Information providing method, information providing device, information acquiring method, and information acquiring device

Abstract

The information providing method according to the present disclosure comprises: a step for storing history information during use of a plurality of electric devices; a step for receiving a request for providing the history information of at least some of the plurality of electric devices from a first external device; and a step for providing the history information to a second external device when the provision request is received. In the provision of the history information, a first upper limit is provided for the number of electric devices to be provided, and a second upper limit is provided for the length of the period of the history information to be provided.

Description

Information providing method, information providing device, information acquiring method, and information acquiring device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information providing method, an information providing device, an information acquiring method, and an information acquiring device.

[0002] Historical information of electric devices is being utilized. Patent Document 1 describes the utilization of historical information indicating the charging and discharging history of a vehicle.

[0003] JP 2017-046490 A

[0004] The present disclosure provides techniques suitable for providing and / or obtaining history information for multiple electrical devices.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an information providing method comprising: a step of storing history information of a plurality of electrical devices during use; a step of receiving a request for provision of the history information from a first external device for at least some of the plurality of electrical devices; and a step of providing the history information to a second external device upon receiving the provision request, wherein in providing the history information, a first upper limit is set on the number of electrical devices to be provided, and a second upper limit is set on the length of a period of the history information to be provided.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein is suitable for providing and / or obtaining history information for multiple electrical devices.

[0007] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an information communication system according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a multiple device history information set and a multiple device history information subset. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a multiple device history information set and a multiple device history information subset. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the information communication system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the information communication system according to a second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the information communication system according to a third embodiment.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. An overview of each embodiment is shown in Table 1 below.

[0009] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0010] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an information communication system 100 according to embodiment 1. The information communication system 100 includes an information providing device 200, an information acquiring device 300, and a network 400.

[0011] The information providing device 200 is connected to the information acquiring device 300 via a network 400, and can communicate with the information acquiring device 300 via the network 400. The network 400 is, for example, the Internet.

[0012] The information providing device 200 functions as a server in communication and includes a controller 210, a storage device 220, a first communicator 271, and a second communicator 272.

[0013] The information acquisition device 300 functions as a client in communication and includes a first controller 311, a second controller 312, a first external device 351, a second external device 352, and a third external device 353.

[0014] Hereinafter, a server as a device will be referred to as a "server device" to distinguish it from a server in a server-client system in communication. The information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 can be server devices. The server device may be a cloud server device located in a cloud environment.

[0015] The first external device 351 includes a third communicator 373. The second external device 352 includes a fourth communicator 374. The third external device 353 includes a fifth communicator 375.

[0016] The first communicator 271 communicates with a third communicator 373 via the network 400. The first communicator 271 communicates with a fifth communicator 375 via the network 400. The second communicator 272 communicates with a fourth communicator 374 via the network 400.

[0017] In the first embodiment, as will be understood from the explanation using FIG. 4 described later, the first external device 351 is responsible for transmitting requests to provide / acquire history information, the second external device 352 is responsible for receiving history information, and the third external device 353 is responsible for receiving conditions for providing / acquiring history information.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the electric device 500 is a device that operates using electricity. The electric device 500 may be a device that uses electricity as energy, or may be a device that uses electricity as a signal. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the electric device 500 is a device that is capable of performing information communication via the network 400. Specifically, the electric device 500 may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device.

[0019] In the information and communication system 100, history information is provided and acquired when at least one electric device 500 is used. In the information and communication system 100 of the first embodiment, history information is provided and acquired when at least two electric devices 500 are used. In the first embodiment, the history information when at least two electric devices 500 are used may correspond to a multiple-device history information subset, which will be described later.

[0020] In the first embodiment, the information providing device 200 accumulates acquired values ​​for each information type of the electrical device 500 together with the acquisition time as history information. The information providing device 200 provides the information acquiring device 300 with the necessary history information based on a request from the information acquiring device 300.

[0021] In embodiment 1, the history information of the electrical device 500 may include, for example, time series information of information types such as the operating voltage of the electrical device 500, the operating current of the electrical device 500, the power consumption of the electrical device 500, the control mode of the electrical device 500, and the operating mode of the electrical device 500.

[0022] In the first embodiment, the electrical device 500 is a charger. The charger can charge a charging target such as an electric vehicle. Here, the concept of a charger includes chargers and dischargers. The charger history information can include, for example, time-series information on information types such as the total charge amount, the number of charges, the charge voltage, the charge current, the charge power, the charge time, the internal resistance, the temperature, the charge mode, and the attachment and detachment of the charger to the charging target.

[0023] Specifically, in the first embodiment, a charging system including a plurality of chargers is configured. A vehicle dispatching system is configured by the information acquisition device 300. The vehicle dispatching system creates a dispatch plan for a plurality of electric vehicles.

[0024] Hereinafter, the terms "multiple device history information set" and "multiple device history information subset" may be used. Figures 2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams of multiple device history information sets and multiple device history information subsets. Figure 2 is a time chart with the horizontal axis as the time axis. Figure 3 is a Venn diagram.

[0025] In Figures 2 and 3, - period Ta is the period covered by the multiple device history information set, - period Tb is the period covered by the multiple device history information subset, - number Ma is the number of electrical devices covered by the multiple device history information set (the number of elements in the device group), and - number Mb is the number of electrical devices covered by the multiple device history information subset (the number of elements in the device group).

[0026] That is, the multiple device history information set indicates history information relating to Ma electric devices 500 and a period Ta, and the multiple device history information subset indicates history information relating to Mb electric devices 500 and a period Tb.

[0027] Tb is equal to or less than Tm. Ma is a natural number equal to or greater than 2. There is no particular upper limit to Ma. In embodiment 1, Mb is a natural number equal to or greater than 2 and equal to or less than Mm.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the multiple device history information set is defined by the information providing device 200. In contrast, the multiple device history information subset is specified by the information acquiring device 300.

[0029] The storage device 220 of the information providing device 200 is configured to store a multiple-device history information set that is history information related to Ma electrical devices 500 and a period Ta. The period Ta has a finite length. Since the period Ta has a finite length, the capacity of the storage device 220 can be managed.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the information acquisition device 300 acquires a multiple-device history information subset from the information providing device 200. The multiple-device history information subset is a part or all of the multiple-device history information set.

[0031] History information of Ma electrical devices 500 is sequentially recorded in the memory 220 of the information providing device 200. In the example of FIG. 2 , this recording is performed every fixed period length ΔT. The history information stored in the memory 220 is sequentially deleted starting with the oldest portion that exceeds the period Ta. In the situation of FIG. 2 , the multi-device history information set is history information for the period from time t1 to time t8. In the situation of FIG. 2 , the multi-device history information subset is history information for the period from time t3 to time t5. In FIG. 2 , time tc is the current time.

[0032] In the information communication system 100, an upper limit period length Tm of the multiple device history information subset is determined. The upper limit period length Tm is the upper limit of the length of the period Tb. The upper limit period length Tm makes it possible to limit the amount of communication when communicating the multiple device history information subset. In the example of FIG. 2, the length of the period Tb is the same as the upper limit period length Tm. However, the length of the period Tb may be shorter than the upper limit period length Tm.

