Service provision system, service provision device, server, information transmission method, and program

Abstract

A reliability evaluation unit (104) evaluates the reliability of the contents or acquisition of data . An influence identification unit (105) identifies an influence on a service on the basis of the evaluation result obtained by the reliability evaluation unit (104). An influence transmission unit (106) transmits, to an operation terminal operated by a user, influence information indicating the influence on the service identified by the influence identification unit (105).

Description

Service providing system, service providing device, server, information transmission method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a service providing system, a service providing device, a server, an information transmission method, and a program.

[0002] Currently, there is known a service provision system that includes a data supply device that supplies data and a service provision device that provides a service to a user based on data acquired from the data supply device. An example of a service provision system is an air conditioning system that includes a sensor that detects temperature, humidity, etc., and an air conditioner that conditions the air in a room based on the data acquired from the sensor. In a service provision system, the reliability of the content or acquisition of data used for the service is considered to affect the service. For example, a decrease in the reliability of the data used for the service is considered to lead to a decrease in the quality of the service provided to the user.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 describes a data provision system that provides target data collected from multiple sensors to an external party. In the data provision system described in Patent Literature 1, if a target sensor that measures the target data fails and it is detected that the target data is unreliable, an estimated value calculated from data excluding the target data is provided to the external party. Here, if the estimated value is used instead of the target data in a service executed externally, the quality of the service may be reduced.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-86910

[0005] However, in the data provision system described in Patent Document 1, the user is not notified of the deterioration of service quality, so the user may be confused by the sudden deterioration of service quality. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that notifies the user of the impact on the service based on the reliability of the data.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a service providing system, service providing equipment, server, information transmission method, and program that notify users of the impact on services based on data reliability.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the service providing system according to the present disclosure is a service providing system comprising a data supply device that supplies data, and a service providing device that provides a service to a user based on the data acquired from the data supply device, and comprising: a reliability evaluation means for evaluating the reliability of the content or acquisition of the data; an impact identification means for identifying the impact on the service based on the evaluation results by the reliability evaluation means; and an impact transmission means for transmitting impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification means to an operation terminal operated by the user.

[0008] In the present disclosure, impact information indicating an impact on a service identified based on the evaluation result of the reliability of the data content or acquisition is transmitted to an operation terminal operated by a user. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to notify the user of an impact on a service based on the reliability of the data.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a service providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a service providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an operation terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a service providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an operation terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a seventh screen displayed by an operation terminal according to the second embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0011] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a service providing system 1000 according to this embodiment. The service providing system 1000 is a system that provides various services to users based on various acquired data. Such services include a history recording service, a monitoring service, a comfortable air conditioning service, a ventilation and air conditioning linkage service, a power-saving dimming service, etc. The history recording service is a service that records the history of sensor values ​​detected by various sensors such as a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The monitoring service is a service that watches over a person to be monitored based on sensor values ​​detected by a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, etc.

[0012] The comfortable air conditioning service is a service that provides more comfortable air conditioning based on sensor values ​​detected by various sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, etc. The ventilation and air conditioning coordination service is a service that coordinates ventilation and air conditioning based on sensor values ​​detected by various sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, etc. The power-saving dimming service is a service that adjusts the brightness of lighting while saving power based on sensor values ​​detected by an illuminance sensor.

[0013] If the reliability of data used for a service decreases, the service providing system 1000 lowers the service level to maintain the provision of the service. Data reliability is a concept that includes the reliability of the data content and the reliability of data acquisition. Hereinafter, where appropriate, the reliability of the data content and the reliability of data acquisition will be collectively referred to simply as data reliability. The reliability of the data content indicates the degree to which the data content itself can be trusted and relied upon. For example, if the data value falls outside the expected standard range, the reliability of the data content is low. The reliability of data acquisition indicates the stability of data acquisition and the degree to which data is expected to be acquired reliably. For example, if data cannot be acquired frequently due to poor radio wave conditions, the reliability of data acquisition is low. If the service providing system 1000 lowers the service level, it notifies the user that the service level has been lowered, the content of the service, etc.

[0014] The service providing system 1000 includes a service providing device 100A, a service providing device 100B, a data supplying device 200A, a data supplying device 200B, a data supplying device 200C, a server 300, an operation terminal 400, a management device 500, and a gateway 600. The various devices included in the service providing system 1000 are connected to each other via various communication networks.

[0015] For example, the server 300 and the gateway 600 are connected to each other via a communication network 710. The server 300 and the operation terminal 400 are connected to each other via a communication network 720, and the operation terminal 400 and the gateway 600 are connected to each other via the communication network 720. The service providing device 100A, the service providing device 100B, the management device 500, and the gateway 600 are connected to each other via a communication network 730. The service providing device 100A, the data supplying device 200A, and the data supplying device 200B are connected to each other via a communication network 740A. The service providing device 100B and the data supplying device 200C are connected to each other via a communication network 740B.

[0016] The communication network 710 is, for example, the Internet. The communication network 720 is, for example, a mobile phone network compatible with LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc. The communication network 730 is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) established in a home. The communication networks 740A and 740B are, for example, communication networks for transmitting and receiving data used for services wirelessly or via a wired connection. Hereinafter, the service providing device 100A and the service providing device 100B will be collectively referred to as the service providing device 100, as appropriate. Furthermore, the data supplying device 200A, the data supplying device 200B, and the data supplying device 200C will be collectively referred to as the data supplying device 200, as appropriate. Furthermore, the communication networks 740A and 740B will be collectively referred to as the communication network 740, as appropriate.

[0017] The service providing device 100 is a device that provides a service to a user based on data acquired from the data supplying device 200. The service providing device 100 is, for example, an air conditioner, a lighting device, etc. The air conditioner is a device that conditions the air in a room based on, for example, a temperature detected by a temperature sensor, a humidity detected by a humidity sensor, etc. The lighting device is a lighting device that provides illumination based on, for example, an illuminance detected by an illuminance sensor. As shown in FIG. 2 , the service providing device 100 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation receiving unit 14, a first communication unit 15, a second communication unit 16, and a process execution unit 17.

[0018] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), RTC (Real Time Clock), etc. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, central arithmetic unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central processing unit that executes processing and calculations related to the control of the service providing device 100. In the control unit 11, the CPU reads programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to perform overall control of the service providing device 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit with a timekeeping function. The CPU can determine the current date and time from time information read from the RTC.

[0019] The storage unit 12 includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used by the control unit 11 to execute various processes. The storage unit 12 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 11 as a result of executing various processes.

[0020] The display unit 13 displays various images under the control of the control unit 11. For example, the display unit 13 displays a screen for accepting various operations from the user. The display unit 13 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation accepting unit 14 accepts various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the contents of the accepted operations to the control unit 11. The operation accepting unit 14 includes a touch screen, a button, a lever, etc.

