Recording medium, updating method, and household electrical appliance management system

Abstract

The invention relates to a recording medium, an updating method, and a household electrical appliance management system. When a plurality of terminal devices share and use a household electrical appliance, the possibility of executing the same update for a plurality of times on the household electrical appliance is reduced, and the reduction of convenience is suppressed. A recording medium according to an embodiment has recorded therein a program that causes a computer, which is a server device that is connected via a communication network to a household electrical appliance and a plurality of terminal devices that share and use the household electrical appliance, to function as a control unit. The control unit endows the terminal device, among the plurality of terminal devices, that satisfies a predetermined condition for permitting the update of the software of the home appliance with an update permission, and requests the home appliance to execute the update in accordance with an update instruction from the terminal device having the permission.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to a recording medium, an update method, and a home electric appliance management system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, with respect to home electric appliances (for example, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and the like), a technology in which a plurality of users share use in their own terminal devices (for example, a smartphone and the like) is being researched, developed, and put into practical use. In this case, for example, each terminal device performs operation of a home electric appliance via a server device. The server device manages and controls the home electric appliance.

[0003] In addition, generally, a home electric appliance operates by firmware (software). Then, sometimes, it is necessary to update the firmware. Also, a user is able to instruct the server device of update of firmware of a home electric appliance by operating a terminal device.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-41213

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-154862

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 6935826

[0009] However, in the above-described example, with respect to update of firmware of a home electric appliance (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “update”), there is room for improvement in the following aspects. For example, in a case where a plurality of users (terminal devices) have authority to instruct update, it can lead to a plurality of times of the same update being performed on a home electric appliance with a time difference, or further update request being made in the middle of update execution in the home electric appliance. Also, since the home electric appliance cannot be used in the middle of update, it is desirable to avoid a plurality of times of the same update being performed as much as possible.

[0010] In addition, in order to avoid a plurality of times of the same update as described above, for example, it is also possible to be configured so that instruction of update of a home electric appliance is made only on a terminal device of a user (owner) who has performed device registration of the home electric appliance at the beginning. However, in this case, there is a case where a user other than the owner cannot use the home electric appliance even if the user is located in the vicinity of the home electric appliance and wants to use the home electric appliance, and thus it is inconvenient. SUMMARY

[0011] The present application has been achieved in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a recording medium, an update method, and a home electric appliance management system, which can reduce the possibility of performing the same update on a home electric appliance multiple times and can suppress a reduction in convenience in a case where a plurality of terminal devices share use of the home electric appliance.

[0012] The recording medium of the embodiment records a program that causes a computer functioning as a control section to function, the computer being a server device connected to a home electric appliance and a plurality of terminal devices sharing use of the home electric appliance through a communication network, the control section giving a plurality of the terminal devices a right of update that satisfies a prescribed condition for allowing an update of software of the home electric appliance, and requesting performance of the update on the home electric appliance in accordance with an instruction of the update from the terminal device having the right.

[0013] Further, the update method of the embodiment is an update method performed by a server device connected to a home electric appliance and a plurality of terminal devices sharing use of the home electric appliance through a communication network, including a step of a control section of the server device giving a plurality of the terminal devices a right of update that satisfies a prescribed condition for allowing an update of software of the home electric appliance, and requesting performance of the update on the home electric appliance in accordance with an instruction of the update from the terminal device having the right.

[0014] Further, the home electric appliance management system of the embodiment includes a home electric appliance, a plurality of terminal devices sharing use of the home electric appliance, and a server device connected to the home electric appliance and the plurality of terminal devices through a communication network, the server device including a control section that gives a plurality of the terminal devices a right of update that satisfies a prescribed condition for allowing an update of software of the home electric appliance, and requests performance of the update on the home electric appliance in accordance with an instruction of the update from the terminal device having the right.

[0015] Effects of Invention

[0016] According to the above-described program, update method, and home electric appliance management system, in a case where a plurality of terminal devices share use of a home electric appliance, it is possible to reduce the possibility of performing the same update on the home electric appliance multiple times and to suppress a reduction in convenience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the home electric appliance management system of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of an action in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of the operation in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a password display in a washing machine according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a password display in an air conditioner according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a timing diagram illustrating the processing flow in the home appliance management system of the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the washing machine according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a first operational example of the washing machine according to the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a timing diagram illustrating the flow of the first process in the home appliance management system of the third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a second operational example of the washing machine according to the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a timing diagram illustrating the flow of the second process in the home appliance management system of the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an example of a third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the fourth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a screen example from Solution 1 of the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating a screen example from Solution 2 of the fourth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating the first action example in solution 2 of the fourth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a second action example in solution 2 of the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating the first action example in solution 3 of the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating a screen example from solution 3 of the fourth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating a second action example in solution 3 of the fourth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating the third action example in solution 3 of the fourth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 25 This is a diagram representing various DB examples of variation 4.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0043] 1… Home appliance management system, 10… Home appliances, 30… Terminal device, 40… Server device, 300… CPU, 301… Application program, 302… Display device, 303… Input device, 304… Communication device, 305… Storage device, 401… Communication unit, 402… Control unit, 410… Storage unit, 411… Program, 3011… Processing unit. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Hereinafter, the procedures, updating methods, and implementation methods (first to fourth embodiments) of the home appliance management system disclosed herein will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the constituent elements of the embodiments and their descriptions are sometimes described in multiple ways. The constituent elements and their descriptions are examples and are not limited to the representations in this specification. Constituent elements may also be identified by names different from those used in this specification. Furthermore, constituent elements may also be described in representations different from those used in this specification. Additionally, in the descriptions following the second embodiment, details identical to those described previously are appropriately omitted.

