Program, update method, and home appliance management system

Abstract

This reduces the possibility of running the same update multiple times on home appliances when they are shared and used by multiple terminal devices, while also preventing a decrease in convenience. [Solution] The program of the embodiment causes a computer, which is a server device connected via a communication network to a home appliance and a plurality of terminal devices that share and use the home appliance, to function as a control unit that grants the authority to update to a terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices that meet predetermined conditions for allowing software updates of the home appliance, and requests the home appliance to execute the update in response to an update instruction from the authorized terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a program, an update method, and a home appliance management system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, technologies for multiple users to share and use home appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines, etc.) with their own terminal devices (e.g., smartphones, etc.) have been researched, developed, and put into practical use. In that case, for example, each terminal device operates on a home appliance via a server device. The server device manages and controls the home appliance.

[0003] Also, generally, home appliances operate by firmware (software). And there may be a need to update the firmware. And a user can instruct the server device to update the firmware of a home appliance by operating the terminal device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above example, there is room for improvement regarding firmware updates for home appliances (hereinafter simply referred to as "updates") in the following respects. For example, if multiple users (terminal devices) have the authority to instruct updates, there is a possibility that the same update may be performed on the home appliance multiple times with a time difference, or that further update requests may be made while an update is being performed on the home appliance. And since the home appliance cannot be used while the update is being performed, it is desirable to avoid performing the same update multiple times as much as possible.

[0006] Furthermore, to avoid the need for multiple updates as described above, it is possible to restrict update instructions to only the terminal device of the user (owner) who initially registered the appliance. However, this would be inconvenient for users other than the owner, as they might be unable to use the appliance even if they are near it.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a program, an update method, and a home appliance management system that can reduce the possibility of performing the same update multiple times on a home appliance when it is shared and used by multiple terminal devices, and can also suppress a decrease in convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The program of the embodiment causes a computer, which is a server device connected via a communication network to a home appliance and a plurality of terminal devices that share and use the home appliance, to function as a control unit that grants the authority to update the software of the home appliance to terminal devices that meet predetermined conditions for allowing software updates of the home appliance, and requests the home appliance to execute the update in response to an update instruction from the authorized terminal device.

[0009] Furthermore, the update method of the embodiment is an update method using a home appliance and a server device connected via a communication network to a plurality of terminal devices that share and use the home appliance, and includes the step of the control unit of the server device granting the authority to update to a terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices that meet predetermined conditions for permitting the software update of the home appliance, and requesting the home appliance to perform the update in response to an update instruction from the authorized terminal device.

[0010] Furthermore, the home appliance management system of the embodiment is a home appliance management system comprising a home appliance, a plurality of terminal devices for shared use of the home appliance, and a server device connected to the home appliance and the plurality of terminal devices by a communication network, wherein the server device grants the authority to update to a terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices that meets predetermined conditions for permitting software updates of the home appliance, and a control unit that requests the home appliance to execute the update in response to an update instruction from the authorized terminal device.

[0011] According to the above program, update method, and home appliance management system, when home appliances are shared and used by multiple terminal devices, the possibility of performing the same update multiple times on the home appliances can be reduced, and a decrease in convenience can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the home appliance management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a first example of operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second operation example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation example of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of password display on a washing machine in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of password display on an air conditioner in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the home appliance management system of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation example in the case of a washing machine in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first operation example in the case of a washing machine in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the first processing in the home appliance management system of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second operation example in the case of a washing machine in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the second processing in the home appliance management system of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an operation example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in Solution 1 of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in Solution 2 of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a first operation example in Solution 2 of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a second operation example in Solution 2 of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a first operation example in Solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows an example screen in Solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows a second example of operation in Solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows a third example of operation in Solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 25 shows examples of various databases in Modification 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments (first to fourth embodiments) of the program, update method, and home appliance management system of this disclosure will be described. In this specification, the components of an embodiment and the description of such components may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions of this specification. Components may also be identified by names different from those used in this specification. Furthermore, components may also be described using expressions different from those used in this specification. In addition, in the description of the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments, explanations of matters similar to those described in previous descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] (First Embodiment) <Home Appliance Management System> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the home appliance management system 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the home appliance management system 1 of this embodiment mainly comprises a server device 40, a plurality of terminal devices 30, and a plurality of air conditioners 10-1 to 10-N (where N is a natural number). Hereafter, the term "home appliance 10" may be used as a general term for the air conditioners 10-1 to 10-N. In addition, "home appliance 10" may be replaced with terms such as "air conditioner 10" or "washing machine 10".

[0015] The 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, the air conditioners 10-1 to 10-N and terminal device 30 are connected to a server device 40 via the communication network. The communication network consists of the internet, a regular telephone line, a mobile phone line, etc.

[0016] Here, air conditioners 10-1 to 10-N are examples of home appliances 10, and their types and numbers are not limited to these. Home appliances 10 may also include, for example, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, electric fans, etc. In other words, home appliances 10 mainly include electrical machinery and appliances used in ordinary households.

