Application distribution system, management device, and additional application distribution method

Abstract

An application distribution system (1) comprises: management devices (3) and a distribution server (4). The management device (3) manages equipment apparatuses (2) used by equipment users. The distribution server (4) is connected to the management device (3) over a network. The management device (3) has a standard function to control the operation of the equipment apparatuses (2), and installs an additional application that is a function different from the standard function and executes a process using data of the equipment apparatuses collected by means of the standard function. The distribution server (4) receives the additional application developed by the developer user over the network, and causes the management device (3) to install the received additional application.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an application distribution system, a management device, and a method for distributing additional applications. [Background technology]

[0002] As a method for updating a program executed by a client terminal in a client-server system, a program update method in which an update program is downloaded from a management server to the client terminal is known. For example, International Publication No. 2019 / 082738 (Patent Document 1) describes a remote management system that uses the above-mentioned program update method.

[0003] The management server in Patent Document 1 updates the programs in each home's hot water supply system. Each home's hot water supply system separates the ROM in which the pre-update program is stored into an execution program storage area and an update program storage area. The hot water supply system in Patent Document 1 then downloads the update program to the update program storage area while retaining the currently running program in the execution program storage area. In this way, in the program update method in Patent Document 1, program updates for each home's client terminal are centrally managed by the management server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 082738 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The operation of equipment such as hot water dispensers, air conditioners, and lighting equipment may be controlled and monitored by a management device installed in a building. That is, a management device may be installed in a building or other structure to centrally manage various equipment contained in the structure.

[0006] Buildings incorporating such management devices may be constructed in a variety of regions. Therefore, the climates and environments of the regions where buildings are installed vary. Furthermore, the cultures and customs of the users who use the buildings may also differ from building to building. As such, the environments in which equipment is used vary depending on the region where the building is installed and the characteristics of the users who use it, and therefore different functions may be required for the management functions of the equipment by the management device depending on the environment.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide an application distribution system that distributes to each management device that manages equipment an application that can expand management functions according to the environment in which the management device is installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The application distribution system according to the present disclosure includes a management device and a distribution server. The management device manages facility equipment used by facility users. The distribution server is connected to the management device via a network. The management device has a standard function for controlling the operation of the facility equipment, and installs an additional application that is a function different from the standard function and performs processing using facility equipment data collected by the standard function. The distribution server receives the additional application developed by a development user via the network and installs the received additional application in the management device.

[0009] The management device in the present disclosure is a management device that manages facility equipment used by facility users. The management device includes a communication device that communicates with the facility equipment and a control device. The control device has a standard function for controlling the operation of the facility equipment, and installs an additional application that is a function different from the standard function and performs processing using facility equipment data collected by the standard function.

[0010] The additional application distribution method of the present disclosure includes the steps of: disclosing information regarding the control of the standard function to a development user of an additional application to be installed in a management device having a standard function for controlling the operation of facility equipment; registering, in a distribution server, the additional application created by the development user based on the control of the disclosed standard function; transmitting, from the facility user using the facility equipment to the distribution server, an installation request to install the additional application registered in the distribution server; and installing the additional application in the management device based on the transmission of the installation request. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, an application that can expand management functions according to the environment in which the management device is installed can be distributed to each management device that manages facility equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an application distribution system including a management device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a management device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a distribution server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a development user terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a facility user terminal. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart showing a registration process of an additional application by a distribution server. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for purchasing an additional application by a facility user terminal. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an installation process of an additional application by a distribution server. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an installation process of an additional application by a facility user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical concept according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0014] <Configuration of application distribution system> 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an application distribution system 1 including management devices 3A and 3B according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the application distribution system 1 includes a distribution server 4, a development user terminal 8, an equipment user terminal 9, management devices 3A and 3B, and equipment devices 2A to 2F.

[0015] Hereinafter, the equipment 2A to 2C will be collectively referred to as the "equipment group 7A." Furthermore, the equipment 2D to 2F will be collectively referred to as the "equipment group 7B." The equipment group 7A is installed in a different location from the equipment group 7B. The equipment group 7A is installed, for example, in a building constructed in a cold region, and the equipment group 7B is installed, for example, in a building constructed in a warm region. In other words, the equipment group 7A and the equipment group 7B are installed in different regions.

[0016] Each of facility devices 2A to 2F is a type of facility device contained in a building, and may be, for example, air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, hot water supply equipment, etc. In this embodiment, facility devices 2A and 2D are air conditioning equipment with an air conditioning function, facility devices 2B and 2E are lighting equipment, and facility devices 2C and 2F are hot water supply equipment.

[0017] The management devices 3A and 3B comprehensively manage the equipment groups 7A and 7B, respectively. Management includes controlling the operation of each equipment and monitoring the operating status of each equipment. The management devices 3A and 3B are connected to the equipment groups 7A and 7B via dedicated communication lines 5A and 5B, respectively. Each of the management devices 3A and 3B is assigned a unique serial number.

[0018] The management device 3A can control the functions of the facility device 2A, which is an air conditioning device, such as switching between heating and cooling and setting the temperature. The management device 3A can also control the functions of the facility device 2B, which is a lighting device, such as controlling the on / off of the lights and dimming the lights. The management device 3A can also control the functions of the facility device 2C, which is a hot water supply device, such as starting hot water supply and changing the set temperature for hot water supply.

[0019] In this way, each of the facility devices 2A-2F provides various functions, such as air conditioning, lighting, and hot water supply, to users who use the building. Hereinafter, the functions that each of the facility devices 2A-2F has at the time of installation in the building will be referred to as "standard functions." Standard functions are functions designed by the manufacturers of the facility devices 2A-2F. Hereinafter, users who manage the facility devices 2A-2F and who own the management devices 3A and 3B will be referred to as "facility users." Furthermore, the manufacturers of the management devices 3A and B that manage the facility devices 2A-2F are the same as the manufacturers of the facility devices 2A-2F. The application distribution system 1 in this embodiment is managed by the manufacturer of the management devices 3A and B. Hereinafter, the manufacturers of the management devices 3A and B, who are also administrators of the application distribution system 1, will be collectively referred to simply as "administrators."