[0045] (First Implementation)

[0046] Home Appliance Management System

[0047] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the home appliance management system 1 according to the first embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the home appliance management system 1 of this embodiment mainly includes a server device 40, multiple terminal devices 30, and multiple air conditioners 10-1 to 10-N (N is a natural number). Hereinafter, home appliance 10 is sometimes used as a general term for air conditioners 10-1 to 10-N. In addition, it is sometimes referred to as "air conditioner 10" or "washing machine 10" instead of "home appliance 10".

[0048] Air conditioners 10-1 to 10-N and terminal device 30 are connected to a communication network via a router or similar device installed in the home. Furthermore, air conditioners 10-1 to 10-N and terminal device 30 are connected to server device 40 via the communication network. The communication network consists of the Internet, general telephone lines, mobile phone lines, etc.

[0049] Here, air conditioners 10-1 to 10-N are examples of household appliances 10, but the type and number are not limited to these. Household appliances 10 can also be refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, electric fans, etc. That is, household appliances 10 include electrical mechanical appliances mainly used in ordinary households.

[0050] Terminal device 30, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, displays information related to home appliance 10 and performs remote operation via server device 40. Alternatively, home appliance 10 can also be operated by other dedicated controllers (so-called remote controls). This dedicated controller can also function as terminal device 30. For example, home appliance 10 can be operated directly using the dedicated controller, or it can be operated remotely via a communication network as described later.

[0051] A terminal device 30 is equipped with an application for remotely operating the home appliance 10. The user launches the application on the terminal device 30 to remotely operate the home appliance 10. The application communicates with the home appliance 10 via a communication network and through a server device 40. Details regarding the application will be described later.

[0052] Server device 40 is a device for managing home appliances 10 and relaying communication between terminal device 30 and home appliances 10 for remote operation of home appliances 10. Server device 40 is configured, for example, outside the home where home appliances 10 are installed.

[0053] <Server Device>

[0054] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the server device 40 according to the first embodiment. For example... Figure 2As shown, the server device 40 of this embodiment mainly includes a communication unit 401, a control unit 402, and a storage unit 410.

[0055] Storage unit 410 is a storage medium such as HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or SSD (Solitary State Drive). In this embodiment, storage unit 410 stores program 411. Program 411 is an operation program that defines the operation of server device 40.

[0056] In addition, the storage unit 410 also stores a database (DB) that establishes a corresponding registration of the appliance ID (Identifier) ​​which serves as the identifier of the appliance 10 and the appliance information related to the appliance 10.

[0057] The control unit 402 performs various controls. For example, the control unit 402 performs various controls on the home appliance 10. Specifically, the control unit 402 receives control instructions for the home appliance 10 from the application program 301 of the terminal device 30 and performs control on the home appliance 10.

[0058] The communication unit 401 controls communication with the home appliance 10 and the terminal device 30. Specifically, the control unit 402 communicates via the communication unit 401 when it receives a request or instruction from the terminal device 30, or when it sends information to the terminal device 30. Furthermore, the control unit 402 also communicates via the communication unit 401 when it receives information from the home appliance 10, or when it issues control instructions to the home appliance 10. Details regarding the server device 40 will be described later.

[0059] <Terminal Device 30>

[0060] Next, the details of the terminal device 30 of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the terminal device 30 of this embodiment mainly includes a display device 302, an input device 303, a communication device 304, a storage device 305, and an application program 301. Additionally, the terminal device 30 includes a CPU 300 (Central Processing Unit). The terminal device 30 comprises the CPU 300, display device 302, input device 303, communication device 304, and storage device 305 in its hardware.

[0062] CPU 300 constitutes computer 310. CPU 300 performs various functions by reading and executing programs stored in storage device 305. That is, the program causes computer 310, i.e., CPU 300, to perform various functions. The program stored in storage device 305 includes application program 301. That is, application program 301 causes computer 310, i.e., CPU 300, to perform various functions.

[0063] Display device 302 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display device. Input device 303 is an input device such as a touch panel (including a non-contact touch panel) or hard keys superimposed on display device 302. Display device 302 displays various screens. Operations on icons, etc., on these screens are, for example, touch operations performed by the user on input device 303 (touch panel).

[0064] The communication device 304 is an interface for wireless communication according to various standards such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network), 4G (e.g., LTE (Long Term Evolution)), and 5G.

[0065] Storage device 305 is a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the application program 301 includes a processing unit 3011. The application program 301 is stored in a storage device 305 such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory.

[0067] Application 301 has a modular structure including a processing unit 3011. As actual hardware, the CPU reads application 301 from a storage device 305 such as flash memory and executes it, thereby launching application 301. Then, application 301 is loaded onto storage device 305 such as RAM, and processing unit 3011 is generated on storage device 305 such as RAM.

