Notification system and notification method

Abstract

To provide a notification system capable of notifying that anomalies have occurred in apparatuses installed in houses.SOLUTION: A notification system 10 includes: an acquisition unit 44 that acquires, from a control terminal 20 installed in each of a plurality of houses 70 located within a predetermined area, anomaly occurrence information indicating that an anomaly has occurred in an apparatus 30 installed in the house 70; and an output unit 45 that outputs notification information to at least one of a first information terminal 51 used by a management business operator of the plurality of houses 70 and a second information terminal 52 used by a maintenance business operator of target apparatuses 30 when it is indicated that anomalies have occurred in the target apparatuses 30 in a predetermined number or more of the plurality of houses 70 within a predetermined period of time according to the acquired anomaly occurrence information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system and a notification method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies have been proposed for managing collective housing such as condominiums. Patent Document 1 discloses a life management information sharing system that can reduce the workload of managers or management companies and increase the speed and reliability of information transmission. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-173980 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a notification system and a notification method capable of notifying that an abnormality has occurred in a device installed in a home. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A notification system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires abnormality occurrence information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in equipment installed in a plurality of homes located within a specified area from an information terminal installed in each of the homes, and an output unit that outputs notification information to at least one of a first information terminal used by a management company of the plurality of homes and a second information terminal used by a maintenance company for the target equipment when the acquired abnormality occurrence information indicates that an abnormality has occurred in a target equipment in a specified number or more of the plurality of homes within a specified period of time.

[0006] A notification method according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring abnormality occurrence information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in equipment installed in a plurality of homes located within a specified area from an information terminal installed in each of the homes, and an output step of outputting notification information to at least one of a first information terminal used by a management company of the plurality of homes and a second information terminal used by a maintenance company for the target equipment when the acquired abnormality occurrence information indicates that an abnormality has occurred in a target equipment in a specified number or more of the plurality of homes within a specified period of time.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the notification method. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The notification system and notification method of the present invention can notify that an abnormality has occurred in a device installed in a home. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a notification system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a first operational example of the notification system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the home management information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the error information database. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the first information terminal in the first operation example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a second operation example of the notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the replacement history database. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the first information terminal in the second operation example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of a third operation example of the notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the maintenance company management information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of maintenance companies displayed on the first information terminal in the third operation example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance request reception screen displayed on the second information terminal in the third operation example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a notification system according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the notification system according to an embodiment.

[0013] 1, the notification system 10 includes a control terminal 20 and multiple devices 30 installed in each of multiple residences 70, a server device 40, a first information terminal 51, a second information terminal 52, and a third information terminal 53. The multiple residences 70 are, for example, multiple private areas in an apartment building 71. The multiple residences 70 may be located together in a predetermined area, and may be multiple detached houses located in the same area, such as a subdivision. It is sufficient that at least one device 30 is installed in each of the multiple residences 70.

[0014] Each device included in the notification system 10 will be described in detail below. The control terminal 20 is an example of an information terminal, and specifically, an EMS (Energy Management System) controller having an energy management function. The control terminal 20 manages the power consumption of a device 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as device 30) installed in the same house 70 as the control terminal 20. The control terminal 20 also controls the device 30 and displays the operation state of the device 30. Control of the device 30 includes, for example, starting the operation of the device 30, stopping the operation of the device 30, and changing the operation state of the device 30. The control of the device 30 is performed by transmitting a control signal from the control terminal 20 (second communication unit 26) to the device 30.

[0015] The control terminal 20 is not limited to an EMS controller, and may be another controller not having an energy management function, or a gateway device. The control terminal 20 includes an operation receiving unit 21, a display unit 22, an information processing unit 23, a storage unit 24, a first communication unit 25, and a second communication unit 26.

[0016] The operation reception unit 21 receives operations from a user (such as a resident of the house 70). The operation reception unit 21 is realized by, for example, a touch panel, but may also be realized by a hardware key or the like.

[0017] The display unit 22 displays an image. The display unit 22 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0018] The information processing unit 23 performs information processing related to the control of the device 30. The information processing unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 23 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 23 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 24.

[0019] The storage unit 24 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 23. The storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0020] The first communication unit 25 is a communication circuit for the control terminal 20 to communicate with the server device 40 and the like via the wide area communication network 80. The first communication unit 25 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 25.

[0021] The second communication unit 26 is a communication circuit for the control terminal 20 to communicate with the device 30 via a local communication network. The second communication unit 26 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit for performing wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit for performing wired communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 26.