[0021] The first communication unit 15 communicates with various devices connected to the communication network 730 under the control of the control unit 11. The second communication unit 16 communicates with various devices connected to the communication network 740 under the control of the control unit 11. The first communication unit 15 and the second communication unit 16 communicate with various devices in accordance with various wired communication standards or various wireless communication standards. Wireless communication standards include Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), LTE, 4G, 5G, etc. Wired communication standards include Ethernet (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus, registered trademark), Thunderbolt (registered trademark), etc. The first communication unit 15 and the second communication unit 16 are provided with communication interfaces that comply with various communication standards.

[0022] The process execution unit 17 executes processes related to the services provided by the service providing device 100 to the user under the control of the control unit 11. For example, if the service providing device 100 is an air conditioner, the process execution unit 17 is a heat exchanger, a fan, a compressor, a four-way valve, an expansion valve, etc. For example, if the service providing device 100 is a lighting device, the process execution unit 17 is a light source.

[0023] The data supply device 200 is a device that provides data related to a service to the service providing device 100. The data supply device 200 provides data related to a service to the service providing device 100 via the communication network 740. The data supply device 200 may be a temperature sensor that measures temperature and outputs temperature data indicating the measured temperature. The data supply device 200 may be a humidity sensor that measures humidity and outputs humidity data indicating the measured humidity. The data supply device 200 may be a human presence sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person and outputs presence or absence data indicating the presence or absence result. The data supply device 200 may be an illuminance sensor that measures illuminance and outputs illuminance data indicating the measured illuminance.

[0024] The timing at which the data supplying device 200 provides data to the service providing device 100 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the data supplying device 200 may provide data to the service providing device 100 every time a predetermined time elapses. Furthermore, for example, the data supplying device 200 may provide data to the service providing device 100 when various events occur.

[0025] The events include receiving a data transmission request from the service providing device 100, a change in data acquired by the data supplying device 200, etc. The data supplying device 200 is, for example, a sensor that measures and outputs various sensor values. The data supplying device 200 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the data supplying device 200, a communication interface (not shown) for connecting to the communication network 740, etc.

[0026] The server 300 executes various processes related to the services provided to users. For example, the server 300 is a cloud server that provides resources in cloud computing. As shown in FIG. 3 , the server 300 includes, for example, a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 35.

[0027] The control unit 31 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, RTC, etc. In the control unit 31, the CPU reads out programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to perform overall control of the server 300. The storage unit 32 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The communication unit 35 communicates with various devices connected to the communication network 710 under the control of the control unit 31. The communication unit 35 includes communication interfaces that comply with various communication standards.

[0028] The operation terminal 400 is a terminal device that serves as a user interface and is operated by a user. For example, the operation terminal 400 is a terminal device in which an application corresponding to a service that the user receives is installed. As shown in FIG. 4 , the operation terminal 400 includes, for example, a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a display unit 43, an operation reception unit 44, and a communication unit 45.

[0029] The control unit 41 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, RTC, etc. In the control unit 41, the CPU reads out programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to perform overall control of the operation terminal 400. The storage unit 42 includes nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device.

[0030] The display unit 43 displays various images in accordance with the control of the control unit 41. The display unit 43 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, etc. The operation reception unit 44 receives various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the contents of the received operations to the control unit 41. The operation reception unit 44 includes a touch screen, a button, a lever, etc. The communication unit 45 communicates with various devices connected to the operation terminal 400 via the communication network 720 in accordance with the control of the control unit 41. The communication unit 45 includes a communication interface that complies with various communication standards.

[0031] The management device 500 is a device that manages the service providing device 100. For example, the management device 500 manages a service management table, which will be described later. The management device 500 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the management device 500, a communication interface (not shown) for connecting to the communication network 730, and the like.

[0032] The gateway 600 is a device that relays communications between the communication network 710 and the communication network 730. The gateway 600 is, for example, a broadband router. The gateway 600 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the gateway 600, a communication interface (not shown) for connecting to the communication network 710, and a communication interface (not shown) for connecting to the communication network 730.

[0033] Next, the functions of the service providing system 1000 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows a functional configuration diagram of the service providing device 100, and Figure 6 shows a functional configuration diagram of the server 300 and the operation terminal 400. As shown in Figure 5, the service providing device 100 functionally comprises a data acquisition unit 101, a data transfer unit 102, a service providing unit 103, a reliability evaluation unit 104, an impact identification unit 105, and an impact transmission unit 106. The impact identification unit 105 comprises a service level determination unit 107 and a service content determination unit 108.

[0034] 6 , the server 300 functionally comprises a data collection unit 301, a reliability evaluation unit 302, an impact identification unit 303, and an impact transmission unit 304. The operation terminal 400 functionally comprises a display control unit 401. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the ROM or the storage units 12, 32, and 42. The CPU then executes the programs stored in the ROM or the storage units 12, 32, and 42 to realize each of these functions.

[0035] The data acquisition unit 101 acquires data to be used for the service from the data supply device 200. For example, the data acquisition unit 101 periodically acquires temperature data, humidity data, presence / absence data, illuminance data, etc. from the data supply device 200 via the communication network 740. The data acquisition unit 101, for example, stores the acquired data in the storage unit 12 in association with the date and time of data acquisition. In this embodiment, data acquired in the most recent predetermined period is stored in the storage unit 12. In other words, in this embodiment, data acquired in a period prior to this period is deleted from the storage unit 12.

[0036] The data transfer unit 102 transfers the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 101 from the data supply device 200 to the server 300. For example, the data acquisition unit 101 periodically executes a process of transmitting unsent data, which the data acquisition unit 101 has accumulated in the storage unit 12, to the server 300 via the gateway 600.

[0037] The service providing unit 103 provides a service to the user based on the data acquired by the data acquiring unit 101 from the data supply device 200. For example, the service providing unit 103 provides a service to the user by controlling the processing execution unit 17 based on the data accumulated in the memory unit 12 by the data acquiring unit 101. For example, the service providing unit 103 executes a history recording service, a monitoring service, a comfortable air conditioning service, a ventilation and air conditioning linkage service, a power-saving dimming service, etc. The service providing unit 103 is an example of a service providing means.

[0038] The reliability evaluation unit 104 evaluates the reliability of the content or acquisition of the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 101 from the data supply device 200. The method by which the reliability evaluation unit 104 evaluates the reliability of the data can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the reliability evaluation unit 104 may evaluate the reliability of the content of the data based on the magnitude of the sensor value indicated by the data. Specifically, for example, the reliability evaluation unit 104 may evaluate the reliability of the content of the data as low if the sensor value does not fall within a predetermined range of values ​​or if the sensor value frequently falls outside this range of values.