[0068] The processing unit 3011 performs various controls and calculations on the application program 301. Additionally, the processing unit 3011 controls the communication of the communication device 304. Furthermore, when the processing unit 3011 receives a control instruction for the home appliance 10 from the user via the input device 303, it sends the received control instruction to the server device 40. Additionally, the processing unit 3011 receives various information (data) from the server device 40.

[0069] In addition, the processing unit 3011 controls the display of various information for the display device 302. When the application 301 is launched, the processing unit 3011 first causes the display device 302 to display the main screen of the application (APP).

[0070] The following describes in detail the technology that can reduce the possibility of performing the same update on the home appliance 10 multiple times and suppress the reduction of convenience in such a home appliance management system 1 when multiple terminal devices 30 share the use of the home appliance 10.

[0071] The program 411 stored in the storage unit 410 of the server device 40 is a program for enabling the server device 40, i.e., the computer, to function as the control unit 402. The control unit 402 grants update permissions to the terminal devices 30 among a plurality of terminal devices 30 that meet the prescribed conditions for allowing software updates to the home appliance 10, and executes update requests to the home appliance 10 based on update instructions from the authorized terminal devices 30.

[0072] Here, Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a first example of the operation in the first embodiment. Here, the terminal device 30 that meets the specified conditions is the terminal device 30 that has established an association with the home appliance 10, i.e., device registration. Specifically, it is described below.

[0073] For the air conditioner 10, which can be remotely operated in cooperation with the server device 40, three users (terminal devices 30) with operation permissions are designated as Registrant R (owner), User G, and User B. This designation ensures that not all users can perform updates to the air conditioner 10; only users meeting certain conditions can execute the update operation.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In this example, the registrant R is the one who enables the air conditioner 10 to cooperate with the server device 40 (the device is registered). The other two individuals (user G and user B) are in a state where they have accepted the usage permission from registrant R. Therefore, only registrant R, who initially initiated the device cooperation, has the authority to perform the update.

[0075] This avoids the situation where the same update is performed on the air conditioner more than 10 times.

[0076] Next, Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a second example of operation in the first embodiment. Here, the control unit 402 of the server device 40 causes a terminal device 30 among the plurality of terminal devices 30 that lacks update permissions to display a message indicating that it lacks update permissions. Specifically, it is described below.

[0077] exist Figure 4In the example, registrant R grants permission to use air conditioner 10 to two other users (user G and user B) (device sharing is enabled). Furthermore, it is assumed that only the user who initially initiated device collaboration, i.e., registrant R, can update the firmware of air conditioner 10. However, this means that users G and B, who only received permission, cannot perform update operations now or in the future.

[0078] Therefore, for example, when users G and B accept permission to use the service and begin using it, the server device 40 displays a message to users G and B (their terminal devices 30) indicating that there is no permission to update.

[0079] For example, when updating firmware in home appliance 10, it is conceivable that during the period from downloading the update data to starting the update, the home appliance 10 cannot be operated from the application 301 on the terminal device 30. In such a case, users without update permissions (user G, user B) will also be aware that they do not have update permissions.

[0080] Thus, according to the first embodiment, if the update permission is granted only to the registrant R (terminal device 30) who initially performed device cooperation, the possibility of performing the same update multiple times on the home appliance 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, if the user G and user B, who do not have update permission, are notified of this lack of permission, the reduction in convenience can be suppressed.

[0081] (Second Implementation)

[0082] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation in the second embodiment. Regarding the updating of the home appliance 10, there are various risks, such as: the appliance may stop operating after execution; its operating parameters may change; it may fail to operate due to a failure, even though it should not stop.

[0083] Therefore, the user who can perform the update is set to the user who is near the home appliance 10. Figure 6 In examples (a) and (b), inside the residence H where the home appliance 10 is installed, user M1 is granted update permission, while user M2, who is outside the residence H, is not granted update permission.

[0084] That is, in the second embodiment, the terminal device 30 that meets the specified conditions is a terminal device 30 located near the home appliance 10. This will be explained in detail below.

[0085] As a comparative example, it is conceivable that updates could be performed solely through the operation of the appliance 10 itself. However, by having the application 301 of the terminal device 30 cooperate, the following advantages are available.

[0086] • It can eliminate the risk of a child performing the update without truly understanding its implications.

[0087] • It can display the risks (such as temporary inoperability) when the main body of the home appliance 10 cannot be displayed during the update, precautions, changes, etc.

[0088] In the event of an update failure, terminal device 30 can easily contact the manufacturer's customer service. For example, terminal device 30 can immediately guide users to call the manufacturer's customer service.

[0089] In addition, as specific detection methods for the terminal device 30 being located near the home appliance 10, there are, for example, the following detection methods 1 to 3.

[0090] (Detection Method 1)

[0091] The control unit 402 of the server device 40 determines that the terminal device 30, which is connected to the same local area network as the home appliance 10, is near the home appliance 10. Specifically, if the control unit 402 confirms that the home appliance 10 and the terminal device 30 are connected to the same Wi-Fi device, it can determine that the terminal device 30 is near the home appliance 10.

[0092] Alternatively, for example, it is conceivable that multiple terminal devices 30 are connected to the same local area network as the home appliance 10, and a priority is preset for each terminal device 30. In this case, the control unit 402 uses the priority to determine whether each terminal device 30 is near the home appliance 10.

