Hot water supply system and server system for hot water supply system

Abstract

To provide a hot water supply device that displays an image of an information code including address information of a product support page corresponding to a model of a water heater among product support pages provided by an external server, using a remote controller without having to store the information code in advance in the remote controller.SOLUTION: A remote controller 20 of a hot water supply device 1 that comprises a water heater 10 and the remote controller 20 displays, on a display unit, an image of an information code such as a two-dimensional code containing address information of a product support page corresponding to a model of the water heater 10 among product support pages provided by an external server 30, based on specific information (information related to the model of the water heater 10) stored in the water heater 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water supply device and a server system for the water supply device.

Background Art

[0002] In a water supply device including a water heater configured to heat water for supply and discharge hot water, and a remote controller for operating the water heater, as seen in Patent Document 1 for example, an information code such as a QR code (registered trademark) representing the address information (URL) of a website for downloading the electronic data of the operation manual of the water heater is stored in the storage unit of the remote controller, and an image of the information code can be appropriately displayed on the display unit of the remote controller.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the water supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to enable the user to easily download the electronic data of the operation manual of the water heater being used, it is preferable that the address information (URL) indicated by the information code is the address information corresponding to the type of the water heater being used by the user.

[0005] This is because if the address information (URL) indicated by the information code is the upper-level address information related to a plurality of types of water heaters, the user has to search for the information corresponding to the type of the water heater being used by the user himself / herself from the website corresponding to the upper-level address information.

[0006] However, in the case of water heating systems, generally, there is not one specific remote control that can be used for each type of water heater; rather, there are often multiple types of water heaters that can be combined with each remote control. Therefore, it is not possible to store an information code indicating the address information corresponding to the model of water heater that the remote control will be combined with at the time of manufacturing or shipment of each remote control.

[0007] Here, for example, when installing a water heater, it is conceivable that the contractor or other service provider could store the above information code in the remote control. However, in this case, the contractor or service provider would need additional time and effort, increasing their workload, and would also require equipment to store the information code in the remote control. Furthermore, there is a higher risk of incorrect information codes being registered in the remote control.

[0008] This invention was made in view of the above background, and aims to provide a water heater that can display an image on a remote control without requiring the remote control to pre-store information codes, including address information of product support pages corresponding to the water heater model, from among the product support pages provided by an external server, and a server system for said water heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a hot water supply system that, in order to achieve the above objective, comprises a water heater configured to heat and dispense hot water, and a remote control for operating the water heater, The aforementioned water heater is equipped with a storage unit that pre-stores specific information, including information related to the model of the water heater. The remote control is characterized by having a display unit capable of displaying an image of an information code containing address information for product support pages provided by an external server, which are classified according to the model of a water heater, and an information code display processing unit that converts a model-compatible information code, which is an information code containing address information for a product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater among the product support pages provided by the external server, into an image based on the specific information obtained from the water heater through communication with the water heater, and displays it on the display unit (First Invention).

[0010] In this invention, "information code" refers to data that represents information through an image pattern when it is imaged and displayed. The information code may be a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. Furthermore, in this invention, "specific information" may be the aforementioned type-matching information code or information in a different form from the aforementioned type-matching information code. "Imageing based on specific information" means, if the "specific information" is a type-matching information code, to image the type-matching information code as the specific information; if the "specific information" is information in a different form from the type-matching information code, to image the type-matching information code generated based on the specific information.

[0011] According to the first invention described above, the remote control can display a model-matching information code, which includes the address information of a product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater it is operating (a water heater that, together with the remote control, constitutes a water heating system), as an image based on the specific information obtained from the water heater, on the display unit of the remote control.

[0012] Therefore, according to the first invention, it is possible to display an image on the remote control without needing to pre-store in the remote control the information code, which includes the address information of the product support page corresponding to the water heater model, from among the product support pages provided by an external server.

[0013] Furthermore, users of water heaters can easily access the product support page corresponding to their water heater model by using a communication device such as a smartphone that can read the model compatibility information code. In addition, the remote control can be used with multiple types of water heaters, thus increasing its versatility.

[0014] In the first invention described above, the specific information includes model information indicating the model of the water heater, and the information code display processing unit of the remote control is configured to generate an image of the model-corresponding information code using the model information included in the specific information obtained from the water heater, and to display the image of the generated model-corresponding information code on the display unit (second invention).