[0020] Each of the facility devices 2A-2F collects data generated by performing its standard functions as data indicating its operating state. For example, facility device 2A, which is an air conditioning device, collects and stores data indicating the cumulative operating time in the past, the set temperature, etc. Furthermore, facility device 2B, which is a lighting device, collects and stores data indicating the amount of time the light was on in the past, the degree of dimming, etc. Hereinafter, this data indicating its operating state will be simply referred to as "operating state data." Management devices 3A and 3B acquire the operating state data collected by the facility devices 2A-2C and 2D-2F, respectively.

[0021] Hereinafter, the equipment 2A to 2F may be collectively referred to simply as "equipment 2." Furthermore, the management devices 3A and 3B may be collectively referred to simply as "management device 3." Furthermore, the dedicated communication lines 5A and 5B may be collectively referred to simply as "dedicated communication line 5." Furthermore, the equipment group 7A and 7B may be collectively referred to simply as "equipment group 7."

[0022] The management devices 3A and 3B are connected to a distribution server 4 via a communication line 6. The distribution server 4 is a server that distributes additional applications having functions different from the standard functions to the management devices 3A and 3B. The communication line 6 is, for example, an Internet line. Hereinafter, the additional applications may be simply referred to as "additional apps."

[0023] The distribution server 4 can communicate with a development user terminal 8 and a facility user terminal 9 via a communication line 6. The development user terminal 8 is a terminal used by a user who develops an additional application. Hereinafter, a user who develops an additional application will be simply referred to as a "development user." Development users may be, for example, general construction companies, building material sales companies, application development companies, university researchers, individual programmers, etc. The facility users themselves may also develop additional applications. The facility user terminal 9 is a terminal used by the facility users. The development user terminal 8 and the facility user terminal 9 are general-purpose PCs, smartphones, etc.

[0024] <Configuration of management device> 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the management device 3. The management device 3 includes a display device 10, a control device 11, a storage device 12, an input device 20, an Internet communication device 90, and an equipment communication device 100.

[0025] The display device 10 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a display, and displays various types of information. The input device 20 is a keyboard or a mouse, and receives input from the facility user. The display device 10 and the input device 20 may be integrated into a touch panel. The facility user can switch the display content of the display device 10 by operating the input device 20. The facility user can also control the operation of the facility equipment 2 using the input device 20 and the display device 10.

[0026] The control device 11 includes, for example, one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and a memory. In the control device 11, various functions are realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the memory. Note that the control device 11 may be configured based on electronic circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0027] The storage device 12 may include a non-transitory (non-volatile) computer-readable data recording medium. The recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), or a hard disk, but may also be a medium that permanently carries a program, such as a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, an optical disk (magnetic optical disc (MO) / mini disc (MD) / digital versatile disc (DVD)), an integrated circuit (IC) card (including a memory card), an optical card, a mask ROM, an electronically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a semiconductor memory such as a flash ROM.

[0028] The control device 11 includes a standard function control unit 30, an additional application management unit 40, and an additional application control unit 50. The storage device 12 includes a standard function data unit 60 and an additional application data unit .

[0029] The following describes the configuration related to the standard functions of the facility devices 2. The standard function control unit 30 in the control device 11 monitors and manages the facility devices 2 connected to the management device 3. In other words, the standard function control unit 30 controls the facility devices 2 and acquires operating state data.

[0030] The standard function control unit 30 has an internet connection management unit 31. The internet connection management unit 31 communicates with the distribution server 4 via a communication line 6. The internet connection management unit 31 receives data related to updates, corrections, etc. of the standard function programs transmitted from the distribution server 4.

[0031] The standard function data section 60 in the storage device 12 holds data related to the standard functions of each facility device 2 connected to the management device 3. In other words, the standard function data section 60 refers to an area in the storage device 12 for holding data related to the standard functions. The standard function data section 60 includes operating status data 61, facility device information 62, and system configuration information 63.

[0032] The operating status data 61 is data indicating the operating status of the facility devices 2 described above. The operating status data 61 is collected at predetermined intervals by the standard function control unit 30 from each facility device 2 connected to the management device 3. In other words, the operating status data 61 is added or updated at predetermined intervals.

[0033] The facility device information 62 includes a communication method and a data structure for acquiring operating status data from each facility device 2 connected to the management device 3. That is, since each facility device 2 may include various types of devices, the communication method and the structure of the operating status data differ depending on the type of device. That is, the facility device information 62 stores data necessary for communication between the management device 3 and each facility device 2.

[0034] The system configuration information 63 stores the connection relationships between the facility devices 2. In other words, the system configuration information 63 includes the network configuration between the facility devices 2. Facility device 2A, which is an air conditioning device, and facility device 2B, which is a lighting device, may be connected via a network. Because facility device 2A and facility device 2B are connected to each other, when facility device 2B, which is a lighting device, is turned off, facility device 2A can turn off its own cooling function or heating function. The system configuration information 63 stores such connection relationships between facility devices 2 as a network configuration.

[0035] Next, the configuration related to additional applications will be described. The additional application management unit 40 manages additional applications, such as installation processing. The additional application control unit 50 executes the installed additional applications. In the management device 3 of this embodiment, the additional application management unit 40 and the additional application control unit 50 do not edit or write any data stored in the standard function data unit 60. In other words, the processing performed by the additional application management unit 40 and the additional application control unit 50 does not directly affect the standard function data unit 60.

[0036] The additional application management unit 40 includes an installation unit 41 and a license management unit 42. The installation unit 41 installs an additional application in response to an installation command transmitted from the distribution server 4 to the management device 3. The distribution server 4 includes a program for installing the additional application in the installation command and transmits the program to the management device 3. Hereinafter, the program for installing and executing the additional application by the management device 3 will be simply referred to as an "additional application program," and the reception of the additional application program by the management device 3 will be referred to as "downloading." The additional application management unit 40 stores the downloaded additional application program in the additional application data unit 70.

