Privacy protection methods and devices

Abstract

A privacy protection method and apparatus are provided. The privacy protection method includes: in response to receiving room check-in information, identifying an electronic device corresponding to the room check-in information; controlling the electronic device to install a preset application; and in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, controlling the electronic device to uninstall the preset application and clearing data related to the preset application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of the Internet of Things (IoT). More specifically, this disclosure relates to a privacy protection method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Smart hotels are hotels that use internet-connected devices that can communicate or interact with each other. Also known as the Internet of Things (IoT), this means that even ordinary devices or apparatuses can send or receive data, making them "smart." The ability of these devices to communicate with each other allows users to control multiple devices from a single control point, such as remote controls, smartphones, tablets, or smart speakers. Furthermore, devices are often able to find and use information from the internet, enabling them to intelligently respond to user requests.

[0003] While smart hotels offer guests a superior experience, they also present challenges to personal privacy and account security. Guests are often nervous about logging into apps on their in-room TVs. According to a reputable survey, 65% of hotel guests are "highly concerned" about the security of entering their usernames and passwords into in-room TV apps.

[0004] As smart TV manufacturers introduce intelligent AI platforms and partner with voice technology providers like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, voice control is becoming the preferred interface for guests and staff to interact with technology in hotels. However, with increasing guest concerns about privacy in hotel rooms, appropriate safeguards are essential to ensure data doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein provide a privacy protection method and apparatus to protect guests' account security and privacy in a smarter, more convenient, and more effective way, thereby improving hotel guest satisfaction.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a privacy protection method is provided, comprising: in response to receiving room check-in information, determining an electronic device corresponding to the room check-in information; controlling the electronic device to install a preset application; and in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, controlling the electronic device to uninstall the preset application and clearing data related to the preset application.

[0007] Optionally, the privacy protection method may further include: in response to receiving input from a user instructing the installation of an application, installing the user-instructed application; in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, controlling the electronic device to uninstall the user-instructed application and clearing data related to the user-instructed application.

[0008] Optionally, the privacy protection method may further include: pre-establishing a correspondence between rooms and electronic devices.

[0009] Optionally, the step of determining the electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information may include: determining the room related to the room occupancy information; determining the electronic device corresponding to the determined room based on the correspondence between the room and the electronic device; and determining the electronic device corresponding to the determined room as the electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information.

[0010] Optionally, the privacy protection method may further include: in response to detecting that an electronic device is activated, determining whether the room corresponding to the activated electronic device is in an occupied state or a checked-out state; when the room corresponding to the electronic device is in an occupied state, controlling the electronic device to install a preset application; when the room corresponding to the electronic device is in a checked-out state, if an application exists on the electronic device, controlling the electronic device to uninstall the existing application and clearing data related to the existing application.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a privacy protection device is provided, comprising: a device determining unit configured to determine an electronic device corresponding to room check-in information in response to receiving room check-in information; a first installation unit configured to control the electronic device to install a preset application; and a first clearing unit configured to control the electronic device to uninstall the preset application and clear data related to the preset application in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device.

[0012] Optionally, the privacy protection device may further include: a second installation unit configured to install a user-instructed application in response to receiving input from a user instructing the installation of an application; and a second clearing unit configured to control the electronic device to uninstall the user-instructed application and clear data related to the user-instructed application in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device.

[0013] Optionally, the privacy protection device may further include: a relationship establishment unit configured to pre-establish a correspondence between the room and the electronic device.

[0014] Optionally, the device determining unit is configured to: determine a room related to room occupancy information; determine an electronic device corresponding to the determined room based on the correspondence between the room and the electronic device; and determine the electronic device corresponding to the determined room as the electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information.

[0015] Optionally, the privacy protection device may further include: a status determination unit configured to determine whether the status of the room corresponding to the electronic device is an occupied or vacated state in response to detecting that the electronic device is activated; a third installation unit configured to control the electronic device to install a preset application when the status of the room corresponding to the electronic device is an occupied state; and a third clearing unit configured to control the electronic device to uninstall the existing application and clear the data related to the existing application when the status of the room corresponding to the electronic device is a vacated state and the application exists on the electronic device.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a privacy protection system is provided, including: an electronic device; and a server communicatively connected to the electronic device for executing the privacy protection method of the present disclosure.

