JP7797229B2 - Information processing system and server device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an information processing system and a server device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a monitoring system as an information processing system. This monitoring system includes a monitoring server and multiple adapter devices located on a network. The adapter devices acquire information about the usage status of commercial power sources in homes and transmit the acquired information to the monitoring server. Users of the monitoring system log in to the monitoring server using registered account information and use the services provided by the monitoring server.

JP 2017-162465 A

The technology described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that only registered users can use the service. However, depending on the content of the service, it may be desirable for unregistered users to be able to use the service under certain conditions.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing system that allows non-registered users to use services if they meet certain conditions.

An example information processing system of the present disclosure includes a server device (20) that provides a service via a communication network (N), and an electronic device (10) that is connected to the server device (20) via the communication network (N) and transmits and receives data to and from the server device (20). The electronic device (10) has an operation unit (12) that can be operated by a user, a communication unit (14) that transmits first information to the server device (20) based on the user's operation on the operation unit (12), and an output unit (13) that outputs identification information required to access a service of the server device (20) from a communication terminal device (110) operated by the user. When the server device (20) receives the first information from the communication unit (14), it permits access to the service based on the identification information.

In this information processing system 1, first information is sent from the electronic device (10) to the server device (20) when the user operates the operation unit (12) of the electronic device (10). The server device (20) that receives the first information permits access to the service based on the identification information, and the user can use the service by accessing the service of the server device (20) with the communication terminal device (110) based on the identification information output to the output unit (13) of the electronic device (10). Therefore, even non-registered users can use the service if they satisfy certain conditions (operation of the operation unit 12).

In one example, when the server device (20) receives the first information from the communication unit (14), it may transmit second information to the electronic device (10) that includes an authorization code that permits access to the service, and when the electronic device (10) receives the second information, it may output identification information generated to include the authorization code to the output unit (13). In this configuration, the server device (20) responds to the first information transmitted from the electronic device (10) by transmitting the second information, and the identification information is generated to include the authorization code contained in the transmitted second information, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors occurring when accessing the service based on the identification information.

In one example, the server device (20) may manage the expiration date of access to the service based on the identification information by linking it to the authorization code. In this configuration, the user will only be able to access the service for a certain period of time after the identification information is generated.

In one example, the operating unit (12) may be operated based on direct or indirect contact by a user. In this configuration, access by a user who is far enough away from the electronic device (10) that they cannot touch the electronic device (10) is restricted.

In one example, the output unit (13) may output a two-dimensional code as identification information. In this configuration, the service can be easily accessed using a communication terminal device (110) that can read the two-dimensional code.

An example electronic device (10) has a data input unit (11) to which detection data acquired by a sensor (31) is input, a communication unit (14) transmits the detection data to a server device (20), and the services of the server device (20) may include a viewing service for the received detection data. In this configuration, a user operating the electronic device (10) can view data based on the detection data acquired by the electronic device (10).

In one example, the server device (20) may provide a service for registered users, to which access is permitted based on the account information of the registered user. In this configuration, registered users can access the service at any time based on their account information, and non-registered users can access the service when they operate the electronic device 10.

An example server device provides a service to a communication terminal device (110) via a communication network (N), and includes a data acquisition unit (21) that acquires data from an electronic device (10) connected via the communication network (N), and a management unit (23) that, when receiving first information transmitted from the electronic device (10) in response to a user operation on the electronic device (10), authorizes the communication terminal device (110) to access the service based on identification information required to access the service output from the output unit (13) of the electronic device (10).

This disclosure makes it possible to provide an information processing system that allows non-registered users to use services if they meet certain conditions.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an example. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of an electronic device according to an example. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation flow of an information processing system according to an example.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the description of the drawings, identical elements will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example information processing system 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of an example electronic device 10 included in the information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 includes the electronic device 10 and a server device 20. The electronic device 10 and the server device 20 are connected to a communications network N. The communications network N is, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet, but may also be a local area network. The communications network N may also be a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of a wired network and a wireless network.