[0037] In response to a license registration command transmitted from the distribution server 4 to the management device 3, the license management unit 42 in the additional application management unit 40 performs license registration for the installed additional application. The distribution server 4 includes license information indicating that use of the additional application is permitted in the license registration command and transmits the license registration command to the management device 3. The license information includes, for example, a license number that enables execution of the additional application. The license number includes an expiration date until which the additional application is permitted to be executed and the serial number of the management device 3 for which execution is permitted. License registration in the management device 3 involves storing the license information received from the distribution server 4 in association with the additional application in the additional application data unit 70. As a result, in the application distribution system 1, by an administrator of the application distribution system 1 checking the license information stored in the management device 3, the history of installation of the additional application can be confirmed. For example, the administrator of the application distribution system 1 can identify the equipment user who purchased the additional application.

[0038] The additional application data section 70 in the storage device 12 holds an additional application program 71, which is a program for executing a downloaded additional application, and license information 72 for the additional application. Similar to the standard function data section 60, the additional application data section 70 refers to an area in the storage device 12 for holding data related to the additional application.

[0039] In this embodiment, the additional application program 71 and the license information 72 are transmitted and received from the distribution server 4 to the management device 3 via a public folder. More specifically, the distribution server 4 saves the additional application program 71 and the license information 73 in a public folder on the cloud. The distribution server 4 then transmits the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the public folder to the management device 3. The management device 3 accesses the URL and acquires the additional application program 71 and the license information 72. Note that in some aspects, the distribution server 4 may transmit the additional application program 71 and the license information 72 directly to the management device 3 without using the public folder.

[0040] The installer 41 checks whether the downloaded additional application program 71 is corrupted using a hash function (MD5: Message Digest Algorithm 5) or the like. The installer 41 also checks whether a digital signature is attached to the additional application program 71. After checking that there is no corruption and that there is no problem with the digital signature, the installer 41 installs the additional application. After the installation is complete, the additional application program 71 may be stored in an encrypted form.

[0041] The license management unit 42 checks the validity of the license information 72 stored in the additional application data unit 70 each time the installed additional application is executed by the additional application control unit 50. For example, the license management unit 42 determines whether the expiration date stored in the license information 72 has expired. If the expiration date has already expired when a request to execute the additional application is made, the additional application control unit 50 does not execute the additional application and displays a message to the equipment user that a problem has occurred with the license.

[0042] The additional application control unit 50 controls the installed additional application. That is, the additional application control unit 50 executes a program written as the additional application. The additional applications are divided into, for example, applications that send commands to the standard function control unit 30 to control the operation of the facility device 2, and applications that do not send commands to the standard function control unit 30 and are not involved in the operation of the facility device 2. In other words, the additional applications include applications that affect the control of the facility device 2 and applications that do not affect the control of the facility device 2.

[0043] The following describes apps that affect the control of facility device 2. Apps that affect the control of facility device 2 include apps that optimize energy-saving control. Energy-saving control is a process that optimizes the air-conditioning function to reduce power consumption. More specifically, facility device 2A, which is an air-conditioning device, has a heating function and a cooling function. If facility device 2A is installed in an extremely cold region, the cooling function may be rarely used and the heating function may be mainly used. On the other hand, if facility device 2A is installed in a tropical region, the heating function may be rarely used and the cooling function may be mainly used.

[0044] As described above, the way in which the facility device 2A is used varies from region to region. As a result, the optimal energy-saving control process for the facility device 2A varies from management device 3 to management device 3. For example, when the facility device 2A is used in a tropical region, the development user creates an additional application for energy-saving control specialized for use of the cooling function. This additional application sends a command to the standard function control unit 30 so that the facility device 2A performs energy-saving control specialized for use of the cooling function.

[0045] Furthermore, the processing of the facility device 2 that can be controlled by the additional application may be limited. For example, if the facility device 2 is an air conditioner used in a low-temperature warehouse for storing fresh food, a high set temperature for the facility device 2 could result in significant losses. Therefore, if the facility device 2 is an air conditioner used in a low-temperature warehouse, information for changing the set temperature for the facility device 2 is not made available to the development user. Alternatively, an upper limit may be set for the set temperature for the facility device 2 that can be controlled by the additional application.

[0046] At this time, the additional application sends commands to the standard function control unit 30 using an API (Application Programming Interface). The API is information related to the control of standard functions and indicates what commands need to be sent to the standard function control unit 30 to control the operation of each piece of equipment 2. The API functions as an interface between the standard functions and the additional application. The API is made public on the Internet to development users authenticated by the administrator of the application distribution system 1. This allows the API to be made public only to development users whose trustworthiness is authenticated by the administrator of the application distribution system 1. This enables the development user to control the standard function control unit 30 from the additional application. The API is made public by, for example, the distribution server 4. The made public information also includes a simulator for verifying the execution of the additional application. This allows the development user to verify whether the additional application they have developed operates as intended and to perform debugging work, etc.

[0047] Next, a description will be given of applications that do not affect the control of the facility device 2. The applications that do not affect the control of the facility device 2 include an application that refers to and monitors the operating state data 61 and displays a warning to the facility user. Such an additional application generates data based on the operating state data 61 and displays the data to the facility user.

[0048] More specifically, the operation status data 61 of the facility device 2B, which is a lighting device, includes the lighting time of the facility device 2B. In areas with long hours of sunlight, if the facility device 2B, which is a lighting device, is on even during the day, this can lead to wasted energy. For example, in areas with particularly long hours of sunlight, the additional application compares the lighting time of the facility device 2B with the sunlight hours, and if the facility device 2B is on even during the day, notifies the facility user of this fact.

