DEVICE, DEVICE LIFE MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Patent application

Abstract

To provide a device that can make a user conscious of replacing the device before a failure occurs due to the life of a device.SOLUTION: A device includes: a measurement unit that measures an operating time of the device; a first processing unit that outputs a first notification signal when the operating time reaches a first predetermined time corresponding to a life of the device; a second processing unit that outputs a second notification signal and disables some functions of the device when the operating time exceeds a specific time after outputting the first notification signal; a first determining unit that determines whether a response signal to the second notification signal has been received; and a third processing unit that cancels the disabling of some functions of the device when the response signal is received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device having a lifespan management function, a method for managing the lifespan of a device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A management system has been proposed that can lead to preventive maintenance in equipment management by predicting the remaining lifespan of a device (an example of which is electrical equipment in Patent Document 1 described below) for users of the device based on the accumulation of operating data when the device is in operation, and notifying them of the timing of maintenance and the predicted remaining lifespan as time information that is useful in daily life.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a home appliance management device in which, based on operating data accumulated for each predetermined period T1 (e.g., one day), a data calculation unit calculates the average of the operating data for each predetermined period T2 (e.g., one week) that is a predetermined multiple of the predetermined period T1, and calculates information on the remaining lifespan of the device until new maintenance or the end of its lifespan is required by dividing the remaining lifespan by this calculation, and notifies the customer of this remaining lifespan information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-157018 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even if a customer or other user is notified that a device has reached the end of its life, the device does not immediately become unusable, and the user may continue to use the device. If the device continues to be used without a backup device, it may suddenly break down and require time to restore normal operation. Furthermore, even if the device breaks down due to being used beyond its lifespan, the user may not notice the failure and leave it unattended, which could affect the surrounding area.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to focus on such problems and provide a device, a device lifespan management method, and a program that can make users aware of the need to replace the device before a failure occurs due to the device's lifespan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The device of the present invention is a device with a lifespan management function, and is characterized by including: a measurement unit that measures the operating time of the device; a first processing unit that outputs a first notification signal when the operating time reaches a first predetermined time corresponding to the lifespan of the device; a second processing unit that outputs a second notification signal when the operating time has elapsed a specific time after outputting the first notification signal, and disables some functions of the device; a first determination unit that determines whether a response signal to the second notification signal has been received; and a third processing unit that cancels the disablement of some functions of the device when a response signal to the second notification signal is received.

[0008] The lifespan management method of the present invention is a lifespan management method for a device, characterized in that the device has a measurement step of measuring the operating time of the device, a first processing step of outputting a first notification signal when the operating time reaches a first predetermined time corresponding to the lifespan of the device, a second processing step of outputting a second notification signal and disabling some functions of the device when the operating time has elapsed a specific time after outputting the first notification signal, a first determination step of determining whether a response signal to the second notification signal has been received, and a third processing step of canceling the disabling of some functions of the device when the response signal is received.

[0009] The program of the present invention is a program used in a device having a lifespan management function, and is characterized in that it causes a computer to function as a measurement unit that measures the operating time of the device, a first processing unit that outputs a first notification signal when the operating time reaches a first predetermined time corresponding to the lifespan of the device, a second processing unit that outputs a second notification signal and disables some functions of the device when the operating time has elapsed a specific time after outputting the first notification signal, a first determination unit that determines whether a response signal to the second notification signal has been received, and a third processing unit that cancels the disablement of some functions of the device when the response signal is received. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the device, device management method, and program of the present invention, when the operating time corresponding to the device's lifespan is measured, the device administrator is notified that the device's lifespan has expired and some of the device's functions are restricted, thereby making the user aware of the need to replace the device before a breakdown occurs due to the device's lifespan. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an IP telephone system to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an IP telephone in the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an IP telephone exchange in the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the lifespan management operation for the telephone exchange by a control unit in the IP telephone exchange; [Figure 5A] 5 is a diagram showing the contents indicated by display data D1 used in the lifespan management operation of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 5B] 5 is a diagram showing the contents indicated by display data D2 used in the lifespan management operation of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 5C] 5 is a diagram showing the contents indicated by display data D3 used in the lifespan management operation of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the lifespan management operation for the IP telephone by the control unit in the IP telephone; [Figure 7A] 7 is a diagram showing the contents indicated by display data D4 used in the lifespan management operation of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 7B] 7 is a diagram showing the contents indicated by display data D5 used in the lifespan management operation of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 7C] 7 is a diagram showing the contents indicated by display data D6 used in the lifespan management operation of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a lifespan management operation for a power supply unit by a control unit in the IP telephone exchange. [Figure 9A] 9 is a diagram showing the contents indicated by display data D7 used in the lifespan management operation of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 9B] 9 is a diagram showing the contents indicated by display data D8 used in the lifespan management operation of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 9C] 9 is a diagram showing the contents indicated by display data D9 used in the lifespan management operation of FIG. 8. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] 1 shows a schematic configuration of an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone system 10 to which the device of the present invention is applied. The IP telephone system 10 includes an IP telephone exchange 11, power supply hubs 12 and 13, and a plurality of IP telephones 14 to 19. The IP telephone 14 is an administrator telephone used by the administrator of the IP telephone system 10.

[0014] The IP telephone exchange 11 controls the connections between lines for internal communication between the IP telephones among the plurality of IP telephones 14 to 19 or for communication with external lines. The IP telephone exchange 11 is connected to the power supply hub 12 via a LAN line 21, and to the power supply hub 13 via a LAN line 22. That is, the IP telephone exchange 11 and the power supply hubs 12 and 13 are capable of communicating with each other via the LAN lines 21 and 22. Each of the power supply hubs 12 and 13 is a power-supplying line concentrator that operates as a hub from the IP telephone exchange 11 via the LAN lines 21 and 22.

