Network System

Abstract

The present invention provides a network system that can unlock the storage device at a favorable time. [Solution] A network system 1 is provided, comprising a storage device 200, a communication terminal 300, and a server 500. The communication terminal 300 transmits information including a period to the server 500 based on user operations. Based on this information, the server 500 unlocks the storage device 200 associated with the user within the specified period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of network systems.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-121067 (Patent Document 1) describes a configuration in which a refrigerator main body and a safe are integrated and can be used independently.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a network system capable of unlocking a storage device at a preferable timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system including a storage device, a communication terminal, and a server. The communication terminal transmits information including a period to the server based on a user's operation. The server unlocks the storage device linked to the user within the period based on the information.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a network system capable of unlocking a storage device at a preferable timing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1]This is an illustrative diagram showing a network system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an image diagram showing the input screen of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the server configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an illustrative diagram showing the storage device data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the control process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the control process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing the operating section of a refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the control process according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is an image diagram showing the input screen of a communication terminal according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows the control process according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing the control process according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] This is an image diagram showing the input screen of a communication terminal according to the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. [First Embodiment] <Overall Configuration of Network System>

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The network system 1 mainly includes a refrigerator 100 including a storage device, a communication terminal 300 owned by a user who is the owner of the storage device 200 or the refrigerator 100, and a server 500. In the present embodiment, based on an instruction from the communication terminal 300 via the Internet or the server 500 or the like, the lock of the door of the storage device in the refrigerator 100 is released at a predetermined timing. <Configuration of Refrigerator 100>

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration of the refrigerator 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0011] The refrigerator 100 is mainly composed of a heat-insulating box body 110. The storage space of the refrigerator 100 is formed by this heat-insulating box body 110. The storage space formed by the heat-insulating box body 110 is provided with a refrigerating chamber 111 at the lower part and a freezing chamber 112 at the upper part by, for example, a heat-insulating partition extending in the horizontal direction.

[0012] A refrigerating chamber door 111X is provided in the refrigerating chamber 111. A freezing chamber door 112X is also provided in the freezing chamber 112. Hereinafter, the surface on which the door 111X is provided is referred to as the front or the front face of the refrigerator 100. Also, the side located on the left when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 100 is referred to as the left side, the side located on the right when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 100 is referred to as the right side of the refrigerator 100, the side located on the upper side when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 100 is referred to as the upper side, and the side located on the lower side when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 100 is referred to as the lower side of the refrigerator 100.

[0013] In this embodiment in particular, a storage device 200 is provided inside the refrigerator compartment 111. A lockable door 201 is provided on the front of the storage device 200. The door 201 may be configured to close automatically when the refrigerator compartment door 111X is closed. This prevents the door 201 from being left open.

[0014] In this embodiment of the refrigerator 100, a compressor, condenser, etc., are arranged at the rear of the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 111. In addition, an evaporator, cooling fan, etc., are arranged on the rear side of the freezer compartment 112.

[0015] Furthermore, a control unit is provided inside the refrigerator 100, as will be described later. This control unit controls the compressor, cooling fan, locking mechanism of the storage device 200, and internal camera 220 and external camera 230, among other things.

[0016] For example, the control unit drives the compressor, starting the refrigeration cycle and allowing the refrigerant to circulate within the cycle. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor condenses in the condenser while releasing heat. Subsequently, the high-temperature refrigerant expands in the expander to a lower temperature and is sent to the evaporator. The refrigerant flowing into the evaporator exchanges heat with the air circulating within the cooling area, absorbing heat as it evaporates to become gaseous refrigerant, which is then sent back to the compressor. In this way, the refrigerant circulates and the refrigeration cycle operates, generating cold air that has exchanged heat with the evaporator and providing it to the refrigerator compartment 111 and the freezer compartment 112.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit locks or unlocks the door 201 of the storage device 200 by turning the locking mechanism of the storage device 200 ON / OFF.

[0018] Next, the functional configuration of the refrigerator 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Referring to Figure 4, the refrigerator 100 includes a control unit 150, a communication interface 160, a compressor 131, a condensing fan 137, a cooling fan 120, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 171, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 172, a refrigerator compartment door open / close sensor 111Y, a freezer compartment door open / close sensor 112Y, a locking mechanism 250 for the storage device 200, an internal camera 220, an external camera 230, an operating unit 240, a door open / close sensor 210, and the like.

