Computer programs for communication systems and terminal devices, and communication devices.

Abstract

We provide technology to make it easier for users to notice notifications. [Solution] The communication system transmits instructions from a terminal device to a communication device via a server. The communication system includes a processing execution unit that performs a confirmation process to check whether communication between the server and the communication device is possible, and a notification execution unit that, if the result of the confirmation process indicates that communication between the server and the communication device is impossible, notifies the user at a preset notification timing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a communication system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information terminal that reports an abnormality of a gas meter to a server. The information terminal can be controlled by a mobile phone via the server. The information terminal periodically executes a test communication with a router that relays communication with the server. Then, when the information terminal does not receive a response from the router in the test communication, it displays a notification screen indicating an abnormality.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If the user is not near the information terminal when the notification screen is displayed on 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] As a first aspect of this technology, a communication system is disclosed in which an instruction is transmitted from a terminal device to a communication device via a server. The communication system includes a processing execution unit that executes a confirmation process for confirming whether communication between the server and the communication device is possible, and a notification execution unit that executes notification to the user at a preset notification timing when the result of the confirmation process indicates that the communication between the server and the communication device is impossible.

[0006] According to the above configuration, notifications are sent to the user at pre-set notification timings. By setting the notification timing to a time that is easily noticeable to the user, the user is more likely to notice the notification. Furthermore, the computer program for the above communication system and the control method for realizing the above communication system are also novel and useful.

[0007] In a second embodiment, in the first embodiment described above, the server may include the processing execution unit, and the terminal device may include a specification unit that queries the server for the result of the confirmation process and specifies the result of the confirmation process, and a notification execution unit.

[0008] According to the above configuration, a verification process is performed on the server, and the result of the verification process is identified on the terminal device. Because the result of the verification process is identified on a terminal device different from the communication device, notification can be performed on a terminal device different from the communication device.

[0009] In a third embodiment, in the second embodiment described above, the identification unit may, at the notification timing, send an inquiry signal to the server to inquire about the result of the confirmation process.

[0010] For example, consider a comparative example where the results of a confirmation process are queryed from the server in advance of the notification timing, and the system waits to decide whether or not to execute the notification until the notification timing arrives. In this comparative example, the communication status between the server and the communication device may change between the timing of the prior query and the notification timing. For example, a notification may be executed incorrectly even though communication between the server and the communication device is possible. With the above configuration, the query to the server and the notification are executed at the notification timing. There is little time loss between the query to the server and the notification. The correct notification can be executed.

[0011] In the fourth embodiment, in either the second or third embodiment described above, the notification timing may be a predetermined time set in advance.

[0012] By setting the scheduled time to a time that is easily noticeable to users, users are more likely to notice the notification.

[0013] In a fifth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment described above, the communication system may further include a calculation unit that calculates the predetermined time based on history information indicating the usage history of the communication device.

[0014] The time when a user is active can be estimated from the usage history of the communication device. According to the above configuration, the time when a user is estimated to be active can be calculated as a specific time.

[0015] In the sixth embodiment, in the fourth or fifth embodiment described above, if the current day of the week is the first day of the week, the predetermined time is the first time, and if the current day of the week is a second day of the week different from the first time, the predetermined time may be a second time different from the first time.

[0016] The times when users are active vary from day to day. Based on the above configuration, the time at which notifications are sent to users can be changed, taking into account that the times when users are most likely to notice something differ from day to day.

[0017] In the seventh embodiment, the notification timing may be the timing at which a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal device, in the second or third embodiment described above.

[0018] The timing of performing a specific operation on a terminal device can be inferred to be the time when the user is active. By executing notifications at the time when user activity is presumed, the user is more likely to notice the notification.

[0019] In the eighth aspect, in any of the second to seventh aspects described above, the identification unit may send an inquiry signal to the server to inquire about the result of the confirmation process, and the processing execution unit may execute the confirmation process triggered by receiving the inquiry signal from the terminal device.

