Information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program, which offer improved convenience.SOLUTION: An embodiment of an information processing system includes an acquisition unit and a proposal unit. The acquisition unit acquires user information on a user. The proposal unit proposes one or more home appliances or one or more usage plans to the user, regarding a service that enables use of home appliances upon payment of a fee per period, on the basis of the user information acquired by the acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system, and Information Processing law Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Services that allow users to use home appliances by paying a fixed fee for a certain period of time have been proposed. Information processing systems used in such services are expected to improve convenience. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-16440 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing system that can improve convenience, and Information Processing law The purpose is to provide [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, an information processing system includes an acquisition unit and a proposal unit. The acquisition unit acquires user information, which is information about a user. The proposal unit proposes one or more home appliances or one or more usage plans to the user, based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, for a service that allows home appliances to be used by paying a fee for each period. The suggestion unit can propose one or more usage plans that include a combination of a higher-end model home appliance and a non-high-end model home appliance, and when the usage status of the higher-end model home appliance currently being used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the suggestion unit suggests to the user that by changing the higher-end model home appliance to a lower-end model, it will be possible to change another home appliance to a higher-end model. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the home appliance according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a device management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user information input screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the user information input screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a service management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a device DB according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a plurality of pieces of usage plan information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where a usage plan is proposed based on family information in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where a usage plan is proposed based on information about a residence according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where a usage plan is proposed based on a combination of family information and residence information in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the contents of a plurality of pieces of usage plan information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a service management server according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a service management server according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include a case where the component is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to the direct use of XX, but may also include a case where the component is based on XX after calculation or processing. In this application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This also applies when there are three or more optional elements. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information).

[0008] In this application, "acquisition" is not limited to active acquisition by sending a transmission request, but may also include acquisition by passively receiving information transmitted from another device. "Acquisition" may also include acquisition by performing calculations or processing on information obtained from outside to generate and obtain desired information. In this application, "use" and "utilization" are used with essentially the same meaning and can be read interchangeably. In this application, "database" is abbreviated as "DB."

[0009] (First embodiment) <1. Overall structure> 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home appliance service providing system 1 according to a first embodiment. The home appliance service providing system 1 includes, for example, one or more home appliances 100, a device management server 200, a home appliance management application APP for a terminal device 300, and a service management server 400. The network NW described below may be, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a low power wide area network (LPWA), a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or other public or dedicated lines, depending on the situation.

[0010] The home appliance 100 is an electrical appliance primarily used at home. The home appliance 100 is used by a user U and is installed in the user U's residence. The home appliance 100 is connected to a network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the user U's residence. The home appliance 100 can communicate with a device management server 200 via the network NW. The home appliance 100 may be, but is not limited to, a refrigerator 100A, a clothes disposal machine 100B, an air conditioner 100C, a cooking appliance 100D, or a lighting device 100E. The clothes disposal machine 100B may be, for example, a washing machine or a closet-type clothes disposal machine. The cooking appliance 100D may be, for example, a microwave oven, a toaster, or a rice cooker. For ease of explanation, the "clothes disposal machine" may be referred to as a "washing machine" and the "air conditioner" may be referred to as an "air conditioner."

[0011] In this embodiment, a user U can use one or more home appliances 100 by using a subscription service (flat-rate usage service) related to the home appliances 100. A subscription service is, for example, a service that allows a user to rent and use a home appliance 100 for a fixed monthly fee. A subscription service is an example of a "service that allows a home appliance to be used by paying a fee for each period." However, the "service that allows a home appliance to be used by paying a fee for each period" is not limited to the above example, and may also be a service with a variable fee structure in which the fee varies depending on the amount of use of the home appliance for each period.

[0012] The device management server 200 is a management server that manages the home appliance 100. For example, the device management server 200 manages the remote operation of the home appliance 100. The device management server 200 is configured by one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). The device management server 200 is capable of communicating with the home appliance 100, the terminal device 300, and the service management server 400 via the network NW. The device management server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The device management server 200 is not limited to a cloud server and may be a computer in the residence of the user U or a home router (e.g., a wireless router WR).

[0013] The terminal device 300 is a computer used by a user U. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a mobile terminal device and may be a personal computer or the like. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. The display device 301 has a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information. The input device 302 can accept input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel provided on top of the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, and the like provided in the terminal device 300. The communication unit 303 is a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M or directly. The communication unit 303 can communicate with the home appliance 100 or the device management server 200 via the network NW.

[0014] An application program P is installed in the terminal device 300, and the terminal device 300 supports the functions described below. The application program P is, for example, an application program for using the subscription service. In this embodiment, the application program P is also an application program for remotely controlling the home appliance 100. Hereinafter, application software that is started by executing the application program P will be referred to as a "home appliance management app APP." The terminal device 300 is an example of a "computer." The application program P is an example of a "program."

[0015] The service management server 400 is a server that provides a subscription service related to the home appliance 100. The service management server 400 is configured by one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). The service management server 400 is capable of communicating with the device management server 200 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The service management server 400 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. For convenience of explanation, in this embodiment, the device management server 200 and the service management server 400 are described as independent devices, but the device management server 200 and the service management server 400 may also be realized as a single device.

[0016] The service management server 400 is an example of an “information processing system.” Note that the “information processing system” referred to in the present application is not limited to the above example, and may be realized by the service management server 400 and the home appliance management app APP of the terminal device 300, may be realized solely by the home appliance management app APP of the terminal device 300, or may be realized by a combination of at least one of the service management server 400 and the home appliance management app APP of the terminal device 300 and the device management server 200.

[0017] <2. Home appliances> Next, the home electric appliance 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of home appliance 100. Home appliance 100 includes, for example, actuator 110, sensor unit 120, operation unit 130, position detection unit 140, communication unit 150, control unit 160, and storage unit 190.

[0018] Actuator 110 includes a drive unit that operates the main functions of home appliance 100. For example, if home appliance 100 is refrigerator 100A, actuator 110 includes a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a blower that circulates cool air inside the refrigerator, etc. If home appliance 100 is washing machine 100B, actuator 110 includes a motor that rotates the washing tub, etc.

[0019] The sensor unit 120 includes one or more sensors that measure, for example, temperature, humidity, voltage, current, vibration, or rotation speed. The sensor unit 120 can detect the operating state of the home appliance 100. The operating state of the home appliance 100 includes the usage status of the home appliance 100. The "usage status" is information corresponding to the manner of use by the user U, and is one or more of the frequency of use, the usage mode (e.g., the operating mode used), and the time period of use. The operating state of the home appliance 100 may also include the presence or absence of an operational malfunction (error) occurring in the home appliance 100 and the details of the malfunction. Information indicating the operating state of the home appliance 100 (hereinafter referred to as "operation information 191") is stored in the storage unit 190. The operation information 191 is an example of "information indicating the usage status of the home appliance 100."