[0017] The terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or a personal computer, which displays information about the home appliance 10 and remotely controls it via the server device 40. The home appliance 10 can also be operated by other dedicated controllers (so-called remote controls). This dedicated controller may also function as the terminal device 30. For example, the home appliance 10 may be operated directly with the dedicated controller, or it may be operated remotely via a communication network as described later.

[0018] The terminal device 30 has an application program (hereinafter also referred to as "the application") installed for remotely controlling the home appliance 10. The user launches the application on the terminal device 30 to remotely control the home appliance 10. The application communicates with the home appliance 10 via the server device 40 over the communication network. Details of the application will be described later.

[0019] The server device 40 is a device that manages the home appliance 10 and relays communication between the terminal device 30 and the home appliance 10 in order to remotely control the home appliance 10. The server device 40 is located, for example, outside the home where the home appliance 10 is installed.

[0020] <Server equipment> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device 40 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the server device 40 of this embodiment mainly comprises a communication unit 401, a control unit 402, and a storage unit 410.

[0021] The storage unit 410 is a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solitary State Drive). In this embodiment, the storage unit 410 stores a program 411. The program 411 is an operation program that defines the operation of the server device 40.

[0022] Furthermore, the storage unit 410 also stores a database (DB) in which the home appliance ID (Identifier), which is an identifier for the home appliance 10, and home appliance information related to the home appliance 10 are associated and registered.

[0023] 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 301 of the terminal device 30 and performs controls on the home appliance 10.

[0024] The communication unit 401 controls communication with the home appliance 10 and the terminal device 30. Specifically, when the control unit 402 receives requests or instructions from the terminal device 30 or transmits information to the terminal device 30, it does so via the communication unit 401. Similarly, when the control unit 402 receives information from the home appliance 10 or issues control instructions to the home appliance 10, it does so via the communication unit 401. Details of the server device 40 will be described later.

[0025] <Terminal device 30> Next, the details of the terminal device 30 of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 of the first embodiment.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 30 of this embodiment mainly comprises a display device 302, an input device 303, a communication device 304, a storage device 305, and an application 301. The terminal device 30 also includes a CPU 300 (Central Processing Unit). The hardware of the terminal device 30 consists of the CPU 300, the display device 302, the input device 303, the communication device 304, and the storage device 305.

[0027] The CPU 300 constitutes the computer 310. The CPU 300 performs various functions by reading and executing programs stored in the memory device 305. In other words, the programs cause the computer 310, i.e., the CPU 300, to perform various functions. The programs stored in the memory device 305 include the application 301. In other words, the application 301 causes the computer 310, i.e., the CPU 300, to perform various functions.

[0028] The display device 302 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input device 303 is an input device such as a touch panel (including non-contact types) or hard keys superimposed on the display device 302. The display device 302 displays various screens. Operation of icons, etc., on these screens is performed, for example, by the user touching the input device 303 (touch panel).

[0029] The communication device 304 is an interface that performs wireless communication according to the standards of Wi-Fi (Local Area Network), 4G (e.g., LTE (Long Term Evolution)), and 5G.

[0030] The storage device 305 is a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0031] Application 301 includes a processing unit 3011, as shown in Figure 3. Application 301 is stored in a storage device 305 such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory.

[0032] Application 301 has a modular configuration that includes a processing unit 3011. In actual hardware, application 301 is started when the CPU reads and executes application 301 from a storage device 305 such as flash memory. Then, application 301 is loaded onto the storage device 305 such as RAM, and the processing unit 3011 is created on the storage device 305 such as RAM.

[0033] The processing unit 3011 performs various controls and calculations for the application 301. The processing unit 3011 also controls communication via 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 transmits the received control instruction to the server device 40. The processing unit 3011 also receives various information (data) from the server device 40.

[0034] Furthermore, the processing unit 3011 controls the display of various information on the display device 302. When the application 301 is launched, the processing unit 3011 first displays the application home screen on the display device 302.

[0035] In such a home appliance management system 1, when multiple terminal devices 30 share and use the home appliance 10, a technology that can reduce the possibility of performing the same update multiple times on the home appliance 10 and suppress a decrease in convenience will be described in detail below.

[0036] The program 411 stored in the memory unit 410 of the server device 40 is a program that causes the computer, which is the server device 40, to function as a control unit 402. The control unit 402 grants update authority to terminal devices 30 that meet predetermined conditions for allowing software updates of the home appliance 10 from among the multiple terminal devices 30, and requests the home appliance 10 to perform the update in response to an update instruction from the authorized terminal device 30.

[0037] Here, Figure 4 shows a first example of operation in the first embodiment. In this case, the terminal device 30 that satisfies the predetermined conditions is the terminal device 30 that has performed device registration, which is an association with the home appliance 10. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0038] In conjunction with the server device 40, three users (terminal devices 30) with the authority to operate the remotely controllable air conditioner 10 are designated as Registered User R (Owner), User G, and User B. However, instead of allowing all of them to perform updates on the air conditioner 10, only users who meet certain conditions will be able to perform the update operation.