[0020] For example, consider a comparative example where the server periodically performs confirmation processing without being triggered by the reception of a query signal. In this comparative example, the server's processing load and communication load are relatively high. In contrast, with the above configuration, confirmation processing is triggered by the reception of a query signal, so the server does not need to periodically perform confirmation processing. Compared to the comparative example, the server's processing load and communication load can be reduced.

[0021] In the ninth aspect, in any of the second to seventh aspects described above, the confirmation process includes transmitting a confirmation signal to the communication device and determining whether or not to receive a response corresponding to the confirmation signal, the processing execution unit may repeatedly execute the confirmation process at predetermined intervals, and the identification unit may identify the latest result of the repeatedly executed confirmation process.

[0022] With the above configuration, the verification process can be executed in advance regardless of inquiries from the terminal device. By executing the verification process in advance, the results of the verification process can be promptly provided in response to inquiries from the terminal device.

[0023] In the tenth embodiment, in any of the second to ninth embodiments described above, the identifying unit may, upon receiving a response from the server to an inquiry indicating that the communication between the server and the communication device is impossible, identify as a result of the confirmation process that the communication between the server and the communication device is impossible.

[0024] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not to send a notification based on the content of the response to the inquiry.

[0025] In the 11th aspect, in any of the 2nd to 9th aspects described above, when the specific part does not receive a response to the inquiry from the server, it may specify that the communication between the server and the communication device is impossible as a result of the confirmation process.

[0026] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether to execute notification based on the presence or absence of a response to the inquiry.

[0027] In the 12th aspect, in the 1st aspect described above, the communication device includes the processing execution part and the notification execution part, and the notification timing may be the timing when a predetermined operation on the communication device is performed. [[ID=eleven]]

[0028] Performing a predetermined operation on the communication device means that a user is present near the communication device. By executing notification to the user present near the communication device, it becomes easier for the user to notice the notification.

[0029] In the 13th aspect, in any of the 1st to 12th aspects described above, the notification to the user may not be executed at timings other than the notification timing.

[0030] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the execution of notification at timings other than the notification timing, that is, at timings when it is difficult for the user to notice.

[0031] In the 14th aspect, in any of the 1st to 13th aspects described above, the communication device may be a facility device.

[0032] According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify the user that communication with the server is impossible in the facility device.

[0033] As a fifteenth aspect of this technology, a computer program for a terminal device is disclosed. The computer program functions as follows: a transmission unit that transmits instructions to a communication device via a server; a specification unit that queries the server for the result of a confirmation process to determine whether communication between the server and the communication device is possible, and identifies the result of the confirmation process; and a notification execution unit that, when the result of the confirmation process indicates that communication between the server and the communication device is impossible, executes a notification to the user at a predetermined notification timing.

[0034] Even with the above configuration, notifications can be delivered at a time when the user is likely to notice them, and furthermore, because the result of the confirmation process is identified by the terminal device, notifications can be delivered by a terminal device different from the communication device. In addition, the above terminal device itself and the control method for realizing the above terminal device are novel and useful.

[0035] A sixteenth aspect of this technology is disclosed: a communication device. The communication device includes a receiving unit that receives instructions from a terminal device via a server; a processing execution unit that performs a confirmation process to check whether communication between the server and the communication device is possible; and a notification execution unit that, if the result of the confirmation process indicates that the communication between the server and the communication device is impossible, notifies the user at a preset notification timing.

[0036] Even with the above configuration, notifications can be sent at a time when users are likely to notice them. Furthermore, the computer program for the above communication device and the control method for implementing the above communication device are novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the communication system according to each embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a sequence diagram of the processing performed by the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]This is a sequence diagram of the process for calculating the query time in the second embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram of the processing performed by the communication system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram of the processing performed by the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram of the processing performed by the communication system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram of the processing performed by the communication system according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] (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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] (Configuration of remote control 10; Figure 1) The remote control 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display 14, a LAN interface 16, and a control unit 30. Hereafter, "interface" will be abbreviated as "I / F".