[0015] According to this, the remote control generates a model-matching information code corresponding to the water heater model, making it possible to include not only the address information of the product support page corresponding to the water heater model, but also various other information in the model-matching information code.

[0016] For example, in the second invention described above, the information code display processing unit of the remote control may be configured to generate the model-matching information code to which error information relating to an abnormality that occurred in the water heater or the remote control has been added (third invention).

[0017] According to this, the model-matching information code displayed on the remote control's display unit includes not only the address information of the product support page corresponding to the water heater model, but also error information regarding any abnormalities that occurred in the water heater or remote control. Therefore, when an image of the model-matching information code is scanned by a suitable communication terminal such as a smartphone, the communication terminal can send the error information to an external server. As a result, when it is necessary to enter error information on the product support page corresponding to the water heater model, the user can avoid having to manually enter the error information.

[0018] In the first invention described above, the specific information is an information code that includes the address information of a product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater, and the information code display processing unit of the remote control is configured to display an image on the display unit obtained by converting the information code acquired from the water heater as the specific information into an image of the model-corresponding information code (fourth invention).

[0019] According to this, the remote control can display an image of the model-matching information code on its display unit without requiring a process to generate the model-matching information code. This makes it possible to simplify the software configuration of the remote control and reduce costs.

[0020] In any of the above inventions 1 to 4, the specific information includes the serial number of the water heater, and the information code display processing unit of the remote control may be configured to display an image on the display unit obtained by converting the model-corresponding information code to include the serial number of the water heater into an image (invention 5).

[0021] According to this, the model information code displayed on the remote control includes not only the address information of the product support page corresponding to the water heater model, but also the water heater's serial number. Therefore, when an image of the model information code is scanned with a suitable communication terminal such as a smartphone, the communication terminal can transmit the water heater's serial number to an external server. As a result, when it is necessary to enter the water heater's serial number on the product support page corresponding to the water heater model, the user can avoid having to manually enter the serial number.

[0022] Furthermore, the server system for a hot water heater according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a hot water heater according to any of the first to fifth inventions described above, and the external server that provides product support pages classified by the type of hot water heater (sixth invention). According to this, it is possible to construct a server system that can achieve the effects described in the first to fifth inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of a server system for a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration related to the operation of the water heater shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a product support page provided by the external server shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the processing in the first embodiment of the information code display processing unit shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the processing in the second embodiment of the information code display processing unit shown in FIG. 2.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Referring to FIG. 1, the server system for a water heater of the present embodiment includes a water heater 1, an external server 30, and a communication terminal 40.

[0025] The water heater 1 includes a water heater 10 as a heat source machine configured to heat water for supplying hot water and discharge the hot water, and a remote control 20 for operating the water heater 10. A water supply path 11 and a hot water discharge path 12 are connected to the water heater 10. The water for supplying hot water supplied from the water supply path 11 is heated by a heating device (not shown), and the heated water for supplying hot water is discharged from the hot water discharge path 12. As the heating device, for example, a combustion type heating device is used.

[0026] Note that the water heater 10 may include a hot water storage tank for storing the heated water for supplying hot water. In this case, the water heater 10 may include, as a heating device for heating the water for supplying hot water in the hot water storage tank, not only a combustion type heating device but also, for example, a heat pump type heating device or an electric heating type heating device. Further, the water heater 10 may include a hot water filling function or a reheating function for a bathtub. Furthermore, the water heater 10 may include a heating circuit for a heating device that uses a heat medium such as warm water.

[0027] The water heater 10 is equipped with a control device 15 that has the function of controlling its operation. The control device 15 is composed of one or more electronic circuit units including a processor such as a microcontroller, memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), interface circuit, communication device, etc., and is capable of communicating with the remote control 20 by wire or wireless. The control device 15 can control the operation of the water heater 10 through the functions realized by the implemented hardware configuration and program (software configuration).

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the control device 15 has a memory unit 15a that stores specific information in advance, including information regarding the model of the water heater 10 on which the control device 15 is installed. This memory unit 15a may be composed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM. In this embodiment, the specific information stored in the memory unit 15a includes model information indicating the model of the water heater 10 itself (information associated with the model), and in addition to the model information, it also includes the serial number of the water heater 10. This specific information is written to the memory unit 15a in advance on the manufacturing line or the like, before the water heater 10 is shipped.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the remote control 20 comprises a display unit 22 composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc., an operation unit 23 including a plurality of operation switches (not shown), and a control unit 21 having functions for controlling the operation of the remote control 20. The display unit 22 may be a touch panel type display unit that also functions as the operation unit 23.

