Information processing method, information processing program, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

An ID management server (1) acquires a deletion request for requesting deletion of a first building ID associated with a group ID in a case where at least one user utilizes a building is changed from a first building to a second building; deletes the first building ID associated with the group ID from a second table in response to the deletion request; and registers a second building ID for identifying the second building in the second table in association with the group ID.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for managing user IDs and device IDs, wherein the user ID is at least one user ID used to identify at least one user utilizing a building, and the device ID is at least one device ID used to identify at least one device being utilized in the building. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for providing services that manage multiple accounts corresponding to multiple electronic devices and exchange or share information between the interconnected accounts.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a service is provided for exchanging or sharing information between interconnected electronic devices, between interconnected electronic devices and users, or between interconnected users.

[0004] However, the aforementioned prior art does not disclose the association between electronic devices and the building where the electronic devices are installed, and further improvements are needed.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5596094 Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can easily change the association between user ID and device ID, and simplify the cumbersome ID change operation.

[0009] The present invention relates to an information processing method that utilizes a first table, a second table, and a third table. The first table associates at least one user ID used to identify at least one user using a first building with a group ID used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs. The second table associates the group ID with a first building ID used to identify the first building. The third table associates the first building ID with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device used in the first building. The information processing method includes the following steps: when the building used by the at least one user changes from the first building to a second building, obtaining a deletion request for deleting the first building ID associated with the group ID; responding to the deletion request, deleting the first building ID associated with the group ID from the second table; and registering a second building ID used to identify the second building in association with the group ID in the second table.

[0010] According to the present invention, the association between user ID and device ID can be easily changed, simplifying the tedious ID change process. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an ID management server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a family ID management table stored in the family ID management table storage unit in this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID management table stored in the home ID management table storage unit in this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device ID management table that associates a first ID with at least one device ID in this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, in this embodiment, the home ID management table with the first home ID deleted and the home ID management table with the second home ID registered.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device ID management table in this embodiment, which associates a first vendor ID with at least one device ID and associates a second vendor ID with at least one device ID.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a variation of this embodiment, specifically an example of a portable device ID management table that associates a home ID with at least one device ID.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a first flowchart illustrating the ID registration process of an ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a second flowchart illustrating the ID registration process of an ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a third flowchart illustrating the ID registration process of an ID management system according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID registration screen displayed on the first integrated terminal in this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID registration screen displayed on the first integrated terminal in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device ID registration screen displayed on the first integrated terminal in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a first flowchart illustrating the home ID registration and change process of an ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a second flowchart illustrating the home ID registration and change process of an ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID deletion screen displayed on the second integrated terminal in this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID re-registration screen displayed on the second integrated terminal in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the device control process of an ID management system for explaining embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Basic knowledge of this invention

[0031] When using a user ID to identify a user to control devices installed in a building, it is necessary to pre-associate the user ID with the device ID used to identify the device. By pre-associating the user ID with the device ID, the user can remotely operate the device corresponding to the device ID associated with the user ID. In this case, if multiple users utilize the building and multiple devices are installed within it, each user needs to perform a setup process to associate their respective user IDs with the respective device IDs of the multiple devices.

[0032] Especially when users relocate, they need to perform setup tasks to unassociate the device IDs with user IDs of multiple devices in the building before the relocation, and to associate the device IDs with user IDs of multiple devices in the building after the relocation. If the number of users and devices increases, these setup tasks become extremely cumbersome, making it difficult to easily associate user IDs with device IDs.

[0033] To address the aforementioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing method utilizing a first table, a second table, and a third table. The first table associates at least one user ID used to identify at least one user using a first building with a group ID used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs. The second table associates the group ID with a first building ID used to identify the first building. The third table associates the first building ID with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device used in the first building. The information processing method includes the following steps: when the building used by the at least one user changes from the first building to a second building, obtaining a deletion request for deleting the first building ID associated with the group ID; responding to the deletion request, deleting the first building ID associated with the group ID from the second table; and registering the second building ID used to identify the second building in association with the group ID in the second table.

[0034] According to this configuration, at least one user ID used to identify at least one user utilizing the first building is associated with a group ID used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs. The group ID is associated with a first building ID used to identify the first building, and the first building ID is associated with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device utilized in the first building. Furthermore, if the building utilized by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, the first building ID associated with the group ID is deleted, and the second building ID used to identify the second building is associated with the group ID.

[0035] Therefore, when at least one user changes the building used by the user from the first building to the second building, instead of changing the association between at least one user ID and at least one device ID, the association between the group ID and the first building ID is changed. This makes it easy to change the association between user IDs and device IDs, simplifying the tedious ID change process.

[0036] Furthermore, in the aforementioned information processing method, the device ID of the control object device among the at least one device, the user ID of the user utilizing the control object device among the at least one user, and the control command for the control object device may also be obtained; a group ID associated with the obtained user ID may be determined by referring to the first table; a first building ID associated with the determined group ID may be determined by referring to the second table; and the obtained control command may be sent to the control object device by referring to the third table if the obtained device ID is associated with the determined first building ID.

[0037] According to this configuration, the device ID of the control target device among at least one device, the user ID of the user utilizing the control target device among at least one user, and control commands for the control target device are obtained. Furthermore, a first building ID is determined based on the obtained user ID. When the obtained device ID is associated with the determined first building ID, the obtained control command is sent to the control target device. Therefore, at least one user can operate the control target device using their respective user ID.

[0038] Furthermore, in the information processing method described above, the at least one device may also include a device fixed in the first building.

[0039] According to this configuration, if the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, by deleting the first building ID associated with the group ID, at least one user is prevented from operating at at least one device that is not used in the second building but only in the first building.

[0040] Furthermore, in the aforementioned information processing method, the at least one device may include a device that can be moved from the first building to the second building. The group ID and the device ID used to identify the movable device are associated with each other in a fourth table. The method also obtains the device ID of the control object device among the at least one device, the user ID of the user utilizing the control object device among the at least one user, and the control command for the control object device. Referring to the first table, the method determines the group ID associated with the obtained user ID. Referring to the fourth table, if the obtained device ID is associated with the determined group ID, the method sends the obtained control command to the control object device.

[0041] According to this configuration, if at least one user changes the building they utilize from the first building to the second building, even if the first building ID associated with the group ID is deleted, the group ID is still associated with the device ID used to identify devices that can be moved from the first building to the second building. Therefore, at least one user utilizing the second building can continue to operate at least one device that can be moved from the first building to the second building.

[0042] Furthermore, in the aforementioned information processing method, the second building ID may also be associated with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device being used in the second building and registered in the third table.

[0043] According to this configuration, the second building ID is associated with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device being used in the second building. Therefore, a user can operate at least one device being used in the second building using their user ID.

[0044] Furthermore, in the aforementioned information processing method, the group ID and the setting information of the at least one device set according to the lifestyle of the at least one user may be mutually associated in a first setting information storage unit. If the building used by the at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, the mutual association between the group ID and the setting information of the multiple devices shall be retained in the first setting information storage unit, and the mutual association between the group ID and the setting information of the individual devices shall be deleted from the first setting information storage unit.

[0045] According to this configuration, the group ID is associated with the setting information of at least one device set according to the lifestyle of at least one user. Furthermore, if the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, the association between the group ID and the setting information of the multiple devices is retained in the first setting information storage unit, and the association between the group ID and the setting information of the individual devices is deleted from the first setting information storage unit.