[0033] In the information communication system 100, an upper limit number Mm of multiple device history information subsets is determined. The upper limit number Mm is the upper limit of the number Mb. The upper limit number Mm makes it possible to limit the amount of communication when communicating multiple device history information subsets. In the example of FIG. 3, the number Mb is the same as the upper limit number Mm. However, the number Mb may be less than the upper limit number Mm. In the first embodiment, the upper limit number Mm is a natural number equal to or greater than 2.

[0034] <Operation of Information Communication System 100> As shown in Table 1, in the first embodiment, when a multiple-device history information subset is provided, the sharing of the provision conditions between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 is performed by communication. The multiple-device history information subset is provided synchronously.

[0035] The operation of the information communication system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the information communication system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] In the sequence diagram of Fig. 4, requests and responses are paired. In Fig. 4, requests are indicated by solid arrows, and responses are indicated by dotted arrows. Specifically, the request in step S101 and the response in step S102 are paired, the request in step S103 and the response in step S104 are paired, and the request in step S105 and the response in step S106 are paired. For each pair, a response is made within a certain time period after the request. These processes including requests and responses can be implemented based on HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

[0037] In step S100, the storage unit 220 stores a set of multiple device history information.

[0038] In step S101, the first controller 311 causes the third external device 353 to transmit a request for provision condition information to the first communicator 271 via the fifth communicator 375. The provision condition information is information indicating the provision conditions when providing history information. The controller 210 receives the request via the first communicator 271.

[0039] Note that the "provision" in the "provision conditions" in step S101 is a term from the perspective of the information providing device 200. In the explanation with reference to FIG. 4, it is written as "provision", but from the perspective of the information acquiring device 300, it may be written as "acquisition". In other words, the "provision conditions" can be read as "acquisition conditions".

[0040] Next, in step S102, the controller 210 causes the fifth communicator 375 of the third external device 353 to transmit a response to the request in step S101 via the first communicator 271.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the response in step S102 includes: (a1) an identifier of the conditions for providing the history information; (a2) information indicating the period of the history information to be provided; (a3) ​​information indicating the upper limit of the length of the period of the history information that can be requested in one provision request; (a4) information indicating the upper limit of the number of electrical devices 500 that can be requested in one provision request; and (a5) information indicating the method of providing the history information.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the period of (a2) is the period Ta shown in FIG. 2. The upper limit of (a3) ​​is the upper limit period length Tm shown in FIG. 2. (a3) ​​determines the range of the period of history information that can be requested in one provision request. The upper limit of (a4) is the upper limit number Mm shown in FIG. 3. (a4) determines the range of the number of electrical devices 500 that can be requested in one provision request. The provision method of (a5) is synchronous.

[0043] Note that the "provision" in the "provision method" in step S102 is a term used from the perspective of the information providing device 200. In the explanation with reference to FIG. 4, it is written as "provision", but from the perspective of the information acquiring device 300, it may be written as "acquisition". In other words, the "provision method" can be read as the "acquisition method".

[0044] Next, in step S103 , the first controller 311 causes the first external device 351 to transmit a request for providing history information to the first communicator 271 via the third communicator 373 .

[0045] In the first embodiment, the provision request in step S103 includes: (b1) an identifier of the provision condition for the history information; (b2) information indicating the period of the requested history information; and (b3) an identifier of the target electric device 500.

[0046] The period (b2) corresponds to the period Tb shown in FIG. 2 . The total number of electric devices 500 shown in (b3) is Mb. The provision request may include the identifiers of (b3) in a list format. A list is a concept that includes an array. Furthermore, the identifiers of the electric devices 500 may include, in addition to the individual identifiers of the electric devices 500, an identifier that collectively identifies a specific plurality of electric devices 500 (indicating a specific group of the electric devices 500).

[0047] Because the response in step S102 includes (a3), the period in (b2) in step S103 can be set to the upper limit of (a3) ​​or less. Also, because the response in step S102 includes (a4), the number of electrical devices 500 in (b3) in step S103 can be set to the upper limit of (a4) or less. These factors make it possible to reduce the amount of communication when communicating multiple device history information subsets.

[0048] Note that the "provision" in the "provision request" in step S103 is a term used from the perspective of the information providing device 200. In the explanation with reference to FIG. 4, it is written as "provision", but it may be written as "acquisition" from the perspective of the information acquisition device 300. In other words, the "provision request" can be read as an "acquisition request".

[0049] Next, in step S104, the controller 210 causes the third communicator 373 of the first external device 351 to transmit a response to the provision request of step S103 via the first communicator 271.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the response in step S104 includes: (c1) an identifier of the history information; (c2) information indicating the total number of items; (c3) information indicating the number of items per response; and (c4) information indicating the timeout time.

[0051] The history information specified by the identifier (c1) is a multiple-device history information subset corresponding to the period specified by the identifiers (b2) and (b3) and the electrical device 500. The total number of items in (c2) is the total number of items of history information included in this multiple-device history information subset. The number of items in (c3) is the maximum number of items of history information that the information providing device 200 can transmit to the information acquiring device 300 at one time.

[0052] Here, the "number of items" in (c2) and (c3) will be explained. The number of items of history information is given by the product of the number of target units and the number of target periods. The number of target units is the number of electrical devices 500 that the history information targets. The number of target periods is the value obtained by dividing the length of the period that the history information targets by one unit of the length of the period.

[0053] In one numerical example, the number of devices covered by the multiple device history information subset is 30. The length of the period covered by the multiple device history information subset is 30 days. One unit of period length is one day. In this example, the number of periods covered by the multiple device history information subset is 30 days ÷ 1 day = 30. The total number of (c2), i.e., the total number of multiple device history information subsets, is 30 devices × 30 = 900. The number of (c3) is 80.

[0054] Next, a subset transmission process is performed, which includes steps S105 and S106.

[0055] In step S105, the first controller 311 causes the first external device 351 to transmit a subset transmission request to the first communicator 271 via the third communicator 373. In step S106, the controller 210 causes the fourth communicator 374 of the second external device 352 to transmit a response to the subset transmission request of step S105 via the second communicator 272.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the subset transmission request in step S105 includes: (d1) an identifier of history information.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the response in step S106 includes: (e1) information indicating the transmission subset.

[0058] The identifier of (d1) specifies the transmission subset of (e1). The identifier of (d1) and the transmission subset of (e1) are explained as follows:

[0059] That is, in the first case where the total number of items (c2) is equal to or less than the number of items (c3), the history information specified by the identifier (d1), i.e., the transmission subset of (e1), is the multiple-device history information subset specified by the identifier (c1). In one combination of steps S105 and S106, the multiple-device history information subset specified by the identifier (c1) is transmitted from the second communicator 272 to the fourth communicator 374.

[0060] On the other hand, in the second case where the total number of items (c2) is greater than the number of items (c3), the history information specified by the identifier (d1), i.e., the transmission subset (e1), is obtained by dividing the multiple-device history information subset specified by the identifier (c1) into v items. v is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. Specifically, v is the value obtained by dividing the total number of items (c2) by the number of items (c3), and rounding up the decimal point. By repeating the combination of steps S105 and S106 v times, the multiple-device history information subset specified by the identifier (c1) is transmitted from the second communicator 272 to the fourth communicator 374.

[0061] When the above numerical example is applied to the second case, v = ROUNDUP [900 items / 80 items] = 12. Here, ROUNDUP [ ] is a function that rounds up the decimal point.