[0049] Such additional applications do not use an API to send commands to the standard function control unit 30, but simply refer to the operating state data 61 and generate and display warning information. In this way, the additional applications in this embodiment include applications that meet a wide variety of needs from the perspective of climate, culture, etc.

[0050] The management device 3 can download multiple additional applications. To identify the multiple additional applications, an identification number is assigned to each additional application program 71. The identification number of the additional application is stored for each additional application program 71 by the additional application data unit 70. When multiple additional applications are installed in the management device 3, each additional application is executed independently of the other additional applications. The additional applications may be sold for a fee or distributed free of charge.

[0051] The internet communication device 90 transmits and receives data to and from the distribution server 4 via the communication line 6. The facility equipment communication device 100 transmits and receives data to and from the facility equipment 2 via the dedicated communication line 5. In other words, the internet communication device 90 and the facility equipment communication device 100 are communication interfaces.

[0052] <Distribution server configuration> Next, the configuration of the distribution server 4 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the distribution server 4. The distribution server 4 comprehensively manages additional applications to be distributed to the management device 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the distribution server 4 includes a control device 120, a storage device 130, and an Internet communication device 140.

[0053] The control device 120 in the distribution server 4 has the same hardware configuration as the control device 11 in the above-described management device 3. The control device 120 in the distribution server 4 includes a management device communication unit 121, an Internet connection management unit 122, an application registration unit 123, an application purchase management unit 124, and an application distribution unit 125.

[0054] The management device communication unit 121 manages and communicates with the management devices 3 that can be connected to the distribution server 4 via the communication line 6. The management device communication unit 121 manages the multiple management devices 3 connected to the distribution server 4 so that each can be identified. For example, when a facility user requests the installation of an additional application, the management device communication unit 121 uniquely determines the management device 3 that will distribute the additional application.

[0055] More specifically, when the management device communication unit 121 receives a request to install an additional application from a facility user, the management device communication unit 121 acquires the serial number of the management device 3 to be installed, which is included in the installation request. The management device communication unit 121 compares the serial number of the management device 3 stored in advance with the serial number of the management device 3 for which installation is requested, and uniquely determines the management device 3 for which installation is requested.

[0056] The Internet connection management unit 122 holds and manages the connection status of the distribution server 4 to the Internet. This allows the distribution server 4 to distribute the additional application in real time to the management device 3 on which the additional application is to be installed, in response to a request from a facility user to purchase or install the additional application.

[0057] Application registration unit 123 manages the registration of additional applications developed by development users. Registering an additional application in distribution server 4 involves authenticating the development user who created the additional application and making the additional application available for distribution to management device 3. In other words, distribution server 4 makes the additional application available for distribution to management device 3 and stores it in storage device 130 as additional application program 132.

[0058] Hereinafter, a request from a developing user to the distribution server 4 to register an additional application will be referred to as a "registration request." That is, a developing user makes a registration request to the distribution server 4 when he or she wishes to release an additional application that he or she has created. Only additional applications registered by the distribution server 4 in response to the registration request can be installed by equipment users. When making a registration request, the developing user transmits information to the distribution server 4, such as the developing user's creator name, an overview of the additional application, version information, and the price of the application. This information, such as the developing user's creator name, the overview of the additional application, version information, and price of the application, is stored as additional application information 133 by the storage device 130.

[0059] In this way, additional applications created by development users are registered in the distribution server 4. This allows an equipment user who owns an equipment device to develop an additional application to meet a need that arises only in a single equipment device. In this case, the equipment user himself becomes the development user. Alternatively, the development user may develop an additional application that meets the needs of many equipment devices and receive usage fees from multiple equipment users who use the additional application. Alternatively, the development user may develop an additional application at the request of the administrator of the application distribution system 1. In this case, the development user can also receive compensation from the administrator of the application distribution system 1 by developing the additional application. In other words, the development user can earn profits by developing the additional application in either of the above cases.

[0060] The application purchase management unit 124 manages the purchase process of additional applications by facility users. When a facility user wishes to purchase an additional application, the facility user transmits a purchase request for the additional application to the distribution server 4 using the facility user terminal 9. Note that purchase requests also include requests for distribution of free additional applications. However, for simplicity's sake, hereinafter, all purchase requests will be referred to as a "purchase request," regardless of whether the additional application is paid or free. The application purchase management unit 124 generates license information based on the facility user's completion of the purchase procedure. The license information includes a license number indicating that the facility user has been granted permission to use the additional application purchased.

[0061] The application purchase management unit 124 transmits the generated license information to the equipment user who made the purchase. The application purchase management unit 124 also stores the generated license information in the storage device 130 as an application purchase history 134. This allows the distribution server 4 to determine whether the equipment user requesting installation matches the equipment user who made the purchase request, as will be described later.

[0062] The facility user also includes the facility user's name and the serial number of the management device 3 used by the facility user as facility user information in the purchase request and transmits the request to the distribution server 4. The application purchase management unit 124 transmits the acquired facility user information to the storage device 130. The storage device 130 stores the facility user information 137.

[0063] When a facility user requests the installation of an additional application, the application distribution unit 125 receives from the facility user license information including the serial number of the management device 3 on which the additional application is to be installed and the identification number of the additional application for which installation is requested. That is, when requesting installation, the facility user transmits the license information acquired by the purchase request to the distribution server 4.

[0064] The application distribution unit 125 analyzes the license information included in the installation request and extracts the serial number of the management device 3 and the identification number of the additional application. The application distribution unit 125 determines whether the serial number of the management device 3 and the identification number of the additional application extracted by the analysis match the license information generated at the time of the purchase request. After determining this, the application distribution unit 125 saves the additional application and the license information in a public folder. Then, the application distribution unit 125 transmits an installation command and a license registration command to the management device 3 along with the URL of the public folder.

[0065] The storage device 130 in the distribution server 4 has the same hardware configuration as the storage device 12 in the management device 3 described above. The storage device 130 stores web content 131, additional application programs 132, additional application information 133, application purchase history 134, installation history 135, management device information 136, and facility user information 137.