[0046] Here, the configuration information for multiple devices is more likely to be created based on the user's lifestyle habits compared to the configuration information for a single device. Therefore, if at least one user changes the building they are using from the first building to the second building, by retaining the association between the group ID and the configuration information of each of the multiple devices in the first configuration information storage unit, the configuration information of multiple devices can continue to be used in the second building. Moreover, if at least one user changes the building they are using from the first building to the second building, by deleting the association between the group ID and the configuration information of each individual device from the first configuration information storage unit, the configuration information of individual devices that are not needed in the second building can be deleted, thereby reducing the storage capacity used.

[0047] Furthermore, in the aforementioned information processing method, the first building ID and the setting information of each of the multiple devices that cause the multiple devices fixed to the first building to operate simultaneously may be associated with each other in a second setting information storage unit. In the case that the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, the association between the first building ID and the setting information of each of the multiple devices may also be retained in the second setting information storage unit.

[0048] According to this configuration, the first building ID and the setting information of each of the multiple devices that cause the multiple devices fixed to the first building to operate simultaneously are interconnected. Furthermore, if the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, the second setting information storage unit retains the interconnection between the first building ID and the setting information of each of the multiple devices. Therefore, the setting information of each of the multiple devices that cause the multiple devices fixed to the first building to operate simultaneously can only be used in the first building, and cannot be used in the second building after the first building ID associated with the group ID is deleted.

[0049] Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented not only as an information processing method that performs the aforementioned characteristic processes, but also as an information processing apparatus having a configuration corresponding to the characteristic processes performed by the information processing method. Moreover, it can also be implemented as a computer program that causes a computer to execute the characteristic processes included in the information processing method. Therefore, the following other embodiments have the same technical effects as the information processing method described above.

[0050] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing program that utilizes a first table, a second table, and a third table. The first table associates at least one user ID used to identify at least one user using a first building with a group ID used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs. The second table associates the group ID with a first building ID used to identify the first building. The third table associates the first building ID with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device used in the first building. The information processing program causes a computer to perform the following processes: if the building used by the at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, obtain a deletion request for requesting the deletion of the first building ID associated with the group ID; in response to the deletion request, delete the first building ID associated with the group ID from the second table; and register a second building ID used to identify the second building in association with the group ID in the second table.

[0051] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that utilizes a first table, a second table, and a third table. The first table associates at least one user ID used to identify at least one user using a first building with a group ID used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs. The second table associates the group ID with a first building ID used to identify the first building. The third table associates the first building ID with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device used in the first building. The information processing apparatus includes: a deletion request acquisition unit that, when the building used by the at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, acquires a deletion request for requesting the deletion of the first building ID associated with the group ID; a deletion processing unit that, in response to the deletion request, deletes the first building ID associated with the group ID from the second table; and a registration processing unit that registers the second building ID used to identify the second building in association with the group ID in the second table.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] Implementation

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1The ID management system shown includes an ID management server 1, a router 2, a first integrated terminal 3A, a portable terminal 4, and devices 5A and 5B. Router 2, the first integrated terminal 3A, and devices 5A and 5B are installed within the first residence 8.

[0055] ID management server 1 manages at least one user ID for identifying at least one user using the first residence 8, a family ID for identifying the group to which at least one user belongs, a first household ID for identifying the first residence 8, a second household ID for identifying the second residence 9, and at least one device ID for identifying at least one device being used in the first residence 8.

[0056] First Residence 8 is an example of the first building, Second Residence 9 is an example of the second building, Family ID is an example of Group ID, First House ID is an example of the first building ID, and Second House ID is an example of the second building ID. Furthermore, the structure of ID Management Server 1 will be explained later.

[0057] The first residence 8 is the dwelling of users U1, U2, and U3, who are family members. Alternatively, users U1, U2, and U3 may not be family members but cohabitants, or they may be people who share the same building.

[0058] Router 2 is installed in the first residence 8. Router 2 is a communication device that connects a wide area network (WAN) 6 and a local area network (LAN) 7 and transmits data. WAN 6 is, for example, a regular telephone line or the Internet such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), and LAN 7 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0059] The first integrated terminal 3A, for example, is installed in the living room of the first residence 8, and serves as a controller for the overall control of multiple devices 5A and 5B used in the first residence 8. The first integrated terminal 3A includes a display unit and an input unit. The first integrated terminal 3A may also include a touch panel, which functions as both a display unit and an input unit. The first integrated terminal 3A receives user operations from devices 5A and 5B, and controls devices 5A and 5B based on the received operations. The input unit of the first integrated terminal 3A can also receive user operations based on voice information. In this case, the input unit is a microphone.

[0060] Portable terminal 4, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, is owned by a user of the first residence 8. Portable terminal 4 receives operations from users of devices 5A and 5B, and controls devices 5A and 5B based on the received operations. Alternatively, the ID management system may not have a single portable terminal 4, but rather multiple portable terminals 4, each owned by multiple users of the first residence 8.

[0061] Equipment 5A is, for example, residential equipment such as lighting fixtures, blind opening and closing devices, or hot water supply equipment installed in the first residence 8, and is fixed to the first residence 8 (the first building). Equipment 5A is used only in the first residence 8 and cannot be moved to the second residence 9.

[0062] Equipment 5B includes, for example, household appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens installed in the first residence 8, which can be moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9.

[0063] Second residence 9 is the new residence of users U1, U2, and U3 who lived in first residence 8. Second residence 9, like first residence 8, includes router 2, second integrated terminal 3B, portable terminal 4, and devices 5C and 5B. Additionally, in... Figure 1 The router 2 and portable terminal 4 installed in the second residence 9 are omitted.

[0064] Equipment 5C is, for example, a lighting fixture, a device for opening and closing blinds, or a hot water supply device installed in the second residence 9; it is equipment fixed to the second residence 9 (the second building). Equipment 5C is used only in the second residence 9 and cannot be moved to other residences. The first integrated terminal 3A and equipment 5A of the first residence 8 are equipment provided in the first residence 8 and cannot be moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. Therefore, the second integrated terminal 3B and equipment 5C of the second residence 9 are additional devices having the same functions as the first integrated terminal 3A and equipment 5A of the first residence 8.

[0065] Devices 5A, 5B, and 5C are shared by users U1, U2, and U3 residing in the first residence 8 and the second residence 9. Users U1, U2, and U3 operate devices 5A, 5B, and 5C using their respective user IDs.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an ID management server 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 2 The ID management server 1 shown has a processor 11, a memory 12 and a communication unit 13.

[0068] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 enables the family ID registration processing unit 101, the home ID registration processing unit 102, the device ID registration processing unit 103, the device control unit 104, the home ID deletion processing unit 105, and the home ID re-registration processing unit 106.

[0069] The memory 12 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The memory 12 enables the storage of the home ID management table 121, the home ID management table 122, and the device ID management table 123.

[0070] The Family ID Registration Processing Unit 101 registers at least one user ID used to identify at least one user using the first residence 8 (first building) and a family ID (group ID) used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs to in a mutually associated manner to the Family ID Management Table (first table).