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] (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, 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 transmits 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 transmits the remote control identifier RI1 obtained from the remote control 10 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.

[0049] (Configuration of remote control server 200; Figure 1) The remote control 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 remote control server 200 according to a program 240 stored in the memory 234.

[0050] 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 and the remote control identifier that identifies the remote control used by that user, in association with each user.

[0051] (Processing by remote control server 200; Figure 1) When the remote control server 200 receives an instruction signal from the mobile terminal 100 that has logged in using the account information, it retrieves the remote control identifier RI1 stored in the account table 242 in association with the logged-in account information. The remote control server 200 then sends an instruction signal to the remote control 10 identified by the retrieved remote control identifier RI1. 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).

[0052] 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, or the occurrence of temporary radio interference. This embodiment aims to address situations in which server communication becomes impossible.

[0053] (Processing implemented by communication system 2; Figure 2) In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 100 queries the remote control server 200 for the status of server communication at a pre-set query time. The query time is a time when the user is likely to notice the screen displayed on the mobile terminal 100's display 114. For example, the query time is a time when the user is expected to be active. For example, the query time is 9 PM.

[0054] For example, the inquiry time is pre-set by the vendor of the remote control application 142. For example, the inquiry time is stored in memory 134 when the remote control application 142 is installed. Note that the inquiry time may be changed after the installation of the remote control application 142, for example, when the remote control application 142 is updated. Also, the inquiry time may differ depending on the user's attributes such as gender and age.

[0055] The process shown in Figure 2 is executed in the background by the remote control application 142. The remote control application 142 logs into the remote control server 200 using account information. Alternatively, the process shown in Figure 2 may be executed in the foreground by the remote control application 142.

[0056] If the mobile terminal 100 determines at T10 that the current time is the query time, it executes the processes from T12 onwards. The processes from T12 onwards are not executed until the current time becomes the query time. At T12, the mobile terminal 100 sends a query signal to the remote control server 200.

[0057] At T12, when the remote control server 200 receives a query signal from the mobile terminal 100, it identifies the account information used to log in to the mobile terminal 100 that sent the query signal. Then, at T14, the remote control server 200 identifies the remote control identifier stored in the account table 242 that is associated with the identified account information. The identified remote control identifier determines the destination to which a confirmation signal should be sent to check the status of server communication. In Figure 2, when the remote control identifier RI1 is identified, the remote control 10 is identified as the destination.

[0058] In T16, the remote control server 200 attempts to send a confirmation signal to the remote control 10, which is the destination identified in T14. Below, we will describe case C1, where server communication is possible, and case C2, where server communication is not possible.

[0059] (Case C1; Figure 2) In this case, the confirmation signal reaches the remote control 10 via the Internet 6, the repeater 8, and the LAN 4. When the remote control 10 receives the confirmation signal from the remote control server 200, T20 sends a response signal to the remote control server 200 in response to the confirmation signal.

[0060] When the remote control server 200 receives a response signal from the remote control 10 at T20, it sends a notification at T22 indicating that server communication is possible to the mobile terminal 100. As a result, the mobile terminal 100 knows that server communication is possible.

[0061] (Case C2; ​​Figure 2) In this case, the confirmation signal does not reach the remote control 10 due to some reason, for example, the disappearance of LAN4. Therefore, in this case, the remote control server 200 does not receive a response signal to the confirmation signal from the remote control 10.

[0062] If the remote control server 200 does not receive a response signal and a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed since the transmission of the confirmation signal at T16, it determines at T30 that a timeout has occurred. Then, at T32, the remote control server 200 sends an impossible notification to the mobile terminal 100 indicating that server communication is impossible.

[0063] When the mobile terminal 100 receives an impossible notification from the remote control server 200 at T32, at T40, it displays a notification screen on the display 114 informing the user that server communication 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. For example, the user sees the notification screen and takes action to restore server communication. This action may be, for example, connecting the remote control 10 to a new LAN.

