WO2016152380A1

WO2016152380A1 - Wireless system and information processing method

Info

Publication number: WO2016152380A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/055817
Authority: WO
Inventors: 賢英安村
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2015-03-20
Filing date: 2016-02-26
Publication date: 2016-09-29
Also published as: JPWO2016152380A1; JP6664380B2

Abstract

In the present invention, a server device (70) receives, from each of a plurality of PCs (81-83), a customer list (D81-D83) that allows a plurality of customers who use an electric company to be individually identified. The server (70) receives a user ID from a controller (10). The controller (10) accepts a user operation for selecting at least one electric company from among a plurality of electric companies, and transmits the selection information representing the electric company that has been selected to the server device (70). If the server device (70) determines that the user is using the selected electric company, on the basis of the user ID, the customer lists (D81-D83) and the selection information, the server device (70) notifies the PC managed by the selected electric company of the power consumption amount, obtained by measurements by a smart meter (30), in a building during a predetermined period.

Description

Communication system and information processing method

The present invention relates to a communication system capable of measuring power consumption and an information processing method in the communication system.

In recent years, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, installation of watt-hour meters called smart meters is being promoted for each home. The smart meter makes it possible to automate monthly meter reading work and visualize the electricity usage status by HEMS (Home Energy Management System).

Further, as a communication system having a server device capable of communicating with each of information processing devices of a plurality of power companies, Patent Document 1 discloses that the server device receives a plurality of rate plans (contract plans) related to a power contract from each power company. The structure to perform is disclosed.

Furthermore, in recent years, electricity liberalization has been promoted. Specifically, the liberalization of the retail business for large electric users is now being implemented. In the future, liberalization will also be implemented for retail businesses for households.

JP 2014-137726 A

As mentioned above, it is considered that many companies will enter the retail business when electricity is liberalized in the retail business to homes. In particular, many companies, including venture companies, are expected to enter the retail business.

However, it is assumed that there are many companies that do not have a communication infrastructure for meter reading among companies that are considering entry in this way. Therefore, it is not easy for such a company to collect data on the amount of power consumed in each home (meter reading result).

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is communication that allows an electric retailer to easily acquire information on the amount of power consumption in a home that is contracted with the retailer. A system and an information processing method in the communication system are provided.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the communication system includes an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices. The plurality of information processing apparatuses store customer information of different electric power companies. The server device receives customer information from each of the plurality of information processing devices. The server device receives identification information for identifying the user of the electronic device from the electronic device. The electronic device accepts a user operation for selecting at least one power company from among a plurality of power companies. The electronic device transmits selection information representing the selected power company to the server device based on the reception of the user operation. When the server device determines that the user uses the power company selected based on the identification information, the customer information, and the selection information, a predetermined period in the building obtained by measurement by the power amount measurement device Is notified to the information processing apparatus storing the customer information of the selected power company.

Preferably, the building receives power from two or more of the plurality of power companies. The power amount measuring device measures the power consumption for each power company that is receiving power. The electronic device accepts a user operation for selecting two or more power companies from a plurality of power companies. When the server device determines that the user is using two or more selected power companies, the power company customer corresponding to the power consumption is determined as the power consumption during a predetermined period for each power company. The information processing apparatus storing the information is notified.

Preferably, the server device stores data used for calculating the electricity bill for each of a plurality of electric power companies. The server device calculates the electricity bill for the building based on the power consumption during a predetermined period. The server device notifies the information processing device storing the customer information of the selected power company of the electricity rate calculated together with the power consumption during a predetermined period.

Preferably, the server device stores data representing a plurality of rate plans related to electricity charges for each of a plurality of power companies. The customer information includes information representing the price plan used by the user. The user operation further includes an operation for selecting one rate plan from among a plurality of rate plans of the selected electric power company. If the server device determines that the user is using the selected power company and rate plan based on the customer information and selection information, the server device customer of the power company selected for the power consumption amount for a predetermined period The information processing apparatus storing the information is notified.

Preferably, the information processing apparatus that has received the notification of the power consumption amount during a predetermined period notifies the user of an electricity charge based on the power consumption amount during the predetermined period.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the communication system includes an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices. Each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses stores customer information of different electric power companies. The server device receives identification information for identifying the user of the electronic device from the electronic device. The electronic device accepts a user operation for selecting at least one power company from among a plurality of power companies. The electronic device transmits selection information representing the selected power company to the server device based on the reception of the user operation. The server device transmits the identification information to the information processing device that stores the customer information of the electric power company selected based on the selection information. The information processing apparatus storing the customer information of the selected electric power company determines whether or not the user is using the selected electric power company based on the identification information and the customer information, and the determination result is the server apparatus. Send to. When it is determined that the user uses the selected power company, the server device selects the power consumption amount for a predetermined period in the building obtained by the measurement by the power amount measurement device. The information processing apparatus storing the customer information of the electric power company is notified.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the communication system includes an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices. Each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses stores customer information of different electric power companies. The electronic device accepts a user operation for selecting at least one power company from among a plurality of power companies. The electronic device transmits selection information representing the selected power company to the server device based on the reception of the user operation. The electronic device displays a screen that accepts input of identification information for identifying the user of the electronic device based on the transmission of the selection information. The electronic device transmits the identification information to the information processing apparatus that stores the customer information of the selected electric power company based on the input of the identification information on the screen. The information processing apparatus storing the customer information of the selected electric power company determines whether or not the user is using the selected electric power company based on the identification information and the customer information, and the determination result is the server apparatus. Send to. When it is determined that the user uses the selected power company, the server device selects the power consumption amount for a predetermined period in the building obtained by the measurement by the power amount measurement device. The information processing apparatus storing the customer information of the electric power company is notified.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the information processing method is executed in a communication system including an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices. The plurality of information processing apparatuses store customer information of different electric power companies. An information processing method includes: a server device receiving customer information from each of a plurality of information processing devices; a step of receiving identification information for identifying a user of the electronic device from an electronic device; and an electronic device And a step of receiving selection information representing the selected electric power company, and when determining that the user is using the selected electric power company based on the identification information, the customer information, and the selection information, And notifying the information processing device storing customer information of the selected power company of the power consumption for a predetermined period in the building obtained by the measurement according to the above.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the information processing method is executed in a communication system including an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices. The plurality of information processing apparatuses store customer information of different electric power companies. The information processing method includes a step of receiving identification information for identifying a user of the electronic device from the electronic device, and a step of receiving selection information representing the selected power company from the electronic device; A step of transmitting identification information to an information processing apparatus storing customer information of a power company selected based on the selection information. The information processing method determines whether the information processing apparatus storing the customer information of the selected power company uses the power company selected by the user based on the identification information and the customer information, The method further includes a step of transmitting the determination result to the server device. When it is determined that the information processing method uses the selected power company, the server device calculates the power consumption amount for a predetermined period in the building obtained by the measurement by the power amount measurement device, The method further includes a step of notifying an information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected electric power company.

