Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program allowing device theft to be prevented.SOLUTION: In an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, an information processing device that manages a storage unit that stores device information performs the steps of: receiving device identification information for identifying a device from the other information processing devices which a user of the device uses and device state information regarding a device state; storing the device state information in a storage unit in association with the device identification information; receiving an inquiry request on the device state information from any of the other information processing devices; acquiring the device state information from the storage unit in accordance with the inquiry request; and submitting the device state information to any of the other information processing devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] At work sites such as construction sites, various devices such as air compressors are used. There are many open spaces at construction sites and the like where outsiders can easily enter, and many of the devices used are expensive. For this reason, theft has been a problem at construction sites and the like.

[0003] For example, Non-Patent Document 1 describes an application capable of managing device information by registering manufacturing numbers and the like assigned to individual devices in a smartphone or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the above-described application is solely for the purpose of the user personally managing the information of the device he / she owns. Therefore, the information that can be registered is limited to information such as the manufacturing number, and it is not assumed that the registered information will be widely shared generally. Therefore, if the device is stolen, it becomes extremely difficult to track the whereabouts of the device any further, and it cannot prevent the theft of the device.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of preventing the theft of a device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In an information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus that manages a storage unit storing device information receives, from another information processing apparatus used by a user of the device, device identification information for identifying the device and device status information regarding the status of the device, stores the device status information in the storage unit in association with the device identification information, receives a query request for the device status information from an arbitrary other information processing apparatus, acquires the device status information from the storage unit in response to the query request, and transmits the device status information to the arbitrary other information processing apparatus.

[0008] According to this aspect, after the device status information received from the information processing apparatus used by the user of the device is stored in the storage unit in association with the device identification information, in response to a query request for the device status information from an arbitrary information processing apparatus, the device status information is transmitted to the arbitrary information processing apparatus. As a result, information regarding the status of the device is shared with persons other than the user of the device, so that it becomes possible to prevent the theft of the device.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of preventing the theft of a device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] With reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. (In each figure, those with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.)

[0012] (1) Overview FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the device information management system 1 includes a device information management server 10, at least one user terminal 20, and at least one seller terminal 30, which are connected to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other via a communication network N such as the Internet. The user terminal 20 is an example of an information processing device used by a user of the device. The user terminal 20 may be communicable with the device used by the user by means of short-range wireless communication or the like. Also, the seller terminal 30 is an example of an information processing device used by a seller of the device.

[0013] The device information management server 10 is a system that provides services for managing various types of information related to devices to the user terminal 20 and the seller terminal 30 in the device information management system 1. Here, the devices targeted by the device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment are not particularly limited, but for example, in addition to air tools such as air compressors, nail guns, and screw drivers, and power tools such as impact drivers and drills, tools that do not require a power source may be arbitrarily included. Also, the devices targeted by the device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment may or may not include at least a part of the configuration of the information processing device 400 described later. Also, the devices targeted by the device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment may be attached with an NFC tag or the like capable of storing predetermined information.

[0014] In the device information management system 1 according to this embodiment, a user can access the device information management server 10 via the user terminal 20, register various types of information (device information) related to a device in association with device identification information in the device information management server 10, and then, for example, based on the device identification information (device ID), obtain necessary device information from the device information management server 10 via the user terminal 20 and display this information on the user terminal 20. Thereby, it becomes possible to efficiently manage device information, and the information to be stored in the user terminal 20 is limited to device identification information (device ID) and the like, making it possible to save the resources of the storage unit in the user terminal 20.

[0015] In addition, in particular, the device information includes device status information which is information related to the status of the device, and the device status information may include information indicating that the device has been stolen or the like. The device information registered in the device information management server 10 is configured to be viewable under predetermined conditions via any other user terminal 20 or seller terminal 30. Thereby, for example, when a stolen device is brought into a store for resale purposes, etc., store employees or the like can view (inquire about) the device status information of the device based on the device identification information to grasp the presence or absence of theft of the device, etc., so that theft of the device is deterred.

