Information processing system, management server, diagnostic device, management method, diagnostic method, and program

Abstract

To use a water treatment device effectively.SOLUTION: A management method by a management server 100 includes: reading from a database 400 identification information associated with a treated water quality and a treated flow rate that satisfy conditions indicated by condition information included in request information transmitted from a communication terminal 300; calculating a performance of a water treatment device given the read identification information; calculating a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the read identification information and period information included in request information; sending the read identification information, performance information indicating the calculated performance, and basic charge information indicating the calculated basic charge to a communication terminal 300; diagnosing by a diagnostic device 200 a deterioration state of the water treatment device after use; calculating an additional charge to be added to the basic charge based on a diagnosed state of deterioration; sending additional fee information indicating a calculated additional fee to the communication terminal 300; and updating a treated water quality stored in the database 400 based on a diagnosed state of deterioration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a management server, a diagnostic device, a management method, a diagnostic method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, water treatment devices are disposed of after a set period of use without being used by other users. Also, a system in which multiple users share a vehicle is being considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6570717 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Water treatment devices deteriorate with use. Water treatment devices that have not deteriorated to the point where they can no longer be used can continue to be used after one user, but are discarded without being used by other users. Water treatment devices can also be used effectively if a system that can be used by multiple users is constructed, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1. However, water treatment devices are not designed to be used continuously after use. This poses a problem in that the water treatment device cannot be used effectively.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, a management server, a diagnostic device, a management method, a diagnostic method, and a program that enable effective use of a water treatment device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing system of the present invention comprises: A system including a communication terminal, a management server, a database, and a diagnostic device, the database stores identification information uniquely assigned to the water treatment device in association with the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device; The management server a search unit that reads from the database the identification information associated with the treated water quality and the treated flow rate that satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from the communication terminal; a performance calculation unit that calculates the performance of the water treatment device to which the identification information read by the search unit is assigned; a basic fee calculation unit that calculates a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the identification information read by the search unit and period information included in the request information; an information transmitting unit that transmits to the communication terminal the identification information read by the search unit, performance information indicating the performance calculated by the performance calculation unit, and basic fee information indicating the basic fee calculated by the basic fee calculation unit, The diagnostic device comprises: a diagnostic unit that diagnoses a deterioration state of the water treatment device after use; an additional charge calculation unit that calculates an additional charge to be added to the basic charge based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit; a transmitting unit that transmits additional charge information indicating the additional charge calculated by the additional charge calculation unit to the communication terminal; and an update unit that updates the treated water quality stored in the database based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit.

[0007] The management server of the present invention also includes: a database that stores identification information uniquely assigned to the water treatment device, and the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device in association with each other; a search unit that reads from the database the identification information associated with the treated water quality and the treated flow rate that satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from the communication terminal; a performance calculation unit that calculates the performance of the water treatment device to which the identification information read by the search unit is assigned; a basic fee calculation unit that calculates a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the identification information read by the search unit and period information included in the request information; The communication terminal has an information sending unit that sends to the communication terminal the identification information read by the search unit, performance information indicating the performance calculated by the performance calculation unit, and basic fee information indicating the basic fee calculated by the basic fee calculation unit.

[0008] The diagnostic device of the present invention also includes: a diagnostic unit that diagnoses a deterioration state of the water treatment device after use; an additional charge calculation unit that calculates an additional charge to be added to a basic charge for using the water treatment device based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit; a transmitting unit that notifies additional charge information indicating the additional charge calculated by the additional charge calculation unit; The water treatment device has an update unit that updates the treated water quality stored in a database that stores identification information unique to the water treatment device in association with the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit.

[0009] In addition, the management method of the present invention a process of reading, from a database that stores identification information unique to the water treatment device, the identification information associated with the treated water quality and the treated flow rate of the water treatment device, which satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from the communication terminal; and a process of calculating the performance of the water treatment device to which the read identification information is assigned; A process of calculating a basic fee based on the read identification information and period information included in the request information; The identification information read from the database, performance information indicating the calculated performance, and basic fee information indicating the calculated basic fee are transmitted to the communication terminal.