[0017] Optionally, the server includes: a first server, communicatively connected to the electronic device, controlling the electronic device by executing the privacy protection method of this disclosure; and a second server, communicatively connected to the first server, for receiving room check-in information and transmitting the received room check-in information to the first server.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements a privacy protection method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a computing device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing a computer program that, when executed by the at least one processor, implements a privacy protection method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, wherein the instructions in the computer program product are executable by a processor of a computer device to perform a privacy protection method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Further aspects and / or advantages of the general concept of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be clear from the description or may be learned by practice of the general concept of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and other objects and features of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will become clearer from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which exemplarily illustrate the embodiments, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a privacy protection method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0024] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the registration of a smart TV according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the power-on startup process of a smart TV according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a check-in room according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a room being vacated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating a privacy protection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating a privacy protection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating a privacy protection system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a computing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always refer to the same components. The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to explain the present disclosure.

[0033] Currently, the daily operation and management of hotels, guest account security, and personal privacy protection are receiving increasing attention. Existing technologies primarily encrypt important data such as user information and core data, ensuring that data can only circulate and be used internally. Once data leaks, others cannot access it, and file encryption also affects file permissions. Detailed settings are implemented to ensure that relevant personnel can access the corresponding data, preventing data leaks due to excessive employee privileges. Strengthening employee training improves employees' awareness and skills in protecting guest privacy, establishing reasonable service rules, and incorporating privacy protection into detailed employee operation manuals from the guest's perspective are crucial. Choosing a secure and reliable hotel PMS ensures the security of guest information.

[0034] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a privacy protection method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the registration of a smart TV according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the power-on startup process of a smart TV according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a check-in room according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a room being vacated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 In step S101, in response to receiving room occupancy information, an electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information is determined. The electronic device may be a device capable of installing application software, such as a television (e.g., a smart TV).

[0036] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a correspondence between rooms and electronic devices can be pre-established.

[0037] For example, smart TVs in each room can be registered. Figure 2 As shown, when a user enters their account (e.g., a Samsung account) on the smart TV's TV interface to initiate registration, the TV Agent application requests an SSO authorization code. After obtaining the SSO authorization code, it obtains an access token, and then calls the Device Management System (DMS) to register the smart TV. The TV Agent application is a resident application on the smart TV, responsible for communicating with the server, receiving and processing server requests, and reporting the TV's status to the server. Furthermore, it is responsible for installing and uninstalling applications and clearing historical data.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when determining the electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information, the room related to the room occupancy information may be determined first, and the electronic device corresponding to the determined room may be determined based on the correspondence between the room and the electronic device. Then, the electronic device corresponding to the determined room may be determined as the electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information.

[0039] In step S102, the electronic device is controlled to install a preset application program.

[0040] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, after the Device Management System (DMS) sends the room check-in information to the electronic device corresponding to the room check-in information, if there is no application on the smart TV, it will install the preset application; if there is an application used by the previous user, it will uninstall the application used by the previous user and install the preset application.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the application instructed by the user may also be installed in response to receiving input from the user instructing the user to install an application.

[0042] In step S103, in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, the electronic device is controlled to uninstall the preset application and clear the data related to the preset application.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, in response to detecting that an electronic device is activated, it can also be determined whether the state of the room corresponding to the electronic device is an occupied state or a checked-out state. When the state of the room corresponding to the electronic device is an occupied state, the electronic device is controlled to install a preset application; when the state of the room corresponding to the electronic device is a checked-out state, if an application exists on the electronic device, the electronic device is controlled to uninstall the existing application and clear the data related to the existing application.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, when a user turns on the smart TV, the TV Agent app connects to the Device Management System (DMS) to obtain the room status. When the room is checked out, it checks whether the applications (apps) on the smart TV have been uninstalled. If the applications (apps) on the smart TV have not been uninstalled, the TV Agent app uninstalls the applications and clears the data associated with the uninstalled applications. When the room is checked in, it automatically installs preset applications.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, the electronic device may also be controlled to uninstall the user-instructed application and clear data related to the user-instructed application. For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, the application on the smart TV is uninstalled and the data is cleared via the TV Agent application.

[0046] In one example, a smart hotel guest checks in, logs into their Samsung account, and uses Samsung account-related services (Billing, Coupons, TV Plus, etc.). Upon check-out, the system automatically logs out of the Samsung account, uninstalls the app, and clears all data related to Samsung account services.

