Information processing apparatus, information processing system, electronic device, communication module, information processing method, and program recording medium
The communication and processing unit of the information processing device automatically identifies and selects the appropriate execution order, solving the problem that users have difficulty selecting the correct registration order and realizing a simplified equipment management process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
Smart Images
Figure CN116325698B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing apparatus, information processing system, electronic equipment, communication module, information processing method, and program recording medium. Background Technology
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a remote device management system, which is a system in which a management device can communicate with one or more electronic devices via a communication device, and remotely manage the electronic devices via the communication device.
[0003] (Existing technical literature)
[0004] (Patent Documents)
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-67352 Summary of the Invention
[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve
[0007] This disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, etc., that is easy for a user to execute in a sequence for registering electronic devices to a management system.
[0008] The means used to solve the problem
[0009] The information processing apparatus of this disclosure includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit communicates with an electronic device having a communication module. The processing unit performs decision processing, which determines the execution order for registering the electronic device via a wireless access point to a management system that manages the electronic device. The decision processing includes a first process, a second process, and a third process. In the first process, the communication unit sends a request signal to the electronic device, the request signal being a signal requesting the transmission of identification information of the electronic device and identification information of the communication module. In the second process, a response signal in response to the request signal is received from the communication module via the communication unit. In the third process, the execution order is determined based on whether the response signal is received, and if the response signal is received, the identification information of the electronic device and the identification information of the communication module included in the response signal.
[0010] The information processing system of this disclosure includes the information processing device and the electronic device, wherein the electronic device has a communication module capable of communicating with the information processing device.
[0011] When the electronic device of this disclosure receives the request signal from the information processing device via the communication module, it replies to the information processing device via the communication module by including its own identification information in the response signal.
[0012] When the communication module in this disclosure receives the request signal from the information processing device, it replies to the information processing device by including its own identification information in the response signal.
[0013] The information processing method in this disclosure includes a decision process that determines the execution order for registering an electronic device with a communication module to a management system that manages the electronic device via a wireless access point. The decision process includes a first process, a second process, and a third process. In the first process, a request signal is sent to the electronic device, the request signal being a signal requesting the transmission of identification information of the electronic device and identification information of the communication module. In the second process, a response signal in response to the request signal is received from the communication module. In the third process, the execution order is determined based on whether the response signal is received, and if the response signal is received, the identification information of the electronic device and the identification information of the communication module included in the response signal.
[0014] The program recording medium in this disclosure records a program that causes one or more processors to execute the information processing method.
[0015] Invention Effects
[0016] The information processing apparatus and the like disclosed herein have the advantage that users can easily execute the sequence for registering electronic devices to the management system. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information processing apparatus included in the embodiments.
[0018] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the connection sequence in an implementation method.
[0019] Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram showing another example of the connection sequence in the implementation.
[0020] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the registration sequence in an implementation method.
[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0022] (Basic knowledge disclosed in this publication)
[0023] The following will first explain the perspective of the inventors of this invention.
[0024] Previously, it was known to register electronic devices such as home appliances with a management system by having the user execute a sequence of actions using an information processing device such as a smartphone. The management system is a system that manages electronic devices, such as a server operated by a company that sells or manages electronic devices. The execution sequence is the order in which electronic devices with communication modules are registered with the management system via a wireless access point installed in a facility (e.g., a residence). Here, the wireless access point is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router, which has router functionality for connecting to external networks N1 such as the Internet.
[0025] For example, a user executes the execution sequence by operating the information processing device and its accessories, such as a remote control, attached to the electronic device registered with the information processing device, in the order displayed on the display of the information processing device.
[0026] By registering electronic devices with a management system, users can potentially enjoy services such as viewing information related to the registered electronic devices (e.g., their usage status) via an information processing device. Furthermore, users may also enjoy the ability to remotely operate the registered electronic devices using the information processing device. Specifically, when a user inputs a command for an electronic device through the information processing device, the command is sent to the management system via an external network. The management system then forwards the received command to the corresponding electronic device via the external network and a wireless access point. Finally, when the electronic device receives the command through its communication module, it executes the corresponding action.
[0027] The execution order may vary depending on the type and specifications of the electronic device, or the version of the computer program it contains. Furthermore, not limited to electronic devices, the execution order may also vary depending on the type and specifications of the communication module it contains, or the version of the computer program it contains. In other words, depending on the combination of the electronic device and the communication module, there may be a variety of execution orders.