[0062] Several other embodiments will be described below. In the following, elements common to the embodiments already described and the embodiments to be described thereafter will be given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. The descriptions of the respective embodiments may be mutually applicable unless technically inconsistent. The respective embodiments may be combined with each other unless technically inconsistent.

[0063] (Embodiment 2) As shown in Table 1, in embodiment 2, the sharing of the conditions for providing history information between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 is performed via communication. The method for providing the multiple device history information subsets is asynchronous. The asynchronous method can be useful for providing large amounts of history information.

[0064] In the second embodiment, as will be understood from the explanation using Fig. 5 described later, the first external device 351 is responsible for receiving information indicating that waiting is required to provide / acquire history information and for transmitting a request to provide / acquire history information. The second external device 352 is responsible for receiving history information. The third external device 353 is responsible for receiving conditions for providing / acquiring history information.

[0065] The operation of the information communication system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the information communication system 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0066] In the sequence diagram of Fig. 5, requests and responses are paired. In Fig. 5, requests are indicated by solid arrows, and responses are indicated by dotted arrows. Specifically, the request in step S101 and the response in step S102 are paired, the request in step S103 and the response in step S201 are paired, the request in step S202 and the response in step S203 are paired, and the request in step S105 and the response in step S106 are paired. For each pair, a response is made within a certain time period after the request. These processes including requests and responses can be implemented based on HTTP.

[0067] In the second embodiment, after step S103, in step S201, the controller 210 transmits a response to the provision request of step S103 to the third communicator 373 of the first external device 351 via the first communicator 271.

[0068] In the second embodiment, the response in step S201 includes: (f1) an identifier of the history information; (f2) information indicating an estimated time when preparation for providing the history information will be completed; and (f3) information indicating a timeout time.

[0069] The history information specified by the identifier (f1) is a multiple-device history information subset corresponding to the period (b2), the period (b3), and the electrical device 500. The time (f2) is the estimated time when creation of this multiple-device history information subset will be completed. The wait until the time (f2) is indicated by a rectangle in FIG. 5 . By adopting a specification that allows this wait to be set, communication disruptions can be avoided even if it takes a long time for the controller 210 to check the total number of items (h2) described below (i.e., if the total number is large). The information (f2) can be considered to indicate that a wait is required to provide the history information. The timeout time (f3) is the time when the period during which the multiple-device history information subset can be acquired after its creation ends. Once this timeout time has elapsed, the information acquisition device 300 will no longer be able to acquire the multiple-device history information subset.

[0070] After waiting, in step S202, the first controller 311 causes the first external device 351 to transmit a preparation completion confirmation request to the first communicator 271 via the third communicator 373.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the preparation completion confirmation request in step S202 includes: (g1) an identifier of history information.

[0072] The identifier (g1) is the identifier (f1) in the response of step S201.

[0073] Next, in step S203, the controller 210 transmits a response to the preparation completion confirmation request in step S202 to the third communicator 373 of the first external device 351 via the first communicator 271.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the response in step S203 includes: (h1) an identifier of the history information; (h2) information indicating the total number of items; (h3) information indicating the number of items per response; (h4) information indicating the estimated time when preparation for providing the history information will be completed; and (h5) information indicating the timeout time.

[0075] The explanations of (c1) to (c3) in the first embodiment can be used as explanations of (h1) to (h3).

[0076] It is possible that the creation of the multiple device history information subset may not actually be completed by the estimated completion time of (f2) in step S201. In this case, the process waits until the time of (h4) in the response of step S203, and then the subset transmission process is performed. The time of (h4) is a newly set estimated time at which the creation of this multiple device history information subset will be completed. The timeout time of (h5) is the same as the timeout time of (f3).

[0077] Next, a subset transmission process is performed. The subset transmission process includes steps S105 and S106. By appropriately reinterpreting the description of the subset transmission process of the first embodiment, it is possible to make it a description of the subset transmission process of the second embodiment. Examples of reinterpretation include: - Reinterpreting "(c1)" with "(h1)", - Reinterpreting "(c2)" with "(h2)", and - Reinterpreting "(c3)" with "(h3)".

[0078] Third Embodiment As shown in Table 1, in the third embodiment, the sharing of the conditions for providing history information between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 is performed via communication. The method for providing the multiple-device history information subset is a file type. The file type can be useful for providing large amounts of history information.

[0079] In the second embodiment, as will be understood from the explanation using Fig. 6 described later, the first external device 351 is responsible for receiving information indicating that waiting is required for providing / acquiring history information and for transmitting a request to provide / acquire history information. The second external device 352 is responsible for receiving history information. The third external device 353 is responsible for receiving conditions for providing / acquiring history information.

[0080] The operation of the information communication system 100 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the information communication system 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0081] In the sequence diagram of Fig. 6, requests and responses are paired. In Fig. 6, requests are indicated by solid arrows, and responses are indicated by dotted arrows. Specifically, the request in step S101 and the response in step S102 are paired, the request in step S103 and the response in step S201 are paired, and the request in step S202 and the response in step S301 are paired. For each pair, a response is made within a certain time period after the request. These processes including requests and responses can be implemented based on HTTP.

[0082] In the third embodiment, after step S202, in step S301, the controller 210 transmits a response to the preparation completion confirmation request of step S202 to the fourth communicator 374 of the second external device 352 via the second communicator 272.

[0083] In the third embodiment, the response in step S301 includes: (i1) an identifier of the history information; and (i2) file provision information.

[0084] The history information specified by the identifier (i1) is a multiple-device history information subset corresponding to the period specified by the identifier (b2), the period specified by the identifier (b3), and the electrical device 500. In the third embodiment, the file provision information (i2) is a uniform resource locator (URL) for acquiring this multiple-device history information subset. The horizontal hexagon in FIG. 6 indicates that a file including the multiple-device history information subset is downloaded based on the file provision information (i2). Specifically, the controller 210 transmits the file to an entity (not shown) at the URL via the second communicator 272. This places the file in the entity. The second external device 352 accesses the URL via the fourth communicator 374 and downloads the file from the entity. This allows the second external device 352 to receive the file. In this way, the multiple-device history information subset is provided to the second external device 352 via the second communicator 272, the entity, and the fourth communicator 374. The entity is, for example, a file server device, which may be a cloud server device located in a cloud environment.

[0085] Fourth Embodiment As shown in Table 1, in the fourth embodiment, the sharing of the conditions for providing history information between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 is performed by presetting. The method for providing the multiple device history information subsets is synchronous.

[0086] Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, steps S101 and S102 in the sequence diagram of FIG. 4 relating to the first embodiment are changed to presetting steps (not shown).

[0087] The pre-setting step allows the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 to share the conditions for providing history information. Specifically, the pre-setting step allows (a1) to (a5) to be shared. The pre-setting step is performed, for example, based on a contract between the user of the information providing device 200 and the user of the information acquiring device 300. Here, "pre-setting" specifically means before step S103. These points are the same in the fifth, sixth, and eighth embodiments.

[0088] Fifth Embodiment As shown in Table 1, in the fifth embodiment, the sharing of the conditions for providing history information between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 is performed by presetting. The method for providing the multiple device history information subsets is asynchronous.

[0089] Specifically, in the fifth embodiment, steps S101 and S102 in the sequence diagram of FIG. 5 relating to the second embodiment are changed to presetting steps (not shown).

[0090] Sixth Embodiment As shown in Table 1, in the sixth embodiment, the sharing of the conditions for providing history information between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 is performed by presetting. The method for providing the multiple device history information subset is a file type.

