Industrial sewing machines and user authentication methods

Abstract

The industrial sewing machine (2) comprises: a main body (30) for sewing objects; a communication unit (15) for receiving authentication result data (60) from a communication terminal; a storage unit (13B) for storing registration data (70) that associates the authentication result data (60) with an account; and a control unit (13A) for managing permissions corresponding to the account. The control unit (13A) compares the authentication result data (60) received from the communication terminal (5) with the registration data (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to industrial sewing machines and user authentication methods. Background Technology

[0002] Industrial sewing machines capable of setting various motion parameters are known. Patent document 1 discloses a sewing machine control device that can change a group of parameters that are desired to be changed at the same time.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-272345 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Changes to the motion parameters of a sewing machine can affect the quality of the sewing. Therefore, access to change these parameters must be managed to prevent unauthorized operators from making such changes. Generally, password-based authentication is used for managing access to parameter changes. However, biometric authentication is a more secure and simpler method. Biometric authentication uses information about a person's inherent physical characteristics (biological information) as the authentication template. Examples of biometric information include facial features, fingerprints, voiceprints, and eye features (iris scans).

[0005] However, the biometric information used in biometric authentication differs from a password, which can be arbitrarily chosen. It is difficult to change and essentially represents the personal information of a specific individual, thus requiring careful handling. Therefore, when biometric authentication is used in access control, biometric information needs to be registered in the system, raising challenges in the processing of this information.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to facilitate the implementation of biometric authentication in the access control of industrial sewing machines.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an industrial sewing machine is provided, comprising: a main body for sewing an object; a communication unit for receiving authentication result data from a communication terminal; a storage unit for storing registration data that associates the authentication result data with an account; and a control unit for managing permissions corresponding to the account, wherein the control unit performs authentication processing of the account corresponding to the received authentication result data by comparing the authentication result data received from the communication terminal with the registration data.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a user authentication method is provided, which is an authentication method for users of industrial sewing machines, comprising the following steps: receiving authentication result data of biometric authentication processing from a communication terminal; comparing the received authentication result data with registration data, wherein the registration data associates the authentication result data with an account; performing authentication processing on the account in the registration data corresponding to the received authentication result data; and performing access control corresponding to the authenticated account.

[0009] The effects of the invention

[0010] According to the present invention, biometric authentication can be easily imported into the access control of industrial sewing machines. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sewing factory that is equipped with an industrial sewing machine according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the industrial sewing machine and information terminal involved in the implementation method.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram schematically representing the authentication result data and registration data involved in the implementation method.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the accounts involved in the implementation method.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an industrial sewing machine involved in the implementation method.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the login screen according to the implementation method.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a sewing factory that incorporates an industrial sewing machine according to other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Below, refer to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of the present invention will be described below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. The structural elements of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, sometimes some structural elements are not used.

[0019] [Industrial sewing machines]

[0020] Figure 1This diagram schematically illustrates a sewing factory 1 in which industrial sewing machines 2 are installed according to the embodiment. Industrial sewing machines 2 are installed in the sewing factory 1. Multiple industrial sewing machines 2 are installed in the sewing factory 1. Using the industrial sewing machines 2, sewing objects are stitched together with thread, thereby producing sewn products. An example of a sewn product is clothing. In this case, the sewing object is fabric, which is a component of the sewn product. Sewn products are produced in the sewing factory 1 using multiple industrial sewing machines 2. Multiple types of industrial sewing machines 2, corresponding to their uses, can be installed in the sewing factory 1. In the sewing factory 1, multiple types of industrial sewing machines 2 are installed in a manner corresponding to multiple processes used in producing sewn products. Examples of types of industrial sewing machines 2 include a flat sewing machine for sewing garment bodies, a button sewing machine for sewing buttons onto garment bodies, and a pocket sewing machine for sewing pockets onto garment bodies. Multiple types and many types of industrial sewing machines 2 are installed in one sewing factory 1. In addition, to simplify the explanation, in Figure 1 Three industrial sewing machines 2 are shown. Multiple industrial sewing machines 2 of the same type can also be installed in the sewing factory 1.