[0071] Here, the first integrated terminal 3A sends a family ID registration request to the ID management server 1, which associates at least one user ID with a family ID and registers them together in the family ID management table. The family ID registration request includes at least one user ID. The user ID is, for example, the email address of the portable terminal 4 owned by the user, and is an identifier that uniquely identifies the user. The communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives the family ID registration request sent through the first integrated terminal 3A. If a family ID registration request is received through the communication unit 13, the family ID registration processing unit 101 automatically generates a family ID associated with at least one user ID. At this time, the family ID registration processing unit 101 generates, for example, a family ID formed by randomly combining numbers and / or letters. The family ID registration processing unit 101 registers the at least one user ID and the generated family ID together in the family ID management table.

[0072] The Family ID Management Table Storage Unit 121 stores a family ID management table that associates at least one user ID with a family ID (group ID).

[0073] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a family ID management table stored in the family ID management table storage unit 121 in this embodiment.

[0074] The Family ID management table associates at least one user ID with a family ID. Figure 3The family ID management table shown associates, for example, user ID#1, user ID#2, and user ID#3 with family ID#X. User ID#1 is the user ID of user U1, user ID#2 is the user ID of user U2, and user ID#3 is the user ID of user U3. Family ID#X is a family ID generated by the family ID registration processing unit 101.

[0075] The Home ID Registration Processing Unit 102 registers the Home ID (Group ID) and the First Home ID (First Building ID) used to identify the First Residence 8 (First Building) in the Home ID Management Table (Second Table).

[0076] Here, the first integrated terminal 3A sends a home ID registration request to the ID management server 1 to register the home ID and the first home ID together in the home ID management table. The first home ID is, for example, an integrated terminal ID used to uniquely identify the first integrated terminal 3A installed in the first residence 8. The integrated terminal ID is, for example, a manufacturing number inherent to the first integrated terminal 3A, which is pre-stored in the memory of the first integrated terminal 3A. Moreover, the integrated terminal ID can also be recorded on a label affixed to the main body of the first integrated terminal 3A. The first integrated terminal 3A can also accept integrated terminal ID input by a user who has seen the integrated terminal ID. The home ID registration request includes the user ID and the first home ID. The communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives the home ID registration request sent through the first integrated terminal 3A. If the home ID registration request is received through the communication unit 13, the home ID registration processing unit 102 determines the home ID associated with the user ID and registers the determined home ID and the first home ID together in the home ID management table.

[0077] The Home ID Management Table Storage Unit 122 stores a Home ID Management Table (Second Table) that associates Home IDs (Group IDs) with Home IDs (First Building IDs).

[0078] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID management table stored in the home ID management table storage unit 122 in this embodiment.

[0079] The Home ID Management table links Home IDs and Family IDs together. Figure 4 The home ID management table shown associates, for example, home ID#X with first home ID#A. First home ID#A is the home ID used to identify the first residence 8, and is the integrated terminal ID used to identify the first integrated terminal 3A installed in the first residence 8.

[0080] The Equipment ID Registration Processing Unit 103 registers the First House ID (First Building ID) and at least one Equipment ID used to identify at least one device used in the First Residence 8 (First Building) in a mutually associated manner to the Equipment ID Management Table (Third Table).

[0081] Here, the first integrated terminal 3A sends a device ID registration request to the ID management server 1 to register a first home ID and at least one device ID in association with each other in the device ID management table. The device ID is, for example, the device ID used to identify devices 5A and 5B used in the first residence 8. The device ID is, for example, a unique manufacturing number inherent to each of devices 5A and 5B, which is pre-stored in the memory of devices 5A and 5B. The first integrated terminal 3A retrieves devices 5A and 5B connected to LAN 7 and receives the device ID from devices 5A and 5B. Furthermore, the device ID can also be recorded on a label affixed to the body of devices 5A and 5B. The first integrated terminal 3A can also accept device IDs entered by users who have seen the device ID. The device ID registration request includes both the user ID and the device ID. The communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives the device ID registration request sent through the first integrated terminal 3A. If a device ID registration request is received through the communication unit 13, the device ID registration processing unit 103 determines the family ID associated with the user ID and determines the first home ID associated with the family ID, and registers the determined first home ID in association with at least one device ID in the device ID management table.

[0082] The Device ID Management Table Storage Unit 123 stores a Device ID Management Table that associates the first ID (first building ID) with at least one device ID.

[0083] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device ID management table that associates a first ID with at least one device ID in this embodiment.

[0084] The Device ID Management table associates a Home ID with at least one Device ID. Figure 5 The device ID management table shown associates, for example, the first device ID#A with device ID#a and device ID#b. Device ID#a is the device ID used to identify device 5A, and device ID#b is the device ID used to identify device 5B.

[0085] The device control unit 104 controls at least one device based on at least one device ID determined by at least one user ID, a home ID (group ID), and a first home ID (first building ID).

[0086] The communication unit 13 acquires the device ID of the controlled target device from at least one device, the user ID of the user utilizing the controlled target device from at least one user, and the control command for the controlled target device. The device control unit 104, referring to the Home ID Management Table (First Table), determines the home ID (group ID) associated with the user ID acquired through the communication unit 13. Furthermore, the device control unit 104, referring to the Home ID Management Table (Second Table), determines the first home ID (first building ID) associated with the determined home ID (group ID). Moreover, the device control unit 104, referring to the Device ID Management Table (Third Table), determines whether the device ID acquired through the communication unit 13 is associated with the first home ID (first building ID). If the device ID acquired through the communication unit 13 is associated with the first home ID (first building ID), the device control unit 104 controls the communication unit 13 to send the control command acquired through the communication unit 13 to the controlled target device. The communication unit 13 sends the control command to the controlled target device.

[0087] The communications unit 13, when the residence (building) used by at least one user changes from the first residence 8 (first building) to the second residence 9 (second building), obtains a home ID deletion request for requesting the deletion of the first home ID (first building ID) associated with the home ID (group ID).

[0088] Here, the second integrated terminal 3B, located in the second residence 9, sends a home ID deletion request to the ID management server 1 when the residence used by at least one user changes from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. The home ID deletion request includes at least one user ID. The communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives the home ID deletion request sent through the second integrated terminal 3B.

[0089] The Home ID Deletion Processing Unit 105, in response to a Home ID deletion request, deletes the first Home ID (first building ID) associated with the Home ID (group ID) from the Home ID Management Table (second table). If a Home ID deletion request is received via the Communication Unit 13, the Home ID Deletion Processing Unit 105 deletes the first Home ID associated with the Home ID from the Home ID Management Table.

[0090] The Communications Department 13 obtains the Second House ID (Second Building ID) for identifying the Second Residence 9 (Second Building).

[0091] Here, the second integrated terminal 3B, installed in the second residence 9, sends a home ID re-registration request to the ID management server 1 when the residence used by at least one user changes from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. This request involves registering a second home ID, used to identify the second residence 9, in association with the family ID in the home ID management table. The second home ID is, for example, the integrated terminal ID used to identify the second integrated terminal 3B installed in the second residence 9. The integrated terminal ID is, for example, a manufacturing number inherent to the second integrated terminal 3B, which is pre-stored in the memory of the second integrated terminal 3B. Alternatively, the integrated terminal ID can be recorded on a label affixed to the main body of the second integrated terminal 3B. The second integrated terminal 3B can also accept integrated terminal ID input by a user who has seen the integrated terminal ID. The home ID re-registration request includes the user ID and the second home ID. The communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives the home ID re-registration request sent through the second integrated terminal 3B.