According to the above invention, it is possible to easily obtain information on the amount of power consumption in a home where an electric retailer contracts with the retailer.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system configuration in a communication system 1 according to the present embodiment. 3 is a sequence chart for explaining an overview of processing in the communication system 1; 3 is a diagram showing a user interface in a terminal device 12 constituting the controller 10. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of a controller 10, a distribution board 40, and a smart meter 30 that constitute the communication system 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of a server device 70 and PCs 81 to 83 that constitute the communication system 1. FIG. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the customer list D81. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the user list D10. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a typical processing flow in the server device 70; It is a figure showing the typical example of the hardware constitutions of the terminal device 12. It is a figure showing the typical example of the hardware constitutions of the repeater 11. 2 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of a hardware configuration of a server device 70. FIG.

Hereinafter, a communication system according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same members. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<A. Overview of communication system>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system configuration in a communication system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a communication system 1 includes a repeater 11, a terminal device 12, a wireless router 20 as an access point, a smart meter 30, a distribution board 40, and a plurality of

home appliances

61, 62, 63. And a server device 70 and PCs (Personal Computers) 81, 82, 83.

Hereinafter, a configuration including the repeater 11 and the terminal device 12 is referred to as a “controller 10”. Note that the controller 10 may be an electronic device configured by two separate devices as described above, or as an integrated electronic device having the function of the repeater 11 and the function of the terminal device 12. It may be configured.

In the following, when the

home appliances

61, 62, and 63 are not distinguished from each other, they are referred to as “home appliance 60”. In the following description, as an example, the controller 10 and each home appliance 60 are assumed to be compatible with ECHONET Lite (registered trademark).

The wireless router 20, the repeater 11, and the distribution board 40 are installed in a building 900 such as a house. The smart meter 30 is typically installed outside the building 900.

The smart meter 30 is a power amount measuring device capable of measuring at least a power consumption (power consumption) at regular intervals (for example, every 30 minutes). The smart meter 30 has a communication function for performing remote automatic meter reading. Furthermore, the smart meter 30 has a communication function for the inside of the building 900. Specifically, the smart meter 30 is configured to be able to communicate with the repeater 11. 1 will be described in the item “<H. Modification>” described later.

The distribution board 40 distributes the electric power sent to the building 900 through the electric company's electric wires. The distribution board 40 includes at least a main breaker (service breaker) and a plurality of branch breakers (safety breakers) in order from the upstream side (see FIG. 4).

The terminal device 12 is communicably connected to the server device 70 by the server device 70 and a network such as the wireless router 20 and the Internet. The terminal device 12 is used by a resident of the building 900 (in other words, a smart meter user).

The terminal device 12 receives an input based on a user operation. The terminal device 12 can output various types of information. The terminal device 12 transmits data based on the user operation to the repeater 11 via the wireless router 20. In addition, the terminal device 12 receives the data transmitted from the repeater 11 via the wireless router 20. A specific example of data transmitted by the terminal device 12 will be described later.

Note that the terminal device 12 is typically a tablet terminal. The terminal device 12 is not limited to a tablet terminal, and is not particularly limited as long as it is an electronic device having a communication function and a display function.

The repeater 11 controls the operation of the home appliance 60 based on a command from the terminal device 12. Further, the repeater 11 receives data related to the power consumption from the smart meter 30. In the present embodiment, the repeater 11 transmits data received from the home appliance 60 to the server device 70 and the terminal device 12 via the wireless router 20.

The server device 70 communicates with the controller 10 via a network. The server device 70 is configured to be able to communicate with the

PCs

81, 82, and 83 via a network.

The PC 81 is a device managed by a certain power company (hereinafter referred to as “α power company”). The PC 82 is a device managed by another electric power company (hereinafter referred to as “β electric power company”). The PC 83 is a device managed by another power company (hereinafter referred to as “γ power company”). Data transmitted and received between the server device 70 and the PCs 81 to 83 will be described later. The PCs 81 to 83 are not directly managed by the electric power company, but may be managed by a contractor that the electric power company entrusts management of the customer list.

In the following, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the following processes (i) to (iii) are performed as an example.

(I) The smart meter 30 notifies the repeater 11 of power consumption for 30 minutes immediately after the previous notification every 30 minutes.

(Ii) The repeater 11 notifies the server device 70 of the power consumption every 30 minutes for one day once a day.

(Iii) The server device 70 notifies the power consumption for one month in the building 900 to one of the PCs 81 to 83 once a month.

The above period (30 minutes, 1 day, 1 month) is merely an example, and is not limited to this. For example, the smart meter 30 may transmit the power consumption for one day to the repeater 11 once a day. Further, the repeater 11 may transmit the power consumption for one month to the server device 70 once a month.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the description will be given focusing on one building 900, but the same processing as that of the building 900 is performed in other buildings (not shown).