[0039] In the example in Figure 4, it was registrant R who linked (registered) the air conditioner 10 with the server device 40. The other two users (users G and B) have received permission to use the device from registrant R. Therefore, only registrant R, who initially linked the device, is authorized to perform updates.

[0040] This prevents the situation where the same update is applied to Air Conditioner 10 multiple times.

[0041] Next, Figure 5 shows a second example of operation in the first embodiment. In this example, the control unit 402 of the server device 40 displays a message to terminal devices 30 that do not have update privileges, indicating that they do not have update privileges. Specifically, this is done as follows.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 4, registered user R granted permission for two other users (user G and user B) to use air conditioner 10 (device sharing was performed). Only registered user R, who initiated the device sharing, was allowed to update the air conditioner 10's firmware. However, under these circumstances, users G and B, who only have permission to use the device, are unable to perform the update operation now or in the future.

[0043] Therefore, for example, when users G and B receive permission to use the system and begin using it, the server device 40 displays a message to users G and B (their terminal devices 30) indicating that they do not have permission to update.

[0044] For example, when updating the firmware of home appliance 10, it is conceivable that the application 301 on terminal device 30 will be unable to operate home appliance 10 from the time the update data is downloaded until the update begins. Even in such a case, users who do not have permission to update (user G, user B) will be able to know that they do not have permission to update.

[0045] In this way, according to the first embodiment, by granting update privileges only to the registered user R (terminal device 30) who first performed the device linkage, the possibility of performing the same update multiple times on the home appliance 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, by notifying users G and B who do not have update privileges that they do not have update privileges, a decrease in convenience can be prevented.

[0046] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of operation according to the second embodiment. Regarding the execution of an update of the home appliance 10, there are various risks, such as the possibility of the device stopping after execution, the possibility of the operation content changing, or the device becoming inoperable due to failure even though it should not stop.

[0047] Therefore, the users who can perform the update are those who are near the home appliance 10. In the example in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), user M1, who is inside the house H where the home appliance 10 is installed, is given the authority to perform the update, while user M2, who is outside the house H, is not given the authority to perform the update.

[0048] In other words, in the second embodiment, the terminal device 30 that satisfies the predetermined conditions is the terminal device 30 located near the home appliance 10. This will be explained in detail below.

[0049] As a comparative example, it is conceivable to allow updates to be performed only through the operation of the home appliance 10 itself. However, linking the application 301 on the terminal device 30 offers the following advantages.

[0050] This eliminates the risk that updates might be executed by children without them truly understanding the risks involved. • The device itself can now display information that cannot be shown on the main unit of the home appliance 10, such as risks during updates (e.g., temporary inability to operate), precautions, and changes. • If an update fails, terminal device 30 can easily connect to manufacturer support. For example, terminal device 30 can immediately guide the user to call manufacturer support.

[0051] Furthermore, specific methods for detecting that the terminal device 30 is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10 include, for example, the following detection methods 1 to 3.

[0052] (Detection method 1) The control unit 402 of the server device 40 determines that the terminal device 30, which is connected to the same local network as the home appliance 10, is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10. Specifically, the control unit 402 can determine that the terminal device 30 is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10 if, for example, it confirms that the home appliance 10 and the terminal device 30 are connected to the same Wi-Fi® device.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, if multiple terminal devices 30 are connected to the same local network as the home appliance 10, a separate priority may be set for each terminal device 30. In that case, the control unit 402 uses that priority to determine whether each terminal device 30 is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10.

[0054] (Detection method 2) The control unit 402 of the server device 40 determines that the terminal device 30, which is communicating directly with the home appliance 10, is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10. Specifically, the control unit 402 can determine that the terminal device 30 is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10 if it confirms, for example, that the home appliance 10 and the terminal device 30 are communicating directly using Bluetooth® or NFC. Furthermore, the control unit 402 may also determine that the terminal device 30 is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10 in cases of wired connections such as cables, not limited to wireless communication.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, assuming a case where the home appliance 10 and multiple terminal devices 30 communicate directly, a separate priority may be set for each terminal device 30. In that case, the control unit 402 uses that priority to determine whether each terminal device 30 is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10.

[0056] (Detection method 3) The control unit 402 of the server device 40 determines that the terminal device 30 that sent the password displayed on the home appliance 10 and entered by the user to the server device 40 is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10. Specifically, this is as follows:

[0057] When a one-time password (such as a QR code) displayed on the main unit of the home appliance 10 is entered into the terminal device 30, the terminal device 30 can determine that it is in the vicinity of the home appliance 10. However, if the same QR code is always displayed on the home appliance 10, for example, if a photograph of that code is used, it may cause a misidentification. Therefore, it is preferable to change the displayed QR code over time.