[0020] The operation unit 130 includes operation buttons or a touch panel provided on the home appliance 100. The operation unit 130 can accept an operation by the user U regarding the home appliance 100. The operation unit 130 accepts, for example, an operation by the user U to specify or change the setting contents of the home appliance 100. The setting contents of the home appliance 100 include one or more of control amounts related to various controls, target values, thresholds, timer settings, operation modes, etc. Information indicating the setting contents of the home appliance 100 (hereinafter referred to as "setting information 192") is stored in the storage unit 190. The setting information 192 is another example of "information indicating the usage status of the home appliance 100."

[0021] The position detection unit 140 is a position detection unit that detects the position of the home appliance 100. The position detection unit 140 is a position detection unit that uses, for example, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). When the user U is permitted to acquire information indicating the position of the home appliance 100 (hereinafter referred to as "position information 193"), the position detection unit 140 detects the position of the home appliance 100 based on signals received from multiple positioning satellites, and acquires the position information 193 of the home appliance 100. The position information 193 of the home appliance 100 is stored in the storage unit 190. The position information 193 of the home appliance 100 is an example of "position information related to the home appliance 100." Note that the position detection unit 140 may be omitted.

[0022] The communication unit 150 is, for example, a wireless communication module that can be connected to a wireless router WR. The communication unit 150 can communicate with the device management server 200 via the network NW.

[0023] The control unit 160 performs overall control of the home appliance 100. For example, the control unit 160 operates the home appliance 100 by controlling the actuator 110 based on the detection result of the sensor unit 120 and the setting information 192. The control unit 160 also executes various controls to operate the home appliance 100 based on control commands from the device management server 200. The control unit 160 also transmits operation information 191 and setting information 192 of the home appliance 100 to the device management server 200 at predetermined intervals. The control unit 160 may also transmit the location information 193 of the home appliance 100 to the service management server 400 at predetermined intervals if the user U has permitted the acquisition of the location information 193 of the home appliance 100.

[0024] <2. Device management server> Next, the device management server 200 will be described in detail. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the device management server 200. The device management server 300 includes, for example, a device registration unit 210, an information acquisition unit 220, an information transmission unit 230, a device control unit 240, and a storage unit 290.

[0025] The device registration unit 210 accepts device registration of the home appliance 100. The device registration is performed based on information acquired from the home appliance 100 or the terminal device 300. For example, the device registration is performed by registering the account of the user U (hereinafter referred to as "user ID") and the identification information of the home appliance 100 (hereinafter referred to as "device ID") in the user DB 291 in association with each other.

[0026] The information acquiring unit 220 acquires operation information 191 and setting information 192 of the home appliance 100 from the home appliance 100 at a predetermined cycle. The information acquiring unit 220 associates the acquired operation information 191 of the home appliance 100 with the device ID of the home appliance 100 and stores the information in the operation status DB 292. In response to a request from the service management server 400, the information transmitting unit 230 transmits the information stored in the operation status DB 292 to the service management server 400.

[0027] The device control unit 240 manages the remote control of the home appliance 100. For example, when the device control unit 240 receives a signal for operating the home appliance 100 from the terminal device 300, the device control unit 240 generates a control command for the home appliance 100 corresponding to the received signal and transmits the generated control command to the home appliance 100. In this way, the home appliance 100 is remotely controlled.

[0028] The storage unit 290 stores, for example, a user DB 291 and an operation state DB 292.

[0029] <3. Terminal Device> <3.1 Terminal device configuration> Next, the terminal device 300 will be described. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of terminal device 300. Terminal device 300 has, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, a display control unit 320, an operation reception unit 330, an update notification unit 340, an information transmission unit 350, a position detection unit 360, and a storage unit 390. Information acquisition unit 310, display control unit 320, operation reception unit 330, update notification unit 340, and information transmission unit 350 are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on terminal device 300, executing an application program P. In other words, information acquisition unit 310, display control unit 320, operation reception unit 330, update notification unit 340, and information transmission unit 350 are software function units included in home appliance management application APP.

[0030] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires various pieces of information from the device management server 200 and the service management server 400. For example, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires information for remotely controlling the home appliance 100 from the device management server 200. The information acquisition unit 310 also acquires information for using the subscription service of the home appliance 100 from the service management server 400.

[0031] The display control unit 320 controls the content displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301 by controlling the display device 301 of the terminal device 300. For example, the display on the display screen 301a described below is realized by the display control unit 320. In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 displays, on the display screen 301a, information indicating one or more home electric appliances 100 or one or more usage plans proposed by the service management server 400 (described later) based on the user information 391 in the subscription service.

[0032] The operation accepting unit 330 accepts an operation by the user U performed on the input device 302 in relation to the home appliance management application APP. For example, the operation accepting unit 330 realizes acceptance of an operation on the display screen 301a described below.

[0033] In this embodiment, the operation accepting unit 330 includes an information input accepting unit 331, a plan selection accepting unit 332, and a home appliance selection accepting unit 333. The information input accepting unit 331 accepts input of user information 391, which will be described later. The information input accepting unit 331 is an example of an "input accepting unit." When the service management server 400 proposes multiple usage plans for the subscription service to the user U, the plan selection accepting unit 332 accepts an operation by the user U to select one usage plan from the proposed multiple usage plans. When one or more home appliances 100 to be included in the usage plan of the subscription service are selectable, the home appliance selection accepting unit 333 accepts an operation by the user U to select one or more home appliances 100 to be included in the usage plan.

[0034] The update notification unit 340 notifies the user U of a notification urging the user U to update the user information 391 (for example, information about the user U's family or information about the user U's residence). In this embodiment, the update notification unit 340 notifies the user U of a notification urging the user U to update the user information 391 by displaying a predetermined notification on the display screen 301a via the display control unit 320. For example, the update notification unit 340 notifies the user U of a notification urging the user U to update the user information 391 at a predetermined cycle (such as once a year).

[0035] Furthermore, when a change in information indicating the location of the terminal device 300 (hereinafter referred to as "location information 392") acquired by the location detection unit 360 described later satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when the user U's range of activity has moved to another area for a certain period of time or more), the update notification unit 340 notifies the user U of a notification urging the user U to update the user information 391 (for example, update information about the user U's residence). The update notification unit 340 is an example of a "notification unit." However, when the update notification unit 420 is provided in the service management server 400, the update notification unit 340 of the terminal device 300 may be omitted.