<B. Outline of processing>
FIG. 2 is a sequence chart for explaining an outline of processing in the communication system 1. Referring to FIG. 2, in sequence SQ2, server device 70 obtains α electric power company customer list D81 (FIG. 6) from PC 81 managed by the electric power company. In sequence SQ4, server device 70 obtains customer list D82 of β power company from PC 82 managed by β power company. In sequence SQ6, server device 70 acquires customer list D83 of the γ power company from PC 83 managed by the γ power company.

In sequence SQ8, based on the fact that the user of the controller 10 has selected a power company (for example, a β power company) from among a plurality of power companies (α power company, β power company, γ power company,...), The controller 10 The selection information representing the selected electric power company (for example, β electric power company) is transmitted to the server device 70. More specifically, the controller 10 transmits data including at least information for specifying the electric power company to the server device 70.

In sequence SQ10, server device 70 uses the power company selected by the user based on the identification information for identifying the user of controller 10, customer lists D81, D82, D83, and the selection information. Judge whether or not. In other words, the server device 70 authenticates whether or not the user has a power usage contract with the power company selected by the user.

In sequence SQ12, the smart meter 30 transmits data representing the power consumption for 30 minutes to the controller 10 every 30 minutes.

In sequence SQ14, the controller 10 notifies the server device 70 of the data sent from the smart meter 30. Typically, the controller 10 calculates the amount of power consumption every 30 minutes for one day based on the data sent from the smart meter 30, and the server device 70 stores the data representing the calculated amount of power consumption. Send to.

In sequence SQ16, server device 70 notifies the power consumption of the building 900 for a predetermined period (one month in this embodiment) to the PC managed by the selected power company. For example, when it is determined that the user uses the selected β power company (sequence SQ10), server device 70 represents the power consumption received from controller 10 to PC 82 of the β power company. Send data.

In sequence SQ18, the PC 82 sends a bill for electricity bills to the controller 10 via the network.

In the sequences SQ20, SQ22, SQ24, and SQ26, the same processes as those in the sequences SQ12, SQ14, SQ16, and SQ18 are repeated. Thereafter, such a series of processes is repeated.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily obtain information on the amount of power consumed in a home where an electric retailer (α electric power company, β electric power company, γ electric power company) contracts with the retailer. Further, the business operator who manages the server device 70 can develop a service such as “sell power consumption information to each power company”.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a user interface in the terminal device 12 constituting the controller 10. Referring to FIG. 3, terminal device 12 displays a screen for allowing the user to select one power company from among a plurality of power companies (α power company, β power company, γ power company,...).

First, the user selects one power company from the list 1251 by a touch operation. Thereafter, the user selects the decision button 1252. Upon receiving these user operations, the terminal device 12 transmits selection information representing the selected power company to the server device 70.

<C. Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the controller 10, the smart meter 30, and the distribution board 40 configuring the communication system 1. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the server device 70 and the PCs 81 to 83 that constitute the communication system 1.

First, referring to FIG. 4, as described above, the communication system 1 includes the controller 10, the smart meter 30, the distribution board 40, the plurality of

home appliances

61, 62, 63, the server device 70, and the PC 81. To 83. As described above, the controller 10 corresponds to a combination of the repeater 11 and the terminal device 12. The controller 10 is also referred to as a “HEMS controller”.

(C1. Controller 10)
The controller 10 includes a control unit 101, an input unit 102, a display unit 103, a storage unit 104, and a communication unit 105.

The storage unit 104 stores an operating system, application programs, and various data. The storage unit 104 corresponds to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1203, a flash memory 1204, and the like (FIG. 9), which will be described later.

The control unit 101 controls the operation of the controller 10 by executing the operating system and application program stored in the storage unit 104. The control unit 101 corresponds to a CPU 1201 (FIG. 9) and a CPU 1101 (FIG. 10) described later.

The display unit 103 displays various types of information based on instructions from the control unit 101. For example, the display unit 103 displays the screen shown in FIG. The display unit 103 corresponds to the display 1291 (FIG. 9).

The input unit 102 receives an input operation by the user. For example, the input unit 102 receives an input for selecting one power company from the list 1251 and an input for designating the determination button 1252. The input unit 102 corresponds to the touch panel 1292 (FIG. 9).

The communication unit 105 is an interface for communicating with the smart meter 30, the server device 70, and the home appliances 61 to 63. The communication unit 105 receives data representing the power consumption amount from the smart meter 30 at intervals of 30 minutes. Further, the communication unit 105 transmits a control command to the home appliances 61 to 63.

Furthermore, the communication unit 105 transmits identification information (user ID) and a password for identifying the user of the controller 10 to the server device 70 when logging into the server device 70. Further, the communication unit 105 transmits selection information representing the selected power company to the server device 70 based on the selection of one power company from among the plurality of power companies (sequence in FIG. 2). SQ8). Furthermore, communication unit 105 transmits data representing the amount of power consumption for one day to server device 70 once a day (sequence SQ14 in FIG. 2).

The communication unit 105 corresponds to the wireless communication IF 1106 (FIG. 10) and the communication IF 1207 (FIG. 9).

(C2. Smart meter 30)
The smart meter 30 includes a power measurement unit 301, a control unit 302, and a communication unit 303. The power measurement unit 301 measures the amount of power used (consumed) in the building 900. The control unit 302 controls the overall operation of the smart meter 30. The communication unit 303 transmits information representing the power consumption amount for a certain time (for example, 30 minutes) to the controller 10 every time the certain time elapses.

(C3. Distribution board 40)
The distribution board 40 includes a main breaker 401 and a plurality of

branch breakers

402, 403, and 404.

The main breaker 401 is connected to the smart meter 30 and a plurality of branch breakers 402 to 404. Main breaker 401 automatically shuts off electricity when a certain amount of electricity (for example, contract current) flows.

