Electronic device and device registration system

Abstract

To provide an electronic device recording system capable of easily setting a use authority of a function of an electronic device for each user.SOLUTION: An electronic device 2 has a plurality of functions. The electronic device 2 includes: a registration part 112; an authority granting part 114; a communication part 13; and an authentication part 116. The registration part 112 registers a plurality of communication terminals 4 separately into a first registration terminal and a second registration terminal. The authority granting part 114 grants a first authority to the first registration terminal among the plurality of communication terminals 4. The authority granting part 114 grants the second authority to the second registration terminal among the plurality of communication terminals 4. The first authority is an authority that enables a use of more functions than the second authority among the plurality of functions. The registration part 112 makes it possible to register, as the first registration terminal, each communication terminal 4 for which a connection authentication has been performed via a short-distance network. The registration part 112 makes it possible to register, as the second registration terminal, each communication terminal 4 for which the connection authentication has been performed via a network different from the short-distance network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a device registration system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technology that allows an application downloaded to a mobile device to transmit and play back a voice message to a toy, or transmit a voice message recorded on a toy to a mobile device of a user group via a community server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-91531 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the community activity method described in Patent Document 1, the authority to use the functions of the device (toy) is not set for each user in the user group. As a result, there is a possibility that a voice message recorded on the device (toy) may be accidentally deleted by another user. Therefore, it is necessary to set the authority to use the functions of the electronic device for each user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an electronic device and a device registration system that can easily set usage authority for the functions of the electronic device for each user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electronic device according to the present disclosure has multiple functions. The electronic device includes a registration unit, an authorization unit, a communication unit, and an authentication unit. The registration unit registers multiple communication terminals by dividing them into first registered terminals and second registered terminals. The authorization unit grants first authorization to the first registered terminal among the multiple communication terminals. The authorization unit grants second authorization to the second registered terminal among the multiple communication terminals. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a short-range network. The authentication unit performs connection authentication. The first authorization is authorization that enables more functions of the multiple functions to be used than the second authorization. The registration unit can register the communication terminal for which connection authentication has been performed via the short-range network as the first registered terminal. The registration unit can register the communication terminal for which connection authentication has been performed via a network different from the short-range network as the second registered terminal.

[0007] The device registration system according to the present disclosure includes a server device, a gateway device, an electronic device, and a plurality of communication terminals. The gateway device is communicatively connected to the server device. The electronic device is communicatively connected to the gateway device. The plurality of communication terminals are communicatively connected to the server device and the electronic device. The electronic device has a plurality of functions. At least one of the server device and the electronic device includes a registration unit, an authorization unit, and an authentication unit. The registration unit registers the plurality of communication terminals by dividing them into first registration terminals and second registration terminals. The authorization unit grants first authority to the first registration terminal among the plurality of communication terminals. The authorization unit grants second authority to the second registration terminal among the plurality of communication terminals. The authentication unit performs connection authentication. The electronic device includes a communication unit. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a short-range network. The first authority is authority that enables use of more functions of the plurality of functions than the second authority. The registration unit enables the communication terminal that has been authenticated for connection via the short-range network to be registered as the first registration terminal. The registration unit is capable of registering the communication terminal, for which connection authentication has been performed via a network different from the short-range network, as the second registered terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily set the use authority of the functions of the electronic device for each user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device registration system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a device registration system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3D] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5D]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device registration method of a device registration system including a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a device registration method for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a terminal display unit of the terminal device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a terminal display unit of the terminal device. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing functions that can be used by a privileged user and a normal user when the lock is released. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing functions that can be used by a privileged user and a normal user when locked. [Figure 11A] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating processing contents according to operation contents of a privileged user and a normal user when unlocking. [Figure 11B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating processing contents according to operations performed by a privileged user and a normal user when locking. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] A device registration system 100 including a refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the device registration system 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the device registration system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0012] 1 and 2, the device registration system 100 includes a refrigerator 2 (an example of an "electronic device"), a cloud server 50 (an example of a "server device"), a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router 51 (an example of a "gateway device"), and multiple communication terminals 4. Note that, for simplicity of illustration, only one communication terminal 4 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0013] The refrigerator 2 is communicably connected to a wireless LAN router 51. The refrigerator 2 is communicably connected to a cloud server 50. More specifically, the refrigerator 2 and the cloud server 50 are communicably connected via the wireless LAN router 51. The communication terminal 4 is communicably connected to the cloud server 50 via a wide area network (WAN). The wide area network is, for example, the Internet.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, refrigerator 2 includes control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, recording unit 14, and audio output unit 15. Refrigerator 2 has multiple functions, including, for example, a speech function and a lock function. The speech function is, for example, a function that outputs a message with preset content at a preset time. The message is, for example, a pre-recorded voice that has been recorded or acquired in advance. The lock function is a function that prevents the pre-recorded voice from being deleted. The speech function and lock function will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11B.