[0016] (2) Hardware Configuration FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 400 according to this embodiment. The device information management server 10, user terminal 20, and seller terminal 30 according to this embodiment are each constituted by, for example, one or more information processing apparatuses 400. The information processing apparatus 400 includes a computer, and specifically, a server apparatus, a personal computer (PC), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, etc. are assumed, but it is not limited thereto.

[0017] The information processing apparatus 400 includes a processor 401, a memory 402, a storage 403, an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 404, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 405. Each component of the hardware of the information processing apparatus 400 is interconnected, for example, via a bus B.

[0018] The information processing apparatus 400 realizes the functions and / or methods described in the present disclosure through the cooperation of the processor 401, the memory 402, the storage 403, the input / output I / F 404, and the communication I / F 405.

[0019] The processor 401 executes the functions and / or methods realized by the code or instructions included in the program stored in the storage 403. The processor 401 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and each process disclosed in the embodiment may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)) or a dedicated circuit.

[0020] The memory 402 temporarily stores the program loaded from the storage 403 and provides a working area for the processor 401. Various data generated while the processor 401 is executing the program are also temporarily stored in the memory 402. The memory 402 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc.

[0021] Storage 403 stores programs. Storage 403 includes, for example, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, and the like.

[0022] Input / output I / F 404 includes an input device that inputs various operations to information processing apparatus 400, and an output device that outputs the processing results processed by information processing apparatus 400. Input / output I / F 404 may integrate the input device and the output device, or may separate the input device and the output device.

[0023] The input device is realized by any one or a combination of all types of devices that can receive an input from an operator and transmit information related to the input to processor 401. The input device includes, for example, hardware keys such as a touch panel, a touch display, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a camera (operation input by reading an image), and a microphone (operation input by voice).

[0024] The output device is realized by any one or a combination of all types of devices that can output the processing results processed by processor 401. When outputting the processing results as video and / or moving images, the output device is realized by any one or a combination of all types of display devices that can display the display data according to the display data (screen information) written in the frame buffer. The output device includes, for example, a touch panel, a touch display, a monitor (e.g., a liquid crystal display, an OELD (Organic Electroluminescence Display), etc.), a head-mounted display (HMD: Head Mounted Display), projection mapping, a hologram, a device that can display image, text information, etc. in the air (which may be in a vacuum), a speaker (voice output), a printer, and the like. Note that these output devices may be able to display display data in 3D.

[0025] The communication I / F 405 transmits and receives various data via the network N. This communication may be carried out either by wire or wirelessly (including short-range wireless communication), and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication can be executed. The communication I / F 405 has a function of executing communication with other information processing apparatuses and devices via the network N. The communication I / F 405 transmits various data to other information processing apparatuses according to instructions from the processor 401. Also, the communication I / F 405 receives various data transmitted from other information processing apparatuses and devices and transmits them to the processor 401.

[0026] The program of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can store the program in a "non-transitory tangible medium". The program includes, for example, a software program or a computer program.

[0027] The storage medium can include, when appropriate, one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific ICs (ASICs), etc.), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical disks, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy disks, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards or drives, any other appropriate storage medium, or any suitable combination of two or more of these. The storage medium can be, when appropriate, volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile.

[0028] In addition, the program of the present disclosure may be provided to the information processing apparatus 400 via any transmission medium (such as a network or a broadcast wave) capable of transmitting the program. Further, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission. Note that the program of the present disclosure is implemented using, for example, script languages such as ActionScript and JavaScript (registered trademark), object-oriented programming languages such as Objective-C and Java (registered trademark), and markup languages such as HTML5.

[0029] At least a part of the processing in the information processing apparatus 400 may be realized by cloud computing constituted by one or more computers. At least a part of the processing in the information processing apparatus 400 may be configured to be performed by another information processing apparatus. In this case, at least a part of the processing of each functional unit realized by the processor 401 may be configured to be performed by another information processing apparatus.