The plurality of branch breakers 402 to 404 are typically attached to each branch circuit that sends electricity from the distribution board 40 to each room of the building 900. Each branch breaker automatically cuts off electricity when an overcurrent flows due to excessive use of electric appliances in the corresponding room. In the present embodiment, as an example, each of the plurality of branch breakers 402 to 404 is electrically connected to one load (home appliance 61, home appliance 62, home appliance 63).

(C4. PC81-83)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the PC 81 includes a control unit 811, a storage unit 812, and a communication unit 813. The control unit 811 controls the overall operation of the PC 81. The storage unit 812 stores a customer list D81. The communication unit 813 is an interface for communicating with the server device 70 via a network. The communication unit 813 transmits the customer list D81 stored in the storage unit 812 to the server device 70 based on an operation by the user of the PC 81 (sequence SQ2 in FIG. 2).

The PC 82 includes a control unit 821, a storage unit 822, and a communication unit 823. The control unit 821 controls the overall operation of the PC 82. The storage unit 822 stores a customer list D82. The communication unit 823 is an interface for communicating with the server device 70 via a network. The communication unit 823 transmits the customer list D82 stored in the storage unit 822 to the server device 70 based on the operation by the user of the PC 82 (sequence SQ4 in FIG. 2).

The PC 83 includes a control unit 831, a storage unit 832, and a communication unit 833. The control unit 831 controls the operation of the PC 83 body. The storage unit 832 stores a customer list D83. The communication unit 833 is an interface for communicating with the server device 70 via a network. The communication unit 833 transmits the customer list D83 stored in the storage unit 832 to the server device 70 based on the operation by the user of the PC 83 (sequence SQ6 in FIG. 2).

(C5. Server device 70)
The server device 70 includes a control unit 701, a storage unit 702, and a communication unit 703. The control unit 701 includes a determination unit 711.

The control unit 701 controls the overall operation of the server device 70. The control unit 701 corresponds to a CPU 751 (FIG. 11) described later.

The storage unit 702 stores an operating system, application programs, and various data. The storage unit 702 stores a user list D10 (FIG. 7) as one of various data. The storage unit 702 corresponds to the ROM 752, RAM 753, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 754 shown in FIG.

The communication unit 703 receives the customer lists D81 to D83 sent from the PCs 81 to 83. The customer lists D81 to D83 are stored in the storage unit 702 by the control unit 701. The communication unit 703 receives identification information (user ID), a password, the above-described selection information, and power consumption data from the controller 10. The communication unit 703 corresponds to the communication IF 757 (FIG. 11).

Based on the identification information, customer lists D81, D82, D83, and the selection information, the determination unit 711 determines the power of the controller 10 user (specifically, the user of the terminal device 12) written in the selection information. It is determined whether or not a company is used (sequence SQ10 in FIG. 2).

When it is determined that the user of the controller 10 is using the power company described in the selection information, the control unit 701 uses the power consumption data received from the controller 10 in advance in the building 900. The power company is notified of the amount of power consumed for a predetermined period (one month in this embodiment). For example, when the user of the controller 10 selects a β power company using the terminal device 12, if the determination unit 711 determines that the user is a customer of the β power company, the control unit 701 passes the communication unit 703. Then, the PC 82 of the β power company is notified of the power consumption for one month in the building 900.

In the above example, the server device 70 acquires customer lists D81 to D83 from the PCs 81 to 83, and determines whether or not the user of the controller 10 uses the electric power company described in the selection information. However, as described in a later-described modification (“<H. Sixth Modification” ”in“ <H. Modification> ”), the server device 70 receives the customer lists D81-D83 from the PCs 81-83. The above determination may be made on the PC side without acquiring the above.

<D. Data>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the customer list D81. Referring to FIG. 6, in customer list D81, an identification number, a contractor name, and a contract plan are associated with each other. The determination unit 711 of the server device 70 can determine that “Mr. Z”, “Mr. X”, and “Mr. F” are using the α power company by referring to the customer list D81. The identification number is a serial number in the customer list D81.

In addition, since the customer list D82 and the customer list D83 have the same configuration as the customer list D81, the description is not repeated here.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user list D10. 7, referring to FIG. 7, in the user list D <b> 10, a hash value (hash function is generated) based on an identification number, a user name, a login ID (identification information), and a login password. And a fixed-length unique value generated by using them). Note that it is not always necessary to use a method of managing with a hash value instead of the original data (password). Further, the generation of the hash value is not intended only for the password.

The control unit 701 of the server device 70 refers to the user list D10 and permits or does not permit the login of a person who accesses the server device 70. For example, after the control unit 701 permits the login of “Mr. F” and receives the selection information described above from the terminal device used by Mr. F (here, the terminal device 12), the determination unit 711 determines that The discrimination process described above is performed. For example, if the selection information received from Mr. F represents an α power company, the determination unit 711 has the name “Mr. F” in the customer list D81, and therefore F uses the α power company. to decide. If the selection information received from Mr. Y represents the α power company, the determination unit 711 does not have the name “Mr. Y” in the customer list D81, so that Mr. F does not use the α power company. to decide.

In the above description, the determination process using only the name is described as an example. However, this is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The determination unit 711 may determine whether or not the electric power company is used, taking into account various data such as age, sex, and address. Further, the determination unit 711 may determine whether or not the power company is used by using the authentication ID and password notified to the user from the power company, the meter installation company, or the authentication ID issuing organization. .

<E. Control structure>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a typical processing flow in the server device 70. Referring to FIG. 8, in step S2, server device 70 acquires a customer list (D81, D82, D83,...) From each power company. In step S <b> 4, the server device 70 receives selection information representing the power company selected by the user from the controller 10. In step S6, the server device 70 determines whether or not the user of the controller 10 is a customer of the electric power company indicated in the selection information.

If it is determined that the customer is a customer (YES in step S6), in step S8, the server device 70 receives data representing the power consumption for one day of the building 900 from the controller 10 every day. In step S <b> 10, the server device 70 notifies the power company PC indicated in the selection information of the power consumption for one month in the building 900.