[0015] Control unit 11 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and a storage device. For example, control unit 11 receives various signals from each element of refrigerator 2 and controls each element of refrigerator 2 based on the received signals. Specifically, control unit 11 controls each element of refrigerator 2, such as storage unit 12, communication unit 13, recording unit 14, and audio output unit 15.

[0016] The control unit 11 includes a registration unit 112, an authorization unit 114, and an authentication unit 116. Specifically, the processor functions as the registration unit 112, the authorization unit 114, and the authentication unit 116 by reading and executing a computer program from the storage unit 12.

[0017] The registration unit 112 registers a plurality of communication terminals 4 by dividing them into first registered terminals and second registered terminals. Specifically, a communication terminal 4 for which connection authentication has been performed via a short-range network can be registered as a first registered terminal. The short-range network is, for example, a local area network (LAN). Alternatively, the short-range network may be, for example, short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication is, for example, wireless communication conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. On the other hand, the registration unit 112 can register a communication terminal 4 for which connection authentication has been performed via a network different from the short-range network as a second registered terminal. The network different from the short-range network is a wide area network (WAN). The wide area network is, for example, the Internet.

[0018] The authorization unit 114 grants a first authorization to a first registered terminal among the multiple communication terminals 4. The authorization unit 114 grants a second authorization to a second registered terminal among the multiple communication terminals 4. The first authorization is authorization that enables more of the multiple functions than the second authorization. In other words, the first registered terminal can use more of the functions of the refrigerator 2 than the second registered terminal. In other words, a user of the first registered terminal can use more of the functions of the refrigerator 2 than a user of the second registered terminal. In other words, the second registered terminal has more limited functions of the refrigerator 2 than the first registered terminal. In other words, a user of the second registered terminal has more limited functions of the refrigerator 2 than the user of the first registered terminal. Hereinafter, in this specification, a user of the first registered terminal may be referred to as a privileged user, and a user of the second registered terminal may be referred to as a normal user. A privileged user is, for example, the owner of the refrigerator 2 and family members living with the owner of the refrigerator 2. A normal user is, for example, the relatives of the owner of the refrigerator 2 and family members living apart from the owner of the refrigerator 2. For example, a privileged user can use all of the functions of the refrigerator 2. On the other hand, a normal user can only use some of the functions of the refrigerator 2.

[0019] The authentication unit 116 performs connection authentication. For example, in the device registration system 100, the authentication unit 116 performs connection authentication between the refrigerator 2 and the communication terminal 4 when registering the communication terminal 4 in the refrigerator 2. Details of the connection authentication will be described later with reference to Figs. 3A to 7.

[0020] The storage unit 12 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the storage unit 12 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 may also include removable media.

[0021] The communication unit 13 is capable of communicating with a short-range network. The communication unit 13 includes a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 13 is capable of communicating with a wireless LAN router 51. For example, the communication unit 13 communicates with the cloud server 50 via the wireless LAN router 51. The communication unit 13 is capable of short-range one-to-one wireless communication with the communication terminal 4. For example, the communication unit 13 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth standard. The communication unit 13 may be built into the main body of the refrigerator 2, or may be provided in a communication adapter externally attached to the main body of the refrigerator 2.

[0022] The recording unit 14 records the voice. The recording unit 14 is, for example, a microphone. The voice data recorded by the recording unit 14 is stored in the memory unit 12 of the refrigerator 2.

[0023] The audio output unit 15 outputs audio. More specifically, the audio output unit 15 outputs the audio recorded by the recording unit 14. The audio output unit 15 is, for example, a speaker.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, cloud server 50 registers and manages each refrigerator 2 and communication terminal 4 for each user 9 of the refrigerator 2. Therefore, when receiving data, cloud server 50 can identify which refrigerator 2 or communication terminal 4 sent the data. Furthermore, when sending data, cloud server 50 can specify which refrigerator 2 or communication terminal 4 the data is addressed to.

[0025] The communication terminal 4 is connected to the cloud server 50 and the refrigerator 2 so that it can communicate with them. The communication terminal 4 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device. The communication terminal 4 stores application software for receiving and displaying information from the refrigerator 2. The communication terminal 4 has a terminal control unit 41, a terminal storage unit 42, a terminal communication unit 43, and a terminal display unit 44.

[0026] The terminal control unit 41 includes a processor such as a CPU or ASIC, and a storage device. For example, the terminal control unit 41 receives various signals from each element of the communication terminal 4 and controls each element of the communication terminal 4 based on the received signals. Specifically, the terminal control unit 41 controls the terminal storage unit 42, the terminal communication unit 43, and the terminal display unit 44.

[0027] The device storage unit 42 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the storage unit 12 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and a secondary storage device such as a semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk drive. The device storage unit 42 may also include removable media.

