Articles, information processing devices, systems, management methods, programs, and storage media

Abstract

To make it easier to obtain and manage more accurate information regarding the repair of items. [Solution] An article having a configuration in which a part having a first code is exposed by removing a part of the exterior part that constitutes the outer surface of the article, wherein the first code has information for accessing first information including the procedure from removing the part of the exterior part to removing the part having the first code.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article, an information processing apparatus, a system, a management method, a program, and a storage medium, and particularly relates to management of information regarding repair of an article configured by fastening a plurality of components with fastening components.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing movement to review post-sale article repair from the perspectives of competition law and consumer protection law in some regions. It aims to expand the so-called "right to repair" and make it easier for unrecognized repairers and users to perform repairs. In the future, if this movement expands and the number of cases where repairs can be made without going through the manufacturer's repair service increases, it is predicted that the number of cases of unauthorized disassembly and repair outside the manufacturer's management will increase.

[0003] Conventionally, each manufacturer has been able to accurately diagnose and repair the location of defects by centrally managing the history of disassembly and repair of articles within the manufacturer. However, due to unexpected disassembly and modification outside the manufacturer's management, it may hinder the manufacturer's repair service. Therefore, in the future, it is required to detect the disassembly history and repair history outside the manufacturer's management and manage these histories.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for detecting the disassembly history of an electronic device by detecting a change in the contact state between a conduction part provided inside and a wiring pattern when a cover attached to the housing of the electronic device is removed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 can detect the removal of some parts, but it cannot detect how far other parts have been disassembled. Furthermore, it requires a detection component to perform the detection, which leads to challenges such as limitations on installation locations and increased costs.

[0007] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to enable the easy acquisition and management of more accurate information regarding the repair of articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the article of the present invention has a configuration in which a part having a first code is exposed by removing a part of the outer casing that constitutes the outer surface of the article, and the first code has information for accessing first information, which includes the procedure from removing the part of the outer casing to removing the part having the first code. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, more accurate information regarding the repair of articles can be easily obtained and managed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the equipment management system in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of a digital camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A rear perspective view of the digital camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of information managed by the device management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6]A figure showing an example of the display of first repair information shown on an information and communication device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the device management sequence in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing a partially disassembled digital camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing a partially disassembled digital camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram of the smartphone in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. ●Camera management system Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a camera management system as an equipment management system in this embodiment. The camera management system in this embodiment includes a digital camera 1 as the electronic device to be managed, an information and communication device 2 such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer, and an equipment management server 3. The information and communication device 2 and the equipment management server 3 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless network.

[0013] In addition, in this embodiment, as an example of the electronic device to be managed, a digital camera will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to digital cameras. For example, it can be widely applied to electronic devices in which electronic components are covered by a housing, or further, to articles in which a mechanical configuration is covered by a housing.

[0014] ●Configuration of Digital Camera 1 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the digital camera 1 in the first embodiment. The digital camera 1 in this embodiment is composed of a camera body 10 and an interchangeable lens 70 that can be attached to and detached from the camera body 10. The camera body 10 and the interchangeable lens 70 communicate data via a communication terminal 20 between a lens control unit 76 that comprehensively controls the operation of the entire interchangeable lens 70 and a camera control unit 81 that comprehensively controls the operation of the entire digital camera 1.

[0015] First, the configuration of the interchangeable lens 70 will be described. The interchangeable lens 70 has an imaging optical system composed of a fixed lens 71, an aperture 72, a focus lens 73, a zoom lens (not shown), etc. The aperture 72 is driven by an aperture drive unit 74 to control the amount of incident light to an image pickup device 90 described later. The focus lens 73 is driven by a focus lens drive unit 75 and is used for focus adjustment. The zoom lens (not shown) is driven by a zoom lens drive unit and is used for zoom adjustment.