When it is determined that the customer is not a customer (NO in step S6), in step S12, the server device 70 notifies the controller 10 that the selection of the electric power company is not correct, and ends the series of processes.

<F. Hardware configuration>
(F1. Terminal device 12)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 12. Referring to FIG. 9, terminal device 12 includes, as main components, CPU 1201 that executes a program, ROM 1202 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, data generated by execution of the program by CPU 1201, or an input device. RAM 1203 for storing the input data in a volatile manner, flash memory 1204 for storing the data in a nonvolatile manner, LED 1205, switch 1206, communication IF (Interface) 1207, power supply circuit 1208, touch screen 1209, , Operation key 1210, camera 1211, GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 1212, and microphone 1213. Each component is connected to each other by a data bus. The touch screen includes a display 1291 and a touch panel 1292.

The power supply circuit 1208 is a circuit that steps down the voltage of the commercial power received via the outlet and supplies power to each part of the terminal device 12. The switch 1206 is a main power switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the power circuit 1208 and other various push button switches.

The touch screen 1209 is a device for displaying various data and receiving input. The display 1291 includes a screen for displaying an image.

The communication IF 1207 performs processing for transmitting data to the server device 70 and processing for receiving data transmitted from the server device 70. The LED 1205 is various display lamps that indicate the operating state of the terminal device 12. For example, the LED 1205 represents an on or off state of the main power supply of the terminal device 12 and a read or write state to the flash memory 1204. The operation key 1210 is a key (operation button) for the user of the terminal device 12 to turn on or off the main power. The camera 1211 is an imaging device for imaging a subject such as a person in front of the terminal device 12.

The GPS receiver 1212 is a device for acquiring the current position of the terminal device 12 using GPS. The microphone 1213 is a device for collecting the voice of the user of the terminal device 12 and the like. In the present embodiment, the spoken keyword is collected by microphone 1213.

The processing in the terminal device 12 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 1201. Such software may be stored in advance in the flash memory 1204. The software may be stored in other storage media and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium by the reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 1207 or the like and then temporarily stored in the flash memory 1204. The software is read from the flash memory 1204 by the CPU 1201 and stored in the RAM 1203 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 1201 executes the program.

Each component constituting the terminal device 12 shown in the figure is general. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is the RAM 1203, the flash memory 1204, software stored in a storage medium, or software downloadable via a network. In addition, since the operation | movement of each hardware of the terminal device 12 is known, detailed description is not repeated.

The recording medium is not limited to a DVD-RAM, and a fixed program is supported such as a semiconductor memory such as a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD, hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk, EEPROM, flash ROM, etc. It may be a medium to be used. The recording medium is a non-temporary medium that can be read by the computer. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

(F2. Repeater 11)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the repeater 11. Referring to FIG. 10, the repeater 11 includes a CPU 1101, a light emitting element 1103, a wired communication IF 1104, a power supply 1105, a wireless communication IF 1106, a push button 1108, a slide switch 1109, and a reset switch (not shown). Prepare.

The wired communication IF 1104 is an interface for performing communication with the wireless router 20 using Ethernet (registered trademark). A power source 1105 supplies power to the CPU 1101. The wireless communication IF 1106 is an interface for communicating with the home appliance 60 using EchonetLite.

The CPU 1101 is connected to a light emitting element 1103, a wired communication IF 1104, a power source 1105, a wireless communication IF 1106, a push button 1108, and a slide switch 1109. The CPU 1101 controls the overall operation of the repeater 11. The CPU 1101 receives input from the push button 1108 and the slide switch 1109. In addition, the CPU 1101 issues an output instruction to the light emitting element 1103.

(F3. Server device 70)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a typical example of the hardware configuration of the server device 70. Referring to FIG. 11, server device 70 includes, as main components, CPU 751 that executes a program, ROM 752 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, data generated by execution of the program by CPU 751, or an input device (see FIG. 11). (Not shown) RAM 753 for storing data volatilely, HDD 754 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, LED 755, switch 756, communication IF (Interface) 757, power supply circuit 758, monitor 759 and operation keys 760 are included. Each component is connected to each other by a data bus.

The power supply circuit 758 is a circuit that steps down the voltage of the commercial power received via the outlet and supplies power to each part of the server device 70. The switch 756 is a main power switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the power circuit 758 and other various push button switches. The monitor 759 is a device for displaying various data.

The communication IF 757 performs data transmission processing to the repeater 11 and data reception processing transmitted from the relay device 11, data transmission processing to the terminal device 12, and data reception processing transmitted from the terminal device 12.

The LED 755 is various display lamps that indicate the operating state of the server device 70. For example, the LED 755 represents an on or off state of the main power supply of the server device 70, a read or write state to the HDD 754, and the like. The operation key 760 is a key (keyboard) used for the user of the server device 70 to input data to the server device 70.

The processing in the server device 70 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 751. Such software may be stored in advance in the HDD 754. The software may be stored in other storage media and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium by the reading device or downloaded via the communication IF 757 or the like and then temporarily stored in the HDD 754. The software is read from the HDD 754 by the CPU 751 and stored in the RAM 753 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 751 executes the program.

Each component constituting the server device 70 shown in the figure is general. Therefore, it can be said that the essential part of the present invention is RAM 753, HDD 754, software stored in a storage medium, or software downloadable via a network. Since the operation of each hardware of server device 70 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

Note that the

PCs

81, 82, and 83 have the same hardware configuration as that of the server device 70, and thus will not be described again here.

<G. Summary>
(1) The communication system 1 includes a smart meter (electric energy measuring device) 30, a controller (electronic device) 10, a server device 70, and a plurality of PCs (information processing devices) 81 to 83. The plurality of PCs store customer lists (customer information) of different electric power companies. Specifically, as described above, the PC 81 stores the customer list D81 of the α power company, the PC 82 stores the customer list D82 of the β power company, and the PC 83 stores the customer list D83 of the γ power company. I remember it.