[0021] In sewing factory 1, managers and operators work. The manager oversees the operators and industrial sewing machines 2. Operators operate industrial sewing machines 2 to perform sewing processes. The manager and operators are the users of industrial sewing machines 2. There can be one manager or multiple managers. Figure 1 In the example shown, the managers include Manager A and Manager B. The operator can be multiple people or just one person. Figure 1 In the example shown, the operators include operator A, operator B, and operator C.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the industrial sewing machine 2 establishes a network in the sewing factory 1 through the router 3 and the information terminal 5, which serves as the communication terminal.

[0023] Router 3 is a communication device that relays communication between industrial sewing machine 2 and information terminal 5. Router 3 is installed in the same facility as the facility that installs industrial sewing machine 2. That is, router 3 is installed in sewing factory 1. As an example of router 3, a wireless local area network (LAN) router is shown.

[0024] Information terminal 5 is a communication terminal capable of sending and receiving information by communicating with industrial sewing machine 2. Both the manager and the operator possess information terminal 5. Information terminal 5 is lent to the manager and operator respectively from sewing factory 1. Information terminal 5 is a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet computer. Alternatively, information terminal 5 can also be a desktop electronic device such as a desktop computer.

[0025] A web browser is imported into information terminal 5. Users access a web server via the web browser imported into information terminal 5. A web server is also imported into industrial sewing machine 2. Based on requests from the web browser, the web server provides a web page to the web browser. In this embodiment, the web page provided from the web server to the web browser includes an operation screen simulating the operation panel 31 of industrial sewing machine 2. This operation screen is displayed on the display device of information terminal 5. The operator can operate industrial sewing machine 2 by manipulating the operation screen displayed on the display device of information terminal 5.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the industrial sewing machine 2 and the information terminal 5 involved in the implementation method.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the information terminal 5 has an input device 6, a display device 7, a terminal control device 8, and a communication unit 9.

[0028] The input device 6 is operated by the user, thereby generating input data. The input data generated in the input device 6 is input to the terminal control device 8. An example of the input device 6 is a touch panel. Alternatively, the input device 6 may also include a camera capable of reading 2D barcodes.

[0029] Display device 7 displays a screen. Examples of display devices 7 include flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or organic electroluminescence displays (OELs).

[0030] The terminal control device 8 includes a computer system. The terminal control device 8 has a processor, a main memory including non-volatile memory and volatile memory, storage, and an interface including input / output circuitry. An example of a processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). An example of non-volatile memory is ROM (Read Only Memory). An example of volatile memory is RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0031] The communications unit 9 communicates with the industrial sewing machine 2.

[0032] The terminal control device 8 includes a storage unit 10, an input data acquisition unit 11, and a display control unit 12.

[0033] Storage unit 10 stores web browsers (web browser applications).

[0034] The input data acquisition unit 11 acquires input data from the input device 6 and input data from the authentication device 41 described later.

[0035] The display control unit 12 causes the display screen to be displayed on the display device 7.

[0036] Information terminal 5 has the function of performing biometric authentication processing. Information terminal 5 stores biometric information 40 used in biometric authentication processing as template data for authentication. Biometric information 40 is information obtained by symbolizing inherent human physical characteristics through information processing. Inherent human physical characteristics include, for example, the face, fingerprints, voice (voiceprint), and eyes (iris, etc.). Biometric information 40 is identification data obtained by information terminal 5 to recognize physical characteristics. Biometric information 40 is stored in storage unit 10.

[0037] The information terminal 5 has at least one authentication device 41 capable of acquiring biometric information 40. The authentication device 41 identifies inherent human physical characteristics. The authentication device 41 differs accordingly from the biometric information 40 to be acquired. An example of an authentication device 41 capable of recognizing a face, eyes, or fingerprint is a camera. When the input device 6 includes a camera, the camera provides the functions of both the input device 6 and the authentication device 41. An example of an authentication device 41 for fingerprint recognition is a fingerprint recognition touch sensor. An example of an authentication device 41 capable of recognizing a voice (voiceprint) is a microphone. When the input device 6 includes a microphone for communication, the microphone provides the functions of both the input device 6 and the authentication device 41. Therefore, the authentication device 41 can be a dedicated biometric authentication device such as a fingerprint recognition touch sensor, or a non-dedicated device such as a camera or a microphone. The authentication device 41 is implemented using any device capable of reading the user's physical characteristics and application software for biometric authentication processing executed by the terminal control device 8. The application software for biometric authentication processing is recorded in the storage unit 10. In addition, the authentication device 41 can be installed in the information terminal 5, or it can be connected to the information terminal 5 as an external device.