[0047] In one example, a smart hotel guest checks in and uses their personal account to log into the Netflix app to watch videos. Before checking out, the guest forgets to log out of their Netflix account. Upon check-out, the system automatically uninstalls the Netflix app and clears its history.

[0048] In one example, a smart hotel guest checks in and uses a voice control app to control in-room devices such as the TV, air conditioning, and curtains. This voice control app is a fully offline embedded solution that addresses the growing data privacy concerns associated with smart speakers. Upon check-out, the system automatically uninstalls the voice control app and clears its historical data.

[0049] In this disclosure, a default application is automatically installed for hotel guests to use upon check-in, and the default and manually installed applications are uninstalled upon check-out, and browsing history, application data, and voice data are cleared. This provides a smarter, more convenient, and more effective way to protect guests' account security and privacy by utilizing technologies such as the Internet of Things and smart control, thereby improving the security of hotel guests' personal information and enhancing privacy protection.

[0050] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, on which a computer program is stored, which, when executed, implements a privacy protection method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the computer-readable storage medium may carry one or more programs that, when executed, perform the following steps: in response to receiving room check-in information, determining an electronic device corresponding to the room check-in information; controlling the electronic device to install a preset application; and in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, controlling the electronic device to uninstall the preset application and clearing data related to the preset application.

[0052] Computer-readable storage media can be, for example, but not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In embodiments of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a computer program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer program contained on the computer-readable storage medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wires, optical cables, RF (radio frequency), etc., or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable storage medium can be included in any apparatus; it can also exist independently without being assembled into that apparatus.

[0053] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is also provided, wherein the instructions in the computer program product are executable by a processor of a computer device to perform a privacy protection method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] The above has been combined Figures 1 to 5 A privacy protection method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure has been described. Hereinafter, reference will be made to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 A privacy protection device and its components according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating a privacy protection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Reference Figure 6 The privacy protection device includes a device determination unit 61, a first installation unit 62, and a first clearing unit 63.

[0057] The device determination unit 61 is configured to determine the electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information in response to receiving room occupancy information.

[0058] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the privacy protection device may further include a relationship establishment unit (not shown) configured to pre-establish a correspondence between the room and the electronic device.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the device determining unit 61 may be configured to: determine a room related to room occupancy information; determine an electronic device corresponding to the determined room based on the correspondence between the room and the electronic device; and determine the electronic device corresponding to the determined room as an electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information.

[0060] The first installation unit 62 is configured to control the installation of a preset application program on the electronic device.

[0061] The first clearing unit 63 is configured to, in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, control the electronic device to uninstall the preset application and clear data related to the preset application.

[0062] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating a privacy protection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] Reference Figure 7 The privacy protection device includes a device determination unit 71, a first installation unit 72, a second installation unit 73, a first clearing unit 74, a second clearing unit 75, a status judgment unit 76, a third installation unit 77, and a third clearing unit 78.

[0064] The device determination unit 71 is configured to determine the electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information in response to receiving room occupancy information.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the privacy protection device may further include a relationship establishment unit (not shown) configured to pre-establish a correspondence between the room and the electronic device.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the device determining unit 71 may be configured to: determine a room related to room occupancy information; determine an electronic device corresponding to the determined room based on the correspondence between the room and the electronic device; and determine the electronic device corresponding to the determined room as an electronic device corresponding to the room occupancy information.

[0067] The first installation unit 72 is configured to control the installation of a preset application program on the electronic device.

[0068] The second installation unit 73 is configured to install the application specified by the user in response to receiving input from the user instructing the user to install the application.

[0069] The first clearing unit 74 is configured to, in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, control the electronic device to uninstall the preset application and clear data related to the preset application.

[0070] The second clearing unit 75 is configured to, in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, control the electronic device to uninstall the user-instructed application and clear data related to the user-instructed application.

[0071] The status determination unit 76 is configured to determine whether the room corresponding to the electronic device is in an occupied state or a checked state in response to the detection that the electronic device has been activated.

[0072] The third installation unit 77 is configured to control the electronic device to install a preset application when the room corresponding to the electronic device is in an occupied state.

[0073] The third clearing unit 78 is configured to, when the room corresponding to the electronic device is in a checked-out state, control the electronic device to uninstall the existing application and clear the data related to the existing application if an application exists in the electronic device.