[0028] For example, if the electronic device and communication module are outdated, the following situation may occur: if the user does not execute the required sequence of operations (e.g., nine), the electronic device cannot be registered with the management system. On the other hand, if the electronic device and communication module are newer, the execution sequence will be streamlined and simplified. Accordingly, it is possible that the user can register the electronic device with the management system by executing only a few (e.g., three) of the required operations.
[0029] Previously, the execution order of applications in information processing devices was fixed, and it was necessary to use other applications when the execution order of the electronic device and communication module differed. Therefore, the following problem arose: users had to select the corresponding application, making it difficult to execute the order (execution order) used to register the electronic device with the management system.
[0030] In view of the above, the inventors of this invention created this disclosure.
[0031] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description excessively lengthy and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.
[0032] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided by the inventors of the present invention to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the technical solutions described herein.
[0033] (Implementation Method)
[0034] [1-1. Overall Composition]
[0035] First, the overall configuration of the information processing system 100, including the information processing device 1, will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the information processing system 100 in the embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 1 and an electronic device 2 having a communication module 3. In the embodiment, although there is only one electronic device 2, there may be multiple electronic devices 2. The electronic device 2 is installed, for example, in a facility 300 such as a residence. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the facility 300 is a residence, and the user of the information processing device 1 is the resident of the residence. In addition, the facility 300 is not limited to a residence, and may also be a residential facility such as a public housing, an educational facility (elementary school, middle school, high school or university, etc.), a public facility such as a community center or library, and a shop or commercial facility.
[0036] In addition to electronic device 2, facility 300 also includes wireless access point 4. In this embodiment, although wireless access point 4 is not included in information processing system 100, it may be included therein. Furthermore, a management system 200, capable of communicating with wireless access point 4 via an external network N1 such as the Internet, is provided at a distance from facility 300. In this embodiment, although management system 200 is not included in information processing system 100, it may be included therein.
[0037] The management system 200, for example, is a server operated by a company that sells or manages the electronic devices 2, providing various services to users of the information processing device 1 regarding the registered electronic devices 2. As described above, these services include, for example, viewing information related to the registered electronic devices 2 or remotely operating the registered electronic devices 2. In this embodiment, although the management system 200 manages electronic devices 2 installed in one facility 300, it may also manage electronic devices 2 installed in multiple facilities 300.
[0038] Information processing device 1 is, for example, a portable terminal owned by a user, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. In this embodiment, it is assumed that information processing device 1 is a smartphone. Detailed information about information processing device 1 will be described in [1-2. Information Processing Device].
[0039] Electronic device 2 is, for example, a household appliance such as an air conditioner, air purifier, washing machine, television receiver, automatic vacuum cleaner, video recording device, refrigerator, or microwave oven. Alternatively, electronic device 2 can also be a device other than a household appliance, such as a lighting fixture. In this embodiment, it is assumed that electronic device 2 is an air conditioner.
[0040] The electronic device 2 includes a processor 21 and a memory 22. Furthermore, the electronic device 2 includes a functional unit 23, which performs its inherent function according to the control of the processor 21. In this embodiment, since the electronic device 2 is an air conditioning device, the functional unit 23 performs the air conditioning function under the control of the processor 21.
[0041] In this embodiment, although the communication module 3 is assembled in the electronic device 2, it can also be a device independent of the electronic device 2, having a processor different from the processor 21 of the electronic device 2 and a memory different from the memory 22 of the electronic device 2. The memory stores the identification information of the communication module 3 (described later). Furthermore, the communication module 3 is configured, for example, to connect to the electronic device 2 via a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) and to communicate with the electronic device 2. Since the electronic device 2 and the communication module 3 are different and independent of each other, as described later, the identification information of the electronic device 2 is inherent to the electronic device 2, and the identification information of the communication module 3 is inherent to the communication module 3.
[0042] The communication module 3 is configured to communicate with the information processing device 1. In this embodiment, the communication module 3 has a wireless soft-AP function, which enables it to wirelessly communicate with the information processing device 1. As an example, although the communication standard used by the communication module 3 to communicate with the information processing device 1 may be WiFi (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), it may not be limited to these communication standards.
[0043] Furthermore, the functions performed by communication module 3 may include a response function. Additionally, not all communication modules 3 can perform the response function; there may also be communication modules 3 that cannot perform the response function.