[0028] The terminal communication unit 43 is capable of communicating with a short-range network. The terminal communication unit 43 includes a wireless communication interface such as WiFi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The terminal communication unit 43 is capable of communicating with a wireless LAN router 51. For example, the terminal communication unit 43 communicates with the cloud server 50 via the wireless LAN router 51. The terminal communication unit 43 is also capable of communicating with the cloud server 50 via a wide area network. An example of the wide area network is a wide area network (WAN). An example of the wide area network is the Internet. The terminal communication unit 43 is also capable of short-range one-to-one wireless communication with the refrigerator 2. For example, the terminal communication unit 43 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth standard.

[0029] The terminal display unit 44 is, for example, a display with a touch panel function that can display software buttons. The terminal display unit 44 displays, for example, an operation screen. The operation screen is a screen related to multiple functions of the refrigerator 2. The operation screen is, for example, a screen for using the speech function of the refrigerator 2. Details of the operation screen will be described later with reference to Figs. 8 to 11B.

[0030] An example of a device registration method for device registration system 100 including refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3D. Figs. 3A to 3D are diagrams showing the device registration method for device registration system 100 including refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In more detail, Figs. 3A to 3D show the device registration method for a privileged user. The example shown in Figs. 3A to 3D shows a case where refrigerator 2 is not set up for LAN connection (short-range network connection). In other words, the example shown in Figs. 3A to 3D shows a case where refrigerator 2 has just been purchased.

[0031] In the device registration system 100, the initial settings of the communication terminal 4 are performed using a dedicated application installed on the communication terminal 4. When the initial settings of the communication terminal 4 are performed, the refrigerator 2 is registered to the communication terminal 4. Furthermore, the communication terminal 4 is registered to the refrigerator 2. As a result, multiple functions of the refrigerator 2 linked to the communication terminal 4 can be performed on the communication terminal 4.

[0032] First, as shown in FIG. 3A, wireless communication is established between the communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 using a dedicated application on the communication terminal 4. The communication unit 13 of the refrigerator 2 communicates wirelessly with the communication terminal 4. Here, wireless communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard is established between the communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2. As a result, the authentication unit 116 determines that connection authentication has been established via the short-range network based on the fact that the communication unit 13 has wirelessly communicated with the communication terminal 4 and established pairing. The registration unit 112 of the refrigerator 2 can register the communication terminal 4 that has been authenticated via the short-range network as a first registered terminal. Hereinafter, wireless communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard may be referred to as Bluetooth communication.

[0033] Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, a dedicated application on the communication terminal 4 is used to set up a wireless connection for the refrigerator 2. If the communication terminal 4 and the wireless LAN router 51 are already connected so that they can communicate with each other, the refrigerator 2 is connected to the same wireless LAN router 51 as the communication terminal 4. As a result, the refrigerator 2 and the wireless LAN router 51 are connected so that they can communicate with each other via a LAN. Note that the refrigerator 2 may be connected to a wireless LAN router 51 different from the one used by the communication terminal 4. Hereinafter, a connection so that they can communicate with each other via a LAN may be referred to as a LAN connection.

[0034] Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, as a result of connecting refrigerator 2 to the LAN, refrigerator 2 is communicatively connected to cloud server 50 via wireless LAN router 51. In other words, refrigerator 2 is communicatively connected to cloud server 50 via a WAN. Hereinafter, in this specification, a communicative connection via a WAN may be referred to as a WAN connection.

[0035] Next, as shown in FIG. 3D, a dedicated application on communication terminal 4 connects communication terminal 4 to cloud server 50 via the WAN. As a result, refrigerator 2 is connected to communication terminal 4 via cloud server 50. As a result, communication terminal 4 and refrigerator 2 are linked. Information about the linked communication terminal 4 and refrigerator 2 is stored, for example, in cloud server 50. Note that the information about the linked communication terminal 4 and refrigerator 2 may also be stored in refrigerator 2.

[0036] In this way, device registration is performed in the device registration system 100. As a result, multiple functions of the refrigerator 2 linked to the communication terminal 4 registered as the first registered terminal can be performed on the communication terminal 4. In other words, the privileged user can perform multiple functions of the refrigerator 2 on the communication terminal 4.

[0037] An example of a device registration method for device registration system 100 including refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2, and 4A to 4D. Figs. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing the device registration method for device registration system 100 including refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In more detail, Figs. 4A to 4D show the device registration method for a privileged user. The example shown in Figs. 4A to 4D shows a case where refrigerator 2 has first been connected to the short-range network. For example, the example shown in Figs. 4A to 4D shows a case where the owner of refrigerator 2 has already been registered as a privileged user, and a child of the owner of refrigerator 2, for which a LAN connection has already been set up, is to be registered as a privileged user.

[0038] First, as shown in Fig. 4A, the refrigerator 2 and the wireless LAN router 51 are connected via a LAN. For example, the refrigerator 2 and the wireless LAN router 51 are connected via a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) connection. As a result, the refrigerator 2 is connected to the cloud server 50 via the WAN so that they can communicate with each other.