[0039] The reliability evaluation unit 104 may also evaluate the reliability of the data content based on the amount of fluctuation in the sensor value. Specifically, for example, if the amount of fluctuation in the sensor value is large, the reliability evaluation unit 104 may evaluate the reliability of the data content as low. The reliability evaluation unit 104 may also evaluate the reliability of the data content based on the acquisition status of normal sensor values. Specifically, for example, if the sensor value frequently indicates an error value, the reliability evaluation unit 104 may evaluate the reliability of the data content as low. Possible causes of low reliability of the data content include sensor failure, sensor deterioration over time, initial sensor defects, etc.

[0040] The reliability evaluation unit 104 may also evaluate the reliability of data acquisition based on the signal strength when the sensor value is acquired. Specifically, for example, if the signal strength when the sensor value is acquired is low, the reliability evaluation unit 104 may evaluate the reliability of data acquisition as low. The reliability evaluation unit 104 may also evaluate the reliability of data acquisition based on the communication status when the sensor value is acquired. Specifically, for example, if communication interruptions occur frequently when the sensor value is acquired, the reliability evaluation unit 104 may evaluate the reliability of data acquisition as low.

[0041] As described above, causes of a decrease in the reliability of data acquisition include a decrease in signal strength, communication interruption, etc. Causes of a decrease in signal strength include a long distance between devices such as the service providing device 100, the data supply device 200, and the gateway 600, the devices being located on different floors, the presence of an obstacle between the devices, the presence of an object near the devices, a loose antenna, poor contact in the communication line, etc. Causes of communication interruption include the presence of a microwave oven near the device, an abnormality in the device settings, a broken communication line, etc. An example of an abnormality in the device settings is forgetting to configure the communication settings after replacing the gateway 600.

[0042] The evaluation result by the reliability evaluation unit 104 may be expressed in any manner. For example, the evaluation result may be that the data value occasionally exceeds the reference range, that the data value fluctuates greatly, that data is sometimes not obtainable for a long period of time, that the frequency of data acquisition is unstable, that data is frequently not obtainable, that data values ​​are almost never abnormal, that data is almost never not obtainable, etc. Alternatively, the evaluation result may be a numerical value indicating the degree of reliability. In this embodiment, the evaluation result is expressed as an integer value from 1 to 3, and the higher the integer value, the higher the reliability of the data. The reliability evaluation unit 104 is an example of a reliability evaluation means.

[0043] The impact identification unit 105 identifies an impact on the service based on the evaluation result by the reliability evaluation unit 104. The impact on the service identified by the impact identification unit 105 can be adjusted as appropriate and may be concrete or abstract. For example, in a comfort air conditioning service, if the reliability of humidity data is low, accurate humidity control cannot be performed, and it is thought that the quality of the comfort air conditioning service will deteriorate. In this case, the impact identification unit 105 may identify, as the impact on the service, a deterioration in the quality of the comfort air conditioning service, the degree to which the quality of the comfort air conditioning service will deteriorate, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, as will be described later, if the reliability of data used for a service is low, the service level of the service provided to the user is lowered. In this case, the impact identification unit 105 may identify, as the impact on the service, that the service level will be lowered, the service content when the service level is lowered, etc. The impact identification unit 105 is an example of an impact identification means.

[0045] The impact transmission unit 106 transmits impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification unit 105 to the operation terminal 400 operated by the user. The impact transmission unit 106 may transmit the impact information directly to the operation terminal 400, or may transmit the impact information indirectly to the operation terminal 400 via another device. In this embodiment, the impact transmission unit 106 transmits the impact information indirectly to the operation terminal 400 via the server 300. When the evaluation result deteriorates, the impact transmission unit 106 may include the impact information in abnormality notification information that notifies of an abnormality and transmit the abnormality notification information to the operation terminal 400. The impact transmission unit 106 is an example of an impact transmission means.

[0046] The service level determination unit 107 determines the service level of the service provided to the user based on the evaluation result by the reliability evaluation unit 104. For example, the service level determination unit 107 determines the service level based on the evaluation result and level calculation information for calculating the service level. The level calculation information is information indicating the importance of the service provided to the user and the impact of data on the service provided to the user.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 7, the level calculation information is information in which the data used in the service provided to the user, the service provided to the user, the importance of the service, and the impact of the data are associated with each other. The importance of the service is a measure of how important the service provided to the user is. In this embodiment, the importance of the service is expressed by an integer value between 1 and 3, and the higher the integer value, the higher the importance of the service.

[0048] The data impact is a degree that indicates the magnitude of the impact that data has on a service. In this embodiment, the data impact is expressed by an integer value from 1 to 3, and the higher the integer value, the higher the data impact. The service level determination unit 107 lowers the service level as the evaluation result by the reliability evaluation unit 104 becomes lower, the importance of the service becomes higher, and the data impact becomes higher. In this embodiment, the service level is expressed by an integer value from 1 to 3, and the higher the integer value, the higher the service level.

[0049] For example, the service level is calculated using a point deduction system, with the highest score for the evaluation result, the importance of the service, and the impact of the data being 3. For example, the total deduction points are S, the evaluation result is A, the importance of the service is B, and the impact of the data is C, and S = (3 - A) x (B + C) is calculated. Here, for example, if S is less than Th1, the service level is set to 3; if S is equal to or greater than Th1 and less than Th2, the service level is set to 2; and if S is equal to or greater than Th2, the service level is set to 1. Th1 is an integer value equal to or greater than 1, and Th2 is an integer value greater than Th1 and equal to or less than 12. The service level determination unit 107 is an example of a service level determination means.

[0050] The service content determination unit 108 determines the service content of the service to be provided to the user based on the service content information and the service level determined by the service level determination unit 107. The service content information is information that indicates the service content for each service level of the service to be provided to the user.

[0051] 8, the service content information is information in which service levels and service contents are associated with each other for services provided to users. In the service content information, for example, a high service level is associated with a service content based on advanced control making full use of acquired data. In addition, in the service content information, for example, a low service level is associated with a service content based on simple control that does not rely on acquired data.

[0052] This service content information indicates that for the comfort air conditioning service, when the service level is 3, temperature and humidity control is performed in coordination with the air conditioner and the sensor. When the service level is 3, the reliability of the humidity data obtained from the humidity sensor is considered high. Therefore, temperature and humidity control is performed using the humidity data obtained from the humidity sensor.

[0053] Furthermore, this service content information indicates that for the comfort air conditioning service, when service level is 2, temperature and humidity control is performed using the air conditioner alone. When service level is 2, it is considered that the reliability of the humidity data obtained from the humidity sensor is not high. Therefore, temperature and humidity control is performed without using humidity data obtained from the humidity sensor.

[0054] Furthermore, this service content information indicates that, for the comfort air conditioning service, when the service level is 1, temperature control is performed by the air conditioner. When the service level is 1, the reliability of the humidity data acquired from the humidity sensor is considered to be low. In this case, the effectiveness of humidity control may be considered to be questionable in the first place, so temperature control is performed instead of temperature and humidity control. The service content determination unit 108 identifies the service content corresponding to the service level determined by the service level determination unit 107 from the service contents indicated by the service content information. The service content determination unit 108 is an example of a service content determination means.