[0093] (Detection Method 2)

[0094] The control unit 402 of the server device 40 determines that the terminal device 30, which is directly communicating with the home appliance 10, is near the home appliance 10. Specifically, if the control unit 402 confirms that the home appliance 10 is directly communicating with the terminal device 30 using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC, it can determine that the terminal device 30 is near the home appliance 10. In addition, not limited to wireless communication, in the case of wired connection such as cables, it can also be determined that the terminal device 30 is near the home appliance 10.

[0095] Alternatively, for example, it can be envisioned that the home appliance 10 is communicating directly with multiple terminal devices 30, and a priority is preset for each terminal device 30. In this case, the control unit 402 uses the priority to determine whether each terminal device 30 is near the home appliance 10.

[0096] (Detection Method 3)

[0097] The control unit 402 of the server device 40 determines that the terminal device 30, which sends a password displayed on the home appliance 10 and entered by the user, is near the home appliance 10. Specifically, as described below.

[0098] When the terminal device 30 is input with a one-time password (QR code) (registered trademark) displayed on the main body of the home appliance 10, it can be determined that the terminal device 30 is near the home appliance 10. However, for example, if the home appliance 10 always displays the same QR code, it could lead to a false alarm if the user holds a photograph of the same QR code. Therefore, it is preferable that the displayed QR code changes over time.

[0099] In addition to QR codes, one-time passwords can also be created using several digits and displayed / entered. One-time passwords can even be displayed as a 7-segment code. This means they can be used in appliances without touch panels, such as washing machines, microwave ovens, and rice cookers. Figure 7 , Figure 8 Specific examples of them will be provided.

[0100] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates an example of a password display in a washing machine according to the second embodiment. When displaying a one-time password in a 2-digit, 7-segment format within the washing machine, by changing the display from (a) to (h) over time, "PIn3815" can be displayed. This allows for the issuance of a one-time password with a 4-digit value.

[0101] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of a password display in an air conditioner according to the second embodiment. In cases where air conditioners or similar devices cannot display arbitrary values, to represent a value, for example as shown in the diagram, "3815" can be displayed by flashing each of the four lights sequentially a predetermined number of times from left to right. This allows for the issuance of a one-time password with a four-digit value.

[0102] Reference Figure 9 right Figure 7 , Figure 8 The processing of the home appliance management system 1 under the method described will be explained. Figure 9 This is a timing diagram illustrating the processing flow in the home appliance management system 1 of the second embodiment.

[0103] In step S1, a user near the home appliance 10 uses the terminal device 30 to initiate the update operation.

[0104] Next, in step S2, the terminal device 30 (processing unit 3011) sends an update execution request to the server device 40.

[0105] Next, in step S3, the terminal device 30 displays the PIN (Personal Identification Number) input screen.

[0106] Next, in step S4, the server device 40 (control unit 402) requests a PIN display from the home appliance 10.

[0107] Next, in step S5, the home appliance 10 displays a PIN on the display unit (for example, "3815").

[0108] Next, in step S6, the user views the PIN display shown on the home appliance 10 and enters the displayed PIN (e.g., "3815") into the terminal device 30.

[0109] Next, in step S7, the terminal device 30 sends the input value (“3815”) to the server device 40.

[0110] Next, in step S8, the server device 40 checks whether the received input value is correct. Here, it is set to correct.

[0111] Next, in step S9, the server device 40 executes the request for an update to the home appliance 10.

[0112] Next, in step S10, the home appliance 10 performs a firmware update.

[0113] Next, in step S11, the home appliance 10 reports the completion of the update to the server device 40.

[0114] Next, in step S12, the server device 40 notifies the terminal device 30 that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete.

[0115] Next, in step S13, the terminal device 30 notifies the user that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete. That is, the user recognizes the completion of the update of the home appliance 10 by viewing the screen of the terminal device 30.

[0116] Next, refer to Figure 10 Provide an explanation of the situation from the user's perspective. Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of operation of the washing machine 10 according to the second embodiment. First, as... Figure 10 As shown in (a), the user uses the terminal device 30 to start the update of the washing machine 10.

[0117] Next, as Figure 10 As shown in (b), the user inputs the PIN (“3815”) displayed on the main body of the washing machine 10 into the terminal device 30.

[0118] Next, as Figure 10 As shown in (c), the terminal device 30 is granted permission to display an updated "Execute" button. When the user presses the "Execute" button, the washing machine 10 begins updating.

[0119] Thus, according to the second embodiment, by granting update permissions to the user (terminal device 30) located near the home appliance 10, the likelihood of performing the same update multiple times on the home appliance 10 can be reduced, and the decrease in convenience can be suppressed. Furthermore, as a specific detection method for the terminal device 30 being located near the home appliance 10, the detection methods 1 to 3 described above can be used.

[0120] Furthermore, in the example above, each of the multiple terminal devices 30 is assumed to be equally granted update permissions as long as it is near the home appliance 10, but this is not a limitation. Even when near the home appliance 10, terminal devices 30 that are granted update permissions and those that are not can be distinguished by pre-setting or other means.

[0121] (Third Implementation)

[0122] Next, the third implementation method will be described. In the first implementation method, only the person (owner) who initially collaborated with the home appliance 10 has the right to update, and other users can only use the home appliance 10 but cannot perform updates.