The server device 70 receives the customer lists D81 to D83 from each of the plurality of PCs 81 to 82. The server device 70 receives a user ID (identification information) for identifying the user of the controller 10 from the controller 10.

The controller 10 accepts a user operation for selecting at least one power company from the plurality of power companies. The controller 10 transmits selection information representing the selected power company to the server device 70 based on the reception of the user operation.

When the server device 70 determines that the user is using the selected power company based on the user ID, the customer list, and the selection information, the server device 70 is predetermined in the building 900 obtained by the measurement by the smart meter 30. The amount of power consumed during the period (typically one month) is notified to the PC storing the customer list of the selected electric power company (that is, the PC managed by the selected electric power company).

According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily obtain information on the amount of power consumed in a home where an electric retailer (α electric power company, β electric power company, γ electric power company) contracts with the retailer. Further, the business operator who manages the server device 70 can develop a service such as “sell power consumption information to each power company”.

(2) Further, the PC that has received the notification of the power consumption amount during the predetermined period gives the power consumption amount during the predetermined period to the user of the controller 10 (specifically, the user of the terminal device 12). Notify electricity charges based on. The notification from the PC to the user can use various methods such as notification by mail, notification by e-mail, notification by Web page, and the like.

<H. Modification>
(H1. First modification)
In the above description, the configuration in which the power consumption measured by the smart meter 30 is transmitted to the server device 70 via the controller 10 has been described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited thereto.

The communication system 1 is configured such that the power consumption measured by the smart meter 30 is transmitted to the server device 70 only through the router, not through the controller 10, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. May be. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

(H2. Second modification)
The server device 70 may be configured as follows. The server device 70 stores data used for calculating the electricity bill for each of the plurality of electric power companies. The server device 70 calculates the electricity bill for the building 900 based on the power consumption for a predetermined period (typically one month). Further, the server device 70 notifies the calculated electricity bill together with the power consumption amount during the predetermined period to the PC storing the customer list of the power company selected by the user.

According to such a configuration, each power company does not need to calculate its own electricity charge when charging the customer for the electricity charge.

(H3. Third modification)
In the above, the process in the communication system 1 has been described by giving an example in which a user of the controller 10 (typically, a resident of the building 900) uses one power company. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Hereinafter, processing when the user uses a plurality of electric power companies will be described.

The building 900 receives power from two or more power companies out of a plurality of power companies. The smart meter 30 measures the power consumption for each power company receiving power. The controller 10 receives a user operation for selecting two or more power companies from the plurality of power companies.

When the server device 70 determines that the user uses the two or more selected power companies, the server device 70 corresponds to the power consumption amount for a predetermined period for each power company. The PC that stores the customer list of the electric power company is notified.

For example, when the user uses an α power company and a γ power company and selects an α power company and a β power company in the list 1251 displayed on the terminal device 12, the power consumption for the α power company Is transmitted to the PC 81 storing the customer list of the α power company, and the power consumption amount for the γ power company is transmitted to the PC 83 storing the customer list of the γ power company.

According to the above configuration, even if one household uses a plurality of electric power companies, each electric power company provides information on the amount of power consumed in the home contracted with the retailer. Can be acquired easily.

(H4. Fourth modification)
In the above description, the configuration in which the user selects only the power company using the terminal device 12 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The communication system 1 may be configured to allow the user to select a rate plan (contract plan) related to the power contract after the power company is selected. Hereinafter, such a configuration will be described.

The server device 70 stores data representing a plurality of rate plans related to electricity charges for each of a plurality of power companies. For example, for the α power company, the server device 70 stores data representing a charge plan for metered lights, data representing a charge plan for hourly lights, and data representing a charge plan for each time zone. ing.

The customer lists D81 to D83 include information representing the charge plan used by the user (see “Contract Plan” in FIG. 6). The user operation further includes an operation for selecting one rate plan from among a plurality of rate plans of the selected electric power company.

When the server device 70 determines that the user is using the selected power company and rate plan based on the customer lists D81 to D83 and the selection information, the server device 70 determines the power consumption amount for a predetermined period. The PC that stores the customer list of the selected electric power company is notified.

According to the above configuration, the determination process (sequence SQ10 in FIG. 2) in the server device 70 can be made stricter than the configuration in which the user selects only the power company. It is also possible to make the user re-recognize that a charge plan (contract plan) exists.

(H5. Fifth modification)
In the above description, the configuration in which the PCs 81 to 83 are notified of the power consumption amount for a predetermined period in the building 900 has been described as an example. Further, in the above “second modification”, the configuration in which the electricity rate is notified together with the amount of power consumption has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The communication system 1 may be configured to notify only the electricity bill without notifying the power consumption during a predetermined period.

(H6. Sixth Modification)
In the above description, the server device 70 has been described as an example of a configuration in which it is determined whether or not the user uses the selected power company based on the user ID, the customer list, and the selection information. It is not limited to. The PC may determine whether or not the user is using the selected power company. Hereinafter, in the case of such a configuration, processing of a plurality of PCs, the server device 70, and the controller 10 will be described.

As described above, the plurality of PCs 81 to 83 store customer lists of different electric power companies. The server device 70 receives a user ID for identifying the user of the controller 10 from the controller 10.

The controller 10 accepts a user operation for selecting at least one power company from among a plurality of power companies. The controller 10 transmits selection information representing the selected power company to the server device 70 based on accepting the user operation.

As an example, the server device 70 transmits a user ID to a PC that stores a customer list of the selected power company based on the selection information. The PC that has received the user ID determines whether the user is using the selected power company based on the user ID and the customer list, and transmits the determination result to the server device 70.