[0039] Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the communication terminal 4 is connected via LAN to the same wireless LAN router 51 as the wireless LAN router 51 to which the refrigerator 2 is connected.

[0040] Next, as shown in FIG. 4C , the user uses a dedicated application on the communication terminal 4 to select a refrigerator 2 that is connected to the same wireless LAN router 51, and the authentication unit 116 performs connection authentication. The authentication unit 116 determines that connection authentication has been performed via the short-range network based on the fact that the communication unit 13 has communicated via the same wireless LAN router 51 as the communication terminal 4. As a result, the registration unit 112 can register the communication terminal 4 that has been authenticated via the LAN connection (short-range network) as a first registered terminal. In other words, the registration unit 112 can register the user of the first registered terminal as a privileged user. The refrigerator 2 and communication terminal 4 are then connected via the cloud server 50. As a result, the communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 are linked. Information about the linked communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 is stored, for example, in the cloud server 50. Note that the information about the linked communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 may also be stored in the refrigerator 2.

[0041] In this way, device registration is performed in the device registration system 100. As a result, multiple functions of the refrigerator 2 linked to the communication terminal 4 registered as the first registered terminal can be performed on the communication terminal 4. In other words, the privileged user can perform multiple functions of the refrigerator 2 on the communication terminal 4.

[0042] An example of a device registration method for device registration system 100 including refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 5A to 5D. Figs. 5A to 5D are diagrams showing the device registration method for device registration system 100 including refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In more detail, Figs. 5A to 5D show the device registration method for a privileged user. The example shown in Figs. 5A to 5D shows the case where refrigerator 2 is first connected to the short-range network.

[0043] First, as shown in Fig. 5A, the refrigerator 2 and the wireless LAN router 51 are connected via a LAN. For example, the refrigerator 2 and the wireless LAN router 51 are connected via a LAN using a WPS connection. As a result, the refrigerator 2 is connected to the cloud server 50 via the WAN so that they can communicate with each other.

[0044] Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, a dedicated application on the communication terminal 4 is used to wirelessly communicate between the communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2. The communication unit 13 of the refrigerator 2 communicates wirelessly with the communication terminal 4. Here, wireless communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard is performed between the communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2. As a result, the authentication unit 116 determines that connection authentication has been performed via the short-range network based on the wireless communication between the communication unit 13 and the communication terminal 4. The registration unit 112 of the refrigerator 2 can register the communication terminal 4 that has been authenticated via the short-range network as a first registered terminal.

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, a dedicated application on the communication terminal 4 connects the refrigerator 2 and the cloud server 50 via a WAN.

[0046] Next, as shown in FIG. 5D, the refrigerator 2 and the communication terminal 4 are connected via the cloud server 50. As a result, the communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 are linked. Information about the linked communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 is stored, for example, in the cloud server 50. Note that the information about the linked communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 may also be stored in the refrigerator 2.

[0047] In this way, device registration is performed in the device registration system 100. As a result, multiple functions of the refrigerator 2 linked to the communication terminal 4 registered as the first registered terminal can be performed on the communication terminal 4. In other words, the privileged user can perform multiple functions of the refrigerator 2 on the communication terminal 4.

[0048] Next, an example of a device registration method for device registration system 100 including refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2, and 6A to 6C. Figs. 6A to 6C are diagrams showing the device registration method for device registration system 100 including refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In detail, Figs. 6A to 6C show a device registration method for a normal user. The example shown in Figs. 6A to 6C shows a case where refrigerator 2 is connected to a short-range network and registered with cloud server 50. For example, the example shown in Figs. 6A to 6C shows a case where a child of the owner of refrigerator 2 who lives in a remote location registers as a normal user of refrigerator 2.

[0049] First, as shown in Fig. 6A, the refrigerator 2 and the wireless LAN router 51 are connected via a LAN. For example, the refrigerator 2 and the wireless LAN router 51 are connected via a LAN using a WPS connection. As a result, the refrigerator 2 is connected to the cloud server 50 via the WAN so that they can communicate with each other.

[0050] Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, when connection authentication is performed via a network other than the short-range network (e.g., a WAN), authentication unit 116 performs connection authentication based on the input of unique information about refrigerator 2 into communications terminal 4. The unique information is, for example, the serial number of refrigerator 2. When connection authentication is performed via a network other than the short-range network, authentication unit 116 places the communications terminal 4 in a registration standby state, allowing unique information to be registered. Specifically, when the operation panel of refrigerator 2 is operated, authentication unit 116 places the communications terminal 4 in a unique information standby state for a predetermined time. At this time, the unique information about refrigerator 2 and information indicating that refrigerator 2 is in a unique information standby state may be sent to cloud server 50. Authentication unit 116 identifies communications terminal 4 whose unique information was input during the registration standby state and determines that connection authentication was performed via a network other than the short-range network. Specifically, communications terminal 4 is operated to input the serial number of refrigerator 2, "012345," using a dedicated application. As a result, registration unit 112 allows communications terminal 4 that has been authenticated via a network other than the short-range network to be registered as a second registered terminal. The unique information of the refrigerator 2 is not limited to the serial number, and may be, for example, a one-time password issued each time the refrigerator 2 is in a unique information standby state.

