Heating control device, heating control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a heating control device, a heating system, and a heating control method and program that can save energy while suppressing a heat shock to a user.SOLUTION: A cloud server 1 comprises: a bathing history storage unit 131 which stores past bathtub-filling start time information and bathing start time information; a bathtub-filling start detection unit 111 which detects a start of filling of the bathtub with hot water; a heating necessity determination period specification unit 122 which specifies, when the start of filling with hot water is detected, a heating necessity determination period in which it is determined whether the bathroom needs to be heated; a heating necessity determination unit 115 which determines, based upon in-room temperature information, whether the bathroom needs to be heated at the heating necessity determination period; and a control information generation unit 116 which generates, when it is determined that the bathroom needs to be heated, control information for controlling a bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating control device , warm a room control method and a program.

Background Art

[0002] When the bathroom is excessively cold and the temperature difference between the living room where the user was before taking a bath and the bathroom is large, when the user takes a bath, a so-called heat shock that causes abnormalities in the body is generally known. In consideration of this heat shock, when an instruction to perform at least one of the hot water supply operation to the bathtub and the bath reheating operation is received, a heating system that heats the bathroom when the temperature of the bathroom is lower than a preset temperature has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the heating system described in Patent Document 1, if the state where the user does not take a bath continues after receiving an instruction for the hot water supply operation to the bathtub or the bath reheating operation and starting to heat the bathroom, the bathroom will continue to be heated during that time. In this case, there is a risk that power will be wasted by the heating system.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a heating control device , warm a room control method and a program that can achieve energy saving while suppressing heat shock to the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the heating control device according to the present disclosure a bath history storage unit that stores, for each day, bath start time information indicating the time when hot water filling of the bathtub by the past water heater was started and bath start time information indicating the time when the user started taking a bath in association with each other; a hot water filling start detection unit that detects the start of hot water filling into the bathtub; when the start of the hot water filling is detected, a heating necessity determination timing specifying unit that specifies a heating necessity determination timing for determining the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room after the time when the hot water filling was started based on the hot water filling start time information and the bath start time information; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room when the heating necessity determination timing arrives; a heating necessity determination unit that determines the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room based on the indoor temperature information when the heating necessity determination timing arrives; when the heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is necessary, a control information generation unit that generates control information for controlling at least one of a bathroom heating device installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom and a dressing room heating device installed in the dressing room to heat the dressing room; when the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature, the heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room with a temperature equal to or lower than the first reference temperature is necessary.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, when the hot water filling start is detected, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit specifies a heating necessity determination timing for determining the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room after the time when the hot water filling into the bathtub is started, based on the past hot water filling start time information and the bath start time information. When the heating necessity determination timing arrives, the heating necessity determination unit determines the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room based on the indoor temperature information. Here, when the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature, the heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room with a temperature equal to or lower than the first reference temperature is necessary. Then, when the heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room with a temperature equal to or lower than the first reference temperature is necessary, the control information generation unit generates control information for controlling at least one of the bathroom heating device installed in the bathroom to heat at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room with a temperature equal to or lower than the first reference temperature and the dressing room heating device installed in the dressing room to heat the dressing room. Thereby, after starting the hot water filling into the bathtub, until the heating necessity determination timing, it is possible to suppress the bathroom heating device from uselessly heating the bathroom or the dressing room heating device from uselessly heating the dressing room, and to suppress the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room from being lower than the first reference temperature at the start of the user's bath. Therefore, it is possible to achieve energy saving by suppressing useless operation of the bathroom heating device or the dressing room heating device while suppressing heat shock to the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, a heating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The heating system according to this embodiment includes a bathroom heating device installed in a bathroom and a heating control device that controls the bathroom heating device. The heating control device stores, on a daily basis, hot water filling start time information indicating the time when hot water filling into the bathtub by a past water heater started and bathing start time information indicating the time when the user started bathing, in association with each other, in a bathing history storage unit, and a hot water filling start detection unit that detects the start of hot water filling into the bathtub. Further, when the start of hot water filling into the bathtub is detected, the heating control device specifies a heating necessity determination time period that determines the necessity of heating the bathroom after the time when the hot water filling started, based on the hot water filling start time information and the bathing start time information, and a heating necessity determination unit that determines the necessity of heating the bathroom based on the indoor temperature information when the heating necessity determination time period arrives, and a control information generation unit that generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device to heat the bathroom when the heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary. And the heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary when the temperature of the bathroom is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the heating system according to this embodiment includes a bathroom heating device 3 installed in a bathroom for heating the bathroom, a cloud server 1, and a terminal device 7. Further, this heating system is used together with a water heater 5 for supplying hot water to the bathtub in the bathroom and a lighting fixture 6 installed in the bathroom. When the user operates the operating device 55 to start the filling of hot water into the bathtub, the water heater 5 starts the filling of hot water. Further, the bathroom heating device 3, the water heater 5, and the lighting fixture 6 are connected to a local network NW2 laid in a building having the bathroom. Further, the local network NW2 is connected to a wide area network NW1 via a router 8. The cloud server 1 and the terminal device 7 can communicate with each other via the wide area network, and the cloud server 1 can communicate with the bathroom heating device 3, the water heater 5, or the lighting fixture 6 via the wide area network NW1 and the local network NW2. The local network NW2 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN, and the wide area network NW1 is, for example, the Internet. Further, the router 8 is, for example, a broadband router.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, the bathroom heating device 3 includes a heater 32, a blower fan 33, a human presence sensor 34, a temperature sensor 35, and a control unit 31. When the control unit 31 receives control information from the cloud server 1, it drives the heater 32 and the blower fan 33 based on the received control information to heat the bathroom. Further, when the control unit 31 detects that there is a person in the bathroom by the human presence sensor 34, it transmits the detection information to the cloud server 1. Further, when the control unit 31 receives temperature requirement information from the cloud server 1, it generates indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom detected by the temperature sensor 35 accordingly and transmits it to the cloud server 1. Further, an operating device 36 for receiving an operation by the user is connected to the control unit 31. When the user performs an operation to start the operation of the bathroom heating device 3 or an operation to stop the operation on the operating device 36, the control unit 31 starts or stops the operations of the heater 32 and the blower fan 33 according to the operation content.

[0012] The water heater 5 is, for example, a storage - type water heater, and includes a heat pump 53 for heating water, a drive unit 52 for driving the heat pump 53 or driving a supply mechanism (not shown) for mixing the water stored in the hot - water storage tank with tap water at normal temperature and supplying it to the bathtub, and a control unit 51 for controlling the operation of the drive unit 52. Further, the water heater 5 includes a hot - water discharge sensor 56 for detecting the discharge of hot water into the bathroom. Here, the amount of hot water supplied to the bathroom includes at least the hot water discharged from the shower installed in the bathroom. Furthermore, an operation device 55 for receiving an operation by the user is connected to the control unit 51. When the user performs a preset operation on the operation device 55, the control unit 51 controls the drive unit 52 to drive the heat pump according to the operation content. Also, when the user performs an operation to start filling the bathtub in the bathroom on the operation device 55, the control unit 51 drives the supply mechanism accordingly to start filling the bathtub, and generates hot - water filling start notification information and transmits it to the cloud server 1. Further, when the hot - water discharge sensor 56 detects the discharge of hot water into the bathroom, the control unit 51 generates hot - water discharge state information notifying that fact and transmits it to the cloud server 1. Note that the control unit 51 may calculate the amount of hot water supplied to the bathroom detected by the hot - water discharge sensor 56 after the hot - water filling start operation is performed by the user, and when the calculated amount of hot water exceeds a preset reference amount of hot water, generate hot - water discharge state information notifying that fact and transmit it to the cloud server 1.

[0013] The lighting fixture 6 includes a light - emitting module 62 using a light - emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a power switch 63 for turning on or off the light - emitting module 62, and a control unit 61 for controlling the power supply to the light - emitting module 62 according to the on - off state of the power switch 63. When the power switch 63 switches from the off state to the on state, the control unit 61 generates on - notification information and transmits it to the cloud server 1.

[0014] The terminal device 7 is, for example, a smartphone, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a main memory unit 702, an auxiliary storage unit 703, a display unit 704, an input unit 705, a wide-area communication unit 706, and a bus 709 that connects these to each other. The main memory unit 702 has a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and is used as a working area for the CPU 701. The auxiliary storage unit 703 is a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for the CPU 701 to execute various processes. The display unit 704 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input unit 705 is, for example, a transparent touch pad arranged over the display unit 704. The wide-area communication unit 706 is connected to the wide-area network NW1 and transmits information transferred from the CPU 701 to the cloud server 1 or transfers information received from the cloud server 1 to the CPU 701.

[0015] The cloud server 1 includes a CPU 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, a wide-area communication unit 106, a timing unit 107, and a bus 109 that connects these to each other, and functions as a heating control device that controls the bathroom heating device 3. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory unit 102 is composed of a volatile memory and is used as a working area for the CPU 101. The auxiliary storage unit 103 is composed of a large-capacity non-volatile memory and stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 1. The wide-area communication unit 106 is connected to the wide-area network NW1.

[0016] By reading the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit and executing them, the CPU 101 functions as a hot water filling start detection unit 111, a bathing start detection unit 112, a heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113, a temperature acquisition unit 114, a heating necessity determination unit 115, a control information generation unit 116, a control information transmission unit 117, a notification unit 118, a command acquisition unit 119, a bathing determination unit 120, a hot water filling timing determination unit 121, and a heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122, as shown in FIG. 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in FIG. 2 has a bathing history storage unit 131 and a heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132. The bathing history storage unit 131 stores, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(A), hot water filling start time information indicating the time when the hot water filling to the bathtub by the past water heater 5 was started and bathing start time information indicating the time when the user started bathing, in association with a combination of user identification information for identifying the user of the bathroom and date information. The bathing history storage unit 131 also stores difference time information indicating the difference time between the hot water filling start time indicated by the hot water filling start time information and the bathing start time indicated by the bathing start time information.

[0017] The heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132 stores, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(B), delay time information indicating the delay time with respect to the hot water filling start time at the heating necessity determination timing and inquiry necessity information indicating the necessity of inquiring the user about the bathing start time at the start of hot water filling, in association with the user identification information.

[0018] The hot water filling start detection unit 111 detects that the hot water filling has started by receiving hot water filling notification information notifying that the hot water filling from the water heater 5 to the bathtub in the bathroom has started. Further, the hot water filling start detection unit 111 stores the hot water filling start time information indicating the time when the hot water filling notification information was received in the bathing history storage unit 131 in association with the user identification information corresponding to the hot water filling notification information.

[0019] When the bath start detection unit 112 receives on notification information indicating that the power switch has been turned on from the lighting fixture 6, detection notification information notifying that a person is detected in the bathroom from the bathroom heating device 3, or hot water supply state information notifying hot water discharge in the bathroom from the water heater 5, it detects that the user has started taking a bath. Further, the bath start detection unit 112 specifies the time when the on notification information is received or the time when the detection notification information is received as the bath start time. Then, the bath start detection unit 112 stores the bath start time information indicating the specified bath start time in the bath history storage unit 131 in association with the user identification information corresponding to the on notification information or the detection notification information. Here, when the bath start detection unit 112 receives the on notification information from the lighting fixture 6 and the detection notification information from the bathroom heating device 3, it stores the bath start notification information indicating the time when the on notification information is received or the time when the detection notification information is received in the bath history storage unit 131. Further, when the bath start detection unit 112 detects the start of the user's bath, it notifies the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 of bath start detection notification information notifying that the start of the bath has been detected.

[0020] The heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 acquires the past hot water filling start time information and bath start time information stored in the bath history storage unit 131 every time the preset heating necessity determination time update time arrives. Here, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 acquires the hot water filling start time information and bath start time information from the time point that is retroactively set for the preset condition setting target period in the past from the heating necessity determination time update time to the heating necessity determination time update time. The condition setting target period is set to, for example, one week. Then, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 calculates the average value of the time difference between the hot water filling start time indicated by the acquired hot water filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the acquired bath start time information. Then, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 calculates, based on the calculated average value, the delay time of the heating necessity determination time for determining the necessity of heating the bathroom with respect to the hot water filling start time. Here, for example, when the average value is less than the preset unit time, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 sets the delay time to 0. Here, the unit time is set to, for example, 2 hours. In this case, for example, if the user repeatedly starts filling the bathtub with hot water at 17:00 and starts taking a bath before 19:00 within the condition setting target period, the delay time is set to 0 hours. Note that the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 may calculate the median value of the time difference between the hot water filling start time indicated by the acquired hot water filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the acquired bath start time information as the delay time of the heating necessity determination time with respect to the hot water filling start time. Then, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 stores the delay time information indicating the calculated delay time in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132 in association with the user identification information of the corresponding user. Also, every time the preset heating necessity determination time update time arrives, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 calculates, for each user, the range of the time difference between the hot water filling start time indicated by the acquired hot water filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the acquired bath start time information, and based on the calculated range, sets inquiry necessity information indicating the necessity of transmitting to the terminal device 7 the bath start time request information for inquiring the user about the bath start time. Here, the range is a value obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value of the time difference within the above-mentioned condition setting target period for each user.When the calculated range is equal to or greater than a preset range threshold, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 sets the inquiry necessity information about the user corresponding to the calculated range as inquiry necessary, and does not set the above-described delay time information.

[0021] The heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 specifies a heating necessity determination timing for determining the necessity of heating in the bathroom after the time when the hot water filling starts, based on the hot water filling start time information and the bath start time information. Here, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 acquires the delay time information and the inquiry necessity information stored in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132. Then, when the inquiry necessity information is set as not requiring an inquiry to the user, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 specifies, as the heating necessity determination timing, the time delayed by the delay time indicated by the delay time information from the hot water filling start time indicated by the hot water filling start time information. On the other hand, when the inquiry necessity information is set as requiring an inquiry to the user, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 specifies the heating necessity determination timing based on the bath start time information indicating the bath start time of the user acquired from the terminal device 7. Here, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 causes the terminal device 7 to transmit, to the terminal device 7, bath start time request information for requesting the transmission of the bath start time information, and thereby acquires the bath start time information from the terminal device 7. Then, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 specifies, as the heating necessity determination timing, the time point that is a preset time earlier than the bath start time indicated by the acquired bath start time information. Further, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 notifies the heating necessity determination unit 115 of the information indicating the specified heating necessity determination timing.

[0022] The temperature acquisition unit 114 acquires the indoor temperature information from the bathroom heating device 3 by transmitting, to the bathroom heating device 3, temperature request information for requesting the transmission of the indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom detected by the temperature sensor 35. The temperature acquisition unit 114 notifies the heating necessity determination unit 115 of the acquired indoor temperature information.

[0023] When the heating necessity determination timing notified from the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 arrives, the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines the necessity of bathroom heating based on the indoor temperature information. Specifically, when the temperature of the bathroom indicated by the indoor temperature information is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that bathroom heating is necessary. The first reference temperature is set to, for example, 10°C. Also, when the temperature of the bathroom indicated by the indoor temperature information is higher than the first reference temperature and equal to or lower than a preset second reference temperature that is higher than the first reference temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 115 causes the notification unit 118 to transmit inquiry information for inquiring the user about the necessity of bathroom heating to the terminal device 7. The second reference temperature is set to, for example, 15°C. Then, when the on command information for commanding to turn on the bathroom heating is notified from the command acquisition unit 119, the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that bathroom heating is necessary.

[0024] When the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that bathroom heating is necessary, the control information generation unit 116 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom. Then, the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 3.

[0025] After the control information generation unit 116 generates the control information and the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the control information to the bathroom heating device 3, the bath start determination unit 120 determines whether the user has started taking a bath within a preset bath performance determination time. Here, the bath performance determination time is set to, for example, 5 minutes. Then, when the bath start detection unit 112 does not detect the user's bath within the above-mentioned bath performance determination time, the bath start determination unit 120 determines that the user has not started taking a bath within the above-mentioned bath performance determination time.