[0010] The diagnostic method of the present invention also A process of diagnosing the deterioration state of the water treatment device after use; A process of calculating an additional fee to be added to a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the diagnosed deterioration state; a process of notifying additional charge information indicating the calculated additional charge; Based on the diagnosed deterioration state, a process is performed to update the treated water quality stored in a database that stores identification information unique to the water treatment device in correspondence with the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device.

[0011] The program of the present invention also includes: On the computer, a step of reading, from a database storing identification information unique to the water treatment device, the identification information associated with the treated water quality and the treated flow rate of the water treatment device, which satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from the communication terminal; a step of calculating the performance of the water treatment device to which the read identification information is assigned; a step of calculating a basic fee based on the read identification information and period information included in the request information; The program executes a procedure for transmitting to the communication terminal the identification information read from the database, performance information indicating the calculated performance, and basic fee information indicating the calculated basic fee.

[0012] Also, on the computer, A procedure for diagnosing the deterioration state of a water treatment device after use; A step of calculating an additional fee to be added to a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the diagnosed deterioration state; a step of notifying additional charge information indicating the calculated additional charge; This is a program for executing a procedure for updating the treated water quality stored in a database that stores identification information unique to the water treatment device in correspondence with the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device, based on the diagnosed deterioration state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In the present invention, a water treatment device can be effectively used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an information processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example of association of information stored in the database shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of components included in the management server illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of components included in the diagnostic device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing an example of an individual predicted life span for each measurement item calculated by the diagnosing unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram showing an example of calculation criteria for additional charges calculated by an additional charge calculation unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a management method in the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a diagnostic method in the information processing system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of application of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a method for renting the water treatment device in the configuration shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11A] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a method for returning the water treatment device in the configuration shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11B] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a method for returning the water treatment device in the configuration shown in FIG. 9. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an information processing system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system of this embodiment includes a management server 100, a diagnostic device 200, a communication terminal 300, and a database 400. The management server 100, the diagnostic device 200, the communication terminal 300, and the database 400 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 500. The communication network 500 may be the general Internet or a communication network closed to a specific location, such as an in-house network. Furthermore, the management server 100, the diagnostic device 200, the communication terminal 300, and the database 400 may be directly connected to each other.

[0017] The communication terminal 300 is a communication device operated by a user. The communication terminal 300 may be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The communication terminal 300 is equipped with an input unit that receives information based on external operations such as a general keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and a display unit (output unit) such as a display that displays information. The communication terminal 300 is assigned in advance terminal identification information that can identify the communication terminal 300. When the communication terminal 300 accesses the management server 100 or the diagnostic device 200, general information for authentication such as a user ID and password may be input, and authentication processing may be performed between the communication terminal 300 and the management server 100 or the diagnostic device 200.

[0018] The database 400 stores identification information uniquely assigned to each water treatment device, in association with the treated water quality and treatment flow rate of the water treatment device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the association of information stored in the database 400 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the database 400 shown in FIG. 1 stores identification information assigned to each water treatment device to be managed, the treated water quality (the water quality of water treated by the water treatment device), and the treatment flow rate that the water treatment device can treat, in association with each other. This information can be updated, such as by adding, changing, or deleting, from outside. The database 400 may be provided within the management server 100. An example of a water treatment device used in this embodiment is an electrodeionized water production device.

[0019] Management server 100 is a device that performs processing to provide a water treatment device based on request information transmitted from communication terminal 300. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of components provided in management server 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, management server 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a search unit 110, a performance calculation unit 120, a basic fee calculation unit 130, and an information transmission unit 140. Note that FIG. 3 shows only the main components related to this embodiment among the components provided in management server 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] The search unit 110 searches the database 400 for identification information associated with the treated water quality and treated flow rate that satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from the communication terminal 300. The search unit 110 reads out from the database 400 the searched identification information and the treated water quality and treated flow rate associated with that identification information. The request information transmitted from the communication terminal 300 includes terminal identification information, user attribute information such as the name of the user who input the request information into the communication terminal 300, and condition information indicating the conditions of the water treatment device for which provision is requested. The condition information is information indicating the allowable range (conditions) of the specifications of the water treatment device for which provision is requested. This specification range includes at least the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device.