[0038] In biometric authentication processing, the terminal control device 8 reads the user's physical characteristics through the authentication device 41 and generates identification data. The terminal control device 8 performs authentication by comparing the generated identification data with biometric information 40 (authentication template data). The storage unit 10 stores the biometric information 40 in association with the individual's terminal account. The terminal account is an account set up in the system of the information terminal 5. If the generated identification data matches the authentication template data of the terminal account, the terminal control device 8 considers the authentication of that terminal account successful. If the generated identification data does not match the authentication template data of the terminal account, the terminal control device 8 considers the authentication of that terminal account an error.

[0039] The industrial sewing machine 2 has a main body 30, a processing device 13, a sewing machine control device 14, a communication unit 15, and an operation panel 31.

[0040] Both the processing device 13 and the sewing machine control device 14 include a computer system. Each of the processing device 13 and the sewing machine control device 14 has a processor, a main memory including non-volatile memory and volatile memory, a storage device, and an interface including input / output circuitry. In each of the processing device 13 and the sewing machine control device 14, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is exemplified as the processor, ROM (Read Only Memory) is exemplified as the non-volatile memory, and RAM (Random Access Memory) is exemplified as the volatile memory.

[0041] The communications unit 15 communicates with the information terminal 5.

[0042] The main body 30 performs sewing on the object to be sewn in the industrial sewing machine 2. The main body 30 is the sewing mechanism of the industrial sewing machine 2. The main body 30 includes an electric motor and a needle bar, take-up lever, feed mechanism, and other components that are operated by the power generated by the electric motor.

[0043] The processing device 13 includes a control unit 13A and a storage unit 13B. A web server is installed in the processing device 13. The web server is a computer program that provides an operation screen simulating the operation panel 31 to the web browser based on requests from the web browser installed on the information terminal 5. Furthermore, the web server receives operation data generated by operating the operation screen on the information terminal 5. The processing device 13 functions as a web server by executing the computer program stored in the storage unit 13B through the control unit 13A.

[0044] The sewing machine control device 14 includes a sewing machine control unit 16, a monitor unit 17, a storage unit 18, and a reading unit 19.

[0045] The sewing machine control unit 16 controls the main body 30. Based on the operation data from the processing device 13, the sewing machine control unit 16 outputs control commands to control the main body 30. The sewing machine control unit 16 controls the main body 30 based on the operation data.

[0046] The monitoring unit 17 monitors the operating conditions of the main body 30. Examples of operating conditions for the main body 30 include thread tension, presser foot pressure on the fabric, and the shape of the stitch formed on the fabric (sewing shape). The industrial sewing machine 2 is equipped with sensors that detect the operating conditions of the main body 30. Examples of sensors include a tension sensor that detects thread tension and a presser foot pressure sensor that detects presser foot pressure on the fabric. The monitoring unit 17 monitors the operating conditions of the main body 30 by acquiring the sensor data. The monitoring unit 17 also monitors the operating conditions of the main body 30 by acquiring the drive signal of the motor provided with the main body 30. An example of operating conditions based on the motor drive signal is the sewing speed of the main body 30. The sewing speed is the number of needle drops per unit time (number of stitches formed) by the main body 30, expressed, for example, in times per minute.

[0047] The storage unit 18 stores the operating conditions of the industrial sewing machine 2 monitored by the monitor unit 17.

[0048] The reading unit 19 is a device for reading external media. The external media is a portable storage medium such as a USB flash drive. The reading unit 19 is capable of reading data from the external media.

[0049] The industrial sewing machine 2 and the information terminal 5 communicate via communication units 15 and 9. The communication unit 15 of the industrial sewing machine 2 receives operation data from the information terminal 5. The industrial sewing machine 2 and the information terminal 5 can communicate wirelessly or via cable. An example of such a cable is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable. One end of the cable is connected to a connection terminal, such as a USB terminal, provided on the industrial sewing machine 2. The other end of the cable is connected to a connection terminal, such as a USB terminal, provided on the information terminal 5.

[0050] The operation panel 31 is an input / output device of the industrial sewing machine 2. The operation panel 31 receives operation input from the sewing machine control device 14 and displays various information such as the working conditions of the industrial sewing machine 2. The operation panel 31 functions as a display (output) device (such as a flat panel display like a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display), as an input device (such as a touch panel), and as a notification device (such as a speaker).