[0058] In addition to QR codes, a one-time password could also be created and displayed using, for example, a multi-digit number, and then entered by the user. A one-time password can even be implemented using, for example, a 7-segment display. This means it can be implemented in appliances that do not have touch panels, such as washing machines, microwave ovens, and rice cookers. Specific examples of these will be explained using Figures 7 and 8.

[0059] Figure 7 shows an example of password display on a washing machine in the second embodiment. When displaying a one-time password on a two-digit seven-segment display of the washing machine, "PIN 3815" can be displayed by changing the display from (a) to (h) over time. In this way, a four-digit numerical one-time password can be issued.

[0060] Figure 8 shows an example of password display on an air conditioner in the second embodiment. In cases where it is not possible to display arbitrary numbers, such as with an air conditioner, the number "3815" can be displayed by, for example, flashing four lamps sequentially from left to right a predetermined number of times, as shown in the figure, to represent a number. In this way, a one-time password with a four-digit number can be issued.

[0061] The processing of the home appliance management system 1 in the case of the methods shown in Figures 7 and 8 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow in the home appliance management system 1 of the second embodiment.

[0062] In step S1, a user near the home appliance 10 performs an update start operation using the terminal device 30.

[0063] Next, in step S2, the terminal device 30 (processing unit 3011) sends an update execution request to the server device 40.

[0064] Next, in step S3, the terminal device 30 displays a PIN (Personal Identification Number) input screen.

[0065] Next, in step S4, the server device 40 (control unit 402) requests the home appliance 10 to display the PIN.

[0066] Next, in step S5, the home appliance 10 displays a PIN (for example, "3815") on its display unit.

[0067] Next, in step S6, the user looks at the PIN displayed on the home appliance 10 and enters the displayed PIN (for example, "3815") into the terminal device 30.

[0068] Next, in step S7, the terminal device 30 transmits the input value ("3815") to the server device 40.

[0069] Next, in step S8, the server device 40 checks whether the received input value is correct or not. Here, we assume it is correct.

[0070] Next, in step S9, the server device 40 requests the home appliance 10 to perform an update.

[0071] Next, in step S10, the home appliance 10 performs a firmware update.

[0072] Next, in step S11, the home appliance 10 reports to the server device 40 that the update is complete.

[0073] Next, in step S12, the server device 40 notifies the terminal device 30 that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete.

[0074] Next, in step S13, the terminal device 30 notifies the user that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete. In other words, the user recognizes that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete by looking at the screen of the terminal device 30.

[0075] Next, the situation from the user's perspective will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of operation for the washing machine 10 in the second embodiment. First, as shown in (a), the user uses the terminal device 30 to start updating the washing machine 10.

[0076] Next, as shown in (b), the user enters the PIN ("3815") displayed on the main body of the washing machine 10 into the terminal device 30.

[0077] Next, as shown in (c), the terminal device 30 is granted permission, and the "Execute" button for the update is displayed. When the user presses the "Execute" button, the washing machine 10 starts the update.

[0078] In this way, according to the second embodiment, by granting update authority to a user (terminal device 30) located near the home appliance 10, the possibility of performing the same update multiple times on the home appliance 10 can be reduced, and a decrease in convenience can be suppressed. Furthermore, the above-described detection methods 1 to 3 can be used as a specific method for detecting that the terminal device 30 is located near the home appliance 10.

[0079] In the example above, each of the multiple terminal devices 30 is given update privileges equally if they are in the vicinity of the home appliance 10, but this is not limited to this. Even if they are in the vicinity of the home appliance 10, terminal devices 30 that are given update privileges and terminal devices 30 that are not can be separated in advance by settings or other means.

[0080] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, only the person who initially linked the home appliance 10 (the owner) had the authority to perform updates, and other users could only use the home appliance 10 but could not perform updates.

[0081] Now, let's consider a scenario where, if a new firmware is released, the application 301 cannot use the home appliance 10 unless the firmware is updated. In other words, when a newer version of the firmware is available, the home appliance 10 cannot be used with the old firmware.

[0082] In this case, a user near the home appliance 10 will try to use it, but because the home appliance 10 has not been updated with the latest firmware version, it will no longer accept commands from the application 301 on the terminal device 30. While it is also possible to operate the home appliance 10 itself, this is not a sufficient solution because the application 301 also has its own unique functions.

[0083] In this situation, users who have a high need to use home appliance 10 will be unable to use it. Therefore, as a solution, all of the following conditions (A) to (C) should be met.

[0084] (A) In principle, only the user (owner) who initially registered the device can perform the update. (B) If a user other than the owner attempts to operate the device while it is waiting for an update (unoperable), the user will not be able to operate it. However, an update may be possible in exceptional cases, provided that the user is confirmed to be near the device. (C) If a user other than the owner starts an update under condition (B), the owner will also be unable to update (to prevent duplicate updates).