[0092] The Home ID Re-registration Processing Unit 106 registers the second Home ID (second building ID) obtained through the Communications Unit 13 and the Family ID (group ID) together in the Home ID Management Table (second table). If a Home ID Re-registration request is received through the Communications Unit 13, the Home ID Re-registration Processing Unit 106 registers the second Home ID and the Family ID together in the Home ID Management Table.

[0093] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, in this embodiment, the home ID management table with the first home ID deleted and the home ID management table with the second home ID registered.

[0094] If a home ID deletion request is received, the home ID deletion processing unit 105 deletes the first home ID associated with the home ID from the home ID management table. Figure 6 In the Home ID Management table shown, delete the first Home ID#A associated with Home ID#X.

[0095] Furthermore, if a home ID re-registration request is received, the home ID re-registration processing unit 106 will register the second home ID obtained through the communications unit 13 in association with the home ID in the home ID management table. Figure 6 In the Home ID Management Table shown, the second Home ID#B is registered in association with Home ID#X.

[0096] Thus, when users U1, U2, and U3 move from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, the home ID associated with home ID#X changes from the first home ID#A to the second home ID#B.

[0097] Furthermore, the Equipment ID Registration Processing Unit 103 registers the Second House ID (Second Building ID) in association with at least one Equipment ID used to identify at least one device being used in the Second Residence 9 (Second Building) in the Equipment ID Management Table (Third Table).

[0098] Here, the second integrated terminal 3B, located in the second residence 9, sends a device ID registration request to the ID management server 1 to register the second residence ID and at least one device ID in association with each other in the device ID management table. The device ID is, for example, a device ID used to identify devices 5C and 5B used in the second residence 9. Device 5C is, for example, a residential appliance installed in the second residence 9, such as a lighting fixture, a device for opening and closing blinds, or a hot water supply device; it is an appliance fixed to the second residence 9 (the second building). Device 5B is an appliance moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. The device ID is, for example, a unique manufacturing number inherent to each of devices 5C and 5B, which is pre-stored in the memory of devices 5C and 5B.

[0099] The second integrated terminal 3B retrieves devices 5C and 5B connected to LAN 7 and receives device IDs from devices 5C and 5B. Furthermore, the device IDs can also be recorded on labels affixed to the main body of devices 5C and 5B. The second integrated terminal 3B can also accept device IDs entered by users who have visually viewed the device IDs. The device ID registration request includes both the user ID and the device ID. The communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives the device ID registration request sent through the second integrated terminal 3B.

[0100] If a device ID registration request is received through the communication unit 13, the device ID registration processing unit 103 determines the home ID associated with the user ID and determines the second home ID associated with the home ID, and registers the determined second home ID and at least one device ID in association to the device ID management table.

[0101] The Device ID Management Table Storage Unit 123 stores a Device ID Management Table that associates a second ID (second building ID) with at least one device ID.

[0102] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device ID management table in this embodiment, which associates a first vendor ID with at least one device ID and associates a second vendor ID with at least one device ID.

[0103] Figure 7The device ID management table shown, for example, associates the first device ID#A with device ID#a and device ID#b, and associates the second device ID#B with device ID#c and device ID#b. Device ID#a is the device ID used to identify device 5A, device ID#b is the device ID used to identify device 5B, and device ID#c is the device ID used to identify device 5C.

[0104] Additionally, a user moving from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9 can register the second home ID and at least one device ID in the device ID management table using the second integrated terminal 3B. However, if the second home ID and at least one device ID are already registered in the device ID management table, the user moving from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9 may not need to register them in the device ID management table using the second integrated terminal 3B. For example, if the second residence 9 is newly built, the user moving from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9 needs to register the second home ID and at least one device ID in the device ID management table using the second integrated terminal 3B. On the other hand, if the second residence 9 is a second-hand property, and the second home ID and at least one device ID are already registered in the device ID management table, the user moving from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9 may not need to register the second home ID and at least one device ID in the device ID management table and can use the device ID management table that already associates the second home ID and at least one device ID.

[0105] In this embodiment, the device ID registration processing unit 103 registers the first household ID in the device ID management table in association with the device IDs of device 5A fixed to the first residence 8 and device 5B that can be moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The device ID registration processing unit 103 may also register the first household ID in the device ID management table in association with the device ID of device 5A fixed to the first residence 8, instead of associating the first household ID with the device ID of device 5B that can be moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9.

[0106] Furthermore, in a variation of this embodiment, the device ID registration processing unit 103 may also register the home ID (group ID) and the device ID used to identify the device 5B that can be moved from the first residence 8 (first building) to the second residence 9 (second building) in a mutually associated manner into the movable device ID management table (fourth table). In this case, the memory 12 may also include a movable device ID management table storage unit for storing the movable device ID management table.

[0107] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram illustrating a variation of this embodiment, specifically an example of a portable device ID management table that associates a home ID with at least one device ID.

[0108] The movable device ID management table associates the home ID with the device ID used to identify the device 5B that can be moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. Figure 8 The movable device ID management table shown associates, for example, home ID #X with movable device ID #f. Movable device ID #f is the device ID used to identify device 5B that can be moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9.

[0109] When the first integrated terminal 3A receives a device ID, it can also select which ID—either the first home ID or the family ID—to associate with the device ID. If the device ID is associated with the first home ID, the device ID registration processing unit 103 registers the first home ID associated with at least one device ID in the device ID management table (third table). Conversely, if the device ID is associated with the family ID, the device ID registration processing unit 103 registers the family ID associated with at least one device ID in the portable device ID management table (fourth table).

[0110] Furthermore, when the device ID of the controlled target device among at least one device, the user ID of the user utilizing the controlled target device among at least one user, and the control command for the controlled target device are obtained through the communication unit 13, the device control unit 104 can also refer to the Home ID Management Table (First Table) to determine the Home ID (Group ID) associated with the user ID obtained through the communication unit 13. Moreover, the device control unit 104 can also refer to the Portable Device ID Management Table (Fourth Table) to determine whether the device ID obtained through the communication unit 13 is associated with a Home ID (Group ID). If the device ID obtained through the communication unit 13 is associated with a Home ID (Group ID), the device control unit 104 can also control the communication unit 13 to send the control command obtained through the communication unit 13 to the controlled target device. The communication unit 13 can also send the control command to the controlled target device.

[0111] Thus, in a variation of this embodiment, the home ID is associated with the device ID used to identify the device 5B, which can be moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. Therefore, when a user moves from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, even if the first home ID associated with the home ID is deleted and the second home ID is re-associated with the home ID, it is not necessary to re-associate the device ID of the device 5B with the second home ID. As a result, even if a user moves from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, the user can remotely control the device 5B associated with the home ID using their user ID.

[0112] Next, the ID registration process of the ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0113] Figure 9 This is a first flowchart illustrating the ID registration process of an ID management system according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a second flowchart illustrating the ID registration process of an ID management system according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a third flowchart illustrating the ID registration process of an ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the ID registration process is performed by a first integrated terminal 3A installed in the first residence 8. Moreover, the ID registration process includes household ID registration processing, home ID registration processing, and device ID registration processing.

[0114] First, in step S1, the first integrated terminal 3A displays a family ID registration screen for registering at least one user ID and family ID to the family ID management table in association.

[0115] Secondly, in step S2, the first integrated terminal 3A accepts input for identifying at least one user ID of at least one user utilizing the first residence 8.