[0051] The processing unit 13 sends the parameters representing the working conditions stored in the sewing machine control unit 16 to the router 3 or the information terminal 5. The information terminal 5 sends operation data to the processing unit 13 via a USB cable connected to the router 3 or the information terminal 5. The processing unit 13 transmits the operation data received from the information terminal 5 to the sewing machine control unit 16. The operation data used to operate the industrial sewing machine 2 includes the authentication result data 60 described later, the motor control commands of the industrial sewing machine 2, parameter change commands, and sewing machine operation mode change commands.

[0052] The industrial sewing machine 2 performs account authentication processing through communication with the information terminal 5. In this embodiment, the industrial sewing machine 2 uses the authentication result of biometric authentication processing performed through the information terminal 5 to perform account authentication processing for itself (industrial sewing machine 2). In other words, the industrial sewing machine 2 performs account authentication based on the result of the user's biometric authentication performed through the information terminal 5. Furthermore, the control unit 13A of the processing device 13 performs access control management corresponding to the account.

[0053] Figure 3 This diagram schematically illustrates the authentication result data 60 and registration data 70 involved in the implementation method. For authentication processing, the communication unit 15 receives the authentication result data 60 from the information terminal 5 regarding biometric authentication processing. The authentication result data 60 is provided to the industrial sewing machine 2 from the information terminal 5 via communication between the communication unit 15 and the communication unit 9. The authentication result data 60 represents the authentication result of the biometric authentication processing performed on the user in the information terminal 5. In the information terminal 5, the biometric information 40 used for authentication is recorded in the storage unit 10 in association with the user identification information 61 of the industrial sewing machine 2. The user identification information 61 is a symbol representing the user authenticated through the biometric information 40, represented by a unique (arbitrarily determined specific) string, etc.

[0054] The authentication result data 60 provided to the industrial sewing machine 2 does not include the biometric information 40 used for biometric authentication, but includes the user's identification information (user identification information 61) after authentication through biometric authentication processing. That is, if the information terminal 5 uses the identification data (biometric information 40) identified by the authentication device 41 for authentication, it replaces that identification data and sends the user identification information 61 to the industrial sewing machine 2. Therefore, the authentication result data 60 indicates that the individual shown by the user identification information 61 has been officially authenticated through biometric authentication processing (authentication successful). The information terminal 5 completes the information processing (biometric authentication processing) of the biometric information 40 internally and does not send the biometric information 40 to the industrial sewing machine 2. Therefore, in the industrial sewing machine 2, the biometric information 40 is not recorded in any storage area (storage unit 13B, storage unit 18, etc.) of the industrial sewing machine 2.

[0055] The industrial sewing machine 2 stores registration data 70, which associates authentication result data 60 with accounts, in the storage unit 13B of the processing device 13. The registration data 70 includes: an identification information list 71, which records user identification information 61 for each user; and account information 72, which records the accounts set up in the industrial sewing machine 2. User identification information 61 is set individually for all users. Multiple accounts are set in the account information 72 of the registration data 70. Each piece of user identification information 61 is associated with any one of the multiple accounts set up in the account information 72.

[0056] Control unit 13A performs account authentication processing corresponding to the received authentication result data 60 by comparing it with registration data 70 received from information terminal 5. Specifically, control unit 13A compares the user identification information 61 contained in the received authentication result data 60 with the information in the identification information list 71 registered in registration data 70. If the same data as the user identification information 61 contained in authentication result data 60 exists in identification information list 71, control unit 13A considers the authentication of the account associated with that user identification information 61 as successful. If the same data as the user identification information 61 contained in authentication result data 60 does not exist in identification information list 71, control unit 13A considers the authentication of the account associated with that user identification information 61 as an error. Therefore, control unit 13A uses the authentication result of the biometric authentication processing implemented through information terminal 5 to authenticate the account.

[0057] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the accounts involved in the implementation method. In Figure 4The example shown illustrates how accounts are set up for each user category, rather than individually. Specifically, registration data 70 (account information 72) includes administrator account 73 and operator account 74. Figure 4 In the example, operator account 74 is configured with two types: operator account 74A and operator account 74B. Furthermore, the account configuration is not limited to... Figure 4 Examples. For example, it can also be with Figure 4 Unlike other examples, separate accounts are created for each individual user.