[0044] In the response function, when the communication module 3 receives a request signal Sig1 (described later) from the information processing device 1, it obtains the identification information of the electronic device 2 by requesting the identification information of the electronic device 2, and reads the identification information of the communication module 3 from the memory. Then, the communication module 3 replies to the information processing device 1 with a response signal including the obtained identification information of the electronic device 2 and the read identification information of the communication module 3.
[0045] Here, the identification information of electronic device 2 may include an inherent identifier assigned to electronic device 2 for communication, the product number of electronic device 2, and version information related to the version of the computer program possessed by electronic device 2. Similarly, the identification information of communication module 3 may include an inherent identifier assigned to communication module 3 for communication, the product number of communication module 3, and version information related to the version of the computer program possessed by communication module 3.
[0046] Furthermore, the communication module 3 is configured to communicate with the wireless access point 4 via the connection sequence described later. As an example, although the communication standard used by the communication module 3 to communicate with the wireless access point 4 is WiFi (registered trademark), it is not limited to that communication standard.
[0047] Electronic device 2 communicates with information processing device 1 via communication module 3. Furthermore, electronic device 2 communicates with management system 200 via wireless access point 4 via communication module 3.
[0048] The processor 21 performs various functions of the electronic device 2, such as controlling the functional unit 23, by executing computer programs stored in the memory 22.
[0049] The memory 22 is a storage device that stores information (computer programs, etc.) required by the processor 21 for control purposes. The memory 22 may be implemented using, for example, a semiconductor memory, but there are no particular limitations; any well-known unit for storing electronic information can be used. The memory 22 stores identification information of the electronic device 2.
[0050] Wireless access point 4 is a wireless LAN router with router functionality. Alternatively, wireless access point 4 may not have router functionality and can communicate with the management system 200 via a router separately installed from wireless access point 4. Wireless access point 4 can also connect to the external network N1 via wired communication, such as using an optical fiber. Furthermore, wireless access point 4 can also connect to the external network N1 via wireless communication, such as using 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation).
[0051] [1-2. Information processing device]
[0052] Next, the details of information processing device 1 will be explained. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a processing unit 12, and a storage unit 13. Furthermore, the information processing device 1 includes, for example, a display 14 made of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. The display 14 is a touch panel and also serves as an interface for receiving user input.
[0053] The communication unit 11 communicates with the electronic device 2, which has the communication module 3. As described above, the communication unit 11 communicates with the module 3, for example, by following wireless communication standards such as WiFi (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), thereby communicating with the electronic device 2. Furthermore, if the authentication information of the wireless access point 4 is input and configured via the information processing device 1, the communication unit 11 can also communicate with the wireless access point 4. The authentication information consists of the SSID (Service Set Identifier) and password (encryption key) of the wireless access point 4.
[0054] The processing unit 12 implements various functions of the information processing device 1 by executing computer programs stored in the storage unit 13. As one of the processes that the processing unit 12 may execute, it executes a decision process ST1. The decision process ST1 determines the execution order for registering the electronic device 2 via the wireless access point 4 to the management system 200 that manages the electronic device 2. The decision process ST1 is initiated, for example, by a user making a specific operation input to the information processing device 1.
[0055] As an example, specific input operations may include executing a dedicated or general-purpose application installed on the information processing device 1. The application is executed, for example, by the user selecting an icon corresponding to the application displayed on the display 14 of the information processing device 1. Furthermore, as an example, specific input operations may include performing a predefined operation while the application is executing. The predefined operation is, for example, selecting an icon displayed on the display 14 of the information processing device 1 while the application is executing.
[0056] The execution sequence may include not only the sequence executed by the information processing device 1 through the processing unit 12, but also sequences executed by the user, such as input to the information processing device 1. The execution sequence may include a single sequence or multiple sequences. In the embodiments, depending on the combination of the electronic device 2 and the communication module 3, there may be various execution sequences.
[0057] Specifically, the execution sequence may include the sequence of operations input by the user through the information processing device 1, or the sequence of operations input by the user through an auxiliary device 5 such as a remote control attached to the electronic device 2 (see reference). Figure 3 The specified order of input operations, etc. Furthermore, the execution order may include the user's input to the state of electronic device 2 (e.g., the light 24 equipped on electronic device 2 (see reference)). Figure 2The sequence of confirming the status of lights, etc. Here, as an example, the prescribed operation input performed by the information processing device 1 may include selecting an icon displayed on the display 14 or inputting a string into a field displayed on the display 14. As an example, the prescribed operation input performed by the auxiliary device 5 may include operating a switch such as a button equipped on the auxiliary device 5 or continuously operating the switch for a prescribed time.