[0036] The information transmitting unit 350 transmits various types of information received by the operation receiving unit 330 to the device management server 200 or the service management server 400. For example, the information transmitting unit 350 transmits to the device management server 200 a control command related to remote operation of the home appliance 100 received by the operation receiving unit 330. The information transmitting unit 350 also transmits to the service management server 400 user information 391 received by the operation receiving unit 330 and information indicating a selection result of the user U who selects a usage plan in the subscription service or a home appliance 100 to use. The information transmitting unit 350 may also transmit location information 392 of the terminal device 300 detected by the location detecting unit 360 to the service management server 400 at a predetermined interval.

[0037] The position detection unit 360 is a position detection unit that detects the position of the terminal device 300. The position detection unit 360 is, for example, a position detection unit that uses GNSS. When the user U is permitted to acquire the position information 392 of the terminal device 300, the position detection unit 360 detects the position of the terminal device 300 based on signals received from multiple positioning satellites, and acquires the position information 392 of the terminal device 300. The position information 392 of the terminal device 300 is an example of "position information related to the user U."

[0038] The storage unit 390 stores the application program P and the location information 392.

[0039] <3.2 Example of user information> Next, a description will be given of the user information 391 received by the terminal device 300. The user information 391 broadly means information about the user U. The user information 391 includes, for example, information about the user U's family and / or information about the user U's residence.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for user information 391. Fig. 5 shows, for example, an input screen D1 for inputting information about the family of user U. The input screen D1 has an input box P for accepting input of information about the family of user U, such as the name, age, family structure, and ages of family members (such as the ages of parents, spouse, or children living together) of user U. Note that the input screen D1 may also accept input of information about the family of user U, such as the occupation of user U and the occupations of family members (whether it is a dual-income household or a household with a full-time housewife).

[0041] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the input screen for user information 391. Fig. 6 shows, for example, an input screen D2 for inputting information about the residence of user U. Input screen D2 includes an input box P for accepting input of information about the residence of user U, such as the size of the residence (such as the layout or total area of ​​the residence), the building type (such as a detached house or an apartment building), and the building structure (such as wood, steel frame, or reinforced concrete). Note that input screen D2 may also accept input of information about the residence of user U, such as the region (such as a prefecture) where the residence is located, the dimensions of the installation location of home appliance 100 (such as the dimensions of the installation locations of refrigerator 100A and washing machine 100B), or the dimensions of the entrance and the passageway to the installation location of home appliance 100.

[0042] <4. Service Management Server> 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the service management server 400. The service management server 400 includes an information acquisition unit 410, an update notification unit 420, a proposal unit 430, and a storage unit 490, for example.

[0043] <4.1 Information acquisition section> The information acquisition unit 410 acquires various pieces of information from the terminal device 300 or the device management server 200. The information acquisition unit 410 is an example of an "acquisition unit."

[0044] For example, the information acquisition unit 410 acquires user information 391 from the terminal device 300. The information acquisition unit 410 stores the acquired user information 391 in the storage unit 490 as part of a user information DB 491. The information acquisition unit 410 also acquires operation information 191 and setting information 192 of the home appliance 100 from the device management server 200. The information acquisition unit 410 stores the acquired operation information 191 and setting information 192 in the storage unit 490 as part of an operation status DB 492.

[0045] Furthermore, the information acquiring unit 410 acquires the location information 193 of the home appliance 100 from the home appliance 100. Alternatively or in addition to the above, the information acquiring unit 410 may acquire the location information 392 of the terminal device 300 from the terminal device 300. The information acquiring unit 410 stores the acquired location information 193 or location information 392 in the storage unit 490 as part of the location information DB 493.

[0046] <4.2 Update Information Department> The update notification unit 420 notifies the user U of a notification urging the user U to update the user information 391 (for example, information about the user U's family or information about the user U's residence). In this embodiment, the update notification unit 420 notifies the user U of a notification urging the user U to update the user information by sending a predetermined notification to the terminal device 300 and displaying the predetermined notification on the display screen 301a. For example, the update notification unit 420 notifies the user U of a notification urging the user U to update the user information at a predetermined cycle (such as once a year).

[0047] In addition, when a change in the location information 193 of the home appliance 100 acquired by the location detection unit 140 of the home appliance 100 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when the change is due to movement exceeding a predetermined distance), the update notification unit 420 notifies the user U of a notification urging the user U to update the user information (for example, to update information regarding the residence of the user U).

[0048] Furthermore, when a change in the location information of the terminal device 300 acquired by the location detection unit 360 of the terminal device 300 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when the user U's range of activity has moved to another area for a certain period of time or more), the update notification unit 420 notifies the user U of a notification urging the user U to update the user information (for example, update information about the residence of the user U). The update notification unit 420 is another example of a "notification unit." However, when the update notification unit 340 is provided in the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300, the update notification unit 420 of the service management server 400 may be omitted.

[0049] <4.3 Proposal Department> The proposal unit 430 proposes one or more home appliances 100 or one or more usage plans to the user U in a subscription service related to the home appliances 100, based on the user information acquired by the information acquisition unit 410. For example, the proposal unit 430 proposes one or more home appliances 100 or one or more usage plans to the user U by transmitting information indicating one or more home appliances 100 or one or more usage plans to be proposed to the terminal device 300 and displaying the information on the display screen 301a. The proposal process by the proposal unit 430 will be described in detail later.

[0050] <4.4 Storage section> The storage unit 490 stores a user information DB 491, an operating state DB 492, a location information DB 493, a device DB 494, usage plan information 495, and correspondence table information 496. The device DB 494, usage plan information 495, and correspondence table information 496 will be described in detail later.

[0051] <5. Example of proposal by proposal unit 430> The proposal process performed by the proposal unit 430 will be described in detail below.

[0052] <5.1 Proposals when starting to use the service> <5.1.1 Proposal of usage plan> In this embodiment, the suggestion unit 430 suggests one or more usage plans to the user U based on the user information when starting to use the subscription service. In this embodiment, the suggestion unit 430 can suggest, as the one or more usage plans, usage plans including a combination of a plurality of home electric appliances 100. That is, the suggestion unit 430 can suggest, as at least one usage plan, a usage plan that allows a plurality of different types of home electric appliances 100 (for example, a refrigerator 100A, a washing machine 100B, and an air conditioner 100C) to be rented together.

[0053] In this embodiment, the suggestion unit 430 can suggest, as one or more usage plans, a plurality of usage plans each having a different combination of a plurality of home electric appliances 100. "Different combinations of a plurality of home electric appliances 100" means, for example, that the types of home electric appliances 100 included in the combinations are different. For example, the suggestion unit 430 can suggest, as the plurality of usage plans, usage plan 1 which enables the refrigerator 100A and the cooking electric appliance 100D to be used, and usage plan 2 which enables the washing machine 100B and the cooking electric appliance 100D to be used.