[0058] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the user identification information 61 of administrator A and the user identification information 61 of administrator B are... Figure 4 The administrator account 73 is associated with the user identification information 61 of operator A, user identification information 61 of operator B, and user identification information 61 of operator C. Figure 4 The operator account 74A or 74B is associated with either of them.

[0059] The administrator account 73 is an account with setting permissions for the control unit 13A and the main unit 30. The user (administrator) with the administrator account 73 can perform various settings for the control unit 13A and the operating conditions of the main unit 30 without restriction.

[0060] Operator account 74 is an account with restricted setting permissions. Restricted setting permissions mean that the operator does not have the authority to change at least some of the parameters that can be set for control unit 13A and main unit 30 (i.e., permissions are limited). The restricted parameters are parameters related to the account's content or parameters specified in the working conditions of main unit 30 that significantly affect sewing quality. Regarding the parameters described above, only the owner of administrator account 73 can set and change them.

[0061] Furthermore, the setting permissions or operating conditions of the main unit 30 differ between operator accounts 74A and 74B. In one example, operator account 74A does not set an upper limit on the operating speed (sewing speed) of the main unit 30. Therefore, the owner of operator account 74A can freely operate the main unit 30 at an operating speed suitable for themselves. Operator account 74A is an account for experienced operators skilled in using the industrial sewing machine 2. Operator account 74B sets an upper limit on the operating speed (sewing speed) of the main unit 30. Therefore, the owner of operator account 74B can operate the main unit 30 at an operating speed within the determined upper limit range. Operator account 74B is an account for beginners with little experience using the industrial sewing machine 2. In operator account 74B, for example, access to external media via the reading unit 19 is restricted. That is, for beginner operators, data changes on external media are prohibited to prevent accidental operations such as setting changes or data deletion due to accessing sewing data.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the registration data 70 may also include the setting information 75 of the main unit 30. The setting information 75 of the main unit 30 is associated with each user identification information 61 in the identification information list 71. When account authentication is performed, the control unit 13A performs the process of setting the setting information 75 corresponding to the authentication result data 60 (the user identification information 61 included in the authentication result data 60) in the main unit 30.

[0063] For example, if the authentication result data 60 contains user identification information 61 of operator A, the control unit 13A sets the setting information 75 associated with the user identification information 61 of operator A in the main unit 30. If the authentication result data 60 contains user identification information 61 of operator B, the control unit 13A sets the setting information 75 associated with the user identification information 61 of operator B in the main unit 30. Thus, by utilizing biometric authentication as personal authentication, the user's personal setting information 75 is reflected.

[0064] exist Figure 3 In the example, the setting information 75 of the main body 30 includes the operating speed setting of the main body 30. The operating speed setting of the main body 30 is the upper limit of the operating speed (sewing speed). Each operator can arbitrarily set the upper limit of the operating speed (sewing speed) within a permitted range. Figure 3 In this example, the setting information 75 of the main body 30 includes the volume settings and display settings of the operation panel 31. Examples of the display settings for the operation panel 31 include contrast and display layout. This reflects settings that are easy for the user to use.

[0065] Furthermore, administrator accounts 73 with setting permissions for control unit 13A are permitted to register or edit registration data 70. Operator accounts 74 without setting permissions for control unit 13A are prohibited from registering or editing registration data 70. In this embodiment, control unit 13A accepts editing processing of registration data 70 via communication unit 15 after authentication by administrator account 73. Therefore, as Figure 1 As shown, after the administrator authenticates using the information terminal 5 through the administrator account 73, the administrator can access the operation screen for managing the registration data 70 via a web browser. The administrator can edit the registration data 70 from the operation screen. Alternatively, application software for managing the registration data 70 can be imported into the information terminal 5, allowing for editing of the registration data 70 within the application. Editing of the registration data 70 includes, for example, adding and deleting accounts, adding and deleting user identification information 61 to the identification information list 71, changing the association between accounts and user identification information 61, and setting changes to the permissions granted to the operator account 74. The information terminal 5 transmits the edited content entered into the operation screen (or management application software) of the web browser to the industrial sewing machine 2 via the communication unit 9. The processing device 13 reflects the received edited content in the registration data 70 of the storage unit 13B.

[0066] [action]

[0067] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the industrial sewing machine 2 involved in the implementation method. Figure 5 As an example, the sequence of operations performed by an operator on an industrial sewing machine 2 via an information terminal 5 is shown.