[0051] Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, the refrigerator 2 and the communication terminal 4 are connected via the cloud server 50. As a result, the communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 are linked. Information about the linked communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 is stored, for example, in the cloud server 50. Note that the information about the linked communication terminal 4 and the refrigerator 2 may also be stored in the refrigerator 2.

[0052] In this way, device registration is performed in the device registration system 100. As a result, available functions of the refrigerator 2 linked to the communication terminal 4 registered as the second registered terminal can be used on the communication terminal 4. In other words, a normal user can use available functions of the refrigerator 2 on the communication terminal 4.

[0053] Next, reference is made to Fig. 7, which is a flowchart showing a device registration method for the refrigerator 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Device registration is performed by executing the processes of steps S102 to S112 shown in Fig. 7.

[0054] Step S102: A registration request is made. For example, a user makes a request for device registration using an application on the communication terminal 4. As a result, a registration request signal is input to the control unit 11 via the communication unit 13. The process proceeds to step S104.

[0055] Step S104: The authentication unit 116 performs connection authentication, and the process proceeds to step S106.

[0056] Step S106: Registration unit 112 determines whether connection authentication has been performed via a short-range network. If registration unit 112 determines that connection authentication has not been performed via a short-range network (Step S106: No), that is, if registration unit 112 determines that connection authentication has been performed via a network different from the short-range network, the process proceeds to Step S110. If registration unit 112 determines that connection authentication has been performed via a short-range network (Step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to Step S108.

[0057] Step S108: The registration unit 112 allows the communication terminal 4 to be registered as a first registered terminal, and the process ends.

[0058] Step S110: The registration unit 112 enables the communication terminal 4 to be registered as a second registered terminal, and the process ends.

[0059] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, in the refrigerator 2 (electronic device), the registration unit 112 can register a communication terminal 4 that has been authenticated for connection via a short-range network as a first registered terminal. On the other hand, a communication terminal 4 that has been authenticated for connection via a network different from the short-range network can be registered as a second registered terminal. The authorization unit 114 grants a first authorization to a first registered terminal among the multiple communication terminals 4. On the other hand, the authorization unit 114 grants a second authorization to a second registered terminal among the multiple communication terminals 4. The first authorization is an authorization that enables more functions than the second authorization among the multiple functions. Therefore, it is easy to set authorization to use the functions of the electronic device for each user. As a result, depending on the device registration method (registration environment), devices can be registered separately as privileged users (owners of the first registered terminal) and normal users (owners of the second registered terminal). Therefore, normal users (owners of the second registered terminal) can also use the functions of the refrigerator 2 (electronic device) without impairing the convenience of privileged users (owners of the first registered terminal).

[0060] Furthermore, authentication unit 116 determines that connection authentication has been performed via the short-range network based on the fact that communication unit 13 has wirelessly communicated with communication terminal 4. Therefore, only communication terminals 4 located within a short-range wireless communication range with refrigerator 2 can be registered as first registered terminals. As a result, users who are close to refrigerator 2, such as the owner of refrigerator 2 and family members living with the owner of refrigerator 2, can be easily registered as privileged users in response to connection authentication.

[0061] Furthermore, the authentication unit 116 determines that connection authentication was performed via the short-range network based on the fact that the communication unit 13 communicated via the same wireless LAN router 51 (gateway device) as the communication terminal 4. Therefore, only communication terminals 4 that can connect to the same network as the refrigerator 2 via LAN can be registered as first registered terminals. As a result, users who are close to the refrigerator 2, such as the owner of the refrigerator 2 and family members living with the owner of the refrigerator 2, can be easily registered as privileged users in response to connection authentication. At the same time, this prevents erroneous device registration of a refrigerator connected to a neighbor's LAN network.

[0062] Furthermore, when performing connection authentication via a network other than the short-range network, the authentication unit 116 performs the connection authentication based on the serial number (unique information) of the refrigerator 2 (electronic device) being input to the communication terminal 4. This prevents a third party who does not know the serial number of the refrigerator 2 from being registered as a user of the refrigerator 2.

[0063] Furthermore, when connection authentication is performed via a network different from the short-range network, authentication unit 116 enters a registration standby state in which unique information can be registered. When unique information is entered into communications terminal 4 in the registration standby state, authentication unit 116 determines that connection authentication has been performed via a network different from the short-range network. This prevents the refrigerator 2 from being mistakenly registered to a refrigerator 2 different from the refrigerator 2 being registered.

[0064] The speech function of the refrigerator 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the terminal display unit 44 of the communication terminal 4 of the privileged user.