[0058] Here, when comparing two execution sequences, the differences between them are not limited by the different types of sequences they include. For example, when comparing two execution sequences, even if each sequence includes the same type of sequence, they can be considered different if at least one or more sequences have different parameters. As an example, parameters might include the duration of pressing the switch of the auxiliary device 5 or a string input into the information processing device 1.
[0059] In this implementation, the execution sequence includes a connection sequence and a registration sequence. The connection sequence is the order in which electronic device 2 is connected to wireless access point 4. The registration sequence is the order in which electronic device 2 is registered to management system 200 via wireless access point 4 after the connection sequence is executed. That is, in order to register electronic device 2 to management system 200, electronic device 2 is first connected to external network N1 via wireless access point 4. After that, electronic device 2 is registered to management system 200 via wireless access point 4 (i.e., external network N1).
[0060] Here is an example of execution order. Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the connection sequence in an implementation method. Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram showing another example of the connection sequence in the implementation. Figure 4 This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of the registration sequence in an implementation method. Figures 2 to 4 In the examples shown, only the order in which the user should execute the commands is illustrated, while the order in which the commands are executed by the processing unit 12 is not illustrated. Hereinafter, the order in which the user should execute the commands will be referred to as "steps".
[0061] exist Figure 2In the example shown, the connection sequence includes a total of eight steps, excluding the sequence executed by the processing unit 12. In the first step, the user launches the WiFi (registered trademark) setup screen by executing an application installed on the information processing device 1. In steps 2 through 7, the user performs various actions including: operating the accessory device 5, confirming the status of the electronic device 2 (in this case, the status of the light 24 on the electronic device 2), and inputting authentication information into the information processing device 1. The status of the electronic device 2 includes whether it allows the electronic device 2 to connect to the wireless access point 4. Then, in the eighth step, after confirming the status of the electronic device 2, the user performs input through the information processing device 1 to connect the electronic device 2 to the wireless access point 4.
[0062] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, apart from the sequence executed by the processing unit 12, the connection sequence comprises three steps in total. In the first step, the user launches the WiFi (registered trademark) setup screen by executing the application installed on the information processing device 1. In the second step, the user enters authentication information for the wireless access point 4 through the information processing device 1. Then, in the third step, the user operates the specified switch equipped on the accessory device 5.
[0063] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, apart from the sequence executed by the processing unit 12, the registration sequence comprises three steps in total. In the first step, the user initiates the registration screen of the electronic device 2, which is running an application, via the information processing device 1. In the second step, the user operates a pre-defined switch equipped on the accessory device 5. This switch can be used with… Figure 3 The switches used in the connection sequence shown can be the same or different. Then, in the third step, the user uses the information processing device 1 to input the information required by the registration electronic device 2. Figure 4 In the third step, the sequence of the user selecting the "Register" icon through the information processing device 1 after entering the above information is illustrated.
[0064] As mentioned above, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the electronic device 2 connects to the wireless access point 4 by the user performing a total of eight steps. On the other hand, in Figure 3 In the example shown, the user performs only three steps, and electronic device 2 connects to wireless access point 4. Then, based on the combination of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, there exists... Figure 2 The connection order shown is also included in the execution order, which also exists. Figure 3The connection sequence shown is included in the execution sequence. Furthermore, depending on the combination of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, there are also cases where... Figure 2 and Figure 3 This refers to cases where a connection order other than the one shown is included in the execution order. For example, besides the order in which processing unit 12 executes, there might be a connection order that includes a total of six steps. In this case, the connection order could be configured such that, for example, steps are omitted... Figure 2 The connection sequence shown includes the order of two of the eight steps.
[0065] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in Figure 4 In the example shown, electronic device 2 is registered to management system 200 by the user performing a total of three steps. Then, based on the combination of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, both exist... Figure 4 The registration order shown is also included in the execution order, which also exists. Figure 4 This refers to cases where a registration order other than the one shown is included in the execution order. For example, besides the order executed by processing unit 12, the registration order may include two steps. In such cases, the registration order may be configured such that, for example, steps are omitted. Figure 4 The registration sequence shown is the second of three steps.