[0015] IP telephones 14 to 16 are connected to power supply hub 12 via LAN line 24, and IP telephones 17 to 19 are connected to power supply hub 13 via LAN line 25. That is, power supply hub 12 and each of IP telephones 14 to 16 are able to communicate with each other via LAN line 24, and power supply hub 13 and each of IP telephones 17 to 19 are able to communicate with each other via LAN line 25.

[0016] In this way, when each of the IP telephones 14 to 19 is connected to the IP telephone exchange 11 via the power supply hub and LAN line, it can start communication with the IP telephone exchange 11.

[0017] The IP telephone exchange 11, the power supply hubs 12 and 13, and the multiple IP telephones 14 to 19 are devices that can be identified by MAC (Media Access Control) addresses. These devices can transmit various data, such as control data, operation data, audio data, display data, and operating time data, to devices specified by MAC addresses. The control data includes various operational commands for each of the IP telephones 14 to 19. The operation data is data indicating the key operated when a user of an IP telephone 14 to 19 operates a key on the IP telephone. The audio data is data indicating the audio during a telephone call. The display data is data for displaying text and other content on a display unit 55 (described below) of each of the IP telephones 14 to 19. The operating time data is data indicating the operating time (described below).

[0018] LAN lines 21, 22, 24, and 25 are cables that comply with the so-called Ethernet standard. Although not described in detail, IP telephones 14 to 19 are telephones that use IP to convert voice into digital data for transmission and reception.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, each of the IP telephones 14-19 includes a control unit 51, a communication unit 52 connected to the LAN line 24, a handset unit 53 for a user to send and receive calls, an operation unit 54 consisting of multiple keys including a numeric keypad, a display unit 55, and a timer 56. The control unit 51 is connected to the communication unit 52, the handset unit 53, the operation unit 54, the display unit 55 having a display, and the timer 56, and is configured by a microcomputer that controls them. The control unit 51 controls calls and performs a lifespan management operation, which will be described later. The timer 56 measures the operating time of each of the IP telephones 14-19.

[0020] Each of the IP telephones 14 to 19 may be a PC (personal computer) with a call function, in addition to a dedicated telephone as shown in Figure 2. In this IP telephone system 10, the IP telephone 14, which is the administrator's telephone, may be a PC.

[0021] In each of the IP telephones 14 to 19, the display data supplied from the IP telephone exchange 11 is received by the communication unit 52, and when it is supplied to the control unit 51, the contents of the display data, such as text, are displayed on the display unit 55.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the IP telephone exchange 11 includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a ROM (read-only memory) 33, a timer 34, a RAM (random access memory) 35, a storage unit 36, an RTC (real time clock) 37, a power supply unit 38, an external line I / F circuit 39, an internal line communication unit 40, and an internal line I / F circuit 41.

[0023] The control unit 31, communication unit 32, ROM 33, timer 34, RAM 35, memory unit 36, RTC 37, power supply unit 38, external line I / F circuit 39, internal line communication unit 40, and internal line I / F circuit 41 are connected to a bus 45, enabling commands and data to be exchanged via the bus 45.

[0024] The control unit 31 is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the telephone exchange by executing programs (including system BIOS) pre-written in the ROM 33. The control unit 31 also performs lifespan management operations in accordance with the programs pre-written in the ROM 33.

[0025] The communication unit 32 communicates with each of the IP telephones 14 to 16 via the LAN line 21 under the control of the control unit 31. The timer 34 measures time in response to a command from the control unit 31.

[0026] The ROM 33 is a non-volatile memory (FROM: FLASH ROM), and in addition to the above-mentioned programs being written in advance to the ROM 33, the control unit 31 also writes the operating time of the IP telephone exchange 11 as data. The control unit 31 also writes the operating time of each of the IP telephones 17 to 19 as data to the ROM 33 in association with the MAC address of each of the IP telephones 17 to 19.

[0027] The RAM 35 is used by the control unit 31 to write or read temporary communication control data.

[0028] The storage unit 36 ​​is made up of, for example, a semiconductor memory, and stores data in response to commands from the control unit 31 .

[0029] The power supply unit 38 includes an AC power supply circuit 46, a DC power supply circuit 47, a battery 48, and a ROM 49. The AC power supply circuit 46 receives AC power, which is a commercial power source, from the outside via the power supply line 26, and transforms and rectifies it before outputting it. When the output voltage of the AC power supply circuit 46 is detected, the DC power supply circuit 47 constant-voltages the output voltage of the AC power supply circuit 46 and outputs it as a power supply voltage from the DC output terminal, and when the output voltage of the AC power supply circuit 46 is not detected, the DC power supply circuit 47 constant-voltages the output terminal voltage of the battery 48 and outputs it as a power supply voltage from the DC output terminal. The power supply voltage output from the DC output terminal of the DC power supply circuit 47 is supplied as an operating voltage to the above-mentioned components within the IP telephone exchange 11.

[0030] ROM 49 is a non-volatile memory (EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and is connected to bus 45. The power supply unit ID (identification code) and operating time are written as data into ROM 49. The power supply unit ID is an identification code assigned in advance. For example, when the power supply unit 38 is produced, the operating time is written to ROM 49 in association with the power supply unit ID as 0 hours.

[0031] The power supply unit 38 is provided detachably to the IP telephone exchange 11 by means of, for example, a connector (not shown).

[0032] The external line I / F circuit 39 communicates via the telephone line 27 under the control of the control unit 31. The telephone line 27 is connected to an external line provided by a telecommunications carrier. The internal line communication unit 40 communicates with each of the IP telephones 17 to 19 via the LAN line 22 under the control of the control unit 31. The internal line I / F circuit 41 communicates via the internal telephone line 28 under the control of the control unit 31.

[0033] Next, the lifespan management operation for the IP telephone exchange 11 in the IP telephone system 10 configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0034] First, when power supply voltage is supplied from power supply unit 38 to IP telephone exchange 11 and operation of IP telephone exchange 11 is started, control unit 31 causes timer 34 to start measuring the operating time (step S11). Timer 34 starts measuring the operating time in response to a command from control unit 31, and after starting, continues to measure the operating time as long as power supply voltage is being supplied from power supply unit 38. The initial value of the operating time is 0 hours. Step S11 corresponds to the measuring unit.