[0016] [[ID=第十六条]]The aperture drive unit 74, the focus lens drive unit 75, and the zoom lens drive unit are controlled by the lens control unit 76, and the aperture diameter of the aperture 72 and the positions of the focus lens 73 and the zoom lens are controlled. When the user operates a focus ring, a zoom ring, etc. provided on the lens operation unit 77, the lens control unit 76 drives and controls the focus lens 73, the zoom lens, etc. according to the user's operation. In addition, the lens control unit 76 controls the aperture drive unit 74, the focus lens drive unit 75, etc. according to the control commands and control information received from the camera control unit 81, and transmits lens information to the camera control unit 81.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the camera body 10 will be described. The imaging device 90 is composed of a CCD or a CMOS sensor, and the light incident through the imaging optical system of the interchangeable lens 70 forms an image on the light receiving surface of the imaging device 90. Then, the formed subject image is photoelectrically converted into charges corresponding to the incident light amount in the photoelectric conversion section of the imaging device 90 and accumulated. The charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion section are sequentially read out from the imaging device 90 as pixel signals corresponding to the charges based on the drive pulses given from the timing generator 92 according to the commands of the camera control section 81.

[0018] The pixel signals read out from the imaging device 90 are input to the CDS / AGC circuit 91, which performs correlated double sampling for removing reset noise, gain adjustment, and signal digitization. Then, the CDS / AGC circuit 91 outputs the processed image signals to the image processing section 83 and the focus signal processing section 93.

[0019] The image processing section 83 performs various image processes such as white balance adjustment, gamma correction, and interpolation on the image signals output from the CDS / AGC circuit 91 to generate image signals. For example, the image processing section 83 performs color interpolation (demosaicking) processing on the Bayer array signals acquired from the imaging device 90 to generate color image data, and outputs the recording image data to the storage section 84. At that time, the image processing section 83 performs data compression of still images and moving images. Also, the image processing section 83 performs photometry using the image signals and determines the shutter speed, aperture value, and sensitivity so as to achieve an optimal brightness.

[0020] The display section 250 is a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL, and displays an image based on the image signals output from the image processing section 83. Also, in the recording mode for recording image signals, the image signals are sent from the image processing section 83 to the storage section 84. The storage section 84 includes a non-volatile memory and records various data including image data on a recording medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape. The audio control unit 82 compresses the audio data to be recorded. The audio data compressed by the audio control unit 82 is then combined into moving images and still images by the image processing unit 83 and output to the storage unit 84.

[0021] The focus signal processing unit 93 detects the focus state using the image signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 91. As for the method of detecting the focus state, if the image sensor 90 can output a pair of focus signals that can be used for phase-difference focus detection in addition to the normal imaging signal, the so-called phase-difference method, which detects the focus state by performing a correlation calculation, can be used. Alternatively, the so-called contrast method, which detects the focus state by the sharpness of the image signal, may be used. The focus signal processing unit 93 transmits the detected focus state to the camera control unit 81.

[0022] The camera control unit 81 oversees the control of the camera body 10 and the interchangeable lens 70. The camera control unit 81 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which executes a predetermined program to perform various controls on the digital camera 1. This control includes exposure control based on the shutter speed, aperture value, and sensitivity determined by the image processing unit 83, and focus control based on the focus state detected by the focus signal processing unit 93. Furthermore, it includes control of data storage processing in the memory unit 84 and processing of outputting various information read from the memory unit 84 to the display unit 250 for presentation to the user.

[0023] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the camera control unit 81 exchanges information with the lens control unit 76 in the interchangeable lens 70, sending control commands and control information for the imaging optical system, and acquiring information from within the interchangeable lens 70.

[0024] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a digital camera, which is an example of this embodiment. Figure 3(a) is a perspective view from above, and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view from below.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3(a), the camera body 10 is composed of exterior parts 200, including a rear cover 220, a top cover 230, a front cover 240, and a side cover 210, which form its exterior. The side cover 210 is fixed to the camera body 10 by screws 211. The rear cover section 220 is equipped with a display section 250 capable of displaying various information. The display section 250 is held by a display section cover 251 and attached to the rear cover section 220 via a hinge section 252. The display section 250 also has a touch panel, allowing the user to change various parameters and perform shooting operations by touching it.