[0065] The speech function is a function that outputs a message with preset content at a preset time. More specifically, the speech function is a function that outputs a message with preset content at a preset time when the door of the refrigerator 2 is opened or closed. Here, the speech function can be set for three time periods: morning, afternoon, and evening.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 8, terminal display unit 44 displays operation screen 450. Operation screen 450 has first utterance setting unit 452, second utterance setting unit 454, and third utterance setting unit 456. First utterance setting unit 452 displays the setting contents of utterances related to the morning time period. Second utterance setting unit 454 displays the setting contents of utterances related to the daytime time period. Third utterance setting unit 456 displays the setting contents of utterances related to the evening time period.

[0067] First utterance setting section 452 has a set time display section 452a, a time change section 452b, an utterance content display section 452c, and a setting change section 452d.

[0068] The time to make an utterance is displayed in the set time display section 452a. Here, the set time display section 452a displays "7:00" as the time to make an utterance.

[0069] The time change section 452b changes the time to be spoken. For example, when the user touches the time change section 452b, a time change screen is displayed.

[0070] The speech content display section 452c displays the content spoken by the refrigerator 2. Here, the speech content display section 452c displays the following speech contents: "1. Morning greetings," "2. Today's weather," "3. Use-up notes," and "4. Family voices <Morning>."

[0071] The setting change unit 452d changes whether the setting of the content displayed in the corresponding utterance content display unit 452c is enabled or disabled. The setting change unit 452d has a cursor 452d1. By sliding the cursor 452d1 to the right, the setting of the content displayed in the corresponding utterance content display unit 452c is changed to enabled. By sliding the cursor 452d1 to the left, the setting of the content displayed in the corresponding utterance content display unit 452c is changed to disabled. Here, "1 Morning greeting" and "4 Family voice <Morning>" are set to enabled. On the other hand, "2 Today's weather" and "3 Disposal memo" are set to disabled.

[0072] Second utterance setting unit 454 has set time display unit 454a, time change unit 454b, utterance content display unit 454c, and setting change unit 454d. Second utterance setting unit 454 has the same configuration as first utterance setting unit 452, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] Third utterance setting unit 456 has set time display unit 456a, time change unit 456b, utterance content display unit 456c, and setting change unit 456d. Third utterance setting unit 456 has the same configuration as first utterance setting unit 452, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] 8, a privileged user can change the settings of the speech function. For example, the speech time can be changed by touching time change section 452b, time change section 454b, and time change section 456b. Also, for example, by sliding cursor 452d1 in setting change section 452d, the setting of the content displayed in corresponding speech content display section 452c can be switched between enabled and disabled.

[0075] On the other hand, normal users cannot change the settings of the speech function. Furthermore, normal users can only view the settings. In other words, the screen of FIG. 8 is not displayed on the terminal display unit 44 of normal users, or the settings can only be viewed and not changed. In other words, normal users cannot change the settings of speech other than the time of the speech function and specific speech (in this embodiment, "Family Voice").

[0076] The speech function is, for example, a function for playing back recorded or acquired audio. Here, audio registered for three time periods, morning, afternoon, and evening, can be played back. In detail, the recorded audio can be played back at the time set on the operation screen 450 described with reference to FIG. 8. In addition, the audio can be played back on the communication terminal 4 using an application on the communication terminal 4.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the terminal display unit 44 of the communication terminal 4 when the user is registering voices that can be recorded (voices that are expressed as "family voices" in this embodiment). As shown in FIG. 9, the terminal display unit 44 displays an operation screen 460. The operation screen 460 has a first recording setting section 462, a second recording setting section 464, and a third recording setting section 466. The first recording setting section 462 displays the registration status of messages related to the morning time period. The second recording setting section 464 displays the registration status of messages related to the daytime time period. The third recording setting section 466 displays the registration status of messages related to the evening time period. Here, messages related to the morning and daytime time periods have been registered, and no messages related to the evening time period have been registered.

[0078] The first recording setting section 462 has a recording content display section 462a and a lock setting section 462b.

[0079] The recorded content display section 462a displays the content of the recorded audio. More specifically, the speaker and the registration date are displayed in the recorded content display section 462a. Here, the recorded content displayed in the recorded content display section 462a shows "Speaker: Mother" and "Registration date: 2023 / 9 / 20" as the recorded content. Furthermore, by touching the recorded content display section 462a, an operation screen for selecting the processing content for the recorded content display section 462a can be displayed. The operation screen for selecting the processing content displays a screen for selecting "record," "play," and "delete."

[0080] The lock setting section 462b switches between non-deletable and deletable recorded voices. By touching the lock setting section 462b, the recorded voice can be switched between non-deletable and deletable. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the recorded voice of "speaker: mother" is set to non-deletable. On the other hand, the recorded voice of "speaker: father" is set to deletable.