[0091] Specifically, in the sixth embodiment, steps S101 and S102 in the sequence diagram of FIG. 6 relating to the third embodiment are changed to presetting steps (not shown).

[0092] Seventh Embodiment As shown in Table 1, in a seventh embodiment, the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 share the conditions for providing history information through communication. A method for providing the multiple-device history information subset is selected from a plurality of options. The selection can be made, for example, according to the amount of information in the multiple-device history information subset.

[0093] Specifically, in the seventh embodiment, the processes based on the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 4 to 6 relating to the first to third embodiments are modified as follows. That is, the provision condition (a5) in the response in step S102 includes multiple options for the method of providing history information. The multiple options include at least one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file type. If the synchronous type is selected in the information acquisition device 300, the processes from step S103 onwards in FIG. 4 relating to the first embodiment are executed. If the asynchronous type is selected in the information acquisition device 300, the processes from step S103 onwards in FIG. 5 relating to the second embodiment are executed. If the file type is selected in the information acquisition device 300, the processes from step S103 onwards in FIG. 6 relating to the third embodiment are executed. In the seventh embodiment, the method of providing history information that is actually adopted may be any one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file type.

[0094] Eighth Embodiment As shown in Table 1, in the eighth embodiment, the sharing of the conditions for providing history information between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 is performed by presetting. The method for providing the multiple-device history information subset is selected from a plurality of options. The selection can be made, for example, according to the amount of information in the multiple-device history information subset.

[0095] In the eighth embodiment, the presetting can be performed in the same manner as in the fourth to sixth embodiments. In the eighth embodiment, the processes from step S103 onward are executed in the same manner as in the seventh embodiment.

[0096] (Technology Applicable to the First to Eighth Embodiments) Hereinafter, a description will be given of technology applicable to the first to eighth embodiments described above.

[0097] <Electrical Device 500> In the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the electrical device 500 is a charger. However, the electrical device 500 is not limited to a charger. The electrical device 500 may be a sensor-related device, an air conditioning-related device, a housing / facility-related device, a cooking / housework / refrigeration-related device, a health management-related device, a management / operation-related device, an AV-related device, or the like. Examples of the sensor-related device include a fire sensor, a human body detection sensor, a temperature sensor, a CO2 sensor, and a current sensor. Examples of the air conditioning-related device include an air conditioner, an electric fan, a ventilation fan, an air purifier, a heated carpet, a kerosene fan heater, and a commercial package air conditioner. Examples of the housing / facility-related device include electric blinds, electric curtains, a water heater, an electric lock, a smart meter, a solar power generation system, a storage battery, a fuel cell, general lighting, single-function lighting, an emergency light, a lighting system, and an extended lighting system. Cooking / household / refrigeration-related appliances include microwave ovens, dishwashers, dish dryers, washing machines, clothes dryers, commercial showcases, etc. Health management-related appliances include, for example, weighing scales, body fat meters, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, etc. Management / operation-related appliances include, for example, controllers and switches (Home Automation (HA) appliances), etc. AV (Audio Visual)-related appliances include, for example, televisions (TVs), displays, etc.

[0098] <Information Acquisition Device 300> In the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the information acquisition device 300 is a vehicle dispatch system. The information acquisition device 300 may be another system such as a vehicle operation system, a social infrastructure system, a power demand management system, a distributed power management system, a power resource aggregation system, or an inter-business collaboration platform.

[0099] <Devices Constituting the Information Providing Device 200 and the Information Acquiring Device 300> As described above, in the first to eighth embodiments, the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 may be server devices. The server devices may be cloud server devices placed in a cloud environment. Furthermore, the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 may be information terminals.

[0100] The first external device 351, the second external device 352, and the third external device 353 may be server devices. The server devices may be cloud server devices placed in a cloud environment. Furthermore, the first external device 351, the second external device 352, and the third external device 353 may be information terminals.

[0101] The first communicator 271 and the second communicator 272 may be the same communicator. The first controller 311 and the second controller 312 may be the same controller. At least two of the first external device 351, the second external device 352, and the third external device 353 may be the same device. At least two of the third communicator 373, the fourth communicator 374, and the fifth communicator 375 may be the same communicator.

[0102] In one example, the first external device 351 is an information terminal, and the second external device 352 is a server device. The server device may be a cloud server device located in a cloud environment.

[0103] <Application of HTTP> In the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the combination of step S101 and step S102 is based on, for example, the GET method of HTTP.

[0104] In the synchronous provision of history information in the above-described first, fourth, seventh, and eighth embodiments, the combination of steps S103 and S104 is based on, for example, the HTTP POST method. In this synchronous provision of history information, the combination of steps S105 and S106 is based on, for example, the HTTP POST method.

[0105] In the asynchronous provision of history information in the above-described second, fifth, seventh, and eighth embodiments, the combination of step S103 and step S201 is based on, for example, the HTTP POST method. In this asynchronous provision of history information, the combination of step S202 and step S203 is based on, for example, the HTTP POST method. In this asynchronous provision of history information, the combination of step S105 and step S106 is based on, for example, the HTTP POST method.

[0106] In providing file-type history information in the above-described embodiments 3, 6, 7, and 8, the combination of step S103 and step S201 is based on, for example, the HTTP POST method. In providing this file-type history information, the combination of step S202 and step S301 is based on, for example, the HTTP POST method.

[0107] <Selection of Provision Conditions from Multiple Provision Conditions> In the above-described first to third and seventh embodiments, (a1) an identifier of a provision condition of history information is transmitted in step S102. Specifically, in step S102 in the first to third and seventh embodiments, one identifier related to one provision condition is transmitted. However, multiple identifiers related to multiple provision conditions may be transmitted. In this case, one of the multiple provision conditions is selected in the information acquisition device 300, and then processing may proceed based on the selected provision condition. Furthermore, in this case, the selection of the multiple provision conditions may proceed in two steps: a step of acquiring a list of the multiple provision conditions, and a step of acquiring details of the selected specific provision condition.

[0108] <Ma number of electrical devices 500> In the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the Ma number of electrical devices 500 are electrical devices of the same type, specifically, chargers. However, the Ma number of electrical devices 500 may include electrical devices of different types. For example, the Ma number of electrical devices 500 may include an air conditioner, a microwave oven, and a television.

[0109] <Method of Configuring a Multiple-Device History Information Set> In the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the period Ta of the multiple-device history information set has a finite length. This finiteness is given, for example, as follows. That is, in the information providing device 200, a minimum storage period length and a unit period length of the multiple-device history information set are set. The period Ta is dynamically set based on the current point in time so that the length of the period Ta is equal to or greater than the minimum storage period length and less than the sum of the minimum storage period length and the unit period length.

[0110] In a first numerical example, the minimum storage period length is 3 years. The unit period length is 1 year. As of August 23, 2023, the period Ta is the period from 0:00 on January 1, 2020 to the present. Until December 31, 2023, the period Ta is the period from 0:00 on January 1, 2020 to the present. On January 1, 2024, the period Ta is the period from 0:00 on January 1, 2021 to the present.

[0111] In the second numerical example, the minimum storage period length is two months. The unit period length is one month. As of August 23, 2023, the period Ta is the period from June 1st, 0:00 to the present. Until August 31st, the period Ta is the period from June 1st, 0:00 to the present. On September 1st, the period Ta is the period from July 1st, 0:00 to the present.