[0026] Furthermore, the exterior section 200 is equipped with various operating components that serve as input units for performing operations such as changing various parameters and shooting. As an example of an input unit, the top cover section 230 is equipped with a shutter button 261 for performing shooting operations. The rear cover section 220 is equipped with a menu button 262 for displaying a menu screen for changing various settings on the display unit 250, and a playback button 263 for displaying captured playback images on the display unit 250. In addition, there are selection buttons 264 for changing selected items on various setting selection screens, and a SET button 265 for confirming selected items.

[0027] Furthermore, in Figure 3(a), the first code 311a is displayed on the display unit 250 according to the procedure described later. Also, Figure 3(b) shows the state in which the first code 311b, described later, is printed or affixed to the lower part of the rear cover unit 220. In the following description, if either the first code 311a or the first code 311b is acceptable, it will be referred to as the first code 311. That is, the first code 311 is displayed on the outer surface of the digital camera 1 so that it can be seen even when the exterior part 200 of the digital camera 1 is not removed.

[0028] ●Configuration of Information and Communication Device 2 and Equipment Management Server 3 Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a typical hardware configuration of the devices used as information and communication equipment 2 and equipment management server 3. While the actual devices with the configuration shown in Figure 4 can take various forms, such as PCs, servers, smartphones, and tablet devices, they will be collectively referred to as information processing equipment 400 in this explanation.

[0029] In the information processing device 400 shown in Figure 3, the control unit 401 is a central processing unit (CPU) that cooperates with other components based on a computer program to control the operation of the entire information processing device 400. The ROM 402 is a read-only memory that stores basic programs and data used for basic processing. The RAM 403 is a writable memory that functions as a work area for the control unit 401. The storage unit 404 stores various computer programs and data.

[0030] The operation unit 405 consists of components for receiving instructions and commands from the user, such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel. The display unit 406 displays commands input from the operation unit 405 and the response output of the information processing device 400. The communication interface (IF) 407 relays data exchange with external devices. The input unit 408 receives data from external devices.

[0031] The imaging unit 409 includes an imaging lens and an image sensor, and outputs an electrical signal (image signal) corresponding to the amount of incident light. The control unit 401 processes the image signal obtained by the imaging unit 409 and stores it in the storage unit 404, or, if the captured image is a barcode or a two-dimensional code, accesses the address indicated by the barcode or two-dimensional code via the communication IF 407. Note that the imaging unit 409 may be omitted if the information processing device 400 is the device management server 3. The system bus 410 controls the flow of data within the information processing device 400.

[0032] ● Information managed by the device management server 3 Figure 5 shows an example of information managed by the equipment management server 3 in this embodiment, where Figure 5(a) is information related to repairs to be provided to the user, and Figure 5(b) is management information for managing the repair status of items, both of which are stored in the storage unit 404.

[0033] The repair information 300 shown in Figure 5(a) includes information on the first repair 321, information on the second repair 322, and information on the third repair 323. The information on the first repair 321, the information on the second repair 322, and the information on the third repair 323 each include inquiry information, a disassembly and repair manual, and information on an e-commerce (EC) site for purchasing necessary repair parts. Details of each piece of information will be described later.

[0034] The management information 301 shown in Figure 5(b) includes the camera ID and the date and time information of when the user accessed the information regarding the first repair 321 to the information regarding the third repair 323. It may also include user information.

[0035] ● Equipment management sequence Next, we will describe the device management sequence in this embodiment, specifically the case where the repair history of the digital camera 1 is managed, with reference to Figure 7.

[0036] First, in S101, the display unit 250 of the camera body 10 displays a first code 311a for viewing the first repair information 321 held by the equipment management server 3. One example of how to display the first code 311a is to first press the menu button 262 to display the menu screen on the display unit 250. Then, from the displayed menu screen, the user operates the select button 264 to select the first code 311a and presses the SET button 265 to display the first code 311a.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(b), the first code 311b may be printed or affixed to a part of the exterior, for example, the bottom surface of the rear cover 220. In this way, even if the first code 311a cannot be displayed on the display unit 250 when the digital camera 1 is not powered on, such as in the event of a malfunction or battery failure, the first code 311b can still be used.