[0055] The service providing unit 103 provides the user with a service content that has been changed based on the evaluation result. That is, the service providing unit 103 provides the user with a service content that has been determined by the service content determining unit 108. The impact identifying unit 105 identifies the change in the service content as an impact on the service. For example, the impact identifying unit 105 identifies the implementation of the service with the service content that has been determined by the service content determining unit 108 as an impact on the service.

[0056] It is preferable that the service providing device 100 stores level calculation information and service content information related to the services provided by the service providing device 100 and the data used for these services in the storage unit 12. Here, the level calculation information and service content information can be extracted, for example, from a service management table. The service management table is a table for managing all services provided by the service providing system 1000. The service management table is stored, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the management device 500 and managed by the management device 500.

[0057] 9 shows a service management table. As shown in FIG. 9, the service management table is a table in which sensors, data, services, service importance, data impact, service level, and service content are associated with each other. The service providing device 100 acquires information about services and data related to the device itself from the service management table. The service providing device 100 can generate level calculation information and service content information related to the device itself based on the acquired information.

[0058] The data collection unit 301 collects data that the service providing device 100 has acquired from the data supplying device 200 from the service providing device 100. That is, the data collection unit 301 acquires data that the data transfer unit 102 included in the service providing device 100 has transferred to the server 300. Specifically, the data collection unit 301 collects from the service providing device 100A the data that the service providing device 100A has acquired from the data supplying device 200A and the data supplying device 200B. In addition, the data collection unit 301 collects from the service providing device 100B the data that the service providing device 100B has acquired from the data supplying device 200C.

[0059] The data collection unit 301 periodically collects data from the service providing device 100. The period at which the data collection unit 301 collects data from the service providing device 100 is preferably longer than the period at which the service providing device 100 acquires data from the data supplying device 200. In other words, it is preferable that the data collection unit 301 collects all the data accumulated in the storage unit 12 from the service providing device 100 after a certain amount of data acquired by the service providing device 100 from the data supplying device 200 has been accumulated in the storage unit 12.

[0060] The data collection unit 301 stores the collected data in the storage unit 32 in association with the date and time of data collection. The amount of data stored in the storage unit 32 of the server 300 is greater than the amount of data stored in the storage unit 12 of the service providing device 100. In other words, data acquired over a short period of time is stored in the storage unit 12, and data acquired over a long period of time is stored in the storage unit 32. The data collection unit 301 is an example of a data collection means.

[0061] The reliability evaluation unit 302 evaluates the content of the data acquired by the data collection unit 301 from the service providing device 100 or the reliability of the acquisition. In other words, the reliability evaluation unit 302 evaluates the reliability of data acquired over a long period of time and stored in the storage unit 32. The method by which the reliability evaluation unit 302 evaluates the reliability of data can be adjusted as appropriate. The method by which the reliability evaluation unit 302 evaluates the reliability of data may be the same as the method by which the reliability evaluation unit 104 evaluates the reliability of data.

[0062] However, the reliability evaluation unit 302 can compare data acquired over a long period of time. Therefore, the reliability evaluation unit 302 can evaluate the reliability of the data, taking into account, for example, changes in sensor values ​​due to aging of the sensor. Furthermore, the reliability evaluation unit 302 can compare data provided by multiple data supply devices 200. Therefore, the reliability evaluation unit 302 can evaluate the reliability of the data by, for example, comparing data provided by multiple sensors of the same or similar types. The reliability evaluation unit 302 is an example of a reliability evaluation means.

[0063] The impact identification unit 303 identifies an impact on the service based on the evaluation result by the reliability evaluation unit 302. The impact on the service identified by the impact identification unit 303 can be adjusted as appropriate, and may be concrete or abstract. The method by which the impact identification unit 303 identifies an impact on the service may be the same as the method by which the impact identification unit 105 identifies an impact on the service. The impact identification unit 303 is an example of an impact identification means.

[0064] The impact transmission unit 304 transmits impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification unit 303 to the operation terminal 400 operated by the user. The impact transmission unit 304 also acquires impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification unit 105 from the service providing device 100, and transfers the acquired impact information to the operation terminal 400. If the evaluation result is low, the impact transmission unit 304 may transmit abnormality notification information including the impact information to the operation terminal 400. Alternatively, if the impact transmission unit 304 receives an inquiry from the operation terminal 400 about the presence or absence of an abnormality and the evaluation result is low, the impact transmission unit 304 may transmit abnormality notification information including the impact information to the operation terminal 400. The impact transmission unit 304 is an example of an impact transmission means.

[0065] The display control unit 401 causes the display unit 43 to display a screen for presenting the impact information acquired from the server 300. For example, assume that the service providing device 100A provides a comfort air-conditioning service based on humidity data acquired from the data supply device 200A, and temperature and humidity control is performed solely by the air conditioner at service level 2. In this case, the display control unit 401 causes the display unit 43 to display a screen indicating, for example, that the comfort air-conditioning service will be performed at a low service level, that temperature and humidity control will be performed solely by the air conditioner, and that the humidity data acquired from the data supply device 200A will not be used for the comfort air-conditioning service.

[0066] Also, for example, assume that when the service providing device 100B provides a monitoring service based on temperature data acquired from the data supplying device 200C, an abnormality alert is issued at service level 1. In this case, the display control unit 401 causes the display unit 43 to display a screen indicating that the life log recording performed at service level 3 and the survival check performed at service level 2 will not be performed, and that the abnormality alert performed at service level 1 will be performed. The display control unit 401 is an example of a display control means. The display unit 43 is an example of a display means.

[0067] Next, the service level update process executed by the service providing device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. The service providing device 100 executes the service level update process, for example, at predetermined intervals.

[0068] First, the control unit 11 included in the service providing device 100 evaluates the reliability of the data (step S101). For example, the control unit 11 evaluates the contents and acquisition status of the data accumulated in the storage unit 12. After completing the process of step S101, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the data (step S102). For example, the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the data if the sensor value indicated by the accumulated data is outside a predetermined value range. Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the data if the data is not stably acquired.

[0069] If the control unit 11 determines that there is no abnormality in the data (step S102: NO), it completes the service level update process. If the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the data (step S102: YES), it determines the service level (step S103). For example, the control unit 11 determines the service level based on the level calculation information stored in the storage unit 12 and the evaluation result of the reliability of the data.

[0070] Upon completing the process of step S103, the control unit 11 determines the service content (step S104). For example, the control unit 11 determines the service content based on the service content information stored in the storage unit 12 and the determined service level. Upon completing the process of step S104, the control unit 11 transmits impact information to the server 300 (step S105). For example, the control unit 11 transmits impact information including the service content according to the service level to the server 300. Upon receiving the impact information from the service providing device 100, the server 300 transfers the impact information to the operation terminal 400. The operation terminal 400 displays a screen on the display unit 43 to present the impact on the service indicated by the impact information.