The electronic device 10 is connected to the server device 20 via a communication network N, and transmits and receives data to and from the server device 20. In one example, the electronic device 10 may be a monitoring device that transmits detection data acquired by various sensors 31 connected to the pump device 30 to the server device 20. In this case, there may be a one-to-one correspondence between the electronic device 10 and the pump device 30.

The electronic device 10 includes a data input unit 11, an operation unit 12, a communication unit 14, and an output unit 13. The data input unit 11 is a unit into which data is input from an external device connected to the electronic device 10. For example, the data input unit 11 receives detection data acquired by various sensors 31 connected to the electronic device 10. In the example of FIG. 1, sensors 31 such as a temperature sensor and a water leak sensor provided in a pump device 30 serving as an external device are connected to the electronic device 10. Information related to the operational control of the pump device 30 may also be input to the data input unit 11. For example, control information for the pump device 30 may be input to the data input unit 11 from a control device that controls the operation of the pump device 30. The control information for the pump device 30 may include an operational history. One example of the data input unit 11 includes an input port 11a for connecting output lines of the various sensors 31 and a signal line from the control device of the pump device 30 (see FIG. 2).

The operation unit 12 is a part that accepts operations by the user 100. For example, the operation unit 12 is operated based on direct or indirect contact by the user 100. An example of the operation unit 12 includes a touch screen 12a provided on the electronic device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the example of the touch screen 12a is provided on the top surface of the housing that constitutes the electronic device 10. The user 100 can instruct the operation content by touching the touch screen 12a. In the example of the electronic device 10, when the user 100 touches the touch screen 12a, a message indicating a predetermined operation that the user 100 can select is displayed on the touch screen 12a.

The communication unit 14 transmits first information to the server device 20 based on the user 100's operation on the operation unit 12. For example, the first information may be information for the user 100 to request permission to access the server device 20. In this example, the first information is application information for requesting permission for temporary access to the server device 20. The application information includes, for example, a unique identifier of the electronic device 10. The unique identifier may be, for example, an individual identification number. In one example, the communication unit 14 is configured to include a communication device built into the electronic device 10. The communication device is, for example, a wireless communication device, and is connected to a network device such as a wireless router connected to the communication network N. The network device may be connected wirelessly to a mobile communication network that constitutes the communication network N, or may be connected to the communication network N via a wired connection. The communication unit 14 also plays a role in transmitting data input to the data input unit 11 to the server device 20.

The output unit 13 outputs identification information required to access the services of the server device 20 from the communication terminal device 110 operated by the user 100. In one example, the communication terminal device 110 is a device operated by the user 100, and has the function of connecting to a communication network N via, for example, a base station and performing wireless communication. For example, the communication terminal device 110 may be a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet device, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The communication terminal device 110 may be configured to include hardware such as a processor, storage device, communication module, input/output device, camera, speaker, etc.

The output unit 13 includes a touch screen 12a provided on the electronic device 10. That is, in one example of the electronic device 10, the operation unit 12 and the output unit 13 are configured by the touch screen 12a. The user 100 can temporarily use the service by accessing the server device 20 based on the identification information output on the touch screen 12a. The identification information may be configured to be readable by the communication terminal device 110 of the user 100. One example of the identification information may be a two-dimensional code that includes information for accessing the server device 20. The two-dimensional code may be a so-called QR code (registered trademark). The identification information includes address information for connecting to the URL of the service provided by the server device 20. The identification information also includes data indicating the unique identifier of the electronic device 10 and an authorization code.

The user 100 can access the URL of the service provided by the server device 20 by reading the QR code (an example of identification information) displayed on the touch screen 12a with the camera of their smartphone (an example of a communication terminal device 110). In this case, the QR code may include information in which the electronic device 10's unique identifier and authorization code are added to the URL as a query string.

The electronic device 10 has a computer including a processor, storage device, etc. within its housing, and the functions of the data input unit 11, operation unit 12, output unit 13, and communication unit 14 are controlled by the computer. The unique identifier of the electronic device 10 may be stored in the storage device, for example. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device 10 includes a power supply 19 that functions as the main power supply, and an external connection terminal 18 for connecting to the built-in computer.