[0123] Here, we consider a scenario where, if a new firmware is released, the appliance 10 cannot be used from application 301 if the firmware is not updated. That is, the type where appliance 10 cannot be used if the old firmware is still in use when a new version of the firmware is available.

[0124] In this situation, a user near the appliance 10 wants to use the appliance 10, but the appliance 10 cannot accept the operation of the application 301 from the terminal device 30 because it has not been updated to the latest firmware version. In addition, although the appliance 10 itself can be operated, from the perspective of the function of the application 301 alone, it cannot be said that the problem is fully solved.

[0125] In such a situation, users who have a high need for home appliance 10 will be unable to use it. Therefore, as a solution, all of the following (A) to (C) need to be satisfied.

[0126] (A) In principle, only the user (owner) who initially registered the device can perform the update;

[0127] (B) Operation is not allowed if a user other than the owner attempts to operate while waiting for an update (inoperable), except as an exception, an update is only allowed if the user is confirmed to be near the device;

[0128] (C) If a user other than the owner starts updating according to condition (B), then the owner also becomes unable to update (to avoid duplicate updates).

[0129] Here, Figure 11 This diagram illustrates a first operational example of the washing machine 10 according to the third embodiment. Here, the case where the owner performs the update will be explained. Furthermore, it is assumed that a user other than the owner does not perform the update according to condition (B). In this case, the owner can perform the update of the appliance 10 via the operating terminal device 30 regardless of whether they are near the appliance 10.

[0130] Next, refer to Figure 12 right Figure 11 The processing of the home appliance management system 1 under the following circumstances will be explained. Figure 12 This is a timing diagram illustrating the flow of the first process in the home appliance management system 1 of the third embodiment.

[0131] In step S21, the owner uses terminal device 30 to initiate the update operation.

[0132] Next, in step S22, the terminal device 30 sends an update execution request to the server device 40.

[0133] Next, in step S23, the server device 40 executes the request for an update to the home appliance 10.

[0134] Next, in step S24, the home appliance 10 performs a firmware update.

[0135] Next, in step S25, the home appliance 10 reports the completion of the update to the server device 40.

[0136] Next, in step S26, the server device 40 notifies the terminal device 30 that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete.

[0137] Next, in step S27, the terminal device 30 notifies the owner that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete. That is, the owner recognizes the completion of the update of the home appliance 10 by viewing the screen of the terminal device 30.

[0138] On the other hand, using Figure 13 , Figure 14 Explain the situation for users other than the owner. Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a second operational example of the washing machine 10 according to the third embodiment.

[0139] like Figure 13 As shown in (a), the user wants to use washing machine 10 while waiting for an update.

[0140] Next, as Figure 13 As shown in (b), in terminal device 30, an inoperable display appears because it is waiting for an update. That is, the control unit 402 of server device 40 causes terminal device 30, which does not have update permission, to display a message indicating that washing machine 10 is waiting for an update.

[0141] Additionally, if the user is near the washing machine 10, an update option will be displayed. The user can use the washing machine 10 immediately after updating, so select "Update".

[0142] Next, as Figure 13 As shown in (c), the server device 40 identifies when the user (terminal device 30) is near the washing machine 10. A QR code is then displayed on the washing machine 10, and the user reads the QR code as instructed by the application 301. Furthermore, to confirm that the user is indeed nearby, a new QR code is used each time. While the QR code can be generated by either the server device 40 or the appliance 10, it is more preferable that it be generated by the server device 40 to prevent accidental duplication with QR codes generated by other washing machines.

[0143] Then, the server device 40 confirms whether the content of the QR code read by the application 301 is consistent with the content displayed by the washing machine 10. If they are consistent, then the QR code is indeed nearby, and the update is allowed to be executed, so that the application 301 displays the update execution button ((d)).

[0144] Next, as Figure 13 As shown in (d), the user can update the home appliance 10 by pressing "Update" on the terminal device 30.

[0145] Next, as Figure 13 As shown in (e), if the home appliance 10 has completed the update, it is no longer waiting for an update and can therefore be operated from the application 301.

[0146] Next, refer to Figure 14 right Figure 13 The processing of the home appliance management system 1 under the following circumstances will be explained. Figure 14 This is a timing diagram illustrating the flow of the second process in the home appliance management system 1 of the third embodiment.

[0147] In step S31, the user uses the terminal device 30 to input an operation request for the home appliance 10 (washing machine 10).

[0148] Next, in step S32, the terminal device 30 sends an operation request for the home appliance 10 to the server device 40.

[0149] Next, in step S33, the server device 40 sends a version check signal to the home appliance 10.

[0150] Next, in step S34, the home appliance 10 responds with a version response.

[0151] Next, in step S35, the server device 40 sends a message to the terminal device 30 that it is waiting for an update and therefore cannot respond.

[0152] Next, in step S36, the server device 40 displays a special update screen on the terminal device 30. Figure 13 (b) of the image.

[0153] Next, in step S37, the user initiates the update operation using the terminal device 30.

[0154] Next, in step S38, the terminal device 30 sends an update execution request to the server device 40.

[0155] Next, in step S39, the terminal device 30 displays the QR code input screen.

[0156] Next, in step S40, the server device 40 requests the display of the QR code from the home appliance 10.

[0157] Next, in step S41, the home appliance 10 displays a QR code on its display unit.

[0158] Next, in step S42, the user enters the QR code displayed by the home appliance 10.