[0022] The device 30 is a device controlled by the control terminal 20, in other words, a device to be controlled by the control terminal 20. The device 30 is installed within the premises of the house 70. The device 30 includes, for example, a communication circuit (communication module) for communicating with the control terminal 20 (second communication unit 26). Specifically, the device 30 is a lighting device, a lighting switch (wiring device), an air conditioner, an electric shutter, an air purifier, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an opening / closing sensor, a delivery box, a power storage system, a heat pump water heater, a range hood, or the like.

[0023] The server device 40 is a cloud server that manages the status of the devices 30 installed in each of the multiple homes 70. The server device 40 is used, for example, by a business entity (hereinafter also referred to as a device provider entity) that manufactures or sells the control terminal 20 and the devices 30. Specifically, the server device 40 includes a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0024] The communication unit 41 is a communication circuit for the server device 40 to communicate with the multiple control terminals 20, the first information terminal 51, the second information terminal 52, and the third information terminal 53 through the wide area communication network 80. The communication unit 41 is, for example, a wired communication unit that performs wired communication, but may also be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 41.

[0025] The information processing unit 42 processes information regarding the management of the status of the devices 30 installed in each of the multiple homes 70. The information processing unit 42 is specifically realized by a microcomputer or a processor. The information processing unit 42 has an acquisition unit 44 and an output unit 45 as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 44 and the output unit 45 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43. The functions of the acquisition unit 44 and the output unit 45 will be described in detail later.

[0026] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores various information necessary for the above information processing, the above computer programs, etc. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory.

[0027] The first information terminal 51 is an information terminal used by a management company (more specifically, an employee of the management company) of multiple homes 70 (apartment building 71) to receive notifications from the server device 40. The management company here is, for example, a company that specializes in the management of the apartment building 71. The first information terminal 51 is specifically a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer, but may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal.

[0028] The second information terminal 52 is an information terminal used by a maintenance company (more specifically, an employee of the maintenance company) performing maintenance on the device 30 to receive notifications from the server device 40. Maintenance means repair, inspection, replacement, or the like of the device 30. The second information terminal 52 is specifically a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer, but may also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0029] The third information terminal 53 is an information terminal used by a resident of the house 70 to receive an error notification from the control terminal 20. Specifically, the third information terminal 53 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer.

[0030] [Example 1] As described above, when the multiple residences 70 are multiple private units within an apartment building 71, the multiple residences 70 may each be equipped with a control terminal 20 and a target device 30 that were manufactured at the same time. In such a case, when an abnormality (specifically, a malfunction, etc.) occurs in the target device 30 in a predetermined number of residences 70 among the multiple residences 70, there is a possibility that an abnormality will also occur in the target device 30 in the other residences 70.

[0031] Therefore, the notification system 10 notifies the first information terminal 51, etc., when errors frequently occur in the target devices 30 in the multiple homes 70. This allows the management company of the multiple homes 70 to take measures against the frequent occurrence of errors, such as performing advance maintenance on the target devices 30 that have not yet experienced errors but may potentially experience errors.

[0032] The following describes an operation example 1 of such a notification system 10. Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation example 1 of the notification system 10. Note that, for the sake of convenience, only one pair of a control terminal 20 and a device 30 is illustrated in the example of Fig. 2.

[0033] When an error occurs, the device 30 installed in the house 70 transmits an error notification to the control terminal 20 (S11). The error notification includes a device ID, which is identification information of the device 30, and an error code indicating the content of the error that has occurred. The device ID is general identification information indicating the type of device, such as whether the device 30 is a lighting device or an air conditioning device, but may be detailed identification information including a product number and a serial number.

[0034] The second communication unit 26 of the control terminal 20 receives the error notification. Based on the received error notification, the information processing unit 23 displays an error notification screen on the display unit 22 to notify the resident that an error has occurred in the device 30 (S12). The error notification screen is intended to notify the resident.

[0035] The notification in step S12 may be performed via the third information terminal 53 used by the resident. In this case, the first communication unit 25 transmits notification command information to the third information terminal 53, thereby enabling a similar notification. More specifically, the notification command information is transmitted to the third information terminal 53 via another server device for remote notification. If the server device 40 has a remote notification function, the notification command information may be transmitted to the third information terminal 53 via the server device 40. In this case, the process of transmitting the notification command information from the control terminal 20 to the server device 40 in step S12 may be omitted, and the notification command information may be transmitted from the server device 40 to the third information terminal 53 at a timing such as immediately after step S14 described later.

[0036] Furthermore, the information processing unit 23 transmits error information to the server device 40 based on the received error notification (S13). More specifically, the error information is transmitted to the server device 40 by the first communication unit 25. The error information includes a terminal ID that is identification information of the control terminal 20, in addition to the device ID and error code that were included in the error notification. The error information is an example of abnormality occurrence information.