[0071] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S105, it updates the service level (step S106). After updating the service level, the service level of the service provided by the service providing unit 103 is updated, and the service is provided with the service content according to the updated service level.

[0072] In this embodiment, impact information indicating the impact on the service identified based on the evaluation result of the reliability of the data content or acquisition is transmitted to the operation terminal 400 operated by the user. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of the impact on the service based on the reliability of the data.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a service is provided with service content changed based on the evaluation result, and the change in service content is identified as an impact on the service. According to this embodiment, it is possible to maintain provision of the service even when the reliability of data used for the service is low. In other words, according to this embodiment, provision of the service is maintained to the extent possible while preventing the provision of inappropriate services based on unreliable data. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the change in service content is notified to the user, thereby preventing the user from being confused by the change in service content.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the service content is determined based on the service level determined based on the evaluation result and the service content information. According to this embodiment, the service content is determined easily and appropriately.

[0075] In this embodiment, the service level is determined based on the level calculation information and the evaluation result. According to this embodiment, the service level is determined easily and appropriately.

[0076] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which an impact on a service based on the reliability of data is notified to a user. In the present embodiment, an example is further described in which factor identification information for identifying factors that affect the reliability of data is acquired. Note that the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0077] First, the functions of a service providing system 1200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. The service providing system 1200 has the same configuration as the service providing system 1000, except that it includes a service providing device 120, a server 320, and an operation terminal 420 instead of the service providing device 100, the server 300, and the operation terminal 400. The service providing device 120, the server 320, and the operation terminal 420 have the same physical configurations as the service providing device 100, the server 300, and the operation terminal 400, respectively.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 11 , the server 320 functionally comprises a data collection unit 301, a reliability evaluation unit 302, an impact identification unit 303, an impact transmission unit 304, a factor acquisition unit 305, a factor accumulation unit 306, a candidate identification unit 307, and a candidate transmission unit 308. As shown in FIG. 12 , the operation terminal 420 functionally comprises a display control unit 401, a factor reception unit 402, and a factor transmission unit 403. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the ROM or the storage units 32 and 42. The CPU then executes the programs stored in the ROM or the storage units 32 and 42 to realize each of these functions.

[0079] The data collection unit 301 collects data from the service providing device 120 and stores the collected data in the storage unit 32. The reliability evaluation unit 302 evaluates the reliability of the data collected by the data collection unit 301. The impact identification unit 303 identifies the impact on the service based on the evaluation result by the reliability evaluation unit 302. The impact transmission unit 304 transmits impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification unit 303 and impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification unit 105 to an operation terminal 420 operated by a user.

[0080] The factor acquisition unit 305 acquires factor identification information from the operation terminal 420 to identify factors that affect the contents of data or the reliability of acquisition. As will be described later, this factor identification information is information that the operation terminal 420 receives from the user. Various types of information are conceivable as the factor identification information. For example, the factor identification information may include information regarding the location of at least one of the relay device, the service providing device 120, and the data supplying device 200. The relay device is a device connected to at least one of the service providing device 120 and the data supplying device 200. In this embodiment, the gateway 600 is the relay device.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the cause identification information may include information regarding a user operation on at least one of the relay device, the service providing device 120, and the data supply device 200. The user operation may be a power operation, a setting change operation, etc. The power operation may be an operation to turn off the power of the device, an operation to turn on the power of the device, etc. The setting change operation is an operation to change the settings of the device.

[0082] The location of the devices, the operation of the devices, etc. can be factors that affect the contents of the data or the reliability of data acquisition. For example, when the service providing device 120 and the data supplying device 200 transmit and receive data via wireless communication, if the distance between the service providing device 120 and the data supplying device 200 is too long, the service providing device 120 may not be able to acquire data from the data supplying device 200. Furthermore, for example, if the power of the data supplying device 200 is turned off or the communication settings of the data supplying device 200 are inappropriate, the service providing device 120 may not be able to acquire data from the data supplying device 200. Therefore, the server 320 acquires factor identification information including information regarding the location of the devices, the operation of the devices, etc. from the operation terminal 420. The factor acquisition unit 305 is an example of a factor acquisition means.

[0083] The factor accumulation unit 306 accumulates the factor identification information acquired by the factor acquisition unit 305 in the storage unit 32 in association with the evaluation results by the reliability evaluation unit 104 or the reliability evaluation unit 302. The server 320 can execute various processes using the factor identification information accumulated in association with the evaluation results. For example, the server 320 can estimate the correspondence between the reliability of data and the arrangement of equipment or the operation of the equipment by analyzing the factor identification information accumulated in association with the evaluation results. The factor accumulation unit 306 may accumulate the factor identification information in the storage unit 32 in association with the data collected by the data collection unit 301, in addition to the evaluation results. The factor accumulation unit 306 is an example of a factor accumulation means. The storage unit 32 is an example of a storage means.

[0084] When the reliability of the data content or acquisition has decreased, the candidate identification unit 307 identifies candidate factors for the decrease in the reliability of the data content or acquisition based on the factor identification information stored in association with the evaluation result in the storage unit 32. For example, assume that the storage unit 32 has stored a large number of pairs of evaluation results indicating that communication is likely to be interrupted and the reliability of data acquisition is low, and factor identification information indicating that the distance between the service providing device 120 and the data supply device 200 is long. In this case, when the evaluation result by the reliability evaluation unit 104 or the reliability evaluation unit 302 indicates that communication is likely to be interrupted, the candidate identification unit 307 identifies the long distance between the service providing device 120 and the data supply device 200 as a candidate factor for the decrease in the reliability of data acquisition.

[0085] Also, for example, assume that a large number of pairs of evaluation results indicating that no data can be acquired due to a communication interruption and cause identification information indicating that an operation has been performed to turn off the power to the data supply device 200 are stored in the memory unit 32. In this case, if the evaluation result by the reliability evaluation unit 104 or the reliability evaluation unit 302 is that no data can be acquired due to a communication interruption, the candidate identification unit 307 identifies the fact that the power to the data supply device 200 has been turned off as a candidate cause of reduced reliability in data acquisition. The candidate identification unit 307 is an example of a candidate identification means.

[0086] The candidate sending unit 308 sends candidate information indicating the candidate degradation factors identified by the candidate identifying unit 307 to the operation terminal 420. Meanwhile, the operation terminal 420 notifies the user of the candidate degradation factors indicated by the candidate information. The user can refer to the notified candidate degradation factors and take measures to resolve the factor that reduces the reliability of the data. The candidate sending unit 308 is an example of a candidate sending means.

[0087] The display control unit 401 causes the display unit 43 to display a screen for presenting the impact information acquired from the server 320. The display control unit 401 also causes the display unit 43 to display a screen for accepting cause identification information from the user. For example, the display control unit 401 causes the display unit 43 to display a screen for accepting information such as the locations of devices such as the service providing device 120, the data supply device 200, and the gateway 600, and the operation history of these devices.