[0054] Note that "different combinations of a plurality of home electric appliances 100" is not limited to the above example, and may mean that at least one type of home electric appliance 100 included in the combination has a different size or function. For example, the suggestion unit 430 can suggest, as multiple usage plans, usage plan 3, which enables the use of the high-end refrigerator 100A and the standard model cooking electric appliance 100D, and usage plan 4, which enables the use of the standard model refrigerator 100A and the standard model cooking electric appliance 100D. Compared to the standard model refrigerator 100A, the high-end refrigerator 100A has, for example, a larger internal capacity, can execute a special cooling mode, or has a special function such as a monitoring function.

[0055] In this embodiment, the proposing unit 430 determines one or more usage plans to propose based on a device DB 494, usage plan information 495, and correspondence table information 496, each of which is registered in advance.

[0056] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the device DB 494. In the device DB 494, for each model (type) of the home appliance 100, the type of home appliance 100, various dimensions, first classification, second classification, and whether or not each function is installed are registered in association with each other. The first classification indicates, for example, whether the appliance is a "large home appliance" or a "small home appliance." The second classification indicates whether the appliance is a "high-end model," a "standard model (mid-range model)," or a "low-end model." Hereinafter, the "standard model" and the "low-end model" will be collectively referred to as "non-high-end model."

[0057] Examples of "large home appliances" include refrigerator 100A, washing machine 100B, and air conditioner 100C. On the other hand, examples of "small home appliances" include cooking appliance 100D, lighting device 100E, and vacuum cleaner.

[0058] A "higher-end model" is, for example, a home appliance 100 of each type that has superior functions or a larger capacity than a standard model, such as the latest model of the home appliance 100. A high-end model home appliance 100 has, for example, a special function that a non-high-end model home appliance 100 does not have. A "standard model" is, for example, a home appliance 100 of each type that is equipped with standard functions, such as a model that is one or more models older than the latest model. A "lower-end model" is, for example, a home appliance 100 of each type that has fewer functions, a smaller capacity, or is older than the standard model.

[0059] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of usage plan information 495. Proposal unit 430 can propose a plurality of usage plans (for example, four usage plans A to D) set based on the size (the first classification) of home electric appliance 100, for example.

[0060] Usage Plan A (Max Plan) is a plan that allows you to rent a set of large appliances (for example, refrigerator 100A, washing machine 100B, and air conditioner 100C) and two small appliances. Usage Plan B (Large Capacity Plan) is a plan that allows you to rent two large appliances and two small appliances. Usage Plan C (Compact Plan) is a plan that allows you to rent one large appliance and two small appliances. Usage Plan D (Minimum Plan) is a plan that allows you to rent one large appliance or two small appliances.

[0061] 10 to 12 show examples of correspondence table information 496 (496A to 496C) indicating the correspondence between the user information 391 and one or more usage plans to be proposed. The proposal unit 430 determines one or more usage plans to be proposed based on the user information 391 acquired by the information acquisition unit 410 and the correspondence table information 496.

[0062] (First mode: Propose a usage plan based on the user's family information) 10 is a diagram showing a first mode in which a usage plan is proposed based on information about the family of user U. For example, when user U's family consists of one person or two people, the proposal unit 430 proposes usage plans C and D. For example, when user U's family consists of three people, the proposal unit 430 proposes usage plans B and C. For example, when user U's family consists of four people, the proposal unit 430 proposes usage plans A and B. For example, when user U's family consists of five or more people, the proposal unit 430 proposes usage plan A.

[0063] (Second mode: Propose a usage plan based on the user's residence information) 11 is a diagram showing a second mode in which usage plans are proposed based on information about the residence of user U. For example, if the layout of user U's residence is 2LDK or smaller, the proposal unit 430 proposes usage plans C and D. For example, if the layout of user U's residence is 3K to 3LDK, the proposal unit 430 proposes usage plans B and C. For example, if the layout of user U's residence is 4K or larger, the proposal unit 430 proposes usage plans A and B.

[0064] (Third mode: Proposing a usage plan based on a combination of family information and residence information) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a third mode in which a usage plan is proposed based on a combination of family information and residence information of user U. For example, if user U has a family of one person and the layout of the residence of user U is 1K or smaller, the proposal unit 430 proposes usage plan D. For example, if user U has a family of two people and the layout of the residence of user U is 2K to 2DK, the proposal unit 430 proposes usage plans C and D. Other proposal examples are as shown in Fig. 12.

[0065] <5.1.2 Proposal for home appliances> (Suggestions based on the age of family members) For example, when the family of user U includes a child of a predetermined age (e.g., an elementary school student), suggestion unit 430 suggests specific home appliances 100 suitable for a household with children as home appliances 100 to be included in the usage plan. Examples of specific home appliances 100 suitable for a household with children include refrigerator 100A with a large freezer capacity that can store a large amount of prepared food, refrigerator 100A with a monitoring function, and washing machine 100B that can execute a washing course that is resistant to mud stains.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, when the family of the user U includes an elderly person of a predetermined age or older, the suggestion unit 430 suggests a specific home electric appliance 100 suitable for a household with an elderly person as a home electric appliance 100 to be included in the usage plan. The specific home electric appliance 100 suitable for a household with an elderly person is, for example, a refrigerator 100A with a monitoring function or a home electric appliance 100 that is simple to operate.

[0067] (Suggestions based on the occupation of family members) For example, if the user U is a dual-income household, the suggestion unit 430 suggests a specific home appliance 100 suitable for a dual-income household as a home appliance 100 to be included in the usage plan. The specific home appliance 100 suitable for a dual-income household is, for example, a home appliance 100 with excellent functions for reducing the time required for housework, or a home appliance 100 that is quiet and can be operated late at night.

[0068] (Variation) 13 is a diagram showing another example of the contents of usage plan information 495. For example, suggestion unit 430 can suggest a plurality of usage plans (for example, four usage plans E to H) set based on the functions of home electric appliance 100 (the second classification described above).

[0069] Usage plan E is a plan that allows you to rent a complete set of high-end home appliances (for example, high-end refrigerator 100A, washing machine 100B, and air conditioner 100C). Usage plan F is a plan that allows you to rent one high-end model and one standard model. Usage plan G is a plan that allows you to rent one standard model and one lower-end model. Usage plan H is a plan that allows you to rent one standard model or two lower-end models.

[0070] The proposal unit 430 may propose usage plans E to H according to the user information, instead of / in addition to the above-mentioned usage plans A to D. For example, in the example described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12, the proposal unit 430 may propose "usage plan E" according to the user information 391 that proposes "usage plan A," propose "usage plan F" according to the user information 391 that proposes "usage plan B," propose "usage plan G" according to the user information 391 that proposes "usage plan C," and propose "usage plan H" according to the user information 391 that proposes "usage plan D."