[0085] Here, Figure 11 shows a first example of operation in the case of the washing machine 10 in the third embodiment. Here, we will explain the case when the owner performs the update. We will also assume that no user other than the owner has performed the update due to condition (B). In this case, the owner can perform the update of the home appliance 10 by operating the terminal device 30, regardless of whether they are near the home appliance 10 or not.

[0086] Next, the processing of the home appliance management system 1 in the case of Figure 11 will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the first processing in the home appliance management system 1 of the third embodiment.

[0087] In step S21, the owner performs the update start operation using terminal device 30.

[0088] Next, in step S22, the terminal device 30 sends an update execution request to the server device 40.

[0089] Next, in step S23, the server device 40 requests the home appliance 10 to perform an update.

[0090] Next, in step S24, the home appliance 10 performs a firmware update.

[0091] Next, in step S25, the home appliance 10 reports to the server device 40 that the update is complete.

[0092] Next, in step S26, the server device 40 notifies the terminal device 30 that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete.

[0093] Next, in step S27, the terminal device 30 notifies the owner that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete. In other words, the owner recognizes that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete by looking at the screen of the terminal device 30.

[0094] On the other hand, the case of a user other than the owner will be explained using Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a second example of operation in the case of the washing machine 10 in the third embodiment.

[0095] As shown in (a), the user attempts to use the washing machine 10 while waiting for an update.

[0096] Next, as shown in (b), a message appears on the terminal device 30 indicating that it cannot be operated because it is waiting for an update. In other words, the control unit 402 of the server device 40 causes the terminal device 30, which does not have the authority to perform the update, to display a message indicating that the washing machine 10 is waiting for an update.

[0097] Additionally, if the user is near Washing Machine 10, a message will appear indicating that an update is available. The user will then select "Update" as they will be able to use Washing Machine 10 immediately after the update.

[0098] Next, as shown in (c), the server device 40 recognizes that 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 this QR code according to the instructions in the application 301. A new QR code is used each time to confirm that the user is truly nearby. The QR code may be generated by either the server device 40 or the home appliance 10, but it is more preferable for the server device 40 to generate it to prevent accidental matches with codes generated by other washing machines.

[0099] Then, the server device 40 checks if the contents of the QR code read by application 301 match what is displayed on the washing machine 10. If they match, it is certain that the user is nearby, so it authorizes the update and displays an update execution button on application 301 ((d)).

[0100] Next, as shown in (d), the user can update the home appliance 10 by pressing "Update" on the terminal device 30.

[0101] Next, as shown in (e), once the update is complete, the home appliance 10 will no longer be in a waiting state for an update and will become operable from the application 301.

[0102] Next, the processing of the home appliance management system 1 in the case of Figure 13 will be explained with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the second processing flow in the home appliance management system 1 of the third embodiment.

[0103] In step S31, the user inputs an operation request for the home appliance 10 (washing machine 10) using the terminal device 30.

[0104] Next, in step S32, the terminal device 30 sends an operation request for the home appliance 10 to the server device 40.

[0105] Next, in step S33, the server device 40 transmits a version check signal to the home appliance 10.

[0106] Next, in step S34, the home appliance 10 returns a version response.

[0107] Next, in step S35, the server device 40 sends an unanswered message to the terminal device 30 indicating that it is waiting for an update.

[0108] Next, in step S36, the server device 40 displays the special update screen (the screen shown in Figure 13(b)) on the terminal device 30.

[0109] Next, in step S37, the user performs an update start operation using the terminal device 30.

[0110] Next, in step S38, the terminal device 30 sends an update execution request to the server device 40.

[0111] Next, in step S39, the terminal device 30 displays a QR code input screen.

[0112] Next, in step S40, the server device 40 requests the home appliance 10 to display a QR code.

[0113] Next, in step S41, the home appliance 10 displays a QR code on its display unit.

[0114] Next, in step S42, the user enters the QR code displayed on the home appliance 10.

[0115] Next, in step S43, the terminal device 30 transmits the input value to the server device 40.

[0116] Next, in step S44, the server device 40 checks whether the received input value is correct or not. Here, we assume it is correct.

[0117] Next, in step S45, the server device 40 requests the home appliance 10 to perform an update.

[0118] Next, in step S46, the home appliance 10 performs a firmware update.

[0119] Next, in step S47, the home appliance 10 reports to the server device 40 that the update is complete.

[0120] Next, in step S48, the server device 40 notifies the terminal device 30 that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete.

[0121] Next, in step S49, the terminal device 30 notifies the user that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete. In other words, the user recognizes that the update of the home appliance 10 is complete by looking at the screen of the terminal device 30.

[0122] In this way, according to the third embodiment, by granting update authority to a user (terminal device 30) located near the home appliance 10, it is possible to reduce the possibility of performing the same update multiple times on the home appliance 10 and to suppress a decrease in convenience.

[0123] In certain situations, the owner may grant the user permission to update. In that case, the timing may be, for example, when sharing the device. An example of the screen on the terminal device 30 in that case will be explained with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the third embodiment. As shown in (a), when sharing the device, it may also be possible to grant update permission as shown in (b).