[0088] The display control unit 401 may present a screen for presenting the impact information and then present a screen for accepting the cause identification information from the user. Alternatively, the display control unit 401 may present a screen for presenting the impact information and a screen for accepting the cause identification information from the user. The display control unit 401 is an example of a display control means.

[0089] The factor receiving unit 402 receives factor identification information from the user. That is, the factor receiving unit 402 receives an operation from the user to acquire the factor identification information when a screen for receiving the factor identification information from the user is presented to the user. The factor identification information may include information regarding the placement of at least one of the gateway 600, the service providing device 120, and the data supplying device 200. The factor identification information may also include information regarding a user operation on at least one of the gateway 600, the service providing device 120, and the data supplying device 200. The factor receiving unit 402 is an example of a factor receiving means.

[0090] The factor transmission unit 403 transmits the factor identification information received from the user by the factor reception unit 402 to the server 320. The factor identification information transmitted to the server 320 by the factor transmission unit 403 is acquired by the factor acquisition unit 305 included in the server 320. The factor transmission unit 403 is an example of a factor transmission means.

[0091] Below, with reference to Figures 13 to 19, we will explain a specific example in which, when an abnormality related to data acquisition is detected, the occurrence of the abnormality, its impact on services, etc. are notified, and the user is encouraged to perform a self-inspection and cause identification information, which is information useful for identifying the abnormality, is obtained from the user.

[0092] 13 shows screen 810, which is a first screen displayed by operation terminal 420. Screen 810 is a screen for notifying a user that a data abnormality has occurred. More specifically, when the reliability of data used for a service has decreased, screen 810 is a screen for notifying a user of the decrease in data reliability and the impact on the service, etc. Screen 810 includes areas 811, 812, 813A, 813B, 813C, 814A, 814B, buttons 815A, 815B, 816, and 817.

[0093] Area 811 is an area where the sensor in which the data abnormality was detected, that is, the data supply device 200 that supplies data with reduced reliability, is displayed. Area 812 is an area where the content of the data abnormality, that is, the content of the data or the reduced reliability of acquisition, is displayed. Areas 813A, 813B, and 813C are areas where the impact on services is displayed. Area 813A indicates that statistical data will become inaccurate in the history recording service. Area 813B indicates that independent control by the air conditioner will be implemented in the comfort air conditioning service. Area 813C indicates that the history recording service and comfort air conditioning service will be switched to alternative operation. Note that a decrease in service level corresponds to a change from normal operation to alternative operation.

[0094] Areas 814A and 814B are areas where the importance of affected services is displayed. For example, a high importance level is assigned to a service that affects the user's health condition. Buttons 815A and 815B are buttons for displaying detailed information about affected services. Button 816 is a button for instructing the user to move to the next screen to check the cause of the abnormality. In other words, button 816 is a button for instructing the user to start a voluntary inspection. Button 817 is a button for terminating the process without checking the cause of the abnormality.

[0095] 14 shows screen 820, which is the second screen displayed by operation terminal 420. Screen 820 is a screen for checking the operating status of each device. Screen 820 is displayed in response to pressing button 816 on screen 810. Screen 820 includes buttons 821, 822, and 823.

[0096] Button 821 is a button for turning on or off the expanded display of detailed settings when each device is powered on. Button 822 is a button for turning on or off the expanded display of detailed settings when any device is powered off. In Fig. 14, "device" indicates the service providing device 120, "router" indicates the gateway 600, and "sensor" indicates the data providing device 200. Button 823 is a button for instructing transition to a screen for registering review contents and confirming the results.

[0097] 15 shows screen 830, which is a third screen displayed by operation terminal 420. Screen 830 is a screen for checking the operating status of each device in detail. Screen 830 is displayed in response to pressing buttons 821 and 822 on screen 820. Screen 830 includes buttons 821, 822, 831, 832, area 833, 834, area 835, 836, and 837.

[0098] Button 831 is a button for turning on or off the expanded display of detailed settings when a power operation has been performed on each device within one week. Button 832 is a button for instructing transition to the next screen with the content set in area 833. Area 833 is an area for accepting the designation of a device for which a power operation has been performed. Whether or not to display button 832 and area 833 can be switched on or off by pressing button 831. Button 834 is a button for instructing transition to the next screen when a power operation has not been performed on each device within one week. Area 835 is an area that clearly shows devices that are powered off. Button 836 is a button for updating the information displayed in area 835. Button 837 is a button for instructing transition to the next screen.

[0099] 16 shows screen 840, which is a fourth screen displayed by operation terminal 420. Screen 840 is a screen for checking the communication distance between devices. Screen 840 is displayed in response to pressing any of button 832, button 834, or button 837 on screen 830. Screen 840 includes button 841, drop-down list 842A, drop-down list 842B, area 843A, area 843B, button 844, button 845, drop-down list 846A, and drop-down list 846B.

[0100] Button 841 is a button for turning on or off the expanded display of detailed settings when the devices are on the same floor. Drop-down list 842A is a drop-down list that accepts the specification of the distance between the gateway 600 and the service providing device 120. Drop-down list 842B is a drop-down list that accepts the specification of the distance between the service providing device 120 and the data supplying device 200.

[0101] Area 843A is an area where the received signal strength in communication between gateway 600 and service provider device 120 is displayed. Area 843B is an area where the received signal strength in communication between service provider device 120 and data supply device 200 is displayed. Whether or not to display drop-down list 842A, drop-down list 842B, area 843A, and area 843B can be switched by pressing button 841.

[0102] The strength of the received signal between the devices can be measured by the first communication unit 15, the second communication unit 16, etc. For example, the server 320 can acquire signal strength information indicating the strength of the received signal between the devices from the service providing device 120 and store the acquired signal strength information in the storage unit 32. Furthermore, the server 320 can transmit the signal strength information acquired from the service providing device 120 to the operation terminal 420, thereby allowing the operation terminal 420 to present the strength of the received signal between the devices.

[0103] The server 320 can identify a decrease in the received signal strength between devices based on the signal strength information. However, it is difficult for the server 320 to identify the cause of the decrease in received signal strength between devices. For example, it is difficult for the server 320 to identify whether the decrease in received signal strength between devices is due to the distance between the devices, the installation environment of each device, a device malfunction, or the like. Therefore, it is preferable for the server 320 to acquire cause identification information indicating the distance between the devices, the installation environment of each device, a device malfunction, or the like from the user via the operation terminal 420. Button 844 is a button for instructing transition to the next screen.

[0104] Button 845 is a button for turning on or off the expanded display of detailed settings when the devices are not on the same floor. Drop-down list 846A is a drop-down list that accepts the specification of the floor on which the gateway 600 is installed. Drop-down list 846B is a drop-down list that accepts the specification of the floor on which the service providing device 120 is installed.