[0030] (3) Functional configuration (3-1) Device information management server 10 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the device information management server 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the device information management server 10 includes, for example, a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120. Each functional unit disclosed in FIG. 3 is realized by the cooperation of a processor 401, a memory 402, a storage 403, an input / output I / F 404, and a communication I / F 405 included in the information processing apparatus 400. Specifically, the control unit 110 of the device information management server 10 is realized by, for example, the input / output I / F 404, the communication unit I / F 105, and the processor 401, etc., and the storage unit 120 of the device information management server 10 can be realized by, for example, the memory 402 and / or the storage 403, etc.

[0031] The control unit 110 includes, for example, a transmission unit 111, a reception unit 112, a DB management unit 113, a security code issuance unit 114, and a determination unit 115.

[0032] The transmitting unit 111 transmits various types of information to other information processing apparatuses such as the user terminal 20 and the seller terminal 30. For example, the transmitting unit 111 transmits user information, device information (device ID, device status information, additional information, etc.), security codes, notifications, reports, etc. to the user terminal 20 and the seller terminal 30.

[0033] The receiving unit 112 receives (acquires) various types of information from other information processing apparatuses such as the user terminal 20 and the seller terminal 30. For example, the receiving unit 112 receives user information, registration requests, update requests, browsing requests (including inquiry requests) for user information, device information (device ID, device status information, additional information, etc.), registration requests, update requests, browsing requests (including inquiry requests) for device information, report requests, etc. from the user terminal 20 and the seller terminal 30.

[0034] The DB management unit 113 manages, for example, the user information DB 122 and the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120, and executes registration, update, acquisition, etc. of information in these DBs. For example, the DB management unit 113 registers user information in the user information DB 122 in response to a registration request for user information, and updates the user information in the user information DB 122 in response to an update request for user information. Also, for example, the DB management unit 113 acquires user information from the user information DB 122 in response to a browsing request for user information. Also, for example, the DB management unit 113 registers device information in the device information DB 123 in response to a registration request for device information, and updates the device information in the device information DB 123 in response to an update request for device information. Also, for example, the DB management unit 113 acquires desired device information from the device information DB 123 in response to a browsing request for device information. The DB management unit 113 may determine whether to execute registration, update, acquisition, etc. of the information registered in the user information DB 122 and the device information DB 123 according to a predetermined determination result by the determination unit 115 described later. In particular, as will be described later, the DB management unit 113 may determine to execute the update only when the determination result regarding the security code by the determination unit 115 is affirmative for an update request for the device information registered in the device information DB 123.

[0035] The security code issuing unit 114 issues a security code to a legitimate user, for example. The security code is, for example, a code in any format for authentication required for viewing or updating device information registered in the device information DB 123. In the device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the device information management server 10 may be configured to require a legitimate security code for viewing or updating device information registered in the device information DB 123. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unauthorized viewing or updating of device information by persons other than legitimate users (for example, users who have purchased a device legitimately). The security code issuing unit 114 may issue a security code on the condition that at least one of a legitimate user ID, a legitimate device ID, and a legitimate seller ID is included in a security code issuance request. Thereby, it is possible to ensure that the security code is issued to a legitimate user.

[0036] The determination unit 115 performs various determinations, for example. The determination unit 115 determines, for example, whether a security code (an example of a second security code) included in a predetermined request (such as a device information update request) corresponds to (including being substantially identical in addition to being exactly identical) a security code (an example of a first security code) included in a DB (device information DB 123) stored in the storage unit 120.

[0037] The storage unit 120 stores, for example, a program 121 executed by the device information management server 10 according to the present embodiment, a user information DB 122 that manages information about users (user information), and a device information DB 123 that manages information about devices (device information).