[0037] The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives the error information. The acquisition unit 44 acquires the received error information (S14). Here, the storage unit 43 stores home management information indicating a correspondence relationship between the terminal ID, the identification information of the apartment building 71 (e.g., the name of the apartment building 71), and the identification information of the house 70 (e.g., the room number). Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the home management information.

[0038] Such home management information can be obtained, for example, when the control terminal 20 is installed (introduced) in the home 70, by the installer of the control terminal 20 managing (recording) the terminal ID, the identification information of the apartment building 71, and the identification information of the home 70. In the example of Fig. 3, the home management information also includes information such as the address of the apartment building, the management company of the apartment building, and the address for sending notifications to the management company. The address for notifications is, for example, an email address or the ID of an application program for notifications.

[0039] Based on such home management information, the acquisition unit 44 converts the terminal ID included in the error information acquired in step S14 into a combination of the identification information of the apartment building 71 and the identification information of the home 70 (S15). Furthermore, the acquisition unit 44 adds the error information after the terminal ID has been converted into a combination of the identification information of the apartment building 71 and the identification information of the home 70 to the error information database stored in the memory unit 43. In other words, the acquisition unit 44 updates the error information database (S16).

[0040] Although not shown in detail in FIG. 2, the processes of steps S11 to S16 are performed each time an error occurs in device 30 in any of the multiple residences 70. As a result, error information is accumulated, and an error information database as shown in FIG. 4 is stored in storage unit 43. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the error information database. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, information processing unit 42 collects error information from apartment buildings other than apartment building 71, and adds the collected error information to the error information database. In other words, the error information database is obtained by aggregating error information from multiple apartment buildings.

[0041] When the error information database is updated, the output unit 45 determines whether or not there are frequent errors occurring in the same type of device 30 (hereinafter also referred to as the target device 30) in the apartment building 71 based on the updated error information database (S17). Specifically, the output unit 45 determines whether or not an error has occurred in the target device 30 in a predetermined number or more of the multiple residences 70 within a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period is, for example, the most recent one month period, and the predetermined number is, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 2 (specifically, 5, etc.).

[0042] When counting the number of errors, the output unit 45 counts the number of errors regardless of the type of error, for example. As a specific example, the output unit 45 determines that errors are occurring frequently when a requirement is met that the number of residences 70 in which an error has occurred in a heat pump water heater (an example of the target device 30) in an apartment building 71 during the most recent month is five or more. The output unit 45 does not determine that errors are occurring frequently when the requirement is not met.

[0043] The output unit 45 may count the number of errors taking into consideration the content of the error (error code). As a specific example, the output unit 45 determines that errors are occurring frequently when a requirement is met that the number of residences 70 in which an error with error code 1 has occurred in the heat pump water heater is five or more in the apartment building 71 during the most recent month. The output unit 45 does not determine that errors are occurring frequently when this requirement is not met.

[0044] In this way, when the output unit 45 determines that errors are occurring frequently in the target device 30 in the apartment building 71, it outputs notification information (S18). The communication unit 41 transmits the output notification information to the first information terminal 51 (S19). Note that the destination of the notification can be specified, for example, by referring to the home management information in FIG. 3.

[0045] The first information terminal 51 receives the notification information. Here, the notification information output in step S18 includes, for example, identification information of the apartment house 71 (for example, the name of the apartment house 71) and identification information (device ID) of the target device 30. In this case, the identification information of the target device 30 is, for example, general identification information indicating the type of the target device 30.

[0046] Based on the notification information including such information, the first information terminal 51 displays a notification screen including the type of the target device 30 and the room number of the house 70 in which the error occurred in the target device 30 (S20). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen displayed on the first information terminal 51.

[0047] The notification information may include identification information (e.g., a room number) of a house 70 in which an error has occurred in the target device 30 among the multiple houses 70. If the notification information includes such information, the first information terminal 51 can display the identification information of a house 70 in which an error has occurred in the target device 30. Similarly, the notification information may include identification information of a house 70 in which no error has occurred in the target device 30 among the multiple houses 70. If the notification information includes such information, the first information terminal 51 can display the identification information of a house 70 in which no error has occurred in the target device 30.

[0048] The management company that has received the notification in step S20 is expected to take measures such as replacing or inspecting the target devices 30 in all of the residences 70 in the apartment complex 71. At this time, it is expected that the replacement or inspection of the target devices 30 has already been completed in the residences 70 in which an error has occurred in the target devices 30. Then, as described above, if the identification information of the residences 70 in which an error has occurred in the target devices 30 or the identification information of the residences 70 in which no error has occurred in the target devices 30 is displayed on the first information terminal 51, the management company can identify the residences 70 in which the replacement and inspection of the target devices 30 has not been completed, and can efficiently arrange for the replacement or inspection of the target devices 30.