[0159] Next, in step S43, the terminal device 30 sends the input value to the server device 40.

[0160] Next, in step S44, the server device 40 checks whether the received input value is correct. Here, it is set to correct.

[0161] Next, in step S45, the server device 40 executes the request for an update to the home appliance 10.

[0162] Next, in step S46, the home appliance 10 performs a firmware update.

[0163] Next, in step S47, the home appliance 10 reports the completion of the update to the server device 40.

[0164] Next, in step S48, the server device 40 notifies the terminal device 30 that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete.

[0165] Next, in step S49, the terminal device 30 notifies the user that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete. That is, the user recognizes the completion of the update of the home appliance 10 by viewing the screen of the terminal device 30.

[0166] Thus, according to the third embodiment, by granting the right to update to the user (terminal device 30) who is near the home appliance 10, the possibility of performing the same update to the home appliance 10 multiple times can be reduced, and the reduction in convenience can be suppressed.

[0167] Furthermore, in specific scenarios, it can also be set to grant the owner permission to update the device. In this case, the timing could be, for example, when the device is shared. (See reference...) Figure 15 An example of the screen displayed on the terminal device 30 under this condition will be described. Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a third embodiment. For example... Figure 15 As shown in (a), in the case of device sharing, it is also possible to... Figure 15 As shown in (b), permissions to update are allowed.

[0168] (Fourth Implementation)

[0169] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the fourth embodiment. (For example...) Figure 16 As shown, imagine a scenario where another user M2 wants to update (UD) the home appliance 10 used by user M1.

[0170] In this situation, although the update can usually be completed quickly, operation will temporarily stop (and may become a device control that will not restart operation), and if it fails, it may be temporarily unusable. Therefore, solutions 1 to 3 are explained below.

[0171] (Solution 1)

[0172] When user M2 wants to update home appliance 10, and if home appliance 10 is running and someone is nearby, the system displays this information on user M2's terminal device 30. In other words, when the server device 40's control unit 402 requests an update for home appliance 10, and if home appliance 10 is in use and a terminal device 30 without update permissions is nearby, the system displays the terminal device 30 with update permissions as indicating the presence of other users near home appliance 10 before requesting an update for home appliance 10.

[0173] Here, Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a screen example from Solution 1 of the fourth embodiment. If... Figure 17 To update home appliance 10 as shown in (a), then as follows Figure 17 As shown in (b), it indicates that appliance 10 is in operation. Therefore, user M2 can also choose to abandon the upgrade of appliance 10.

[0174] Furthermore, in this example, a confirmation was inserted because the user M2 performing the update was outside the residence. However, if the user M2 were inside the residence (near appliance 10), it would be highly likely that the user M1 and appliance 10 would be visible, so such a confirmation could be omitted.

[0175] (Solution 2)

[0176] The update begins after the home appliance 10 stops operating. That is, when the control unit 402 of the server device 40 requests an update for the home appliance 10, if the home appliance 10 is in use and there is a terminal device 30 near the home appliance 10 without update permissions, the update request is executed after the home appliance 10 stops operating. Furthermore, after the control unit 402 of the server device 40 requests an update for the home appliance 10 after it stops operating, it notifies the terminal device 30 with update permissions that the update is complete when the update in the home appliance 10 is finished.

[0177] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating a screen example from solution 2 of the fourth embodiment. If... Figure 18 To update home appliance 10 as shown in (a), then as follows: Figure 18 As shown in (b), the appliance 10 is not updated immediately, but is updated after it stops operating, and this message is displayed.

[0178] Furthermore, the server device 40 has already sent the update request to the home appliance 10, and the user cannot perform the update operation again through the terminal device 30. After the update is completed, the home appliance 10 sends an update completion notification to the server device 40, and the server device 40 also notifies the user (terminal device 30).

[0179] Figure 19 This diagram illustrates the first action example in Solution 2 of the fourth embodiment. At this point in time, the update operation performed by user M2 using terminal device 30 is completed, and in this state, the update execution button of application 301 disappears. Therefore, the update operation cannot be performed again.

[0180] Figure 20This diagram illustrates a second action example in Solution 2 of the fourth embodiment. At the point in time when the update execution operation was scheduled, the update was not executed because the system was in operation. Afterwards, as... Figure 20 As shown, an update is performed at regular intervals when the operation of the home appliance 10 stops, and a notification is sent to the user M2 (terminal device 30) who performed the update operation at the time of completion.

[0181] (Solution 3)

[0182] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating the first action example in solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 21 As shown, when the home appliance 10 is in operation and there is another user M1, different from the owner user M2, near the home appliance 10, the user M1 can transfer or share the updated permissions.

[0183] Reference Figure 22 An example of the screen display of terminal device 30 when user M2 attempts to update while user M1 is in use will be described. Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating a screen example from solution 3 of the fourth embodiment.

[0184] If so Figure 22 To update home appliance 10 as shown in (a), then as follows Figure 22 As shown in (b), it is possible not only to choose to execute, but also to choose to delegate the update to the on-site user M1.