[0066] Web content 131 is web page information for purchasing additional applications. The facility user displays web content 131 on the web browser of facility user terminal 9. Web content 131 includes list information of multiple additional applications that can be added to management device 3. Web content 131 includes the developer name of the developer user, an overview of the additional application, version information, the price of the application, and the like, which are included in additional application information 133.

[0067] The additional applications may be displayed separately on the web browser. For example, web content 131 may display apps related to energy saving control, apps related to driving data collection, etc. The order of the names, prices, creator names, etc. of the additional applications may be changeable on the web browser.

[0068] The additional application program 132 is an additional application developed by a development user and registered by the application registration unit 123. The additional application information 133 includes the developer name of the development user, an overview of the additional application, version information, the price of the application, etc. The application purchase history 134 is license information generated by the application purchase management unit 124 and includes the same license information as the license information sent to the equipment user who completed the purchase procedure.

[0069] The installation history 135 includes a distribution history of the application distribution unit 125. More specifically, the installation history 135 stores information indicating the date and time when an installation command was transmitted from the distribution server 4 to the management device 3, the serial number of the management device 3 that was the target of the installation command, and whether the installation according to the installation command was successful.

[0070] The management device information 136 includes the serial number of each management device 3 connected to the distribution server 4. The equipment user information 137 includes the name of the equipment user and the serial number of the management device 3 used by the equipment user.

[0071] The internet communication device 140 in the distribution server 4 is a communication interface similar to the internet communication device 90 in the management device 3 described above. The internet communication device 140 transmits and receives data between the management device 3, the development user terminal 8, and the equipment user terminal 9 via the communication line 6.

[0072] <Configuration of development user device> 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the developer user terminal 8. The developer user terminal 8 is a terminal used by the developer user, and is, for example, a PC capable of developing applications. In other words, the developer user terminal 8 provides the developer user with a program development environment. The developer user terminal 8 also transmits a registration request to the distribution server 4 to register the additional application that has been prepared for release in the distribution server 4.

[0073] The developer user terminal 8 includes a control device 150, a storage device 160, and an internet communication device 170. The control device 150 in the developer user terminal 8 has the same hardware configuration as the control device 11 in the management device 3 described above. Furthermore, the storage device 160 in the developer user terminal 8 has the same hardware configuration as the storage device 12 in the management device 3 described above.

[0074] The control device 150 transmits the additional application to be registered and various information in order to register the additional application in the distribution server 4. The control device 150 includes an internet connection management unit 151 and a registration request unit 152.

[0075] Storage device 160 stores development program 161, additional application program 162, additional application information 163, and registration history information 164. Development program 161 is, for example, an integrated development environment for supporting the development of additional applications. The type and product name of the integrated development environment used as development program 161 are made public by the administrator of application distribution system 1.

[0076] More specifically, the web content 131 of the distribution server 4 includes a recommended integrated development environment as information for developers of additional applications. Therefore, the development user can identify the type of integrated development environment by accessing the web content 131 of the distribution server 4. That is, the development user can use the integrated development environment used as the development program 161 for the additional application. Furthermore, the web content 131 may include, in addition to the recommended integrated development environment, specifications for developing the additional application. In this way, the application distribution system 1 makes information such as the recommended integrated development environment publicly available as information for developers of additional applications, thereby increasing the number of developers.

[0077] The additional application program 162 shown in FIG. 4 is an additional application that has been developed using the development program 161 and is ready for release. The development user develops additional applications that meet the various needs of the management devices installed in each region. The development user affixes a digital signature issued by an external certification authority to the additional application that is ready for release. This allows people other than the development user to confirm the trustworthiness of the creator of the additional application by checking the digital signature affixed to the additional application. The additional application information 163 is information such as the developer's name, an overview of the additional application, version information, and the price of the application, and is input by the development user.

[0078] The registration history information 164 includes history information about the registration of the additional application program 162 in the distribution server 4. For example, the registration history information 164 includes the name of the registered additional application program, the date and time of registration, and the like.

[0079] Internet connection management unit 151 in control device 150 performs processing to connect developer user terminal 8 to the Internet. Registration request unit 152 transmits a registration request to distribution server 4. That is, when the developer user requests that an additional application that is ready for release be registered on distribution server 4, registration request unit 152 transmits the registration request to distribution server 4. At this time, registration request unit 152 transmits additional application program 162 that is the target of the registration request and is stored in storage device 160, and additional application information 163. Thereafter, when the additional application is registered by distribution server 4, control device 150 updates registration history information 164.

[0080] The developer user terminal 8 can develop multiple additional applications. In this case, the storage device 160 stores the same number of additional application programs 162 and additional application information 163 as the number of additional applications being developed. Furthermore, when one additional application is developed by multiple developer users, the developer user terminal 8 may include two or more terminals.

[0081] The internet communication device 170 in the developer user terminal 8 is a communication interface, similar to the internet communication device 90 in the management device 3 described above. The internet communication device 170 transmits and receives data to and from the distribution server 4 via the communication line 6.

[0082] <Configuration of facility user terminal> 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the facility user terminal 9. The facility user terminal 9 is a terminal for purchasing and requesting installation of additional applications distributed by the distribution server 4. For example, the facility user terminal 9 may be a smartphone or a general-purpose PC capable of running a web browser.

[0083] The facility user terminal 9 includes a control device 180 , a storage device 190 , an internet communication device 200 , a display device 210 , and an input device 220 .

[0084] The control device 180, storage device 190, display device 210, and input device 220 in the equipment user terminal 9 have the same hardware configuration as the control device 11, storage device 12, display device 10, and input device 20 in the management device 3 described above.

[0085] The control device 180 includes an internet connection management unit 181, a purchase control unit 182, and an installation request unit 183. The storage device 190 stores facility user information 191, a purchase history 192, and an installation history 193.