[0049] The notification information may also include identification information (device ID) of the target device 30 provided in a house 70 in which an error has occurred among the multiple houses 70. The identification information of the target device 30 in this case is detailed identification information including, for example, a product number and a serial number. If the notification information includes such information, the first information terminal 51 can display the identification information (product number and serial number, etc.) of the target device 30 in which an error has occurred. Similarly, the notification information may also include identification information (device ID) of the target device 30 provided in a house 70 in which an error has not occurred among the multiple houses 70. The identification information of the target device 30 in this case is detailed identification information including, for example, a product number and a serial number. If the notification information includes such information, the first information terminal 51 can display the identification information (product number and serial number, etc.) of the target device 30 in which an error has not occurred.

[0050] The notification information may also include information indicating the contents of the error. If the notification information includes information indicating the contents of the error, the first information terminal 51 can display a notification screen indicating the specific contents of the error, such as "Frequent errors have occurred in the power supply system," or a screen listing the error codes of the errors that have occurred. This allows the management company to understand the contents of the error.

[0051] As described above, the notification system 10 includes an acquisition unit 44 that acquires error information indicating that an error (abnormality) has occurred in the device 30 installed in each of multiple homes 70 located within a predetermined area from the control terminal 20 installed in that home 70, and an output unit 45 that outputs notification information to a first information terminal 51 used by a management company of the multiple homes 70 when the acquired error information indicates that an error (abnormality) has occurred in the target device 30 in a predetermined number or more of the multiple homes 70 within a predetermined period of time. The error information is an example of abnormality occurrence information.

[0052] Such a notification system 10 can assist in taking measures such as maintenance by sending notifications when it is estimated that there are frequent abnormalities (errors) in equipment 30 in multiple residences 70 (apartment buildings 71).

[0053] [Example 2] In the operation example 1, the server device 50 performs notification based on error information transmitted by the control terminal 20. Here, the server device 50 may perform notification based on exchange occurrence information transmitted by the control terminal 20. The exchange occurrence information is information indicating that the device 30 installed in the house 70 has been replaced with another new device 30. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of the operation example 2 of the notification system 10.

[0054] The information processing unit 23 of the control terminal 20 detects replacement of the device 30 (S21). For example, by monitoring the registration information of the device 30 stored in the storage unit 24 of the control terminal 20, the information processing unit 23 can determine that the registration of a new device 30 of the same type after the registration of a registered device 30 is cancelled is a replacement of the device 30.

[0055] When the information processing unit 23 detects the replacement of the device 30, it transmits replacement occurrence information to the server device 40 (S22). More specifically, the replacement occurrence information is transmitted to the server device 40 by the first communication unit 25. The replacement occurrence information includes the device ID of the replaced device 30 and the terminal ID of the control terminal 20. The replacement occurrence information is another example of abnormality occurrence information.

[0056] The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives the exchange occurrence information. The acquisition unit 44 acquires the received exchange occurrence information (S23). The acquisition unit 44 converts the terminal ID included in the exchange occurrence information acquired in step S23 into a combination of the identification information of the apartment house 71 (e.g., the name of the apartment house 71) and the identification information of the house 70 (e.g., the room number) based on the housing management information stored in the storage unit 43 (S24). In addition, the acquisition unit 44 adds the exchange occurrence information after the terminal ID is converted into the combination of the identification information of the apartment house 71 and the identification information of the house 70 to the exchange history database stored in the storage unit 43. In other words, the acquisition unit 44 updates the exchange history database (S25).

[0057] Although not shown in detail in FIG. 6, the processes of steps S21 to S25 are performed each time replacement of a device 30 occurs in any of the multiple residences 70. As a result, replacement occurrence information is accumulated, and a replacement history database as shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the storage unit 43. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the replacement history database. Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, the information processing unit 42 collects replacement occurrence information from apartment buildings other than the apartment building 71, and adds the collected replacement occurrence information to the replacement history database. In other words, the replacement history database is obtained by aggregating replacement occurrence information in multiple apartment buildings.

[0058] When the replacement history database is updated, the output unit 45 judges whether the target devices 30 have been frequently replaced in the apartment building 71 based on the updated replacement history database (S26). Specifically, the output unit 45 judges whether the target devices 30 have been replaced in a predetermined number of homes among the multiple homes 70 within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, the most recent one month, and the predetermined number is, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 2 (e.g., 5). As a specific example, the output unit 45 judges that replacements have occurred frequently when a requirement is satisfied that the number of homes 70 in which replacements of heat pump water heaters (an example of the target devices 30) have occurred within the most recent one month is 5 or more in the apartment building 71. When the requirement is not satisfied, the output unit 45 does not judge that replacements have occurred frequently.