[0068] In order to operate the information terminal 5, the operator performs biometric authentication processing on the information terminal 5 (step SA1). The terminal control device 8 obtains the operator's physical characteristic identification data (biometric information 40) through the authentication device 41. The terminal control device 8 compares the identification data with the biometric information 40 (authentication template data) recorded in the storage unit 10. The terminal control device 8 performs system authentication processing for the terminal using the terminal account associated with the biometric information 40 that matches the identification data. As a result, the information terminal 5 operates through the terminal account associated with the biometric information 40, and the operator is authenticated as the owner of the user identification information 61 associated with the biometric information 40.

[0069] In order to operate the industrial sewing machine 2 through the information terminal 5, the operator inputs the identification data of the industrial sewing machine 2 to be operated via the input device 6 to the terminal control device 8. For example... Figure 1As shown, when multiple industrial sewing machines 2 each have a different IP address 50 as identification data, the operator inputs the IP address 50 through the input device 6 (touch panel). When multiple industrial sewing machines 2 each have a different QR code as identification data, the information terminal 5 reads the QR code. Alternatively, the information terminal 5 and the industrial sewing machines 2 can be connected via a USB cable, and the identification data of the industrial sewing machines 2 is sent to the information terminal 5 via the USB cable. The input data acquisition unit 11 of the terminal control device 8 acquires the identification data of the industrial sewing machines 2 from the input device 6 (step SA2). Based on the identification data from the input device 6, the web browser sends a request to the processing device 13 (web server). The web browser requests the web server to provide a login screen (step SA3).

[0070] The industrial sewing machine 2 provides the login screen to the web browser based on a request from the web browser (step SB1).

[0071] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the login screen 100 according to the embodiment. As described above, in the sewing factory 1, multiple industrial sewing machines 2 are provided to handle multiple processes for producing sewn products. Examples of industrial sewing machines 2 provided in the sewing factory 1 include a flat sewing machine for sewing garment bodies, a button sewing machine for sewing buttons onto garment bodies, and a pocket sewing machine for sewing pockets onto garment bodies. In the login screen 100, a specific process can be selected from multiple processes. The display control unit 12 displays the login screen 100 provided to the web browser on the display device 7 (step SA4).

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the login screen 100 includes a login ID display bar 20A, a login button 20, a first symbol 21 representing sewing process A, a second symbol 22 representing sewing process B, a third symbol 23 representing the inspection process, and a fourth symbol 24 representing the adjustment process. User identification information 61 is displayed in the login ID display bar 20A.

[0073] The operator operates the input device 6 to select the process to be performed using the industrial sewing machine 2 from the symbols of each process. For example, after selecting the first symbol 21 corresponding to process A, the operator clicks the login button 20. As input data, login data for logging into process A is generated.

[0074] The input data acquisition unit 11 of the terminal control device 8 acquires the generated login data from the input device 6 and the authentication result data 60 containing user identification information 61 from the storage unit 10 (step SA5). The web browser sends a request to the industrial sewing machine 2 based on the login data and authentication result data 60 acquired by the input data acquisition unit 11 (step SA6).

[0075] The control unit 13A of the industrial sewing machine 2 receives the authentication result data 60 included in the request (step SB2). The control unit 13A compares the received authentication result data 60 with the registration data 70 associated with the authentication result data 60 and the account (step SB3). That is, the control unit 13A compares the user identification information 61 included in the authentication result data 60 with each user identification information 61 included in the identification information list 71 of the registration data 70. The control unit 13A performs authentication processing on the account corresponding to the received authentication result data 60 in the registration data 70 (step SB4). That is, the control unit 13A authenticates the account associated with the user identification information 61 included in the authentication result data 60. Thus, the operator operating the information terminal 5 is authenticated as the owner of the operator account 74 of the industrial sewing machine 2. If the account authentication is completed, the control unit 13A reflects the setting information 75 associated with the authenticated user identification information 61 to the main unit 30.

[0076] Furthermore, based on the registration data of process A included in the request, the industrial sewing machine 2 provides the operation screen corresponding to process A to the web browser (step SB5). The display control unit 12 causes the operation screen provided to the web browser to be displayed on the display device 7 (step SA7). In the operation screen corresponding to process A, various working conditions related to process A are displayed.