[0112] In the third numerical example, the minimum storage period length is 4 days. The unit period length is 1 day. As of August 23, 2023, the period Ta is the period from 0:00 on August 19 to the present. On August 24, the period Ta is the period from 0:00 on August 20 to the present.

[0113] As can be understood from the description with reference to Fig. 2, in the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the history information of Ma electric devices 500 is recorded every fixed period length ΔT. However, this recording may be performed at irregular timing.

[0114] <Method of Specifying Period of Requested History Information> In the above-described first to eighth embodiments, the provision request in step S103 includes (b2) information indicating the period of the requested history information. As a method of specifying the period of the requested history information in the provision request, for example, any of the following four methods can be adopted. In the following explanations (1) to (4), the "start point" is the start point of the period of the requested history information. The "end point" is the end point of the period of the requested history information. (1) In the provision request, both the start point and the end point are specified. (2) In the provision request, only the start point is specified of the start and end points. (3) In the provision request, only the end point is specified of the start and end points. (4) In the provision request, neither the start point nor the end point is specified.

[0115] In the above case (2), the period from the start point to the end point of the period of the multiple device history information set is the period of the requested history information. In the case of (3), the period from the start point to the end point of the period of the multiple device history information set is the period of the requested history information. In the case of (4), the entire period of the multiple device history information set is the period of the requested history information. As can be understood from these explanations, (b2) the information indicating the period of the requested history information may use the end point of the period of the multiple device history information set instead of information specifying the end point, or may use the start point of the period of the multiple device history information set instead of information specifying the start point.

[0116] <Number of Electrical Devices 500 for Which History Information is Requested> In the above-described first to eighth embodiments, history information is provided and acquired for Mb electrical devices 500 out of the Ma electrical devices 500, where Mb is greater than or equal to 2. That is, in the first to eighth embodiments, history information is provided and acquired for at least two electrical devices 500 out of the Ma electrical devices 500. However, history information may be provided and acquired for one electrical device 500 out of the Ma electrical devices 500. In this case, appropriate modifications may be made to the terms in the first to eighth embodiments. This includes replacing "multiple-device history information subset" with "history information subset." A history information subset refers to history information related to one electrical device 500 and a period Tb. The terms Mb and Mm are also used in the context of the history information subset after the modification. In the history information subset, Mb = 1. Furthermore, after the modification, the upper limit number Mm may be a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Furthermore, history information is also provided and acquired when Ma = 1. In this case, appropriate modifications may be made in the first to eighth embodiments. This includes changing the assumptions of Mb ≥ 2 and Mm ≥ 2 to Mb = 1 and Mm = 1. These modifications are useful not only for efficiently providing and acquiring history information for multiple devices, but also for targeting small-scale environments (e.g., a usage pattern in which an environment with a single electrical device 500 gradually expands) with a single mechanism without changing the overall system design or specifications. Note that the above phrase "providing a technology suitable for providing and / or acquiring history information for multiple electrical devices" is not intended to exclude the provision and / or acquisition of history information for a single electrical device. Technology suitable for providing and / or acquiring history information for multiple electrical devices can also be applied to providing and / or acquiring history information for a single electrical device.

[0117] <Method of Providing History Information> The information providing device 200 may support only one, only two, or all three of the synchronous, asynchronous, and file types. Unlike the first to eighth embodiments, the information providing device 200 does not necessarily need to support any of the synchronous, asynchronous, and file types. The same applies to the information acquiring device 300.

[0118] <File Type> In one example of providing history information by file type, the controller 210 transmits a file including a multi-device history information subset to the entity via the second communicator 272. As a result, the file is placed in the entity. The second external device 352 accesses the URL of the entity via the fourth communicator 374 and downloads the file from the entity. As a result, the second external device 352 receives the file. The entity may be an external entity located outside the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 and connected to the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 via the network 400. The entity may be located within the information providing device 200. Alternatively, the entity may be located within the information acquiring device 300.

[0119] (Method and Apparatus Understood from the Above Description) Hereinafter, a method and apparatus understood from the above description will be described. In the following description, the information providing device 200 and the server can be interchangeable. The information acquiring device 300 and the client can be interchangeable.

[0120] As can be understood from the above description, the present disclosure discloses an information providing method. Specifically, the information providing method is performed by an information providing device 200.

[0121] In one example of an information providing method, history information of the use of a plurality of electrical devices 500 is stored. A request to provide history information for at least some of the plurality of electrical devices 500 is received from a first external device 351. Upon receiving the request, the history information is provided to a second external device 352. When providing the history information, a first upper limit is set for the number of electrical devices 500 to be provided. When providing the history information, a second upper limit is set for the length of the period of the history information to be provided. Setting the first upper limit and the second upper limit can be useful in providing and / or acquiring history information for a plurality of electrical devices.

[0122] The expression "at least some of the plurality of electric devices 500" in the above configuration will be described. This expression specifically refers to at least some of the plurality of electric devices 500.

[0123] In the above configuration, history information obtained when the multiple electric devices 500 are used may correspond to a multiple-device history information set. Storing this history information may correspond to step S100. History information about at least some of the multiple electric devices 500 may correspond to a multiple-device history information subset. Receiving a request to provide this history information from the first external device 351 may correspond to step S103. In providing history information synchronously in embodiments 1, 4, 7, and 8, providing the history information to the second external device 352 may correspond to step S106. In providing history information asynchronously in embodiments 2, 5, 7, and 8, providing the history information to the second external device 352 may correspond to step S106. In providing history information in file format in embodiments 3, 6, 7, and 8, providing the history information to the second external device 352 may correspond to processing including "file download" in FIG. 6. In one specific example, when providing history information in file format, the controller 210 transmits a file including a multi-device history information subset to the entity via the second communicator 272. This places the file in the entity. The second external device 352 accesses the entity's URL via the fourth communicator 374 and downloads the file from the entity. This allows the second external device 352 to receive the file. This manner of providing history information to the second external device 352 via an entity is also considered to be one manner of providing history information to the second external device 352. The first upper limit corresponds to the upper limit in (a4) and may correspond to the upper limit number Mm. The second upper limit corresponds to the upper limit in (a3) ​​and may correspond to the upper limit period length Tm.

[0124] In the above configuration, providing history information is a concept that includes transmission. Transmission can be performed by the information providing device 200. Reception corresponding to transmission can be performed by the information acquiring device 300. A "provision request" is a concept that includes a "transmission request." A "provision target" is a concept that includes a "transmission target." Specifically, the synchronous provision of history information in embodiments 1, 4, 7, and 8, and the asynchronous provision of history information in embodiments 2, 5, 7, and 8 can be transmission of history information from the information providing device 200 to the information acquiring device 300 via the network 400. The file-type provision of history information in embodiments 3, 6, 7, and 8 can be transmission of history information from the information providing device 200 to the information acquiring device 300 via an entity and the network 400.

[0125] In one example, before providing the history information to the second external device 352, an identifier of the provision conditions for providing the history information is received from the first external device 351. This reception suggests that the provision conditions for the history information have been shared between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 prior to this reception. Specifically, the identifier of the provision conditions is included in the provision request.

[0126] In the above configuration, receiving the identifier of the provision condition can correspond to step S103.

[0127] In one example, before the request for provision, information indicating the provision conditions for providing the history information is transmitted to the third external device 353. This transmission allows the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 to share the provision conditions for the history information.

