetermined operation on a communication device".

[0087] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of each of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0088] (Modification 1) The "communication device" is not limited to the remote control 10, but may be other equipment installed indoors. Other equipment may be, for example, a water heater, heating equipment, cooking appliance, clothes dryer, or dishwasher that can connect to the internet 6. Also, the "communication device" may be equipment other than equipment, such as a PC.

[0089] (Variation 2) The "first communication method" may be communication using a LAN that does not go through the Internet 6, or it may be a communication method such as BT. Also, the "second communication method" may be a communication method such as Wi-Fi. Generally speaking, the "second communication method" just needs to be different from the "first communication method".

[0090] (Modification 3) The remote control 10 may periodically output a beacon signal indicating the status of server communication, regardless of whether server communication is possible or not. In this case, the beacon signal may include a first value when server communication is possible, and a second value different from the first value when server communication is not possible. The mobile terminal 100 may display a notification screen when the beacon signal received from the remote control 10 includes the second value, but may not display a notification screen when the beacon signal received from the remote control 10 includes the first value. In this modification, a beacon signal including either the first or second value is an example of a "status signal".

[0091] (Modification 4) "Notification to the user" is not limited to the notification screen in S34 of Figure 4, but may also be, for example, a predetermined sound output or vibration having a predetermined pattern.

[0092] (Modification 5) The process in S32 of Figure 3 does not need to be executed. In this modification, the "identifier" can be omitted.

[0093] (Variation 6) The beacon signal does not need to include causal information. In this variation, "causal information" can be omitted.

[0094] (Modification 7) In the sixth embodiment, the operation S60 in Figure 6 is not limited to an operation on the remote control application 142, but may also be an operation on a program different from the remote control application 142 (for example, an operation to cancel the sleep mode of the mobile terminal 100). In this modification, an operation on a program different from the remote control application 142 is an example of a "predetermined operation on the mobile terminal".

[0095] (Modification 8) In the seventh embodiment, instead of the decision in S70 of Figure 7, a decision may be made as to whether or not the current time falls within a predetermined time period in which activity is presumed. If the CPU 32 determines that the current time falls within the predetermined time period, it may then execute the processing from S12 onward.

[0096] 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.

[0097] For example, an embodiment that combines at least two of the first to seventh embodiments, such as an embodiment in which the process of S34 is executed when both the conditions of S60 in the third embodiment and the conditions of S60 in the fourth embodiment are met, also demonstrates technical usefulness. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 2: Communication 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: Mobile devices 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 RI1: Remote control identifier SC1, SC2: Notification screen

Claims

1. Communication equipment and Mobile devices and Equipped with, The aforementioned communication device is A server communication unit that performs server communication using a first communication method with the server, A signal output unit that outputs a status signal indicating the status of the server communication using a second communication method different from the first communication method, Equipped with, The aforementioned mobile terminal is A notification system comprising a notification execution unit that performs notification to a user when it receives the status signal from the communication device indicating that server communication is impossible, using the second communication method described above.

2. If the identifier included in the status signal matches an identifier stored in the mobile terminal, the notification to the user is performed. If the identifier included in the status signal does not match an identifier stored in the mobile terminal, the notification to the user will not be performed. The notification system according to claim 1.

3. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the signal output unit repeatedly outputs the status signal.

4. The notification system according to claim 3, wherein, after the notification to the user is performed, the situation in which the status signal is not received continues, but when the status signal is received again, the notification to the user is performed again.

5. If the number of times the status signal is received per unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the notification to the user is performed. The notification system according to claim 3, wherein if the number of times the status signal is received per unit time is less than the predetermined threshold, the notification to the user is not performed.

6. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the signal output unit starts outputting the status signal when the state of the communication device changes from a state in which server communication is possible to a state in which server communication is impossible.

7. The notification system according to claim 6, wherein the signal output unit starts outputting the status signal when a predetermined operation is performed on the communication device after the state of the communication device changes from the possible state to the impossible state.

8. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the signal output unit outputs the status signal by broadcast.

9. The status signal includes operating status information indicating the current operating status of the communication device. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification to the user is performed when the communication device receives the status signal indicating that server communication is impossible, and the operating status information in the status signal indicates a predetermined operating state.

10. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification to the user is performed when the communication device receives the status signal indicating that server communication is impossible and the current time is within a predetermined time period.

11. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification to the user is performed when the communication device receives the status signal indicating that server communication is impossible and a predetermined operation is performed on the mobile terminal.

12. The status signal includes cause information indicating the reason why server communication is impossible. The notification to the user relates to the cause indicated by the cause information, according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The first communication method described above is a method of communicating with the server on the Internet via a relay device, If the aforementioned cause information indicates a first cause that makes communication between the repeater and the communication device impossible, the notification to the user shall be related to the first cause. The notification system according to claim 12, wherein, if the cause information indicates a second cause that makes communication between the relay and the server impossible, the notification to the user relates to the second cause.

14. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the communication device is a piece of equipment.

15. A computer program for a mobile device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the mobile terminal in the following parts, namely: A receiving unit receives a status signal indicating the status of server communication from a communication device that performs server communication using a first communication method with the server, using a second communication method different from the first communication method. A notification execution unit that, when it receives the status signal from the communication device indicating that server communication is impossible using the second communication method described above, performs notification to the user, A computer program that functions as such.

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