[0071] <5.2 Suggestions during service use> Every time the information acquisition unit 410 acquires new user information 391, the suggestion unit 430 compares the acquired latest user information 391 with the user information 391 stored in the storage unit 490 to detect whether or not there is a change in the user information 391 (for example, a change in information about the family of the user U or a change in information about the residence of the user U). When a change in the user information 391 is detected, the suggestion unit 430 performs the following process.

[0072] Note that, in this application, "when a change is detected" is not limited to when information is updated by user U, but also includes when a change is estimated based on user information registered when the user started using the subscription service. For example, the age of user U or a family member registered when the user started using the subscription service is automatically incremented every year by the suggestion unit 430, and this may include when a child reaches a predetermined age (e.g., the age of an elementary school student) or when user U or a family member reaches a predetermined age (e.g., the age of an elderly person).

[0073] <5.2.1 Proposals based on family information> (Proposing a usage plan based on family information) When a change in information about the family of the user U is detected while the user U is using the subscription service, the suggestion unit 430 determines, based on the information about the family of the user U about which the change was detected, whether there is a home appliance 100 or a usage plan that is more suitable for the user U than the home appliance 100 or the usage plan currently being used by the user U. If the result of the determination is affirmative, the suggestion unit 430 suggests to the user U that the home appliance 100 or the usage plan to be used be changed.

[0074] An example of a case where "there is a usage plan more suitable for user U than the usage plan currently being used" is when a change in user information occurs in the correspondence table information 496 shown in Fig. 10 or 12, resulting in a different usage plan being proposed. For example, if user U has a child and the number of family members increases, the proposal unit 430 proposes a plan one level higher in place of the plan currently being used. On the other hand, if the number of family members decreases due to children becoming independent or the like, the proposal unit 430 proposes a plan one level lower in place of the plan currently being used.

[0075] (Proposals for home appliances based on family information) For example, when user U's child grows up and reaches a predetermined age (for example, elementary school student), suggestion unit 430 suggests, in place of refrigerator 100A or washing machine 100B currently in use, refrigerator 100A with a large freezer capacity that can store a lot of prepared meals, refrigerator 100A with a monitoring function, washing machine 100B that can execute a washing course that is resistant to mud stains, etc. Also, for example, when user U's family members grow older and reach a predetermined age or older, suggestion unit 430 suggests, in place of home appliance 100 currently in use, refrigerator 100A with a monitoring function, home appliance 100 that is simple to operate, etc.

[0076] <5.2.2 Proposals based on housing information> (Proposing usage plans based on residence information) When a change in information about the residence of the user U is detected while the user U is using the subscription service, the suggestion unit 430 determines, based on the information about the residence of the user U in which the change was detected, whether there is a home appliance 100 or a usage plan that is more suitable for the user U than the home appliance 100 or the usage plan currently being used by the user U. If the result of the determination is affirmative, the suggestion unit 430 suggests to the user U that the home appliance 100 or the usage plan to be used be changed.

[0077] An example of a case where "there is a usage plan more suitable for user U than the usage plan currently in use" is when the usage plan to be proposed changes as a result of a change in user information in the correspondence table information 496 shown in Fig. 11 or 12. For example, if user U moves and their residence becomes larger, the proposal unit 430 proposes a plan one level higher in place of the plan currently in use. On the other hand, if user U moves and their residence becomes smaller, the proposal unit 430 proposes a plan one level lower in place of the plan currently in use.

[0078] (Proposal of home appliances based on residence information) For example, when the user U moves from an apartment building to a detached house, the suggestion unit 430 suggests an air conditioner 100C with excellent heating and cooling performance (i.e., an air conditioner 100C with a large capacity) to replace the air conditioner 100C currently in use. This is because, in general, air conditioning in detached houses is less effective than in apartment buildings, and therefore more advanced heating and cooling functions may be required. Note that, when the user U moves from a detached house to an apartment building, the suggestion unit 430 makes the opposite suggestion to the above. In other words, the suggestion unit 430 may suggest an air conditioner 100C with a small capacity to replace the air conditioner 100C currently in use.

[0079] Similarly, for example, when the user U moves from a reinforced concrete residence to a wooden residence, the suggestion unit 430 suggests an air conditioner 100C with superior heating and cooling functions (i.e., an air conditioner 100C with a large capacity) to replace the air conditioner 100C currently in use. This is because, in general, wooden residences often have less effective heating and cooling functions than reinforced concrete residences, and therefore may require more powerful heating and cooling functions. Note that, when the user U moves from a wooden residence to a reinforced concrete residence, the suggestion unit 430 makes the opposite suggestion to the above. In other words, the suggestion unit 430 may suggest an air conditioner 100C with a small capacity to replace the air conditioner 100C currently in use.

[0080] Furthermore, when the user U moves from a warm region to a cold region, the suggestion unit 430 suggests an air conditioner 100C with excellent heating and cooling functions (i.e., an air conditioner 100C with a large capacity) in place of the air conditioner 100C currently in use. Note that when the user U moves from a cold region to a warm region, the suggestion unit 430 makes the opposite suggestion to the above. In other words, the suggestion unit 430 may suggest an air conditioner 100C with a small capacity in place of the air conditioner 100C currently in use.

[0081] <5.2.3 Suggestions based on the usage of home appliances> The suggestion unit 430 determines whether there is a home appliance 100 or a usage plan that is more suitable for the user U than the home appliance 100 or the usage plan currently being used by the user U, based on information about the usage status of the home appliance 100 currently being used by the user U. If the result of the determination is affirmative, the suggestion unit 430 suggests to the user U that the home appliance 100 or the usage plan to be used be changed.

[0082] (Suggestions based on frequency of use) When the usage status (e.g., frequency of use) of the home appliance 100 that the user U is using in the subscription service satisfies a first predetermined condition, the suggestion unit 430 suggests to the user U that the home appliance 100 be changed to a higher-end model, or a usage plan that allows the home appliance 100 to be changed to a higher-end model.

[0083] For example, when the frequency of use of washing machine 100B is higher than a first predetermined standard, suggestion unit 430 determines whether or not washing machine 100B currently in use is a large-capacity washing machine 100B (for example, a higher-end model washing machine 100B). If washing machine 100B currently in use is not a large-capacity washing machine, suggestion unit 430 suggests a large-capacity washing machine 100B as the washing machine 100 to be used in the subscription service, or suggests a usage plan that allows for renting of large-capacity washing machine 100B. For example, when the current usage plan is usage plan G shown in FIG. 13, suggestion unit 430 suggests that a higher-end model washing machine 100B can be rented by changing to usage plan F. "The frequency of use of washing machine 100B is higher than the first predetermined standard" is an example of the first predetermined condition being satisfied.