Note that the server device 70 does not necessarily receive the user ID from the controller 10, and does not necessarily need to transmit the user ID to the PC. For example, a user ID input screen may be generated by a PC, the generated input screen may be displayed on the controller 10 via the server device 70, and the user may input a user ID on the input screen. That is, the communication system 1 may have a configuration in which the user ID input in the controller 10 is transmitted to the PC without passing through the server device 70. In the case of such a configuration, the controller 10 typically displays an input screen that accepts an input of a user ID based on transmission of selection information to the server device 70. The controller 10 transmits the user ID to the PC that stores the customer information of the electric power company selected based on the selection information based on the input of the user ID on the input screen. The input screen may be a power company screen (more precisely, an input screen provided by the power company) displayed in a format embedded in the screen of the server device 70, or the controller 10 may be the power company's screen. It may be a screen of a power company displayed after logging in to the PC (a screen of a power company after a transition from the screen of the server device 70).

When it is determined that the user is using the selected power company, the server device 70 calculates the power consumption amount for a predetermined period in the building 900 obtained by the measurement by the smart meter 30 as described above. The PC that stores the customer list of the selected electric power company (in other words, the PC that has received the user ID) is notified.

In such a configuration, the PCs 81 to 83 do not need to send the customer lists D81 to D83 to the server device 70, so that the customer lists D81 to D83 may be misplaced to others by sending them to the server device 70. There is no risk of being exploited.

(H7. Seventh Modification)
In the above description, the communication system 1 has been described by taking as an example a configuration having the PCs 81 to 83, each managed by a plurality of electric power companies, but is not limited thereto. The communication system may be configured to have one PC managed by one electric power company. Hereinafter, in the case of such a configuration, processing of one PC 81, the server device 70, and the controller 10 will be described.

PC 81 stores customer list D81 information of the α power company. The server device 70 receives the customer list D81 from the PC 81. The server device 70 receives a user ID for identifying the user of the controller 10 from the controller 10.

The controller 10 transmits an electric power company ID (identification information for identifying the electric power company) representing the α electric power company to the server device 70 based on accepting a predetermined user operation.

When the server device 70 determines that the user is using the α power company based on the user ID, the customer list D81, and the power company ID, the server device is predetermined in the building 900 obtained by measurement by the smart meter 30. The PC 81 is notified of the power consumption during the period.

(H8. Eighth Modification)
In the above description, the description has been made focusing on the power company and the amount of power consumption, but the present invention is not limited to this. The power company may be replaced with a water company, and the power consumption may be replaced with the amount of water used. Alternatively, the power company may be replaced with a gas company, and the power consumption may be replaced with the amount of gas used.

(1) Regarding water supply, it can be said that the communication system 1 has the following configuration.
The communication system 1 includes a water meter, a controller 10, a server device 70, and a plurality of PCs 81 to 83. The plurality of PCs store customer lists of different water companies. Specifically, as described above, the PC 81 stores the customer list of the first water company (hereinafter referred to as “customer list D81 ′”), and the PC 82 stores the customer list of the second water company (hereinafter referred to as “customer list D81 ′”). PC 83 stores a customer list of a third water company (hereinafter referred to as “customer list D 83 ′”).

The server device 70 receives customer lists D81'-83 'from each of the plurality of PCs 81-82. The server device 70 receives a user ID for identifying the user of the controller 10 from the controller 10.

The controller 10 receives a user operation for selecting at least one water company from the plurality of water companies. The controller 10 transmits selection information representing the selected water company to the server device 70 based on the reception of the user operation.

When the server device 70 determines that the user is using the selected water company based on the user ID, the customer list, and the selection information, the server device 70 is predetermined in the building 900 obtained by measurement with the water meter. The amount of water usage for a period (typically one month) is notified to the PC storing the customer list of the selected water company (ie, the PC managed by the selected water company).

(2) Regarding gas, it can be said that the communication system 1 has the following configuration.
The communication system 1 includes a gas meter, a controller 10, a server device 70, and a plurality of PCs 81 to 83. The plurality of PCs store customer lists of different gas companies. Specifically, as described above, the PC 81 stores a customer list of a first gas company (hereinafter referred to as “customer list D81”), and the PC 82 stores a customer list of a second gas company (hereinafter referred to as “customer list D81”). PC 83 stores a customer list of a third gas company (hereinafter referred to as “customer list D83 ″”).

The server device 70 receives customer lists D81 ″ to D83 ″ from each of the plurality of PCs 81 to 82. The server device 70 receives a user ID for identifying the user of the controller 10 from the controller 10.

The controller 10 accepts a user operation for selecting at least one gas company from the plurality of gas companies. The controller 10 transmits selection information representing the selected gas company to the server device 70 based on the reception of the user operation.

When the server device 70 determines that the user uses the gas company selected based on the user ID, the customer list, and the selection information, a predetermined period in the building 900 obtained by measurement by the gas meter The gas usage amount (typically one month) is notified to the PC storing the customer list of the selected gas company (that is, the PC managed by the selected gas company).

(3) In the case of a configuration in which the usage information of water or gas is notified to the PC storing the customer information of the selected company (water supply company, gas company), the first to seventh modifications described above Applicable.

<I. Addendum>
The communication system includes an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and an information processing device. The information processing apparatus stores customer information of the electric power company. The server device receives customer information from the information processing device. The server device receives first identification information for identifying the user of the electronic device from the electronic device. The electronic device transmits second identification information representing the electric power company to the server device based on reception of a predetermined user operation. When the electronic device determines that the user is using the power company based on the first identification information, the customer information, and the second identification information, the electronic device is obtained by measurement by the power amount measurement device. The information processing apparatus is notified of the power consumption amount for a predetermined period in the building.

The communication system includes an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and an information processing device. The information processing apparatus stores customer information of the electric power company. The server device receives first identification information for identifying the user of the electronic device from the electronic device. The electronic device transmits second identification information representing the electric power company to the server device based on reception of a predetermined user operation. The server device transmits the first identification information to the information processing device that stores the customer information based on the second identification information. The information processing device that has received the first identification information from the server device determines whether the user is using the power company based on the first identification information and the customer information, and transmits the determination result to the server device. To do. When it is determined that the user is using the power company, the server device notifies the information processing device of the power consumption amount for a predetermined period in the building obtained by measurement by the power amount measurement device. .