[0038] The program 121 is, for example, a program for executing the processing according to the present embodiment. Further, this program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and may be installed on the computer from this storage medium.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user information DB 122 according to the present embodiment. In the user information DB 122, for example, records including user information such as user ID, name, address, telephone number, email address, and owned device information are registered. Each record corresponds to one user account. The user ID is identification information for identifying a user. The name, address, telephone number, and email address are examples of attribute information regarding the user. The owned device information is the device ID of the device owned by the user. Note that the above-described items included in the user information DB 122 are merely examples, and the user information DB 122 may include any items other than the above regarding the user.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the device information DB 123 according to the present embodiment. In the device information DB 123, for example, records including device information such as device ID, product name, product code, security code, owner information, device status information, and additional information are registered. The device ID is identification information for identifying a device. The device ID may be, for example, a manufacturing number assigned at the time of manufacturing the device. The product name is a name such as a product number of the device. The product code is a code indicating the type of the device. The security code is, for example, a security code (an example of the first security code) for authentication required for viewing and updating device information issued by the security code issuing unit 114. The owner information is the user ID of the user who owns the device.

[0041] The device status information is information indicating the status of the device. The device status information is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, "new" indicating that the device is new, "in use" indicating that the device is in use, and "stolen" indicating that the device has been stolen or is suspected of being stolen.

[0042] The additional information is information other than fixed information such as device ID and product name, and may be information that can be arbitrarily edited by the user. Specifically, the additional information may include text (memo) of information related to the device, and contents such as images, videos, and sounds obtained by photographing the device and matters related to the device (packaging materials, warranty certificates, sellers, stores, etc.). As a result, it becomes possible to manage the device not only with fixed information such as device ID and product name, but also with information arbitrarily edited by the user.

[0043] In addition to the device information registered by the user, the device information DB 123 may include information related to the device registered by the administrator of the device information management server 10. The information registered by the administrator may include, for example, version update information of a program executed on the device, recall information of the device, etc. The device information management server 10 may transmit the information to the user terminal 20 at an arbitrary timing. Further, the device information DB 123 may register information (such as a sales certificate) for proving sales, which is issued by the device information management server 10, for example, at the time of sale of the device.

[0044] Note that the above items are merely examples, and the device information DB 123 may include any information related to the device other than the above.

[0045] (3-2) User Terminal 20 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. The user terminal 20 is an example of an information processing apparatus used by a user of a device, and may be configured as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a PC possessed by the user.

[0046] 6, the user terminal 20 includes, for example, a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220. Each functional unit disclosed in FIG. 6 is realized by cooperation of a processor 401, a memory 402, a storage 403, an input / output I / F 404, and a communication I / F 405 provided in the information processing device 400. Specifically, the control unit 210 of the user terminal 20 can be realized by, for example, the input / output I / F 404, the communication unit I / F 405, and the processor 401, and the storage unit 220 of the user terminal 20 can be realized by, for example, the memory 402 and / or the storage 403.

[0047] The control unit 210 includes, for example, a transmitting unit 211, a receiving unit 212, an input accepting unit 213, a reading unit 214, and an output control unit 215.

[0048] The transmission unit 211 transmits various types of information to, for example, devices, the device information management server 10, and other information processing devices such as the seller terminal 30. For example, the transmission unit 211 transmits user information and its registration request, update request, and viewing request to the device information management server 10. Also, for example, the transmission unit 211 transmits device information and its registration request, update request, and viewing request to the device information management server 10. Also, for example, the transmission unit 211 transmits to the device a control signal related to device operation in response to a user operation or the like.

[0049] The receiving unit 212 receives (acquires) various types of information from, for example, a device, the device information management server 10, and other information processing devices such as the seller terminal 30. For example, the receiving unit 212 receives a device ID stored in a memory within the device or an NFC tag outside the device by communicating with the device via near field communication or the like. Also, for example, the receiving unit 212 receives user information, device information (device ID, device status information, additional information, etc.), security codes, notifications, reports, etc. from the device information management server 10.

[0050] The input reception unit 213 receives the input of various types of information in response to operations on the input device of the input / output I / F 404 provided in the user terminal 20, for example. For example, the input reception unit 213 receives the input of various types of user information (such as the user's name, address, telephone number, and email address). Also, for example, the input reception unit 213 receives the input of various types of device information (such as device ID, device status information, and additional information). Also, for example, the input reception unit 213 receives the input related to the operation of the device or the user terminal 20.