[0035] While the IP telephone exchange 11 is in operation, the control unit 31 determines whether the operating time has exceeded six years (a second predetermined time) (step S12). The lifespan of the IP telephone exchange 11 used in the IP telephone system 10 corresponds to seven years of operating time. If the operating time is six years, this corresponds to the operating time one year ago in terms of the lifespan of the IP telephone exchange 11. In step S12, the control unit 31 takes in the operating time being measured by the timer 34 as data, and determines whether the operating time has exceeded the equivalent of six years.

[0036] If the operating time exceeds a time equivalent to six years, the control unit 31 commands the transmission of display data D1 to the IP telephone 14 of the administrator telephone (step S13). The display data D1 commanded to be transmitted in step S13 is, for example, data indicating "This exchange has been in operation for six years," as shown in FIG. 5A. The transmission command in step S13 is supplied from the control unit 31 to the communication unit 32. In response to the transmission command, the communication unit 32 transmits the display data D1, which is then supplied to the IP telephone 14 via the LAN line 21, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 24. The IP telephone 14 then displays the content indicated by the supplied display data D1 on the display unit 55. Steps S12 and S13 correspond to a fourth processing unit.

[0037] The administrator, who is the user of the IP telephone 14, checks the display content on the display unit 55 and then operates a setting key (not shown) on the operation unit 54 of the IP telephone 14. The setting key is specified in advance. Note that a prompt to operate the setting key after checking the display content may be displayed together with the content shown in display data D1 in FIG. 5A. When the setting key is operated on the IP telephone 14, operation data indicating that setting key is created by the control unit 51. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit 52 of the IP telephone 14 under the control of the control unit 51 and supplied to the communication unit 32 of the IP telephone exchange 11 via the LAN line 24, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 21. The operation data received by the communication unit 32 is supplied to the control unit 31.

[0038] After executing step S13, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the setting key has been operated (step S14). In step S14, operation data received by the communication unit 32 is supplied to the control unit 31, and if the operation data indicates an operation of the setting key, the control unit 31 determines that the setting key has been operated. If the control unit 31 determines that the setting key has been operated, it commands the IP telephone 14 to send control data indicating a display clear command (step S15). The send command in step S15 is supplied from the control unit 31 to the communication unit 32. In response to the send command, the communication unit 32 sends the control data, which is then supplied to the IP telephone 14 via the LAN line 21, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 24. Then, in the IP telephone 14, the control unit 51 clears the display on the display unit 55 based on the display data D1 in response to the supplied control data.

[0039] In this way, when the operating time of IP telephone exchange 11 exceeds the equivalent of six years, the administrator is notified that the operating time of IP telephone exchange 11 has exceeded six years, so that the administrator knows that there is one year left in the life of IP telephone exchange 11, which makes the administrator aware of the need to prepare for replacement of IP telephone exchange 11. Furthermore, when the operating time exceeds six years, normal operation of IP telephone exchange 11 continues.

[0040] After executing step S15, the control unit 31 determines whether the operating time of the IP telephone exchange 11 exceeds seven years (first predetermined time) (step S16). As described above, seven years of operating time indicates that the IP telephone exchange 11 has reached the end of its lifespan.

[0041] If the operating time exceeds a time equivalent to seven years, the control unit 31 commands the transmission of display data D2 to the IP telephone 14 of the administrator telephone (step S17). The display data D2 commanded to be transmitted in step S17 is, for example, data indicating "This exchange has been in use for seven years. Periodic cancellation operation is required," as shown in FIG. 5B. The transmission command in step S17 is supplied from the control unit 31 to the communication unit 32. In response to the transmission command, the communication unit 32 transmits the display data D2, which is then supplied to the IP telephone 14 via the LAN line 21, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 24. The IP telephone 14 then displays the content indicated by the supplied display data D2 on the display unit 55. Steps S16 and S17 correspond to a first processing unit, and the display data D2 corresponds to a first notification signal.

[0042] The administrator of the IP telephone 14 checks the contents displayed on the display unit 55 and then operates a setting key on the operation unit 54 of the IP telephone 14. When a setting key is operated on the IP telephone 14, operation data indicating that setting key is created by the control unit 51. The operation data is sent from the communication unit 52 of the IP telephone 14 under the control of the control unit 51, and is supplied to the communication unit 32 of the IP telephone exchange 11 via the LAN line 24, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 21. The operation data received by the communication unit 32 is supplied to the control unit 31.

[0043] After executing step S17, the control unit 31 determines whether the setting key has been operated (step S18). If the control unit 31 determines that the setting key has been operated, it commands the IP telephone 14 to send control data indicating a display clear command (step S19). Steps S18 and S19 are the same as steps S14 and S15. When the control data is supplied from the communication unit 32 to the IP telephone 14 in response to the transmission command of step S19, the control unit 51 of the IP telephone 14 clears the display based on the display data D2 on the display unit 55 in response to the supplied control data. Step S18 corresponds to a second determination unit, and the operation data received by the communication unit 32 corresponds to a response signal.

[0044] In this way, when the operating time of IP telephone exchange 11 exceeds seven years, the administrator is notified that the operating time of IP telephone exchange 11 has exceeded seven years, i.e., that IP telephone exchange 11 has reached the end of its life. This end-of-life notification makes the administrator aware that IP telephone exchange 11 needs to be replaced with a new one. If IP telephone exchange 11 is not replaced after the operating time of IP telephone exchange 11 exceeds seven years, the functions of IP telephone exchange 11 will be limited as described below.

[0045] The control unit 31 determines whether a preset specific time has elapsed after step S19 is executed (step S20). The specific time in step S20 is the time during which the functional restrictions imposed by the IP telephone exchange 11 are temporarily lifted after the IP telephone exchange 11 has been in operation for more than seven years. During the specific time, the IP telephone exchange 11 operates normally. On the other hand, outside of the specific time, the functions of the IP telephone exchange 11 are restricted. The control unit 31 uses a timer 34 to measure the specific time.