[0038] The first code 311 is, for example, a two-dimensional code containing URL information for viewing information 321 about the first repair via the internet. In S102, the user takes a picture of the first code 311 using an information and communication device 2 such as a smartphone and reads it. In S103, the user requests information 321 about the first repair, which is managed by the equipment management server 3, via the internet. At this time, information on the date and time of reading is sent to the equipment management server 3. In S104, the equipment management server 3 transmits the requested information 321 about the first repair to the information and communication device 2, and in S105, the information 321 about the first repair is displayed on the display unit 406 of the information and communication device 2. This allows the user to view the information 321 about the first repair.

[0039] Meanwhile, in S106, the equipment management server 3 records the date and time information 321 related to the first repair as management information 301.

[0040] Furthermore, access to the first repair information 321 is conditional on the user linking the unique number of the digital camera 1 being used (camera ID) with user information (age, camera purchase history, repair history, etc.) and registering it on the device management server 3. This allows users to easily manage and view their own purchase and repair history. On the other hand, by having this user information, manufacturers can provide more optimal services tailored to each user.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example of the first repair-related information 321 displayed on the display unit 406 of the information and communication device 2. From this display, the user operates the control unit 405 to select inquiry information 3211 and presses the OK button 3215. In S107, the information communication device 2 requests inquiry information from the equipment management server 3. In response to this request, in S108, the equipment management server 3 sends information about the contact point for repair inquiries to the information communication device 2. Examples of information about the contact point for repair inquiries include the email address of the manufacturer's repair department, the website address (URL), and store information (address, telephone number, map, etc.). In S109, this information is displayed on the display unit 406 of the information communication device 2.

[0042] Information regarding repair inquiries could include, but is not limited to, the manufacturer's email address for their repair department, the manufacturer's website address (URL) for repairs, or information about physical repair shops (address, phone number, map, etc.).

[0043] In addition to having the digital camera 1 repaired by the manufacturer or an authorized dealer, users can also choose to purchase the necessary repair parts from an e-commerce site depending on the nature of the malfunction, and then perform the repair themselves or a third party authorized by the user (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the user") while referring to the repair procedure manual. If the user wishes to perform the repair themselves, they can view the manual regarding the disassembly and repair procedure for the digital camera 1.

[0044] In that case, when the user selects EC site information 3213 on the screen shown in Figure 6 and presses the OK button 3215, in S110, the information communication device 2 requests EC site information from the equipment management server 3. In response to this request, in S111, the equipment management server 3 sends the EC site information to the information communication device 2. The EC site information includes, for example, the URL information of an EC site that sells parts considered necessary for repairing the digital camera 1 when the first code 311 is read, as well as simple store information. In S112, the transmitted EC site information is displayed on the display unit 406 of the information communication device 2.

[0045] Furthermore, in the screen shown in Figure 6, when the user selects the first disassembly and repair manual 3212 and presses the OK button 3215, in S113, the information and communication device 2 requests the first disassembly and repair manual from the equipment management server 3. In response to this request, in S114, the equipment management server 3 transmits the first disassembly and repair manual to the information and communication device 2. In S115, the information and communication device 2 displays the transmitted first disassembly and repair manual on the display unit 406. In S116, the user disassembles the digital camera 1 while referring to the first disassembly and repair manual.

[0046] Furthermore, when a user performs repairs, if disassembling the item, for example, results in any limitations or changes to the warranty or other terms attached to the item at the time of purchase, it is advisable to alert the user to such changes.

[0047] Furthermore, manufacturers managing the purchase history of repair and replacement parts can also lead to improved service for users. For example, if a user attempts to purchase repair or replacement parts multiple times in a shorter period than anticipated, the manufacturer can change the displayed information based on the purchase history, such as confirming whether the purchase was a mistake or suggesting an inspection for repair services.

[0048] The first disassembly and repair manual in the first information on repair 321 discloses a disassembly and repair procedure up to the point where the side cover 210, which is one of the external parts 200 that can be disassembled, is removed, and the second code 312 installed inside, as shown in Figure 8, becomes readable.

[0049] Note that Figure 7 shows the case where inquiry information 3211, e-commerce site information 3213, and the first disassembly and repair manual 3212 are selected sequentially, but it is not necessary to select all of them sequentially; the user should select only what they need.