The server device 20 is composed of a computer including a processor, a storage device, an input/output interface, a communication interface, etc. The server device 20 is connected to a communication network N. The server device 20 transmits and receives data to and from the electronic device 10, and provides services in response to requests from the communication terminal device 110 of the user 100.

The server device 20 has, as its functional units, a data acquisition unit 21, a service provision unit 22, and a management unit 23. The data acquisition unit 21 acquires various data transmitted from the electronic device 10. For example, the data acquisition unit 21 acquires detection data acquired by various sensors 31 connected to the electronic device 10. The data acquisition unit 21 also acquires data indicating the operation history of the pump device 30. These various data may be transmitted from the electronic device 10 to the data acquisition unit 21 in real time. Alternatively, the various data may be transmitted from the electronic device 10 to the data acquisition unit 21 at regular time intervals (for example, every five minutes).

The service providing unit 22 manages the services provided to the user 100 by the server device 20. For example, the service providing unit 22 provides data that is the subject of the service in response to a request from the communication terminal device 110 of the authenticated user 100. The services provided by the service providing unit 22 may include temporary use services and services for registrants. The temporary use service may be, for example, a service for viewing the history of detection data sent from the electronic device 10. The services for registrants are services provided to users who have registered in advance with the server device 20. Authentication of registered users may be managed using account information and a password. The services for registrants may provide a service for viewing information related to the operation control of the pump device 30 in addition to a service for viewing the history of detection data.

The management unit 23 manages authorization codes issued to users 100 who use the temporary use service. For example, the management unit 23 may acquire first information transmitted from the communication unit 14 of the electronic device 10. As described above, the first information is application information for requesting temporary access permission for the user 100, and includes a unique identifier for the electronic device 10. Upon acquiring the first information, the management unit 23 generates an authorization code that permits access to the temporary use service by the service providing unit 22, and transmits second information including the generated authorization code to the electronic device 10.

The management unit 23 also manages the unique identifier of the electronic device 10 and the expiration date of the authorization code, linking them to the generated authorization code. That is, the management unit 23 manages the expiration date of access to services based on identification information including the authorization code, linking them to the generated authorization code. For example, the management unit 23 may have a database 24 that registers unique identifiers and generated authorization codes in association with each other. In this case, the management unit 23 registers the generated authorization code in the database 24 and deletes from the database 24 any authorization code that has been generated for a predetermined time. When a temporary use service is accessed based on the identification information, the service providing unit 22 determines whether the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code included in the identification information is stored in the database 24, and permits use of the temporary use service if it is validly stored in the database 24.

Next, a series of operations when a temporary use service is provided in the information processing system 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the information processing system 1. When a user (worker) 100 uses a temporary use service, the user 100 first operates the operation unit 12 of the electronic device 10 to perform an identification information display operation (step S1). For example, the user 100 touches the touch screen 12a of the electronic device 10 to operate the touch screen 12a as the operation unit 12. In one example, the user 100's touch causes the text "Apply for temporary use?" to be displayed on the touch screen 12a, along with the options "Yes" and "No."

When the user 100 selects "Yes," first information is sent from the electronic device 10 to the server device 20 (step S2). As described above, the first information is information for requesting temporary use of the service from the server device 20, and includes the unique identifier of the electronic device 10. Note that when the user 100 selects "No," the touch screen 12a returns to the standby state.

Upon acquiring the first information, the server device 20 generates an authorization code based on the first information (step S3). The server device 20 then links the generated authorization code to the unique identifier included in the first information and registers it in the database 24. The server device 20 also sets an expiration date for the authorization code. For example, the server device 20 links the authorization code to the expiration date for deleting the authorization code and unique identifier from the database 24 and registers it in the database 24. The expiration date may be set uniformly in advance, or may be set in advance for each electronic device 10. As an example, the expiration date may be one hour from the time the authorization code is issued.

The server device 20 then transmits second information including the generated authorization code to the electronic device 10 (step S4). Based on the obtained authorization code, the electronic device 10 generates a QR code that serves as identification information when accessing the temporary use service. The electronic device 10 then displays the generated QR code on the touch screen 12a (step S5). That is, when the user 100 selects and taps "Yes" on the touch screen 12a, the QR code is displayed on the touch screen 12a.