[0064] The time between the T10 inquiry time and the display of the T40 notification screen is relatively short, for example, a few seconds. The user can see the notification screen at approximately the same time as the inquiry time. Furthermore, the process shown in Figure 2 is completed in a relatively short time, and the notification screen displays the latest status of server communication.

[0065] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the remote control server 200 sends a confirmation signal, and the mobile terminal 100 identifies the result of the confirmation signal transmission. The mobile terminal 100 then displays a notification screen at approximately the same time as the inquiry time (T40). By setting the inquiry time to a time that is easily noticeable to the user, the user is more likely to notice the notification screen. Furthermore, since the result of the confirmation signal transmission is identified by a mobile terminal 100 different from the remote control 10, the mobile terminal 100 can perform the notification to the user. In a modified example, if server communication is impossible, the notification may be performed not only by the mobile terminal 100 but also by the remote control 10. For example, upon receiving an impossible notification, the mobile terminal 100 may send an instruction to the remote control 10 to display the notification screen via a communication means such as LAN4 or Bluetooth. The remote control 10 may then display the notification screen according to this instruction. By providing notifications on both the mobile terminal 100 and the remote control 10, the user's chances of noticing the notification can be increased.

[0066] Furthermore, a comparative example is conceivable in which, for example, the result of sending a confirmation signal is queried to the remote control server 200 in advance, and the system waits for a decision on whether or not to display the notification screen until a specific time arrives. In this comparative example, the status of server communication may change between the time of the prior query and the specific time. For example, there is a possibility that notification may be mistakenly executed even though server communication is possible. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the query to the remote control server 200 and the display of the notification screen are executed at the query time. There is little time loss between the query to the remote control server 200 and the notification. The correct notification can be executed. Note that the above comparative example may be adopted in the modified example. In the above comparative example, the query to the remote control server 200 can be executed at any time, and the specific time for notifying the user can be set to a time that is likely to be noticed by the user, for example, a time when it is presumed that the user is active.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the confirmation signal is not sent and the notification screen is not displayed until the inquiry time. This prevents notifications from being sent at times other than the inquiry time, i.e., at times when the user is unlikely to notice them.

[0068] For example, consider a comparative example where the remote control server 200 periodically sends confirmation signals without being triggered by the reception of an inquiry signal. In this comparative example, the processing load and communication load of the remote control server 200 are relatively high. In contrast, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the confirmation signal is sent triggered by the reception of an inquiry signal, so the remote control server 200 does not need to periodically send confirmation signals. Compared to the comparative example, the processing load and communication load of the remote control server 200 can be reduced.

[0069] (Correspondence) Communication system 2 is an example of a "communication system". Remote control 10, mobile terminal 100, and remote control server 200 are examples of a "communication device", "terminal device", and "server", respectively. The transmission of the confirmation signal at T16 in Figure 2 is an example of a "confirmation process". The inquiry signal at T12 is an example of an "inquiry signal". The inquiry time at T10 is an example of a "notification timing" and a "predetermined time". The impossibility notification at T32 is an example of a "response".

[0070] The CPU 232 that executes the process at T16 in Figure 2 is an example of a "processing execution unit". The CPU 132 that executes the processes at T12, T22, and T32 is an example of a "specification unit". The CPU 132 that executes the process at T40 is an example of a "notification execution unit". The CPU 132 that transmits the instruction signal in Figure 1 is an example of a "transmission unit".

[0071] (Second example) (Calculation process; Figure 3) In this embodiment, a calculation process is performed to calculate the inquiry time T10 in Figure 2. At T50, the remote control server 200 receives log information from the remote control 10. The log information shows the usage history of the remote control 10. The log information includes the date and time when the remote control 10 was operated, the date and time when the remote control 10 received an instruction signal, etc. The log information is transmitted from the remote control 10 at a predetermined interval (for example, every day). In a modified example, the log information may be transmitted each time the remote control 10 is operated or an instruction signal is received by the remote control 10. The remote control 10 may also be equipped with a motion sensor, and the log information may include the date and time when the motion sensor detected a person, in addition to the date and time when the remote control 10 was operated, etc.