[0050] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the digital camera 1, showing the state after the digital camera 1 has been disassembled to the point indicated in the disassembly and repair procedure, according to the first disassembly and repair manual 3212 displayed on the display unit 406 of the information and communication device 2.

[0051] As explained in Figure 3, the side cover portion 210 is fixed to the camera body 10 by fastening members that require tools, such as screws 211 on the side cover portion. As shown in Figure 8, when the screws 211 are removed with a tool such as a screwdriver and the side cover portion 210 is removed, a part of the inside of the camera body 10 is exposed. The second code 312 is printed or affixed to the inside where the side cover portion 210 was removed.

[0052] The second code 312 is, for example, a two-dimensional code containing URL information for viewing the second repair information 322 via the internet. In S117, the user photographs and reads the second code 312 using the information communication device 2, and in S118, requests the second repair information 322 managed by the equipment management server 3 via the internet. At this time, information of the reading date and time is sent to the equipment management server 3. In S119, the equipment management server 3 transmits the requested second repair information 322 to the information communication device 2, and in S120, the second repair information 322 is displayed on the display unit 406 of the information communication device 2. This allows the user to view the second repair information 322.

[0053] Meanwhile, in S121, the device management server 3 records the date and time information of the request for the second repair information 322 as management information 301. As mentioned above, in order to read the second code 312, it is necessary to disassemble a part of the exterior 200, so when the second code 312 is read, it means that the digital camera 1 has been disassembled. Therefore, the device management server 3 manages the date and time information of the request for the second repair information 322 as management information 301 indicating the disassembly history. This allows each manufacturer to access the device management server 3 and view the disassembly history to check the disassembly history and repair history.

[0054] The second repair information 322 displays inquiry information, a second disassembly and repair manual, and e-commerce site information, similar to the first repair information 321. The processing when inquiry information and e-commerce site information are requested is the same as the processing in S107 to S112 described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0055] If the user selects the second disassembly and repair manual, in S122, the information and communication device 2 requests the second disassembly and repair manual from the equipment management server 3. In response to this request, in S123, the equipment management server 3 transmits the second disassembly and repair manual to the information and communication device 2. In S124, the information and communication device 2 displays the transmitted second disassembly and repair manual on the display unit 406. In S125, the user disassembles the digital camera 1 while referring to the second disassembly and repair manual.

[0056] The second disassembly and repair manual in the second repair information 322 describes the disassembly and repair procedure up to the point where at least the next readable code, the third code 313 shown in Figure 9, is exposed. Here, the rear cover 220 is the next exterior part 200 to be removed when disassembling the camera according to the second disassembly and repair manual.

[0057] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the digital camera 1, showing the state after it has been disassembled to the point indicated in the disassembly and repair procedure, according to the second disassembly and repair manual in the second repair information 322 displayed on the display unit 406 of the information and communication device 2.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, the rear cover 220 can be removed by unscrewing the fixing screws (not shown) of the rear cover 220 with a screwdriver or other tool. The rear cover 220 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 101 inside the camera body 10 via a connector 223 using an FPC 222 or the like. The user can separate the rear cover 220 from the camera body 10 by disconnecting this connector 223 from the main circuit board 101.

[0059] Since most users are expected to be unfamiliar with disassembling cameras, it is preferable to highlight potential issues in each repair procedure manual (in this case, the second disassembly and repair manual 332) during disassembly and repair steps that may result in malfunctions or other problems. For example, in the disassembly of the side cover 210, there is a risk of damage if the user pulls on the side cover 210 without realizing that the connector 223 is connected to the main circuit board 101 on the camera body 10, so it is preferable to provide a warning just before this step.

[0060] When the rear cover 220 is removed, the rear chassis 102 and main circuit board 101 inside the camera body 10 are exposed. A third code 313 is printed or affixed to the rear chassis 102, making it readable.