[0116] Next, in step S3, the first integrated terminal 3A sends a family ID registration request to the ID management server 1 to register at least one user ID and a family ID in association to the family ID management table. The family ID registration request includes at least one user ID that has been entered.

[0117] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID registration screen displayed on the first integrated terminal 3A in this embodiment.

[0118] First integrated terminal 3A display Figure 12 The shown is a Family ID registration screen 201. The Family ID registration screen 201 includes a User ID input field 2011 for entering at least one User ID to identify at least one user utilizing the first residence 8. On the Family ID registration screen 201, a user utilizing the first residence 8 enters the User IDs of all users (households) utilizing the first residence 8 into the User ID input field 2011. Here, three users, U1, U2, and U3, utilize the first residence 8. The first integrated terminal 3A accepts the input of User IDs of all users utilizing the first residence 8 from a user utilizing the first residence 8. The Family ID registration screen 201 contains the respective User IDs of the three users, U1, U2, and U3.

[0119] Furthermore, the family ID registration screen 201 includes a send button 2012 for sending at least one entered user ID. By touching the send button 2012, a family ID registration request is sent to the ID management server 1.

[0120] return Figure 9 Next, in step S4, the communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives a home ID registration request sent through the first integrated terminal 3A.

[0121] Next, in step S5, the family ID registration processing unit 101 generates a family ID associated with at least one user ID.

[0122] Next, in step S6, the family ID registration processing unit 101 registers at least one received user ID in association with the generated family ID in the family ID management table.

[0123] Next, in step S7, the communication unit 13 sends a notification to the first integrated terminal 3A that the registration of the family ID has been completed.

[0124] Secondly, in step S8, the first integrated terminal 3A receives a notification that the family ID registration is complete, sent through the ID management server 1.

[0125] Next, in step S9, the first integrated terminal 3A displays a registration completion notification screen to notify the user that registration is complete for at least one user ID and one family ID. The registration completion notification screen displays the family ID associated with the at least one user ID.

[0126] The above steps S1 to S9 are for family ID registration.

[0127] Secondly, in step S10, the first integrated terminal 3A displays a home ID registration screen for registering the home ID and the first home ID used to identify the first residence 8 to the home ID management table in association.

[0128] Secondly, in step S11, the first integrated terminal 3A accepts the input of the user ID and the first business ID.

[0129] Next, in step S12, the first integrated terminal 3A sends a home ID registration request to the ID management server 1 to register the home ID and the first home ID together in the home ID management table. The home ID registration request includes the entered user ID and the first home ID.

[0130] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID registration screen displayed on the first integrated terminal 3A in this embodiment.

[0131] First integrated terminal 3A display Figure 13 The Home ID Registration Screen 202 is shown. Home ID Registration Screen 202 includes a User ID Input Field 2021 for inputting a User ID and a Home ID Input Field 2022 for inputting a Home ID to identify the first residence 8. On Home ID Registration Screen 202, a user of the first residence 8 inputs their User ID into User ID Input Field 2021. Here, three users, U1, U2, and U3, are using the first residence 8. The first integrated terminal 3A accepts the User ID input by one of the three users U1, U2, and U3 of the first residence 8, user U1. User U1's User ID is input on Home ID Registration Screen 202.

[0132] Furthermore, on the Home ID registration screen 202, a user of the first residence 8 inputs the first home ID used to identify the first residence 8 into the home ID input field 2022. The first home ID is a unique manufacturing number inherent to the first integrated terminal 3A, recorded on a label affixed to the main body of the first integrated terminal 3A. User U1 inputs the manufacturing number recorded on the label affixed to the main body of the first integrated terminal 3A as the first home ID. The first integrated terminal 3A accepts the first home ID input by user U1. The Home ID registration screen 202 is currently inputting the first home ID of the first residence 8.

[0133] Furthermore, the home ID registration screen 202 includes a send button 2023 for sending the entered user ID and the first home ID. By touching the send button 2023, a home ID registration request is sent to the ID management server 1.

[0134] return Figure 10 Next, in step S13, the communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives the home ID registration request sent through the first integrated terminal 3A.

[0135] Next, in step S14, the home ID registration processing unit 102 refers to the home ID management table to determine the home ID associated with the user ID contained in the home ID registration request received through the communication unit 13.

[0136] Next, in step S15, the home ID registration processing unit 102 registers the determined home ID and the first home ID contained in the home ID registration request received through the communication unit 13 into the home ID management table in association.

[0137] Next, in step S16, the communication unit 13 sends a home ID registration completion notification to the first integrated terminal 3A to notify that the registration of the first home ID has been completed.

[0138] Secondly, in step S17, the first integrated terminal 3A receives a notification that the home ID registration is complete, sent through the ID management server 1.

[0139] Secondly, in step S18, the first integrated terminal 3A displays a registration completion notification screen to inform the user that the registration of the family ID and the first home ID has been completed.

[0140] The above steps S10 to S18 are the home ID registration process.

[0141] Next, in step S19, the first integrated terminal 3A displays a device ID registration screen for registering the first home ID and at least one device ID for identifying at least one device used in the first residence 8 to the device ID management table in association.

[0142] Secondly, in step S20, the first integrated terminal 3A accepts the input of user ID and at least one device ID.

[0143] Next, in step S21, the first integrated terminal 3A sends a device ID registration request to the ID management server 1 to register the home ID and at least one device ID in association with each other in the device ID management table. The device ID registration request includes the entered user ID and at least one device ID.

[0144] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device ID registration screen displayed on the first integrated terminal 3A in this embodiment.

[0145] First integrated terminal 3A display Figure 14 The device ID registration screen 203 is shown. Device ID registration screen 203 includes a user ID input field 2031 for inputting a user ID and a device ID input field 2032 for inputting at least one device ID to identify at least one device used in the first residence 8. On device ID registration screen 203, a user of the first residence 8 inputs their own user ID into user ID input field 2031. Here, three users U1, U2, and U3 are using the first residence 8. The first integrated terminal 3A accepts the user ID input by one of the three users U1, U2, and U3 of the first residence 8, user U1. User U1's user ID is input on device ID registration screen 203.

[0146] Furthermore, on the Device ID registration screen 203, a user of the first residence 8 enters at least one Device ID, used to identify at least one device used in the first residence 8, into the Device ID input field 2032. The Device ID is a unique manufacturing number of the device, recorded on a label affixed to the main body of the device. Here, two devices 5A and 5B are used in the first residence 8. User U1 enters the manufacturing number recorded on the label affixed to the main body of devices 5A and 5B as the Device ID. The first integrated terminal 3A accepts the Device IDs of devices 5A and 5B entered by user U1. The Device IDs of devices 5A and 5B are entered on the Device ID registration screen 203.

[0147] Furthermore, the device ID registration screen 203 includes a send button 2033 for sending the entered user ID and at least one device ID. By touching the send button 2033, a device ID registration request is sent to the ID management server 1.

[0148] return Figure 11 Next, in step S22, the communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives a device ID registration request sent through the first integrated terminal 3A.

[0149] Next, in step S23, the device ID registration processing unit 103 refers to the household ID management table to determine the household ID associated with the user ID contained in the device ID registration request received through the communication unit 13.

[0150] Next, in step S24, the device ID registration processing unit 103 refers to the home ID management table to determine the first home ID associated with the determined home ID.