[0021] The performance calculation unit 120 calculates the performance of the water treatment device to which the identification information read by the search unit 110 is assigned. The performance calculation unit 120 calculates the performance of the water treatment device to which the identification information read by the search unit 110 is assigned, based on specification information of the water treatment device stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the management server 100 or externally. The specific performance of the water treatment device calculated by the performance calculation unit 120 may be the performance required by the request information, may include other performance, or may be unspecified. Examples of the performance of the water treatment device calculated by the performance calculation unit 120 include predicted water quality values ​​(including resistivity, conductivity, etc.) of the treated water (liquid) calculated based on the correlation between previously measured properties of the feed water, the treatment flow rate, and the applied current, predicted power consumption of the water treatment device calculated based on past operating data, and the concentration of specific components.

[0022] The basic fee calculation unit 130 calculates a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the identification information read by the search unit 110 and the period information included in the request information. A rental fee per unit period for each water treatment device is set in advance, and the basic fee calculation unit 130 calculates a basic fee for the user who sent the request information to use the water treatment device based on the rental fee per unit time of the water treatment device to which the identification information read by the search unit 110 is assigned, the period information, and the treated water quality of the water treatment device (stored in database 400). The basic fee calculated by the basic fee calculation unit 130 may be stored in database 400 in association with the identification information.

[0023] Information transmitting unit 140 transmits the identification information read by search unit 110, performance information indicating the performance calculated by performance calculation unit 120, and basic fee information indicating the basic fee calculated by basic fee calculation unit 130 to communication terminal 300. Information transmitting unit 140 may further transmit information about the water treatment device to which the identification information is assigned, such as the manufacturer name and model number of the water treatment device.

[0024] Diagnostic device 200 diagnoses the deterioration state of a used (returned) water treatment device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of components included in diagnostic device 200 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, diagnostic device 200 shown in FIG. 1 has a diagnostic unit 210, an additional charge calculation unit 220, a transmission unit 230, and an update unit 240. Note that FIG. 4 shows only the main components related to this embodiment among the components included in diagnostic device 200 shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] Diagnosis unit 210 diagnoses the deterioration state of the water treatment device after use. A specific example of the diagnosis method in diagnosis unit 210 will be given below.

[0026] The diagnostic unit 210 measures multiple measurement items after the water treatment device is used (returned), and calculates each individual predicted lifespan based on the respective measurement values. The diagnostic unit 210 may previously store associations between measurement values ​​and individual predicted lifespans for each of the multiple measurement items, and may acquire the individual predicted lifespans associated with the measurement values ​​measured after the water treatment device is used (returned). The diagnostic unit 210 may also calculate the individual predicted lifespans from the measurement values ​​measured after the water treatment device is used (returned), using the actual values ​​of the relationship between measurement values ​​measured in the past and lifespans. This calculation method is not particularly specified. The diagnostic unit 210 predicts the shortest individual predicted lifespan among the calculated individual predicted lifespans as the predicted lifespan. The diagnostic unit 210 then diagnoses the predicted predicted lifespan as the degradation state.

[0027] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the individual predicted lifespans for each measurement item calculated by diagnosing unit 210 shown in Fig. 4. Diagnosing unit 210 predicts the shortest individual predicted lifespan among the individual predicted lifespans calculated for each measurement item as shown in Fig. 5 as the predicted lifespan. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the individual predicted lifespan of the measurement item "water quality" is "10 months," so diagnosing unit 210 predicts "10 months" as the predicted lifespan of the water treatment device being measured.