[0030] The control unit 21 is composed of one or more electronic circuit units, including a processor such as a microcontroller, memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), interface circuits, and communication devices. This control unit 21 can communicate with the control device 15 of the water heater 10 by wire or wireless means, and also receives operation signals from the operation unit 23. The control unit 21 can control the display information of the display unit 22 and control the operation of a sound-producing unit (not shown) through the functions realized by the implemented hardware configuration and program (software configuration).

[0031] In this embodiment, the display unit 22 is capable of displaying images of two-dimensional codes, such as QR codes (registered trademarks), as information codes that represent various information using image patterns. The control unit 21 includes the function of an information code display processing unit 21a, which displays an image of a model-specific two-dimensional code, which is a two-dimensional code corresponding to the model of the water heater 10 that constitutes the water heater system 1 together with the remote control 20, on the display unit 22 when a request to display such an image occurs. Details of model-specific two-dimensional codes will be described later.

[0032] The external server 30 is a server capable of providing product support pages (web pages) for multiple types of water heaters, including the water heater 10, via an external network NW consisting of the internet, telephone lines, etc. In this case, the external server 30 is configured to provide product support pages categorized by water heater model.

[0033] For example, the external server 30 can provide product support pages for each model of water heater, as illustrated in Figure 3. In this example, the product support page for a particular model of water heater displays the product code, model number, product name, type of gas used, and serial number.

[0034] Furthermore, this product support page allows you to select pages to obtain (download) the instruction manual for the relevant water heater model, a page displaying frequently asked questions and answers regarding the relevant water heater model, a page to request repairs for the relevant water heater model, a page to make inquiries regarding the relevant water heater model, a page to order consumables and optional parts for the relevant water heater model, and a page to register your ownership (user registration) for the relevant water heater model.

[0035] Here, we will explain the model-specific two-dimensional code that the control unit 21 of the remote control 20 displays on the display unit 22 via the information code display processing unit 21a. The model-specific two-dimensional code is a two-dimensional code in which the information represented by its image pattern includes at least address information indicating the address (URL) of the product support page provided by the external server 30 that corresponds to the model of the water heater 10 that, together with the remote control 20, constitutes the water heater 1. The model-specific two-dimensional code corresponds to the model-specific information code in the present invention.

[0036] In this embodiment, when a request is made to display a model-specific two-dimensional code on the display unit 22, the information code display processing unit 21a executes a process to generate a model-specific two-dimensional code using the specific information stored in the storage unit 15a of the control device 15 of the water heater 10, and can display an image of the generated model-specific two-dimensional code on the display unit 22.

[0037] The communication terminal 40 is a communication terminal composed of, for example, a smartphone or tablet device, and includes a display unit 41 and a camera 42. The display unit 41 may be, for example, a touch panel type display unit, but the communication terminal 40 may also be equipped with an operation unit separate from the display unit 41. Furthermore, the camera 42 is not limited to being integrated with the communication terminal 40, but may be an external camera connected to the communication terminal 40 via a connection cable.

[0038] The communication terminal 40 has an application pre-installed for reading images of 2D codes via the camera 42. Furthermore, the communication terminal 40 can communicate with an external network NW at any time. Therefore, when an image of a type-specific 2D code is displayed on the display unit 22 of the remote control 20, and the image of the type-specific 2D code is captured by the camera 42 of the communication terminal 40 as shown in Figure 1, the communication terminal 40 can automatically acquire the information represented by the image pattern of the type-specific 2D code.

[0039] Furthermore, the communication terminal 40 can access the external server 30 at the address indicated by the address information, based on the address information of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10, from the information obtained from the image of the model-specific 2D code, and can display the product support page at that address on the display unit 41 in response to this access.

[0040] Next, the operation of displaying the model-specific 2D code image on the display unit 22 of the remote control 20 in this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, when the user of the water heater 1 performs a predetermined operation on the remote control 20 (an operation to display the model-specific 2D code image), or when an abnormality occurs in the water heater 10 or the remote control 20, the control unit 21 of the remote control 20 detects that a request has been made to display the model-specific 2D code image on the display unit 22.