[0185] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating a second action example in solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. If user M2 is... Figure 22 When selecting "Delegate" in screen (b), as follows Figure 23 As shown, user M1 gains update permissions. That is, when the control unit 402 of the server device 40 executes an update request for the home appliance 10, if the home appliance 10 is in use and there is a terminal device 30 near the home appliance 10 that does not have update permissions, before executing the update request for the home appliance 10, the control unit 402 displays a selection screen to the terminal device 30 that has update permissions, asking whether to grant update permissions to the terminal device 30 near the home appliance 10. Figure 22 (b) If you select to grant update permission in the selection screen, then grant update permission to the terminal device 30 located near the home appliance 10.

[0186] Figure 24 This diagram illustrates a third action example in solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. Afterwards, user M1 can perform an update after stopping the operation of the home appliance 10.

[0187] Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, by using various methods as shown in solutions 1 to 3, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of performing the same updates to the home appliance 10 multiple times and to suppress the reduction in convenience.

[0188] (Modified Example)

[0189] Next, we will explain the variations.

[0190] (Variation Example 1)

[0191] For example, when the control unit 402 of the server device 40 requests an update for the home appliance 10, if the home appliance 10 is in use and there is a terminal device 30 near the home appliance 10 that does not have update permission, it can schedule a date and time for the update to be executed, and then execute the update request for the home appliance 10 after the scheduled date and time arrives. In this way, the update can be performed on a convenient date and time.

[0192] (Variation Example 2)

[0193] Furthermore, the control unit 402 of the server device 40 can also use different conditions as specified conditions depending on the content of the update. For example, if the content of the update is low-importance content such as fuel consumption improvement or some noise reduction, it can be set so that only the person (owner) who initially registered the equipment can perform the update.

[0194] On the other hand, for example, if the updated content is of high importance, it is preferable to limit the number of people who can perform the update to the person who initially registered the device (the owner), and to include more. Thus, the scope of people who can perform the update can be appropriately set according to the content of the update.

[0195] (Variation Example 3)

[0196] Furthermore, when updating the firmware of the home appliance 10, the update data is downloaded to the home appliance 10 beforehand, and the update is waited for after the download is complete (after the update preparation is complete), thereby shortening the apparent update time. However, a storage device capable of downloading is required.

[0197] In this case, the control unit 402 of the server device 40 may also, before executing the update request for the home appliance 10, display a screen indicating that the update preparation is complete on the terminal device 30 with update permissions, when the update preparation for the home appliance 10 is complete. Alternatively, the control unit 402 may also display a screen indicating that the update preparation is complete on the terminal device 30 without update permissions.

[0198] (Variation Example 4)

[0199] In the above description, it is assumed that the terminal device 30 that meets the specified conditions is granted update permission. In this case, as a specific implementation method, there is, for example, a method for granting update permission to the identification information of the terminal device 30, but it is not limited to this. Furthermore, there is, for example, a method for granting update permission to the user ID (e.g., the user's email address) corresponding to the terminal device 30. Figure 25 The latter method will be explained.

[0200] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating various DB examples of Modification 4. These various DBs are, for example, stored in the storage unit 410 of the server device 40. Figure 2 ). Figure 25 (A) is a diagram representing the user database. The user database is a database that records information related to the user. The user database consists of user ID, username, and address. The user ID uniquely represents the user's identification information. The username represents the user's name. The address represents the user's address. In addition to these data, the user database may also contain user attributes (age, gender, etc.). Furthermore, for each user ID, there is corresponding identification information associated with the terminal device 30.

[0201] Figure 25 (B) is a diagram representing the remote operation database. The remote operation database represents the user who is registered as the representative user (the initially registered user for the target appliance 10). The remote operation database consists of user ID, appliance ID, etc. The appliance ID is set to indicate the number of appliance 10s for which the user, represented by the user ID, is the representative user. Through this remote operation database, it is possible to determine which appliance 10 a particular user is the representative user for.

[0202] Figure 25 (C) is a diagram representing the shared remote operation database. The shared remote operation database represents the home appliances 10 for which a user is registered as a shared user (for the target home appliance 10, the user is registered as a user who can be remotely operated on behalf of the user). The shared remote operation database includes user ID, appliance ID, etc. The appliance ID is set to indicate the number of home appliances 10 for which the user ID represents the number of users registered as shared users. Through this shared remote operation database, it is possible to identify the home appliances 10 for which a user is a shared user.

[0203] Figure 25(D) is a diagram representing the appliance database. The appliance database consists of appliance IDs, representative user IDs, and shared user IDs. The representative user ID represents the user ID of the representative user of appliance 10, represented by the appliance ID. The shared user ID represents the user ID of the shared user of appliance 10, represented by the appliance ID. The number of shared users is set in the shared user ID settings. Through this appliance database, representative users and shared users can be identified. Furthermore, the above description... Figure 25 The structures of the DBs shown are examples and are not limited to... Figure 25 The structure shown.

[0204] Then, as a way to grant update permissions to terminal device 30, it is possible to grant update permissions to the user ID corresponding to terminal device 30. That is, "granting update permissions to terminal device 30" broadly includes "granting update permissions to the user ID corresponding to terminal device 30".

[0205] Specifically, for example, in the first embodiment, for each home appliance 10, the user ID representing the user is granted update permission, but the user ID of shared users is not granted update permission. Furthermore, for example, in the second embodiment, for the target home appliance 10, the user ID corresponding to the terminal device 30 located near the home appliance 10 is granted update permission, but the user ID corresponding to the terminal device 30 not located near the home appliance 10 is not granted update permission. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0206] In the above embodiments and variations, the server device 40 is configured as a single device, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured such that the functional parts (communication unit 401, control unit 402, storage unit 410) or the functions of each part of the server device 40 are distributed among multiple devices.