[0026] When the state where the time difference between the bath filling start time indicated by the bath filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the bath start time information is equal to or greater than a preset reference time difference continues from the time point obtained by going back a preset bath filling time determination target period from the current time point to the current time point, the bath filling time determination unit 121 determines to prompt the user to review the bath filling time. Here, the bath filling time determination target period is set to, for example, one week.

[0027] When the inquiry necessity information stored in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132 is set to the necessity of inquiry to the user, the notification unit 118 transmits the above-described bath start time request information to the terminal device 7 when the start of hot water filling is detected. Further, when the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that the temperature in the bathroom is higher than the first reference temperature and equal to or lower than the second reference temperature, the notification unit 118 transmits the above-described inquiry information to the terminal device 7. After the notification unit 118 notifies the inquiry information, when the terminal device 7 transmits the on command information, the command acquisition unit 119 acquires the transmitted on command information and notifies the heating necessity determination unit 115. Further, when the bath determination unit 120 determines that the user has not started bathing within the above-described standby time, the notification unit 118 generates bath start urging information for urging the user to start bathing and transmits it to the terminal device 7. Further, when it is determined that the hot water filling time determination unit 121 urges the user to review the hot water filling time, the notification unit 118 generates hot water filling time review proposal information for urging the user to review the hot water filling time and transmits it to the terminal device 7. Further, after the control information transmission unit 117 transmits control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom to the bathroom heating device 3, the notification unit 118 transmits start notification information for notifying the user that the operation of the bathroom heating device 3 has been started to the terminal device 7.

[0028] Next, the operation of the heating system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12. First, it is assumed that the user operates the operating device 55 to start hot water filling in the bathtub. In this case, the water supply machine 5 starts hot water filling in the bathtub (step S1). Next, the water supply machine 5 generates hot water filling start notification information for notifying that hot water filling has started (step S2), and the generated hot water filling start notification information is transmitted from the water supply machine 5 to the cloud server 1 (step S3). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 receives the hot water filling start notification information, the cloud server 1 stores the hot water filling start time information indicating the time when the hot water filling start notification information was received in the bath history storage unit 131.

[0029] Subsequently, when the user performs an operation to turn on the power switch 63 of the lighting fixture 6 installed in the bathroom to take a bath, the lighting fixture 6 generates on-notification information notifying that it has been turned on (step S4), and the generated on-notification information is transmitted from the lighting fixture 6 to the cloud server 1 (step S5). Also, when the user enters the bathroom to take a bath, turns on the hot water in the bathroom, the human presence sensor 34 of the bathroom heating device 3 detects the user, and the hot water discharge sensor 56 of the water heater 5 detects the hot water discharge, the bathroom heating device 3 generates detection notification information notifying that the user in the bathroom has been detected (step S6), and the generated detection notification information is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S7). Further, the water heater 5 generates hot water discharge state information notifying that the hot water discharge has been detected (step S8), and the generated hot water discharge state information is transmitted from the water heater 5 to the cloud server 1 (step S9). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 receives the on-notification information and the detection notification information, it specifies the bath start time of the user (step S10). At this time, the cloud server 1 causes the bath history storage unit 131 to store the bath start time information indicating the specified bath start time.

[0030] Thereafter, when the preset hot water supply necessity determination time update time arrives, the cloud server 1 acquires the hot water filling start time information and the bath start time information from the time point that is a preset condition setting target period before the hot water supply necessity determination time update time stored in the bath history storage unit 131 to the hot water supply necessity determination time update time. Then, the cloud server 1 calculates the average value of the time difference between the hot water filling start time indicated by the acquired hot water filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the acquired bath start time information (step S11). Next, the cloud server 1 sets the calculated average value of the time difference as the aforementioned delay time (step S12). Subsequently, the cloud server 1 calculates the range of the time difference between the hot water filling start time indicated by the acquired hot water filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the acquired bath start time information for each user (step S13). Thereafter, the cloud server 1 sets inquiry necessity information indicating whether to transmit bath start time request information for inquiring the bath start time to the user to the terminal device 7 based on the calculated range (step S14).

[0031] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, assume that the user performs an operation to start filling the bathtub with hot water on the operation device 55. In this case, the water heater 5 starts filling the bathtub with hot water (step S15). Next, the water heater 5 generates hot water filling start notification information notifying that the hot water filling has started (step S16), and the generated hot water filling start notification information is transmitted from the water heater 5 to the cloud server 1 (step S17). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 receives the hot water filling start notification information, the cloud server 1 causes the bath history storage unit 131 to store the hot water filling start time information indicating the time when the hot water filling start notification information was received. Here, assume that the cloud server 1 refers to the inquiry necessity information stored in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132 and determines that it is unnecessary to inquire the user about the bath start time (step S18). In this case, the cloud server 1 specifies the heating necessity determination timing based on the time when the hot water filling start notification information was received and the delay time indicated by the delay time information stored in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132 (step S19).

[0032] Subsequently, when the cloud server 1 determines that the specified heating requirement determination time has arrived (step S20), temperature requirement information for requesting the transmission of indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom to the bathroom heating device 3 is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S21). On the other hand, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom detected by the temperature sensor 35 (step S22). Thereafter, the generated indoor temperature information is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S23). On the other hand, assume that the cloud server 1 receives the indoor temperature information and determines that the temperature T of the bathroom indicated by the received indoor temperature information is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S24). In this case, the cloud server 1 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom (step S25). Then, the generated control information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S26). On the other hand, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the control information, it starts a heating operation for heating the bathroom based on the received control information (step S27). Further, after the cloud server 1 generates the control information and transmits it to the bathroom heating device 3, start notification information for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has started the heating operation is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 7 (step S28).

[0033] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the terminal device 7 receives the start notification information, it causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image including a message for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has started heating the bathroom (step S29). Here, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M1 including a message for notifying that the bathroom heating device 3 has started the heating operation as shown in FIG. 8(A), for example. Here, the operation screen image M1 includes a button image BU1. When the user touches a portion corresponding to the button image BU1 on the input unit 705, which is a touch pad, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M1 from the display unit 704.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 7, also, assume that the cloud server 1 receives the indoor temperature information and determines that the temperature T of the bathroom indicated by the received indoor temperature information is higher than the first reference temperature Tth1 and equal to or lower than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S30). In this case, the cloud server 1 generates inquiry information for inquiring whether to heat the bathroom for the user (step S31). Then, the generated inquiry information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 7 (step S32). On the other hand, when receiving the inquiry information, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image including a message for inquiring whether to heat the bathroom (step S33). Here, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M2 including a message for inquiring whether to heat the bathroom as shown in FIG. 8(B), for example. Here, the operation screen image M2 includes a button image BU21 indicating not to heat the bathroom and a button image BU22 indicating to heat the bathroom. When the user touches the portion corresponding to the button image BU21 in the input unit 705 which is a touch pad, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M2 from the display unit 704.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 7, on the other hand, when the user performs an operation to turn on the bathroom heating device 3 with respect to the terminal device 7, on command information for instructing to start the heating operation of the bathroom heating device 3 is generated (step S34). Here, when the user touches the portion corresponding to the button image BU22 in the input unit 705 which is a touch pad in a state where the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M2 as shown in FIG. 8(B), for example, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M1 from the display unit 704 and generates on command information. Next, the generated on command information is transmitted from the terminal device 7 to the cloud server 1 (step S35).

[0036] On the one hand, when the cloud server 1 receives the on command information, it generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom (step S36). Then, the generated control information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S37). On the other hand, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the control information, it starts a heating operation to heat the bathroom based on the received control information (step S38). Subsequently, the processes of steps S26 and S27 described above are executed.

[0037] After that, after the control information is generated and transmitted to the bathroom heating device, it is assumed that the preset bathing achievement determination time has elapsed without acquiring the on notification information transmitted from the lighting fixture 6 and the detection notification information transmitted from the bathroom heating device 3. In this case, bathing start proposal information for prompting the user to start bathing is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 7 (step S39). On the other hand, when the terminal device 7 receives the bathing start proposal information, it causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image including a message for prompting the user to start bathing (step S40). Here, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M3 including a message for prompting the user to start bathing as shown in FIG. 9, for example. Here, the operation screen image M3 includes a button image BU3, and when the user touches the portion corresponding to the button image BU3 in the input unit 705 which is a touch pad, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M3 from the display unit 704.

[0038] In addition, when the cloud server 1 receives the above-described on-notification information and detection notification information and determines the start time of the user's bath (step S41), assume that it is determined that the days in which the time difference D between the hot water filling start time indicated by the hot water filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the bath start time information is equal to or greater than a preset reference time difference Dth have continued for a preset reference number of days Nth (step S42). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the cloud server 1 generates hot water filling time change proposal information for prompting a change in the hot water filling time (step S43). Subsequently, the generated hot water filling time change proposal information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 7 (step S44). On the other hand, when the terminal device 7 receives the hot water filling time change proposal information, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image including a message for prompting a change in the hot water filling start time (step S45). Here, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M4 including a message for prompting a change in the hot water filling time as shown in, for example, FIG. 11(A). Further, the operation screen image M3 includes a button image BU4. When the user touches a portion corresponding to the button image BU4 in the input unit 705 which is a touch pad, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M4 from the display unit 704.

[0039] Returning to FIG. 10, also, assume that the user performs an operation to cause the operation device 55 to start filling the bathtub with hot water, and a series of processes from the aforementioned steps S13 to S15 are executed. Here, assume that the cloud server 1 determines that it is necessary to inquire the user about the bath start time by referring to the inquiry necessity information stored in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132 (step S46). In this case, bath start time request information for requesting the user to specify the bath start time is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 7 (step S47). On the other hand, when the terminal device 7 receives the bath start time request information, it causes the display unit 704 to display a bath start time input screen image for allowing the user to input the bath start time (step S48). Here, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M5 including a time input field B5 as shown in FIG. 11(B), for example. Here, the operation screen image M5 includes a button image BU5. After the user performs an operation of inputting the start time into the time input field B5 and then touches a portion corresponding to the button image BU5 in the input unit 705 which is a touch pad, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M5 from the display unit 704. Further, the operation screen image M5 includes a button image BU5 that is selected when the user completes the input of the bath start time.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 10, on the other hand, when the user completes an operation of inputting the bath start time to the terminal device 7, the terminal device 7 generates bath start time information indicating the bath start time (step S49). Here, assume that the user inputs the start time into the time input field B5 while the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M5 as shown in FIG. 11(B), for example, and touches a portion corresponding to the button image BU5 in the input unit 705 which is a touch pad. In this case, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M5 from the display unit 704 and generates the bath start time information. Next, the generated bath start time information is transmitted from the terminal device 7 to the cloud server 1 (step S50). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 receives the bath start time information, it specifies the heating necessity determination timing based on the bath start time indicated by the received bath start time information (step S51).

[0041] Next, the heating control process executed by the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. Note that this heating control process starts when a program for executing the heating control process is activated while the power is on for the cloud server 1. First, as shown in FIG. 12, the hot water filling start detection unit 111 determines whether or not it has acquired hot water filling start notification information from the water heater 5 (step S101). If the hot water filling start detection unit 111 determines that it has not yet acquired the hot water filling start notification information (step S101: No), the process of step S107 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the hot water filling start detection unit 111 determines that it has acquired the hot water filling start notification information (step S101: Yes), it specifies the time when the hot water filling start notification information was acquired as the hot water filling start time, and stores the hot water filling start time information indicating the specified hot water filling start time in the bath history storage unit 131 (step S102). Next, the notification unit 118 refers to the inquiry necessity information stored in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132, and determines whether or not the inquiry necessity information is set to be necessary to inquire of the user (step S103). Here, if the notification unit 118 determines that the inquiry necessity information is set to be necessary to inquire of the user (step S103: Yes), it generates the above-described bath start time request information and transmits it to the terminal device 7 (step S104).

[0042] Subsequently, after the notification unit 118 transmits the bath start time request information, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 determines whether the bath start time information is acquired from the terminal device 7 within a preset waiting time (step S105). If the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 determines that the bath start time information is not acquired from the terminal device 7 within the aforementioned waiting time after the transmission of the bath start time request information (step S105: No), the process of step S107 is executed as it is. In this case, the heating necessity determination timing is not specified. On the other hand, when the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 determines that the bath start time information is acquired from the terminal device 7 after the transmission of the bath start time request information (step S105: Yes), it specifies the time point that is a preset time earlier than the bath start time indicated by the acquired bath start time information as the heating necessity determination timing (step S106). On the other hand, assume that the notification unit 118 determines that the inquiry necessity information is set such that an inquiry to the user is unnecessary (step S103: No). In this case, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 specifies the time that is delayed by the delay time indicated by the delay time information stored in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132 from the hot water filling start time as the heating necessity determination timing (step S106).

[0043] Thereafter, the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines whether or not the heating necessity determination timing specified by the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 has arrived (step S107). If the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that the heating necessity determination timing has not yet arrived (step S107: No), the process of step S116 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that the heating necessity determination timing has arrived (step S107: Yes), the temperature acquisition unit 114 transmits the aforementioned temperature requirement information to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S108), and acquires indoor temperature information from the bathroom heating device 3 (step S109). Next, the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines whether or not the temperature T of the bathroom indicated by the indoor temperature information is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature Tth1 (step S110). If the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S110: Yes), the process of step S114 described later is executed as it is. On the other hand, if the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is higher than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S110: No), it determines whether or not the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than a preset second reference temperature Tth2 that is higher than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S111). If the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is higher than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S111: No), the process of step S116 described later is executed as it is. On the other hand, if the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S111: Yes), the notification unit 118 generates inquiry information for inquiring the user about the necessity of bathroom heating and transmits it to the terminal device 7 (step S112).

[0044] Subsequently, after the notification unit 118 transmits the inquiry information to the terminal device 7, the command acquisition unit 119 determines whether or not it has acquired the above-described ON command information transmitted from the terminal device 7 within a preset waiting time (step S113). If the command acquisition unit 119 determines that it has not acquired the ON command information from the terminal device 7 within the above-described waiting time after transmitting the inquiry information to the terminal device 7 (step S113: No), the process of step S116 described below is executed as it is. On the other hand, if the command acquisition unit 119 determines that it has acquired the ON command information from the terminal device 7 after transmitting the inquiry information to the terminal device 7 (step S113: Yes), the acquired ON command information is notified to the heating necessity determination unit 115. Thereafter, the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary, and the control information generation unit 116 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom. Then, the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S114). Next, the notification unit 118 transmits start notification information notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has started the heating operation to the terminal device 7 (step S115).

[0045] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13, the bath start detection unit 112 determines whether it has received the above-described ON notification information from the lighting fixture 6 or the above-described detection notification information from the bathroom heating device 3 (step S116). Here, it is assumed that the bath start detection unit 112 has determined that it has received the above-described ON notification information from the lighting fixture 6, the above-described detection notification information from the bathroom heating device 3, or the above-described hot water supply state information from the water heater 5 (step S116: Yes). In this case, the bath start detection unit 112 specifies the time when the ON notification information was received or the time when the detection notification information was received as the bath start time. Then, the bath start detection unit 112 stores the bath start time information indicating the specified bath start time in the bath history storage unit 131 in association with the user identification information corresponding to the ON notification information or the detection notification information (step S117). Thereafter, the hot water filling time determination unit 121 determines whether the number of days in which the time difference D between the hot water filling start time indicated by the hot water filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the bath start time information is equal to or greater than a preset reference time difference Dth has continued for a preset reference number of days Nth (step S118). Here, if the hot water filling time determination unit 121 determines that the number of days in which the above-described time difference D is equal to or greater than the reference time difference Dth has continued for less than the reference number of days Nth (step S118: No), the process of step S122 described later is directly executed. On the other hand, it is assumed that the hot water filling time determination unit 121 has determined that the number of days in which the above-described time difference D is equal to or greater than the reference time difference Dth has continued for the reference number of days Nth (step S118: Yes). In this case, after the notification unit 118 generates hot water filling time review proposal information prompting the user to review the hot water filling time and transmits it to the terminal device 7 (step S119), the process of step S122 described later is executed.