[0041] At this time, the information code display processing unit 21a of the control unit 21 of the remote control 20 executes the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. In STEP 1, the information code display processing unit 21a obtains specific information (specific information including the model information and serial number of the water heater 10) stored in the storage unit 15a of the control unit 15 by communicating with the control unit 15 of the water heater 10.

[0042] Next, in STEP 2, the information code display processing unit 21a determines whether or not there is error information regarding an abnormality that occurred in the water heater 10 or the remote control 20. Here, if an abnormality occurs in the water heater 10, error information indicating the details of the abnormality and the date and time of occurrence is stored chronologically in the control device 15 of the water heater 10, and if an abnormality occurs in the remote control 20, error information indicating the details of the abnormality and the date and time of occurrence is stored chronologically in the control unit 21 of the remote control 20. Note that the error information may be stored collectively in the control device 15 of the water heater 10 or the control unit 21 of the remote control 20.

[0043] If there is error information stored in the control device 15 of the water heater 10 or the control unit 21 of the remote control 20, the judgment result in STEP 2 becomes positive. In this case, the information code display processing unit 21a acquires the latest error information, or error information for the most recent predetermined period or predetermined number of times, in STEP 3.

[0044] Furthermore, in STEP 4, the information code display processing unit 21a generates a model-specific 2D code using the specific information obtained in STEP 1 and the error information obtained in STEP 3. In this case, the information code display processing unit 21a uses the model information from the obtained specific information to determine the address (URL) of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the remote control 20 has pre-stored the higher-level address, which is the address of the higher-level product support page for each model among the product support pages provided by the external server 30.

[0046] The information code display processing unit 21a then determines the address of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10 by adding the model information of the water heater 10 as a parameter to the higher-level address. The address with the model information of the water heater 10 added as a parameter to the higher-level address is represented in a format such as "https: / / www.rinnai-style.jp / products_support / ?P1=CXUR-B2300W". In this example, "www.rinnai-style.jp / products_support / " is the higher-level address, and "?P1=CXUR-B2300W" is the part to which the model information (=CXUR-B2300W) is added as a parameter.

[0047] The above-mentioned higher-level address may be stored in the control device 15 of the water heater 10. Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the remote control 20 may obtain the higher-level address from the control device 15 of the water heater 10 when determining the address of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10. The higher-level address may also be included in the aforementioned specific information.

[0048] In STEP 4, the information code display processing unit 21a determines the address of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10 as described above, and then generates a model-specific 2D code as a 2D code that represents the address information, the serial number of the water heater 10 from the specific information obtained in STEP 1, and the error information obtained in STEP 3, using an image pattern.

[0049] In this embodiment, the program implemented in the control unit 21 of the remote control 20 includes an application for generating a two-dimensional code. The information code display processing unit 21a then generates a type-matching two-dimensional code by executing the processing of that application.

[0050] On the other hand, if there is no error information stored in the control device 15 of the water heater 10 or the control unit 21 of the remote control 20, the judgment result in STEP 2 will be negative. In this case, the information code display processing unit 21a generates a model-specific 2D code in STEP 5. In STEP 5, the information code display processing unit 21a generates a model-specific 2D code using the specific information obtained in STEP 1.

[0051] In this case, the information code display processing unit 21a, similar to STEP 4, uses the model information from the acquired specific information to determine the address (URL) of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10. The information code display processing unit 21a then generates a model-corresponding two-dimensional code as a two-dimensional code that represents the address information indicating the determined address and the serial number from the specific information using an image pattern.

[0052] After generating a model-specific 2D code in STEP 4 or 5 as described above, the information code display processing unit 21a displays an image of the model-specific 2D code on the display unit 22 of the remote control 20 in STEP 6. As described above, the processing of the information code display processing unit 21a is executed.

[0053] As described above, with the model-specific 2D code image displayed on the display unit 22 of the remote control 20, the user of the water heater 1 can take a picture of the model-specific 2D code image with the camera 42 of their communication terminal 40. This allows the communication terminal 40 to access the external server 30, specifically the address indicated by the product support page address information corresponding to the model of the water heater 10, which is represented by the image pattern of the model-specific 2D code.

[0054] At this time, when the user performs the operation to request the access using the communication terminal 40, the communication terminal 40 executes the access. As a result, the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10, as shown in Figure 3, is displayed on the display unit 41 of the communication terminal 40.