[0077] For example, in the operation screen corresponding to process A, the following are displayed: a pattern overview symbol for selecting the sewing pattern, a counter symbol for setting the number of reciprocations of the sewing machine needle, a sewing shape symbol for selecting the sewing shape, a selection button to enable or disable the start backstitch function, a selection button to enable or disable the end backstitch function, and a sewing spacing button for selecting the sewing spacing. The display control unit 12, corresponding to the setting permissions of the authenticated account (here, operator account 74), only displays working conditions for which setting changes are permitted as allowing changes. The display control unit 12 does not accept operation input for working conditions for which setting changes are prohibited. Thus, the control unit 13A performs permission management corresponding to the authenticated account.

[0078] The operator operates the input device 6 to select the working conditions of the industrial sewing machine 2. The input data acquisition unit 11 of the terminal control device 8 acquires the operation data generated by operating the operation screen from the input device 6 (step SA8). The web browser sends the operation data generated from the input device 6 by operating the operation screen to the industrial sewing machine 2 (step SA9).

[0079] The control unit 13A of the industrial sewing machine 2 (processing device 13) sends operation data from the web browser of the information terminal 5 to the sewing machine control device 14. The operation data is sent from the information terminal 5 to the sewing machine control unit 16 via the processing device 13. The sewing machine control unit 16 controls the main body 30 based on the operation data (step SB6).

[0080] Furthermore, the process is the same as described above when the administrator performs account authentication for the industrial sewing machine 2. Since the administrator's operation mainly involves various setting changes for the industrial sewing machine 2, the operation data sent via step SA9 primarily indicates changes to the settings. When the administrator sets up each industrial sewing machine 2, account authentication for multiple industrial sewing machines 2 can be performed simultaneously via router 3. After authentication via administrator account 73, all working conditions can be selected and settings changed on the operation screen corresponding to each process. Additionally, as mentioned above, after authentication via administrator account 73, the account management screen can be displayed via the web browser of information terminal 5. Thus, the administrator can edit the registration data 70 on the account management screen.

[0081] [Effect]

[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, the industrial sewing machine 2 includes: a main body 30 for sewing objects; a communication unit 15 for receiving authentication result data 60 from an information terminal 5, which serves as a communication terminal; a storage unit 13B for storing registration data 70 that associates the authentication result data 60 with an account; and a control unit 13A for managing permissions corresponding to the account. The control unit 13A performs authentication processing for the account corresponding to the received authentication result data 60 by comparing the authentication result data 60 received from the information terminal 5 with the registration data 70. Thus, biometric authentication processing using biometric information 40 is performed by the information terminal 5, and the result of this biometric authentication processing is used for account authentication of the industrial sewing machine 2. Therefore, unlike the case where biometric authentication processing is performed by the industrial sewing machine 2, it is not necessary for the industrial sewing machine 2 to store biometric information 40. Therefore, biometric authentication can be easily imported into the permission management of the industrial sewing machine 2.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the authentication result data 60 does not include the biometric information 40 used for biometric authentication, but includes the user identification information 61 authenticated through biometric authentication processing. Therefore, the industrial sewing machine 2 can import biometric authentication without processing the biometric information 40. Additionally, in this embodiment, the registration data 70 includes: a manager account 73, which has setting permissions for the control unit 13A and the main unit 30; and an operator account 74, whose setting permissions are restricted. Therefore, account authentication utilizing biometric authentication can be performed, enabling efficient permission management of the industrial sewing machine 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, after authentication by the manager account 73, the control unit 13A receives editing processing of the registration data 70 via the communication unit 15. Therefore, the user can edit the registration data 70 related to account or permission management using the information terminal 5, thus improving the convenience of the industrial sewing machine 2.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when account authentication is performed, the control unit 13A processes the setting information 75 corresponding to the authentication result data 60 and sets it on the main unit 30. Thus, personal settings and account authentication are reflected together in the industrial sewing machine 2, allowing the industrial sewing machine 2 to be used immediately with settings suitable for each user.