[0046] If the control unit 31 determines in step S20 that the specific time has elapsed, it restricts functions relating to outgoing calls, incoming calls, and calls made by the IP telephone exchange 11 to each of the IP telephones 14 to 19 (step S21).

[0047] The function restriction in step S21 means, for example, that even if each of the IP telephones 14 to 19 makes a call, the control unit 31 of the IP telephone exchange 11 ignores the call and stops the call control operation and call control operation for the called party, i.e., a part of the telephone exchange control operation of the IP telephone exchange 11. However, even during the function restriction, the key operation of the operation unit 54 of each of the IP telephones 14 to 19 and the display function of the display unit 55 are enabled.

[0048] In step S21, some functions of the IP telephone exchange 11 are disabled for all of the IP telephones 14 to 19, but some functions of the IP telephone exchange 11 may be disabled only for the IP telephone 14 for the administrator.

[0049] When the control unit 31 starts the function restriction in step S21, it commands the transmission of display data D3 to the IP telephone 14 of the administrator telephone (step S22). The display data D3 commanded to be transmitted in step S22 is, for example, data indicating "This exchange has been in use for seven years. A cancellation operation is required to continue operation," as shown in FIG. 5C. The transmission command in step S22 is supplied from the control unit 31 to the communication unit 32. In response to the transmission command, the communication unit 32 transmits the display data D3, which is then supplied to the IP telephone 14 via the LAN line 21, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 24. The IP telephone 14 then displays the content indicated by the supplied display data D3 on the display unit 55. Steps S20 to S22 correspond to a second processing unit.

[0050] The administrator of the IP telephone 14 checks the contents displayed on the display unit 55 and then operates a setting key on the operation unit 54 of the IP telephone 14. When a setting key is operated on the IP telephone 14, operation data indicating that setting key is created by the control unit 51. The operation data is sent from the communication unit 52 of the IP telephone 14 under the control of the control unit 51, and is supplied to the communication unit 32 of the IP telephone exchange 11 via the LAN line 24, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 21. The operation data received by the communication unit 32 is supplied to the control unit 31.

[0051] After executing step S22, the control unit 31 determines whether the setting key has been operated (step S23). If the control unit 31 determines that the setting key has been operated, it commands the IP telephone 14 to send control data indicating a display clear command (step S24), releases the function restriction of step S21, and returns to normal operation (step S25). Step S23 corresponds to a first determination unit, and the operation data received by the communication unit 32 corresponds to a response signal. Furthermore, step S25 corresponds to a third processing unit.

[0052] When control data is supplied from the communication unit 32 to the IP telephone 14 in response to the transmission command in step S24, the control unit 51 in the IP telephone 14 clears the display data D3 displayed on the display unit 55 in response to the supplied control data. In step S25, the control unit 31 performs all control operations, so telephone switching operations are resumed through normal operation of the IP telephone exchange 11. After executing step S25, the control unit 31 executes step S20 again. As described above, step S20 determines whether the specific time has elapsed, so normal operation of the resumed IP telephone exchange 11 is restored only for the specific time, and after the specific time has elapsed, functional restrictions are again implemented. The administrator is requested to replace the IP telephone exchange 11.

[0053] 4, if the lifespan of IP telephone exchange 11 is set to seven years, when the number of years of operation exceeds seven, the administrator of IP telephone exchange 11 is notified that the lifespan of IP telephone exchange 11 has come to an end and some of the functions of IP telephone exchange 11 are restricted, so that the administrator can be made aware of the need to replace IP telephone exchange 11 before a breakdown occurs due to the lifespan of IP telephone exchange 11. Also, because the administrator can temporarily release some of the function restrictions of IP telephone exchange 11 for a specific period of time by operating the setting key on IP telephone 14, the administrator can use IP telephone exchange 11 while being aware of the need to replace IP telephone exchange 11.

[0054] Next, the lifespan management operation for each of the IP telephones 14 to 19 in the IP telephone system 10 configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 6. Note that the lifespan management operation for each of the IP telephones 14 to 19 is the same, so the explanation will be limited to the lifespan management operation for the IP telephone 14.

[0055] When the IP telephone 14 is connected to the IP telephone exchange 11 so that it can communicate with the IP telephone exchange 11, the control unit 51 begins communication with the IP telephone exchange 11 and requests its own uptime (step S31). Specifically, when the IP telephone 14 is connected to the IP telephone exchange 11 via the LAN line 24, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 21, the IP telephone 14 becomes able to communicate with the IP telephone exchange 11. In the IP telephone exchange 11, the uptime request of step S31 is supplied to the control unit 31 via the communication unit 32. In response to the uptime request, the control unit 31 reads the uptime corresponding to the MAC address of the IP telephone 14 from the ROM 33 and causes the communication unit 32 to transmit the uptime as uptime data to the IP telephone 14. Thus, the uptime data is sent from the IP telephone exchange 11 to the IP telephone 14 via the LAN line 21, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 24.

[0056] In the IP telephone 14, the control unit 51 receives the operating time data via the communication unit 52 (step S32), sets the operating time indicated by the operating time data in the timer 56, and starts measuring time from the set operating time (step S33). The time measured by the timer 56 indicates the operating time of the IP telephone 14 when the IP telephone 14 is connected to the IP telephone exchange 11 so as to be able to communicate with the IP telephone 14. Furthermore, when one hour has elapsed since timer 56 started measuring the operating time, control unit 51 causes IP telephone exchange 11 to transmit operating time data indicating the operating time at that time (step S34). The operating time data is transmitted by communication unit 52 to IP telephone exchange 11 and supplied to IP telephone exchange 11 via LAN line 24, power supply hub 12, and LAN line 21. When communication unit 32 in IP telephone exchange 11 receives the operating time data, it supplies the operating time data to control unit 31. Control unit 31 overwrites and updates the operating time corresponding to the MAC address of IP telephone 14 in ROM 33 with the operating time indicated by the operating time data.