The user 100 uses the camera function of their communication terminal device 110 (e.g., a smartphone) to read the QR code displayed on the touch screen 12a (step S6). The communication terminal device 110 then acquires the URL information providing the temporary use service, the unique identifier information of the electronic device 10 that is the target of the service, and the authorization code information. Next, the user 100 accesses the temporary use service using the web browser on the communication terminal device 110 based on the acquired URL information, unique identifier information, and authorization code information (step S7).

When the communication terminal device 110 accesses the URL of the temporary use service, the server device 20 acquires the unique identifier and authorization code included in the identification information used for the access and determines whether the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code is valid (step S8). For example, the server device 20 determines whether the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code is valid in the database 24. If the result of the determination is that the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code exists in the database 24, the server device 20 provides the temporary use service to the connected communication terminal device 110 (step S9). In other words, the user 100 can use the temporary use service via the communication terminal device 110 (step S10).

When a predetermined time corresponding to the expiration date has elapsed since the generation of the authorization code, the server device 20 deletes the unique identifier and authorization code information registered in the database 24 (step S11). Note that in step S11, it is sufficient that the unique identifier and authorization code information have essentially been deleted. That is, the unique identifier and authorization code information may actually be deleted from the database 24, or additional information indicating the deletion may be registered in the database 24, thereby denying the validity of the authorization code.

If the user 100 accesses the temporary use service from the communication terminal device 110 after the unique identifier and authorization code have been deleted (step S12), the server device 20 determines the validity of the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code included in the identification information used for the access (step S13), as in step S8. In this case, the server device 20 determines that the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code is invalid. Therefore, the application for the temporary use service by the communication terminal device 110 is not permitted. If the temporary use service was in use, further use will be disabled.

As described above, one example of an information processing system 1 includes a server device 20 that provides services via a communications network N, and an electronic device 10 that is connected to the server device 20 via the communications network N and transmits and receives data to and from the server device 20. The electronic device 10 has an operation unit 12 that can be operated by a user 100, a communication unit 14 that transmits first information to the server device 20 based on the user's operation on the operation unit 12, and an output unit 13 that outputs identification information required to access the service of the server device 20 from a communication terminal device 110 operated by the user 100. When the server device 20 receives the first information from the communication unit 14, it permits access to the service based on the identification information.

In this information processing system 1, when a user 100 operates the operation unit 12 of the electronic device 10, first information is sent from the electronic device 10 to the server device 20. The server device 20, which receives the first information, permits access to the service based on the identification information. The user 100 can then use the service by accessing the service of the server device 20 with the communication terminal device 110 based on the identification information output to the output unit 13 of the electronic device 10. Therefore, even non-registered users can use the service if they satisfy certain conditions (operation of the operation unit 12).

In one example, when the server device 20 receives first information from the communication unit 14, it transmits second information to the electronic device 10, including an authorization code that permits access to the service, and when the electronic device 10 receives the second information, it outputs identification information generated to include the authorization code to the output unit 13. In this configuration, the server device 20 transmits second information in response to the first information transmitted from the electronic device 10, and the identification information is generated to include the authorization code contained in the transmitted second information, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors occurring when accessing the service based on the identification information.

In one example, the server device 20 may manage the expiration date of access to the service based on the identification information by linking it to the authorization code. In this configuration, the user 100 will only be able to access the service for a certain period of time after the identification information is generated.

In one example, the operating unit 12 may be operated based on direct or indirect contact by the user 100. In this configuration, access by a user 100 who is far enough away from the electronic device 10 that they cannot touch the electronic device 10 is restricted.

In one example, the output unit 13 may output a two-dimensional code as identification information. In this configuration, services can be easily accessed using a communication terminal device 110 that can read two-dimensional codes.

In one example, the electronic device 10 has an input port 11a to which detection data acquired by the sensor 31 is input, and the communication unit 14 transmits the detection data to the server device 20, and the services of the server device 20 may include a service for viewing the received detection data. In this configuration, a user 100 operating the electronic device 10 can view data based on the detection data acquired by the electronic device 10.