[0019] The control unit 150 includes a CPU and memory, and controls various parts of the refrigerator 100. For example, the CPU controls the rotation speed of the compressor 131, the rotation speed of the condensing fan 137, and the rotation speed of the cooling fan 120, while referring to data in the memory, measured values ​​from the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 171, and measured values ​​from the freezer compartment temperature sensor 172, according to the control program. The CPU also unlocks or locks the locking mechanism 250, takes pictures with the internal camera 220, and takes pictures with the external camera 230, based on data received via the communication interface 160 and information input via the operation unit 240, according to the control program.

[0020] The locking mechanism 250 unlocks or locks the door 201 according to instructions from the control unit 150.

[0021] The internal camera 220, in accordance with instructions from the control unit 150, photographs the inside of the storage device 200 and sends the captured image data to the control unit 150. The control unit 150 transmits the captured image data to the server 500 via the communication interface 160.

[0022] The external camera 230, in accordance with instructions from the control unit 150, photographs the front of the storage device 200 and sends the captured image data to the control unit 150. The control unit 150 then transmits the captured image data to the server 500 via the communication interface 160. <Configuration of communication terminal 300>

[0023] Referring to Figure 5, one configuration of the communication terminal 300 that constitutes the network system 1 will be described. The communication terminal 300 according to this embodiment includes, as its main components, a CPU 310, memory 320, display 330, operation unit 340, communication interface 360, speaker 370, microphone 380, and the like.

[0024] The CPU 310 controls various parts of the communication terminal 300 by executing programs stored in the memory 320.

[0025] Memory 320 is implemented using various types of RAM and ROM. Memory 320 stores information for identifying application programs for various services, data generated by program execution by the CPU 310, data received from the server 500, and data input via the operation unit 340.

[0026] The display 330 displays images and text based on data from the CPU 310. The operation unit 340 consists of a pointing device and switches, and inputs various commands from the user to the CPU 310. The user terminal may also have a touch panel 350 that includes the display 330 and the operation unit 340.

[0027] The communication interface 360 ​​transmits and receives data with other devices such as the server 500 and the refrigerator 100 via the internet, a carrier network, or a wireless router 400. For example, the CPU 310 exchanges various user-related information with the server 500 via the communication interface 360 ​​according to a program. The CPU 310 can receive various services by providing this information to other application programs.

[0028] Speaker 370 outputs voice messages and other information based on audio data from CPU 310.

[0029] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the CPU 310 receives input from the user via the operation unit 340 regarding the timing at which the locking mechanism 250 of the door 201 of the storage device 200 should be released. The CPU 310 then transmits data including this timing to the server 500 via the communication interface 360. <Server 500 Configuration>

[0030] Referring to Figure 7, one configuration of the server 500 that constitutes the network system 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 7, the server 500 according to this embodiment includes, as its main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 510, memory 520, an operation unit 540, and a communication interface 560.

[0031] The CPU 510 controls various parts of the server 500 by executing programs stored in memory 520. For example, the CPU 510 executes programs stored in memory 520 and references various data to perform various processes described later.

[0032] The memory 520 is implemented using various types of RAM, ROM, etc., and may be embedded in the server 500, or it may be detachable from various interfaces of the server 500, or it may be a recording medium of another device accessible from the server 500. The memory 520 stores programs executed by the CPU 510 and data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 510.

[0033] In this embodiment in particular, the memory 520 stores the storage device data 521. As shown in Figure 8, the storage device data 521 stores, for each storage device 200 or refrigerator 100, the corresponding relationships such as the device ID, address, user ID, password, unlock start date and time, unlock end date and time, and the number of times it can be opened and closed.

[0034] The operation unit 540 receives commands from service administrators and others, and inputs those commands to the CPU 510.

[0035] The communication interface 560 transmits data from the CPU 510 to other devices such as the refrigerator 100 and the communication terminal 300 via the internet, carrier network, router, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 560 receives data from other devices such as the communication terminal 300 and the refrigerator 100 via the internet, carrier network, router, etc., and passes it on to the CPU 310.

[0036] In this embodiment, the CPU 510 receives a request for an unlock period from the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 560. At the start of the period, the CPU 510, via the communication interface 560, causes the lock mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 to be unlocked in the refrigerator 100 corresponding to the user of the communication terminal 300. At the end of the period, the CPU 510, via the communication interface 560, locks the lock mechanism 250 of the corresponding storage device 200. <Processing of each device in Network System 1>

[0037] The control processes in each device of the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 9.