[0061] The third code 313 is, for example, a two-dimensional code containing URL information for viewing information 323 about the third repair via the internet. In S126, the user takes a picture of the third code 313 using the information communication device 2 and reads it. In S127, the user requests information 323 about the third repair, which is managed by the equipment management server 3, via the internet. At this time, information on the date and time of reading is sent to the equipment management server 3. In S128, the equipment management server 3 transmits the requested information 323 about the third repair to the information communication device 2, and in S129, the information 323 about the third repair is displayed on the display unit 406 of the information communication device 2. This allows the user to view the information 323 about the third repair.

[0062] Meanwhile, in S130, the device management server 3 records the date and time information of the request for the third repair information 323 as management information 301. This means that the digital camera 1 has been disassembled to the point where the third code 313 can be read, and the device management server 3 manages the date and time information of the request for the third repair information 323 as management information 301 indicating the disassembly history.

[0063] The third repair information 323 displays inquiry information, the third disassembly and repair manual, and information about the e-commerce site, similar to the first repair information 321. If the scope of work that the user can perform on the disassembly and repair is limited to this point, the third disassembly and repair manual may be removed from the third repair information 323, and a warning that further disassembly and repair is outside the scope of the service may be emphasized. Furthermore, the processing when inquiry information and e-commerce site information are requested is the same as the processing in S107 to S112 described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0064] If the user selects the third disassembly and repair manual, in S131, the information and communication device 2 requests the third disassembly and repair manual from the equipment management server 3. In response to this request, in S132, the equipment management server 3 transmits the third disassembly and repair manual to the information and communication device 2. In S133, the information and communication device 2 displays the transmitted third disassembly and repair manual on the display unit 406. In S134, the user disassembles the digital camera 1 while referring to the third disassembly and repair manual.

[0065] In the example described above, it was explained that information regarding the third repair, 323 (third stage), is accessible. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to provide access to the disassembly and repair procedure in stages, and the number of stages is not limited to three.

[0066] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide an article equipped with an inexpensive disassembly history detection method that offers a high degree of installation flexibility.

[0067] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example is described in which the present invention is applied to a smartphone 5, which is an information and communication device, instead of a digital camera 1, as the electronic device to be managed. The configuration of the device management system is the same as that shown in Figure 1, but with the digital camera 1 replaced by the smartphone 5.

[0068] Furthermore, the main basic configuration of the smartphone 5 is not limited to the present invention, but is applicable to generally known configurations, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0069] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the smartphone 5 in the second embodiment, where Figure 10(a) is a schematic perspective view and Figure 10(b) is a schematic exploded view with the front cover 510 removed.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10(a), a thin, roughly rectangular shape is known for the smartphone 5. The exterior of the smartphone 5 consists of a rear case 520 and a front cover 510 having a liquid crystal display 511.

[0071] When disassembling and repairing a Smartphone 5, you first need to remove the front cover 510.

[0072] The liquid crystal display 511 can display a first code 512 for viewing information related to the first repair. This first code 512 is, for example, a two-dimensional code, and by reading the first code 512 using another information and communication device 2 such as a smartphone, the user can view information related to the first repair managed by the equipment management server 3 via the internet.

[0073] The first disassembly and repair manual, which describes the procedure for removing the front cover 510, may be made available from the information regarding this first repair, or it may be disclosed on the repair service website.

[0074] Furthermore, the disassembly and repair procedures described in the first disassembly and repair manual will be limited to the process of removing the front cover 510.

[0075] The front cover 510 is fixed to the rear case 520 by a fixing screw, which is a first fixing member 521, and adhesive tape, which is a second fixing member 522.

[0076] When disassembling according to the first disassembly and repair manual, first remove the first fixing member 521 using a specified tool such as a screwdriver. Then, using another specialized tool (not shown), carefully remove the front cover 510 from the second fixing member 522 as shown in Figure 10(b), taking care not to damage the front cover 510. At this time, the front cover 510 and the smartphone 5 on the rear case 520 side are connected by a cable 523, so care must be taken not to damage the connection part of the cable 523.

[0077] In this state, a second code 530 printed or affixed inside the smartphone 5 is exposed and becomes readable. This second code 530 is, for example, a two-dimensional code, and the user can read the second code 530 using the information and communication device 2 to view information about the second repair via the internet. The information about the second repair 531 can be viewed by the user registering the unique information of the smartphone 5 that the user wants to disassemble and repair with the user's information on the user information management system.