[0105] 17 shows a screen 850, which is a fifth screen displayed by the operation terminal 420. The screen 850 is a screen for checking the installation environment of each device. The screen 850 is displayed in response to pressing of the button 844 on the screen 840. The screen 850 includes a drop-down list 851, an area 852, a button 853, an area 854, and a button 855.

[0106] Drop-down list 851 is a drop-down list that accepts the specification of the installation location of the gateway 600. In addition to being placed on the floor, possible installation locations include being placed on a stand, in a shelf, near the ceiling, etc. Area 852 is an area that presents confirmation items related to the installation environment, installation status, etc. of the gateway 600, and accepts input related to the installation environment, installation status, etc. Confirmation items include whether the gateway 600 is installed near a microwave oven, whether there are walls, ceilings, objects, etc. near the gateway 600, whether the gateway 600 is hidden by an obstacle, whether the wiring of the gateway 600 is disconnected, whether the antenna of the gateway 600 is loose, etc.

[0107] If the gateway 600 is installed near a microwave oven, there is a high possibility that radio waves emitted by the microwave oven and those emitted by the gateway 600 will interfere with each other, resulting in packet loss. Furthermore, if there is a wall, ceiling, object, or the like with a metal surface that causes a large loss of radio wave strength near the gateway 600, there is a high possibility that the received signal strength will decrease. Furthermore, if the gateway 600 is hidden by an obstacle, there is a high possibility that the received signal strength will decrease. Furthermore, if the wiring of the gateway 600 is unplugged, there is a high possibility that communication will be interrupted. Furthermore, if the antenna of the gateway 600 is loose, there is a high possibility that the received signal strength will decrease, communication will be interrupted, and the like.

[0108] Button 853 is a button for registering a photo obtained by capturing an image of the area including the gateway 600. Area 854 is an area where the registered photo is displayed. Note that the server 320 can estimate the installation location, installation environment, installation status, etc. of the gateway 600 from the registered photo. Button 855 is a button for instructing transition to the next screen.

[0109] 18 shows a screen 860, which is a sixth screen displayed by the operation terminal 420. The screen 860 is a screen for checking the communication settings of each device. The screen 860 is displayed in response to pressing of the button 855 on the screen 850. The screen 860 includes an area 861, an area 862, an area 863, and a button 864.

[0110] Area 861 is an area for presenting confirmation items related to the communication settings of the gateway 600 and accepting input related to these confirmation items. Area 862 is an area for presenting confirmation items related to the communication settings of the service providing device 120 and accepting input related to these confirmation items. Area 863 is an area for presenting confirmation items related to the communication settings of the data supplying device 200 and accepting input related to these confirmation items.

[0111] Items to be checked regarding communication settings include device replacement, device initialization, etc. When a device is replaced or initialized, the user is required to reset the device's communication settings. However, the user may forget to reset the device's communication settings. Therefore, in this embodiment, a case where the device's communication settings need to be reset is presented, and the user is prompted to confirm. Button 864 is a button for instructing transition to the next screen. The next screen is a screen for registering review content and confirming the results. Although not shown, when screens 830, 840, 850, etc. are scrolled, button 823 is also displayed on screens 830, 840, 850, etc. Pressing button 823 instructs transition to a screen for registering review content and confirming the results.

[0112] 19 shows screen 870, which is a seventh screen displayed by operation terminal 420. Screen 870 is a screen for registering review content and confirming the results. Screen 870 is displayed in response to pressing button 823 or button 864. Screen 870 includes button 871, area 872, area 873, button 874, button 875, area 876, button 877, and button 878.

[0113] Button 871 is a button for turning on or off the expanded display of detailed settings when registering review content. Area 872 is an area where candidate review content is presented and where input of review content performed by the user is accepted. Area 873 is an area where any input regarding the review content is accepted. The display of areas 872 and 873 can be switched on or off by pressing button 871.

[0114] Button 874 is a button for turning on or off the expanded display of detailed settings when checking the results of data acquisition by the service providing device 120. Button 875 is a button for instructing to acquire the results of data acquisition. Area 876 is an area where the results of data acquisition are displayed. When button 875 is pressed, the operation terminal 420 requests the results of data acquisition from the server 320. In accordance with this request, the server 320 acquires the results of data acquisition by the service providing device 120. The server 320 transmits the results of data acquisition by the service providing device 120 to the operation terminal 420.

[0115] Button 877 is a button for instructing transition to screen 810, which is the initial screen. Button 878 is a button for instructing completion of the notification of impact information and the acquisition of cause identification information. When button 878 is pressed, the operation terminal 420 uploads cause identification information to the server 320 based on various information received from the user on screens 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, etc. The cause identification information includes information indicating the operating status of each device, the user's operation status for each device, the distance between devices, the installation environment of each device, the status of the wiring or antenna of each device, the status of the communication settings for each device, and the details of user revisions.

[0116] The server 320 stores the factor identification information acquired from the operation terminal 420 in the storage unit 32 in association with the evaluation results by the reliability evaluation unit 104 or the reliability evaluation unit 302. The server 320 can execute various processes using the information stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the server 320 estimates the factor that is currently causing communication to be easily interrupted by pattern matching between the communication interruption pattern indicated by the current evaluation result and the communication interruption pattern indicated by the information stored in the storage unit 32. The server 320 transmits the estimated factor to the operation terminal 420. The operation terminal 420 notifies the user of the estimated factor. For example, the operation terminal 420 displays messages such as "Is the device powered off?" and "Is the wireless LAN setting complete?" on a screen 810 that notifies the user of the impact on the service.

[0117] In this embodiment, the factor identification information and the evaluation results acquired from the operation terminal 420 are stored in association with each other. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to store information for estimating factors that affect the reliability of data from the evaluation results.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, candidate factors for the deterioration of data reliability are identified based on the factor identification information accumulated in association with the evaluation results, and candidate information indicating the identified candidate factors for the deterioration of data reliability is transmitted to the operation terminal 420. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of candidate factors for the deterioration of data reliability.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation terminal 420 transmits the cause identification information received from the user to the server 320. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the server 320 can acquire the cause identification information from the user via the operation terminal 420.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cause identification information includes information regarding the location of at least one of the gateway 600, the service providing device 120, and the data supplying device 200. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to identify candidates for the cause of degradation based on the location of the devices.

[0121] (Modifications) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible when implementing the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, it is arbitrary which parts of the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configurations, functions, and operations, further configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted in the present disclosure. Furthermore, the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0122] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the service providing system 1000 includes the service providing device 100, the data supply device 200, the server 300, the operation terminal 400, and the management device 500. The configuration of the service providing system 1000 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the service providing system 1000 does not need to include the server 300. In this case, for example, it is sufficient that the service providing device 100 and the operation terminal 400 communicate directly. Furthermore, the service providing system 1000 does not need to include the management device 500.