[0086] An internet connection management unit 181 in the control device 180 manages the connection of the facility user terminal 9 to the internet via the internet communication device 200. A purchase control unit 182 in the control device 180 transmits facility user information 191 to the distribution server 4 when an additional application is purchased. The facility user information 191 is input by the facility user and stored in the storage device 190.

[0087] When purchasing an additional application, the equipment user accesses web content 131 of the distribution server 4. The distribution server 4 prompts the equipment user to select the additional application they wish to purchase. The distribution server 4 also prompts the equipment user to input the serial number of the management device 3 on which the selected additional application will be installed. This allows the distribution server 4 to associate and store information about the additional application to be purchased with the serial number of the management device 3 on which the purchased additional application will be installed. The distribution server 4 generates license information based on the information about the additional application and the serial number of the management device 3, and transmits the generated license information to the equipment user terminal 9. The equipment user terminal 9 stores the transmitted license information in the storage device 190, including it in a purchase history 192.

[0088] When the purchase process for the additional application is completed, the purchase control unit 182 stores purchase history information such as the purchase date and time in addition to the license information in the storage device 190 as a purchase history 192.

[0089] The installation request unit 183 transmits an installation request to the distribution server 4 to install the purchased additional application on the management device 3. At this time, the installation request unit 183 includes the serial number of the management device 3 to be installed in the installation request and transmits the request to the distribution server 4. After the installation process is completed, the installation request unit 183 stores information indicating whether the installation was successful or not in the storage device 190 as an installation history 193. The installation history 193 includes the serial number of the management device 3 to which the installation request is made, the installation date and time, the name and identification number of the additional application, etc.

[0090] The internet communication device 200 in the facility user terminal 9 is a communication interface, similar to the internet communication device 90 in the management device 3 described above. The internet communication device 200 transmits and receives data between the management device 3 and the distribution server 4 via the communication line 6.

[0091] <Registration process> The flow of processing executed in this embodiment will be shown below as a flowchart with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the registration processing of an additional application by distribution server 4.

[0092] The distribution server 4 determines whether or not a registration request has been received from the developer user terminal 8 (step S10). If a registration request has not been received from the developer user terminal 8 (NO in step S10), the distribution server 4 repeats the processing of step S10.

[0093] When a registration request is received from the developer user terminal 8 (YES in step S10), the distribution server 4 extracts the digital signature attached to the additional application that is the target of the registration request (step S20). The distribution server 4 determines whether the developer user indicated by the extracted digital signature satisfies predetermined conditions (step S30).

[0094] That is, the distribution server 4 checks the trustworthiness of the developer user who affixed the extracted digital signature, and if the trustworthiness meets a predetermined condition, authenticates the developer user. More specifically, the distribution server 4 queries an external certification authority to check whether the developer user who affixed the digital signature is included in a predetermined list of highly reliable developer users. If the developer user is included in the list of highly reliable developer users, the distribution server 4 authenticates the developer user indicated by the digital signature. In this case, the predetermined condition is that the developer user is included in the predetermined list.

[0095] If the developing user satisfies the predetermined conditions (YES in step S30), the distribution server 4 registers the additional application that is the subject of the registration request (step S40). That is, the application registration unit 123 of the distribution server 4 performs the registration process and registers the additional application as an additional application program in the storage device 130. By registering the additional application developed by the developing user in the distribution server 4, the facility user can request the purchase and installation of the registered application. If the developing user does not satisfy the predetermined conditions (NO in step S30), the distribution server 4 ends the process without registering the additional application that is the subject of the registration request.

[0096] Note that in step S40, only additional applications whose safety has been confirmed by the administrator of the application distribution system 1 may be registered. That is, if the developing user satisfies a predetermined condition (YES in step S30), the distribution server 4 registers the additional application based on information indicating that the safety of the additional application has been confirmed from the administrator of the application distribution system 1. This allows the application distribution system 1 to register only additional applications whose safety has been confirmed through screening.

[0097] In the application distribution system 1 of this embodiment, the distribution server 4 may register an additional application on the condition that the developing user has performed billing processing. In other words, the developing user pays a fee for registering the additional application and an examination fee to the administrator of the application distribution system 1.

[0098] In addition, in a certain aspect, an upper limit may be set on the data size of the additional application to be registered, which in turn makes it possible in the application distribution system 1 to prevent the additional application from occupying the memory area of ​​the management device 3 where the additional application is installed.

[0099] <Purchase process> 7 is a flowchart showing the process of purchasing an additional application by the facility user terminal 9. The facility user terminal 9 is operated by the facility user to access the web content 131 of the distribution server 4 using a web browser. Additional applications available for purchase are published on a web page owned by the administrator of the application distribution system 1, which is open to the public without access restrictions. The facility user selects the additional application they wish to purchase from a list of additional applications included in the web content 131. In response to the facility user selecting the additional application they wish to purchase, the facility user terminal 9 transmits a purchase request for the selected additional application to the distribution server 4 (step S100). At this time, the facility user terminal 9 transmits the purchase request for the additional application together with facility user information.

[0100] The facility user terminal 9 determines whether or not a paid application has been selected (step S110). If a paid application has been selected (YES in step S110), the distribution server 4 requests the facility user terminal 9 to perform billing processing, and the facility user terminal 9 displays an input screen for credit card information and executes the billing processing (step S120). The billing processing is not limited to billing processing using a credit card, but may be billing processing in which the payment is debited from a bank account pre-registered for each facility user. Furthermore, the distribution server 4 may use a subscription format for the sales format of the additional application. If a paid application has not been selected (NO in step S110), the facility user terminal 9 proceeds to step S130 without executing the billing processing.

[0101] When the billing process is executed, the distribution server 4 generates license information based on the facility user information included in the purchase request in step S100. Thereafter, the distribution server 4 transmits the generated license information to the facility user terminal 9. The facility user terminal 9 stores the license information transmitted from the distribution server 4 as a purchase history (step S130). At this time, the facility user terminal 9 also stores the purchase date and time as part of the purchase history.