[0124] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 16 shows an example of operation according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, we assume a case where another user M2 attempts to update (UD) a home appliance 10 that user M1 is using.

[0125] In that case, although the update would normally be completed quickly, the system may temporarily stop operating (and there is a possibility that the system control may prevent it from restarting), and if it fails, it may become temporarily unusable. Therefore, solutions 1 to 3 are explained below.

[0126] (Solution 1) When user M2 attempts to perform an update on home appliance 10, if home appliance 10 is in operation and there is a person near home appliance 10, this information is displayed on user M2's terminal device 30. In other words, when the control unit 402 of the server device 40 requests home appliance 10 to perform an update, if home appliance 10 is in use and there is a terminal device 30 without update authority near home appliance 10, it will cause the terminal device 30 with update authority to display a message indicating that another user is near home appliance 10 before requesting home appliance 10 to perform an update.

[0127] Here, Figure 17 shows an example screen in Solution 1 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in (a), when attempting to perform an update on the home appliance 10, as shown in (b), a message indicating that the home appliance 10 is in operation is displayed. This gives user M2 the option to cancel the update of the home appliance 10.

[0128] In this example, a confirmation step was taken because user M2, who was performing the update, was outside the home. However, if user M2 were inside the home (near appliance 10), it would be highly likely that user M1 and appliance 10 would be visible, so this confirmation step would not be necessary.

[0129] (Solution 2) The update is initiated only after the home appliance 10 has stopped operating. In other words, when the control unit 402 of the server device 40 requests the home appliance 10 to perform an update, if the home appliance 10 is in use and there is a terminal device 30 nearby that does not have update authority, the control unit 402 will request the home appliance 10 to perform the update only after the home appliance 10 has stopped. Furthermore, after the home appliance 10 has stopped and the control unit 402 of the server device 40 has requested the home appliance 10 to perform the update, once the update on the home appliance 10 is complete, the control unit 402 will notify the terminal device 30 with update authority that the update is complete.

[0130] Figure 18 shows an example screen in Solution 2 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in (a), when attempting to update the home appliance 10, as shown in (b), the home appliance 10 is not updated immediately, but rather the system waits for it to stop operating before updating, and a message is displayed to that effect.

[0131] The server device 40 has already sent an update request to the home appliance 10, and the user cannot perform the update operation again using the terminal device 30. After the update is complete, the home appliance 10 sends a notification of update completion to the server device 40, and the server device 40 also notifies the user (terminal device 30).

[0132] Figure 19 shows a first example of operation in Solution 2 of the fourth embodiment. At this point, the user M2 has completed the update operation using the terminal device 30, and in this state, the update execution button in application 301 has disappeared. Therefore, it is not possible to perform the update execution operation again.

[0133] Figure 20 shows a second example of operation in Solution 2 of the fourth embodiment. The update was not executed at the time the update execution operation was performed because the device was in operation. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 20, the update is executed when the operation of the home appliance 10 stops, and the user M2 (terminal device 30) who performed the update execution operation is notified when it is completed.

[0134] (Solution 3) Figure 21 shows a first example of operation in Solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 21, when the home appliance 10 is in operation and there is a user M1 other than the owner user M2 near the home appliance 10, the update authority can be delegated or shared to that user M1.

[0135] An example of the screen on terminal device 30 when user M2 attempts an update while user M1 is using the system will be explained with reference to Figure 22. Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example screen in solution 3 of the fourth embodiment.

[0136] As shown in (a), when attempting to perform an update on the home appliance 10, as shown in (b), it is possible to not only choose to perform the update, but also to leave the update to the user M1 who is present.

[0137] Figure 23 shows a second example of operation in Solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. When user M2 selects "Leave it to me" on the screen in Figure 22(b), user M1 gains the authority to perform the update, as shown in Figure 23. In other words, when the control unit 402 of the server device 40 requests the home appliance 10 to perform an update, if the home appliance 10 is in use and there is a terminal device 30 nearby that does not have the authority to perform the update, before requesting the home appliance 10 to perform the update, the control unit 402 displays a selection screen (the screen in Figure 22(b)) to the terminal device 30 that has the authority to perform the update, asking whether or not to grant the authority to perform the update to the terminal device 30 nearby the home appliance 10. If the option to grant the authority to perform the update is selected on the selection screen, the authority to perform the update is granted to the terminal device 30 nearby the home appliance 10.

[0138] Figure 24 shows a third example of operation in solution 3 of the fourth embodiment. After that, user M1 can stop the home appliance 10 and then perform the update.

[0139] Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, the possibility of performing the same update multiple times on the home appliance 10 can be reduced and the decrease in convenience can be suppressed by various methods as shown in solutions 1 to 3.

[0140] (modified version) Next, I will explain some variations.