[0055] In this way, even without knowing the model number of the water heater 10 they are using or the address of the product support page provided by the external server 30, users can easily display the product support page corresponding to the model number of the water heater 10 on the display unit 41 of their communication terminal 40 by reading the image of the model-specific 2D code displayed on the display unit 22 of the remote control 20 via the camera 42 of their communication terminal 40.

[0056] Ultimately, users can easily obtain instruction manuals corresponding to their water heater model 10, check frequently asked questions and answers regarding the water heater 10, request repairs for the water heater 10, make inquiries about the water heater 10, order consumables and optional parts for the water heater 10, and register their ownership (user registration) for the water heater 10, starting from the product support page.

[0057] Furthermore, since the information represented by the image pattern of the model-specific 2D code includes error information and serial numbers, this information can be automatically transmitted from the communication terminal 40 to the external server 30. Therefore, when requesting repairs for the water heater 10 or making inquiries about the water heater 10, the user does not need to manually input error information or serial numbers. Consequently, such requests and inquiries can be made more easily, and errors in inputting error information or serial numbers by the user can be prevented.

[0058] Furthermore, when registering ownership (user registration), the user does not need to manually enter information such as the model number and serial number of the water heater 10, making ownership registration (user registration) easier.

[0059] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. Note that this embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the content of the specific information stored in the memory unit 15a of the control device 15 of the water heater 10 and the processing of the information code display processing unit 21a of the remote control 20; therefore, the same matters as in the first embodiment will not be explained.

[0060] In this embodiment, the specific information stored in the storage unit 15a of the control device 15 of the water heater 10 is, for example, a two-dimensional code. In this case, the two-dimensional code is a model-specific two-dimensional code that includes, as information represented by its image pattern, address information indicating the address of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10 among the product support pages provided by the external server 30, and the serial number of the water heater 10.

[0061] In this case, the address of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10 may be an address in the same format as the address determined by the information code display processing unit 21a in STEP 4 or 5 in the first embodiment (an address that uses the model of the water heater 10 as a parameter), or it may be an address in a format that directly specifies the directory corresponding to the model without using the model of the water heater 10 as a parameter.

[0062] Such addresses are represented in the format, for example, "https: / / www.rinnai-style.jp / products_support / index / CXUR / 000001". In this example, "www.rinnai-style.jp / products_support / " is the aforementioned higher-level address, and "index / CXUR / 000001" is the part that indicates the directory corresponding to the model number of the water heater 10.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the control unit 21 of the remote control 20 detects a request to display an image of the type-specific two-dimensional code on the display unit 22, the information code display processing unit 21a of the control unit 21 executes the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5. In STEP 11, the information code display processing unit 21a obtains the type-specific two-dimensional code, which is stored as specific information in the storage unit 15a of the control unit 15, through communication with the control unit 15 of the water heater 10.

[0064] Next, in STEP 12, the information code display processing unit 21a displays an image obtained by converting the model-specific 2D code acquired in STEP 11 onto the display unit 22 of the remote control 20.

[0065] In this embodiment, the processing of the information code display processing unit 21a is executed as described above. This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the matters described above. In this embodiment, the information code display processing unit 21a does not perform the processing of generating a two-dimensional code, so it is not necessary to provide an application for generating a two-dimensional code in the control unit 21 of the remote control 20.

[0066] In this embodiment as well, the information represented by the image pattern of the model-specific 2D code includes address information indicating the address of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10. Therefore, with the image of the model-specific 2D code displayed on the display unit 22 of the remote control 20, the user of the water heater 1 can take a picture of the model-specific 2D code with the camera 42 of their communication terminal 40, thereby displaying the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater 10 on the display unit 41 of the communication terminal 40, similar to the first embodiment.

[0067] Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, even without knowing the model number of the water heater 10 that the user is using or the address of the product support page provided by the external server 30, the user can easily display the product support page corresponding to the model number of the water heater 10 on the display unit 41 of their communication terminal 40.

[0068] Ultimately, users can easily obtain instruction manuals corresponding to their water heater model 10, check frequently asked questions and answers regarding the water heater 10, request repairs for the water heater 10, make inquiries about the water heater 10, order consumables and optional parts for the water heater 10, and register their ownership (user registration) for the water heater 10, starting from the product support page.