[0102] <Installation process> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the installation process of an additional application by the distribution server 4. As described in Fig. 7, the facility user can request installation of an additional application for which the purchase process has been completed. As described above, when an installation request is made by the facility user, the facility user terminal 9 transmits license information to the distribution server 4.

[0103] The distribution server 4 analyzes the license information included in the installation request (step S200). The distribution server 4 determines whether the serial number of the management device 3 and the identification number of the additional application extracted by the analysis match the license information generated at the time of the purchase request (step S210). If the license information does not match, the license information may have been tampered with. Therefore, if the license information does not match (NO in step S210), the distribution server 4 adds the mismatched license information to the installation history 135 as error information (step S280), transmits response information indicating the error information to the facility user terminal 9 (step S290), and terminates the process without transmitting an installation command. The response information includes the serial number and the identification number of the additional application extracted by analyzing the license information.

[0104] If the license information matches (YES in step S210), distribution server 4 saves additional application program 132 in the public folder and transmits an installation command to management device 3 (step S220). After that, management device 3 accesses the URL of the public folder and completes the installation, and then transmits a notification to distribution server 4 that the installation has been completed.

[0105] The distribution server 4 determines whether the installation is complete based on whether it has received from the management device 3 a notification that the installation has been properly completed (step S230). If it has not received from the management device 3 a notification that the installation has been properly completed (NO in step S230), the distribution server 4 adds the error information received from the management device 3 to the installation history 135 (step S280), transmits response information indicating the error information to the facility user terminal 9 (step S290), and ends the process.

[0106] When receiving from the management device 3 a notice that the installation has been properly completed (YES in step S230), the distribution server 4 transmits a license registration command to the management device 3 (step S240). That is, the distribution server 4 transmits the license information transmitted from the facility user terminal 9 in step S200 to the management device 3. The management device 3 stores the received license information in the additional application data unit 70 as license information 72. Based on the fact that the license information has been stored as the license information 72 in the additional application data unit 70, the management device 3 transmits information indicating the completion of license registration to the distribution server 4.

[0107] The distribution server 4 determines whether the license registration is complete based on whether it has received information indicating that the license registration has been properly completed from the management device 3 (step S250). If the license registration is not complete (NO in step S250), the distribution server 4 adds the error information received from the management device 3 to the installation history 135 (step S280), transmits response information indicating the error information to the facility user terminal 9 (step S290), and ends the process.

[0108] If the license registration is completed (YES in step S250), the distribution server 4 adds information indicating successful installation to the installation history 135 (step S260), sends response information indicating successful installation to the equipment user terminal 9 (step S270), and terminates the processing.

[0109] 9 is a flowchart showing the installation process of an additional application by the facility user terminal 9. When the facility user requests installation of an additional application for which the purchase process has been completed, the facility user terminal 9 transmits an installation request to the distribution server 4 (step S300). More specifically, the facility user terminal 9 receives the installation request from the facility user via the input device 220. The facility user terminal 9 transmits the license information saved in step S130 in FIG. 7 to the distribution server 4.

[0110] After transmitting the installation request, the facility user terminal 9 receives response information from the distribution server 4. That is, the facility user terminal 9 receives the response information transmitted from the distribution server 4 in step S270 or step S290 of Fig. 8 (step S310). The facility user terminal 9 determines whether the serial number of the management device 3 and the identification number of the additional application included in the response information match the serial number and identification number in the license information included in the installation request in step S300 (step S320).

[0111] If the serial number and identification number do not match (NO in step S320), the equipment user terminal 9 determines that it has received response information that does not correspond to the installation request, adds error information to the installation history 193 (step S360), and displays an error message on the display device 210 (step S370).

[0112] If the serial number and identification number match (YES in step S320), the facility user terminal 9 determines whether the response information indicates successful installation (step S330). If the response information does not indicate successful installation but indicates error information (NO in step S330), the facility user terminal 9 adds the error information to the installation history 193 (step S360) and displays an error message on the display device 210 (step S370). If the response information indicates error information in step S330, the distribution server 4 transmits the response information to the facility user terminal 9 by the processing of step S290 in FIG. 8.

[0113] If the response information indicates successful installation (YES in step S330), the facility user terminal 9 adds information indicating successful installation to the installation history 193 (step S340), and displays a message indicating successful installation on the display device 210 (step S350). If the response information indicates successful installation in step S330, the distribution server 4 transmits the response information to the facility user terminal 9 by the processing of step S270 in FIG.

[0114] Furthermore, if a defect such as a bug is discovered after the installation of the additional application, the administrator of the application distribution system 1 contacts the development user about the defect. The development user corrects the additional application based on the contact and requests registration again. Furthermore, when a defect is discovered, the administrator of the application distribution system 1 identifies the equipment user who uses the management device in which the additional application with the defect is installed based on the license information, and urges the equipment user to stop using the additional application.

[0115] In this way, in the application distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, an additional application is installed in the management device 3 separately from the standard control function that controls the operation of the facility devices 2. This makes it possible to distribute an application that can expand the management function to each management device 3 that manages the facility devices 2. Since the facility user can request the installation of the additional application via the facility user terminal 9, in the application distribution system 1, the facility user can perform the installation process by himself, and there is no need to request the dispatch of an operator of the management device 3.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the application distribution system 1, additional applications do not affect data related to standard functions, so it is possible to encourage the development of additional applications by people other than the administrator of the application distribution system 1, and to encourage the development of a wide variety of additional applications that meet market demands. Furthermore, as the number of developers increases and competition arises among development users, the development period for additional applications desired by equipment users becomes shorter. Furthermore, according to the application distribution system 1, the administrator of the application distribution system 1 can charge development users a registration fee for registering additional applications.

[0117] Although the application distribution system 1 of the present embodiment has been described as including the developer user terminal 8 and the facility user terminal 9, in some aspects, registration requests and installation requests may be made by the management device 3. That is, the facility user accesses the web content 131 from the management device 3 and transmits an installation request using the input device 20. Furthermore, the management device 3 may accept installation commands and license registration commands using a USB memory or the like, rather than receiving the installation commands and license registration commands from the distribution server 4 via the network.