[0057] After executing step S34, control unit 51 determines whether the operating time has exceeded six years (step S35). The lifespan of IP telephones 14-19 used in IP telephone system 10 corresponds to seven years of operating time. If the operating time is six years, that is the operating time one year ago in terms of the lifespan of IP telephone 14. In step S35, control unit 51 takes in the operating time being measured by timer 56 as data, and determines whether the operating time has exceeded the equivalent of six years.

[0058] If the operating time has not exceeded the time equivalent to six years, the control unit 51 repeats the execution of steps S32 to S35. If the operating time has exceeded the time equivalent to six years, the control unit 51 supplies display data D4 to the display unit 55 to display the content indicated by the display data D4 (step S36). The display data D4 can be stored in advance in a memory (not shown) within the control unit 51 together with display data D5 and D6, which will be described later. For example, the content indicated by the display data D4 is "This telephone has been in use for six years," as shown in FIG. 7A. Such content is displayed by the display unit 55.

[0059] After executing step S36, control unit 51 determines whether the setting key on operation unit 54 has been operated (step S37). After checking the display content of display unit 55, the user (administrator) of IP telephone 14 operates the setting key on operation unit 54 of IP telephone 14. Therefore, if the setting key has been operated, control unit 51 causes display unit 55 to clear the display based on display data D4 (step S38).

[0060] In this way, when the operating time of the IP telephone 14 exceeds six years, the user of the IP telephone 14 is notified that the operating time of the IP telephone 14 has exceeded six years, so that the user knows that there is one year left in the life of the IP telephone 14, which makes the user aware of the need to prepare for replacement of the IP telephone 14. Furthermore, when the operating time exceeds six years, the IP telephone 14 continues to operate normally.

[0061] After executing step S38, control unit 51 executes steps S39 to S41. Steps S39 to S41 are for measuring the operating time of IP telephone 14 after the operating time of IP telephone 14 exceeds six years, and since these steps are the same as steps S32 to S34, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted here.

[0062] After executing step S41, the control unit 51 determines whether the operating time exceeds seven years (step S42). As described above, seven years of operating time indicates that the IP telephone 14 has reached the end of its life.

[0063] If the operating time exceeds a time equivalent to seven years, control unit 51 supplies display data D5 to display unit 55 to display the content indicated by display data D5 (step S43). The content indicated by display data D5 is, for example, "This telephone has been in use for seven years. Periodic cancellation operation is required," as shown in FIG. 7B. Such content is displayed by display unit 55.

[0064] After executing step S43, control unit 51 determines whether or not the setting key of operation unit 54 has been operated (step S44). When the user of IP telephone 14 checks the display content of its display unit 55, he or she operates the setting key of operation unit 54 of IP telephone 14. Therefore, when the setting key is operated, control unit 51 causes display unit 55 to clear the display based on display data D5 (step S45).

[0065] In this way, when the operating time of the IP telephone 14 exceeds seven years, the user is notified that the operating time of the IP telephone 14 has exceeded seven years, i.e., that the IP telephone 14 has reached the end of its life. This end of life notification necessitates the user to replace the IP telephone 14 with a new one. If the IP telephone 14 is not replaced after the operating time of the IP telephone 14 exceeds seven years, the functions of the IP telephone 14 will be limited, as will be described later.

[0066] After executing step S45, control unit 51 executes steps S46 to S48. Steps S46 to S48 are for measuring the operating time of IP telephone 14 after the operating time of IP telephone 14 exceeds seven years, and since these steps are the same as steps S32 to S34, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted here.

[0067] After executing step S48, the control unit 51 determines whether a preset specific time has elapsed (step S49). The specific time in step S49 is the time during which the functional restrictions on the IP telephone 14 are temporarily lifted after the IP telephone 14 has been in operation for more than seven years. During the specific time, the IP telephone 14 operates normally. On the other hand, outside the specific time, the functions of the IP telephone 14 are restricted. The control unit 51 uses the timer 56 to measure the specific time.

[0068] If the control unit 51 determines in step S49 that the specific time has elapsed, it restricts the functions of the IP telephone 14 relating to outgoing and incoming calls and conversations (step S50).

[0069] The function restriction in step S50 refers to a state in which the control unit 51 stops some of the control operations, such as the outgoing call control operation, incoming call control operation, and call control operation, even if the user of the IP telephone 14 performs an outgoing call operation on the operation unit 54 or even if the IP telephone 14 receives an incoming call from the IP telephone exchange 11. Even during the function restriction, the key operation of the operation unit 54 of the IP telephone 14 and the display function of the display unit 55 are enabled.

[0070] When the control unit 51 starts the function restriction in step S50, it supplies the display data D6 to the display unit 55 to display the content indicated by the display data D6 (step S51). The content indicated by the display data D6 is, for example, "This telephone has been in use for seven years. A cancellation operation is required to continue operation," as shown in FIG. 7C. Such content is displayed by the display unit 55.

[0071] After executing step S51, control unit 51 determines whether or not the setting key on operation unit 54 has been operated (step S52). When the user of IP telephone 14 checks the display content on display unit 55, he or she operates the setting key on operation unit 54 of IP telephone 14. Therefore, if the setting key has been operated, control unit 51 causes display unit 55 to clear the display based on display data D5 (step S53), releases the function restriction of step S50, and returns to normal operation (step S54).

[0072] In step S54, the control unit 51 executes the control operations related to outgoing calls, incoming calls, and calls that had been suspended, and the IP telephone 14 returns to normal operation. After executing step S54, the control unit 51 executes steps S46 to S49 again. In step S49, it is determined whether or not the specific time has elapsed, as described above, so that the normal operation of the resumed IP telephone 14 is restored only for the specific time, and after the specific time has elapsed, the function restrictions are executed again. The user of the IP telephone 14 is requested to replace the IP telephone 14.