[0046] Also, assume that the bathing start detection unit 112 determines in step S116 that it has not received the above-mentioned ON notification information from the lighting fixture 6 and has received the above-mentioned detection notification information from the bathroom heating device 3 (step S116: No). In this case, after the control information generated by the control information generation unit 116 is transmitted to the bathroom heating device 3, the bathing determination unit 120 determines whether or not a preset bathing performance determination time has elapsed (step S120). If the bathing determination unit 120 determines that the bathing performance determination time has not yet elapsed (step S120: No), the process of step S122 described later is executed as it is. On the other hand, if the bathing determination unit 120 determines that the bathing performance determination time has elapsed (step S120: Yes), the notification unit 118 generates bathing start proposal information prompting the user to start bathing and transmits it to the terminal device 7 (step S121).

[0047] Next, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 determines whether or not the preset heating necessity determination time update time has arrived (step S122). If the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 determines that the heating necessity determination time update time has not yet arrived (step S122: No), the process of step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, when the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 determines that the heating necessity determination time update time has arrived (step S122: Yes), it acquires the hot water filling start time information and the bath start time information from the time point obtained by going back the preset condition setting target period in the past from the heating necessity determination time update time to the heating necessity determination time update time, which are stored in the bath history storage unit 131. Then, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 calculates the average value of the time difference between the hot water filling start time indicated by the acquired hot water filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the acquired bath start time information (step S123). Subsequently, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 sets the calculated average value of the time difference as the delay time of the heating necessity determination time for determining the necessity of heating the bathroom with respect to the hot water filling start time (step S124). Here, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 stores the delay time information indicating the calculated delay time in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132 in association with the user identification information of the corresponding user. Subsequently, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 calculates the range of the time difference between the hot water filling start time indicated by the acquired hot water filling start time information and the bath start time indicated by the acquired bath start time information for each user (step S125). Thereafter, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 sets inquiry necessity information indicating whether or not to transmit, to the terminal device 7, inquiry information about the bath start time for the user based on the calculated range (step S126). Here, when the calculated range is equal to or greater than a preset range threshold value, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 sets the inquiry necessity information for the user corresponding to the calculated range as inquired, and does not set the above-mentioned delay time information. Next, the process of step S101 is executed again.

[0048] As described above, according to the heating system according to the present embodiment, when the hot water filling start determination unit 122 detects the start of hot water filling, based on the past hot water filling start time information and the bath start time information, it determines the necessity of heating in the bathroom after the time when the hot water filling into the bathtub starts. Also, when the heating necessity determination period arrives, the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines the necessity of heating in the bathroom based on the indoor temperature information. Here, when the temperature in the bathroom is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature, it is determined that heating of the bathroom is necessary. Then, when it is determined by the heating necessity determination unit 115 that heating of the bathroom is necessary, the control information generation unit 116 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom. Thereby, after starting the hot water filling into the bathtub, until the heating necessity determination period, it is possible to suppress the bathroom heating device 3 from unnecessarily heating the bathroom and to suppress the temperature in the bathroom from being lower than the first reference temperature at the start of the user's bath. Therefore, it is possible to achieve energy saving by suppressing wasteful operation of the bathroom heating device 3 while suppressing heat shock to the user.

[0049] Further, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 according to the present embodiment calculates the average value of the time difference between the past hot water filling start time and the past bath start time as the delay time of the heating necessity determination period with respect to the hot water filling start time. Then, the heating necessity determination period specifying unit 122 specifies the time delayed by the delay time from the hot water filling start time as the heating necessity determination period. Thereby, since the heating necessity determination period can be appropriately specified based on the past records of the hot water filling start time and the bath start time, the bathroom heating device 3 can be appropriately operated so as to suppress heat shock to the user.

[0050] Furthermore, the heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113 according to the present embodiment calculates the range of the time difference between the hot water filling start time in the past and the bath start time in the past, and based on the calculated range, sets whether to transmit to the terminal device the bath start time request information for asking the user about the bath start time. Then, the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 specifies the heating necessity determination timing based on the bath start time information indicating the bath start time of the user acquired from the terminal device by transmitting the bath start time request information to the terminal device for the user whose time difference range is equal to or greater than the range threshold value. Thereby, even for users whose hot water filling time or bath start time is not determined, it is possible to appropriately set the time to start heating the bathroom by the bathroom heating device 3.

[0051] In addition, after the control information generation unit 116 generates control information and the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the control information to the bathroom heating device 3, the notification unit 118 according to the present embodiment generates and transmits to the terminal device 7 the bath start proposal information for prompting the user to start bathing if the user has not started bathing within a preset waiting time. Thereby, the user can grasp the state in which the heating of the bathroom by the bathroom heating device 3 continues even though the bathing has not started, so there is an advantage that it becomes easier to take measures for energy saving such as stopping the bathroom heating device 3 when not bathing.

[0052] Furthermore, when the state in which the time difference between the hot water filling start time and the bath start time is equal to or greater than the reference time difference continues from the time point retroactively by the hot water filling time determination target period from the current time point to the current time point, the notification unit 118 according to the present embodiment generates and transmits to the terminal device 7 the hot water filling time change proposal information for prompting the user to review the hot water filling time. Thereby, the user can grasp at an early stage that the hot water filling time is not appropriate from the viewpoint of energy saving in light of his / her living habits, so there is an advantage that it becomes easier to take measures for energy saving such as changing the hot water filling time according to the bath start time.

[0053] In addition, when the temperature in the bathroom is higher than the first reference temperature and equal to or lower than the second reference temperature which is higher than the first reference temperature, the notification unit 118 according to the present embodiment transmits inquiry information for inquiring the necessity of heating the bathroom to the terminal device 7 to the user. And when the command acquisition unit 119 acquires the on command information, the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary. Thereby, when the temperature of the bathroom is a temperature with less burden on the user due to heat shock, the necessity of heating the bathroom can be determined according to the preference of the user, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0054] (Embodiment 2) The heating system according to the present embodiment is different from the heating system according to Embodiment 1 in that when the temperature acquisition unit detects the start of filling the bathtub in the bathroom, in addition to the indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom, it acquires the room temperature information indicating the temperature of the user's living room, and the heating necessity determination unit determines the necessity of heating the bathroom based on the indoor temperature information and the room temperature information. Here, when the temperature of the bathroom is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature and the absolute value of the difference temperature between the temperature of the bathroom indicated by the indoor temperature information and the temperature of the living room indicated by the room temperature information is equal to or higher than a preset first reference difference temperature, the heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 14, the heating system according to the present embodiment includes a bathroom heating device 3 installed in the bathroom for heating the bathroom, a cloud server 2001, and a terminal device 7. In FIG. 14, the same components as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1. In addition, this heating system is used together with a water supply machine 2005 for supplying hot water to the bathtub in the bathroom and an air conditioner 4 installed in the user's living room. Further, the bathroom heating device 3, the air conditioner 4, and the water supply machine 2005 are connected to a local network NW2 laid in a building having a bathroom. The local network NW2 is connected to a wide area network NW1 via a router 8.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 15, the air conditioner 4 includes a compressor 42, a blower fan 43, a temperature sensor 45, and a control unit 41. In FIG. 15, components having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2. The control unit 41 drives the compressor 42 and the blower fan 43 to perform air conditioning in the living room. Further, when the control unit 41 receives temperature requirement information from the cloud server 2001, it generates room temperature information indicating the temperature of the living room detected by the temperature sensor 45 in response thereto and transmits the room temperature information to the cloud server 2001.

[0057] The water heater 2005 is, for example, a storage-type water heater, and includes a heat pump 53, a drive unit 52, a service hot water temperature sensor 2054 that detects the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub in the bathroom, and a control unit 2051 that controls the drive unit 52. An operating device 55 is connected to the control unit 2051. Further, when the control unit 2051 receives temperature requirement information from the cloud server 2001, it generates service hot water temperature information indicating the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub detected by the service hot water temperature sensor 2054 in response thereto and transmits the service hot water temperature information to the cloud server 2001. Note that, in the same manner as the control unit 51 described in the first embodiment, when the user operates the operating device 55 to start filling the bathtub in the bathroom, the control unit 2051 drives the supply mechanism in response thereto to start filling the bathtub with hot water, and generates hot water filling start notification information and transmits the hot water filling start notification information to the cloud server 2001.

[0058] The cloud server 2001 has the same hardware configuration as the cloud server 1 described in Embodiment 1, and includes a CPU 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, a wide area communication unit 106, a timing unit 107, and a bus 109, and functions as a heating control device. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 2001. By reading out the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main memory unit and executing them, the CPU 101 functions as a hot water filling start detection unit 2111, a temperature acquisition unit 2114, a heating necessity determination unit 2115, a control information generation unit 116, a control information transmission unit 117, a notification unit 2118, and a command acquisition unit 119, as shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, the same components as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3.

[0059] The hot water filling start detection unit 2111 detects that the hot water filling has started by receiving the hot water filling notification information. The temperature acquisition unit 2114 transmits temperature request information for requesting the transmission of indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom detected by the temperature sensor 35 to the bathroom heating device 3 to the bathroom heating device 3, thereby acquiring the indoor temperature information from the bathroom heating device 3. The temperature acquisition unit 2114 notifies the acquired indoor temperature information to the heating necessity determination unit 2115. Further, the temperature acquisition unit 2114 transmits temperature request information for requesting the transmission of room temperature information indicating the temperature of the living room detected by the temperature sensor 45 to the air conditioner 4 to the air conditioner 4, thereby acquiring the room temperature information from the air conditioner 4. The temperature acquisition unit 2114 notifies the acquired room temperature information to the heating necessity determination unit 2115. Furthermore, the temperature acquisition unit 2114 transmits temperature request information for requesting the transmission of used hot water temperature information indicating the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub and used by the user detected by the used hot water temperature sensor 2054 to the water heater 2005 to the water heater 2005, thereby acquiring the used hot water temperature information from the water heater 2005. The temperature acquisition unit 2114 notifies the acquired used hot water temperature information to the heating necessity determination unit 2115.

[0060] The heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines the necessity of heating in the bathroom based on the indoor temperature information and the living room temperature information. Specifically, when the temperature of the bathroom indicated by the indoor temperature information is less than or equal to a preset first reference temperature and the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room indicated by the living room temperature information is greater than or equal to a preset first reference differential temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that heating in the bathroom is necessary. Here, the first reference temperature is set to, for example, 15°C. Also, the first reference differential temperature is set to, for example, 10°C. Further, when the temperature of the bathroom is less than or equal to the first reference temperature and the absolute value of the first differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is less than the first reference differential temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 also determines that heating in the bathroom is necessary when the absolute value of the second differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub indicated by the hot water temperature information is greater than or equal to a preset second reference differential temperature. Here, the second reference differential temperature is set to, for example, 25°C.

[0061] When the temperature of the bathroom is less than or equal to the first reference temperature, the absolute value of the aforementioned first differential temperature is less than the first reference differential temperature, and the absolute value of the aforementioned second differential temperature is less than the second reference differential temperature, and when the absolute value of the first differential temperature is greater than or equal to a third reference differential temperature that is less than the first reference differential temperature, or the absolute value of the second differential temperature is greater than or equal to a fourth reference differential temperature that is less than the second reference differential temperature, the notification unit 2118 transmits inquiry information asking the user about the necessity of heating in the bathroom to the terminal device 7. Also, after the control information transmission unit 117 transmits control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to stop heating in the bathroom to the bathroom heating device 3, the notification unit 2118 transmits stop notification information notifying the user that the operation of the bathroom heating device 3 has been stopped to the terminal device 7. When the terminal device 7 transmits on command information after the notification unit 2118 notifies the inquiry information, the command acquisition unit 119 acquires the transmitted on command information and notifies the heating necessity determination unit 2115.

[0062] Next, the operation of the heating system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20. First, assume that the user operates the operating device 55 to start filling the bathtub with hot water. In this case, the water heater 2005 starts filling the bathtub with hot water (step S61). Next, the water heater 2005 generates hot water filling start notification information notifying that the hot water filling has started (step S62), and the generated hot water filling start notification information is transmitted from the water heater 2005 to the cloud server 2001 (step S63).

[0063] On the other hand, when the cloud server 2001 receives the hot water filling start notification information, temperature request information for requesting the transmission of indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom to the bathroom heating device 3 is transmitted from the cloud server 2001 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S64). Also, temperature request information for requesting the transmission of used hot water temperature information indicating the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub to the water heater 2005 is transmitted from the cloud server 2001 to the water heater 2005 (step S65). Further, temperature request information for requesting the transmission of room temperature information indicating the temperature of the living room to the air conditioner 4 is transmitted from the cloud server 2001 to the air conditioner 4 (step S66).

[0064] On the other hand, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the temperature request information, it generates indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom detected by the temperature sensor 35 (step S67). Next, the generated indoor temperature information is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 3 to the cloud server 2001 (step S68). Also, when the water heater 2005 receives the temperature request information, it generates used hot water temperature information indicating the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub detected by the used hot water temperature sensor 2054 (step S69). Subsequently, the generated used hot water temperature information is transmitted from the water heater 2005 to the cloud server 2001 (step S70). Further, when the air conditioner 4 receives the temperature request information, it generates room temperature information indicating the temperature of the living room detected by the temperature sensor 45 (step S71). Thereafter, the generated room temperature information is transmitted from the air conditioner 4 to the cloud server 2001 (step S72).

[0065] On the one hand, assume that the cloud server 2001 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom indicated by the received indoor temperature information is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S73). Then, assume that the cloud server 2001 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom indicated by the received indoor temperature information and the temperature of the living room indicated by the received living room temperature information is equal to or higher than the aforementioned first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S74). In this case, the cloud server 1 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom (step S75). Then, the generated control information is transmitted from the cloud server 2001 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S76). On the other hand, when receiving the control information, the bathroom heating device 3 starts a heating operation to heat the bathroom based on the received control information (step S77). Further, after the cloud server 2001 generates the control information and transmits it to the bathroom heating device 3, start notification information for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has started the heating operation is transmitted from the cloud server 2001 to the terminal device 7 (step S78). On the other hand, when receiving the start notification information, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image including a message for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has started heating the bathroom (step S79). Here, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M1 as shown in FIG. 8(A) described in the first embodiment, for example.

[0066] Also, when the cloud server 2001 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1, as shown in FIG. 18, assume that it is determined that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is less than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S80). And assume that the cloud server 2001 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub indicated by the received hot water usage temperature information is equal to or higher than the aforementioned second reference differential temperature dT2th1 (step S81). In this case, the cloud server 2001 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom (step S82). Then, the generated control information is transmitted from the cloud server 2001 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S83). On the other hand, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the control information, it starts a heating operation to heat the bathroom based on the received control information (step S84). Next, the processes of steps S78 and S79 described above are executed.

[0067] Furthermore, assume that when the cloud server 2001 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1, it also determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is less than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S85). And assume that the cloud server 2001 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is less than the second reference differential temperature dT2th1 (step S86). Here, assume that the cloud server 2001 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is equal to or higher than the third reference differential temperature dT1th2, or the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is equal to or higher than the fourth reference differential temperature dT2th2 (step S87). In this case, the cloud server 2001 generates inquiry information for asking the user whether to heat the bathroom (step S88). Then, the generated inquiry information is transmitted from the cloud server 2001 to the terminal device 7 (step S89). On the other hand, when receiving the inquiry information, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image including a message for asking whether to heat the bathroom (step S90). Here, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M2 as shown in FIG. 8(B) described in the first embodiment, for example.