[0118] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 Application distribution system, 2, 2A to 2F Equipment, 3, 3A, 3B Management device, 4 Distribution server, 5, 5A, 5B Dedicated communication line, 6 Communication line, 7, 7A, 7B Equipment group, 8 Development user terminal, 9 Equipment user terminal, 10, 210 Display device, 11, 120, 150, 180 Control device, 12, 130, 160, 190 Storage device, 20, 220 Input device, 30 Standard function control unit, 31, 122, 151, 181 Internet connection management unit, 40 Additional application management unit, 41 Installation unit, 42 License management unit, 50 Additional application control unit, 61 Operation status data, 60 Standard function data unit, 62 Equipment information, 63 System configuration information, 70 Additional application data unit, 71, 132, 162 Additional application program, 72, 73 License information, 90,140,170,200 Internet communication device, 100 facility equipment communication device, 121 management device communication unit, 123 app registration unit, 124 app purchase management unit, 125 app distribution unit, 126 purchase history management unit, 131 web content, 133,163 additional app information, 134 app purchase history, 135,193 installation history, 136 management device information, 137,191 facility user information, 152 registration request unit, 161 development program, 164 registration history information, 182 purchase control unit, 183 installation request unit, 192 purchase history.

Claims

1. a management device that manages facility devices used by facility users; a distribution server connected to the management device via a network; The management device The equipment has a standard function for controlling the operation of the equipment, Installing an additional application that performs a process using the data of the facility device collected by the standard function, the additional application having a function different from the standard function; The distribution server receiving the additional application developed by a development user via a network; Installing the received additional application on the management device; information regarding the control of said standard functions is available; An application distribution system, wherein the processing executed by the additional application includes processing for controlling the operation of the facility equipment in accordance with information regarding the control of the standard function.

2. Further comprising a facility user terminal configured to be able to communicate with the distribution server, the facility user terminal transmits an installation request to the distribution server to have the additional application installed in the management device; The application distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution server transmits the additional application to the management device in response to the installation request.

3. a developer user terminal configured to be able to communicate with the distribution server, the developer user terminal transmits a registration request to the distribution server to register the additional application in the distribution server; The application distribution system according to claim 2 , wherein the distribution server registers the additional application in response to the registration request.

4. the additional application is digitally signed by the development user; The application distribution system according to claim 3 , wherein the distribution server authenticates the development user using the digital signature in response to receiving the registration request.

5. The distribution server generating license information indicating that the use of the additional application is permitted and granting the license information to the equipment user; the installation request includes license information generated by the distribution server; The distribution server In response to receiving the installation request, determining whether or not license information included in the installation request matches license information granted by the distribution server; 3. The application distribution system of claim 2, wherein if the license information included in the installation request matches the license information granted by the distribution server, an installation command is sent to the management device to install the additional application in the management device.

6. 6. The application distribution system according to claim 5, wherein the distribution server transmits response information to the equipment user indicating that an error has occurred when the license information included in the installation request does not match the license information granted by the distribution server.

7. The application distribution system according to claim 5 , wherein the distribution server transmits a license registration command including license information to the management device based on the transmission of the installation command.

8. the additional application is developed using a specified development program; The application distribution system according to claim 3 , wherein the predetermined development program is available to the development user.

9. 4. The application distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the distribution server executes a billing process for the development user in response to the registration request for the additional application.

10. The facility equipment is an air conditioning equipment having an air conditioning function, The application distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing executed by the additional application is processing to optimize the air conditioning function in order to reduce the power consumption of the facility equipment.

11. A management device that manages facility equipment used by facility users; a distribution server connected to the management device via a network; The management device The equipment has a standard function for controlling the operation of the equipment, Installing an additional application that performs a process using the data of the facility device collected by the standard function, the additional application having a function different from the standard function; The distribution server receiving the additional application developed by a development user via a network; Installing the received additional application on the management device; The facility equipment is an air conditioning equipment having an air conditioning function, An application distribution system, wherein the processing executed by the additional application is processing to optimize the air conditioning function in order to reduce power consumption of the facility equipment.

12. A management device that manages facility devices used by facility users and is connected to a distribution server via a network, a communication device that communicates with the facility equipment; a control device; The control device The equipment has a standard function for controlling the operation of the equipment, receiving from the distribution server and installing an additional application that is a function different from the standard function and that executes processing using the data of the facility device collected by the standard function; information regarding the control of said standard functions is available; A management device, wherein the processing executed by the additional application includes processing for controlling the operation of the facility equipment in accordance with information relating to the control of the standard function.

13. The control device transmitting an installation request to the distribution server to have the additional application installed in the management device; The management device according to claim 12 , wherein the management device installs the additional application in response to receiving an installation command from the distribution server to install the additional application in the management device.

14. A management device that manages facility equipment used by facility users and is connected to a distribution server via a network, a communication device that communicates with the facility equipment; a control device; The control device The equipment has a standard function for controlling the operation of the equipment, receiving from the distribution server and installing an additional application that is a function different from the standard function and that executes processing using the data of the facility device collected by the standard function; The facility equipment is an air conditioning equipment having an air conditioning function, The process executed by the additional application is a process for optimizing the air conditioning function in order to reduce power consumption of the facility equipment.

15. a step in which an additional application is installed by a management device having a standard function for controlling the operation of facility equipment, the additional application having a function different from the standard function and performing processing using data of the facility equipment collected by the standard function; a step of disclosing information regarding control of the standard functions to a development user of the additional application; registering the additional application created by the development user based on the control of the published standard function in a distribution server; an installation request for installing the additional application registered in the distribution server being transmitted to the distribution server by an equipment user who uses the equipment; and installing the additional application in the management device based on the transmission of the installation request.

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