[0069] Furthermore, since the information represented by the image pattern of the model-specific 2D code includes the serial number, this serial number can be automatically transmitted from the communication terminal 40 to the external server 30. Therefore, when requesting repairs for the water heater 10 or making inquiries about the water heater 10, the user does not need to manually enter the serial number. This makes it easier to make such requests and inquiries, and also prevents the user from entering the serial number incorrectly.

[0070] Furthermore, when registering ownership (user registration), the user does not need to manually enter information such as the model number and serial number of the water heater 10, making ownership registration (user registration) easier.

[0071] [Other embodiments] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and other embodiments can also be adopted. Several other embodiments are given below as examples. In the first embodiment, among the specific information, model information indicating the model number of the water heater 10 was used as information regarding the model number of the water heater 10. However, instead of the model information, for example, address information of a product support page corresponding to the model number of the water heater 10 may be used. In this case, the address information of the product support page may be either address information that uses the model information as a parameter, or address information that specifies a directory without using the model information as a parameter.

[0072] In each of the above embodiments, the specific information stored in the storage unit 15a of the control device 15 of the water heater 10 includes the serial number of the water heater 10, but the serial number may be omitted.

[0073] In the embodiments described above, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) was used as the information code. However, the information code in the present invention is not limited to a two-dimensional code, but may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1...Water heating device, 10...Water heater, 15a...Storage unit, 20...Remote control, 22...Display unit, 21a...Information code display processing unit, 30...External server.

Claims

1. A hot water supply system comprising a water heater configured to heat water for hot water supply and dispense hot water, and a remote control for operating the water heater, The aforementioned water heater is equipped with a storage unit that pre-stores specific information, including information related to the model of the water heater. The remote control is configured to include a display unit capable of displaying an image of an information code containing an address for a product support page provided by an external server, categorized by the model of a water heater, and an information code display processing unit that displays an image of a model-specific information code, which is an information code containing an address for a product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater among the product support pages provided by the external server, based on the specific information obtained from the water heater through communication with the water heater. The aforementioned specific information includes model information indicating the model of the water heater, The information code display processing unit of the remote control is: The higher-level address, which is the address of the higher-level product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater, is obtained from the storage unit of the water heater or the remote control. Based on the model information contained in the specific information obtained from the water heater, an address for direct access to the product support page corresponding to the water heater model is determined by adding a parameter indicating directory information of the product support page corresponding to the water heater model to the higher-level address, and an image of the model correspondence information code including the determined address is generated. The image obtained by converting the generated type correspondence information code into an image is displayed on the display unit. The water heater is characterized in that the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater consists of multiple types of service information, including information for obtaining the instruction manual for the water heater of the corresponding model and other support information.

2. In the hot water supply device according to claim 1, The hot water supply device is characterized in that the information code display processing unit of the remote control is configured to generate the model-specific information code to which error information relating to an abnormality that occurred in the hot water supply or the remote control has been added.

3. A hot water supply system comprising a water heater configured to heat water for hot water supply and dispense hot water, and a remote control for operating the water heater, The aforementioned water heater is equipped with a storage unit that pre-stores specific information, including information related to the model of the water heater. The remote control is configured to include a display unit capable of displaying an image of an information code containing an address for a product support page provided by an external server, categorized by the model of a water heater, and an information code display processing unit that displays an image of a model-specific information code, which is an information code containing an address for a product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater among the product support pages provided by the external server, based on the specific information obtained from the water heater through communication with the water heater. The aforementioned specific information is an information code that includes the address of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater. The address of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater is configured by adding a parameter indicating the directory information of the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater to the parent address, which is the address of the parent product support page above the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater. The information code display processing unit of the remote control is configured to display an image on the display unit obtained by converting the information code acquired from the water heater as the specific information into an image of the model-corresponding information code. The water heater is characterized in that the product support page corresponding to the model of the water heater consists of multiple types of service information, including information for obtaining the instruction manual for the water heater of the corresponding model and other support information.

4. In the hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The specified information includes the serial number of the water heater, The hot water heater is characterized in that the information code display processing unit of the remote control is configured to display an image on the display unit, which is an image of the model-specific information code to which the serial number of the water heater has been added.

5. A server system for a water heater, comprising a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the external server that provides product support pages classified by the model of multiple types of water heaters.

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