[0073] According to the management operation of the embodiment shown in Figure 6, if the lifespan of IP telephone 14 is set to seven years, when the number of years in operation exceeds seven, the user of IP telephone 14 is notified that the lifespan of IP telephone 14 has come to an end and some of the functions of IP telephone 14 are restricted, so that the user can be made aware of the need to replace IP telephone 14 before a malfunction occurs due to the lifespan of IP telephone 14. In addition, the user can temporarily release some of the function restrictions of IP telephone 14 for a specific period of time by operating the setting key on IP telephone 14, so that the user can use IP telephone 14 while being aware of the need to replace IP telephone 14. Note that this also applies to each of IP telephones 15 to 19 other than IP telephone 14.

[0074] Next, the lifespan management operation for the power supply unit 38 in the IP telephone system 10 configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0075] When power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 38 to the IP telephone exchange 11 and operation of the IP telephone exchange 11 is started, the control unit 31 reads the power supply unit ID and operation time from the ROM 49 in the power supply unit 38 (step S61) and starts managing the operation time of the power supply unit 38 (step S62). In step S62, the power supply unit ID and operation time read in step S61 are written to the ROM 33.

[0076] After starting to manage the operating time of the power supply unit 38, the control unit 31 reads the power supply unit ID from both the ROM 33 and the ROM 49 every time one hour of operating time has elapsed (step S63), and determines whether the power supply unit IDs match (step S64). If the power supply unit IDs do not match, the power supply unit 38 may have been replaced with another one, so the process returns to step S61.

[0077] If the power supply unit IDs match in step S64, the control unit 31 updates the operating time of the power supply unit 38 in ROM 33 by incrementing it by one hour (step S65). The control unit 31 also determines whether 24 hours have passed since the operating time of the power supply unit 38 (step S66). If 24 hours have not passed since the operating time of the power supply unit 38, steps S63 to S65 are repeated, and in step S66, it is determined that 24 hours have passed since the operating time of the power supply unit 38 after steps S63 to S65 have been repeated 24 times. If 24 hours have passed since the operating time of the power supply unit 38, the control unit 31 overwrites and updates the operating time in ROM 49 in the power supply unit 38 (step S67).

[0078] After executing step S67, the control unit 31 determines whether the operating time of the power supply unit 38 has exceeded six years (step S68). The life of the power supply unit 38 used in the IP telephone exchange 11 corresponds to seven years of operating time. If the operating time is six years, this is one year before the life of the power supply unit 38.

[0079] If the operating time does not exceed the time equivalent to six years, the control unit 31 returns to the execution of step S61. On the other hand, if the operating time exceeds the time equivalent to six years, the control unit 31 commands the transmission of the display data D7 to the IP telephone 14 of the administrator telephone (step S69). 9A, the display data D7 to be instructed to be transmitted in step S69 is, for example, data indicating "The power supply unit has been in operation for six years." The transmission command in step S69 is supplied from the control unit 31 to the communication unit 32. In response to the transmission command, the communication unit 32 transmits the display data D7, which is then supplied to the IP telephone 14 via the LAN line 21, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 24. The IP telephone 14 then displays the content indicated by the supplied display data D7 on the display unit 55.

[0080] The administrator of the IP telephone 14 checks the contents displayed on the display unit 55 and then operates a setting key on the operation unit 54 of the IP telephone 14. When a setting key is operated on the IP telephone 14, operation data indicating that setting key is created by the control unit 51. The operation data is sent from the communication unit 52 of the IP telephone 14 under the control of the control unit 51, and is supplied to the communication unit 32 of the IP telephone exchange 11 via the LAN line 24, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 21. The operation data received by the communication unit 32 is supplied to the control unit 31.

[0081] After executing step S69, the control unit 31 determines whether the setting key has been operated (step S70). In step S70, operation data received by the communication unit 32 is supplied to the control unit 31. If the operation data indicates that the setting key has been operated, the control unit 31 determines that the setting key has been operated. If the control unit 31 determines that the setting key has been operated, it commands the IP telephone 14 to transmit control data indicating a display clear command (step S71). The transmission command in step S71 is supplied from the control unit 31 to the communication unit 32. In response to the transmission command, the communication unit 32 transmits the control data, which is then supplied to the IP telephone 14 via the LAN line 21, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 24. Then, in the IP telephone 14, the control unit 51 clears the display on the display unit 55 based on the display data D7 in response to the supplied control data.

[0082] In this way, when the operating time of the power supply unit 38 in the IP telephone exchange 11 exceeds the equivalent of six years, the administrator is notified that the operating time of the power supply unit 38 has exceeded six years, so that the administrator knows that there is one year left in the life of the power supply unit 38, which makes the administrator aware of the need to prepare for replacement of the power supply unit 38. Furthermore, when the operating time exceeds six years, the IP telephone exchange 11 continues to operate normally.

[0083] After executing step S71, the control unit 31 reads the power supply unit ID and operating time from the ROM 49 in the power supply unit 38 (step S72), and reads the power supply unit ID from both the ROM 33 and the ROM 49 every hour (step S73), and determines whether the power supply unit IDs match (step S74). If the power supply unit IDs do not match, it is possible that the power supply unit 38 has been replaced with another one, so the process returns to execution of step S61.

[0084] If the power supply unit IDs match in step S74, the control unit 31 updates the operating time of the power supply unit 38 in ROM 33 by incrementing it by one hour (step S75). The control unit 31 also determines whether the operating time of the power supply unit 38 has elapsed for 24 hours (step S76). If the operating time of the power supply unit 38 has not elapsed for 24 hours, steps S73 to S75 are repeated, and in step S76, it is determined that the operating time of the power supply unit 38 has elapsed for 24 hours after steps S73 to S75 have been repeated 24 times. If the operating time of the power supply unit 38 has elapsed for 24 hours, the control unit 31 overwrites and updates the operating time in ROM 49 in the power supply unit 38 (step S77). Note that steps S73 to S77 are the same as steps S63 to S67.