[0128] In the above configuration, transmitting information indicating the provision conditions to the third external device 353 can correspond to step S102.

[0129] In one example, the information indicating the provision conditions includes an identifier of the provision conditions.

[0130] In one example, the provision conditions include a condition regarding the number of electrical devices 500 for which history information is to be provided. The provision conditions also include a condition regarding the length of the period of history information for which history information is to be provided.

[0131] In one example, the first upper limit is a condition regarding the number of electric devices 500. The second upper limit is a condition regarding the length of the period of history information.

[0132] In one example, the provision conditions include that the method of providing the history information is at least one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file type.

[0133] The expression "the method for providing history information is at least one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file-based" in the above configuration will be explained. This expression encompasses an aspect in which information indicating that the provision conditions are synchronous is transmitted to the third external device 353. This expression encompasses an aspect in which information indicating that the provision conditions are asynchronous is transmitted to the third external device 353. This expression encompasses an aspect in which information indicating that the provision conditions are file-based is transmitted to the third external device 353. This expression encompasses an aspect in which information indicating that the method for providing history information can be selected from at least two of synchronous, asynchronous, and file-based is transmitted to the third external device 353 (hereinafter, "selection aspect"). In the selection aspect, the provision conditions can be selected in the information acquisition device 300.

[0134] Here, the synchronous type, the asynchronous type, and the file type will be explained.

[0135] <Synchronous Type> In one example of synchronous provision of history information, each of a series of communications between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300, including receiving a request to provide history information and providing the history information, is executed as soon as each communication is ready. The synchronous type method of providing history information is suitable for cases where history information (and its provision parameters) can be prepared immediately in response to a request from the information acquiring device 300.

[0136] The provision of history information in a synchronous manner according to one specific example is performed in the following procedure. The information acquisition device 300 issues a history information provision request to the information providing device 200 by specifying an identifier of the provision conditions (including a period, if necessary), thereby instructing the information providing device 200 to start preparations so that the information acquisition device 300 can return a desired multiple-device history information subset from the multiple-device history information set provided by the information providing device 200. When the preparations are complete, the information providing device 200 returns to the information acquisition device 300 the identifier of the history information linked to this action, as well as the total number of multiple-device history information items for which the range has been determined and the number of items per response (page). The information acquisition device 300 specifies the identifier and page number of the history information and executes information acquisition (synchronization), thereby acquiring the desired multiple-device history information subset from the information providing device 200. - If the total number of target multiple device history information items is greater than the number per response, the multiple device history information subset is divided, and therefore by repeating the information acquisition (synchronization) process and specifying a number from the second page onwards, subsequent multiple device history information subsets can be acquired, and the final multiple device history information subset can be acquired at the end page number ((total number) / (number per response): rounded up to the nearest whole number). - The validity period of the multiple device history information subset can be freely defined by the information providing device 200, but it is usually desirable to set a period sufficient to allow the information acquisition device 300 to easily obtain results by executing information acquisition (synchronization).

[0137] <Asynchronous Type> In one example of asynchronous history information provision, a waiting period is set by the information providing device 200 between the reception of a request to provide history information and the provision of the history information between the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300. The asynchronous information provision method is suitable for cases where it is difficult to immediately prepare history information (and its provision parameters) in response to a request from the information acquiring device 300. By setting a waiting period before providing a multi-device history information subset, it is possible to ensure processing time for the information providing device 200.

[0138] The asynchronous provision of history information according to one specific example is performed as follows: The information acquiring device 300 issues a history information provision request to the information providing device 200 by specifying an identifier of the provision conditions (including a period, if necessary), thereby instructing the information acquiring device 300 to start preparations so that the information acquiring device 300 can return a desired multiple-device history information subset from the multiple-device history information set provided by the information providing device 200. In parallel with creating the multiple-device history information subset, the information providing device 200 returns to the information acquiring device 300 an identifier of the history information associated with this action, as well as an estimated time when the creation of the multiple-device history information subset will be completed and a timeout time (a time indicating the period during which the multiple-device history information subset can be acquired after the multiple-device history information subset is created). Assuming that it will take some time to respond with the "total number of multiple-device history information items for which the range has been determined," the information acquiring device 300 executes a preparation completion confirmation. After the estimated time when the creation of the multiple-device history information subset has been completed or after a certain period of time has elapsed, the information acquiring device 300 specifies an identifier of the history information and executes a preparation completion confirmation to acquire the creation status of the multiple-device history information subset. When the information providing device 200 has finished creating the multiple device history information subset, it returns the total number of multiple device history information items for which the range has been determined, the number of items per response (page), and the timeout time to the information acquiring device 300. The information acquiring device 300 acquires the desired multiple device history information subset from the information providing device 200 by specifying the identifier and page number of the history information and executing information acquisition (asynchronous). If the total number of target multiple device history information items is greater than the number per response, the multiple device history information subset is divided, and therefore by repeating the information acquisition (asynchronous) process and specifying a page number from the second page onwards, subsequent multiple device history information subsets can be acquired, and the final multiple device history information subset can be acquired at the end page number ((total number) / (number per response): rounded up to the nearest whole number). The validity period of the multi-device history information subset can be freely specified by the information providing device 200, but it is usually desirable to set a period sufficient to allow the information acquiring device 300 to acquire results by executing information acquisition (asynchronously) with ample time to spare.

[0139] <File Type> In one example of providing history information using a file type, the information providing device 200 provides the history information to the information acquiring device 300 via access to the destination of the file storing the history information. The file type information providing method is suitable for cases where it is difficult to immediately prepare history information (and its providing parameters) in response to a request from the information acquiring device 300, and where a collection of information is to be provided in a unique format. By setting a waiting period before providing multiple device history information subsets, it is possible to secure processing time for the information providing device 200 or to use a unique file providing system.

[0140] Providing file-type history information according to one specific example is performed using the following procedure. The information acquisition device 300 issues a history information provision request to the information providing device 200 by specifying an identifier of the provision conditions (including a period, if necessary), thereby instructing the information acquisition device 300 to start preparations so that the information acquisition device 300 can return a desired multiple-device history information subset from the multiple-device history information set provided by the information providing device 200. In parallel with creating the multiple-device history information subset, the information providing device 200 returns to the information acquisition device 300 an identifier of the history information linked to this action, as well as an estimated time when the creation of the multiple-device history information subset will be completed and a timeout time (a time indicating a period during which the multiple-device history information subset can be acquired after it is created). The information acquisition device 300 specifies an identifier of the history information and executes information acquisition (file), thereby acquiring a URL for acquiring the desired multiple-device history information subset from the information providing device 200. The information acquisition device 300 accesses the URL to acquire the multiple-device history information. The validity period of the multi-device history information subset can be freely specified by the information providing device 200, but it is usually desirable to set a period sufficient to allow the information acquisition device 300 to acquire the results of information acquisition (file) with ample time to spare.

[0141] In the explanations of the <synchronous type>, <asynchronous type>, and <file type>, the "multiple device history information subset" may be read as the "history information subset."

[0142] The provision conditions will be further described below. Identifiers of the provision conditions may be stored in a database in each of the information providing device 200 and the information acquiring device 300 in association with information indicating the provision conditions.