[0084] In yet another example, the suggestion unit 430 can suggest one or more usage plans that include a combination of a higher-end model home appliance 100 and a non-high-end model home appliance 100, and when the usage status (e.g., frequency of use) of the higher-end model home appliance 100 currently being used by the user U satisfies a second predetermined condition, the suggestion unit 430 suggests to the user U that by changing the higher-end model home appliance 100 to a lower-end model, it will be possible to change another home appliance 100 to a higher-end model.

[0085] For example, when the frequency of use of large-capacity washing machine 100B (e.g., high-end model washing machine 100B) is lower than a second predetermined standard, suggestion unit 430 determines whether or not currently used washing machine 100B is small-capacity washing machine 100B (e.g., non-high-end model washing machine 100B). If currently used washing machine 100B is not small-capacity washing machine 100B, suggestion unit 430 suggests a usage plan using small-capacity washing machine 100B as the washing machine 100 to be used in the subscription service.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the suggestion unit 430 suggests that changing the washing machine 100 used in the subscription service to a small-capacity washing machine 100B (for example, a non-high-end model washing machine 100B) makes it possible to change another home electric appliance 100 to a high-end model home electric appliance 100. For example, when the current usage plan is usage plan F shown in FIG. 13 and the washing machine 100B is rented as a high-end model home electric appliance 100, the suggestion unit 430 suggests that changing the washing machine 100B to a non-high-end model makes it possible to change another non-high-end model home electric appliance 100 (for example, the refrigerator 100A) currently in use to a high-end model within the same usage plan. "The frequency of use of the washing machine 100B is less than the second predetermined standard" is an example of the second predetermined condition being satisfied.

[0087] In yet another example, the suggestion unit 430 may suggest one or more usage plans that allow the user U to select either a large home appliance 100 (or a high-end home appliance 100) or multiple small home appliances 100 (or multiple non-high-end home appliances 100), and when the usage status of the large home appliance 100 (or a high-end home appliance 100) currently being used by the user U satisfies a second predetermined condition, the suggestion unit 430 may suggest to the user U that by stopping the use of the large home appliance 100 (or a high-end home appliance 100), the multiple small home appliances 100 (or multiple non-high-end home appliances 100) will be used instead.

[0088] For example, when the frequency of use of large-capacity washing machine 100B is less than a second predetermined standard, suggestion unit 430 suggests that stopping the use of currently used washing machine 100B will allow multiple arbitrary small home appliances 100 to be used within the same usage plan. For example, when the current usage plan is usage plan D shown in FIG. 19 and washing machine 100B is rented as large home appliance 100, suggestion unit 430 suggests that stopping the use of washing machine 100B will allow cooking appliance 100D and lighting device 100E, which are each small home appliances 100, to be used within the same usage plan. "The frequency of use of washing machine 100B is less than the second predetermined standard" is an example of the second predetermined condition being satisfied.

[0089] (Proposals based on usage) When the frequency of use of a particular operation mode by the user U is greater than a third predetermined standard, the suggestion unit 430 determines whether or not there is a home appliance 100 having a better operation mode that is the same as or similar to the operation mode (e.g., an operation mode for the same purpose) compared to the currently used home appliance 100. Then, when there is a home appliance 100 having a better operation mode compared to the currently used home appliance 100, the suggestion unit 430 suggests the home appliance 100 having the better operation mode as the washing machine 100 to be used in the subscription service, or suggests a usage plan that allows the user to rent the home appliance 100 having the better operation mode.

[0090] For example, if the user's usage pattern involves searching for recipes using the home appliance management app APP and transmitting heating information (e.g., heating for 5 minutes at 500W in an oven range) from the appliance management server 200 to the cooking appliance 100D more frequently than a third predetermined standard, the suggestion unit 430 will suggest a higher-end model of cooking appliance 100D as a cooking appliance 100D with additional functions that correspond to such heating information, or will suggest a usage plan that allows the user to rent a higher-end model of cooking appliance 100D.

[0091] <6. Processing flow> Next, the processing flow will be described. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the service management server 400. First, the information acquisition unit 410 acquires the user information input to the terminal device 300 by receiving it from the terminal device 300 (S101).

[0092] Next, the proposal unit 430 selects one or more usage plans from among a plurality of usage plans that can be proposed in the subscription service (for example, a plurality of usage plans registered in the usage plan information 495) based on the acquired user information, and proposes the selected one or more usage plans to the user U (S102). Next, the information acquisition unit 410 acquires the selection result of the user U who selects the usage plan and the home appliance 100 by receiving it from the terminal device 300 (S103). As a result, the home appliance 100 can be provided by the subscription service, and the user U uses the home appliance 100.

[0093] Next, the suggestion unit 430 determines whether or not the user information 391 has been updated at a predetermined timing (for example, after the update notification unit 340 or the update notification unit 420 issues a notification urging an update) (S104). If it is determined that the user information 391 has not been updated (S104: NO), the suggestion unit 430 determines whether or not the position information 193, 392 acquired by the position detection unit 140 or the position detection unit 360 has changed (S105). If the determination result of S105 is negative (S105: NO), the suggestion unit 430 waits for a certain period of time (S106), and then returns to the processing of S104. On the other hand, if the determination result of S105 is positive (S105: YES), the suggestion unit 430 issues a notification urging an update of the user information 391 (for example, information about the residence of the user U) (S107). Then, the processing returns to S104.

[0094] When it is determined that the user information 391 has been updated (S104: YES), the suggestion unit 430 determines, based on the updated user information 391, whether or not there is a home appliance 100 or a usage plan that is more suitable for the user U than the home appliance 100 or the usage plan that the user U is currently using (S108). When the determination result of S108 is negative (S108: NO), the suggestion unit 430 waits for a certain period of time (S109) and returns to the processing of S104. On the other hand, when the determination result of S108 is positive (S108: YES), the suggestion unit 430 informs the user U that there is a more suitable home appliance 100 or usage plan based on the updated user information and that the user U should change to the more suitable home appliance 100 or usage plan. Thereafter, the suggestion unit 430 waits for a certain period of time (S110) and returns to the processing of S104.

[0095] <7. Advantages> As a comparative example, consider a case where a subscription service is provided for each individual home appliance 100. In this case, even if the lifestyle of the user U changes due to moving, a change in family structure, or the like, it is difficult for the user U to change the home appliance 100 that he or she uses in accordance with the change in lifestyle. This is because, when a subscription service is provided for each individual home appliance 100, the user U needs to repeatedly sign up and cancel a subscription for each individual home appliance 100 that he or she uses. Furthermore, the user U often does not know which home appliance 100 suits his or her lifestyle, and the subscription service in the comparative example described above leaves room for improvement.