[0151] Next, in step S25, the device ID registration processing unit 103 registers the determined first home ID and at least one device ID contained in the home ID registration request received through the communication unit 13 into the device ID management table.

[0152] Next, in step S26, the communication unit 13 sends a device ID registration completion notification to the first integrated terminal 3A to notify that the registration of at least one device ID has been completed.

[0153] Secondly, in step S27, the first integrated terminal 3A receives a device ID registration completion notification sent by the ID management server 1.

[0154] Secondly, in step S28, the first integrated terminal 3A displays a registration completion notification screen to inform the user that the registration of the first home ID and at least one device ID has been completed.

[0155] The above steps S19 to S28 are the device ID registration process.

[0156] In addition, in this embodiment, the home ID registration process in steps S1 to S9, the home ID registration process in steps S10 to S18, and the device ID registration process in steps S19 to S28 are performed in chronological order. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the home ID registration process, home ID registration process, and device ID registration process can also be performed separately.

[0157] and, Figures 9 to 11 The family ID registration process, home ID registration process, and device ID registration process shown can also be performed through the portable terminal 4 and the ID management server 1.

[0158] Next, the home ID registration change processing of the ID management system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0159] Figure 15 This is a first flowchart illustrating the home ID registration and change process of an ID management system according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a second flowchart illustrating the home ID registration change process of the ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the home ID registration change process is performed via a second integrated terminal 3B installed in the second residence 9. Moreover, the home ID registration change process includes home ID deletion processing and home ID re-registration processing.

[0160] First, in step S51, the second integrated terminal 3B displays a home ID deletion screen for deleting the first home ID associated with the home ID when at least one user moves from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9.

[0161] Secondly, in step S52, the second integrated terminal 3B accepts the input of the user ID.

[0162] Next, in step S53, the second integrated terminal 3B sends a home ID deletion request to the ID management server 1 to delete the first home ID associated with the home ID from the home ID management table. The home ID deletion request includes the entered user ID.

[0163] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID deletion screen displayed on the second integrated terminal 3B in this embodiment.

[0164] Second integrated terminal 3B display Figure 17The Home ID Deletion Screen 204 is shown. Home ID Deletion Screen 204 includes a User ID Input Field 2041 for entering a user ID, a Deletion Request Button 2042 for requesting the deletion of the first Home ID associated with the Home ID, and a Deletion Reject Button 2043 for refusing the deletion of the first Home ID associated with the Home ID. On Home ID Deletion Screen 204, a user moving from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9 enters their User ID into the User ID Input Field 2041. Here, three users U1, U2, and U3 move from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. The second integrated terminal 3B accepts the User ID entered by one of the three users U1, U2, and U3 who moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. The User ID of user U1 is entered on Home ID Deletion Screen 204.

[0165] Furthermore, on the Home ID deletion screen 204, a user who has moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, upon requesting the deletion of the first Home ID associated with their Home ID, touches the deletion request button 2042. The user then sends a Home ID deletion request to the ID management server 1 via the deletion request button 2042.

[0166] On the other hand, on the Home ID deletion screen 204, a user who moves from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9 touches the delete refuse button 2043 without authorizing the deletion of the first Home ID associated with the Home ID. If the delete refuse button 2043 is touched, the second integrated terminal 3B displays the previous screen of the Home ID deletion screen 204, such as a menu screen.

[0167] return Figure 15 Next, in step S54, the communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives a home ID deletion request sent through the second integrated terminal 3B.

[0168] Next, in step S55, the home ID deletion processing unit 105 refers to the home ID management table to determine the home ID associated with the user ID contained in the home ID deletion request received through the communication unit 13.

[0169] Next, in step S56, the home ID deletion processing unit 105 deletes the first home ID associated with the determined home ID from the home ID management table.

[0170] Next, in step S57, the communication unit 13 sends a notification to the second integrated terminal 3B that the deletion of the first home ID has been completed.

[0171] Secondly, in step S58, the second integrated terminal 3B receives a notification that the home ID deletion is complete, sent through the ID management server 1.

[0172] Next, in step S59, the second integrated terminal 3B displays a deletion completion notification screen to notify the user that the deletion of the first home ID associated with the home ID has been completed.

[0173] The above steps S51 to S59 are for deleting the home ID.

[0174] Furthermore, in step S52, the second integrated terminal 3B can accept not only the user ID but also input from the user of the first home ID to be deleted. In this case, the home ID deletion request includes both the user ID and the first home ID. Moreover, the home ID deletion processing unit 105 can delete the first home ID from the home ID management table if the first home ID associated with the determined home ID matches the first home ID included in the home ID deletion request.

[0175] Next, in step S60, the second integrated terminal 3B displays a home ID re-registration screen for re-registering the home ID and the second home ID used to identify the second residence 9 after the move to the home ID management table.

[0176] Secondly, in step S61, the second integrated terminal 3B accepts the input of the user ID and the second ID after the move.

[0177] Next, in step S62, the second integrated terminal 3B sends a home ID re-registration request to the ID management server 1 to re-register the home ID and the second home ID in the home ID management table. The home ID re-registration request includes the entered user ID and the second home ID.

[0178] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a home ID re-registration screen displayed on the second integrated terminal 3B in this embodiment.

[0179] Second integrated terminal 3B display Figure 18 The Home ID Re-registration screen 205 is shown. Home ID Re-registration screen 205 includes a User ID input field 2051 for entering a User ID and a Home ID input field 2052 for entering a second Home ID to identify the new residence, namely the second residence 9. On the Home ID Re-registration screen 205, a user who moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9 enters their User ID into the User ID input field 2051. Here, three users U1, U2, and U3 moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9. The second integrated terminal 3B accepts the User ID entered by one of the three users U1, U2, and U3 who moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, user U1. The Home ID Re-registration screen 205 displays user U1's User ID.

[0180] Furthermore, on the Home ID re-registration screen 205, a user who has moved from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9 enters a second home ID, used to identify the new residence, the second residence 9, into the home ID input field 2052. User U1 enters the manufacturing number recorded on the label affixed to the main body of the second integrated terminal 3B located in the second residence 9 as the second home ID. The second integrated terminal 3B accepts the second home ID entered by user U1. On the Home ID re-registration screen 205, the second home ID of the second residence 9, the new residence, is entered.

[0181] Furthermore, the home ID re-registration screen 205 includes a send button 2053 for sending the entered user ID and a second home ID. By touching the send button 2053, a home ID re-registration request is sent to the ID management server 1.

[0182] Return to Figure 16 Next, in step S63, the communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives a home ID re-registration request sent through the second integrated terminal.

[0183] Next, in step S64, the home ID re-registration processing unit 106 refers to the home ID management table and determines the home ID associated with the user ID contained in the home ID re-registration request received through the communication unit 13.

[0184] Next, in step S65, the home ID re-registration processing unit 106 registers the second home ID contained in the home ID re-registration request received through the communication unit 13 in association with the determined home ID in the home ID management table.

[0185] Next, in step S66, the communication unit 13 sends a notification to the second integrated terminal 3B that the re-registration of the second home ID has been completed.

[0186] Secondly, in step S67, the second integrated terminal 3B receives a notification that the home ID re-registration is complete, sent through the ID management server 1.

[0187] Secondly, in step S68, the second integrated terminal 3B displays a re-registration completion notification screen to inform the user that the registration of the family ID and the second family ID has been completed.

[0188] The above steps S60 to S68 are for the re-registration of the home ID.