[0081] The second recording setting section 464 has a recording content display section 464a and a lock setting section 464b. The second recording setting section 464 has the same configuration as the first recording setting section 462, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] The third recording setting section 466 has a recording content display section 464a. The third recording setting section 466 has the same configuration as the first recording setting section 462, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] With reference to Figures 10A and 10B, the functions available to privileged users and normal users will be described. Figure 10A is a diagram showing functions available to privileged users and normal users when unlocked. Figure 10B is a diagram showing functions available to privileged users and normal users when locked. In Figures 10A and 10B, "Register voice (write / overwrite)" indicates a function for recording a new voice and a function for overwriting a previously recorded voice. "Play with HOME app" is a function for playing a recorded voice on the communication terminal 4 using a dedicated application on the communication terminal 4. "Delete voice" is a function for deleting a recorded voice. "Lock (register / cancel)" is a function for switching between not being able to delete a recorded voice (register) and being able to delete a recorded voice (cancel).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 10A, when the lock is released, the privileged user can use all of the functions: "Register voice (write / overwrite)," "Play in HOME app," "Delete voice," and "Lock (register / cancel)."

[0085] Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, when locked, the privileged user can use the functions "Play with HOME app" and "Lock (register / cancel)." On the other hand, when locked, the privileged user cannot use the functions "Register voice (write / overwrite)" and "Delete voice." When using the functions "Register voice (write / overwrite)" and "Delete voice," the privileged user can unlock the lock by touching the lock setting section 462b or the lock setting section 464b shown in FIG. 9, and then use the functions "Register voice (write / overwrite)" and "Delete voice."

[0086] On the other hand, the functions that a normal user can use are limited. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the lock is released, the normal user can use the functions of "Register voice (write / overwrite)," "Play in HOME app," and "Delete voice." On the other hand, the function of "Lock (register / cancel)" cannot be used. In other words, the authorization unit 114 enables the lock function for the first registered terminal. On the other hand, the authorization unit 114 disables the lock function for the second registered terminal.

[0087] Also, as shown in Fig. 10B, when locked, a normal user can use the "Play with HOME app" function, but cannot use the "Register voice (write / overwrite)", "Delete voice" and "Lock (register / cancel)" functions.

[0088] 11A and 11B, the difference in processing contents between privileged users and normal users in response to the operation contents of the recorded voice will be described. Fig. 11A is a diagram showing the processing contents according to the operation contents of the privileged user and normal users when unlocking. Fig. 11B is a diagram showing the processing contents according to the operation contents of the privileged user and normal users when locking.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 11A, when unlocking, the processing is the same for privileged users and normal users. In more detail, if "Record" is selected as the operation, both privileged users and normal users will record Family Voices <Morning>. If "Play" is selected as the operation, both privileged users and normal users will play Family Voices <Morning>. If "Delete" is selected as the operation, both privileged users and normal users will see the message "Do you want to delete Family Voices <Morning>?"

[0090] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B , when the refrigerator is locked, the processing contents differ between the privileged user and the normal user. Specifically, when "record" and "delete" are selected as the operation contents, the display contents of the operation screen differ between the privileged user and the normal user. In other words, the display contents of the operation screen differ between the communication terminal 4 registered as the first registered terminal and the communication terminal 4 registered as the second registered terminal. Specifically, when "record" is selected as the operation content, the privileged user displays on the terminal display unit 44 a message saying, "Family voice <Morning> is locked. Please unlock it if you want to overwrite it." When "record" is selected as the operation content, the normal user displays on the terminal display unit 44 a message saying, "Family voice <Morning> is locked. Please check with the owner of the refrigerator." When "delete" is selected as the operation content, the privileged user displays on the terminal display unit 44 a message saying, "Family voice <Morning> is locked. Please unlock it if you want to delete it." If "delete" is selected as the operation content, a message "Family voice <Morning> is locked. Please check with the owner of the refrigerator" is displayed on the terminal display unit 44 for a normal user.

[0091] 9 to 11B, the authorization unit 114 enables the lock function for the first registered terminal. On the other hand, the authorization unit 114 disables the lock function for the second registered terminal. This prevents a normal user from accidentally deleting a recorded voice that has been locked by a privileged user.

[0092] The display contents of the operation screen differ between a communication terminal 4 registered as a first registered terminal and a communication terminal 4 registered as a second registered terminal. Therefore, the user can check the operation results according to the authority.

[0093] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 11B). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure (for example, (1) to (5) shown below). The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual components due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the effects of the present disclosure.

[0094] (1) In the refrigerator 2 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11B, the communication terminal 4 that has been authenticated for connection via a short-range network is registered as a first registered terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to select whether to register the communication terminal 4 that has been authenticated for connection via a short-range network as a first registered terminal or a second registered terminal. In this case, when the communication terminal 4 is authenticated for connection via the short-range network, a selection screen for registering the communication terminal 4 as a first registered terminal or a second registered terminal may be displayed on the terminal display unit 44 via an application on the communication terminal 4.

[0095] (2) In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11B, the electronic device is a refrigerator 2, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The electronic device may be, for example, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) recorder. In this case, the functions available to privileged users and normal users may be different so that privileged users can schedule recordings but normal users cannot schedule recordings.