[0207] In addition, the server device 40 can be installed not only in Japan, but also overseas outside of Japan. Furthermore, when the server device 40 is distributed into multiple devices, it can also be configured as a device that has the functions of a functional unit (communication unit 401, control unit 402, storage unit 410) or a part of each of the functional units and is installed overseas.

[0208] The server device 40 described in the above embodiments and variations includes a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM and RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD and CD drive, a display device such as a display device, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, thus utilizing the hardware structure of a conventional computer.

[0209] The program 411 executed by the server device 40 of the above embodiments and variations is provided in an installable or executable form on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0210] Alternatively, the program 411 can be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program 411 can be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the program 411 can be pre-loaded into ROM or the like.

[0211] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A recording medium recording a program that causes a computer to function as a control section, the computer being a server device connected with a home electric appliance and a plurality of terminal devices that share use of the home electric appliance through a communication network, the control section conferring a right of update on the home electric appliance to a terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices that satisfies a prescribed condition for permitting update of software of the home electric appliance, and requesting execution of the update on the home electric appliance in accordance with an instruction of the update from the terminal device having the right.

2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device that satisfies the prescribed condition is a terminal device that has established correspondence with a user ID registered as a representative user for the home electric appliance.

3. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device that satisfies the prescribed condition is a terminal device that has performed association establishment, i.e., device registration, with the home electric appliance.

4. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the control section causes a terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices that does not have the right of the update to display a meaning that it does not have the right of the update.

5. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device that satisfies the prescribed condition is a terminal device that is in the vicinity of the home electric appliance.

6. The recording medium according to claim 5, wherein the terminal device that is in the vicinity of the home electric appliance is a terminal device that is connected to the same local area network as the home electric appliance.

7. The recording medium according to claim 4, wherein the terminal device that is in the vicinity of the home electric appliance is a terminal device that is directly communicating with the home electric appliance.

8. The recording medium according to claim 5, wherein the terminal device that is in the vicinity of the home electric appliance is a terminal device that transmits a password displayed on the home electric appliance and input by a user to the server device.

9. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the control section causes a terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices that does not have the right of the update to display a meaning that the home electric appliance is in standby for the update.

10. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the control section, when requesting execution of the update on the home electric appliance, causes a terminal device having the right of the update to display a meaning that there is another user in the vicinity of the home electric appliance before requesting execution of the update on the home electric appliance, in a case where the home electric appliance is in use and there is the terminal device that does not have the right of the update in the vicinity of the home electric appliance.

11. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the control section, when requesting execution of the update on the home electric appliance, requests execution of the update on the home electric appliance after the home electric appliance is stopped, in a case where the home electric appliance is in use and there is the terminal device that does not have the right of the update in the vicinity of the home electric appliance.

12. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein The control section notifies the terminal device having the authority of the update of completion of the update when the update in the home electric appliance is completed after the control section requests execution of the update to the home electric appliance after the home electric appliance is stopped.

13. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein The control section reserves a date and time of execution of the update when the home electric appliance is in use and the terminal device having no authority of the update is present in the vicinity of the home electric appliance at the time of requesting execution of the update to the home electric appliance, and requests execution of the update to the home electric appliance after the reserved date and time comes.

14. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein The control section causes the terminal device having the authority of the update to display a selection screen of whether to give the authority of the update to the terminal device present in the vicinity of the home electric appliance before requesting execution of the update to the home electric appliance when the home electric appliance is in use and the terminal device having no authority of the update is present in the vicinity of the home electric appliance at the time of requesting execution of the update to the home electric appliance, and gives the authority of the update to the terminal device present in the vicinity of the home electric appliance when the intention to give the authority of the update is selected in the selection screen.

15. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein The control section uses different conditions as the prescribed conditions according to contents of the update.

16. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein The control section causes the terminal device having the authority of the update to display a screen for a device having the authority of the update of the intention that the preparation of the update is completed before requesting execution of the update to the home electric appliance when the preparation of the update of the home electric appliance is completed.

17. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein The control section causes the terminal device having no authority of the update to display a screen for a device having no authority of the update of the intention that the preparation of the update is completed before requesting execution of the update to the home electric appliance when the preparation of the update of the home electric appliance is completed.

18. An update method performed by a server device connected with a home electric appliance and a plurality of terminal devices sharing use of the home electric appliance through a communication network, comprising: a step of a control section of the server device giving an authority of an update to a terminal device satisfying prescribed conditions for allowing the update of software of the home electric appliance among the plurality of terminal devices, and requesting execution of the update to the home electric appliance according to an instruction of the update from the terminal device having the authority.

19. A home electric appliance management system provided with: a home electric appliance; a plurality of terminal devices sharing use of the home electric appliance; and a server device connected with the home electric appliance and the plurality of terminal devices through a communication network, The server device has a control section that imparts a right of update to the terminal device that satisfies a prescribed condition for permitting an update of software of the home electric appliance, among a plurality of terminal devices, and requests execution of the update to the home electric appliance in accordance with an instruction of the update from the terminal device having the right.

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