[0072] In T52, the remote control server 200 stores the log information received by T50 in memory 234, associating it with the remote control identifier RI1. In other words, the log information is stored not only associating with the remote control identifier RI1, but also with account information.

[0073] In this embodiment, the query time is updated at a predetermined interval (e.g., one week). Processing T60 to T66 is performed in the background by the remote control application 142. The remote control application 142 logs into the remote control server 200 using account information.

[0074] When the mobile terminal 100 determines at T60 that a predetermined cycle has arrived, it executes the processes from T62 onward. The processes from T62 onward are not executed until the predetermined cycle arrives.

[0075] In T62, the mobile terminal 100 sends a log request to the remote control server 200 requesting the latest log information. The latest log information is, for example, the log information for the past month.

[0076] When the remote control server 200 receives a log request from the mobile terminal 100 in T62, it identifies the account information used to log in to the mobile terminal 100 that sent the log request. Then, in T64, the remote control server 200 sends the latest log information from the log information stored in association with the account information to the mobile terminal 100.

[0077] When the mobile terminal 100 receives the latest log information from the remote control server 200 at T64, it calculates the inquiry time at T66 based on the latest log information received at T64. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 100 calculates two types of inquiry times: weekday inquiry times and weekend inquiry times. The weekday inquiry time is, for example, the most frequently occurring time among the weekday log information in the latest log information. The weekend inquiry time is, for example, the most frequently occurring time among the weekend log information in the latest log information. In a modified example, the mobile terminal 100 may calculate three or more types of inquiry times. For example, the mobile terminal 100 may calculate an inquiry time for each day of the week. In another modified example, the mobile terminal 100 may calculate only one inquiry time.

[0078] The time when the user was active can be estimated from the log information of remote control 10. Processing by T66 allows the query time to be calculated from the estimated time when the user was active.

[0079] Furthermore, the times when users are active differ between weekdays and weekends. According to the T66 process, the time at which notifications are sent to users can be changed, taking into account that the times when users are most likely to notice something differ between weekdays and weekends.

[0080] (Correspondence) The log information of T50 and the CPU 132 that executes the processing of T66 are examples of "history information" and "calculation unit," respectively. Weekdays and Saturdays and Sundays are examples of "first day of the week" and "second day of the week," respectively.

[0081] (Third embodiment) (Processing implemented by communication system 2; Figure 4) This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that the content of the processing performed when server communication is not possible is different. In this embodiment as well, in order to check whether server communication is possible or not, processing T10 to T16 is performed as in the first embodiment.

[0082] (Case C3; Figure 4) This case is one in which server communication is possible. In this case, the processes T20 and T22 are executed, similar to case C1 in the first embodiment.

[0083] (Case C4; Figure 4) This case is one in which server communication is impossible. Unlike the first embodiment, in this case, the remote control server 200 does not send any notification to the mobile terminal 100 if it does not receive a response signal from the remote control 10.

[0084] In T70, if the mobile terminal 100 has not received a notification from the remote control server 200 and a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed since the inquiry time in T10, T70 determines that a timeout has occurred. Then, in T72, the mobile terminal 100 displays a notification screen on the display 114 informing the user that server communication is impossible.

[0085] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the notification screen is displayed at approximately the same time as the inquiry time, making it easier for the user to notice the notification screen. Also, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the notification to the user can be executed on the mobile terminal 100.

[0086] (Fourth embodiment) (Processing implemented by communication system 2; Figures 5 and 6) In this embodiment, the remote control server 200 repeatedly transmits a confirmation signal at a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0087] (Case C5; Figure 5) This case is one in which server communication is possible. When the remote control server 200 determines at T100 that a predetermined period has arrived, it attempts to send a confirmation signal to the remote control 10 at T102. Since server communication is possible, the confirmation signal reaches the remote control 10. Then, at T104, the remote control server 200 receives a response signal from the remote control 10 to the confirmation signal from T102.