[0141] (Variation 1) For example, when the control unit 402 of the server device 40 requests the home appliance 10 to perform an update, if the home appliance 10 is in use and there is a terminal device 30 nearby that does not have the authority to perform the update, the control unit 402 may reserve a date and time for the update and then request the home appliance 10 to perform the update only after the reserved date and time has arrived. This way, the update can be performed at a time convenient for the user.

[0142] (Modification 2) Furthermore, the control unit 402 of the server device 40 may use different conditions depending on the content of the update. For example, if the content of the update is of low importance, such as improving fuel efficiency or slightly reducing noise, only the person who initially registered the device (the owner) needs to be allowed to perform the update.

[0143] On the other hand, if the update is of high importance, for example, the number of people who can perform the update should be increased beyond just the person who initially registered the device (the owner). This allows for an appropriate setting of who can perform the update, depending on its content.

[0144] (Variation 3) Furthermore, when updating the firmware of home appliance 10, the apparent update time can be shortened by pre-downloading the update data to home appliance 10 and then setting it to wait for the update after the download is complete (after the update preparation is finished). However, sufficient memory is required for the download.

[0145] In that case, the control unit 402 of the server device 40 may, before requesting the home appliance 10 to perform the update, display a screen indicating that the home appliance 10 is ready for the update to terminal devices 30 that have the authority to perform the update, but this screen is for devices that have the authority to perform the update. In that case, the control unit 402 may also display a screen indicating that the update is ready to perform, but this screen is for devices that do not have the authority to perform the update to terminal devices 30 that do not have the authority to perform the update.

[0146] (Modification 4) In the above explanation, it was assumed that update authority would be granted to terminal devices 30 that meet certain conditions. In that case, a specific implementation method would be, for example, to grant update authority to the identification information of terminal device 30, but it is not limited to this. Another method would be to grant update authority to the user ID associated with terminal device 30 (for example, the user's email address). The latter method will be explained using Figure 25.

[0147] Figure 25 shows examples of various databases in Modification 4. These various databases are stored, for example, in the storage unit 410 (Figure 2) of the server device 40. Figure 25(A) shows a user database. The user database is a database that records information about users. The user database consists of a user ID, username, and address. The user ID is identification information that uniquely identifies a user. The username indicates the name of the user. The address indicates the address of the user. In addition to this data, the user database may also include user attributes (age, gender), etc. Furthermore, identification information of the corresponding terminal device 30 is associated with each user ID.

[0148] Figure 25(B) shows the Representative Remote Control Database. The Representative Remote Control Database is a database that shows the home appliances 10 for which a user is registered as the representative user (the user who was first registered for the target home appliance 10). The Representative Remote Control Database consists of a user ID, a home appliance ID, etc. There are as many home appliance IDs as there are home appliances 10 for which the user indicated by the user ID is the representative user. This Representative Remote Control Database allows a user to identify the home appliances 10 for which they are the representative user.

[0149] Figure 25(C) shows the shared remote control database. The shared remote control database is a database that shows the home appliances 10 for which a user is registered as a shared user (a user registered as a user who can remotely control the target home appliance 10 by a representative user). The shared remote control database consists of user IDs, home appliance IDs, etc. There are as many home appliance IDs as there are home appliances 10 for which the user indicated by the user ID is registered as a shared user. This shared remote control database allows a user to identify the home appliances 10 for which they are a shared user.

[0150] Figure 25(D) shows the home appliance database. The home appliance database consists of a home appliance ID, a representative user ID, a shared user ID, etc. The representative user ID indicates the user ID of the representative user of the home appliance 10 indicated by the home appliance ID. The shared user ID indicates the user ID of the shared user of the home appliance 10 indicated by the home appliance ID. There are as many shared user IDs as there are shared users. The representative user and shared users can be identified using this home appliance database. Note that the configuration of each database shown in Figure 25 described above is an example and is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 25.

[0151] Furthermore, as one form of granting update authority to the terminal device 30, update authority can be granted to the user ID associated with the terminal device 30. In other words, "granting update authority to the terminal device 30" broadly includes "granting update authority to the user ID associated with the terminal device 30."

[0152] Specifically, for example, in the first embodiment, update privileges can be granted to the representative user's user ID for each home appliance 10, while update privileges can not be granted to the shared user's user ID. Also, for example, in the second embodiment, update privileges can be granted to the user ID associated with a terminal device 30 located near the home appliance 10, while update privileges can not be granted to the user ID associated with a terminal device 30 not located near the home appliance 10. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0153] In the above embodiments and modifications, the server device 40 is configured as a single device, but this is not limited to that. For example, the functional parts of the server device 40 (communication unit 401, control unit 402, storage unit 410) or the functions of each part may be distributed among multiple devices.

[0154] In addition, the server device 40 may be installed in Japan, or it may be configured to be installed overseas outside of Japan. Furthermore, if the server device 40 is distributed across multiple devices, it may be configured to be installed overseas as a device having some of the functions of the functional unit (communication unit 401, control unit 402, storage unit 410) or some of the functions of each unit.