[0096] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the service management server 400 includes a proposal unit 430 that proposes one or more home appliances 100 or one or more usage plans to the user U based on the user information 391 acquired by the information acquisition unit 410 for a service that allows the user U to use the home appliances 100 by paying a fee for each period. With this configuration, the home appliances 100 or usage plans can be proposed to the user U according to the user information 391. This makes it easier for the user U to select the home appliance 100 or usage plan that suits his or her lifestyle, thereby improving convenience.

[0097] In this embodiment, the service allows the user U to switch usage plans or change home appliances used within the same usage plan. This allows the user U to change the type, model, or usage plan of the home appliances used in accordance with changes in his or her lifestyle without much burden. For example, the user U can change the type or model of the home appliance 100 used without repeatedly signing and canceling contracts for each home appliance 100. This further improves convenience.

[0098] In this embodiment, the proposal unit 430 can propose, as one or more usage plans, a usage plan that includes a combination of a plurality of home appliances 100. With this configuration, the user U can receive a proposal for a usage plan that collectively contracts for a plurality of home appliances 100. This can further improve convenience.

[0099] In this embodiment, the proposal unit 430 can propose, as the one or more usage plans, a plurality of usage plans each having a different combination of a plurality of home appliances 100. With this configuration, the user U can select, from the plurality of usage plans, a usage plan that includes the home appliance 100 that the user U frequently uses. This can further improve convenience.

[0100] In this embodiment, the suggestion unit 430 suggests one or more home appliances 100 or one or more usage plans based on information about the family of the user U. With this configuration, it is possible to suggest an appropriate type, model, or size of the home appliance 100, for example, depending on the family structure and the ages of the family members. This can further improve convenience.

[0101] In this embodiment, the suggestion unit 430 suggests one or more home appliances 100 or one or more usage plans based on information about the residence of the user U. With this configuration, it is possible to suggest an appropriate type, model, or size of the home appliance 100 depending on the structure, type, or building structure of the residence, etc. This can further improve convenience.

[0102] In the present embodiment, when a change in information about the user U's family is detected while the user U is using the service, the suggestion unit 430 determines whether there is a home appliance 100 or a usage plan that is more suitable for the user U than the home appliance 100 or usage plan currently being used by the user U, based on the information about the user U's family in which the change was detected, and if the result of the determination is affirmative, suggests to the user U that the user U change the home appliance 100 or usage plan to be used. With this configuration, the user can receive suggestions of appropriate home appliances 100 or usage plans depending on the growth, independence, aging, etc. of family members. This can further improve convenience.

[0103] In this embodiment, when a change in information about the residence of user U is detected while the user U is using the service, suggestion unit 430 determines whether there is a home appliance or usage plan that is more suitable for user U than home appliance 100 or usage plan currently being used by user U, based on the information about the residence of user U where the change was detected, and if the result of the determination is positive, suggests to user U that he or she change the home appliance 100 or usage plan to be used. With this configuration, when the user changes his or her residence due to moving or the like, he or she can receive suggestions of an appropriate home appliance 100 or usage plan. This can further improve convenience.

[0104] In this embodiment, the suggestion unit 430 determines whether there is a home appliance 100 or a usage plan that is more suitable for the user U than the home appliance 100 or usage plan currently being used by the user U, based on information about the usage status of the home appliance 100 currently being used by the user U, and if the result of the determination is positive, suggests to the user U that the user U change the home appliance 100 or usage plan to be used. With this configuration, the user U can receive suggestions for an appropriate home appliance 100 or usage plan depending on the actual usage status of the user U. This can further improve convenience.

[0105] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the proposal unit 430 proposes a home electric appliance 100 or a usage plan to the user U based on a usage situation in a home different from that of the user U. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0106] 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the service management server 400 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 410 acquires user information 391 related to users U of multiple households and information indicating the details of the subscription services used in the multiple households (the usage plans and the selected home appliances 100) (hereinafter referred to as "usage information"). The information acquisition unit 410 then stores the correspondence between the user information 391 for each household and the usage information as correspondence information 497 in the storage unit 490. In the correspondence information 497, the user information 391 is classified into several attributes based on information about the user U's family, residence, or other information, and the usage information is stored in association with the classified attributes.

[0107] When proposing a home appliance 100 or a usage plan in the subscription service to a new user U, the proposal unit 430 acquires representative usage information (e.g., the most frequently occurring usage information) from the usage information of multiple households that are registered in association with the same attributes as the user information 391 of the user U, based on the correspondence information 497, and proposes the contents of the acquired usage information (i.e., the usage plan and the selected home appliance 100) to the user U.

[0108] According to this configuration, the user U can select the home appliance 100 to use or the usage plan while referring to the usage patterns of other users U who have the same or similar user information 391 as the user U. This can further improve convenience.

[0109] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the plurality of home appliances 100 in the residence of a user U includes a purchased home appliance 100S and a home appliance 100T rented using the subscription service. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0110] 16 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a home appliance service providing system 1 according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the plurality of home appliances 100 in the residence of a user U includes a purchased home appliance 100S and a home appliance 100T rented using the subscription service.

[0111] 17 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the service management server 400 according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 410 acquires operation information 191 of the home appliance 100S from the device management server 200. The operation information 191 includes the presence or absence of an operational malfunction (error) occurring in the home appliance 100S and the details thereof.

[0112] In this embodiment, the service management server 400 includes a replacement time determination unit 440 that determines when it is time to replace the home appliance 100S. For example, the replacement time determination unit 440 determines when it is time to replace the home appliance 100S based on a malfunction state occurring in the home appliance 100S. For example, the replacement time determination unit 440 determines that it is time to replace the home appliance 100S when the malfunction state of the home appliance 100S satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when a specific malfunction occurs or when the frequency of occurrence of the malfunction exceeds a predetermined standard).

[0113] Note that, instead of / in addition to the malfunction state, the replacement time determination unit 440 may determine the time to replace the home appliance 100S based on the period of time that has elapsed since the start date of use of the home appliance 100S (for example, the date on which the appliance was registered). In this case, information indicating the start date of use of the home appliance 100S (for example, the date on which the appliance was registered) is transmitted from the appliance management server 200 to the service management server 400 in response to the appliance registration of the home appliance 100S.

[0114] When the replacement time determination unit 440 determines that the time to replace the home electric appliance 100S has arrived, the proposal unit 430 proposes to the user U a usage plan for using the same type of home electric appliance 100 as the home electric appliance 100S determined to be due for replacement (for example, when the time to replace the refrigerator 100A has arrived, the refrigerator 100A) through the subscription service.

[0115] According to this configuration, when it is time to replace the home appliance 100S, the user U can receive a proposal to use the same type of home appliance 100 through the subscription service. This can further improve convenience.

[0116] The above describes the embodiments. However, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. For example, the first to third embodiments described above can be implemented by combining them as appropriate.