[0059] In this way, when the output unit 45 determines that replacement of the target device 30 is occurring frequently in the apartment building 71, it outputs notification information (S27). The communication unit 41 transmits the output notification information to the first information terminal 51 (S28). Note that the destination of the notification can be specified, for example, by referring to the home management information in FIG. 3.

[0060] The first information terminal 51 receives the notification information. Here, the notification information output in step S27 includes, for example, identification information of the apartment house 71 (for example, the name of the apartment house 71) and identification information of the target device 30 (for example, the type of the target device 30).

[0061] Based on the notification information including such information, the first information terminal 51 displays a notification screen including the type of the target device 30 and the room number of the house 70 where the replacement of the target device 30 has occurred (S29). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen displayed on the first information terminal 51.

[0062] The notification information may include identification information (here, for example, a room number) of a home 70 in which replacement of the target device 30 has occurred among the multiple homes 70. If the notification information includes such information, the first information terminal 51 can display the identification information of the home 70 in which replacement of the target device 30 has occurred. Similarly, the notification information may include identification information (for example, a room number) of a home 70 in which replacement of the target device 30 has not occurred among the multiple homes 70. If the notification information includes such information, the first information terminal 51 can display the identification information of a home 70 in which replacement of the target device 30 has not occurred.

[0063] The management company that has received the notification in step S29 is expected to take measures such as replacing or inspecting the target devices 30 in all of the homes 70 in the apartment complex 71. At this time, such measures are expected not to be necessary in homes 70 in which replacement of the target devices 30 has already been completed. Then, as described above, if the identification information of the homes 70 in which the replacement of the target devices 30 has occurred or the identification information of the homes 70 in which the replacement of the target devices 30 has not occurred is displayed on the first information terminal 51, the management company can identify the homes 70 in which the replacement of the target devices 30 has not occurred, and can efficiently arrange for the replacement or inspection of the target devices 30.

[0064] The notification information may also include identification information (device ID) of the target device 30 installed in a house 70 in which the replacement of the target device 30 has occurred among the multiple houses 70 (i.e., the target device 30 that has been replaced and is no longer installed). In this case, the identification information of the target device 30 is detailed identification information including, for example, a product number and a serial number. If the notification information includes such information, the first information terminal 51 can display the identification information (product number and serial number, etc.) of the target device 30 that has been replaced and is no longer installed. Similarly, the notification information may also include identification information (device ID) of the target device 30 installed in a house 70 in which the replacement of the target device 30 has not occurred among the multiple houses 70. In this case, the identification information of the target device 30 is detailed identification information including, for example, a product number and a serial number. If the notification information includes such information, the first information terminal 51 can display the identification information (product number and serial number, etc.) of the target device 30 that has not been replaced.

[0065] As described above, the notification system 10 includes an acquisition unit 44 that acquires, from the control terminal 20 installed in each of a plurality of residences 70 located within a predetermined area, replacement occurrence information indicating that a replacement (abnormality) has occurred in the device 30 installed in that residence 70, and an output unit 45 that outputs notification information to a first information terminal 51 used by a management company of the plurality of residences 70 when the acquired replacement occurrence information indicates that a replacement (abnormality) has occurred in the target device 30 in a predetermined number or more of the plurality of residences 70 within a predetermined period of time. The replacement occurrence information is another example of abnormality occurrence information.

[0066] Such a notification system 10 can assist in taking measures such as maintenance by sending notifications when it is estimated that there will be frequent abnormalities (replacements) in equipment 30 in multiple residences 70 (apartment buildings 71).

[0067] Furthermore, Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2 may be combined. For example, in Operation Example 1, the occurrence of replacement of the target device 30 may be regarded as a type of error of the target device 30. In this case, one occurrence of replacement may be counted as 1 time or n times (n is an integer of 2 or more) and may be included in the count of the number of occurrences of the error.

[0068] [Example 3] After receiving the notification described in Operation Example 1 or Operation Example 2, the management company is considered to take measures such as performing maintenance on the target devices 30 in all the residences 70 in the apartment complex 71. Maintenance of the target devices 30 means repairing, inspecting, replacing, or the like of the target devices 30.

[0069] Therefore, the notification system 10 supports the management company by suggesting to the management company a maintenance company capable of maintaining the target device 30. Hereinafter, a third operation example of the notification system 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of the third operation example of the notification system 10.