[0155] The server device 40 in the above embodiment and modified examples is equipped with a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as ROM or RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD or CD drive, a display device such as a display device, and an input device such as a keyboard or mouse, and has a hardware configuration that uses a normal computer.

[0156] The program 411 executed by the server device 40 of the above embodiment and modified version is provided as a file in an installable or executable format, recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0157] Furthermore, the program 411 may be configured to 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 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the program 411 may be provided pre-installed in ROM or the like.

[0158] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0159] 1... Home appliance management system, 10... Home appliance, 30... Terminal device, 40... Server device, 300... CPU, 301... Application, 302... Display device, 303... Input device, 304... Communication device, 305... Storage device, 401... Communication unit, 402... Control unit, 410... Memory unit, 411... Program, 3011... Processing unit

Claims

1. Home appliances, and a computer which is a server device connected via a communication network to multiple terminal devices that share and use the said home appliances, A program for causing a terminal device among a plurality of terminal devices that meets predetermined conditions for allowing software updates of the home appliance to function as a control unit that grants the authority to perform the update to a terminal device that meets the authority to perform the update, and that requests the home appliance to perform the update in response to an update instruction from the authorized terminal device.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device that satisfies the predetermined conditions is the terminal device associated with a user ID registered as a representative user for the home appliance.

3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device that satisfies the predetermined conditions is the terminal device that has performed device registration, which is an association with the home appliance.

4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes one of the multiple terminal devices that does not have the authority to perform the update to display a message indicating that it does not have the authority to perform the update.

5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device that satisfies the predetermined conditions is the terminal device located near the home appliance.

6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the terminal device located near the home appliance is a terminal device connected to the same local network as the home appliance.

7. The program according to claim 4, wherein the terminal device located near the home appliance is a terminal device that communicates directly with the home appliance.

8. The program according to claim 5, wherein the terminal device located near the home appliance is the terminal device that transmits the password displayed on the home appliance and entered by the user to the server device.

9. The program according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes one of the plurality of terminal devices that does not have the authority to perform the update to display a message indicating that the home appliance is waiting for the update.

10. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit requests the home appliance to perform the update, if the home appliance is in use and there is a terminal device nearby that does not have the authority to perform the update, the control unit causes the terminal device with the authority to perform the update to display a message indicating that another user is nearby the home appliance before requesting the home appliance to perform the update.

11. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit requests the home appliance to perform the update, if the home appliance is in use and there is a terminal device nearby that does not have the authority to perform the update, the control unit stops the home appliance before requesting the home appliance to perform the update.

12. The program according to claim 11, wherein the control unit requests the home appliance to perform the update after the home appliance has stopped, and then, once the update is completed on the home appliance, notifies the terminal device authorized to perform the update that the update is complete.

13. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit requests the home appliance to perform the update, if the home appliance is in use and there is a terminal device nearby that does not have the authority to perform the update, the control unit reserves a date and time for the execution of the update, and after the reserved date and time has arrived, requests the home appliance to perform the update.

14. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit requests the home appliance to perform the update, if the home appliance is in use and there is a terminal device nearby that does not have the authority to perform the update, the control unit, before requesting the home appliance to perform the update, displays a selection screen to the terminal device that has the authority to perform the update, asking whether or not to grant the authority to perform the update to the terminal device nearby the home appliance, and if the terminal device selects to grant the authority to perform the update on the selection screen, the control unit grants the authority to perform the update to the terminal device nearby the home appliance.

15. The program according to claim 1, wherein the control unit uses different conditions as the predetermined conditions depending on the content of the update.

16. The program according to claim 1, wherein, before the control unit requests the home appliance to perform the update, when the preparation for the update of the home appliance is complete, the control unit causes the terminal device authorized to perform the update to display a screen indicating that the preparation for the update is complete, and which is a screen intended for devices authorized to perform the update.

17. The program according to claim 1, wherein, before requesting the home appliance to perform the update, the control unit, upon completion of the preparation for the update of the home appliance, causes the terminal device that does not have the authority to perform the update to display a screen indicating that the preparation for the update is complete, which is a screen intended for devices that do not have the authority to perform the update.

18. A method for updating home appliances and a server device connected via a communication network to multiple terminal devices that share and use the home appliances, An update method comprising the steps of: the control unit of the server device granting the authority to perform the update to a terminal device among a plurality of terminal devices that meets predetermined conditions for permitting software updates of the home appliance; and requesting the home appliance to perform the update in response to an update instruction from the authorized terminal device.

19. A home appliance management system comprising: a home appliance; a plurality of terminal devices for shared use of the home appliance; and a server device connected to the home appliance and the plurality of terminal devices via a communication network, The server device is a home appliance management system comprising a control unit which grants the authority to perform the update to a terminal device among a plurality of terminal devices that meets predetermined conditions for allowing software updates of the home appliance, and which requests the home appliance to perform the update in response to an update instruction from the authorized terminal device.

Images