[0088] In the subsequent T106, the remote control server 200 stores the latest result "possible," indicating that server communication is possible, in association with the remote control identifier RI1, which identifies the remote control 10 to which the confirmation signal is sent. As the latest result "possible" is stored in association with the remote control identifier RI1, the latest result "possible" is also stored in association with the account information.

[0089] T110 and T112 are the same as T10 and T12 in Figure 2. When the remote control server 200 receives a query signal from the mobile terminal 100 at T112, at T114 it identifies the latest result "possible" which is stored in association with the account information used for logging in to the mobile terminal 100 that sent the query signal. T116 is the same as T22 in Figure 2.

[0090] (Case C6; Figure 6) This case is one in which server communication is impossible. T120 and T122 are the same as T100 and T102 in Figure 5. Since server communication is impossible, the confirmation signal does not reach the remote control 10. As a result, the remote control server 200 does not receive a response signal from the remote control 10.

[0091] In T126, the remote control server 200 determines a timeout if a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed since the transmission of the confirmation signal in T122 without receiving a response signal. Upon determining a timeout, the remote control server 200 stores the latest result, "impossible," which indicates that server communication is impossible, associated with the remote control identifier RI1.

[0092] T130 and T132 are the same as T110 and T112 in Figure 5. T134 is the same as T114 except that the latest result "impossible" is identified. T136 and T138 are the same as T32 and T40 in Figure 2.

[0093] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a notification screen is displayed on the mobile terminal 100 at approximately the same time as the inquiry, making it easier for the user to notice the notification screen. Furthermore, in this embodiment, regardless of the inquiry from the mobile terminal 100, it is possible to check whether server communication is possible, i.e., to send a confirmation signal in advance. By checking whether server communication is possible in advance, the result of the above check can be promptly provided in response to the inquiry from the mobile terminal 100.

[0094] (Correspondence) An example of "confirmation processing" is repeatedly transmitting a confirmation signal at a predetermined interval. The confirmation signal T102 in Figure 5 is an example of a "confirmation signal." The predetermined interval of T100 is an example of a "predetermined interval."

[0095] (Modification of the fourth embodiment) The trigger for sending the query signal is not limited to the arrival of the query time, but may also be the detection of an operation on the remote control application 142. An operation on the remote control application 142 may be, for example, an operation to switch 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. In this modified example, when an operation on the remote control application 142 is detected, a query signal is sent to the remote control server 200 in T110 and T132.

[0096] The timing of operations on the remote control application 142 can be inferred to be when the user is active. By executing notifications at the time when the user is presumed to be active, the user is more likely to notice the notifications.

[0097] (Correspondence) The timing at which an operation on the remote control application 142 is detected is an example of a "notification timing." An operation on the remote control application 142 is an example of a "predetermined operation."

[0098] (Fifth example) (Processing implemented by communication system 2; Figure 7) In this embodiment, the notification screen is displayed on the remote control 10. In this embodiment, the remote control 10 repeatedly transmits a confirmation signal at a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0099] (Case C7; Figure 9) This case is one in which server communication is possible. When the remote control 10 determines at T200 that a predetermined period has arrived, at T202 it attempts to send a confirmation signal to the remote control server 200. Since server communication is possible, the confirmation signal reaches the remote control server 200. At T204, the remote control 10 receives a response signal from the remote control server 200 to the confirmation signal. At T206, the remote control 10 stores the latest result "possible," indicating that server communication is possible.

[0100] At T208, the remote control 10 detects a predetermined operation on the control unit 12. The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation to instruct the bath to fill with hot water or an operation to instruct the reheating function. The remote control 10 uses the detection of the predetermined operation at T208 as a trigger to determine whether the latest result is "possible" or not. In this case, at T210, the remote control 10 determines that the latest result is "possible" and terminates the process shown in Figure 9.

[0101] (Case C8; Figure 9) This case is one in which server communication is impossible. In this case, due to the inability to communicate with the server, the remote control 10 does not receive a response signal from the remote control server 200. If a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed since the transmission of the confirmation signal T202 without receiving a response signal, the remote control 10 determines a timeout at T220. Then, at T226, the remote control 10 stores the latest result "impossible," indicating that server communication is impossible.