[0038] First, the communication terminal 300 receives input from the user via the operation unit 340 for the period during which the lock should be released (step S112). The CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 sends unlock request data, including the said period, to the server 500 via the communication interface 360 ​​(step S114).

[0039] The server 500 receives unlock request data from the communication terminal 300 (step S122) and stores it in the storage device data 521 (step S124). More specifically, the CPU 510 associates the communication terminal 300 with the refrigerator 100 or storage device 200 and registers the period during which the lock should be released.

[0040] When the date and time for unlocking the storage device 200 arrives (if the answer is YES in step S132), the CPU 510 sends a command to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560 to unlock the storage device 200 (step S134). The control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 receives the command from the server 500 (step S136) and unlocks the locking mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 (step S138).

[0041] When the date and time for re-locking arrives (if the answer is YES in step S142), the CPU 510 sends a command to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560 to re-lock the storage device 200 (step S144). The control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 receives the command from the server 500 (step S146) and locks the locking mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 (step S148). [Second Embodiment]

[0042] In the above embodiment, the server 500 determined when the timing for unlocking or locking had been reached. However, as shown in Figure 10, the refrigerator 100 may also determine when the timing has been reached.

[0043] In other words, in this embodiment, the server 500 receives unlock request data from the communication terminal 300 (step S122) and stores it in the storage device data 521 (step S124). More specifically, the CPU 510 associates the refrigerator 100 or storage device 200 corresponding to the communication terminal 300 with the period during which the lock should be unlocked and the number of times it can be opened and closed.

[0044] The CPU 510 sends unlock request data, including the period during which the lock should be released, to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560 (step S226). When the date and time for the lock to be released arrives, the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 unlocks the lock mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 (step S238).

[0045] When the time or date for re-locking arrives (if the answer is YES in step S242), the control unit 150 locks the locking mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 (step S248). [Third Embodiment]

[0046] In addition to the above embodiment, the lock mechanism 250 may be unlocked when predetermined conditions are met in the storage device 200 at the time when it should be unlocked. For example, in this embodiment, the server 500 issues a password when it receives a specification of the period during which it can be unlocked, and provides it to the communication terminal 300 and the refrigerator 100. This allows the user of the communication terminal 300 to tell the person who should open the door 201 of the storage device 200, for example, a home helper visiting the refrigerator 100's home, the password, so that person can take out what they need from the storage device 200.

[0047] Refer to Figure 11 for more details. The communication terminal 300 receives input from the user via the operation unit 340 regarding the period during which the lock should be unlocked and the number of times it can be opened and closed (step S112). The CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 transmits unlock request data, including the period and the number of times it can be opened and closed, to the server 500 via the communication interface 360 ​​(step S114).

[0048] The server 500 receives unlock request data from the communication terminal 300 (step S122) and stores it in the storage device data 521 (step S124). More specifically, the CPU 510 associates the communication terminal 300 with the refrigerator 100 or storage device 200 and registers the period during which the lock should be unlocked and the number of times it can be opened and closed.

[0049] In this embodiment, at this timing, the CPU 510 issues a password and registers it in the storage device data 521 (step S322). The CPU 510 transmits unlock request data to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560, including the password, the period during which the lock should be unlocked, and the number of times it can be opened and closed (step S326). The CPU 510 transmits the password to the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 560 (step S330).

[0050] The CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 displays the password on the display 330 (step S334). The user then communicates the password to the user who should open the storage device 200 via email, social networking service, or verbally.

[0051] When the time and date for unlocking the refrigerator 100 arrives (if the answer is YES in step S342), the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 determines whether a password has been entered via the operation unit 240 (step S344). If the password is entered, the control unit 150 unlocks the lock mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 if the number of times it can be opened and closed has not been exceeded (step S346). When the door 201 is closed (if the answer is YES in step S352), the control unit 150 locks the lock mechanism 250 (step S354).