[0028] The measurement items described above are not particularly specified. Examples of measurement items include the cumulative current flow rate, water flow differential pressure, voltage, water quality, cumulative load, and cumulative water flow rate shown in Figure 5. The cumulative current flow rate is the cumulative amount of current flowing through the water treatment device. It has been reported that the catalytic coating layer of oxide-coated electrodes peels off when current is continuously applied. Consumption of the catalytic layer can cause a sudden voltage increase, potentially rendering the device inoperable. Therefore, the diagnostic unit 210 uses the cumulative current flow rate as a measurement item for calculating the individual predicted lifespan. The water flow differential pressure is the water flow differential pressure of the water treatment device. Poor water flow can occur due to the inflow of oxidants or foreign matter into the water treatment device, resulting in an increase in the water flow differential pressure. An increase in the water flow differential pressure can lead to a decrease in the quality and volume of treated water. Higher internal pressure also increases the risk of water leakage. Therefore, the diagnostic unit 210 uses the water flow differential pressure as a measurement item for calculating the individual predicted lifespan. The voltage is the voltage applied to the electrodes installed in the water treatment device. The voltage across the electrodes increases due to damage to the ion exchanger caused by current, peeling of the electrode plate (catalytic layer), and scale formation (due to the quality of the water supplied to the water treatment device and operating conditions). If the voltage across the electrodes increases and exceeds the capacity of the DC power supply, the current value decreases, resulting in a deterioration in the quality of the treated water. Therefore, the diagnostic unit 210 uses the voltage across the electrodes as a measurement parameter for calculating the individual predicted lifespan. The water quality refers to the quality of the water supplied to the water treatment device. Furthermore, with long-term operation of the water treatment device, components that are difficult to exchange with ion, such as polyvalent metal ions (e.g., hardness components), accumulate inside the water treatment device. Many of these components have high selectivity coefficients for the ion exchange resins used in water treatment devices. The amount of accumulated components is referred to as the cumulative accumulated amount. The cumulative load, calculated based on the conductivity, flow rate, and various ion concentrations, can be used as an indicator for determining the cumulative accumulated amount. A large cumulative load may result in a deterioration in the quality of the treated water, an increase in voltage, and an impact on the differential pressure. Therefore, the diagnostic unit 210 uses the cumulative load as a measurement parameter for calculating the individual predicted lifespan.

[0029] Furthermore, the diagnosis unit 210 may predict the predicted lifespan by subtracting the period from the start of use of the water treatment device until the end of use (return) from the usable lifespan preset for the water treatment device (hereinafter referred to as the remaining usable lifespan), or the shortest individual predicted lifespan described above. This remaining usable lifespan can be used as a numerical value indicating the degree of deterioration over time of the components constituting the water treatment device. In other words, by using the remaining usable lifespan, it is possible to take into account the lifespan of the components constituting the water treatment device according to their deterioration over time. For example, plastics used as components constituting the water treatment device deteriorate due to ultraviolet rays and the like with use, and their strength decreases.

[0030] Furthermore, the diagnostic unit 210 may diagnose the deterioration state based on the results of measurements taken of the water treatment device from the start of use until the end of use. In this case, the diagnostic unit 210 may diagnose the deterioration state based on multiple measurement values ​​transmitted from a measuring device as needed while the water treatment device is in use, or multiple measurement values ​​stored in a storage medium such as a memory chip attached to the water treatment device while the water treatment device is in use. In this way, the diagnostic unit 210 may diagnose the deterioration state using changes in the measurement values ​​over time. The diagnostic unit 210 may also diagnose the deterioration state using the relationship between changes in past measurement values ​​and the lifespan. The change in the measurement values ​​may be, for example, the rate (slope) of change over time between two temporally adjacent measurement values.

[0031] The additional fee calculation unit 220 calculates an additional fee to be added to the basic fee based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit 210. The additional fee calculation unit 220 compares the state before use with the state after use for the water treatment device that has been used, and calculates the additional fee based on the results of the comparison. Here, the state before use is, for example, the value of the treated water quality stored in database 400 before use, and the state after use is the value of the treated water quality calculated based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit 210.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of calculation criteria for the additional fee calculated by the additional fee calculation unit 220 shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 6, a pre-use determination, a post-use determination, and an additional fee rate are stored in association with each other. The pre-use determination indicates the state of the water treatment device before use (rental) using the water treatment device as a level. The post-use determination indicates the state of the water treatment device after use (return) using the water treatment device (a state indicating the degree of deterioration) as a level. This level is based on the result of comparing the state of the water treatment device, for example, the treated water quality, with multiple thresholds. For example, if the state of the water treatment device is better than threshold A, the level may be set to A. If the state of the water treatment device is worse than threshold A and better than threshold B, which indicates a state worse than threshold A, the level may be set to B. If the state of the water treatment device is worse than threshold B, the level may be set to C. The additional fee rate is a rate relative to the basic fee described above. If the additional fee rate is "0," the amount calculated by multiplying the basic fee by "0" (i.e., 0 yen) is the additional fee. If the additional charge rate is "0.5", the additional charge will be calculated as the basic charge multiplied by "0.5" (i.e., 50% of the basic charge). If the additional charge rate is "1.0", the additional charge will be calculated as the basic charge multiplied by "1.0" (i.e., the same amount as the basic charge).