[0066] The decision processing ST1 performed by the processing unit 12 will be described in detail below. The decision processing ST1 includes the first processing ST11, the second processing ST12, and the third processing ST13.
[0067] The first process ST11 is the process of instructing the communication unit 11 to send a request signal Sig1 to the electronic device 2. This request signal Sig1 is a signal requesting the transmission of identification information of the electronic device 2 and the communication module 3. The request signal Sig1 includes an instruction to request the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the communication module 3, as well as the address of the information processing device 1, which is the sender. In the first process ST11, the processing unit 12, for example, instructs the communication unit 11 to broadcast the request signal Sig1.
[0068] The second process ST12 is the process of receiving the response signal Sig2 in response to the request signal Sig1 from the communication module 3 via the communication unit 11. In the second process ST12 of the embodiment, the processing unit 12 makes the communication unit 11 wait for the response signal Sig2 for a predetermined period of time from the moment the request signal Sig1 was sent.
[0069] The third process ST13 determines the execution order based on whether a response signal Sig2 is received, and if so, the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the communication module 3 included in the response signal Sig2. In this embodiment, upon receiving the response signal Sig2, the third process ST13 retrieves an execution order from a pre-defined plurality of execution orders by using the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the communication module 3 included in the response signal Sig2 to search a database. The execution order determined by the third process ST13 is the order in which the electronic device 2 can be registered to the management system 200. The database stores multiple groups consisting of the identification information of the electronic device 2, the identification information of the communication module 3, and the execution order corresponding to this identification information. In this embodiment, the database is stored in the storage unit 13 of the information processing device 1.
[0070] Furthermore, in this implementation, if the response signal Sig2 cannot be received through the second processing ST12, then in the third processing ST13, regardless of the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3, the default order will be determined as the execution order. This default order is a pre-defined execution order that differs from the execution order associated with the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the communication module 3, and it is stored in a database.
[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after executing the decision processing ST1, the processing unit 12 executes the prompting processing ST2. The prompting processing ST2 is the process of prompting the user of the information processing device 1 with the execution order determined by the decision processing ST1. In the prompting processing ST2 of this embodiment, the execution order is displayed on the display 14 of the information processing device 1 using strings or images, thereby prompting the user with the execution order. Moreover, the prompting of the execution order to the user is not limited to the display on the display 14. For example, in the prompting processing ST2, the execution order can also be output by emitting sound through the speaker of the information processing device 1, thereby prompting the user with the execution order. Furthermore, in the prompting processing ST2, the display on the display 14 and the sound output through the speaker can also be combined to prompt the user with the execution order.
[0072] [2. Work]
[0073] Regarding the operation of the information processing device 1 configured as described above, the following describes its operation using... Figure 5 Let me explain. Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus in the embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that the communication unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1 is in a state where it can communicate with the electronic device 2 to be registered, via the wireless soft AP (Soft-AP) function of the communication module 3. Here, the electronic device 2 to be registered refers to the electronic device 2 that the user of the information processing apparatus 1 wants to register with the management system 200. Furthermore, the process for enabling the communication unit 11 to communicate with the electronic device 2 to be registered can also be included in the decision process ST1.
[0074] First, the processing unit 12 of the information processing device 1 begins decision processing ST1 (S2) by receiving a specific operation input (S1) from the user. When decision processing ST1 begins, the processing unit 12 first executes the first processing ST11 (S3). In the first processing ST11, the processing unit 12 causes the communication unit 11 to send a request signal Sig1 to the registered electronic device 2. When the communication module 3 of the registered electronic device 2 receives the request signal Sig1, if the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3 exist, it replies to the information processing device 1 with a response signal Sig2 including each identification information. On the other hand, if the identification information does not exist or if the instructions included in the received request signal Sig1 cannot be responded to, no work is performed.
[0075] Next, the processing unit 12 executes the second process ST12 (S4). In the second process ST12, the processing unit 12 waits for a response signal Sig2 from the communication module 3 of the electronic device 2 of the registered object for a specified period. In either case where the communication unit 11 receives the response signal Sig2 during the specified period (S5 "Yes") or where the communication unit 11 does not receive the response signal Sig2 during the specified period (S5 "No"), the processing unit 12 begins to execute the third process ST13 (S6, S7). In addition, the processing content of the third process ST13 in process S6 is different from that in process S7.