[0085] After executing step S77, the control unit 31 determines whether the operating time of the power supply unit 38 exceeds seven years (third predetermined time) (step S78). As described above, the operating time of seven years indicates that the power supply unit 38 has reached the end of its life.

[0086] If the operating time exceeds the equivalent of seven years, the control unit 31 commands the transmission of display data D8 to the IP telephone 14 of the administrator telephone (step S79). The display data D8 commanded to be transmitted in step S79 is, for example, data indicating "The power supply unit has been in operation for seven years. A periodic reset operation is required," as shown in FIG. 9B. The transmission command in step S79 is supplied from the control unit 31 to the communication unit 32. In response to the transmission command, the communication unit 32 transmits the display data D8, which is then supplied to the IP telephone 14 via the LAN line 21, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 24. The IP telephone 14 then displays the content indicated by the supplied display data D8 on the display unit 55.

[0087] The administrator of the IP telephone 14 checks the contents displayed on the display unit 55 and then operates a setting key on the operation unit 54 of the IP telephone 14. When a setting key is operated on the IP telephone 14, operation data indicating that setting key is created by the control unit 51. The operation data is sent from the communication unit 52 of the IP telephone 14 under the control of the control unit 51, and is supplied to the communication unit 32 of the IP telephone exchange 11 via the LAN line 24, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 21. The operation data received by the communication unit 32 is supplied to the control unit 31.

[0088] After executing step S79, the control unit 31 determines whether the setting key has been operated (step S80). If the control unit 31 determines that the setting key has been operated, it commands the IP telephone 14 to send control data indicating a display clear command (step S81). When the control data is supplied from the communication unit 32 to the IP telephone 14 in response to the transmission command of step S81, the control unit 51 of the IP telephone 14 clears the display based on display data D8 on the display unit 55.

[0089] In this way, when the operating time of the power supply unit 38 exceeds seven years, the administrator is notified that the operating time of the power supply unit 38 has exceeded seven years, i.e., that the power supply unit 38 has reached the end of its life. This lifespan notification prompts the administrator to replace the power supply unit 38 with a new one. If the power supply unit 38 is not replaced after the operating time of the power supply unit 38 exceeds seven years, the functions of the IP telephone exchange 11 will be limited.

[0090] After step S81 is executed, the control unit 31 reads the power supply unit ID from both the ROM 33 and the ROM 49 every hour (step S82), and determines whether the power supply unit IDs match (step S83). If the power supply unit IDs do not match, the power supply unit 38 may have been replaced with another one, so the process returns to step S61.

[0091] The control unit 31 determines whether a preset specific time has elapsed after executing step S83 (step S84). As described above, the functions of the IP telephone exchange 11 are restricted after the operating time of the power supply unit 38 exceeds seven years. The specific time in step S84 is the time during which the functional restrictions on the IP telephone exchange 11 are temporarily lifted after the operating time of the power supply unit 38 exceeds seven years. During the specific time, the IP telephone exchange 11 operates normally. On the other hand, outside the specific time, the functions of the IP telephone exchange 11 are restricted.

[0092] If the control unit 31 determines in step S84 that the specific time has elapsed, it restricts the functions related to outgoing calls, incoming calls, and calls made by the IP telephone exchange 11 to each of the IP telephones 14 to 19 (step S85). Step S85 is the same as step S21 described above.

[0093] When the control unit 31 starts the function restriction in step S85, it commands the transmission of display data D9 to the IP telephone 14 of the administrator telephone (step S86). The display data D9 commanded to be transmitted in step S86 is, for example, data indicating "The power supply unit has been in operation for seven years. A release operation is required to continue operation," as shown in FIG. 9C. The transmission command in step S86 is supplied from the control unit 31 to the communication unit 32. In response to the transmission command, the communication unit 32 transmits the display data D9, which is then supplied to the IP telephone 14 via the LAN line 21, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 24. The IP telephone 14 then displays the content indicated by the supplied display data D9 on the display unit 55.

[0094] The administrator of the IP telephone 14 checks the contents displayed on the display unit 55 and then operates a setting key on the operation unit 54 of the IP telephone 14. When a setting key is operated on the IP telephone 14, operation data indicating that setting key is created by the control unit 51. The operation data is sent from the communication unit 52 of the IP telephone 14 under the control of the control unit 51, and is supplied to the communication unit 32 of the IP telephone exchange 11 via the LAN line 24, the power supply hub 12, and the LAN line 21. The operation data received by the communication unit 32 is supplied to the control unit 31.

[0095] After executing step S86, the control unit 31 determines whether the setting key has been operated (step S87). If the control unit 31 determines that the setting key has been operated, it commands the IP telephone 14 to send control data indicating a display clear command (step S88), releases the function restriction of step S85, and returns to normal operation (step S89).

[0096] When control data is supplied from the communication unit 32 to the IP telephone 14 in response to the transmission command in step S88, the control unit 51 in the IP telephone 14 clears the display data D9 displayed on the display unit 55 in response to the supplied control data. In step S89, the control unit 31 performs all control operations, so telephone switching operations are resumed through normal operation of the IP telephone exchange 11. After executing step S89, the control unit 31 executes steps S82 to S84 again. As described above, in step S84 it is determined whether the specific time has elapsed, so the resumed normal operation of the IP telephone exchange 11 is restored only for the specific time, and after it is determined that the specific time has elapsed, functional restrictions are again implemented. The administrator is requested to replace the power supply unit 38.