[0078] The second set of repair information includes, for example, a second disassembly and repair manual for the inside of the smartphone 5, and the user can perform disassembly and repair to the extent disclosed in the second disassembly and repair manual.

[0079] When the second code 530 is read, the date and time of reading is sent to the device management server 3. Since reading the second code 530 requires disassembling part of the exterior, the reading of the second code 530 indicates that the user has disassembled the electronic device. Therefore, the device management server 3 manages the date and time information of the request for the second repair as management information 301 indicating the disassembly history. This allows each manufacturer to access the device management server 3 and view the disassembly history to check the disassembly history and repair history.

[0080] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide an article equipped with an inexpensive disassembly history detection method that offers a high degree of installation flexibility.

[0081] <Other Embodiments> Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices or to a device consisting of a single device.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0083] <Summary> This embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0084] (Item 1) The article has a configuration in which a single component having a first code is exposed by removing a part of the outer casing that constitutes the outer surface of the article. An article characterized in that the first code has information for accessing first information, which includes a procedure from removing a part of the exterior to removing the part having the first code. (Item 2) The article according to item 1, characterized in that a component having a second code is exposed by removing the component having the first code. (Item 3) The article according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the first information further includes information indicating a procedure for repairing the article, which can be performed from removing a part of the exterior to removing the part having the first code. (Item 4) A third code can be presented on the aforementioned outer surface. The article according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the third code has information for accessing second information, including a procedure for removing a part of the exterior. (Item 5) The article according to item 4, characterized in that the second information further includes information indicating a procedure for repairing the article that can be performed without removing the part having the first code. (Item 6) The invention further comprises a display means installed on the outer surface, The article according to item 4, characterized in that the third code is displayed on the display means. (Item 7) The article according to item 4, characterized in that the third code is printed or affixed to the exterior. (Item 8) The article according to item 1, characterized in that the first code is a barcode or a two-dimensional code. (Item 9) The article according to item 2, characterized in that the second code is a barcode or a two-dimensional code. (Item 10) The article according to item 4, characterized in that the third code is a barcode or a two-dimensional code. (Item 11) The article according to item 1, characterized in that a part of the exterior is fixed by a removable part using a removal tool. (Item 12) A means of providing information regarding requested repairs based on a code read from an item, A management means for managing the information regarding the repair provided in response to the request and the unique information of the item included in the request. An information processing device characterized by having the following features. (Item 13) The information processing apparatus according to item 12, characterized in that the code includes a first code possessed by a single component that is exposed when a part of the exterior part constituting the outer surface is removed. (Item 14) The providing means provides first information, including a procedure for removing a part of the exterior and then removing the part having the first code, when information regarding the repair is requested based on the first code. The information processing device according to item 13, characterized in that the management means manages the unique information of the article and the first information in a linked manner. (Item 15) The information processing device according to item 14, characterized in that the first information further includes information indicating a procedure for repairing the article, which can be performed from removing a part of the exterior to removing the part having the first code. (Item 16) The code further includes a second code on another component of the article which is exposed when the component having the first code is removed. The providing means provides second information, including a procedure for removing a part having the first code and then removing a part having the second code, when information regarding the repair is requested based on the second code. The information processing device according to item 14 or 15, characterized in that the management means manages the unique information of the article and the second information in a linked manner. (Item 17) The code further includes a third code presented on the outer surface of the article, The providing means provides third information, including a procedure for removing a part of the exterior and then removing a part having the first code, when information regarding the repair is requested based on the third code. The information processing device according to any one of items 13 to 16, characterized in that the management means manages the unique information of the article and the third information in a linked manner. (Item 18) The information processing device according to item 17, characterized in that the third information further includes information indicating a procedure for repairing the article that can be performed without removing the part having the first code. (Item 19) The information processing device according to any one of items 12 to 18, characterized in that the providing means provides information that restricts the removal of a part of the article when the request for information regarding the repair is based on a predetermined code. (Item 20) The information relating to the repair includes information about stores that sell parts for the said item, The management means manages information when a part of the item is purchased, linking it to the unique information of the item. An information processing device according to any one of items 12 to 19, characterized in that it is an information processing device. (Item 21) The information processing device according to any one of items 12 to 20, characterized in that the code is a barcode or a two-dimensional code. (Item 22) Articles listed in any one of items 1 through 11, The information processing device described in any one of items 12 to 21 and A system characterized by consisting of the following. (Item 23) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an information processing device as described in any one of items 12 through 21. (Item 24) A computer-readable storage medium containing the program described in item 23. (Item 25) A provision process that provides information about the requested repair based on the code read from the item, A management process for linking and managing the information regarding the repair provided in response to the aforementioned request with the unique information of the item included in the request. A management method characterized by having the following.