[0117] Control unit 160 of home appliance 100, each functional unit included in device management server 200, and each functional unit included in service management server 400 are realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0118] Memory unit 190, memory unit 290, memory unit 390, and memory unit 490 are realized by a combination of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0119] According to at least one embodiment described above, the information processing system includes a proposal unit that proposes one or more home appliances or one or more usage plans based on user information in a service that allows home appliances to be used by paying a fee for each period. With this configuration, convenience can be improved.

[0120] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1...home appliance service provision system, 100, 100S, 100T...home appliance, 200...device management server, 300...terminal device, 320...display control unit, 330...operation reception unit, 331...information input reception unit (input reception unit), 332...plan selection reception unit, 333...home appliance selection reception unit, 340...update guidance unit (guidance unit), 400...service management server, 410...information acquisition unit (acquisition unit), 420...update guidance unit (guidance unit), 430...proposal unit.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires user information that is information about a user; a proposal unit that proposes one or more home appliances or one or more usage plans to the user based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, in a service that allows the user to use home appliances by paying a fee for each period of time; Equipped with the suggestion unit is capable of proposing, as the one or more usage plans, a usage plan including a combination of a higher-end model home appliance and a non-high-end model home appliance, and when a usage status of the higher-end model home appliance currently being used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, suggests to the user that by changing the higher-end model home appliance to a lower model, it will be possible to change another home appliance to a higher-end model; Information processing system.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires user information, which is information about a user; a proposal unit that proposes one or more home appliances or one or more usage plans to the user based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, in a service that allows the user to use home appliances by paying a fee for each period of time; Equipped with the suggestion unit is capable of proposing a usage plan in which either a large home appliance or a plurality of small home appliances can be selected as the one or more usage plans, and when a usage status of the large home appliance currently being used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the suggestion unit suggests to the user that the plurality of small home appliances will be used by stopping use of the large home appliance; Information processing system.

3. An acquisition unit that acquires user information, which is information about a user; a proposal unit that proposes one or more home appliances or one or more usage plans to the user based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit, in a service that allows the user to use home appliances by paying a fee for each period of time; Equipped with The suggestion unit is capable of proposing a usage plan in which either a higher-end model home appliance or a plurality of non-high-end model home appliances can be selected as the one or more usage plans, and when a usage status of the higher-end model home appliance currently being used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the suggestion unit suggests to the user that the plurality of non-high-end model home appliances will be used by stopping use of the higher-end model home appliance. Information processing system.

4. the proposal unit is capable of proposing a usage plan including a combination of a plurality of home appliances as the one or more usage plans. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the proposal unit is capable of proposing a plurality of usage plans each having a different combination of a plurality of home electric appliances as the one or more usage plans; The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The combination of the plurality of home appliances is different in size or function of at least one type of home appliance. The information processing system according to claim 5 .

7. the user information includes information about the user's family; the suggestion unit suggests the one or more home electric appliances or the one or more usage plans to the user based on information about the user's family; The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. the user information includes information about the user's residence; the proposal unit proposes the one or more home electric appliances or the one or more usage plans to the user based on information about the user's residence. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. the suggestion unit detects whether or not there has been a change in information about the user's family by comparing the latest user information acquired by the acquisition unit with the user information acquired in the past each time the user information is newly acquired by the acquisition unit, or determines whether or not the user's age included in the user information has reached a predetermined age based on the number of years that have passed since the user information was last registered; if a change in information about the user's family is detected while the service is being used, the suggestion unit determines whether or not there is a home appliance or usage plan that is more suitable for the user than the home appliance or usage plan currently being used by the user, based on the information about the user's family in which the change was detected; and if the result of the determination is positive, suggests to the user that they change the home appliance or usage plan to be used. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. the suggestion unit detects whether or not there is a change in information about the user's residence by comparing the latest user information acquired with the user information acquired in the past each time the user information is newly acquired by the acquisition unit, and if a change in information about the user's residence is detected while the service is being used, determines whether or not there is a home appliance or usage plan that is more suitable for the user than the home appliance or usage plan currently being used by the user, based on the information about the user's residence in which the change was detected, and if the result of the determination is positive, suggests to the user a change in the home appliance or usage plan to be used. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. and a guidance unit configured to, when the user has permitted acquisition of location information related to the user or the home appliance, provide a guidance message prompting the user to update information related to the user's residence in response to a change in the location information satisfying a second predetermined condition. The information processing system according to claim 10.

12. the suggestion unit determines whether there is a home appliance or a usage plan that is more suitable for the user than the home appliance or the usage plan currently being used by the user, based on information about the usage status of the home appliance currently being used by the user, and if the result of the determination is positive, suggests to the user to change the home appliance or the usage plan to be used. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. the suggestion unit, when a usage status of the home appliance being used by the user for the service satisfies a third predetermined condition, proposes to the user a plan to upgrade the home appliance to a higher-end model or a plan that enables the user to upgrade the home appliance to a higher-end model; The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. a replacement timing determination unit that determines when to replace the home appliance purchased by the user based on information about malfunction of the home appliance purchased by the user or the period of time that has elapsed since the start date of use; the proposal unit, when the replacement time determination unit determines that the time for replacement of the home appliance purchased by the user has arrived, proposes to the user a usage plan for using the service with a home appliance of the same type as the home appliance purchased by the user. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. The computer Obtain user information, which is information about the user; In a service in which home appliances are made available by paying a fee for each period, one or more home appliances or one or more usage plans are proposed to the user based on the user information; This includes: The suggesting step includes proposing a usage plan including a combination of a higher-end model home appliance and a non-high-end model home appliance as the one or more usage plans, and suggesting to the user that, when a usage situation of the higher-end model home appliance currently being used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, changing the higher-end model home appliance to a lower-end model will enable changing another home appliance to a higher-end model. Information processing methods.

16. A computer comprising: Obtain user information, which is information about the user; In a service in which home appliances are made available by paying a fee for each period, one or more home appliances or one or more usage plans are proposed to the user based on the user information; This includes: The suggesting step includes being able to suggest a usage plan in which either a large home appliance or a plurality of small home appliances can be selected as the one or more usage plans, and suggesting to the user that, when a usage status of the large home appliance currently being used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, the use of the large home appliance is stopped so that the plurality of small home appliances can be used instead. Information processing methods.

17. A computer comprising: Obtain user information, which is information about the user; In a service in which home appliances are made available by paying a fee for each period, one or more home appliances or one or more usage plans are proposed to the user based on the user information; This includes: The suggesting includes being able to suggest a usage plan in which the one or more usage plans can be selected from a higher-end model home appliance and a plurality of non-high-end model home appliances, and when a usage status of the higher-end model home appliance currently being used by the user satisfies a predetermined condition, suggesting to the user that the plurality of non-high-end model home appliances will be used by stopping the use of the higher-end model home appliance. Information processing methods.

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