[0085] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the information terminal 5 can wirelessly communicate with the industrial sewing machine 2 via the wireless local area network of the router 3. However, the communication method of the present invention is not limited to the above example. The information terminal 5 may also be able to wirelessly communicate with the industrial sewing machine 2 without going through the router 3. In this case, the information terminal 5 may be able to communicate with the industrial sewing machine 2 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or optical communication.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing device 13 and the sewing machine control device 14 are provided separately. However, the processing device 13 and the sewing machine control device 14 of the present invention are not limited to the above examples. The processing device 13 and the sewing machine control device 14, both of which are computer systems, can also be integrated into a single device.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the registration data 70 is stored in the storage unit 13B of each of the plurality of industrial sewing machines 2. However, the manner in which the registration data 70 is stored is not limited to the above example. The registration data 70 may also be stored on an external server. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a sewing factory 1 equipped with an industrial sewing machine 2 as described in other embodiments. Figure 7 In the example, an external server 4 is set up inside or outside the sewing factory 1 to store the registration data 70. Each industrial sewing machine 2 can also access the external server 4 to obtain the registration data 70 upon receiving a request from the information terminal 5. Alternatively, the external server 4 can compare the authentication result data 60 (user identification information 61) with the registration data 70 in response to the request from the information terminal 5, thereby indicating the account authenticated by the external server 4 to the industrial sewing machine 2, thus implementing account authentication processing for the industrial sewing machine 2.

[0089] External server 4 can also be located in the same facility as the facility where industrial sewing machine 2 is installed. That is, external server 4 can be located in sewing factory 1. External server 4 can also be a cloud server providing services via cloud computing. In this case, external server 4 is located outside of sewing factory 1. Industrial sewing machine 2 and information terminal 5 each communicate with external server 4 via router 3. Industrial sewing machine 2 and information terminal 5 can each obtain registration data 70 from external server 4. Information terminal 5 can edit and process the registration data 70 on external server 4.

[0090] The present invention includes the following methods. (1)

[0092] An industrial sewing machine, which has the following features: The main body is used for sewing the object being sewn; The communications department receives biometric authentication result data from the communication terminal; A storage unit that stores registration data that associates the authentication result data with the account; and The control department manages the permissions corresponding to the accounts mentioned above. The control unit performs authentication processing on the account corresponding to the received authentication result data by comparing the authentication result data received from the communication terminal with the registration data. (2)

[0094] According to the industrial sewing machine described in (1), among which, The authentication result data does not include the biological information used for biometric authentication, but it does include the identification information of the user who has been authenticated through biometric authentication processing. (3)

[0096] According to the industrial sewing machine described in (1) or (2), among which, The registration data includes: a manager account, which has setting permissions for the control unit and the main unit; and an operator account, whose setting permissions are restricted. (4)

[0098] According to any one of (1) to (3) the industrial sewing machine described therein, After the administrator's account has been authenticated, the control unit receives the editing and processing of the registration data via the communication unit. (5)

[0100] According to any one of (1) to (4) the industrial sewing machine described, among which, The registration data includes the setting information of the main body. When the account is authenticated, the control unit performs a process of setting the setting information corresponding to the authentication result data in the main unit. (6)

[0102] A user authentication method, specifically for authenticating users of industrial sewing machines. This user authentication method has the following steps: Receive authentication result data from the biometric authentication process via the communication terminal; The received authentication result data is compared with the registration data, which associates the authentication result data with the account; Perform authentication processing on the account corresponding to the received authentication result data in the registration data; and Perform permission management corresponding to the authenticated account.

[0103] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-184448, filed on October 27, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An industrial sewing machine, comprising: The main body is used for sewing the object being sewn; The communications department receives biometric authentication result data from the communication terminal. The storage unit stores the registration data that associates the authentication result data with the account; as well as The control department manages the permissions corresponding to the accounts mentioned above. The control unit performs authentication processing on the account corresponding to the received authentication result data by comparing the authentication result data received from the communication terminal with the registration data.

2. The industrial sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The authentication result data does not include the biological information used for biometric authentication, but it does include the identification information of the user who has been authenticated through biometric authentication processing.

3. The industrial sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The registration data includes: a manager account, which has setting permissions for the control unit and the main unit; and an operator account, whose setting permissions are restricted.

4. The industrial sewing machine according to claim 3, wherein, After the administrator's account has been authenticated, the control unit receives the editing and processing of the registration data via the communication unit.

5. The industrial sewing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The registration data includes the setting information of the main body. When the account is authenticated, the control unit performs a process of setting the setting information corresponding to the authentication result data in the main unit.

6. A user authentication method, which is an authentication method for users of industrial sewing machines. This user authentication method has the following steps: Receive authentication result data from the biometric authentication process via the communication terminal; The received authentication result data is compared with the registration data, which associates the authentication result data with the account; Perform authentication processing on the account corresponding to the received authentication result data in the registration data; as well as Perform permission management corresponding to the authenticated account.

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