[0076] If the communication unit 11 receives the response signal Sig2 through the second processing ST12 (S5 "Yes"), the processing unit 12 determines the execution order based on the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3 included in the response signal Sig2 (S6). On the other hand, if the communication unit 11 cannot receive the response signal Sig2 through the second processing ST12 (S5 "No"), the processing unit 12 will determine the default order as the execution order regardless of the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3 (S7). This execution order preferably corresponds to all electronic devices 2.
[0077] After this, the processing unit 12 executes prompting process ST2 (S8). In prompting process ST2, the processing unit 12 prompts the user of the information processing device 1 with the execution order determined by the third process ST13. In this embodiment, the processing unit 12 prompts the user with the execution order determined by the third process ST13 by displaying strings or images on the display 14 of the information processing device 1. Accordingly, the user can register the electronic device 2 to be registered with the management system 200 by performing the execution order while looking at the display 14 of the information processing device 1. In addition, if the execution order includes multiple sequences, the processing unit 12 prompts the user for the next sequence each time the user completes one sequence.
[0078] [3. Effects, etc.]
[0079] The advantages of the information processing device 1 in the embodiments will be explained below.
[0080] As described above, the execution order of applications in conventional information processing devices is fixed, and when the execution order differs from that of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, it is necessary to use other applications. Therefore, the following problem exists: the user must select the corresponding application, making it difficult for the user to execute the sequence for registering electronic device 2 to management system 200.
[0081] In this regard, the information processing device 1 in the embodiment can determine the appropriate execution order for the electronic device 2 to be registered from a variety of execution sequences based on the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3. Therefore, in the information processing device 1 of the embodiment, the user does not need to select a corresponding application, and can complete the sequence for registering the electronic device 2 to the management system 200 using only one application through the information processing device 1. In other words, the information processing device 1 in the embodiment has the advantage that the user can easily execute the sequence for registering the electronic device 2 to the management system 200.
[0082] (Modified Example)
[0083] As described above, embodiments that serve as technical examples disclosed in this application have been presented. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited thereto, and can be applied to embodiments with appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. Furthermore, the constituent elements described in the above embodiments can be combined to create new embodiments.
[0084] Therefore, the following examples illustrate variations of the implementation method.
[0085] In this implementation, when determining the execution order, the third process ST13 may refer to either the database of the information processing device 1 or the database of a device other than the information processing device 1 (e.g., the management system 200). In the latter case, the information processing device 1 sends the obtained identification information to the other device and receives the execution order corresponding to the identification information.
[0086] In this implementation, although the third process ST13 determines the execution order by retrieving information from the database using the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3, it is not limited to this. For example, the third process ST13 may also use a prescribed algorithm that uses the two pieces of identification information—the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3—as variables to determine the execution order. In this case, the database is not required for the process of determining the execution order.
[0087] In this implementation, although the information processing device 1 is connected to the wireless access point 4, it is not limited thereto. For example, the information processing device 1 can determine the execution order even when it is not connected to the wireless access point 4.
[0088] In this embodiment, although the processing unit 12 prompts the user with the execution order determined in the decision processing ST1 via the prompting processing ST2, it is not limited to this. For example, the processing unit 12 may execute the execution order determined in the decision processing ST1 instead of the prompting processing ST2. That is, the processing unit 12 may automatically execute the execution order determined in the decision processing ST1 without user intervention. Furthermore, the processing unit 12 may, for example, automatically execute the execution order after prompting the user of the information processing device 1 with the execution order determined in the decision processing ST1 via the prompting processing ST2.
[0089] In this embodiment, the electronic device 2 may not only be a component of the information processing system 100 but may also be distributed in the market as a standalone unit. That is, when the electronic device 2 receives a request signal Sig1 from the information processing device 1 via the communication module 3, it replies to the information processing device 1 via the communication module 3 by including its own identification information in a response signal Sig2.
[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication module 3 may not only be a component of the electronic device 2 but may also be available on the market as a standalone unit. That is, when the communication module 3 receives a request signal Sig1 from the information processing device 1, it replies to the information processing device 1 by including its own identification information in a response signal Sig2.
[0091] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiments, all or part of the components of the processing unit 12 included in the information processing apparatus 1 of this disclosure can be constructed by dedicated hardware, or can be implemented by executing software programs suitable for each component. Each component can also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor reading and executing software programs recorded on recording media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or semiconductor memory.