[0068] Returning to FIG. 18, when the user performs an operation to turn on the bathroom heating device 3 on the terminal device 7, on - command information for instructing to start the heating operation of the bathroom heating device 3 is generated (step S91). Subsequently, the generated on - command information is transmitted from the terminal device 7 to the cloud server 2001 (step S92). On the other hand, when receiving the on - command information, the cloud server 2001 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom (step S93). Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the generated control information is transmitted from the cloud server 2001 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S94). On the other hand, when receiving the control information, the bathroom heating device 3 starts a heating operation to heat the bathroom based on the received control information (step S95). Thereafter, the processes of steps S78 and S79 described above are executed.

[0069] Also, assume that the cloud server 2001 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom indicated by the received indoor temperature information is higher than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S96). In this case, the cloud server 2001 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to stop the heating of the bathroom (step S97). Then, the generated control information is transmitted from the cloud server 2001 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S98). On the other hand, when receiving the control information during operation, the bathroom heating device 3 stops the heating operation for heating the bathroom based on the received control information (step S99). Also, after generating the control information and transmitting it to the bathroom heating device 3, the cloud server 2001 transmits stop notification information for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has stopped the heating operation from the cloud server 2001 to the terminal device 7 (step S1000). On the other hand, when receiving the stop notification information, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image including a message for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has stopped heating the bathroom (step S1001). Here, the terminal device 7 causes the display unit 704 to display an operation screen image M6 including a message for notifying the user that the heating of the bathroom has been stopped, as shown in FIG. 20, for example. Here, the operation screen image M6 includes a button image BU6. When the user touches the portion corresponding to the button image BU6 in the input unit 705, which is a touch pad, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M6 from the display unit 704.

[0070] Next, the heating control process executed by the cloud server 2001 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21. First, the hot water filling start detection unit 2111 determines whether it has acquired the hot water filling start notification information from the water heater 5 (step S201). As long as the hot water filling start detection unit 111 determines that it has not yet acquired the hot water filling start notification information (step S201: No), the process of step S201 is repeated. On the other hand, when the hot water filling start detection unit 2111 determines that it has acquired the hot water filling start notification information (step S201: Yes), the temperature acquisition unit 2114 transmits the above-described temperature requirement information to the bathroom heating device 3, the water heater 2005, and the air conditioner 4 (step S202). At this time, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom detected by the temperature sensor 35. Further, when the water heater 2005 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates used hot water temperature information indicating the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub detected by the used hot water temperature sensor 2054. Furthermore, when the air conditioner 4 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates room temperature information indicating the temperature of the living room detected by the temperature sensor 45. Then, the temperature acquisition unit 2114 acquires the indoor temperature information, the used hot water temperature information, and the room temperature information transmitted from the bathroom heating device 3, the water heater 2005, and the air conditioner 4, respectively (step S203).

[0071] Next, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines whether the temperature T of the bathroom indicated by the received indoor temperature information is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S204). When the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is higher than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S204: No), the process of step S212 described later is executed. On the other hand, assume that the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S204: Yes). In this case, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 calculates the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room indicated by the received living room temperature information, and determines whether the calculated absolute value is equal to or greater than the aforementioned first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S205). When the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is equal to or greater than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S205: Yes), the process of step S210 described later is executed.

[0072] On the other hand, assume that the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is less than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S205: No). In this case, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines whether or not the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub indicated by the received hot water usage temperature information is equal to or greater than the aforementioned second reference differential temperature dT2th1 (step S206). When the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is equal to or greater than the second reference differential temperature dT2th1 (step S206: Yes), the process of step S210 described later is executed. On the other hand, assume that the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is less than the second reference differential temperature dT2th1 (step S206: No). In this case, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines whether or not the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is equal to or greater than the aforementioned third reference differential temperature dT1th2, or whether or not the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is equal to or greater than the aforementioned fourth reference differential temperature dT2th2 (step S207). Here, assume that the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is less than the third reference differential temperature dT1th2 and the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is less than the fourth reference differential temperature dT2th2 (step S207: No). In this case, the process of step S201 is executed again.

[0073] On the other hand, assume that the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is equal to or greater than the third reference differential temperature dT1th2, or the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is equal to or greater than the fourth reference differential temperature dT2th2 (step S207: Yes). In this case, the notification unit 118 generates inquiry information for inquiring the necessity of heating the bathroom to the user and transmits it to the terminal device 7 (step S208). Subsequently, after the notification unit 118 transmits the inquiry information to the terminal device 7, the command acquisition unit 119 determines whether or not it has acquired the above-described on command information transmitted from the terminal device 7 within a preset waiting time (step S209). If the command acquisition unit 119 determines that it has not acquired the on command information from the terminal device 7 within the above-described waiting time after transmitting the inquiry information to the terminal device 7 (step S209: No), the process of step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, if the command acquisition unit 119 determines that it has acquired the on command information from the terminal device 7 after transmitting the inquiry information to the terminal device 7 (step S209: Yes), it notifies the control information generation unit 116 of the acquired on command information. Then, the control information generation unit 116 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom. Then, the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S210). Thereafter, the notification unit 2118 generates start notification information for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has started the heating operation and transmits it to the terminal device 7 (step S211). Next, the process of step S201 is executed again.

[0074] Further, in step S204, when the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T in the bathroom is higher than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S204: No), it determines whether the temperature T in the bathroom is equal to or higher than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S212). When the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T in the bathroom is equal to or lower than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S212: No), the process of step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, when the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T in the bathroom is higher than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S212: Yes), the control information generation unit 116 determines whether the bathroom heating device 3 is in operation (step S213). Here, for example, when the user operates the operation device 36 to already operate the bathroom heating device 3, the control information generation unit 116 determines that the bathroom heating device 3 is in operation. Here, when the control information generation unit 116 determines that the bathroom heating device 3 is stopped (step S213: No), the process of step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, when the control information generation unit 116 determines that the bathroom heating device 3 is in operation (step S213: Yes), it generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to stop the heating in the bathroom. Then, the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S214). Subsequently, the notification unit 2118 generates stop notification information for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has stopped the heating operation and transmits it to the terminal device 7 (step S215). Thereafter, the process of step S201 is executed again.

[0075] By executing this series of heating control processes, when the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or higher than the second reference temperature Tth2 as shown in Fig. 22(A), if the bathroom heating device 3 is in operation, the cloud server 2001 stops the bathroom heating device 3. Also, when the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1, if the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is equal to or higher than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1, the cloud server 2001 operates the bathroom heating device 3. Further, when the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1 and the absolute value of the differential temperature dT1 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is less than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 and equal to or higher than the third reference differential temperature dT1th2, the cloud server 2001 transmits inquiry information asking the user whether bathroom heating is required to the terminal device 7. Also, as shown in Fig. 22(B), when the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1, if the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is equal to or higher than the second reference differential temperature dT2th1, the cloud server 2001 operates the bathroom heating device 3. Further, when the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1 and the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is less than the second reference differential temperature dT2th1 and equal to or higher than the fourth reference differential temperature dT2th2, the cloud server 2001 transmits inquiry information asking the user whether bathroom heating is required to the terminal device 7.

[0076] As described above, according to the heating system according to the present embodiment, when the temperature acquisition unit 2114 detects the start of filling the bathtub with hot water, it acquires the indoor temperature information and the living room temperature information, and the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines whether heating of the bathroom is necessary based on the indoor temperature information and the living room temperature information. Here, when the temperature of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature and the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is equal to or higher than the first reference differential temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary. Thereby, when the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is less than the first reference differential temperature, it is possible to suppress the bathroom heating device 3 from uselessly heating the bathroom and to suppress the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room from becoming equal to or higher than the first reference differential temperature at the start of the user's bathing. Therefore, it is possible to achieve energy saving by suppressing useless operation of the bathroom heating device 3 while suppressing heat shock to the user.

[0077] Further, when the temperature of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature and the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is less than the first reference differential temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 according to the present embodiment determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary when the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is equal to or higher than the second reference differential temperature. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the differential temperature between the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub and the temperature of the bathroom from becoming equal to or higher than the second reference differential temperature, so that it is possible to suppress heat shock to the user when the user immerses in the hot water stored in the bathtub in the bathroom.

[0078] (Embodiment 3) In the heating system according to this embodiment, when the temperature acquisition unit detects the start of filling the bathtub in the bathroom, in addition to the indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom and the room temperature information indicating the temperature of the user's living room, the temperature acquisition unit acquires the dressing room temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room. Then, the heating necessity determination unit determines the necessity of heating the bathroom based on the indoor temperature information and the room temperature information, and the temperature setting unit determines the set temperature of the dressing room heating device based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the bathroom and the set temperature of the room. This is different from the heating system according to Embodiment 1. Here, when the differential temperature between the set temperature of the bathroom heating device and the set temperature of the dressing room heating device is equal to or higher than a preset lower limit differential temperature and less than an upper limit differential temperature, the temperature setting unit determines the set temperature of the dressing room heating device based on the set temperature of the bathroom heating device and the temperature of the room.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 23, the heating system according to this embodiment includes a bathroom heating device 3 installed in the bathroom for heating the bathroom and a cloud server 5001. In FIG. 23, the same components as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1, 2, 14, or 15. The bathroom heating device 3, the dressing room heating device 5009, the air conditioner 4, and the water heater 5 are connected to a local network NW2 laid in a building having a bathroom. The local network NW2 is connected to a wide area network NW1 via a router 8. The control unit 31 of the bathroom heating device 3 manages the set temperature information indicating the set temperature of the bathroom, and when acquiring the set temperature request information for requesting the transmission of the set temperature information from the cloud server 5001, transmits the set temperature information to the cloud server 5001.

[0080] The dressing room heating device 5009 is different from the bathroom heating device 3 in that it does not have a human presence sensor, and includes a heater (not shown), a blower fan (not shown), a temperature sensor (not shown), and a control unit (not shown). When the control unit receives control information from the cloud server 5001, it drives the heater and the blower fan based on the received control information to heat the bathroom. In addition, the control unit manages setting temperature information indicating the set temperature of the dressing room, and when it obtains setting temperature request information for requesting transmission of the setting temperature information from the cloud server 5001, it transmits the setting temperature information to the cloud server 5001. Further, when the control unit receives temperature request information from the cloud server 1, it generates room temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room detected by the temperature sensor in response thereto and transmits it to the cloud server 1.

[0081] The cloud server 5001 has the same hardware configuration as the cloud server 1 described in the first embodiment and functions as a heating control device. In the following, the same hardware configuration as the cloud server 1 described in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2. The CPU 101 reads out and executes the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 in the main storage unit, and functions as a hot water filling start detection unit 111, a temperature acquisition unit 5114, a heating necessity determination unit 5115, a control information generation unit 5116, a control information transmission unit 117, a set temperature acquisition unit 5120, and a temperature setting unit 5121 as shown in FIG. 24. In FIG. 24, the same configurations as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3 or FIG. 16.

[0082] The temperature acquisition unit 5114 acquires indoor temperature information from the bathroom heating device 3 by transmitting temperature request information requesting the transmission of indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom detected by the temperature sensor 35 to the bathroom heating device 3. Further, the temperature acquisition unit 5114 acquires room temperature information from the air conditioner 4 by transmitting temperature request information requesting the transmission of room temperature information indicating the temperature of the living room detected by the temperature sensor 45 to the air conditioner 4. Furthermore, the temperature acquisition unit 5114 acquires indoor temperature information from the dressing room heating device 5009 by transmitting temperature request information requesting the transmission of indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room detected by the temperature sensor to the dressing room heating device 5009. The temperature acquisition unit 5114 notifies the acquired indoor temperature information and room temperature information to the heating necessity determination unit 5115.

[0083] The heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines whether heating of the bathroom is necessary based on the indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom and the room temperature information. Specifically, when the temperature of the bathroom indicated by the indoor temperature information is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature and the differential temperature obtained by subtracting the temperature of the bathroom from the temperature of the living room indicated by the room temperature information is equal to or higher than a preset first reference differential temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary. Further, when the temperature of the bathroom is higher than a preset second reference temperature that is higher than the first reference temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines that heating of the bathroom is unnecessary.

[0084] The set temperature acquisition unit 5120 acquires set temperature information from the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009 by transmitting set temperature request information requesting the transmission of the aforementioned set temperature information to the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009, respectively. The set temperature acquisition unit 5120 notifies the acquired set temperature information to the temperature setting unit 5121.

[0085] The temperature setting unit 5121 sets the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009 based on the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 3 and the temperature of the living room. When the differential temperature between the set temperature of the bathroom and the set temperature of the dressing room is less than the preset lower limit differential temperature or not less than the preset upper limit differential temperature, the temperature setting unit 5121 sets the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009 to a temperature higher than one of the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 3 and the temperature of the living room and lower than the other. Specifically, the temperature setting unit 5121 first calculates a temporary set temperature Tnew of the dressing room heating device 5009 using the relational expression of the following formula (1).

[0086]

Equation

[0087] Here, α is a constant greater than 0 and less than 1, and is set to, for example, "0.3". Tsb is the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 3, and Tl is the living room temperature. For example, when the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 3 is 30°C and the living room temperature is 20°C, if α is set to "0.3", the temporary set temperature will be 27°C.

[0088] Then, when the temporary set temperature Tnew is less than or equal to a temperature lower than the set temperature Tsb of the bathroom heating device 3 by a preset margin temperature, the calculated temporary set temperature Tnew is determined as the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009. On the other hand, when the temporary set temperature Tnew is higher than a temperature lower than the set temperature Tsb of the bathroom heating device 3 by the preset margin temperature, a temperature lower than the set temperature Tsb of the bathroom heating device 3 by the aforementioned margin temperature is determined as the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009.

[0089] Next, the operation of the heating system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. In FIGS. 25 and 26, the same processing as in the second embodiment is denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 17 to 19. First, it is assumed that the user operates the operation device 55 to start filling the bathtub with hot water. In this case, a series of processes from step S61 to S63 are executed. Then, when the cloud server 5001 receives the hot water filling start notification information, the temperature requirement information is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S64). Further, the temperature requirement information for requesting the transmission of the room temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room to the dressing room heating device 5009 is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the dressing room heating device 5009 (step S5061). Furthermore, the temperature requirement information is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the air conditioner 4 (step S66).

[0090] On the other hand, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates the room temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom (step S67), and the generated room temperature information is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 3 to the cloud server 5001 (step S68). Also, when the dressing room heating device 5009 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates the room temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room detected by the temperature sensor (step S5062). Subsequently, the generated room temperature information is transmitted from the dressing room heating device 5009 to the cloud server 5001 (step S5063). Furthermore, when the air conditioner 4 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates the room temperature information (step S71), and the generated room temperature information is transmitted from the air conditioner 4 to the cloud server 5001 (step S72).

[0091] On the one hand, assume that the cloud server 5001 determines that the temperature Tb of the bathroom is higher than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S5064), and determines that the differential temperature dT1 obtained by subtracting the temperature Tb of the bathroom from the temperature Tl of the living room is equal to or higher than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S5065). Then, assume that the cloud server 5001 determines that the temperature Tb of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S5066). In this case, setting temperature request information for requesting transmission of setting temperature information to the bathroom heating device 3 is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S5067). Further, setting temperature request information for requesting transmission of setting temperature information to the dressing room heating device 5009 is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the dressing room heating device 5009 (step S5068).