[0102] T228 is the same as T208. In this case, the remote control 10 determines at T230 that the latest result is "impossible" and proceeds to processing T232. At T232, the remote control 10 displays the notification screen on the display 14.

[0103] The performance of a predetermined operation on the remote control 10 signifies the presence of a user near the remote control 10. By issuing a notification to a user near the remote control 10, the user is more likely to notice the notification. Furthermore, even if the latest result "impossible" is stored, the remote control 10 will not display the notification screen until the predetermined operation is detected. The notification screen will not be displayed at any time other than when the predetermined operation is detected, i.e., when the user is not near the remote control 10. This prevents notifications from being issued at times when the user is unlikely to notice them. In the modified version, instead of sending a confirmation signal from T200, periodic communication with the remote control server 200 may be performed. The CPU 32 may store the latest result "possible" if periodic communication is maintained, and store the latest result "impossible" if periodic communication is interrupted for a predetermined period.

[0104] (Correspondence) The CPU 32 that executes the process at T202 in Figure 9 is an example of a "processing execution unit". The CPU 32 that executes the process at T232 is an example of a "notification execution unit". The CPU 32 that receives the instruction signal at Figure 1 is an example of a "receiving unit". The timing at which predetermined operations are detected at T208 and T228 is an example of a "notification timing".

[0105] (Modification 1 of the 5th embodiment) In this modified example, at T208 and T228, instead of detecting a predetermined operation, a motion sensor may be used to detect a person. Here, the motion sensor is installed in front of the remote control 10. The motion sensor detects a person passing near the remote control 10. In this modified example, the motion sensor may also be installed in the bathroom and may detect a person entering the bathroom. Detecting a person in the bathroom means that a user is using the water heater 50.

[0106] In this modified example, when the motion sensor detects a person, the remote control 10 executes processes T210, T230, and T232. In this modified example, by notifying the user using the water heater 50, the user is more likely to notice the notification. In this modified example, the timing at which the motion sensor detects a person is an example of the "notification timing".

[0107] (Modification 2 of the 5th embodiment) In this modified example, the processes of T240 and T242 may be executed instead of, or in addition to, the display of the notification screen in T232. In T240, the remote control 10 uses a communication means such as LAN4 or Bluetooth to send a notification instruction to the mobile terminal 100 that instructs the display of the notification screen. When the mobile terminal 100 receives the notification instruction from the remote control 10 in T240, it displays the notification screen on the display 114 in T242 according to the notification instruction. In this modified example, the CPU 32 that sends the instruction to the mobile terminal 100 to display the notification screen is an example of a "notification execution unit".

[0108] 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.

[0109] (Modification 3) 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.

[0110] (Modification 4) The "terminal device" is not limited to the mobile terminal 100, but may also be a desktop PC, laptop PC, smart speaker, etc.

[0111] (Modification 5) "Notification to the user" is not limited to the notification screen of T40 in Figure 2, but may also be, for example, a predetermined sound output or vibration having a predetermined pattern.

[0112] (Modification 6) The modification shown in Figures 5 and 6, in which an operation on the remote control application 142 is used as a trigger for sending an inquiry signal, may be adopted in other embodiments other than the fourth embodiment.

[0113] (Modification 7) In the first to fifth embodiments, the notification screen may be displayed on the remote control 10. In this case, when the mobile terminal 100 receives an impossibility notification from the remote control server 200, it may use communication means such as LAN4 or Bluetooth to send an instruction to the remote control 10 to display the notification screen. In this modification, the CPU 132 that sends the instruction to the remote control 10 to display the notification screen is an example of a "notification execution unit".

[0114] (Modification 8) The process for calculating the query time in the second embodiment may be performed by the remote control server 200 instead of the mobile terminal 100. The remote control server 200 may then notify the mobile terminal 100 of the calculated query time. In this modification, the CPU 232 of the remote control server 200 is an example of the "calculation unit".