[0070] An employee of the management company performs a predetermined operation to request a proposal from the maintenance company, and the first information terminal 51 accepts such an operation (S31). For example, the first information terminal 51 accepts an operation on the icon 51a (or an operation on the icon 51b) when the notification screen of Fig. 5 (or the notification screen of Fig. 8) is displayed on the first information terminal 51. When such an operation is accepted, the first information terminal 51 transmits a proposal request to the server device 40 (S32).

[0071] The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives the proposal request. The acquisition unit 44 acquires the received proposal request (S33), and the output unit 45 generates proposal information based on the acquired proposal request (S34). Here, the storage unit 43 stores in advance maintenance company management information as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the maintenance company management information. As shown in FIG. 10, in the maintenance company management information, the name of the maintenance company, the location of the maintenance company, the destination of notifications to the maintenance company, and the equipment 30 that the maintenance company handles maintenance are associated with each other.

[0072] Based on such maintenance business management information, the output unit 45 selects a predetermined number of maintenance businesses capable of maintaining the target device 30 in order of location closest to the apartment building 71, and generates proposal information for proposing the selected maintenance businesses. The output unit 45 outputs the generated proposal information (S35). The communication unit 41 transmits the output proposal information to the first information terminal 51 (S36).

[0073] The first information terminal 51 receives the proposal information and displays a list screen of maintenance companies based on the received proposal information (S37). Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the list screen of maintenance companies. The list screen shown in Fig. 11 displays only a predetermined number of maintenance companies that can perform maintenance on the target device 30 and are located in order of proximity to the apartment building 71.

[0074] When a list screen such as that in FIG. 11 is displayed, the first information terminal 51 accepts an operation to select a maintenance company (S38), and transmits selection result information indicating the selected maintenance company to the server device 40 (S39).

[0075] The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives the selection result information. The acquisition unit 44 acquires the received selection result information (S40), and the output unit 45 outputs maintenance request information based on the acquired selection result information (S41). The communication unit 41 transmits the output maintenance request information to the second information terminal 52 used by the maintenance company indicated by the selection result information (S42). Note that the destination of the notification can be specified, for example, by referring to the maintenance company management information of FIG. 10.

[0076] The second information terminal 52 receives the maintenance request information. Here, the maintenance request information output in step S30 includes, for example, identification information of the apartment house 71 (e.g., the name and location of the apartment house 71), identification information of the house 70 in which the target device 30 has experienced an abnormality (e.g., a room number) among the multiple houses 70, identification information of the target device 30 (e.g., the type of the target device 30), and information indicating the content of the error.

[0077] The second information terminal 52 displays a maintenance request reception screen based on the maintenance request information including such information (S43). Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the maintenance request reception screen displayed on the second information terminal 52.

[0078] As described above, after outputting notification information to the first information terminal 51, the notification system 10 outputs proposal information to the first information terminal 51 for proposing maintenance companies that can perform maintenance on the target equipment 30.

[0079] Such a notification system 10 can help ensure that measures such as maintenance are taken by suggesting maintenance providers when it is estimated that there are frequent abnormalities (errors or replacements) in equipment 30 in multiple residences 70 (apartment buildings 71).

[0080] [Variations] In step S15 of operation example 1 and step S24 of operation example 2, the terminal ID of the control terminal 20 is converted into the identification information of the house 70 using the home management information, but the method of identifying the identification information of the house 70 in which frequent errors have occurred in the target device 30 is not limited to this method. For example, if the identification information of the house 70 (the name and room number of the apartment building 71) is registered in the control terminal 20 when the control terminal 20 is installed (introduced) in the house 70, the control terminal 20 can transmit the error information including the identification information of the house 70. In this case, the process of step S15 can be omitted.

[0081] In steps S18 and S19 of the operation example 1 and steps S27 and 28 of the operation example 2, the notification information is output to the first information terminal 51 used by the management company of the multiple homes 70. However, for example, there may be a case where a device provider using the server device 40 provides a maintenance service for the device 30 to the residents, and in such a case, it is not essential that the notification information is output to the first information terminal 51.

[0082] For example, in such a case, the notification information may be output to the second information terminal 52 used by a maintenance company that is affiliated with the equipment provider. That is, the notification information may be output to at least one of the first information terminal 51 and the second information terminal 52. In this case, the output unit 45 of the server device 40 may select the maintenance company (second information terminal 52) to which the notification information is to be output by referring to the maintenance company management information.

[0083] In the third operation example, a request for maintenance of the target device 30 is made to the maintenance company via the server device 40 (device provider). However, it is also possible that the management company, upon receiving a notification based on the notification information, contacts the maintenance company by telephone or the like to make a request for maintenance of the target device 30 without going through the server device 40.