[0092] Furthermore, the processing unit 12 of the information processing apparatus 1 in this disclosure can also be composed of one or more electronic circuits. Each of the one or more electronic circuits can be a general-purpose circuit or a special-purpose circuit.
[0093] One or more electronic circuits may include, for example, semiconductor devices, integrated circuits (ICs), or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). ICs or LSIs can be integrated onto a single chip or multiple chips. Although referred to as ICs or LSIs here, the names vary depending on the level of integration; they may also be called system LSIs, very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrated circuits (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, can also be used for the same purpose.
[0094] Furthermore, the general or specific embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, or computer program. Alternatively, it can be implemented by a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disc, HDD, or semiconductor memory storing the computer program. This disclosure can also be implemented, for example, by a program that executes the information processing methods described above via a computer. Furthermore, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and can be distributed via channels such as the Internet.
[0095] As described above, embodiments serving as technical examples of this disclosure have been presented. Drawings and detailed descriptions are provided for this purpose.
[0096] Therefore, the components described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description include not only those necessary for solving the problem, but also, for the purpose of illustrating the above-described technology, components that are not essential for solving the problem. Therefore, one should not immediately assume that these non-essential components are essential simply because they are described in the accompanying drawings or detailed description.
[0097] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are examples used to illustrate the technology of this disclosure, various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the required scope or the equivalent scope.
[0098] (Summarize)
[0099] As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 in this embodiment includes a communication unit 11 and a processing unit 12. The communication unit 11 communicates with an electronic device 2 having a communication module 3. The processing unit 12 determines the execution order for registering the electronic device 2 to a management system 200 that manages the electronic device 2 via a wireless access point 4. The determination process ST1 includes a first process ST11, a second process ST12, and a third process ST13. In the first process ST11, the communication unit 11 sends a request signal Sig1 to the electronic device 2. This request signal Sig1 is a signal requesting the transmission of identification information of the electronic device 2 and identification information of the communication module 3. In the second process ST12, a response signal Sig2 in response to the request signal Sig1 is received from the communication module 3 via the communication unit 11. In the third process ST13, the execution order is determined based on whether the response signal Sig2 is received, and if the response signal Sig2 is received, the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3 included in the response signal Sig2.
[0100] Accordingly, the following advantages can be achieved: since the execution order can be determined from a variety of execution orders obtained from the combination of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, it is easy for the user to execute the order for registering electronic device 2 to management system 200.
[0101] Furthermore, for example, if the response signal Sig2 cannot be received through the second process ST12, then in the third process ST13, regardless of the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3, the default order will be determined as the execution order.
[0102] Accordingly, the following advantages can be achieved: depending on whether a response signal Sig2 is received, the electronic device 2 of the registered object can easily determine the appropriate execution order.
[0103] Furthermore, the processing unit 12 may, for example, further perform a prompting process ST2 that prompts the user of the information processing device 1 with the determined execution order.
[0104] Accordingly, the following advantages can be achieved: since the user of the information processing device 1 can execute the execution sequence while confirming the prompted execution sequence, the user can easily execute the sequence for registering the electronic device 2 to the management system 200.
[0105] Furthermore, the processing unit 12, for example, executes the execution order determined by the decision processing ST1.
[0106] Therefore, it has the following advantages: since the user of the information processing device 1 does not need to execute the execution sequence himself, the convenience of the user is improved.
[0107] Furthermore, the information processing system 100 in the embodiment includes an information processing device 1 and an electronic device 2, the electronic device 2 having a communication module 3 capable of communicating with the information processing device 1.
[0108] Accordingly, the following advantages can be achieved: since the execution order can be determined from a variety of execution orders obtained from the combination of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, it is easy for the user to execute the order for registering electronic device 2 to management system 200.
[0109] Furthermore, when the electronic device 2 in the embodiment receives the request signal Sig1 from the information processing device 1 via the communication module 3, it includes its own identification information in the response signal Sig2 and replies to the information processing device 1 via the communication module 3.
[0110] Accordingly, the following advantages can be achieved: since the execution order can be determined from a variety of execution orders obtained from the combination of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, it is easy for the user to execute the order for registering electronic device 2 to management system 200.
[0111] Furthermore, when the communication module 3 in the embodiment receives the request signal Sig1 from the information processing device 1, it replies to the information processing device 1 by including its own identification information in the response signal Sig2.