[0051] The reading unit 214 reads various types of information such as two-dimensional codes included in an image by performing predetermined image recognition processing on the image generated by an input device such as a camera provided in the input / output I / F 404 of the user terminal 20, for example. For example, when a two-dimensional code for obtaining a device ID or the like is attached to the device, the reading unit 214 may read the two-dimensional code in response to the user pointing the camera of the user terminal 20 at the two-dimensional code.

[0052] The output control unit 215 controls the output by an output device provided in the input / output I / F 404 of the user terminal 20, for example. For example, the output control unit 215 causes a display device to display various screens or the like based on predetermined display data.

[0053] The storage unit 220 stores, for example, a program 221 executed by the user terminal 20 according to the present embodiment and a security code 222.

[0054] The program 221 is, for example, a program for executing the processing according to the present embodiment. Also, this program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and may be installed from this storage medium into a computer.

[0055] Security code 222 is, for example, a security code (an example of a first security code) issued by the security code issuing unit 114 of the device information management server 10. The security code may be issued, for example, when a device is properly purchased from a seller at a store or the like as described later.

[0056] (3-3) Seller terminal 30 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the seller terminal 30 according to the present embodiment. The seller terminal 30 is an example of an information processing device used by a seller of a device, and may be configured as, for example, a PC installed in a store that sells the device, or may be configured as a smartphone or tablet terminal that the seller can carry out of the store.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the seller terminal 30 includes, for example, a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320. Each functional unit disclosed in FIG. 7 is realized by the cooperation of a processor 401, a memory 402, a storage 403, an input / output I / F 404, and a communication I / F 405 included in the information processing device 400. Specifically, the control unit 310 of the seller terminal 30 is realized by, for example, the input / output I / F 404, the communication unit I / F 405, and the processor 401, etc., and the storage unit 320 of the seller terminal 30 can be realized by, for example, the memory 402 and / or the storage 403, etc.

[0058] The control unit 310 includes, for example, a transmission unit 311, a reception unit 312, an input reception unit 313, a reading unit 314, and an output control unit 315.

[0059] The transmission unit 311 transmits various types of information to other information processing devices such as a device, the device information management server 10, and the user terminal

[0060] The receiving unit 312 receives (acquires) various types of information from other information processing devices such as devices, the device information management server 10, and the user terminal 20. For example, the receiving unit 312 receives the device ID stored in the memory inside the device or the NFC tag outside the device by performing communication such as short-range wireless communication with the device. Also, for example, the receiving unit 312 receives user information, device information (device ID, device status information, additional information, etc.), security codes, notifications, reports, etc. from the device information management server 10.

[0061] The input reception unit 313 receives the input of various types of information according to an operation on the input device of the input / output I / F 404 provided in the user terminal 20, for example. For example, the input reception unit 313 receives the input of various types of user information (the user's name, address, phone number, email address, etc.). Also, for example, the input reception unit 313 receives the input of various types of device information (device ID, device status information, additional information, etc.). Also, for example, the input reception unit 313 receives the input related to the operation of the device or the seller terminal 30.

[0062] The reading unit 314 reads various types of information such as two-dimensional codes included in an image by recognizing the image generated by an input device such as a camera provided in the input / output I / F 404 of the seller terminal 30. For example, when a two-dimensional code for device ID acquisition or the like is attached to the device, the reading unit 314 may read the two-dimensional code in response to the seller pointing the camera of the seller terminal 30 at the two-dimensional code. Also, for example, the reading unit 314 may acquire the user ID by reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal 20 in response to the seller pointing the camera of the seller terminal 30 at the two-dimensional code.

[0063] The output control unit 315 controls the output by the output device provided in the input / output I / F 404 of the seller terminal 30. For example, the output control unit 315 causes the display device to display various screens based on predetermined display data.

[0064] The storage unit 320 stores, for example, a program 321 executed by the seller terminal 30 according to the present embodiment.

[0065] The program 322 is, for example, a program for executing the processing according to the present embodiment. Further, this program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be installed in a computer from this storage medium.