[0052] The control unit 150 may unlock the lock mechanism 250 each time a password is entered until the unlockable period ends. Once the number of unlockable operations is reached, the control unit 150 will keep the lock mechanism 250 locked, even if the unlockable period has ended. The control unit 150 may also be configured to unlock only once during that period. [Fourth Embodiment]

[0053] In the above embodiment, the server 500 issued the password. However, as shown in Figure 12, the user may set the password themselves via the communication terminal 300 and specify that password to the server 500 along with the period during which the lock should be removed. The server 500 may then specify that password to the refrigerator 100. [Fifth Embodiment]

[0054] Alternatively, facial image data of persons who may use the storage device 200 may be registered in advance on the server 500. In this case, for example, referring to Figures 13 and 14, the communication terminal 300 receives from the user, via the operation unit 340, input of the period during which the lock should be unlocked and the period during which it can be unlocked, and the designation of persons who are permitted to unlock the lock (step S512). The CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 sends unlock request data, including the designation of persons and the period during which the lock can be unlocked, to the server 500 via the communication interface 360 ​​(step S514).

[0055] The server 500 receives unlock request data from the communication terminal 300 (step S522) and stores the unlock period, the period during which unlocking is permitted, and the designation of the person in the storage device data 521 (step S524). More specifically, the CPU 510 registers the period during which the lock should be unlocked, the period during which unlocking is permitted, and the person who should be allowed to unlock it, in association with the refrigerator 100 or storage device 200 corresponding to the communication terminal 300.

[0056] The CPU 510 sends unlock request data to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560, including the period during which the lock should be released and the period during which it can be released (step S526). When the date and time during which the lock should be released arrives (if the answer is YES in step S532), the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 takes a picture of the front with the external camera 230 and sends the captured image data to the server 500 each time the door 111X of the refrigerator 100 is opened thereafter (step S534).

[0057] The CPU 510 of the server 500 determines whether the captured image data includes the specified person (step S538). If the captured image data includes the specified person (if the answer is YES in step S538), the CPU 510 sends a command to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560 to unlock the storage device 200 (step S542). The control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 receives the command from the server 500 and unlocks the locking mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 (step S544).

[0058] The control unit 150 may unlock the lock mechanism 250 each time the person is recognized until the unlockable period ends. Once the number of unlockable cycles is reached, the control unit 150 will keep the lock mechanism 250 locked, even if the unlockable period has ended. The control unit 150 may also be configured to unlock only once during the period.

[0059] The determination of whether someone is a person may be made by the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100. [Sixth Embodiment]

[0060] Alternatively, the server 500 may have pre-registered identification information for the communication terminals of persons who may use the storage device 200. In this case, for example, referring to Figure 15, the communication terminal 300 receives from the user, via the operation unit 340, input of the period during which the lock should be released and the designation of the person authorized to unlock the lock (step S512). The CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 sends unlock request data, including the designation of the person and the period, to the server 500 via the communication interface 360 ​​(step S514).

[0061] The server 500 receives unlock request data from the communication terminal 300 (step S522) and stores the unlock period and the designated person in the storage device data 521 (step S524). More specifically, the CPU 510 registers the period during which the lock should be unlocked and the person who should be permitted to unlock it, in association with the refrigerator 100 or storage device 200 corresponding to the communication terminal 300.

[0062] The CPU 510 transmits unlock request data to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560, including identification information of the communication terminal of the person authorized to unlock and the period during which the lock should be released (step S526). When the date and time for unlocking arrives (if the answer is YES in step S532), the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 determines whether or not a communication terminal of the person authorized to unlock can be found near the refrigerator 100 thereafter (step S638). If a communication terminal of the person authorized to unlock can be found near the refrigerator 100 (if the answer is YES in step S638), the control unit 150 unlocks the lock mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 (step S640).

[0063] The control unit 150 may unlock the lock mechanism 250 each time the person's communication terminal is recognized until the unlockable period ends. Alternatively, it may unlock only once, or the number of times it can be unlocked may be registered via the communication terminal 300. [Seventh Embodiment]

[0064] In addition to the embodiments described above, the storage device data 521 may also include data for identifying the stored items and data indicating the area where the stored items will be placed. For example, referring to Figures 16 and 17, the communication terminal 300 receives input from the user via the operation unit 340 regarding the period for which the lock should be released and the specification of the items to be removed from the storage device 200 (step S712). The CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 transmits unlock request data, including the items and the period, to the server 500 via the communication interface 360 ​​(step S714).