[0112] Accordingly, the following advantages can be achieved: since the execution order can be determined from a variety of execution orders obtained from the combination of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, it is easy for the user to execute the order for registering electronic device 2 to management system 200.
[0113] Furthermore, the information processing method in this embodiment includes a decision process ST1, which determines the execution order for registering the electronic device 2 with the communication module 3 to the management system 200 that manages the electronic device 2 via the wireless access point 4. The decision process ST1 includes a first process ST11, a second process ST12, and a third process ST13. In the first process ST11, a request signal Sig1 is sent to the electronic device 2, which requests the transmission of identification information of the electronic device 2 and the communication module 3. In the second process ST12, a response signal Sig2 is received from the communication module 3 in response to the request signal Sig1. In the third process ST13, the execution order is determined based on whether the response signal Sig2 is received, and if the response signal Sig2 is received, the identification information of the electronic device 2 and the identification information of the communication module 3 included in the response signal Sig2.
[0114] Accordingly, the following advantages can be achieved: since the execution order can be determined from a variety of execution orders obtained from the combination of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, it is easy for the user to execute the order for registering electronic device 2 to management system 200.
[0115] Furthermore, the program recording medium in the embodiment records a program that causes one or more processors to execute the above-described information processing method.
[0116] Accordingly, the following advantages can be achieved: since the execution order can be determined from a variety of execution orders obtained from the combination of electronic device 2 and communication module 3, it is easy for the user to execute the order for registering electronic device 2 to management system 200.
[0117] Industrial applicability
[0118] This disclosure is applicable to information processing devices and the like used when registering electronic devices with communication modules to a management system for managing electronic devices.
[0119] Symbol Explanation
[0120] 1. Information processing device
[0121] 11 Ministry of Communications
[0122] 12 Processing Department
[0123] 2 Electronic devices
[0124] 3. Communication Module
[0125] 4 Wireless Access Points
[0126] N1 External Network
[0127] Sig1 request signal
[0128] Sig2 response signal
[0129] ST1 decides to handle
[0130] ST11 Processing 1
[0131] ST12 Processing 2
[0132] ST13 Processing 3
[0133] ST2 prompt handling
[0134] 100 Information Processing System
[0135] 200 Management System
Claims
1. An information processing device, The information processing device includes: The communications department communicates with electronic devices equipped with communication modules; and The processing unit executes a decision process that determines the execution order for registering the electronic device via a wireless access point to a management system that manages the electronic device. This execution order is performed using an application that is independent of the electronic device's identification information and the communication module's version information. The decision processing includes: The first process involves the communication unit sending a request signal to the electronic device, the request signal being a signal requesting the transmission of the electronic device's identification information and the communication module's version information; The second process involves receiving a response signal for the request signal from the communication module via the communication unit; as well as The third process determines the execution order based on whether the response signal is received, and if the response signal is received, the identification information of the electronic device and the version information of the communication module included in the response signal.
2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, If the response signal cannot be received through the second process, then in the third process, regardless of the identification information of the electronic device and the version information of the communication module, the default order will be determined as the execution order.
3. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, The processing unit further performs a prompting process to indicate the determined execution order to the user of the information processing device.
4. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, The processing unit executes the execution order determined by the decision processing.
5. An information processing system, comprising: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2; and The electronic device has a communication module capable of communicating with the information processing device.
6. An electronic device, When the electronic device receives the request signal from the information processing device according to claim 1 or 2 via the communication module, it replies to the information processing device via the communication module by including its own identification information in the response signal.
7. A communication module, When the communication module receives the request signal from the information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, it replies to the information processing device by including its own version information in the response signal.
8. An information processing method, The information processing method includes a decision process that determines the execution order for registering an electronic device with a communication module to a management system that manages the electronic device via a wireless access point. This execution order is performed using an application that is independent of the identification information of the electronic device and the version information of the communication module. The decision processing includes: The first process involves sending a request signal to the electronic device, the request signal being a signal requesting the transmission of the electronic device's identification information and the communication module's version information; The second step involves receiving a response signal from the communication module in response to the request signal. as well as The third process determines the execution order based on whether the response signal is received, and if the response signal is received, the identification information of the electronic device and the version information of the communication module included in the response signal.
9. A program recording medium, The program recording medium records a program that causes one or more processors to execute the information processing method of claim 8.