[0143] The information indicating the provision conditions may be transmitted from the information providing device 200 to the information acquiring device 300 together with an identifier of the provision conditions as information associated with the information. This transmission may correspond to step S102.

[0144] Alternatively, the information providing device 200 may not transmit information indicating the provision conditions to the information acquiring device 300, but may instead transmit an identifier of the provision conditions as information associated with the information to the information acquiring device 300. In this case, the information acquiring device 300 can refer to the database and consider the information indicating the provision conditions associated with the identifier. After taking this into consideration, the information acquiring device 300 can transmit a request to provide history information to the information providing device 200. The transmission of this request may correspond to step S103.

[0145] Whether transmitting information indicating the provision conditions together with the identifier or transmitting an identifier without transmitting information indicating the provision conditions, the provision conditions may include a condition regarding the number of electrical devices 500 for which history information is to be provided and a condition regarding the length of a period of history information for which history information is to be provided. Specifically, in either of these cases, the condition regarding the number of electrical devices 500 may be a first upper limit, and the condition regarding the length of a period of history information may be a second upper limit. Furthermore, in either of these cases, the provision conditions may include a condition that the method of providing history information is at least one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file type.

[0146] In one example, the provision request includes information indicating the number of electrical devices 500 for which history information is to be provided. The provision request also includes information indicating the length of the period of history information for which history information is to be provided.

[0147] In one example, the method of providing the history information is one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file-based.

[0148] In one example, when a provision request is received, information indicating that waiting is required for provision is transmitted to the first external device 351 .

[0149] In the above configuration, transmitting information indicating that waiting is required before provision may correspond to step S201. In this transmission, the information indicating that waiting is required before provision may correspond to information (f2).

[0150] As can be understood from the above description, the present disclosure discloses an information providing device 200 .

[0151] An information providing device 200 according to an example includes a storage device 220, a first communication device 271, a second communication device 272, and a controller 210. The storage device 220 stores history information of the use of a plurality of electric devices 500. The first communication device 271 communicates with a first external device 351. The second communication device 272 communicates with a second external device 352. When the controller 210 receives a request for providing history information for at least some of the plurality of electric devices 500 from the first external device 351 via the first communication device 271, the controller 210 causes the second external device 352 to provide the history information via the second communication device 272. When the controller 210 provides the history information, a first upper limit is set on the number of electric devices 500 to be provided. Furthermore, when the controller 210 provides the history information, a second upper limit is set on the length of a period of the history information to be provided.

[0152] As can be understood from the above description, the present disclosure discloses an information acquisition method. Specifically, the information acquisition method is performed by the information acquisition device 300.

[0153] In one example of an information acquisition method, a first external device 351 transmits a request to acquire history information for at least some of the plurality of electrical devices 500 to a server that stores history information on the use of the plurality of electrical devices 500. The history information provided by the server in response to the acquisition request is acquired by a second external device 352. In the request to acquire history information, a first upper limit is set on the number of electrical devices 500 to be acquired. In addition, in the request to acquire history information, a second upper limit is set on the length of the period of the history information to be acquired.

[0154] In one example, before the history information is acquired by the second external device 352, the first external device 351 transmits an identifier of the acquisition condition for the history information.

[0155] In one example, conditions for acquiring history information are set in advance.

[0156] In the above configuration, the situation in which the conditions for acquiring history information are set in advance is realized by, for example, a contract between the user of the server and the user of the information acquisition device 300 .

[0157] In one example, before transmitting the acquisition request, information indicating the acquisition conditions for history information provided by the server is acquired by the third external device 353 .

[0158] In one example, the information indicating the acquisition condition includes an identifier of the acquisition condition.

[0159] In one example, the acquisition conditions include a condition regarding the number of electrical devices 500 from which history information is to be acquired. The acquisition conditions also include a condition regarding the length of a period of history information from which history information is to be acquired.

[0160] In one example, the first upper limit is a condition regarding the number of electric devices 500. The second upper limit is a condition regarding the length of the period of history information.

[0161] In one example, the acquisition conditions include that the acquisition method of the history information is at least one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file type.

[0162] In one example, the acquisition request includes information indicating the number of electrical devices 500 from which history information is to be acquired. The acquisition request also includes information indicating the length of the period of history information from which history information is to be acquired.

[0163] As can be understood from the above description, the present disclosure discloses an information acquisition device 300 .

[0164] An information acquisition device 300 according to an example includes a third communicator 373, a fourth communicator 374, a first controller 311, and a second controller 312. The third communicator 373 is provided in a first external device 351. The third communicator 373 communicates with a server. The fourth communicator 374 is provided in a second external device 352. The fourth communicator 374 communicates with the server. The first controller 311 causes the first external device 351 to transmit a request to acquire history information for at least some of the multiple electrical devices 500 via the third communicator 373 to a server that stores history information on the use of the multiple electrical devices 500. The second controller 312 causes the second external device 352 to acquire the history information provided by the server in response to the acquisition request via the fourth communicator 374. When acquiring history information, a first upper limit is set for the number of electrical devices 500 from which the history information can be acquired. Furthermore, when acquiring history information, a second upper limit is set for the period of history information to be acquired.

[0165] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0166] (Technology 1) An information providing method comprising the steps of: storing history information of a plurality of electrical devices during use; receiving a request for providing the history information from a first external device for at least some of the plurality of electrical devices; and providing the history information to a second external device upon receiving the request for providing, wherein, in providing the history information, a first upper limit is set on the number of electrical devices to be provided, and a second upper limit is set on the length of a period of the history information to be provided.

[0167] (Technology 2) The information providing method according to Technology 1, further comprising receiving, from the first external device, an identifier of a provision condition for providing the history information before providing the history information to the second external device.

[0168] (Technology 3) The information providing method according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein information indicating a provision condition when the history information is provided is transmitted to a third external device before the provision request.

[0169] (Technology 4) The information providing method according to Technology 3, wherein the information indicating the provision conditions includes an identifier of the provision conditions.

[0170] (Technology 5) The information providing method according to any one of Techniques 2 to 4, wherein the providing conditions include a condition regarding the number of electrical devices for which the history information is to be provided and a condition regarding the length of a period of the history information for which the history information is to be provided.

[0171] (Technology 6) The information providing method according to Technology 5, wherein the condition regarding the number of electrical devices is the first upper limit, and the condition regarding the length of the period of the history information is the second upper limit.

[0172] (Technology 7) The information providing method according to any one of Techniques 2 to 6, wherein the providing conditions include that the method of providing the history information is at least one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file type.

[0173] (Technology 8) The information providing method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 7, wherein the provision request includes information indicating the number of electrical devices for which the history information is to be provided and information indicating the length of a period of the history information for which the history information is to be provided.

[0174] (Technology 9) The information providing method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 8, wherein the history information providing method is one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file-based.

[0175] (Technology 10) The information providing method according to any one of Techniques 1-6 and 8, wherein, when the provision request is received, information indicating that waiting is required for the provision is transmitted to the first external device.

[0176] (Technology 11) The information providing method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 10, wherein the electrical device is a charger.

[0177] (Technology 12) An information providing device comprising: a memory that stores history information of a plurality of electrical devices when they are used; a first communication device that communicates with a first external device; a second communication device that communicates with a second external device; and a controller that, upon receiving a request for provision of the history information for at least some of the plurality of electrical devices from the first external device via the first communication device, causes the second external device to provide the history information via the second communication device, wherein, in providing the history information by the controller, a first upper limit is set on the number of electrical devices to be provided and a second upper limit is set on the length of a period of the history information to be provided.