[0074] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a privacy protection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The privacy protection system includes electronic devices and a server, which includes a first server and a second server. Figure 8 In this system, the electronic devices are smart TVs located in each room, and the first server includes a Device Management System (DMS). The second server includes a Property Management System (PMS).

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, the Device Management System (DMS) (e.g., via a device gateway) communicates with the electronic device and controls it by executing the privacy-preserving methods described in this disclosure. The DMS manages all rooms and equipment in the hotel. Within the DMS, "Device Management" handles the registration, remote control, and configuration of the smart TV; "Room Management" manages room status and guest information; and the "Communication Module" communicates with the device. The Asset Management System (PMS) communicates with a first server to receive room occupancy information and transmit it to the first server. The device gateway supports bidirectional message communication between the smart TV and the server (first server).

[0076] The above has been combined Figures 6 to 8 A privacy protection device and a privacy protection system according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described. Next, in conjunction with... Figure 9 A computing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0077] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a computing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0078] Reference Figure 9 The computing device 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a memory 91 and a processor 92. The memory 91 stores a computer program that, when executed by the processor 92, implements a privacy protection method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the computer program is executed by the processor 92, the following steps can be implemented: in response to receiving room check-in information, determining an electronic device corresponding to the room check-in information; controlling the electronic device to install a preset application; in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device, controlling the electronic device to uninstall the preset application and clearing data related to the preset application.

[0080] The computing device in this disclosure may include, but is not limited to, devices such as mobile phones, laptops, PDAs (personal digital assistants), PADs (tablet computers), desktop computers, etc. Figure 9 The computing device shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0081] The above has been referred to Figures 1 to 8 Privacy protection methods, apparatus, and systems according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described. However, it should be understood that: Figure 6 and Figure 7 The privacy protection device and its units shown can be configured as software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform specific functions. Figure 9 The computing device shown is not limited to the components shown above, but some components may be added or removed as needed, and the above components may also be combined.

[0082] Although this disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A privacy protection method, comprising: determining an electronic device of a room related to room check-in information in response to receiving the room check-in information; controlling the electronic device of the room to install a preset application; controlling the electronic device of the room to uninstall the preset application and to clear data related to the preset application in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device of the room. 2.The privacy protection method of claim 1, further comprising: installing an application indicated by a user in response to receiving an input indicating to install an application by the user; controlling the electronic device of the room to uninstall the application indicated by the user and to clear data related to the application indicated by the user in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device of the room. 3.The privacy protection method of claim 1, further comprising: pre-establishing a correspondence between a plurality of rooms and a plurality of electronic devices.

4. The privacy preserving method of claim 3, wherein, The step of determining an electronic device of a room related to room check-in information comprises: determining a room related to room check-in information; determining an electronic device of the room related to room check-in information based on the correspondence between the plurality of rooms and the plurality of electronic devices. 5.The privacy protection method of claim 3, further comprising: judging whether a state of the room is a check-in state or a check-out state in response to detecting that the electronic device of the room is started; controlling the electronic device of the room to install a preset application when the state of the room is the check-in state; controlling the electronic device of the room to uninstall an existing application and to clear data related to the existing application when the state of the room is the check-out state. 6.A privacy protection apparatus, comprising: an apparatus determination unit configured to determine an electronic device of a room related to room check-in information in response to receiving the room check-in information; a first installation unit configured to control the electronic device of the room to install a preset application; and a first clearing unit configured to control the electronic device of the room to uninstall the preset application and to clear data related to the preset application in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device of the room. 7.The privacy protection apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a second installation unit configured to install an application indicated by a user in response to receiving an input indicating to install an application by the user; and a second clearing unit configured to control the electronic device of the room to uninstall the application indicated by the user and to clear data related to the application indicated by the user in response to receiving room check-out information corresponding to the electronic device of the room. 8.A privacy protection system, comprising: at least one electronic device; a server communicatively connected with the at least one electronic device, configured to perform the privacy protection method of any one of claims 1 to 5. The server comprises:

9. The privacy protection system of claim 8, wherein, ​ A first server, which is communicatively connected with the at least one electronic device, controls the at least one electronic device by performing the privacy protection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A second server, which is communicatively connected with the first server, receives room check-in information and transmits the received room check-in information to the first server.

10. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein, When the computer program is executed by a processor, the privacy protection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is implemented.

11. A computing device comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory having stored thereon a computer program that, when executed by the at least one processor, implements the privacy protection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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