[0065] The server 500 receives unlock request data from the communication terminal 300 (step S722) and stores it in the storage device data 521 (step S724). More specifically, the CPU 510 associates the refrigerator 100 or storage device 200 corresponding to the communication terminal 300 with the period during which the lock should be released and the items to be retrieved.

[0066] When the date and time for unlocking the storage device 200 arrives (if the answer is YES in step S132), the CPU 510 sends a command to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560 to unlock the storage device 200 (step S134). The control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 receives the command from the server 500 (step S136) and unlocks the locking mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 (step S138).

[0067] When the date and time for re-locking arrives (if the answer is YES in step S142), the CPU 510 sends a command to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560 to re-lock the storage device 200 (step S144). The control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 receives the command from the server 500 (step S146) and locks the locking mechanism 250 of the storage device 200 (step S148).

[0068] The control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 takes a picture of the inside of the storage device 200 with the internal camera 220 and transmits the captured image to the server 500 (step S754). The CPU 510 of the server 500 determines whether or not the object has been removed normally based on the captured image (step S756). The CPU 510 transmits the determination result to the communication terminal 300 (step S758). The communication terminal 300 displays the determination result (step S760).

[0069] Similarly, registration of items to be returned to the storage device 200 may be accepted via the communication terminal 300. In this case, after locking (step S148), the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 takes a picture of the inside of the storage device 200 with the internal camera 220 and transmits the captured image to the server 500 (step S754). The CPU 510 of the server 500 determines whether the item has been returned correctly based on the captured image (step S756). The CPU 510 transmits the determination result to the communication terminal 300 (step S758). The communication terminal 300 displays the determination result (step S760).

[0070] Furthermore, as described above, the decision to remove or return the object may be made when the door 201 is closed, or it may be made at the end of the unlock period. Also, if it is determined that the object has been removed or returned successfully, the lock mechanism 250 may remain locked even within the unlock period.

[0071] Alternatively, the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 may make the decision to remove or return items. [Eighth Embodiment]

[0072] Alternatively, the server 500 may have a predetermined number of times each object to be retrieved can be opened and closed. The control unit 150 may unlock the lock mechanism 250 each time a predetermined condition is met, until the unlockable period ends and the number of times corresponding to the object to be retrieved is reached. Once the number of times is reached, the control unit 150 keeps the lock mechanism 250 locked, even if the unlockable period has ended. [Ninth Embodiment]

[0073] In addition to the above embodiment, the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 may use the door opening / closing sensor 210 to detect whether the locking mechanism 250 of the door 201 of the storage device 200 has been unlocked or locked, and transmit the opening / closing history to the server 500 via the communication interface 160. If the door 201 of the storage device 200 cannot be opened during the unlocking period, the CPU 510 of the server 500 may send warning information to the communication terminal 300 that specifies the unlocking period via the communication interface 560.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 may use the door opening / closing sensor 210 to detect the opening and closing of the door 201 of the storage device 200 and transmit the opening / closing history to the server 500 via the communication interface 160. Each time the door 201 is closed, the internal camera 220 may take a picture of the inside of the storage device 200, transmit the captured image to the server 500, and send the captured image to the communication terminal 300. The user who has viewed the captured image via the communication terminal 300 may be able to manually instruct the locking mechanism 250 to unlock or lock.

[0075] Furthermore, if the door 201 of the storage device 200 has not been opened by a predetermined time before the end of the unlock period, for example, 10 minutes before, the CPU 510 of the server 500 may send warning information to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560. The control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 will use a speaker 190 or the like to issue an audible warning to remove the object from the storage device 200.

[0076] Furthermore, a predetermined time before the start of the unlock period, for example 10 minutes before, the CPU 510 of the server 500 may send notification information to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560 indicating that the lock has been released. The control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 will use a speaker 190 or the like to give an audible warning to remove the object from the storage device 200.

[0077] Regarding the notification information, the communication terminal 300 may accept input of desired text from the user via the operation unit 340. The communication terminal 300 transmits the text to the server 500 as notification information. Then, a predetermined time before the start of the lock release period, for example 10 minutes before, the CPU 510 of the server 500 may transmit notification information including the text to the refrigerator 100 via the communication interface 560. The control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 outputs the text using the speaker 190, display, etc. [summary]

[0078] In the above embodiment, a network system is provided comprising a storage device, a communication terminal, and a server. The communication terminal transmits information including a time period to the server based on user operation. Based on this information, the server unlocks the storage device associated with the user within the specified time period.