The information processing method is executed in a communication system including an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and an information processing device. The information processing apparatus stores customer information of the electric power company. The information processing method includes a step in which the server device receives customer information from the information processing device, a step in which the server device receives first identification information for identifying a user of the electronic device from the electronic device, and the electronic device. Transmitting a second identification information representing an electric power company to the server device based on receiving a predetermined user operation, and the server device includes the first identification information, the customer information, the first When it is determined that the user is using the power company based on the identification information of 2, the information processing device is notified of the power consumption amount for a predetermined period in the building obtained by measurement by the power amount measurement device. And a step of performing.

The embodiment disclosed this time is an example, and is not limited to the above contents. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 communication system, 10 controller, 11 repeater, 12 terminal device, 20 wireless router, 30 smart meter, 40 distribution board, 60, 61, 62, 63 home appliance, 70 server device, 900 building, 1251 list, 1252 decision Button, D10 user list, D81, D82, D83 customer list.

Claims

A communication system including an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices,
The plurality of information processing devices store customer information of different electric power companies,
The server device
Receiving the customer information from each of the plurality of information processing devices;
Receiving identification information for identifying a user of the electronic device from the electronic device;
The electronic device is
Receiving a user operation for selecting at least one power company from the plurality of power companies;
Based on accepting the user operation, the selection information representing the selected power company is transmitted to the server device,
When the server device determines that the user is using the selected power company based on the identification information, the customer information, and the selection information, the server device is obtained by measurement by the power amount measurement device. A communication system for notifying the information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected electric power company of power consumption in a building for a predetermined period.
The building receives power from two or more of the plurality of power companies,
The power amount measuring device measures the power consumption amount for each power company receiving power,
The electronic device accepts a user operation for selecting two or more power companies from the plurality of power companies,
When the server device determines that the user uses the two or more selected power companies, the server device converts the power consumption amount for the predetermined period for each power company to the power consumption amount. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus that stores customer information of a corresponding electric power company is notified.
The server device
Data used for calculating electricity charges is stored for each of the plurality of electric power companies,
Based on the power consumption for the predetermined period, calculate the electricity bill for the building,
3. The communication according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected power company is notified of the calculated electricity bill together with the power consumption amount for the predetermined period. 4. system.
The server device stores, for each of the plurality of electric power companies, data representing a plurality of rate plans related to electricity charges,
The customer information includes information representing the rate plan used by the user,
The user operation further includes an operation for selecting one rate plan from the plurality of rate plans of the selected electric power company,
When the server device determines that the user is using the selected power company and rate plan based on the customer information and the selection information, the server device calculates the power consumption amount during the predetermined period. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information processing apparatus that stores customer information of the selected electric power company is notified.
The information processing apparatus that has received a notification of power consumption during the predetermined period notifies the user of an electricity bill based on the power consumption during the predetermined period. The communication system according to any one of the above.
A communication system including an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices,
The plurality of information processing devices store customer information of different electric power companies,
The server device receives identification information for identifying a user of the electronic device from the electronic device;
The electronic device is
Receiving a user operation for selecting at least one power company from the plurality of power companies;
Based on accepting the user operation, the selection information representing the selected power company is transmitted to the server device,
The server device transmits the identification information to the information processing device storing customer information of the selected power company based on the selection information,
The information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected power company determines whether or not the user is using the selected power company based on the identification information and the customer information, Transmitting the determination result to the server device;
When it is determined that the user is using the selected power company, the server device calculates a power consumption amount for a predetermined period in a building obtained by measurement by the power amount measurement device. A communication system for notifying an information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected electric power company.
A communication system including an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices,
The plurality of information processing devices store customer information of different electric power companies,
The electronic device is
Receiving a user operation for selecting at least one power company from the plurality of power companies;
Based on accepting the user operation, the selection information representing the selected power company is transmitted to the server device,
Based on the transmission of the selection information, a screen for accepting input of identification information for identifying a user of the electronic device is displayed.
Based on the input of the identification information to the screen, the identification information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected power company,
The information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected power company determines whether or not the user is using the selected power company based on the identification information and the customer information, Transmitting the determination result to the server device;
When it is determined that the user is using the selected power company, the server device calculates a power consumption amount for a predetermined period in a building obtained by measurement by the power amount measurement device. A communication system for notifying an information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected electric power company.
An information processing method in a communication system comprising an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices,
The plurality of information processing devices store customer information of different electric power companies,
The server device is
Receiving the customer information from each of the plurality of information processing devices;
Receiving identification information for identifying a user of the electronic device from the electronic device;
Receiving selection information representing the selected power company from the electronic device;
When it is determined that the user is using the selected electric power company based on the identification information, the customer information, and the selection information, a predetermined building in the building obtained by measurement by the electric energy measuring device is predetermined. An information processing method comprising: notifying the information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected electric power company of the amount of power consumed during the selected period.
An information processing method in a communication system comprising an electric energy measuring device, an electronic device, a server device, and a plurality of information processing devices,
The plurality of information processing devices store customer information of different electric power companies,
The server device is
Receiving identification information for identifying a user of the electronic device from the electronic device;
Receiving selection information representing the selected power company from the electronic device;
Transmitting the identification information to the information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected power company based on the selection information;
The information processing apparatus storing customer information of the selected power company determines whether the user is using the selected power company based on the identification information and the customer information, Transmitting the determination result to the server device;
When it is determined that the user is using the selected power company, the server device calculates the power consumption amount for a predetermined period in the building obtained by measurement by the power amount measurement device, An information processing method comprising: notifying an information processing device storing customer information of the selected electric power company.