[0092] On the one hand, when the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009 receive the set temperature requirement information, the set temperature information managed by the bathroom heating device is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 3 to the cloud server 5001 (step S5069). Also, the set temperature information managed by the dressing room heating device 5009 is transmitted from the dressing room heating device 5009 to the cloud server 5001 (step S5070). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, after the cloud server 5001 acquires the set temperature information from the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009, it is assumed that the differential temperature dT3 between the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 3 and the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009 is less than the aforementioned lower limit differential temperature or equal to or higher than the aforementioned upper limit differential temperature (step S5067). In this case, the cloud server 5001 determines the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009 based on the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 3 and the temperature of the living room (step S5072). Thereafter, the cloud server 5001 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom, and generates control information for controlling the dressing room heating device 5009 to heat the dressing room based on the determined set temperature (step S5073). Then, the generated control information is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S5074). On the one hand, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the control information, it starts a heating operation to heat the bathroom based on the received control information (step S5075).

[0093] Also, the generated control information is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the dressing room heating device 5009 (step S5076). On the one hand, when the dressing room heating device 5009 receives the control information, it updates the set temperature based on the received control information (step S5077). Next, the dressing room heating device 5009 starts a heating operation to heat the dressing room so that the temperature of the dressing room becomes the set temperature (step S5078).

[0094] Next, the heating control process executed by the cloud server 5001 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. First, the hot water filling start detection unit 111 determines whether or not it has acquired the hot water filling start notification information from the water heater 5 (step S501). As long as the hot water filling start detection unit 111 determines that it has not yet acquired the hot water filling start notification information (step S501: No), the process of step S501 is repeated. On the other hand, when the hot water filling start detection unit 111 determines that it has acquired the hot water filling start notification information (step S501: Yes), the temperature acquisition unit 5114 transmits the aforementioned temperature requirement information to the bathroom heating device 3, the dressing room heating device 5009, and the air conditioner 4 (step S502). At this time, when the dressing room heating device 5009 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room detected by the temperature sensor. Then, the temperature acquisition unit 5114 acquires the indoor temperature information and the living room temperature information transmitted from each of the bathroom heating device 3, the dressing room heating device 5009, and the air conditioner 4 (step S503).

[0095] Next, the heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines whether or not the temperature Tb of the bathroom indicated by the indoor temperature information is less than or equal to the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S504). When the heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines that the temperature Tb of the bathroom is less than or equal to the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S504: Yes), the process of step S507 described later is executed. On the other hand, assume that the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature Tb of the bathroom is higher than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S504: No). In this case, the heating necessity determination unit 5115 calculates a differential temperature dT1 obtained by subtracting the temperature of the bathroom from the temperature of the living room indicated by the acquired living room temperature information, and determines whether or not the calculated differential temperature dT1 is equal to or greater than the aforementioned first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S505). When the heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines that the differential temperature dT1 is less than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S505: No), the process of step S501 is executed again.

[0096] On the one hand, assume that the heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines that the differential temperature dT1 is equal to or higher than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S505: Yes). In this case, the heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines whether the temperature Tb of the bathroom indicated by the indoor temperature information is higher than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S506). When the heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines that the temperature Tb of the bathroom is higher than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S506: Yes), the process of step S501 is executed again. On the other hand, assume that the heating necessity determination unit 5115 determines that the temperature Tb of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S506: No). In this case, the set temperature acquisition unit 5120 transmits the above-described set temperature request information to the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009 (step S507). At this time, when the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009 receive the set temperature request information, respectively, they transmit the set temperature information managed by their own devices to the cloud server 5001. Then, the set temperature acquisition unit 5120 acquires the set temperature information transmitted from each of the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009 (step S508).

[0097] Subsequently, the set temperature acquisition unit 5120 determines whether the differential temperature dT3 between the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 3 and the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009 is equal to or higher than the above-described lower limit differential temperature and less than the above-described upper limit differential temperature (step S509). Here, when the set temperature acquisition unit 5120 determines that the above-described differential temperature dT3 is equal to or higher than the lower limit differential temperature and less than the upper limit differential temperature (step S509: Yes), the process of step S511 described later is executed. On the other hand, when the set temperature acquisition unit 5120 determines that the differential temperature dT3 is less than the lower limit differential temperature or the differential temperature dT3 is equal to or higher than the upper limit differential temperature (step S509: No), the set temperature determination process is executed (step S510).

[0098] Here, the set temperature determination process executed by the cloud server 5001 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 28. First, the temperature setting unit 5121 calculates a provisional set temperature Tnew using the relational expression of the above-described equation (1) (step S551). Next, the temperature setting unit 5121 determines whether the calculated provisional set temperature Tnew is higher than a temperature that is lower than the set temperature Tsb of the bathroom heating device 3 by a preset margin temperature (step S552). Here, when the temperature setting unit 5121 determines that the provisional set temperature Tnew is higher than a temperature that is lower than the set temperature Tsb of the bathroom heating device 3 by the margin temperature (step S552: Yes), the temperature setting unit 5121 determines the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009 to be a temperature that is lower than the set temperature Tsb of the bathroom heating device 3 by the above-described margin temperature (step S553). On the other hand, when the provisional set temperature Tnew is equal to or lower than a temperature that is lower than the set temperature Tsb of the bathroom heating device 3 by the margin temperature, the temperature setting unit 5121 determines the calculated provisional set temperature Tnew as the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009 (step S554).

[0099] Returning to FIG. 27, thereafter, the control information generation unit 5116 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom, and also generates control information for controlling the dressing room heating device 5009 to heat the dressing room based on the determined set temperature. Then, the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009 (step S511). Next, the process of step S501 is executed again.

[0100] By executing this series of heating control processes, when the temperature Tb1 in the bathroom is less than or equal to the temperature Tl in the living room as shown in the graph LT1 of FIG. 29, the cloud server 5001 controls the temperature Tb of the bathroom so that the differential temperature between the temperature Tb1 in the bathroom and the temperature Tl in the living room is equal to or less than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1. Then, as shown in, for example, the graph LT2, the cloud server 5001 controls the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009 so that the differential temperature between the temperature Tb2 in the bathroom and the temperature Tl in the living room is equal to or less than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1. On the other hand, as shown in the graph LT3, when the temperature Tb3 in the bathroom is higher than the temperature Tl in the living room, the cloud server 5001 avoids controlling the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009 so that the temperature difference is equal to or less than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1.

[0101] As described above, according to the heating system according to the present embodiment, when the differential temperature between the temperature in the bathroom and the temperature in the dressing room is less than the preset lower limit differential temperature or equal to or higher than the preset upper limit differential temperature, the temperature setting unit 5121 sets the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 5009 to be higher than one of the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 3 and the temperature in the living room and lower than the other. Thereby, when both the bathroom heating device 3 and the dressing room heating device 5009 are operated, the power consumption of the dressing room heating device 5009 can be suppressed to be lower than the power consumption of the bathroom heating device 3. In addition, since an environment in which the temperatures gradually decrease or increase in the order of the bathroom, the dressing room, and the living room can be realized, the comfort of the user when moving from the bathroom to the living room, for example, can be improved.

[0102] (Embodiment 4) In the heating system according to the present embodiment, the estimation unit uses a learned model for estimating the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room and the start time of heating when heating is required, based on the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room, the temperature of the user's living room, the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub, and the outside air temperature of the building having the bathtub. This is different from the heating system according to Embodiment 1 in that the start time of heating when heating is required for at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is estimated.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 30, the heating system according to this embodiment includes a bathroom heating device 6003 installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom, a dressing room heating device 6009 installed in the dressing room to heat the dressing room, an outside air temperature detection device 6010 that detects the outside air temperature outside the building having the bathroom, and a cloud server 5001. In FIG. 30, components having the same configuration as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1. Also, this heating system is used together with a water supply device 6005 that supplies hot water to the bathtub in the bathroom and a lighting fixture 6 installed in the bathroom. The bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, the air conditioner 4, the water supply device 6005, the lighting fixture 6, and the outside air temperature detection device 6010 are connected to a local area network NW2 laid in the building.

[0104] An operation device 6035 for receiving an operation by the user is connected to the bathroom heating device 6003. When the user performs a preset operation on the operation device 6035, the bathroom heating device 6003 transmits operation information indicating the operation content to the cloud server 6001. Also, when starting the heating operation based on the control information acquired from the cloud server 6001, the bathroom heating device 6003 transmits the operation information corresponding to the control information to the cloud server 6001.

[0105] An operation device 6095 for receiving an operation by the user is also connected to the dressing room heating device 6009. When the user performs a preset operation on the operation device 6095, the dressing room heating device 6009 transmits operation information indicating the operation content to the cloud server 6001. Also, when starting the heating operation based on the control information acquired from the cloud server 6001, the dressing room heating device 6009 transmits the operation information corresponding to the control information to the cloud server 6001.

[0106] The water heater 6005 includes a heat pump 53, a drive unit 52, a control unit 51, and a hot water discharge sensor 56, similar to the water heater 5 described in the first embodiment. Further, the water heater 6005 also includes a service hot water temperature sensor 2054 that detects the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub in the bathroom, similar to the water heater 2005 described in the second embodiment. Here, when the control unit 51 acquires hot water discharge information request information, which will be described later, from the cloud server 6001, it generates hot water discharge amount information based on the hot water discharge state detected by the hot water discharge sensor 56, and generates hot water discharge temperature information based on the temperature detected by the service hot water temperature sensor 2054. Then, the control unit 51 transmits the generated hot water discharge amount information and hot water discharge temperature information to the cloud server 2001.

[0107] Each time the lighting fixture 6 is turned on or off by the user, it transmits operation information indicating the operation content to the cloud server 6001. Further, when the lighting fixture 6 performs a lighting operation or a lighting-off operation based on the control information acquired from the cloud server 6001, it transmits operation information corresponding to the control information to the cloud server 6001.

[0108] The outside air temperature detection device 6010 has a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature outside the building having the bathtub, and generates outside air temperature information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. When the outside air temperature detection device 6010 acquires temperature request information, which will be described later, from the cloud server 6001, it generates the above-described outside air temperature information and transmits it to the cloud server 6001.

[0109] The cloud server 6001 has the same hardware configuration as the cloud server 1 described in Embodiment 1 and functions as a heating control device. In the following, for the hardware configuration that is the same as that of the cloud server 1 described in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 will be used for description. The CPU 101 reads out the program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 to the main storage unit and executes it, so that, as shown in FIG. 31, it functions as a hot water filling start detection unit 6111, a bathing start detection unit 112, a temperature acquisition unit 6114, an estimation unit 6115, a control information generation unit 6116, a control information transmission unit 6117, a hot water discharge information acquisition unit 6122, an outside air temperature acquisition unit 6124, an operation information acquisition unit 6125, and a model generation unit 6126. In FIG. 31, the same components as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3. Further, the auxiliary storage unit 103 includes a bathing history storage unit 6131, a hot water discharge history storage unit 6132, an indoor temperature history storage unit 6133, an outside air temperature history storage unit 6134, an operation history storage unit 6135, and a model storage unit 6136. The bathing history storage unit 6131 stores, for example, as shown in FIG. 32(A), hot water filling start time information indicating the time when hot water filling into the bathtub by the past hot water supply machine 6005 was started and bathing start time information indicating the time when the user started bathing in association with the date information.

[0110] Returning to FIG. 31, the hot water discharge history storage unit 6132 stores hot water discharge amount information indicating the amount of hot water discharged into the bathtub and hot water discharge temperature information indicating the temperature in association with time information indicating a preset hot water discharge amount / hot water discharge temperature acquisition time. The indoor temperature history storage unit 6133 stores information indicating the temperature in the bathroom, information indicating the temperature in the dressing room, and information indicating the temperature in the living room in association with time information indicating a preset temperature acquisition time. The outside air temperature history storage unit 6134 stores outside air temperature information indicating the temperature outside the building having the bathroom in association with the time information indicating the above-mentioned temperature acquisition time. The operation history storage unit 6135 stores, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(B), delay time information indicating the delay time with respect to the hot water filling start time at the time of determining the necessity of heating and inquiry necessity information indicating the necessity of inquiring the user about the bathing start time at the time of starting hot water filling in association with the user identification information.

[0111] The operation history storage unit 6135 stores, in chronological order, for example, as shown in FIG. 32(B), operation target device identification information for identifying the operation target device on which an operation has been performed, operation content information indicating the operation content, set temperature information indicating the set temperature at the time when the operation has been performed, and operation time information indicating the time when the operation has been performed, in association with date information indicating the date on which the operation has been performed.

[0112] The model storage unit 6136 stores model information indicating a learned model for estimating the necessity of heating for the bathroom and the dressing room and the start time of heating when heating is necessary from the temperature of the bathroom, the temperature of the dressing room, the temperature of the user's living room, the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub, and the outside air temperature of the building having the bathtub. This learned model is, for example, a neural network composed of an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer. When heating is necessary and the temperature of the bathroom, the temperature of the dressing room, the temperature of the user's living room, the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub, and the outside air temperature of the building having the bathtub are input to the input layer, a numerical value indicating the start time of heating is output. On the other hand, when heating is not necessary, a preset numerical value indicating that heating is not necessary is output from the output layer of the learned model. Also, the model storage unit 6136 stores model information indicating a learned model for estimating the set temperature of each of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 from the temperature of the bathroom, the temperature of the dressing room, the temperature of the user's living room, the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub, and the outside air temperature of the building having the bathtub. This learned model is, for example, a neural network. When the temperature of the bathroom, the temperature of the dressing room, the temperature of the user's living room, the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub, and the outside air temperature of the building having the bathtub are input to the input layer, numerical values indicating the set temperature of each of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 are output.

[0113] Returning to FIG. 31, when the hot water filling start detection unit 6111 acquires hot water filling notification information notifying that the hot water filling from the water heater 6005 to the bathtub in the bathroom has started, it detects that the hot water filling has started, and stores the hot water filling start time information indicating the time when the hot water filling notification information was acquired, in association with the date information, in the bath history storage unit 131. Further, the hot water filling start detection unit 6111 notifies the acquired hot water filling start notification information to the estimation unit 6115.

[0114] The temperature acquisition unit 6114 transmits temperature request information requesting the transmission of indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom to the bathroom heating device 6003 to the bathroom heating device 6003, thereby acquiring indoor temperature information from the bathroom heating device 6003. Further, the temperature acquisition unit 6114 transmits temperature request information requesting the transmission of room temperature information indicating the temperature of the living room to the air conditioner 4 to the air conditioner 4, thereby acquiring room temperature information from the air conditioner 4. Furthermore, the temperature acquisition unit 6114 transmits temperature request information requesting the transmission of indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room to the dressing room heating device 6009 to the dressing room heating device 6009, thereby acquiring indoor temperature information from the dressing room heating device 6009. The temperature acquisition unit 6114 stores the acquired indoor temperature information and room temperature information, in association with the time information indicating the above-mentioned temperature acquisition timing, in the indoor temperature history storage unit 6133.

[0115] The hot water discharge information acquisition unit 6122 transmits hot water discharge information request information requesting the transmission of the above-mentioned hot water discharge amount information and hot water discharge temperature information to the water heater 6005 to the water heater 6005, thereby acquiring the hot water discharge amount information and the hot water discharge temperature information from the water heater 6005. That is, the hot water discharge information acquisition unit 6122 functions as a hot water discharge amount acquisition unit that acquires hot water discharge amount information indicating the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub, and also functions as a hot water discharge temperature acquisition unit that acquires hot water discharge temperature information indicating the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub. The temperature acquisition unit 6114 stores the acquired hot water discharge amount information and hot water discharge temperature information, in association with the time information indicating the above-mentioned hot water discharge amount / hot water discharge temperature acquisition timing, in the hot water discharge history storage unit 6132.

[0116] The outside air temperature acquisition unit 6124 acquires outside air temperature information from the outside air temperature detection device 6010 by transmitting outside air temperature information request information for requesting the transmission of outside air temperature information indicating the outside air temperature to the outside air temperature detection device 6010. The outside air temperature acquisition unit 6124 stores the acquired outside air temperature information in the outside air temperature history storage unit 6134 in association with the time information indicating the above-described temperature acquisition timing.