[0079] Preferably, upon receiving information, the server sends a password to the communication terminal and the storage device. The communication terminal displays the password. The storage device unlocks the device when the password is entered within the specified period.

[0080] Preferably, the communication terminal receives a password from the user and sends the password along with other information to the server. The server sends the password to the storage device. The storage device unlocks the device when the password is entered within the specified period.

[0081] Preferably, the communication terminal transmits information, including the number of times it has been opened and closed, to the server based on the user's operation. Based on this information, the server unlocks the storage device associated with the user until the number of times it has been opened and closed within the specified period is reached.

[0082] Preferably, the communication terminal receives a designation from the user for the member to be unlocked. The server unlocks the member after verifying it via the storage device.

[0083] Preferably, the storage device has a camera that takes pictures of the outside and sends the captured images to a server when the door is opened. The server verifies the members based on the captured images.

[0084] Preferably, the storage device has a camera that takes pictures of the interior and transmits the captured image to a server when the door is closed. Based on the captured image, the server confirms that a predetermined object has been removed or returned, and transmits the result of this confirmation to a communication terminal.

[0085] Preferably, the server will notify the storage device before the period begins.

[0086] Preferably, the communication terminal sends the entered text to the server based on the user's operation. The server causes the storage device to output the text before the period begins.

[0087] Preferably, the server causes the storage device to output a warning if the storage device has not been opened by a predetermined time before the end of the period.

[0088] Preferably, the server sends a warning to the communication terminal if the storage device is not opened before the end of the period.

[0089] Preferably, the storage device is contained within the refrigerator or is the refrigerator itself.

[0090] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. Configurations obtained by combining the configurations of the different embodiments described herein are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1: Network System 100: Refrigerator 110: Insulated box 111: Refrigerated compartment 111X: Refrigerator door 111Y: Refrigerator door open / close sensor 112: Freezer 112X: Freezer door 112Y: Freezer door open / close sensor 120: Cooling fan 131: Compressor 137: Condensed Fan 150: Control Unit 151: CPU 152: Memory 160: Communication Interface 171: Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 172: Freezer compartment temperature sensor 190: Speaker 200: Storage device 201: Door 210: Door opening / closing sensor 220: Front camera 230: External Camera 240:Operation unit 250: Locking mechanism 300: Communication terminal 310: CPU 320: Memory 330: Display 340:Operation unit 350: Touch panel 360: Communication Interface 370: Speaker 400: Wireless router 500: Server 510: CPU 520: Memory 521: Storage device data 540:Operation unit 560: Communication Interface

Claims

1. Storage device, Communication terminal and A network system comprising a server, The communication terminal transmits information including a period to the server based on user operation. The server is a network system that, based on the information, unlocks the storage device associated with the user within the specified period.

2. Upon receiving the information, the server transmits the password to the communication terminal and the storage device. The aforementioned communication terminal displays the password, The storage device unlocks the lock when the password is entered within the specified period, according to claim 1.

3. The communication terminal receives a password from the user and sends the password along with the information to the server. The server transmits the password to the storage device. The storage device unlocks the lock when the password is entered within the specified period, according to claim 1.

4. The communication terminal transmits information including the number of times it has been opened and closed to the server based on the user's operation. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server, based on the information, unlocks the storage device associated with the user until the number of openings and closings within the period is reached.

5. The communication terminal receives a request from the user to specify the member to unlock the lock. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server unlocks the lock when it confirms the member via the storage device.

6. The storage device has a camera that takes pictures of the outside, and when the door is opened it takes a picture and transmits the captured image to the server. The network system according to claim 5, wherein the server confirms the member based on the captured image.

7. The storage device has a camera that takes pictures of the interior, and when the door is closed it takes a picture and transmits the captured image to the server. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server confirms, based on the captured image, that a predetermined object has been retrieved or that the predetermined object has been returned, and transmits the result of the confirmation to the communication terminal.

8. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server causes the storage device to notify the storage device before the period begins.

9. The communication terminal transmits the entered text to the server based on the user's operation. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server causes the storage device to output the wording before the period begins.

10. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server causes the storage device to output a warning if the storage device has not been opened by a predetermined time before the end of the period.

11. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server sends a warning to the communication terminal if the storage device is not opened before the end of the period.

12. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is contained within a refrigerator or is the refrigerator itself.

Images