The server device 20 may provide services for registered users 100, to which access is permitted based on the account information of the registered user 100. In this configuration, registered users can access the service at any time based on their account information, while non-registered users can access the service when they operate the electronic device 10. For example, a business operator who performs maintenance and inspection of the pump device 30 can temporarily use the services of the server device 20 while they are near the electronic device 10, without having to become a registered user. On the other hand, the owner of the pump device 30 can become a registered user and use the service at any time, even if they are not near the electronic device 10.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the specific form of the present invention is not limited to the above example.

For example, a monitoring device that monitors the pump device 30 has been exemplified as the electronic device 10, but the electronic device 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is a so-called IoT device and is connected to the server device 20 via the communication network N.

Furthermore, while a touch screen 12a functioning as the operation unit 12 and the output unit 13 has been exemplified, the specific configurations of the operation unit 12 and the output unit 13 are not limited to this. The operation unit 12 may be in any form operable by the user 100 in the vicinity of the electronic device 10, and may be, for example, a switch or the like provided on the electronic device 10. Note that the operation unit 12 does not necessarily need to be operated based on contact by the user; it may be operable based on an action involving a physical action on the operation unit 12 by a user in the vicinity of the operation unit 12, such as a contactless switch. Furthermore, the output unit 13 may be capable of outputting identification information to the user 100 or a communication terminal device 110 owned by the user 100. For example, the output unit 13 may be a display or the like if the identification information is output as an image, or a transmission device or the like if the identification information is output as a signal.

In addition, although an example has been shown in which the authorization code is generated by the server device 20, the authorization code may also be generated by the electronic device 10. For example, when the electronic device 10 is operated by the user 100, the authorization code may be generated by the electronic device 10, and a unique identifier may be sent to the server device 20 along with the generated authorization code, whereby the authorization code and unique identifier may be registered in the database 24 by the server device 20. In this case, the electronic device 10 may generate identification information that includes the stored unique identifier and the generated authorization code.

1...information processing system, 10...electronic device, 11...data input unit, 12...operation unit, 13...output unit, 14...communication unit, 20...server device, 21...data acquisition unit, 22...service provision unit, 23...management unit, 24...database, 31...sensor, 100...user, 110...communication terminal device, N...communication network.

Claims (7)

a server device (20) that provides a service via a communication network (N);
an electronic device (10) connected to the server device (20) via a communication network (N) and transmitting and receiving data to and from the server device (20);
The electronic device (10)
an operation unit (12) operable by a user;
a communication unit (14) that transmits first information to the server device (20) based on a user's operation on the operation unit (12);
an output unit (13) that outputs identification information required to access the service of the server device (20) from a communication terminal device (110) operated by a user,
When the server device (20) receives the first information from the communication unit (14), it permits access to the service based on the identification information ;
The electronic device (10) further includes a data input unit (11) to which detection data acquired by the sensor (31) is input;
The communication unit (14) transmits the detection data to the server device (20),
The service of the server device (20) includes a browsing service for the received detection data . When the server device (20) receives the first information from the communication unit (14), it transmits second information including an authorization code that authorizes access to the service to the electronic device (10);
2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device (10) outputs the identification information generated to include the authorization code to the output unit (13) when the electronic device (10) receives the second information. The information processing system described in claim 2, wherein the server device (20) manages the expiration date of access to the service based on the identification information by linking it to the authorization code. The information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation unit (12) is operated based on direct or indirect contact by a user. The information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output unit (13) outputs a two-dimensional code as the identification information. 6. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the server device (20) provides services for registered users to which access is permitted based on account information of the registered users. A server device that provides a service to a communication terminal device (110) via a communication network (N),
a data acquisition unit (21) that acquires data from an electronic device (10) connected via a communication network (N);
a management unit (23) that, when receiving first information transmitted from the electronic device (10) in response to a user operation on the electronic device (10), permits the communication terminal device (110) to access the service based on identification information required to access the service output from an output unit (13) of the electronic device (10) ;
The electronic device (10) has a data input unit (11) to which detection data acquired by a sensor (31) is input, and is configured to transmit the detection data to the data acquisition unit (21);
The service includes a server device for viewing the detection data received from the electronic device (10) .