[0084] In such a case, the notification system 10 may have a configuration in which the requested maintenance company can refer to the error information database by accessing the server device 40 using the second information terminal 52. This allows the maintenance company to accurately grasp the details of errors that frequently occur in the apartment complex 71 that they are visiting, compared to when they ask the management company about the details of the errors.

[0085] In addition, in the operation example 3, the server device 40 (equipment provider) proposes a maintenance provider to the management provider, but the proposal of the maintenance provider may be made to the resident. For example, when the error notification screen in step S12 is displayed on the display unit 22 (or the third information terminal 53) of the control terminal 20, the resident may perform a predetermined operation on the operation reception unit 21 (or the third information terminal 53) of the control terminal 20, thereby performing the same processing as steps S31 to S43. The first information terminal 51 in the operation example 3 may be read as the control terminal 20 or the third information terminal 53.

[0086] In this way, the output unit 45 may output proposal information for proposing maintenance companies that can perform maintenance on the target equipment 30 to a control terminal 20 installed in a home 70 among multiple homes 70 in which an abnormality has occurred in the target equipment 30, or to a third information terminal 53 used by a resident of the home 70.

[0087] Such a notification system 10 can help ensure that measures such as maintenance are taken by suggesting maintenance providers when it is estimated that there are frequent abnormalities (errors or replacements) in equipment 30 in multiple residences 70 (apartment buildings 71).

[0088] Furthermore, the notification system 10 may have a configuration in which the resident can refer to the maintenance company management information by accessing the server device 40 using the control terminal 20 (or the third information terminal 53). In this case, the resident can freely select a maintenance company by referring to the maintenance company management information.

[0089] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the notification system 10 includes an acquisition unit 44 that acquires abnormality occurrence information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the device 30 installed in each of multiple homes 70 located within a predetermined area from the control terminal 20 installed in the home 70, and an output unit 45 that outputs notification information to at least one of a first information terminal 51 used by a management company of the multiple homes 70 and a second information terminal 52 used by a maintenance company of the target device 30 when the acquired abnormality occurrence information indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the target device 30 in a predetermined number or more of the multiple homes 70 within a predetermined period of time. The control terminal 20 is an example of an information terminal.

[0090] Such a notification system 10 can notify that an abnormality has occurred in the device 30 installed in the home 70.

[0091] In addition, in operation example 1, the acquisition unit 44 acquires error information transmitted by the control terminal 20 installed in each of the multiple homes 70 in response to receiving an error notification from the device 30 installed in the home 70 as abnormality occurrence information.

[0092] Such a notification system 10 can provide a notification in response to an occurrence of an error in the device 30 installed in the home 70 .

[0093] In addition, in the operation example 1, the error information indicates the content of the error. The output unit 45 outputs the notification information including the information indicating the content of the error.

[0094] Such a notification system 10 can notify the user of the content of an error that has occurred in the device 30 installed in the home 70 .

[0095] In addition, in operation example 2, the acquisition unit 44 acquires, as abnormality occurrence information, exchange occurrence information transmitted by the control terminal 20 installed in each of the multiple residences 70, which indicates that the equipment 30 installed in the residence 70 has been replaced with a new equipment 30.

[0096] Such a notification system 10 can give a notification in response to the occurrence of replacement of the device 30 installed in the residence 70.

[0097] Also, for example, the output unit 45 outputs notification information including identification information indicating a plurality of houses 70.

[0098] Such a notification system 10 can notify identification information of multiple homes 70 in which abnormalities in the devices 30 frequently occur.

[0099] Also, for example, the multiple residences 70 are multiple private apartments in an apartment complex 71, and the identification information indicating the multiple residences 70 is identification information for the apartment complex.

[0100] Such a notification system 10 can notify the identification information of an apartment building 71 in which frequent abnormalities in the devices 30 occur.

[0101] Also, for example, the output unit 45 outputs notification information including at least one of identification information of a home 70 in which an abnormality has occurred in the target device 30 within a predetermined period among the multiple homes 70, and identification information of the target device 30 installed in the home 70. In this case, the identification information of the target device 30 is detailed identification information including, for example, a product number and a serial number.

[0102] Such a notification system 10 can notify at least one of the identification information of a residence 70 among a plurality of residences 70 in which an abnormality has occurred in a target device 30 within a specified period of time, and the identification information of the target device 30 installed in that residence 70.

[0103] Also, for example, the output unit 45 outputs notification information including at least one of identification information of a house 70 in which no abnormality has occurred in the target device 30 within a predetermined period among the multiple houses 70, and identification information of the target device 30 installed in the house. In this case, the identification information of the target device 30 is detailed identification information including, for example, a product number and a serial number.