[0085] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1…Digital camera 1, 2…Information and communication device, 3…Equipment management server, 200…Exterior part, 210…Side cover part, 211…Screw, 220…Rear cover part, 230…Top cover part, 240…Front cover part, 250…Display part, 300…Repair information, 301…Management information, 321…First repair information, 322…Second repair information, 323…Third repair information, 311, 311a, 311b…First code, 312…Second code, 313…Third code

Claims

1. The structure is such that by removing a part of the outer casing that constitutes the outer surface of the article, one component having a first code is exposed. The article is characterized in that the first code has information for accessing first information, which includes a procedure from removing a part of the exterior to removing the part having the first code.

2. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that a component having a second code is exposed by removing the component having the first code.

3. The article according to claim 1, wherein the first information further includes information indicating a procedure for repairing the article, which can be performed from removing a part of the exterior to removing the part having the first code.

4. A third code can be displayed on the aforementioned outer surface. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the third code has information for accessing second information, including a procedure for removing a part of the exterior.

5. The article according to claim 4, wherein the second information further includes information indicating a procedure for repairing the article that can be performed without removing the component having the first code.

6. The invention further comprises a display means installed on the outer surface, The article according to claim 4, characterized in that the third code is displayed on the display means.

7. The article according to claim 4, characterized in that the third code is printed or affixed to the exterior.

8. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that the first code is a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

9. The article according to claim 2, characterized in that the second code is a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

10. The article according to claim 4, characterized in that the third code is a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

11. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that a part of the exterior is fixed by a removable part that can be removed using a removal tool.

12. A means of providing information regarding requested repairs based on a code read from an item, A management means for managing the information regarding the repair provided in response to the request and the unique information of the item included in the request. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the code includes a first code having been on a single component that is exposed when a part of the exterior part constituting the outer surface is removed.

14. The providing means provides first information, including a procedure for removing a part of the exterior and then removing the part having the first code, when information regarding the repair is requested based on the first code. The information processing device according to claim 13, characterized in that the management means manages the unique information of the article in association with the first information.

15. The information processing device according to claim 14, wherein the first information further includes information indicating a procedure for repairing the article, which can be performed from removing a part of the exterior to removing the part having the first code.

16. The code further includes a second code on another component of the article which is exposed when the component having the first code is removed. The providing means provides second information, including a procedure for removing a part having the first code and then removing a part having the second code, when information regarding the repair is requested based on the second code. The information processing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the management means manages the unique information of the article and the second information in a linked manner.

17. The code further includes a third code presented on the outer surface of the article, The providing means provides third information, including a procedure for removing a part of the exterior and then removing a part having the first code, when information regarding the repair is requested based on the third code. The information processing device according to claim 13, characterized in that the management means manages the unique information of the article and the third information in a linked manner.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the third information further includes information indicating a procedure for repairing the article that can be performed without removing the component having the first code.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the providing means provides information restricting the removal of a part of the article when the request for information regarding the repair is based on a predetermined code.

20. The information relating to the repair includes information about stores that sell parts for the said item, The management means manages information when a part of the item is purchased, linking it to the unique information of the item. The information processing apparatus according to feature 12.

21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the code is a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

22. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 21 and A system characterized by consisting of the following.

23. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program described in claim 23.

25. A provision process that provides information about the requested repair based on the code read from the item, A management process for linking and managing the information regarding the repair provided in response to the aforementioned request with the unique information of the item included in the request. A management method characterized by having the following.

Images