[0117] When the operation information acquisition unit 6125 acquires operation information transmitted from each of the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, and the lighting fixture 6, it extracts operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information included in the acquired operation information. Then, the operation information acquisition unit 6125 stores the extracted operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information in the operation history storage unit 6135 in chronological order in association with the date information indicating the date when the operation information was acquired.

[0118] The estimation unit 6115 estimates the necessity of heating in the bathroom and the start timing of heating when heating in the bathroom is necessary, and the start timing of lighting of the lighting fixture 6 using a learned model for estimating the start timing of heating in the bathroom and the start timing of lighting of the lighting fixture 6 from the indoor temperature information of the bathroom, the indoor temperature information of the dressing room, the room temperature information, the hot water supply amount information, the hot water supply temperature information, and the outside air temperature information. Further, the estimation unit 6115 estimates the set temperatures of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 using a learned model for estimating the set temperatures of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 from the indoor temperature information of the bathroom, the indoor temperature information of the dressing room, the room temperature information, the hot water supply amount information, the hot water supply temperature information, and the outside air temperature information.

[0119] When the heating start time, the lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6, the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 6003, and the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 6009 in the case where heating of the bathroom is necessary estimated by the estimation unit 6115, the control information generation unit 6116 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, and the lighting fixture 6. Then, the control information transmission unit 6117 transmits the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, and the lighting fixture 6.

[0120] The model generation unit 6126 specifies a period corresponding to the teacher data used to generate the learned model for each past day based on the hot water filling start time information and the bathing start time information stored in the bathing history storage unit 6231. Further, the model generation unit 6126 extracts the operation target device identification information, the operation content information, the set temperature information, and the operation time information within the specified period for each past day from the operation target device identification information, the operation content information, the set temperature information, and the operation time information stored in the operation history storage unit 6135. Then, the model generation unit 6126 uses the indoor temperature information and the living room temperature information stored in the indoor temperature history storage unit 6133, the hot water output amount information and the hot water output temperature information stored in the hot water output history storage unit 6132, the outside air temperature information stored in the outside air temperature history storage unit 6134, the extracted operation target device identification information, the operation content information, the set temperature information, and the operation time information to generate a learned model. The model generation unit 6126 updates the model information stored in the model storage unit 6136 with the model information indicating the generated learned model.

[0121] Next, the operation of the heating system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36. First, it is assumed that the user operates the operation device 55 to start filling the bathtub with hot water. In this case, the water heater 6005 starts filling the bathtub with hot water (step S6001). Next, the water heater 6005 generates hot water filling start notification information notifying that the hot water filling has started (step S6002), and the generated hot water filling start notification information is transmitted from the water heater 6005 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6003). On the other hand, when the cloud server 1 acquires the hot water filling start notification information, the hot water filling start time information indicating the time when the hot water filling start notification information was acquired is used to update the hot water filling start time information stored in the bath history storage unit 131 (step S6004).

[0122] Subsequently, when the preset hot water discharge amount and hot water discharge temperature acquisition time arrives, hot water information request information for requesting the water heater 6005 to transmit the above-described hot water discharge amount information and hot water discharge temperature information is transmitted from the cloud server 6001 to the water heater 6005 (step S6005). On the other hand, when the water heater 6005 acquires the hot water information request information, it generates hot water discharge amount information based on the hot water discharge state detected by the hot water discharge sensor 56, and generates hot water discharge temperature information based on the temperature detected by the used hot water temperature sensor 2054 (step S6006). Then, the generated hot water discharge amount information and hot water discharge temperature information are transmitted from the water heater 6005 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6007). Here, when the cloud server 6001 acquires the hot water discharge amount information and hot water discharge temperature information transmitted from the water heater 6005, it stores the acquired hot water discharge amount information and hot water discharge temperature information in the hot water discharge history storage unit 6132.

[0123] Also, when the preset temperature acquisition timing arrives, temperature request information for requesting the transmission of the aforementioned indoor temperature information to the bathroom heating device 6003 is transmitted from the cloud server 6001 to the bathroom heating device 6003 (step S6008). On the other hand, when the bathroom heating device 6003 receives the temperature request information, it generates indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom (step S6009), and the generated indoor temperature information is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 6003 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6010). Next, temperature request information for requesting the transmission of indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room to the dressing room heating device 6009 is transmitted from the cloud server 6001 to the dressing room heating device 6009 (step S6011). On the other hand, when the dressing room heating device 6009 receives the temperature request information, it generates indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room detected by the temperature sensor (step S6012). Subsequently, the generated indoor temperature information is transmitted from the dressing room heating device 6009 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6013).

[0124] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 34, temperature request information for requesting transmission of the aforementioned room temperature information to the air conditioner 4 is transmitted from the cloud server 6001 to the air conditioner 4 (step S6014). On the other hand, when the air conditioner 4 receives the temperature request information, it generates room temperature information (step S6015), and the generated room temperature information is transmitted from the air conditioner 4 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6016). Here, when the cloud server 6001 acquires the indoor temperature information and the room temperature information transmitted from each of the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, and the air conditioner 4, it stores the acquired indoor temperature information and room temperature information in the indoor temperature history storage unit 6133. Next, temperature request information for requesting transmission of the aforementioned outside air temperature information to the outside air temperature detection device 6010 is transmitted from the cloud server 6001 to the outside air temperature detection device 6010 (step S6017). On the other hand, when the outside air temperature detection device 6010 receives the temperature request information, it generates outside air temperature information (step S6018), and the generated outside air temperature information is transmitted from the outside air temperature detection device 6010 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6019). Here, when the cloud server 6001 acquires the outside air temperature information transmitted from the outside air temperature detection device 6010, it stores the acquired outside air temperature information in the outside air temperature history storage unit 6134.

[0125] Subsequently, when the preset estimated time arrives, the cloud server 6001 estimates the heating start time of each of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 and the lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6 using the learned model indicated by the information stored in the model storage unit 6136 (step S6020). Thereafter, the cloud server 6001 estimates the set temperature of each of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 (step S6021). Next, the cloud server 6001 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 based on the estimated heating start time and set temperature of each of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009. Further, the cloud server 6001 generates control information for controlling the lighting fixture 6 based on the estimated lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6 (step S6022).

[0126] Subsequently, when the estimated heating start time of the bathroom heating device 6003 arrives, control information for starting the heating operation of the bathroom heating device 6003 is transmitted from the cloud server 6001 to the bathroom heating device 6003 (step S6023). On the other hand, when the bathroom heating device 6003 acquires the control information, based on the acquired control information, after updating the set temperature (step S6024), it starts a heating operation to heat the bathroom (step S6025). Thereafter, the bathroom heating device 6003 generates operation information corresponding to the acquired control information (step S6026), and the generated operation information is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 6003 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6027). Here, when the cloud server 6001 acquires the operation information, it extracts the operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information included in the acquired operation information and stores them in the operation history storage unit 6135.

[0127] Next, when the estimated heating start time of the dressing room heating device 6009 arrives, control information for starting the heating operation of the dressing room heating device 6009 is transmitted from the cloud server 6001 to the dressing room heating device 6009 (step S6028). On the other hand, when the dressing room heating device 6009 acquires the control information, as shown in FIG. 35, based on the acquired control information, after updating the set temperature (step S6029), it starts a heating operation to heat the dressing room (step S6030). Thereafter, the dressing room heating device 6009 generates operation information corresponding to the acquired control information (step S6031), and the generated operation information is transmitted from the dressing room heating device 6009 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6032). Here, when the cloud server 6001 acquires the operation information, it extracts the operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information included in the acquired operation information and stores them in the operation history storage unit 6135.

[0128] Next, when the estimated lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6 arrives, control information for starting the lighting of the lighting fixture 6 is transmitted from the cloud server 6001 to the lighting fixture 6 (step S6033). On the other hand, when the lighting fixture 6 acquires the control information, it starts lighting based on the acquired control information (step S6034). Subsequently, the lighting fixture 6 generates operation information corresponding to the acquired control information (step S6035), and the generated operation information is transmitted from the lighting fixture 6 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6036). Here, when the cloud server 6001 acquires the operation information, it extracts the operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information included in the acquired operation information and stores them in the operation history storage unit 6135.

[0129] Thereafter, when the cloud server 6001 detects the start of the user's bathing based on the acquired operation information (step S6037), it updates the bathing start time information stored in the bathing history storage unit 131 using the bathing start time information indicating the time when the start of bathing was detected (step S6038).

[0130] Also, assume that after the user starts filling the bathtub and before the user's bathing is detected, the user manually stops the bathroom heating device 6003. In this case, the bathroom heating device 6003 stops the heating operation (step S6039) and generates operation information indicating that the heating operation has been stopped (step S6040). Next, the generated operation information is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 6003 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6041). On the other hand, when the cloud server 6001 acquires the operation information, it deletes the operation target device information, operation content information indicating the start of the operation of the bathroom heating device 6003, and the corresponding set temperature information and operation time information, and updates the operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information stored in the operation history storage unit 6135 (step S6042).

[0131] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 36, assume that an operation is performed to start the operation of the bathroom heating device 6003 that has been manually stopped by the user after the user starts filling the bathtub and before the user's bathing is detected. In this case, the bathroom heating device 6003 starts the heating operation (step S6043) and generates operation information indicating that the heating operation has started (step S6044). Then, the generated operation information is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 6003 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6045). On the other hand, when the cloud server 6001 acquires the operation information, it updates the operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information stored in the operation history storage unit 6135 in a form of adding the operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information included in the acquired operation information (step S6046).

[0132] Next, assume that an operation is performed to change the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 6003 that has been manually stopped by the user after the user starts filling the bathtub and before the user's bathing is detected. In this case, the bathroom heating device 6003 changes the set temperature (step S6047) and generates operation information indicating that the set temperature has been changed (step S6048). Subsequently, the generated operation information is transmitted from the bathroom heating device 6003 to the cloud server 6001 (step S6049). On the other hand, when the cloud server 6001 acquires the operation information, it updates the operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information stored in the operation history storage unit 6135 in a form of updating the set temperature information corresponding to the operation target device information included in the acquired operation information (step S6050).

[0133] After that, when the preset model update time arrives, the cloud server 6001 uses the indoor temperature information and living room temperature information stored in the indoor temperature history storage unit 6133, the hot water supply amount information and hot water supply temperature information stored in the hot water supply history storage unit 6132, the outside air temperature information stored in the outside air temperature history storage unit 6134, and the operation target device identification information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information stored in the operation history storage unit 6135 to generate a learned model (step S6051). Next, the cloud server 6001 updates the information stored in the model storage unit 6136 with the information indicating the generated learned model (step S6052).

[0134] Next, the heating control process executed by the cloud server 6001 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38. First, as shown in FIG. 37, the hot water filling start detection unit 6111 determines whether or not hot water filling start notification information has been acquired from the water heater 5 (step S601). As long as the hot water filling start detection unit 6111 determines that the hot water filling start notification information has not been acquired yet (step S601: No), the process of step S621 described later is executed. On the other hand, when the hot water filling start detection unit 6111 determines that the hot water filling start notification information has been acquired (step S601: Yes), it generates hot water filling start time information indicating the time when the hot water filling start notification information was acquired, and updates the hot water filling start time information stored in the bath history storage unit 131 using the generated hot water filling start time information (step S602).

[0135] Next, the hot water supply information acquisition unit 6122 determines whether or not the preset hot water supply amount and hot water supply temperature acquisition time has arrived (step S603). If the hot water supply information acquisition unit 6122 determines that the hot water supply amount and hot water supply temperature acquisition time has not yet arrived (step S603: No), the process of step S606 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the hot water supply information acquisition unit 6122 determines that the hot water supply amount and hot water supply temperature acquisition time has arrived (step S603: Yes), it transmits the above-described hot water supply information request information to the water heater 6005 (step S604). Then, the hot water supply information acquisition unit 6122 acquires the hot water supply state and hot water supply temperature information transmitted in response to the hot water supply information request information from the water heater 6005 (step S605). Here, the hot water supply information acquisition unit 6122 stores the acquired hot water supply amount information and hot water supply temperature information in the hot water supply history storage unit 6132 in association with the time information indicating the hot water supply amount and hot water supply temperature acquisition time.

[0136] Subsequently, the temperature acquisition unit 6114 determines whether or not the preset temperature acquisition time has arrived (step S606). If the temperature acquisition unit 6114 determines that the temperature acquisition time has not yet arrived (step S606: No), the process of step S609 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the temperature acquisition unit 6114 determines that the temperature acquisition time has arrived (step S606: Yes), it transmits the above-described temperature request information to the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, the air conditioner 4, and the outside air temperature detection device 6010 (step S607). Then, the temperature acquisition unit 5114 acquires the indoor temperature information, the living room temperature information, and the outside air temperature information transmitted in response to the temperature request information from the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, the air conditioner 4, and the outside air temperature detection device 6010, respectively (step S608).

[0137] Next, the estimation unit 6115 determines whether or not a preset estimation time has arrived (step S609). If the estimation unit 6115 determines that the estimation time has not yet arrived (step S609: No), the processes after step S603 are executed again. On the other hand, when the estimation unit 6115 determines that the estimation time has arrived (step S609: Yes), it estimates the heating start times of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 and the lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6. Here, the estimation unit 6115 estimates the heating start times of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 and the lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6 by using the learned model indicated by the information stored in the model storage unit 6136 (step S610). Next, the estimation unit 6115 determines whether or not the estimated heating start times and lighting start times exist (step S611). If the estimation unit 6115 determines that the estimated heating start times and lighting start times do not exist (step S611: No), the process of step S618 described later is executed.

[0138] On the other hand, assume that the estimation unit 6115 determines that the estimated heating start times and lighting start times exist (step S611: Yes). In this case, the estimation unit 6115 estimates the set temperatures of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 by using the learned model indicated by the information stored in the model storage unit 6136 (step S612). Subsequently, the control information generation unit 6116 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 based on the heating start times and set temperatures of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 estimated by the estimation unit 6115. Further, the control information generation unit 6116 generates control information for controlling the lighting fixture 6 based on the estimated lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6 (step S613).

[0139] After that, as shown in FIG. 38, the control information transmission unit 6117 determines whether the estimated heating start time of the bathroom heating device 6003 or the dressing room heating device 6009, or the lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6 has arrived (step S614). If the control information transmission unit 6117 determines that none of the estimated heating start times of the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, and the lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6 have arrived yet (step S614: No), the process of step S616 described below is executed. On the other hand, assume that the control information transmission unit 6117 determines that any one of the estimated heating start times of the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, and the lighting start time of the lighting fixture 6 has arrived (step S614: Yes). In this case, the control information transmission unit 6117 transmits the control information corresponding to the estimated heating start time or the control information corresponding to the lighting start time to the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, or the lighting fixture 6 (step S615).

[0140] Next, the operation information acquisition unit 6125 determines whether it has acquired the operation information transmitted from the bathroom heating device 6003, the dressing room heating device 6009, or the lighting fixture 6 (step S616). If the operation information acquisition unit 6125 determines that it has not acquired the operation information yet (step S616: No), the process of step S618 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the operation information acquisition unit 6125 determines that it has acquired the operation information (step S616: Yes), it extracts the operation target device information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information included in the acquired operation information and stores them in the operation history storage unit 6135 (step S617).

[0141] Subsequently, the bathing start detection unit 112 determines whether or not it has detected the start of bathing by the user based on the acquired operation information (step S618). If the bathing start detection unit 112 determines that it has not yet detected the start of bathing by the user (step S618: No), the process of step S620 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the bathing start detection unit 112 determines that it has detected the start of bathing by the user (step S618: Yes), the bathing start time information stored in the bathing history storage unit 131 indicating the time when the start of bathing was detected is updated using the bathing start time information (step S619).