[0104] Such a notification system 10 can notify at least one of the identification information of a home 70 among a plurality of homes 70 in which no abnormalities have occurred in the target equipment 30 within a specified period of time, and the identification information of the target equipment 30 installed in that home 70.

[0105] Furthermore, for example, after outputting the notification information to the first information terminal 51, the output unit 45 outputs to the first information terminal 51 proposal information for proposing a maintenance company capable of maintaining the target device 30.

[0106] Such a notification system 10 can propose (introduce) a maintenance company to the management company.

[0107] Also, for example, the output unit 45 outputs proposal information for proposing maintenance companies that can perform maintenance on the target equipment 30 to a control terminal 20 installed in a home 70 among multiple homes 70 in which an abnormality has occurred in the target equipment 30, or to a third information terminal 53 used by a resident of the home 70.

[0108] Such a notification system 10 can suggest (introduce) a maintenance company to a resident.

[0109] In addition, the notification method executed by a computer such as the notification system 10 includes an acquisition step of acquiring abnormality occurrence information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the equipment 30 installed in each of multiple residences 70 located within a specified area from a control terminal 20 installed in the residence 70, and an output step of outputting notification information to at least one of a first information terminal 51 used by a management company of the multiple residences and a second information terminal 52 used by a maintenance company of the target equipment 30 when the acquired abnormality occurrence information indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the target equipment 30 in a specified number or more of the multiple residences 70 within a specified period.

[0110] This notification method can notify that an abnormality has occurred in the device 30 installed in the home 70.

[0111] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0112] For example, in the above embodiment, the notification system is realized by a plurality of devices, but it may be realized as a single device. For example, the notification system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a server device. When the notification system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components of the notification system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0113] For example, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (such as a wireless router) (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0115] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0116] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

[0117] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0118] For example, the present invention may be realized as a control terminal or an information terminal. The present invention may be realized as a notification method executed by a computer such as a notification system. The present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such a notification method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0119] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10. Notification System 20 Control terminal (information terminal) 30 equipment 44 Acquisition Department 45 Output section 51 First Information Terminal 52 Second information terminal 53 Third Information Terminal 70 Housing 71 Apartment complex

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires, from an information terminal installed in each of a plurality of homes located within a predetermined area, abnormality occurrence information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in a device installed in the home; an output unit that outputs notification information to at least one of a first information terminal used by a management company of the plurality of homes and a second information terminal used by a maintenance company of the target devices when the acquired abnormality occurrence information indicates that an abnormality has occurred in a target device in a predetermined number of homes among the plurality of homes within a predetermined period of time, The output unit outputs the notification information including at least one of identification information of a home among the plurality of homes in which no abnormality has occurred in the target device within the predetermined period and identification information of the target device installed in the home. Notification system.

2. The acquisition unit acquires, as the abnormality occurrence information, error information transmitted by the information terminal installed in each of the plurality of residences in response to receiving an error notification from a device installed in the residence. The notification system of claim 1 .

3. The error information indicates the content of the error, The output unit outputs the notification information including information indicating the content of the error. The notification system of claim 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires, as the abnormality occurrence information, replacement occurrence information transmitted by the information terminal installed in each of the plurality of residences, which indicates that an appliance installed in the residence has been replaced with a new appliance. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The output unit outputs the notification information including identification information indicating the plurality of houses. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The plurality of residences are a plurality of exclusive units within an apartment building, The identification information indicating the plurality of houses is identification information of the apartment building. The notification system of claim 5.

7. The output unit outputs the notification information including at least one of identification information of a home in which an abnormality has occurred in the target device within the predetermined period among the plurality of homes and identification information of the target device installed in the home. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The output unit outputs, after outputting the notification information to the first information terminal, proposal information for proposing a maintenance company capable of performing maintenance of the target device to the first information terminal. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The output unit outputs proposal information for proposing a maintenance business capable of maintaining the target device to the information terminal installed in a home among the plurality of homes in which an abnormality has occurred in the target device, or to a third information terminal used by a resident of the home. A notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. an acquisition step of acquiring, from an information terminal installed in each of a plurality of homes located within a predetermined area, abnormality occurrence information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in a device installed in the home; and an output step of outputting notification information to at least one of a first information terminal used by a management company of the plurality of homes and a second information terminal used by a maintenance company of the target devices when the acquired abnormality occurrence information indicates that an abnormality has occurred in a target device in a predetermined number of homes among the plurality of homes within a predetermined period of time, In the output step, the notification information including at least one of identification information of a home among the plurality of homes in which no abnormality has occurred in the target device within the predetermined period and identification information of the target device installed in the home is output. Notification method.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the notification method according to claim 10.

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