[0115] (Modification 9) The operation in the modification of the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 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".

[0116] (Modification 10) In the fourth embodiment, the confirmation signal may be periodically transmitted from the remote control 10 to the remote control server 200. For example, the remote control server 200 may determine that server communication is impossible if it does not receive a confirmation signal from the remote control 10 for a predetermined period of time. In this modification, the process by which the remote control server 200 determines whether or not to receive a confirmation signal from the remote control 10 is an example of a "confirmation process".

[0117] (Modification 11) In the fifth embodiment, instead of T208 and T228, a determination may be made as to whether the current time is a predetermined time. The predetermined time is a time that is easily noticeable to the user. Then, if the current time is a predetermined time, the processes of T210, T230 and T232 may be executed. In this modification, the predetermined time is an example of a "notification timing".

[0118] 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]

[0119] 2: Communication Systems 4: LAN 6: Internet 8: Repeater 10: Remote control 12:Operation section 14: Display 16 :LANI / F 32:CPU 50: Water heater 100: Mobile devices 112:Operation unit 114: Display 116 :LANI / F 117: Mobile communication interface 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. A communication system that transmits instructions from a terminal device to a communication device via a server, A processing execution unit that performs a confirmation process to determine whether communication between the server and the communication device is possible, If the result of the verification process indicates that communication between the server and the communication device is impossible, a notification execution unit executes a notification to the user at a predetermined notification timing. A communication system equipped with these features.

2. The server comprises the processing execution unit, The aforementioned terminal device is A specific unit that queries the server for the result of the verification process and identifies the result of the verification process, The aforementioned notification execution unit, The communication system according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the specified unit transmits an inquiry signal to the server at the notification timing to inquire about the result of the confirmation process.

4. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the notification timing is a predetermined time set in advance.

5. The communication system according to claim 4, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates the predetermined time based on history information indicating the usage history of the communication device.

6. If the current day of the week is the first day of the week, the predetermined time is the first time, The communication system according to claim 4, wherein if the current day of the week is a second day of the week different from the first day of the week, the predetermined time is a second time different from the first time.

7. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the notification timing is the timing at which a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal device.

8. The specified unit sends an inquiry signal to the server to inquire about the result of the confirmation process. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the processing execution unit executes the confirmation process triggered by receiving the inquiry signal from the terminal device.

9. The confirmation process includes transmitting a confirmation signal to the communication device and determining whether or not to receive a response corresponding to the confirmation signal. The processing execution unit repeatedly performs the confirmation process at predetermined intervals. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the identifying unit identifies the latest result of the verification process that is repeatedly performed.

10. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the identifying unit, upon receiving a response from the server to an inquiry indicating that communication between the server and the communication device is impossible, identifies as a result of the confirmation process that communication between the server and the communication device is impossible.

11. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the identifying unit determines, as a result of the confirmation process, that communication between the server and the communication device is impossible when it does not receive a response to the inquiry from the server.

12. The communication device comprises the processing execution unit and the notification execution unit, The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the notification timing is the timing at which a predetermined operation is performed on the communication device.

13. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the notification to the user is not performed at any time other than the notification timing.

14. The communication device is equipment, as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer program for a terminal device, The aforementioned computer program controls the computer of the terminal device in the following parts, namely, A transmitting unit that sends instructions to a communication device via a server, A determination unit that queries the server for the result of a confirmation process to determine whether communication between the server and the communication device is possible, and identifies the result of the confirmation process, If the result of the verification process indicates that communication between the server and the communication device is impossible, a notification execution unit executes a notification to the user at a predetermined notification timing. A computer program that functions as such.

16. A communication device, A receiving unit that receives instructions from terminal devices via a server, A processing execution unit that performs a confirmation process to determine whether communication between the server and the communication device is possible, If the result of the verification process indicates that communication between the server and the communication device is impossible, a notification execution unit executes a notification to the user at a predetermined notification timing. A communication device equipped with the following features.

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