[0096] (3) In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11B, the refrigerator 2 (electronic device) includes the registration unit 112, the authorization unit 114, and the authentication unit 116. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. At least one of the refrigerator 2 (electronic device) and the cloud server 50 (server device) may include the registration unit 112, the authorization unit 114, and the authentication unit 116. For example, only the refrigerator 2 (electronic device) may include the registration unit 112, the authorization unit 114, and the authentication unit 116, or only the cloud server 50 (server device) may include the registration unit 112, the authorization unit 114, and the authentication unit 116. Alternatively, both the refrigerator 2 (electronic device) and the cloud server 50 (server device) may include the registration unit 112, the authorization unit 114, and the authentication unit 116. Alternatively, the refrigerator 2 (electronic device) may include some of the registration unit 112, the authorization unit 114, and the authentication unit 116, and the cloud server 50 (server device) may include the remaining parts of the registration unit 112, the authorization unit 114, and the authentication unit 116.

[0097] (4) In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11B, the refrigerator 2 (electronic device) includes the recording unit 14, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. At least one of the refrigerator 2 (electronic device) and the communication terminal 4 may include the recording unit 14. For example, the communication terminal 4 may include the recording unit 14. In this case, audio may be recorded by the recording unit 14 using a dedicated application of the communication terminal 4. (5) In the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 11B, the audio data recorded by the audio recorder 14 is stored in the refrigerator 2 (electronic device), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The audio data may be stored in the cloud server 50 (server device) or the communication terminal 4. [Industrial Applicability]

[0098] The present disclosure is applicable to the fields of electronic devices and device registration systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 2. Refrigerator (electronic device) 4. Communication terminals 13 Communications Department 14 Recording section 15 Audio output section 44 Terminal display 50 Cloud server (server device) 51 Wireless LAN router (gateway device) 100 Device Registration System 112 Registration Department 114 Authorization Department 116 Authentication Department 450, 460 operation screen

Claims

1. An electronic device having multiple functions, a registration unit that divides a plurality of communication terminals into first registration terminals and second registration terminals and registers them; an authorization unit that grants a first authorization to the first registered terminal among the plurality of communication terminals and grants a second authorization to the second registered terminal among the plurality of communication terminals; a communication unit capable of communicating with a short-range network; An authentication unit that performs connection authentication Equipped with the first authority is an authority that enables more functions of the plurality of functions to be used than the second authority, The registration unit The communication terminal that has been authenticated for connection via the short-distance network can be registered as the first registered terminal; An electronic device that allows the communication terminal that has undergone connection authentication via a network different from the short-range network to be registered as the second registered terminal.

2. the communication unit is capable of short-distance one-to-one wireless communication with the communication terminal, The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication unit determines that connection authentication has been performed via the short-range network based on wireless communication between the communication unit and the communication terminal.

3. the communication unit is capable of communicating with a gateway device, The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication unit determines that connection authentication has been performed via the short-range network based on the fact that the communication unit has communicated via the same gateway device as the communication terminal.

4. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication unit performs connection authentication based on input of unique information of the electronic device to the communication terminal when performing connection authentication via a network different from the short-range network.

5. 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the authentication unit, when performing connection authentication via a network different from the short-range network, places the communication terminal in a registration standby state in which the unique information can be registered, and determines that the communication terminal into which the unique information has been input in the registration standby state has been connection authenticated via the network different from the short-range network.

6. a server device; a gateway device communicably connected to the server device; an electronic device communicably connected to the gateway device; a plurality of communication terminals communicably connected to the server device and the electronic device; Equipped with The electronic device has a plurality of functions, At least one of the server device and the electronic device a registration unit that divides the plurality of communication terminals into first registration terminals and second registration terminals and registers them; an authorization unit that grants a first authorization to the first registered terminal among the plurality of communication terminals and grants a second authorization to the second registered terminal among the plurality of communication terminals; An authentication unit that performs connection authentication Equipped with the electronic device includes a communication unit capable of communicating with a short-range network; the first authority is an authority that enables more functions of the plurality of functions to be used than the second authority, The registration unit The communication terminal that has been authenticated for connection via the short-distance network can be registered as the first registered terminal; A device registration system that enables the communication terminal that has undergone connection authentication via a network different from the short-range network to be registered as the second registered terminal.

7. The communication terminal a terminal display unit that displays an operation screen related to the plurality of functions of the electronic device; The device registration system according to claim 6 , wherein the communication terminal registered as the first registered terminal and the communication terminal registered as the second registered terminal have different display contents on the operation screen.

8. At least one of the electronic device and the plurality of communication terminals includes a recording unit that records audio; The electronic device includes an audio output unit that outputs the audio recorded by the recording unit. Equipped with the plurality of functions includes a lock function that prevents the recorded audio from being deleted; The device registration system according to claim 6 , wherein the authorization unit enables the first registration terminal to use the lock function and disables the second registration terminal to use the lock function.

Images