[0123] The configurations of the service providing device 100, the data supplying device 200, the server 300, the operation terminal 400, the management device 500, etc. are not limited to the examples shown in embodiment 1. For example, the service providing device 100 may not include the reliability evaluation unit 104, the impact identification unit 105, etc. Also, for example, the server 300 may not include the reliability evaluation unit 302, the impact identification unit 303, etc. Also, for example, the management device 500 may include the reliability evaluation unit 104, the impact identification unit 105, etc.

[0124] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the management device 500 stores the service management table. The device that stores the service management table is not limited to the management device 500. For example, the operation terminal 400 may store the service management table.

[0125] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the service providing device 100 automatically changes the service level of the service provided to the user when the reliability of the data is low. When the reliability of the data is low, the operation terminal 400 may inquire of the user about permission to change the service level, and the service providing device 100 may change the service level in response to receiving approval from the user.

[0126] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the evaluation result, the importance of the service, the impact of the data, the service level, etc. are expressed in three stages. The evaluation result, the importance of the service, the impact of the data, the service level, etc. may be expressed in two stages, or in four or more stages.

[0127] In the above-described embodiments, the CPU in the control unit 11, 31, 41 executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12, 32, 42 to function as each unit shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 11, 12. However, in the present disclosure, the control unit 11, 31, 41 may be dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 11 is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized together by a single piece of hardware.

[0128] In addition, some of the functions of each unit may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other functions may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 11 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0129] By applying an operation program that defines the operation of the service providing devices 100, 120, servers 300, 320, and operation terminals 400, 420 according to the present disclosure to a computer such as an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is possible to cause the computer to function as the service providing devices 100, 120, servers 300, 320, and operation terminals 400, 420 according to the present disclosure. In addition, the method of distribution of such programs is arbitrary, and for example, the programs may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or a memory card and distributed, or may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0130] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0131] The present disclosure is applicable to a service providing system that provides a service to a user based on acquired data.

[0132] 11, 31, 41 Control unit, 12, 32, 42 Memory unit, 13, 43 Display unit, 14, 44 Operation reception unit, 15 First communication unit, 16 Second communication unit, 17 Processing execution unit, 35, 45 Communication unit, 100, 100A, 100B, 120 Service providing device, 101 Data acquisition unit, 102 Data transfer unit, 103 Service providing unit, 104, 302 Reliability evaluation unit, 105, 303 Impact identification unit, 106, 304 Impact transmission unit, 107 Service level determination unit, 108 Service content determination unit, 200, 200A, 200B, 200C Data supplying device, 300, 320 Server, 301 Data collection unit, 305 Factor acquisition unit, 306 Factor accumulation unit, 307 Candidate identification unit, 308 Candidate transmission unit, 400, 420 Operation terminal, 401 display control unit, 402 cause reception unit, 403 cause transmission unit, 500 management device, 600 gateway, 710, 720, 730, 740, 740A, 740B communication network, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870 screen, 811, 812, 813A, 813B, 813C, 814A, 814B, 833, 835, 843A, 843B, 852, 854, 861, 862, 863, 872, 873, 876 Areas, 815A, 815B, 816, 817, 821, 822, 823, 831, 832, 834, 836, 837, 841, 844, 845, 853, 855, 864, 871, 874, 875, 877, 878 Buttons, 842A, 842B, 846A, 846B, 851 Drop-down lists, 1000, 1200 Service provision system

Claims

1. A service provision system comprising a data supplying device that supplies data, and a service providing device that provides a service to a user based on the data obtained from the data supplying device, the service provision system further comprising: a reliability evaluation means for evaluating the reliability of the contents or acquisition of the data; an impact identification means for identifying the impact on the service based on the evaluation results by the reliability evaluation means; and an impact transmission means for transmitting impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification means to an operation terminal operated by the user.

2. The service providing system of claim 1, wherein the service providing equipment comprises a service providing means for providing the service to the user with service content changed based on the evaluation results, and the impact identification means identifies the change in the service as an impact on the service.

3. A service provision system as described in claim 2, comprising: a service level determination means for determining a service level for the service based on the evaluation results; and a service content determination means for determining a service content for the service based on service content information indicating service content for each service level for the service and the service level determined by the service level determination means, wherein the service provision means provides the service to the user with the service content determined by the service content determination means.

4. The service providing system according to claim 3, wherein the service level determination means determines the service level based on the evaluation result and level calculation information indicating the importance of the service and the impact of the data on the service.

5. A service provision system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a server that collects the data from the service provision equipment, the server comprising: a factor acquisition means that acquires, from the operation terminal, factor identification information for identifying factors that affect the contents of the data or the reliability of the acquisition; and a factor storage means that stores the factor identification information acquired by the factor acquisition means in a memory means in association with the evaluation result.

6. The service provision system of claim 5, wherein the server is equipped with: a candidate identification means for identifying candidate factors for a decrease in the reliability of the content or acquisition of the data based on the factor identification information stored in the storage means in correspondence with the evaluation result when the reliability of the content or acquisition of the data decreases; and a candidate transmission means for transmitting candidate information indicating the candidate factors for the decrease identified by the candidate identification means to the operation terminal.

7. A service providing system as described in claim 5 or 6, comprising an operation terminal, the operation terminal comprising: a display control means for causing a display means to display a screen for receiving the factor identification information from the user; a factor receiving means for receiving the factor identification information from the user; and a factor transmitting means for transmitting the factor identification information received from the user by the factor receiving means to the server.

8. A service providing system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the factor identification information includes information regarding a relay device connected to at least one of the service providing equipment and the data supplying equipment, and the arrangement of at least one of the service providing equipment and the data supplying equipment.

9. A service providing device comprising: a service providing means for providing a service to a user based on data acquired from a data supply device; a reliability evaluation means for evaluating the reliability of the contents or acquisition of the data; an impact identification means for identifying an impact on the service based on an evaluation result by the reliability evaluation means; and an impact transmission means for transmitting impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification means to an operation terminal operated by the user.

10. A server comprising: a data collection means for collecting data acquired from a data supply device by a service providing device that provides a service to a user, from the service providing device; a reliability evaluation means for evaluating the reliability of the contents or acquisition of the data; an impact identification means for identifying an impact on the service based on the evaluation results by the reliability evaluation means; and an impact transmission means for transmitting impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification means to an operation terminal operated by the user.

11. An information transmission method, comprising: evaluating the contents of data acquired by a service providing device from a data supply device or the reliability of the acquisition; identifying an impact on a service provided by the service providing device to a user based on the evaluation results; and transmitting impact information indicating the identified impact on the service to an operation terminal operated by the user.

12. A program that causes a computer to function as: a reliability evaluation means that evaluates the contents of data acquired by a service providing equipment from a data supply equipment or the reliability of the acquisition; an impact identification means that identifies the impact on a service provided by the service providing equipment to a user based on the evaluation results by the reliability evaluation means; and an impact transmission means that transmits impact information indicating the impact on the service identified by the impact identification means to an operation terminal operated by the user.

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