[0178] (Technology 13) An information acquisition method comprising the steps of: sending a request for acquiring history information from a first external device to a server that stores history information of the use of a plurality of electrical devices, for at least some of the electrical devices; and acquiring, by a second external device, the history information provided by the server in response to the acquisition request, wherein the request for acquisition of history information sets a first upper limit on the number of electrical devices to be acquired, and a second upper limit on the length of a period of the history information to be acquired.

[0179] (Technology 14) The information acquisition method according to Technology 13, wherein an identifier of an acquisition condition for the history information is transmitted from the first external device before the history information is acquired by the second external device.

[0180] (Technology 15) The information acquisition method according to Technology 13 or 14, wherein conditions for acquiring the history information are set in advance.

[0181] (Technology 16) The information acquisition method according to Technology 13 or 14, further comprising a step of acquiring, by a third external device, information indicating an acquisition condition for the history information provided by the server before transmitting the acquisition request.

[0182] (Technology 17) The information acquisition method according to Technology 16, wherein the information indicating the acquisition condition includes an identifier of the acquisition condition.

[0183] (Technology 18) The information acquisition method according to any one of Techniques 14 to 17, wherein the acquisition conditions include a condition regarding the number of electrical devices from which the history information is to be acquired and a condition regarding the length of a period of the history information from which the history information is to be acquired.

[0184] (Technology 19) The information acquisition method according to Technology 18, wherein the condition regarding the number of electrical devices is the first upper limit, and the condition regarding the length of the period of the history information is the second upper limit.

[0185] (Technology 20) The information acquisition method according to any one of Techniques 14 to 19, wherein the acquisition conditions include that the acquisition method of the history information is at least one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file type.

[0186] (Technology 21) The information acquisition method according to any one of Techniques 13 to 20, wherein the acquisition request includes information indicating the number of electrical devices from which the history information is to be acquired and information indicating the length of a period of the history information from which the history information is to be acquired.

[0187] (Technology 22) An information acquisition device comprising: a third communicator provided in a first external device and communicating with a server; a fourth communicator provided in a second external device and communicating with the server; a first controller that causes the first external device to transmit a request to a server that stores historical information about the use of a plurality of electrical devices to acquire the historical information for at least some of the plurality of electrical devices via the third communicator; and a second controller that causes the second external device to acquire the historical information provided by the server in response to the acquisition request, wherein, in acquiring the historical information, a first upper limit is set on the number of electrical devices to be acquired, and a second upper limit is set on the length of a period of the historical information to be acquired.

[0188] The technology disclosed herein is useful when providing and / or acquiring history information for multiple electrical devices. For example, in this case, the following needs may arise: From the client's perspective, it is desirable to acquire history information for multiple electrical devices all at once; From the server's perspective, it is desirable to reduce the amount of communication of history information per request. The technology disclosed herein can meet these needs in a balanced manner.

[0189] 100 Information communication system 200 Information providing device 210 Controller 220 Storage device 271 First communication device 272 Second communication device 300 Information acquiring device 311 First controller 312 Second controller 351 First external device 352 Second external device 353 Third external device 373 Third communication device 374 Fourth communication device 375 Fifth communication device 400 Network 500 Electrical device

Claims

1. An information providing method comprising the steps of: storing history information of a plurality of electrical devices during use; receiving a request for provision of the history information from a first external device for at least some of the plurality of electrical devices; and providing the history information to a second external device upon receiving the provision request, wherein a first upper limit is set on the number of electrical devices to be provided with the history information, and a second upper limit is set on the length of the period of the history information to be provided.

2. The information providing method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving, from said first external device, an identifier of a providing condition for providing said history information before providing said history information to said second external device.

3. The information providing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein information indicating the conditions for providing the history information is transmitted to a third external device before the request for provision.

4. The information providing method according to claim 3, wherein the information indicating the provision conditions includes an identifier of the provision conditions.

5. An information provision method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the provision conditions include a condition regarding the number of electrical devices for which the history information is to be provided and a condition regarding the length of the period of the history information for which the history information is to be provided.

6. The information providing method according to claim 5, wherein the condition regarding the number of electrical devices is the first upper limit, and the condition regarding the length of the period of the history information is the second upper limit.

7. An information providing method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the providing conditions include that the method of providing the history information is at least one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file type.

8. An information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the provision request includes information indicating the number of electrical devices for which the history information is to be provided and information indicating the length of the period of the history information for which the history information is to be provided.

9. An information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method of providing the history information is synchronous, asynchronous, or file-based.

10. An information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 8, wherein, upon receiving the provision request, information indicating that waiting is required for the provision is transmitted to the first external device.

11. The information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the electrical device is a charger.

12. An information providing device comprising: a memory device that stores historical information of the use of a plurality of electrical devices; a first communication device that communicates with a first external device; a second communication device that communicates with a second external device; and a controller that, upon receiving a request for provision of the historical information for at least some of the plurality of electrical devices from the first external device via the first communication device, causes the second external device to provide the historical information via the second communication device, wherein, when the controller provides the historical information, a first upper limit is set on the number of electrical devices to be provided and a second upper limit is set on the length of the period of the historical information to be provided.

13. An information acquisition method comprising the steps of: sending a request to acquire historical information from a first external device to a server that stores historical information about the use of a plurality of electrical devices, for at least some of the electrical devices; and acquiring, by a second external device, the historical information provided by the server in response to the acquisition request, wherein the request to acquire historical information imposes a first upper limit on the number of electrical devices to be acquired and a second upper limit on the length of the period of the historical information to be acquired.

14. The information acquisition method according to claim 13, wherein an identifier of an acquisition condition for the history information is transmitted from the first external device before the history information is acquired by the second external device.

15. The information acquisition method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the conditions for acquiring the history information are set in advance.

16. The information acquisition method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a step of acquiring, by a third external device, information indicating acquisition conditions for the history information provided by the server before transmitting the acquisition request.

17. The information acquisition method according to claim 16, wherein the information indicating the acquisition condition includes an identifier of the acquisition condition.

18. An information acquisition method described in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the acquisition conditions include a condition regarding the number of electrical devices from which the history information is to be acquired and a condition regarding the length of the period of the history information from which the history information is to be acquired.

19. The information acquisition method according to claim 18, wherein the condition regarding the number of electrical devices is the first upper limit, and the condition regarding the length of the period of the history information is the second upper limit.

20. An information acquisition method described in any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the acquisition conditions include that the acquisition method of the history information is at least one of synchronous, asynchronous, and file type.

21. An information acquisition method described in any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the acquisition request includes information indicating the number of electrical devices for which the history information is to be acquired and information indicating the length of the period of the history information for which the history information is to be acquired.

22. An information acquisition device comprising: a third communication device provided in a first external device and communicating with a server; a fourth communication device provided in a second external device and communicating with the server; a first controller that causes the first external device to send a request to a server that stores historical information about the use of a plurality of electrical devices to acquire the historical information for at least some of the plurality of electrical devices via the third communication device; and a second controller that causes the second external device to acquire the historical information provided by the server in response to the acquisition request via the fourth communication device, wherein, in acquiring the historical information, a first upper limit is set on the number of electrical devices to be acquired and a second upper limit is set on the length of the period of the historical information to be acquired.

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