[0033] Transmitting unit 230 transmits (notifies) additional charge information indicating the additional charge calculated by additional charge calculating unit 220 to communication terminal 300. Communication terminal 300 as the destination is the communication terminal of the user who used the water treatment device.

[0034] The update unit 240 updates the treated water quality stored in the database 400 in association with the identification information of the water treatment device, based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit 210. The treated water quality updated by the update unit 240 may be calculated by the update unit 240 based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit 210, or may be calculated by the diagnosis unit 210 based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit 210. The update unit 240 compares a non-degraded level based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit 210 with a threshold. If the level is equal to or greater than the threshold, the update unit 240 updates the treated water quality stored in the database 400 in association with the identification information of the water treatment device. If the level is less than the threshold, the update unit 240 deletes the association stored in the database 400 in association with the identification information of the water treatment device. This threshold is a preset value used to determine whether the water treatment device can be reused. For example, if the state levels of a water treatment apparatus are divided into three levels, A, B, and C, using the two thresholds A and B as described above, update unit 240 changes the level stored in database 400 in response to changes in the level. At this time, when the level reaches level C, the lowest level, update unit 240 deletes the association stored in database 400 in association with the identification information of that water treatment apparatus. If the level stored in database 400 changes in this way, the basic fee calculated by basic fee calculation unit 130 also changes.

[0035] The following describes a management method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a management method in the information processing system shown in Fig. 1.

[0036] First, when communication terminal 300 receives request information based on an external operation (step S1), it transmits the received request information to management server 100 (step S2). Search unit 110 of management server 100 searches database 400 for identification information associated with the treated water quality and treated flow rate that satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from communication terminal 300 (step S3). Then, performance calculation unit 120 calculates the performance of the water treatment device to which the identification information read by search unit 110 is assigned (step S4). The specific calculation method is as described above. Next, basic fee calculation unit 130 calculates the basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the identification information read by search unit 110 and the period information included in the request information (step S5). The information transmitting unit 140 transmits the identification information read by the searching unit 110, the performance information indicating the performance calculated by the performance calculating unit 120, and the basic fee information indicating the basic fee calculated by the basic fee calculating unit 130 to the communication terminal 300 (step S6). Then, the communication terminal 300 displays the identification information, performance information, and basic fee information transmitted from the management server 100 (step S7).

[0037] The following describes a diagnostic method for the information processing system shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a diagnostic method for the information processing system shown in Fig. 1.

[0038] Diagnosis unit 210 of diagnosis device 200 diagnoses the deterioration state of the water treatment device after use (step S11). The specific method for diagnosing the deterioration state may be as described above. Additional charge calculation unit 220 calculates an additional charge to be added to the basic charge based on the deterioration state diagnosed by diagnosis unit 210 (step S12). Next, transmission unit 230 transmits additional charge information indicating the additional charge calculated by additional charge calculation unit 220 to communication terminal 300 (step S13). Then, communication terminal 300 displays the additional charge information transmitted from transmission unit 230 (step S14).