[0189] In addition, in this embodiment, the home ID deletion process in steps S51 to S59 and the home ID re-registration process in steps S60 to S68 are performed in chronological order. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the home ID deletion process and the home ID re-registration process can also be performed separately.

[0190] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the home ID deletion and re-registration are performed via the second integrated terminal 3B and ID management server 1 installed in the second residence 9 after the move. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the home ID deletion can be performed via the first integrated terminal 3A and ID management server 1 installed in the first residence 8 before the move, and the home ID re-registration can be performed via the second integrated terminal 3B and ID management server 1 installed in the second residence 9 after the move.

[0191] and, Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 The home ID deletion and home ID re-registration processes shown can also be performed via portable terminal 4 and ID management server 1.

[0192] Thus, at least one user ID used to identify at least one user using the first residence 8 is associated with a family ID used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs. The family ID is associated with a first household ID used to identify the first residence 8. The first household ID is associated with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device used in the first residence 8. Furthermore, if the residence used by at least one user changes from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, the first household ID associated with the family ID is deleted, and a second household ID used to identify the second residence 9 is associated with the family ID.

[0193] Therefore, since the relationship between user ID and device ID can be easily changed when the residence used by at least one user changes from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, instead of changing the relationship between at least one user ID and at least one device ID, the relationship between the household ID and the first household ID can be changed, thus simplifying the tedious ID change operation.

[0194] Next, the device control processing of the ID management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0195] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the device control process of the ID management system according to embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the device control process is performed by a first integrated terminal 3A installed in the first residence 8.

[0196] First, in step S81, the first integrated terminal 3A displays a device control screen for remotely controlling a control object device configured in at least one device in the first residence 8.

[0197] Secondly, in step S82, the first integrated terminal 3A accepts the user ID of the user operating the controlled object device, the device ID of the controlled object device, and the input of the control command for the controlled object device.

[0198] Next, in step S83, the first integrated terminal 3A sends device control information for remotely controlling the controlled device to the ID management server 1. The device control information includes the input user ID, device ID, and control information.

[0199] For example, when the controlled device is a device for opening and closing blinds, the first integrated terminal 3A accepts input of control commands for opening or closing the blinds. Furthermore, for example, when the controlled device is a lighting device, the first integrated terminal 3A accepts input of control commands for turning on or off the lighting device. Additionally, if the first integrated terminal 3A stores a table that associates device names with device IDs, the first integrated terminal 3A may accept input of the name of the controlled device instead of its device ID. For example, the first integrated terminal 3A may accept input of the name of the controlled device, such as "living room lighting" or "kitchen lighting," and read the device ID associated with the input name from the table.

[0200] Next, in step S84, the communication unit 13 of the ID management server 1 receives device control information sent through the first integrated terminal 3A.

[0201] Next, in step S85, the device control unit 104 refers to the home ID management table to determine the home ID associated with the user ID contained in the device control information received through the communication unit 13.

[0202] Next, in step S86, the device control unit 104 refers to the home ID management table to determine the first home ID associated with the determined home ID.

[0203] Next, in step S87, the device control unit 104 refers to the device ID management table and determines whether the device ID of the controlled object device contained in the device control information received by the communication unit 13 corresponds to the determined first ID.

[0204] Here, if it is determined that the device ID of the controlled device corresponds to the first ID (yes in step S87), in step S88, the communication unit 13 sends the control command contained in the device control information received by the communication unit 13 to the controlled device.

[0205] Next, in step S89, the communication unit 13 sends a control completion notification to the first integrated terminal 3A to notify that the remote control of the controlled device has been completed.

[0206] Secondly, in step S90, the first integrated terminal 3A receives a control completion notification sent through the ID management server 1.

[0207] Secondly, in step S91, the first integrated terminal 3A displays a control completion notification screen to inform the user that the remote control of the controlled device has been completed.

[0208] On the other hand, if it is determined that the device ID of the controlled device does not correspond to the first ID (No in step S87), in step S92, the communication unit 13 sends a notification to the first integrated terminal 3A that it cannot remotely control the controlled device.

[0209] Secondly, in step S93, the first integrated terminal 3A receives a notification of uncontrollability sent through the ID management server 1.

[0210] Secondly, in step S94, the first integrated terminal 3A displays a "Cannot Control" notification screen to inform the user that the controlled device cannot be remotely controlled.

[0211] in addition, Figure 19 The device control processing shown can also be performed through portable terminal 4 and ID management server 1.

[0212] In addition, in this embodiment, the processor 11 may further implement a first setting registration processing unit that registers the family ID (group ID) and setting information of at least one device set according to the lifestyle habits of at least one user to a first setting information storage unit. Moreover, the memory 12 may further implement a first setting information storage unit that associates the family ID (group ID) with the setting information of at least one device set according to the lifestyle habits of at least one user.

[0213] The processor 11 can retain the association between the home ID (group ID) and the setting information of each of the multiple devices in the first setting information storage unit when the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, and delete the association between the home ID (group ID) and the setting information of the individual devices from the first setting information storage unit.

[0214] Additionally, the settings information may include, for example, settings for a lighting device installed in the bedroom that turns on the light when the user wakes up, settings for a music player installed in the bedroom that plays a specified piece of music when the user wakes up, and settings for a blind opening / closing device installed in the bedroom that opens when the user wakes up. Furthermore, the settings information may also include, for example, settings for a music player installed in the kitchen that plays a specified piece of music during the time the user is preparing breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

[0215] Furthermore, the setting information may include, for example, settings for a hot water supply device that stores hot water in a tank before the user takes a shower. It may also include settings for a device that prevents it from performing actions corresponding to the user's wake-up time on rest days. Furthermore, the setting information may include, for example, settings for lighting devices installed on staircases that turn on at night. Furthermore, the setting information may include, for example, settings for a music player that plays refreshing music in the morning, upbeat music while the user is doing housework, and relaxing music while the user is falling asleep. Furthermore, the setting information may include, for example, temperature settings for an air conditioning unit. Furthermore, the setting information may include, for example, settings for devices that correspond to the user's preferences.

[0216] In this scenario, the settings of at least one device, configured according to the lifestyle of at least one user, are associated with the home ID. Therefore, even if a user moves from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, the settings of at least one device configured in the first residence 8 remain valid in the second residence 9. Thus, the user does not need to re-enter the settings of at least one device in the second residence 9 after moving, eliminating the cumbersome process of inputting settings.

[0217] Furthermore, when a user moves from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, the ID management server 1 can also change the mapping between device settings and home IDs. This transfers the settings information of multiple devices configured in the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, but not the settings information of a single device configured in the first residence 8. This is because settings information using multiple devices are more likely to be created based on the user's lifestyle habits compared to settings information using a single device.

[0218] Furthermore, ID management server 1 can also refer to the information of the respective installation locations of multiple relocatable devices to change the correspondence between the device settings and the home ID, thereby transferring the settings information of multiple devices using the same installation location to the second residence 9, but not transferring the settings information of multiple devices using different installation locations to the second residence 9. This is because the settings information of multiple devices using the same installation location hardly needs to depend on the residence for configuration compared to the settings information of multiple devices using different installation locations.