[0142] Thereafter, the bathing start detection unit 112 determines whether or not a preset start time estimation target period has ended (step S620). If the bathing start detection unit 112 determines that the start time estimation target period has not yet ended (step S620: No), the process of step S613 is executed again. On the other hand, assume that the bathing start detection unit 112 determines that the start time estimation target period has ended (step S620: Yes). In this case, the model generation unit 6126 determines whether or not a preset model update time has arrived (step S621). If the model generation unit 6126 determines that the model update time has not yet arrived (step S621: No), the process of step S601 is executed again. On the other hand, if the model generation unit 6126 determines that the model update time has arrived (step S621: Yes), the model generation unit 6126 generates a learned model using the indoor temperature information and living room temperature information stored in the indoor temperature history storage unit 6133, the hot water discharge amount information and hot water discharge temperature information stored in the hot water discharge history storage unit 6132, the outside air temperature information stored in the outside air temperature history storage unit 6134, and the operation target device identification information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information stored in the operation history storage unit 6135 (step S622). Next, the model generation unit 6126 updates the model information stored in the model storage unit 6136 with the model information indicating the generated learned model (step S623). Subsequently, the process of step S601 is executed again.

[0143] Here, it is assumed that the hot water supply amount and hot water supply temperature of the water heater 6005, the room temperature, the indoor temperature of the dressing room, the indoor temperature of the bathroom, and the outside air temperature change as shown in, for example, FIG. 39. In FIG. 39, the hot water supply amount of the water heater 6005 is represented by Vs, the hot water supply temperature of the water heater 6005 is represented by Ts, the room temperature is represented by Tl, the indoor temperature of the dressing room is represented by Td, the indoor temperature of the bathroom is represented by Tb, and the outside air temperature is represented by To. Then, based on the changes in the hot water supply amount Vs, the hot water supply temperature Ts, the room temperature Tl, the indoor temperature Td of the dressing room, the indoor temperature Tb of the bathroom, and the outside air temperature To of the water heater 6005 from the start to the end of the hot water filling, the estimation unit 6115 estimates the timing to start the operation of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 and the timing to start the lighting of the lighting fixture 6. Further, the model generation unit 6126 generates a learned model based on the changes in the hot water supply amount Vs, the hot water supply temperature Ts, the room temperature Tl, the indoor temperature Td of the dressing room, the indoor temperature Tb of the bathroom, and the outside air temperature To of the water heater 6005 from the start to the end of the hot water filling, the actual results of the operation start times of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009, and the actual results of the lighting start times of the lighting fixture 6 during the operation timing estimation target period after the hot water filling ends.

[0144] As described above, according to the heating system according to the present embodiment, the estimation unit 6115 estimates the heating start time when heating is required for each of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 using the learned model described above. Further, the estimation unit 6115 further estimates the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the set temperature of the dressing room heating device 6009 using the learned model. Then, based on the heating start time and the set temperature estimated by the estimation unit 6115, the control information generation unit 6116 generates control information for the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009. As a result, each of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 is controlled more accurately.

[0145] Further, according to the heating system according to the present embodiment, the model generation unit 6126 updates model information indicating a learned model using the user's operation target device identification information, operation content information, set temperature information, and operation time information every time a preset model update time arrives. Therefore, the heating start time and the set temperature of the bathroom heating device 6003 and the dressing room heating device 6009 can be made to conform to the user's preferences, improving comfort.

[0146] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, when there are multiple air conditioners 4, the room temperature information acquired from the air conditioner 4 installed in the living room is used as the temperature of the room. Also, for example, the following may be done. The air conditioner 4 is provided with a human presence sensor and transmits the presence / absence information of people in the room together with the room temperature information to the cloud server. Here, the presence / absence information of people is the frequency at which the human presence sensor of the air conditioner 4 detects people within a certain time until the air conditioner 4 receives the temperature requirement information. In this case, the cloud server uses the room temperature information acquired from the air conditioner 4 with a high frequency of detecting people as the temperature of the room. In addition to this, instead of the presence / absence information of people, the operating time of the air conditioner 4 may be transmitted to the cloud server together with the room temperature information. In this case, the cloud server uses the room temperature information acquired from the air conditioner 4 with the longest operating time as the temperature of the room. According to this configuration, by doing so, the temperature difference between the room and the bathroom for the user taking a bath can be accurately measured.

[0147] Also, for example, the heating control device may specify a heating necessity determination timing for determining the necessity of heating the bathroom after the time when the hot water filling is started based on the hot water filling start time information and the bath start time information, and when the heating necessity determination timing arrives, determine the necessity of heating the bathroom based on the absolute value of the difference temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the room.

[0148] The heating system according to this modification example includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 40, a bathroom heating device 3 installed in a bathroom for heating the bathroom, a cloud server 3001, and a terminal device 7. In FIG. 40, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 14. Further, this heating system is used together with a water heater 2005, an air conditioner 4, and a lighting fixture 6. The bathroom heating device 3, the air conditioner 4, the water heater 2005, and the lighting fixture 6 are connected to a local network NW2 laid in a building having a bathroom. The local network NW2 is connected to a wide area network NW1 via a router 8.

[0149] The cloud server 3001 has the same hardware configuration as the cloud server 1 described in the first embodiment, and includes a CPU 101, a main storage unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, a wide area communication unit 106, a timing unit 107, and a bus 109, and functions as a heating control device. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 3001. The CPU 101 reads out the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit and executes them, thereby functioning as a hot water filling start detection unit 111, a bath start detection unit 112, a heating necessity determination condition setting unit 113, a temperature acquisition unit 3114, a heating necessity determination unit 3115, a control information generation unit 116, a control information transmission unit 117, a notification unit 3118, a command acquisition unit 119, a bath determination unit 120, a hot water filling timing determination unit 121, and a heating necessity determination timing specifying unit 122 as shown in FIG. 41. In FIG. 41, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3. The auxiliary storage unit 103 has a bath history storage unit 131 and a heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132.

[0150] Similar to the temperature acquisition unit 2114 described in Embodiment 2, the temperature acquisition unit 3114 acquires indoor temperature information from the bathroom heating device 3 by transmitting temperature request information for requesting transmission of the indoor temperature information to the bathroom heating device 3. Further, the temperature acquisition unit 3114 notifies the heating necessity determination unit 3115 of the acquired indoor temperature information. Also, the temperature acquisition unit 2114 acquires room temperature information from the air conditioner 4 by transmitting temperature request information for requesting transmission of the room temperature information to the air conditioner 4. The temperature acquisition unit 3114 notifies the heating necessity determination unit 3115 of the acquired room temperature information. Furthermore, the temperature acquisition unit 3114 acquires used hot water temperature information from the water heater 2005 by transmitting temperature request information for requesting transmission of the used hot water temperature information to the water heater 2005. The temperature acquisition unit 2114 notifies the heating necessity determination unit 3115 of the acquired used hot water temperature information.

[0151] Similar to the heating necessity determination unit 2115 described in Embodiment 2, when the temperature of the bathroom indicated by the indoor temperature information is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature and the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the room indicated by the room temperature information is equal to or higher than the first reference differential temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 3115 determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary. Also, when the temperature of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature and the absolute value of the first differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the room is less than the first reference differential temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 3115 also determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary when the absolute value of the second differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water indicated by the used hot water temperature information is equal to or higher than the second reference differential temperature.

[0152] When the inquiry necessity information stored in the heating necessity determination condition storage unit 132 is set to be necessary for inquiry to the user, the notification unit 3118 transmits the above-described bath start time request information to the terminal device 7 when the hot water filling start is detected. Further, when the temperature in the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature, the absolute value of the first differential temperature is less than the first reference differential temperature, and the absolute value of the second differential temperature is less than the second reference differential temperature, and the absolute value of the first differential temperature is equal to or higher than the third reference differential temperature that is smaller than the first reference differential temperature, or the absolute value of the second differential temperature is equal to or higher than the fourth reference differential temperature that is smaller than the second reference differential temperature, the notification unit 3118 transmits inquiry information for inquiring the user about the necessity of heating the bathroom to the terminal device 7. Furthermore, when the bath determination unit 120 determines that the user has not started bathing within the above-described standby time, the notification unit 3118 generates bath start urging information for urging the user to start bathing and transmits it to the terminal device 7. Also, when it is determined by the hot water filling time determination unit 121 that the user is to be urged to review the hot water filling time, the notification unit 3118 generates hot water filling time review proposal information for urging the user to review the hot water filling time and transmits it to the terminal device 7. Furthermore, after the control information transmission unit 117 transmits control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom to the bathroom heating device 3, the notification unit 3118 transmits start notification information for notifying the user that the operation of the bathroom heating device 3 has been started to the terminal device 7. Also, after the control information transmission unit 117 transmits control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to stop heating the bathroom to the bathroom heating device 3, the notification unit 2118 transmits stop notification information for notifying the user that the operation of the bathroom heating device 3 has been stopped to the terminal device 7.

[0153] Next, the heating control process executed by the cloud server 3001 according to this modification example will be described with reference to FIGS. 42 and 43. In FIGS. 42 and 43, the same processes as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 12, 13, and 21. First, as shown in FIG. 42, when a series of processes from step S101 to S106 are executed, the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines whether the heating necessity determination time specified by the heating necessity determination time specifying unit 122 has arrived (step S107). If the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that the heating necessity determination time has not yet arrived (step S107: No), the process of step S116 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the heating necessity determination unit 115 determines that the heating necessity determination time has arrived (step S107: Yes), the temperature acquisition unit 3114 transmits the temperature requirement information to the bathroom heating device 3, the water heater 2005, and the air conditioner 4 (step S301). At this time, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates indoor temperature information, and when the water heater 2005 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates used hot water temperature information. Then, when the air conditioner 4 receives the temperature requirement information, it generates room temperature information. Then, the temperature acquisition unit 3114 acquires the indoor temperature information, the used hot water temperature information, and the room temperature information transmitted from the bathroom heating device 3, the water heater 2005, and the air conditioner 4, respectively (step S302). Next, the heating necessity determination unit 3115 determines whether the temperature T of the bathroom indicated by the received indoor temperature information is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S204). Subsequently, a series of processes from step S205 to S214 are executed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 43, the bath start detection unit 112 determines whether it has received the above-described on notification information from the lighting fixture 6 or the above-described detection notification information from the bathroom heating device 3 (step S116). Thereafter, a series of processes from step S117 and subsequent are executed.

[0154] According to this configuration, after starting to fill the bathtub with hot water, until the time for determining the necessity of heating, both the situation where the bathroom heating device 3 needlessly heats the bathroom and the situation where the bathroom heating device 3 needlessly heats the bathroom when the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room is less than the first reference differential temperature can be suppressed, and it is possible to suppress the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the living room from becoming equal to or higher than the first reference differential temperature at the start of the user's bathing. Therefore, it is possible to achieve energy saving by suppressing wasteful operation of the bathroom heating device 3 while suppressing heat shock to the user.

[0155] In Embodiment 2, when the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T in the bathroom is equal to or higher than the second reference temperature Tth2, the control information generation unit 116 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to stop the heating in the bathroom, and the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T in the bathroom is higher than the second reference temperature Tth2, the notification unit 2118 may generate inquiry information for inquiring whether the user wants to heat the bathroom and transmit the inquiry information to the terminal device 7. In this case, when receiving the inquiry information, the terminal device 7 may display, on the display unit 704, an operation screen image M7 including a message for inquiring whether to stop the heating in the bathroom as shown in FIG. 44. Here, the operation screen image M7 includes a button image BU71 indicating to stop the heating in the bathroom and a button image BU72 indicating to continue the heating in the bathroom. When the user touches a portion corresponding to the button image BU72 on the input unit 705 which is a touch pad, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M2 from the display unit 704, and the heating in the bathroom by the bathroom heating device 3 continues. On the other hand, when the user touches a portion corresponding to the button image BU71 on the input unit 705 which is a touch pad in a state where the terminal device 7 displays the operation screen image M7 as shown in FIG. 44 on the display unit 704, the terminal device 7 erases the operation screen image M7 from the display unit 704 and may generate off command information and transmit the off command information to the cloud server 2001. Then, when the command acquisition unit 119 acquires the off command information from the terminal device 7, the control information generation unit 116 may generate control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to stop the heating in the bathroom, and the control information transmission unit 117 may transmit the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 3.

[0156] In Embodiment 2, an example was described in which the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines whether or not the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature in the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is less than the second reference differential temperature dT2th1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In Embodiment 2, even if the temperature in the bathroom is higher than a preset first reference temperature and the differential temperature between the temperature in the bathroom and the temperature in the living room is equal to or higher than a preset first reference differential temperature, when the temperature in the bathroom is higher than a preset second reference temperature, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 may determine that heating of the bathroom is unnecessary. Further, the heating necessity determination unit 2115 may omit the determination of the absolute value of the differential temperature dT2 between the temperature in the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub.

[0157] Here, the heating control process executed by the cloud server according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. 45. In FIG. 45, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 21 are given to the processes similar to those in Embodiment 2. Also, since the functional configuration of the cloud server according to this modification is the same as that in Embodiment 2, the description will be made using the same reference numerals as the functional configuration in Embodiment 2. First, when the process of step S201 is executed and the hot water filling start detection unit 2111 determines that it has acquired the hot water filling start notification information (step S201: Yes), the temperature acquisition unit 2114 transmits the above-described temperature request information to the bathroom heating device 3 and the air conditioner 4 (step S401). At this time, when the bathroom heating device 3 receives the temperature request information, it generates indoor temperature information indicating the temperature in the bathroom detected by the temperature sensor 35. Also, when the air conditioner 4 receives the temperature request information, it generates living room temperature information indicating the temperature in the living room detected by the temperature sensor 45. Then, the temperature acquisition unit 2114 acquires the indoor temperature information and the living room temperature information transmitted from the bathroom heating device 3 and the air conditioner 4, respectively (step S402).

[0158] Next, the heating requirement determination unit 2115 determines whether the temperature T of the bathroom indicated by the received indoor temperature information is less than or equal to the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S204). Assume that the heating requirement determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is less than or equal to the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S204: Yes). In this case, the control information generation unit 116 generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to heat the bathroom. Then, the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S210). Thereafter, the notification unit 2118 generates start notification information for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has started the heating operation and transmits it to the terminal device 7 (step S211). Next, the process of step S201 is executed again.

[0159] When the heating requirement determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is higher than the first reference temperature Tth1 (step S204: No), it determines whether the temperature T of the bathroom is higher than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S403). When the heating requirement determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is less than or equal to the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S403: No), it calculates a differential temperature dT1 obtained by subtracting the temperature of the bathroom from the temperature of the living room indicated by the received living room temperature information, and determines whether the calculated differential temperature dT1 is greater than or equal to the aforementioned first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S404). When the heating requirement determination unit 2115 determines that the differential temperature dT1 is greater than or equal to the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S404: Yes), the processes after step S210 are executed. On the other hand, when the heating requirement determination unit 2115 determines that the differential temperature dT1 is less than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1 (step S404: No), the processes after step S213 described below are executed.

[0160] Also, in step S403, when the heating necessity determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature T of the bathroom is higher than the second reference temperature Tth2 (step S403: Yes), the control information generation unit 116 determines whether the bathroom heating device 3 is in the heating operation (step S213). When the control information generation unit 116 determines that the bathroom heating device 3 is stopped (step S213: No), the process of step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, when the control information generation unit 116 determines that the bathroom heating device 3 is in the heating operation (step S213: Yes), it generates control information for controlling the bathroom heating device 3 to stop the heating in the bathroom. Then, the control information transmission unit 117 transmits the generated control information to the bathroom heating device 3 (step S214). Subsequently, the notification unit 2118 generates stop notification information for notifying the user that the bathroom heating device 3 has stopped the heating operation and transmits it to the terminal device 7 (step S215). After that, the process of step S201 is executed again.