[0039] The update unit 240 also determines whether the non-degraded level based on the degradation state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit 210 is equal to or greater than a threshold (step S15). This threshold may be the threshold described above. If the level is equal to or greater than the threshold, the update unit 240 updates the treated water quality stored in the database 400 in association with the identification information of the water treatment device (step S16). At this time, the update unit 240 may also update the basic fee stored in the database 400 in association with the identification information of the water treatment device, as necessary. On the other hand, if the level is not equal to or greater than the threshold, the update unit 240 deletes the association stored in the database 400 in association with the identification information of the water treatment device (step S17). (Application example)

[0040] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an application example to which the present invention is applied. The example shown in FIG. 9 is composed of a provider 10, a maintenance provider 20, and a user business 30. The provider 10 is a business that provides a water treatment device. The provider 10 rents the water treatment device to the user business 30. The provider 10 also manages the rental of the water treatment device to the user business 30 and the return of the water treatment device from the user business 30. The provider 10 also manages contract information with the user business 30. The provider 10 in this application example is equipped with the management server 100 and database 400 shown in FIG. 1. The maintenance business 20 diagnoses the water treatment device. The maintenance business 20 in this application example is equipped with the diagnostic device 200 shown in FIG. 1. The user business 30 is provided (rented) with the water treatment device from the provider 10 and uses the provided water treatment device. The user business 30 uses the communication terminal 300 shown in FIG. 1 for communication between the provider 10 and the maintenance business 20.

[0041] A description will now be given of a method for renting a water treatment device in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a method for renting a water treatment device in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9.

[0042] First, when the user business 30 accesses the site of the provider 10 using the communication terminal 300 (step S21), the management server 100 of the provider 10 requests input information from the user business 30 (step S22). The requested input information includes contract information indicating the details of the contract between the provider 10 and the user business 30 (for example, the company name and contract number of the user business 30) and request information indicating the conditions of the water treatment device required by the user business 30 (performance, rental period information, etc.).

[0043] When the user business 30 inputs contract information and request information into the communication terminal 300 based on an external operation (step S23), the input contract information and request information are transmitted from the user business 30 to the provider 10 (step S24). The search unit 110 of the management server 100 installed in the provider 10 searches the database 400 for a water treatment device that satisfies the conditions of the contract content indicated in the contract information transmitted from the user business 30 (step S25). Here, the search unit 110 may search the database 400 for the user's identification information contained in the contract information, read from the database 400 the contract information associated with the retrieved user's identification information (e.g., the specifications of the water treatment device normally used, the rental period, etc.), and search the database 400 for the device identification information associated with the treated water quality and treated flow rate that satisfy the contract information. Alternatively, the search unit 110 may search the database 400 for the user's identification information associated with the treated water quality and treated flow rate that satisfy the conditions indicated in the condition information contained in the request information transmitted from the user business 30. Next, performance calculation unit 120 of management server 100 provided at provider 10 calculates the performance of the water treatment device (to which identification information has been assigned) read by search unit 110 (step S26). The specific calculation method is as described above. Furthermore, basic fee calculation unit 130 calculates the basic fee for using (renting) the water treatment device based on the device identification information read by search unit 110 and the period information included in the contract information or request information (step S27). Then, information transmission unit 140 of management server 100 provided at provider 10 transmits to user business 30 specification information indicating the identification information read by search unit 110 as the device available for rent and performance information indicating the performance calculated by performance calculation unit 120, as well as basic fee information indicating the basic fee calculated by basic fee calculation unit 130 (step S28).

[0044] The communication terminal 300 of the user business 30 receives and displays the information transmitted from the information transmission unit 140 of the management server 100 installed at the provider 10 (step S29). Thereafter, when a rental request for the rental of the water treatment device to which the identification information is assigned is received for the displayed information (step S30), a rental request signal requesting rental is transmitted from the communication terminal 300 (step S31). The provider 10 then registers the rental of the water treatment device in the database 400 (step S32). Specifically, for example, the usage status of the water treatment device is stored in the database 400, and the management server 100 changes the usage status to information indicating rental. The provider 10 then performs rental processing for the water treatment device (step S33).

[0045] A description will now be given of a method for returning a water treatment device in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9. Figs. 11A and 11B are sequence diagrams for explaining an example of a method for returning a water treatment device in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9.