[0219] After multiple devices are moved to the second residence 9, the first integrated terminal 3A or the second integrated terminal 3B can use its display unit to inquire whether the setting information of the multiple devices should be transferred to the second residence 9. Furthermore, the first integrated terminal 3A or the second integrated terminal 3B can use its input unit to receive the user's response regarding whether the setting information of the multiple devices should be transferred to the second residence 9. When the user's response regarding whether to transfer to the second residence 9 is received, the ID management server 1 can also change the correspondence between the setting information of the multiple devices and the home ID. Additionally, the first integrated terminal 3A or the second integrated terminal 3B can use its display unit to inquire whether the setting information not transferred to the second residence 9 should be retained in the first residence 8. Furthermore, the first integrated terminal 3A or the second integrated terminal 3B can use its input unit to receive the user's response regarding whether to retain the setting information not transferred to the second residence 9 in the first residence 8. If the response indicating that the setting information not transferred to the second residence 9 should not be retained in the first residence 8 is received, the ID management server 1 can also delete that setting information. Moreover, the setting information of the devices transferred to the second residence 9 can be determined based on the information of the device 5B moved to the second residence 9.

[0220] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second setting registration processing unit can be implemented by the processor 11. This second setting registration processing unit registers the first home ID (first building ID) and the setting information of each of the multiple devices that cause the multiple devices fixed to the first residence 8 (first building) to operate simultaneously to a second setting information storage unit. Moreover, a second setting information storage unit can be implemented by the memory 12. This second setting information storage unit associates the first home ID (first building ID) and the setting information of each of the multiple devices that cause the multiple devices fixed to the first residence 8 (first building) to operate simultaneously.

[0221] The processor 11 can also retain the association between the first building ID (first building ID) and the setting information of each of the multiple devices in the second setting information storage unit when the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building.

[0222] Additionally, the setting information may also include, for example, setting information for a first lighting device that illuminates the light at a first brightness ratio, setting information for a second lighting device that illuminates the light at a second brightness ratio, and setting information for a third indirect lighting device that illuminates the light at a third brightness ratio. Furthermore, the setting information may also include setting information for a first louver opening / closing device that opens the first louver and setting information for a second louver opening / closing device that closes the second louver.

[0223] In this scenario, the configuration information of each of the multiple devices fixed in the first residence 8, when operating simultaneously, is associated with the first residence ID. Therefore, if a user moves from the first residence 8 to the second residence 9, the configuration information dependent on the first residence 8 cannot be used in the second residence 9, and thus is not transferred to the second residence 9 but remains in the first residence 8. Therefore, other users who move to the first residence 8 can utilize the configuration information already associated with the first residence ID, eliminating the need for cumbersome configuration input.

[0224] In addition, the first integrated terminal 3A or the second integrated terminal 3B may also have the functions of the processor 11 and memory 12 of the ID management server 1.

[0225] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each component can be constructed using dedicated hardware or implemented by executing software programs suitable for each component. Each component can also be implemented by having a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor read and execute software programs recorded on recording media such as hard disks or semiconductor memory. Moreover, the program can be executed using a separate computer system by storing and transmitting the program on a storage medium or by transmitting the program via a network.

[0226] Some or all of the functions of the apparatus involved in the embodiments of the present invention can typically be implemented as an integrated circuit LSI (Large Scale Integration). These functions can be individually formed on a chip, or they can be formed as a chip comprising some or all of them. Furthermore, the integrated circuit is not limited to LSI; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Alternatively, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or a reconfigurable processor that can reconstruct the connections or settings of the circuit cells within the LSI can be utilized after the LSI is manufactured.

[0227] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the device involved in the embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by having a processor such as a CPU execute a program.

[0228] Furthermore, the figures used above are examples given for the purpose of specifically illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these exemplified figures.

[0229] Furthermore, the order in which the steps shown in the flowchart are executed is merely an example to illustrate the present invention, and other orders may be used within the scope of achieving the same effect. Moreover, some of the steps described above may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0230] Industrial availability

[0231] The technology involved in this invention simplifies the tedious ID change process by allowing easy modification of the association between user ID and device ID. It has practical value as a technology for managing at least one user ID for identifying at least one user using a building and at least one device ID for identifying at least one device using a building.

Claims

1. An information processing method, which utilizes an information processing device comprising a first table, a second table, and a third table, characterized in that, The first table associates at least one user ID used to identify at least one user utilizing the first building with a group ID used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs; the second table associates the group ID with a first building ID used to identify the first building; and the third table associates the first building ID with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device being utilized in the first building. The information processing method includes the following steps: If the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, a deletion request is obtained to request the deletion of the first building ID associated with the group ID; In response to the deletion request, delete the first building ID associated with the group ID from the second table; and, The second building ID, used to identify the second building, is registered in association with the group ID in the second table.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also obtains the device ID of the control object device among the at least one device, the user ID of the user utilizing the control object device among the at least one user, and the control command for the control object device; Referring also to the first table, determine the group ID associated with the acquired user ID; Referring also to the second table, determine the first building ID associated with the determined group ID; Referring also to the third table, if the acquired device ID is associated with the determined first building ID, the acquired control command is sent to the controlled object device.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one device includes equipment fixed in the first building.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one device includes equipment that can be moved from the first building to the second building. The group ID and the device ID used to identify the portable device are correlated in the fourth table. It also obtains the device ID of the controlled object device among the at least one device, the user ID of the user utilizing the controlled object device among the at least one user, and the control commands for the controlled object device. Referring also to the first table, determine the group ID associated with the acquired user ID. Referring also to the fourth table, if the obtained device ID is associated with the determined group ID, the obtained control command is sent to the controlled object device.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second building ID is also registered in the third table in association with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device being used in the second building.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The group ID and the setting information of the at least one device, set according to the lifestyle habits of the at least one user, are associated with each other in the first setting information storage unit. If the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, the association between the group ID and the setting information of each of the multiple devices is retained in the first setting information storage unit, and the association between the group ID and the setting information of the individual devices is deleted from the first setting information storage unit.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first building ID and the setting information of each of the multiple devices fixed to the first building when they operate simultaneously are correlated in a second setting information storage unit. If the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, the association between the first building ID and the respective setting information of the plurality of devices is also retained in the second setting information storage unit.

8. A computer program product, comprising an information processing program, said information processing program being an information processing program utilizing a first table, a second table, and a third table, characterized in that, The first table associates at least one user ID used to identify at least one user utilizing the first building with a group ID used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs; the second table associates the group ID with a first building ID used to identify the first building; and the third table associates the first building ID with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device being utilized in the first building. The information processing program causes the computer to perform the following processes: If the building used by at least one user changes from the first building to the second building, a deletion request is obtained to request the deletion of the first building ID associated with the group ID; In response to the deletion request, delete the first building ID associated with the group ID from the second table; The second building ID, used to identify the second building, is registered in association with the group ID in the second table.

9. An information processing apparatus, comprising a first table, a second table, and a third table, characterized in that, The first table associates at least one user ID used to identify at least one user utilizing the first building with a group ID used to identify the group to which the at least one user belongs; the second table associates the group ID with a first building ID used to identify the first building; and the third table associates the first building ID with at least one device ID used to identify at least one device utilized in the first building. The information processing device includes: The deletion request acquisition unit acquires a deletion request for requesting the deletion of the ID of the first building associated with the group ID when the building used by the at least one user changes from the first building to the second building. The deletion processing unit, in response to the deletion request, deletes the first building ID associated with the group ID from the second table; and, The registration processing unit registers the second building ID, which is used to identify the second building, in association with the group ID in the second table.

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