[0097] 8, if the lifespan of the power supply unit 38 of the IP telephone exchange 11 is set to seven years, when the number of years of operation exceeds seven, the administrator of the IP telephone exchange 11 is notified that the lifespan of the power supply unit 38 has expired, and some functions of the IP telephone exchange 11 are restricted, so that the administrator can be made aware of the need to replace the power supply unit 38 before a breakdown occurs due to the expiration of the power supply unit 38. Also, by operating the setting key on the administrator's IP telephone 14, the partial function restriction of the IP telephone exchange 11 is temporarily released for a specific period of time, so that the administrator can use the IP telephone exchange 11 while being aware of the need to replace the power supply unit 38.

[0098] To further raise the user's awareness of the need to replace equipment due to its lifespan, when the IP telephone exchange's function restrictions are released, a reboot process may be performed to check memory such as ROM 33, and if the unit time for writing to memory is longer than normal (e.g., 200 μS), a warning message may be displayed to warn that the memory is nearing the end of its lifespan.When the memory is nearing the end of its lifespan, the backlight color of the display unit may be lit in a color different from the set color, thereby informing the user that equipment failure due to memory failure is imminent, and notifying the user not only of the operating time but also of the equipment's lifespan.

[0099] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments show IP telephone exchanges, IP telephones, and power supply units of IP telephone exchanges as devices having lifespan management functions, but the device of the present invention can be applied to devices other than communication equipment, such as home appliances.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the lifespan of the IP telephone exchange, the IP telephones, and the power supply units of the IP telephone exchange is set to seven years, but it goes without saying that the lifespan is not limited to seven years in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10 IP Telephone System 11 IP telephone exchange 12, 13 Power Supply Hub 14~19 IP phone 21, 22, 24, 25 LAN lines 26 Power supply line 27, 28 Telephone lines 31, 51 Control unit 32, 52 Communications Department 33, 49 ROM 34, 56 Timer 35 RAM 36 Memory section 37 RTC 38 Power supply section 39 External line I / F circuit 40 Internal Communications Department 41 Internal I / F circuit 45 Bus 46 AC power circuit 47 DC power circuit 48 Battery 53 Transceiver 54 Control section 55 Display section D1 to D9 Display data (Fig. 5A to Fig. 9C)

Claims

1. A device having a lifespan management function, a measuring unit that measures the operating time of the device; a first processing unit that outputs a first notification signal when the operating time reaches a first predetermined time corresponding to the life of the device; a second processing unit that outputs a second notification signal and disables some functions of the device when the operating time has elapsed a specific time after outputting the first notification signal; a first determination unit that determines whether a response signal to the second notification signal has been received; a third processing unit that cancels the disablement of the partial function of the device when a response signal to the second notification signal is received.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, after receiving a response signal to the second notification signal, the second processing unit re-outputs the second notification signal when the operating time has elapsed the specific time, and again disables the partial function of the device.

3. a second determination unit that determines whether a response signal to the first notification signal has been received; 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second processing unit determines whether the operating time has exceeded the specific time in response to receiving a response signal in response to the first notification signal.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first notification signal is a signal that notifies that the device has reached the end of its life, and the second notification signal is a signal that notifies that the device's functions are restricted due to the device having reached the end of its life, and that a release operation is required to continue operation.

5. a fourth processing unit that outputs a third notification signal when the operating time reaches a second predetermined time that is shorter than the first predetermined time; a third determination unit that determines whether a response signal to the third notification signal has been received, 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said third notification signal is a signal that notifies that said operating time has reached a time close to the end of the life of said device.

6. 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein a terminal is connected to said device.

7. the terminal has a display unit and an operation unit, receiving the first notification signal, displaying a first content indicated by the first notification signal on the display unit, and transmitting a response signal to the first notification signal to the device in response to an operation of a setting key on the operation unit while the first content is being displayed; receiving the second notification signal, displaying second content indicated by the second notification signal on the display unit, and transmitting a response signal to the second notification signal to the device in response to an operation of the setting key while the second content is being displayed; The device according to claim 6, characterized in that it receives the third notification signal, displays the third content indicated by the third notification signal on the display unit, and transmits a response signal to the third notification signal to the device in response to operation of the setting key while the third content is being displayed.

8. 8. The device according to claim 7, further comprising a fifth processing unit that transmits control data indicating a command to clear the display of the display unit to the terminal in response to each of a response signal to the first notification signal, a response signal to the second notification signal, and a response signal to the third notification signal.

9. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the device is an IP telephone exchange, and the terminal is an IP telephone connected to the IP telephone exchange.

10. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the partial functions are functions relating to making and receiving calls and telephone conversations.

11. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is an IP telephone.

12. the IP telephone exchange has a detachable power supply unit, the measurement unit measures the operating time of the power supply unit, the first processing unit outputs a fourth notification signal when the operating time of the power supply unit reaches a third predetermined time corresponding to the life of the power supply unit; after outputting the fourth notification signal, the second processing unit outputs a fifth notification signal when the operating time of the power supply unit has exceeded the specific time, and disables a part of the functions of the IP telephone exchange; the first determination unit determines whether a response signal to the fifth notification signal has been received; 11. The device according to claim 9, wherein the third processing unit cancels the disabling of the partial function of the IP telephone exchange when a response signal to the fifth notification signal is received.

13. A method for managing the lifespan of a device, comprising: The device comprises: a measuring step of measuring an operating time of the device; a first processing step of outputting a first notification signal when the operating time reaches a first predetermined time corresponding to the life of the device; a second processing step of outputting a second notification signal and disabling some functions of the device when the operating time has elapsed a specific time after outputting the first notification signal; a first determination step of determining whether a response signal to the second notification signal has been received; a third processing step of canceling the disablement of the partial function of the device when the response signal is received.

14. A program used in a device having a lifespan management function, Computer, a measuring unit that measures the operating time of the device; a first processing unit that outputs a first notification signal when the operating time reaches a first predetermined time corresponding to the life of the device; a second processing unit that outputs a second notification signal and disables some functions of the device when the operating time has elapsed a specific time after outputting the first notification signal; a first determination unit that determines whether a response signal to the second notification signal has been received; a program causing the program to function as a third processing unit that cancels the disabling of the partial function of the device when the response signal is received;

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