[0046] When the user business 30 returns the rented water treatment device (Step S41), the provider 10 accepts the return (Step S42). Specifically, the management server 100 installed at the provider 10 changes the usage status of the water treatment device registered in the database 400 to information indicating that the water treatment device has been returned. When the returned water treatment device is sent from the provider 10 to the maintenance business 20 (Step S43), the diagnosing unit 210 of the diagnosing device 200 installed at the maintenance business 20 diagnoses the deterioration state (Step S44). The specific method for diagnosing the deterioration state may be as described above. The additional fee calculation unit 220 of the diagnosing device 200 installed at the maintenance business 20 calculates an additional fee to be added to the basic fee based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosing unit 210 (Step S45). Next, the transmitting unit 230 of the diagnosing device 200 installed at the maintenance business 20 transmits additional fee information indicating the additional fee calculated by the additional fee calculation unit 220 to the user business 30 (Step S46). Then, the communication terminal 300 of the service provider 30 displays the additional fee information transmitted from the transmission unit 230 (step S47).

[0047] Furthermore, the update unit 240 of the diagnostic device 200 provided at the maintenance business operator 20 determines whether the non-degraded level based on the degradation state diagnosed by the diagnostic unit 210 is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S48). This threshold value may be the threshold value described above. If the level is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the update unit 240 requests the provider 10 to update the treated water quality stored in the database 400 in association with the identification information of the water treatment device (step S49). This request is included in optional request information and transmitted from the diagnostic device 200 to the provider 10. This request also includes a value indicating the updated treated water quality. The provider 10 then updates the information indicating the treated water quality associated with the identification information of the water treatment device in the database 400 (step S50).

[0048] On the other hand, if the level is not equal to or greater than the threshold, the update unit 240 requests the provider 10 to delete the association of the water treatment device stored in the database 400 (step S51). This request is included in arbitrary request information and is sent from the diagnostic device 200 to the provider 10. In response, the provider 10 deletes the association of the water treatment device stored in the database 400 (step S52). The provider 10 also performs processing to dispose of the water treatment device or replace components constituting the water treatment device (step S53). Water treatment devices that are not disposed of are processed for reuse.

[0049] In this manner, in this embodiment, the deterioration state of a used and returned water treatment device is diagnosed, and whether it can be reused is determined based on the diagnosis results. The identification information of the water treatment device determined to be reusable is stored in a database that stores water treatment devices for rental. In addition, the information remaining in the database indicating the quality of treated water from the water treatment device is updated based on the deterioration state. In this way, the water treatment device can be reused, allowing it to be used effectively.

[0050] Although the above description has been given by allocating each function (process) to each component, this allocation is not limited to the above. Furthermore, the configuration of the components is also not limited to the above-described form, which is merely an example.

[0051] The processes performed by management server 100 and diagnostic device 200 may be performed by logic circuits manufactured for each purpose. Alternatively, a computer program (hereinafter referred to as a program) describing the process procedures may be recorded on a recording medium readable by management server 100 and diagnostic device 200, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read and executed by management server 100 and diagnostic device 200. Recording media readable by management server 100 and diagnostic device 200 include removable recording media such as magneto-optical disks, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), CDs (Compact Discs), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories, as well as memories such as ROMs (Read Only Memory), RAMs (Random Access Memory), HDDs (Hard Disc Drives), and SSDs (Solid State Drives) built into management server 100 and diagnostic device 200. The program recorded on this recording medium is read by the CPU provided in each of the management server 100 and the diagnostic device 200, and the same processing as described above is performed under the control of the CPU. Here, the CPU operates as a computer that executes the program read from the recording medium on which the program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10 Provider 20 Maintenance companies 30 User company 100 Management Server 110 Search Department 120 Performance calculation section 130 Basic Fee Calculation Department 140 Information Transmission Unit 200 Diagnostic Equipment 210 Diagnostic Department 220 Additional Charge Calculation Department 230 Transmitter 240 Update Department 300 Communication terminal 400 databases 500 Communication Network

Claims

1. A system including a communication terminal, a management server, a database, and a diagnostic device, the database stores identification information uniquely assigned to the water treatment device in association with the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device; The management server a search unit that reads from the database the identification information associated with the treated water quality and the treated flow rate that satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from the communication terminal; a performance calculation unit that calculates the performance of the water treatment device to which the identification information read by the search unit is assigned; a basic fee calculation unit that calculates a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the identification information read by the search unit and period information included in the request information; an information transmitting unit that transmits to the communication terminal the identification information read by the search unit, performance information indicating the performance calculated by the performance calculation unit, and basic fee information indicating the basic fee calculated by the basic fee calculation unit, The diagnostic device comprises: a diagnostic unit that diagnoses a deterioration state of the water treatment device after use; an additional charge calculation unit that calculates an additional charge to be added to the basic charge based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit; a transmitting unit that transmits additional charge information indicating the additional charge calculated by the additional charge calculation unit to the communication terminal; and an update unit that updates the treated water quality stored in the database based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit.

2. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The diagnostic unit measures a plurality of measurement items for the water treatment device, and diagnoses the shortest individual predicted lifespan among the individual predicted lifespans corresponding to the measured values ​​as the deterioration state.

3. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The additional charge calculation unit compares the state of the water treatment device before use with the state of the water treatment device after use, and calculates the additional charge based on the result of the comparison.

4. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, The update unit compares the non-degraded level based on the degradation state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit with a threshold value, and if the level exceeds the threshold value, updates the treated water quality stored in the database for the water treatment device, and if the level is below the threshold value, deletes the association stored in the database for the water treatment device.

5. 5. The information processing system according to claim 1, The information processing system, wherein the water treatment device is an electrodeionized water production device.

6. a database that stores identification information uniquely assigned to the water treatment device, and the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device in association with each other; a search unit that reads from the database the identification information associated with the treated water quality and the treated flow rate that satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from the communication terminal; a performance calculation unit that calculates the performance of the water treatment device to which the identification information read by the search unit is assigned; a basic fee calculation unit that calculates a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the identification information read by the search unit and period information included in the request information; a management server having an information sending unit that sends to the communication terminal the identification information read by the search unit, performance information indicating the performance calculated by the performance calculation unit, and basic fee information indicating the basic fee calculated by the basic fee calculation unit.

7. a diagnostic unit that diagnoses a deterioration state of the water treatment device after use; an additional charge calculation unit that calculates an additional charge to be added to a basic charge for using the water treatment device based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnosis unit; a transmitting unit that notifies additional charge information indicating the additional charge calculated by the additional charge calculation unit; A diagnostic device having an update unit that updates the treated water quality stored in a database that stores identification information unique to the water treatment device in correspondence with the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device based on the deterioration state diagnosed by the diagnostic unit.

8. a process of reading, from a database that stores identification information unique to the water treatment device, the identification information associated with the treated water quality and the treated flow rate of the water treatment device, which satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from the communication terminal; and a process of calculating the performance of the water treatment device to which the read identification information is assigned; A process of calculating a basic fee based on the read identification information and period information included in the request information; a management method for transmitting to the communication terminal the identification information read from the database, performance information indicating the calculated performance, and basic fee information indicating the calculated basic fee.

9. A process of diagnosing the deterioration state of the water treatment device after use; A process of calculating an additional fee to be added to a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the diagnosed deterioration state; a process of notifying additional charge information indicating the calculated additional charge; A diagnostic method that performs a process of updating the treated water quality stored in a database that stores identification information unique to the water treatment device in correspondence with the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device based on the diagnosed deterioration state.

10. On the computer, a step of reading, from a database storing identification information unique to the water treatment device, the identification information associated with the treated water quality and the treated flow rate of the water treatment device, which satisfy the conditions indicated by the condition information included in the request information transmitted from the communication terminal; a step of calculating the performance of the water treatment device to which the read identification information is assigned; a step of calculating a basic fee based on the read identification information and period information included in the request information; a program for executing a procedure for transmitting to the communication terminal the identification information read from the database, performance information indicating the calculated performance, and basic fee information indicating the calculated basic fee;

11. On the computer, A procedure for diagnosing the deterioration state of a water treatment device after use; A step of calculating an additional fee to be added to a basic fee for using the water treatment device based on the diagnosed deterioration state; a step of notifying additional charge information indicating the calculated additional charge; A program for executing a procedure for updating the treated water quality stored in a database that stores identification information unique to the water treatment device in correspondence with the treated water quality and treated flow rate of the water treatment device based on the diagnosed deterioration state.

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