[0161] The cloud server according to this modification example executes this series of heating control processes, and as shown in FIG. 46, when the temperature Tb of the bathroom is higher than the second reference temperature Tth2, it stops the bathroom heating device 3. Also, when the temperature T of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the second reference temperature Tth2 and equal to or higher than the first reference temperature Tth1, and the differential temperature dT1 obtained by subtracting the temperature Tb of the bathroom from the temperature Tl of the living room is equal to or higher than the first reference differential temperature dT1th1, the cloud server operates the bathroom heating device 3. Further, when the temperature Tb of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the first reference temperature Tth1, the cloud server operates the bathroom heating device 3.

[0162] Note that in this modification example, an example in which the cloud server controls the bathroom heating device 3 by executing the heating control process shown in FIG. 45 has been described. However, it is not limited to this, and the cloud server may control a dressing room heating device (not shown) installed in a dressing room provided near the bathroom by executing the heating control process shown in FIG. 45.

[0163] Incidentally, when the temperature in the bathroom is, for example, about 2 to 3 °C higher than the first reference temperature and the temperature difference from the temperature in the living room is larger than the first reference differential temperature, and when the temperature in the bathroom is lower than the first reference temperature, it is necessary to maintain the comfort of the user by operating the bathroom heating device 3. On the other hand, for example, when the temperature difference between the bathroom temperature and the living room temperature is larger than the first reference differential temperature, but the bathroom temperature is relatively high, for example, about 30 °C, heating of the bathroom is unnecessary from the viewpoint of user comfort.

[0164] In contrast, according to this configuration, since the heating necessity determination unit 2115 operates the bathroom heating device 3 regardless of the temperature difference between the living room temperature and the bathroom temperature when the living room temperature is lower than the first reference temperature, the comfort of the user can be improved. Further, according to this configuration, even if the differential temperature between the living room temperature and the bathroom temperature is equal to or higher than the first reference differential temperature, if the bathroom temperature is equal to or lower than the second reference temperature which is higher than the first reference temperature, the heating of the bathroom is determined to be unnecessary. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the wasteful operation of the bathroom heating device 3. And since the frequency with which the user manually stops the operation of the bathroom heating device 3 feeling that heating is unnecessary can be reduced, the convenience of the user can be improved accordingly.

[0165] In Embodiments 1 and 2, an example in which the cloud servers 1 and 2001 control the bathroom heating device 3 installed in the bathroom has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cloud server may control the aforementioned dressing room heating device (not shown). In this case, in the cloud server, when the start of hot water filling in the bathtub is detected by the heating necessity determination timing specifying unit, based on the hot water filling start time information and the bath start time information, the heating necessity determination timing for determining the necessity of heating the dressing room after the time when the hot water filling is started is specified. When the heating necessity determination timing arrives, if the temperature of the dressing room is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature, the heating necessity determination unit may determine that heating of the dressing room is necessary. Then, when it is determined by the heating necessity determination unit that heating of the dressing room is necessary, the control information generation unit of the cloud server may generate control information for controlling the dressing room heating device to heat the dressing room. Specifically, the cloud server may generate control information for controlling the dressing room heating device by executing the heating control process described in Embodiment 1 for the dressing room heating device and transmit the control information to the dressing room heating device.

[0166] Alternatively, in the cloud server, when the start of hot water filling in the bathtub in the bathroom is detected by the temperature acquisition unit, the indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the dressing room and the living room temperature information may be acquired. When the temperature of the dressing room is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature and the absolute value of the differential temperature between the temperature of the dressing room indicated by the dressing room temperature information and the temperature of the living room indicated by the living room temperature information is equal to or higher than a preset first reference differential temperature, the heating necessity determination unit may determine that heating of the dressing room is necessary. Specifically, the cloud server may generate control information for controlling the dressing room heating device by executing the heating control process described in Embodiment 2 for the dressing room heating device and transmit the control information to the dressing room heating device.

[0167] Further, the cloud server may control both the bathroom heating device 3 and a dressing room heating device (not shown) in parallel. That is, the cloud server may execute the heating control process described in Embodiments 1 and 2 for the bathroom heating device 3, and in parallel, execute the heating control process for the dressing room heating device as described above. In this case, the first reference temperature for the temperature of the bathroom and the first reference temperature for the temperature of the dressing room may be different. For example, the first reference temperature for the temperature of the bathroom may be set lower than the first reference temperature for the temperature of the dressing room. According to this configuration, when the temperature decreases in the order of the living room, the dressing room, and the bathroom, the temperature gradient can be set finely, so that a heat shock to the user can be suppressed.

[0168] Further, the heating necessity determination unit may calculate the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the dressing room and the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperature of the dressing room and the temperature of the living room, and determine whether at least one of the calculated absolute values is greater than or equal to a first reference temperature difference. Here, when the heating necessity determination unit determines that both the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the dressing room and the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperature of the dressing room and the temperature of the living room are greater than or equal to the first reference temperature difference, it determines that heating is required for both the bathroom and the dressing room. Further, when the heating necessity determination unit determines that the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the dressing room is greater than or equal to the first reference temperature difference and the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperature of the dressing room and the temperature of the living room is less than the first reference temperature difference, it determines that at least bathroom heating is required. On the other hand, when the heating necessity determination unit determines that the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperature of the bathroom and the temperature of the dressing room is less than the first reference temperature difference and the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperature of the dressing room and the temperature of the living room is greater than or equal to the first reference temperature difference, it determines that at least dressing room heating is required. According to this configuration, the temperature difference between the living room and the dressing room and between the dressing room and the bathroom can be reduced, so that a heat shock to the user can be suppressed.

[0169] In addition, various functions of the cloud servers 1, 2001, and 3001 according to the present disclosure can be realized using a normal computer system instead of a dedicated system. For example, a program for executing the above operations is stored in a non-transitory recording medium (such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)) readable by a computer system and distributed to a computer connected to a network, and the cloud servers 1, 2001, and 3001 that execute the above processing may be configured by installing the program in the computer system.

[0170] Also, the method of providing the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, the program may be uploaded to a bulletin board (BBS (Bulletin Board System)) on a communication line and distributed to the computer via the communication line. Then, the computer starts this program and executes it in the same manner as other applications under the control of the OS (Operating System). Thereby, the computer functions as the cloud servers 1, 2001, and 3001 that execute the above processing.

[0171] As described above, each embodiment and modification example of the present disclosure have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure includes combinations of embodiments and modification examples as appropriate, and those to which appropriate changes have been made.

Industrial Applicability

[0172] The present disclosure is suitable as a heating control device for controlling a bathroom heating device installed in a bathroom.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0173] 1, 2001, 3001, 5001, 6001 cloud servers, 3, 6003 bathroom heating device, 4 air conditioner, 5, 2005, 6005 water heater, 6 lighting fixture, 7 terminal device, 8 router, 31, 41, 51, 61, 2051 control units, 32 heater, 33, 43 blower fans, 34 human presence sensor, 35, 45 temperature sensors, 36, 55, 5095, 6035 operating devices, 42 compressor, 52 drive unit, 53 heat pump, 56 hot water discharge sensor, 62 light emitting module, 63 power switch, 2054 used hot water temperature sensor, 55 operating device, 101, 701 CPUs, 102, 702 main memory units, 103, 703 auxiliary memory units, 106, 706 wide area communication units, 107 timer unit, 109, 709 buses, 111, 2111, 6111 hot water filling start detection units, 112 bathing start detection unit, 113 heating necessity determination condition setting unit, 114, 2114, 3114, 5114, 6114 temperature acquisition units, 115, 2115, 3115, 5115 heating necessity determination units, 116, 5116, 6116 control information generation units, 117, 6117 control information transmission units, 118, 2118, 3118 notification units, 119 command acquisition unit, 120 bathing determination unit, 121 hot water filling timing determination unit, 122 heating necessity determination timing specifying unit, 131 bathing history memory unit, 132 heating necessity determination condition memory unit, 704 display unit, 705 input unit, 5009, 6009 dressing room heating device, 5120 set temperature acquisition unit, 5121 temperature setting unit, 6115 estimation unit, 6122 hot water discharge information acquisition unit, 6124 outside air temperature acquisition unit, 6125 operation information acquisition unit, 6126 model generation unit, B5 input field, BU1, BU3, BU4, BU5, BU6, BU21, BU22, BU71, BU72 button images, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7 operation screen images, NW1 wide area network, NW2 local network

Claims

1. A bath history storage unit that stores, for each day, hot water filling start time information indicating the time when hot water filling into the bathtub by a past hot water supply machine was started and bathing start time information indicating the time when the user started bathing in association with each other; A hot water filling start detection unit that detects that the hot water filling into the bathtub has started; When the start of the hot water filling is detected, a heating necessity determination timing specifying unit that specifies a heating necessity determination timing for determining the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room after the time when the hot water filling was started, based on the hot water filling start time information and the bathing start time information; A temperature acquisition unit that acquires indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room when the heating necessity determination timing arrives; A heating necessity determination unit that determines the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room based on the indoor temperature information when the heating necessity determination timing arrives; When it is determined by the heating necessity determination unit that heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is necessary, a control information generation unit that generates control information for controlling at least one of a bathroom heating device installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom and a dressing room heating device installed in the dressing room to heat the dressing room; The heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room whose temperature is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature is necessary when the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is equal to or lower than the preset first reference temperature. A heating control device.

2. A bathing determination unit that determines whether the user has started bathing within a preset waiting time after the control information generation unit generates the control information; When it is determined by the bathing determination unit that the user has not started bathing within the waiting time, a notification unit that generates bathing start proposal information for prompting the user to start bathing; The heating control device according to Claim 1.

3. When a state in which the time difference between the hot water filling start time indicated by the hot water filling start time information and the bathing start time indicated by the bathing start time information is equal to or greater than a preset reference time difference continues from a point in time retroactively by a preset hot water filling period determination target period from the current time to the current time, a hot water filling period determination unit that determines to prompt the user to review the hot water filling period; When it is determined by the hot water filling time determination unit that the user is to be prompted to review the hot water filling time, a notification unit that generates hot water filling time change proposal information for prompting the user to review the hot water filling time is further provided. The heating control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the temperature of the bathroom is higher than a preset first reference temperature and equal to or lower than a second reference temperature higher than the first reference temperature, a notification unit that transmits inquiry information for inquiring the user about the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room to a terminal device. After the notification unit transmits the inquiry information to the terminal device, when on command information for commanding to turn on heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is transmitted from the terminal device, a command acquisition unit that acquires the on command information is further provided. When the command acquisition unit acquires the on command information, the heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is necessary. The heating control device according to claim 1.

5. A hot water filling start detection unit that detects the start of hot water filling into the bathtub. When the start of the hot water filling is detected, a temperature acquisition unit that acquires indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room and room temperature information indicating the temperature of the user's living room. An outgoing hot water amount acquisition unit that acquires outgoing hot water amount information indicating the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub. An outgoing hot water temperature acquisition unit that acquires outgoing hot water temperature information indicating the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub. An outside air temperature acquisition unit that acquires outside air temperature information indicating the outside air temperature outside the building having the bathtub. Using a learned model for estimating the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room and the start time of heating when heating is necessary from the indoor temperature information, the room temperature information, the outgoing hot water amount information, the outgoing hot water temperature information, and the outside air temperature information, an estimation unit that estimates the start time of heating when heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is necessary. Based on the start time of heating when heating of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room is necessary estimated by the estimation unit, a control information generation unit that generates control information for controlling at least one of a bathroom heating device installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom and a dressing room heating device installed in the dressing room to heat the dressing room. Heating control device.

6. The estimation unit further uses a learned model for estimating at least one of the set temperature of the bathroom heating device and the set temperature of the dressing room heating device from the indoor temperature information, the room temperature information, the hot water supply amount information, the hot water supply temperature information, and the outside air temperature information, and estimates at least one of the set temperature of the bathroom heating device and the set temperature of the dressing room heating device. Based on at least one of the set temperature of the bathroom heating device and the set temperature of the dressing room heating device estimated by the estimation unit, the control information generation unit generates control information for controlling at least one of the bathroom heating device installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom and the dressing room heating device installed in the dressing room to heat the dressing room. The heating control device according to claim 5.

7. When the start of filling the bathtub with hot water is detected, a step of specifying a heating necessity determination timing for determining the necessity of heating the bathroom after the time when the hot water filling was started, based on the hot water filling start time information indicating the time when the hot water filling was started by the past water heater and the bath start time information indicating the time when the user started taking a bath, which are stored in the bath history storage unit in association with each other on a daily basis. When the heating necessity determination timing arrives, a step of determining whether the temperature of the bathroom is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature. When it is determined that the temperature of the bathroom is equal to or lower than the preset first reference temperature, a step of generating control information for controlling the bathroom heating device installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom. Heating control method.

8. A step of detecting the start of filling the bathtub with hot water. When the start of the hot water filling is detected, a step of acquiring indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room and room temperature information indicating the temperature of the user's living room. A step of acquiring hot water supply amount information indicating the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub. A step of acquiring hot water supply temperature information indicating the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub. A step of acquiring outside air temperature information indicating the outside air temperature of the building having the bathtub. Using a learned model for estimating the necessity of heating for at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room and the start time of heating when heating is required, based on the indoor temperature information, the room temperature information, the hot water supply amount information, the hot water supply temperature information, and the outside air temperature information, estimating the start time of heating when heating is required for at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room; Based on the estimated start time of heating when heating is required for at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room, generating control information for controlling at least one of a bathroom heating device installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom and a dressing room heating device installed in the dressing room to heat the dressing room; A heating control method.

9. A computer, A bath history storage unit that stores, for each day, the hot water filling start time information indicating the time when the past water heater started filling the bathtub and the bath start time information indicating the time when the user started taking a bath in association with each other; A hot water filling start detection unit that detects that the hot water filling into the bathtub has started; When the start of the hot water filling is detected, a heating necessity determination time specifying unit that specifies a heating necessity determination time for determining the necessity of heating the bathroom after the time when the hot water filling started, based on the hot water filling start time information and the bath start time information; A temperature acquisition unit that acquires indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathroom when the heating necessity determination time arrives; When the heating necessity determination time arrives, a heating necessity determination unit that determines the necessity of heating the bathroom based on the indoor temperature information; When the heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary, a control information generation unit that generates control information for controlling a bathroom heating device installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom; A program for causing the computer to function as, The heating necessity determination unit determines that heating of the bathroom is necessary when the temperature of the bathroom is equal to or lower than a preset first reference temperature. A program.

10. A computer, A hot water filling start detection unit that detects that the hot water filling into the bathtub has started; When the start of the hot water filling is detected, a temperature acquisition unit that acquires indoor temperature information indicating the temperature of at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room and room temperature information indicating the temperature of the user's living room; A hot water supply amount acquisition unit that acquires hot water supply amount information indicating the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub; A hot water supply temperature acquisition unit that acquires hot water supply temperature information indicating the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub; An outside air temperature acquisition unit that acquires outside air temperature information indicating the outside air temperature outside the building having the bathtub; An estimation unit that estimates the necessity of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room and the start time of heating when heating is required, using a learned model for estimating the start time of heating at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room from the indoor temperature information, the room temperature information, the hot water supply amount information, the hot water supply temperature information, and the outside air temperature information; A control information generation unit that generates control information for controlling at least one of a bathroom heating device installed in the bathroom to heat the bathroom and a dressing room heating device installed in the dressing room to heat the dressing room, based on the start time of heating when heating is required for at least one of the bathroom and the dressing room estimated by the estimation unit; A program for causing it to function as such.

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