[0066] (4) Operational processing (4-1) Registration of user account and device ID FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence related to the registration of a user account and a device ID by the device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The operation sequence is executed, for example, after the user terminal 20 accesses a predetermined website provided by the device information management server 10 in response to an operation by the user.

[0067] (S101) First, the input reception unit 213 of the user terminal 20 receives the input of user information by the user. The user information may include, for example, items registered in the user information DB 122 such as the user's name, address, phone number, and email address.

[0068] (S102) The transmission unit 211 of the user terminal 20 transmits a registration request for user information to the device information management server 10. The registration request includes, for example, the user information input in step S101. The reception unit 112 of the device information management server 10 receives the registration request for user information from the user terminal 20.

[0069] (S103) The DB management unit 113 of the device information management server 10 extracts user information from the registration request received from the user terminal 20, generates a record including the newly issued user ID and the extracted user information, and registers the record in the user information DB 125 stored in the storage unit 120. Thereby, a user account is registered in the device information management server 10.

[0070] When the user newly purchases a device or the like, the device ID of the device may be registered in the device information management server 10 by the processes shown in the following steps S104 to S106.

[0071] (S104) First, the user terminal 20 acquires the device ID of the device owned by the user according to an operation by the user. Specifically, for example, when the device ID is stored in a memory inside the device or an NFC tag outside the device, the receiving unit 212 of the user terminal 20 may acquire the device ID by performing communication such as short-range wireless communication. Also, for example, when a two-dimensional code or the like for acquiring the device ID is attached to the device, when the user points the camera of the user terminal 20 at the two-dimensional code, the reading unit 214 of the user terminal 20 may acquire the device ID by reading the two-dimensional code. Also, for example, when the device ID is printed (stamped, etc.) on the device body or when the device ID is described in the warranty, when the user who has confirmed the device ID inputs the device ID to the user terminal 20, the input receiving unit 213 of the user terminal 20 may acquire the device ID by receiving the input.

[0072] (S105) Next, the transmitting unit 211 of the user terminal 20 transmits a registration request for the device ID to the device information management server 10. The registration request for the device ID includes, for example, the user ID and the device ID acquired in step S104. The receiving unit 112 of the device information management server 10 receives the registration request for the device ID from the user terminal 20.

[0073] (S106) Next, the DB management unit 113 of the device information management server 10 extracts the user ID and the device ID from the registration request for the device ID received from the user terminal 20, generates a new record including the user ID and the device ID, and registers the record in the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120. Thereby, the device ID is registered in the device information management server 10. Thus, the operation sequence regarding the registration of the user account and the device ID ends.

[0074] (4-2) Issuance of Security Code FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence regarding the issuance of a security code by the device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the device information management server 10 according to the present embodiment may be configured to require a legitimate security code for browsing, updating, etc. of the device information registered in the device information DB 123. FIG. 9 shows an example of an operation sequence when the device information management server 10 issues a security code to a legitimate user under a predetermined condition. The operation sequence is executed, for example, when a user using the user terminal 20 purchases a device from a seller using the seller terminal 30 at a store or the like.

[0075] (S201) First, after a user performs a login operation by inputting a user ID, password, etc. on the user terminal 20 and then performs an operation to display a screen (user ID screen) for presenting the user ID, the output control unit 215 of the user terminal 20 causes the user ID screen to be displayed on the display device. The user ID screen may include the user ID itself or may include a two-dimensional code for obtaining the user ID generated by the user terminal 20 or the like. The two-dimensional code may be displayed as a membership card or the like on the user ID screen.

[0076] (S202) Next, the user presents the user ID screen displayed on the user terminal 20 to the seller.

[0077] (S203) Next, the seller terminal 30 acquires a user ID according to an operation by the seller. Specifically, for example, in response to the seller who has confirmed the user ID displayed on the user terminal 20 inputting the user ID into the seller terminal 30, the input reception unit 313 of the seller terminal 30 may acquire the user ID by receiving the input. Alternatively, for example, in response to the seller pointing the camera of the seller terminal 30 at the two-dimensional code displayed on the user terminal 20, the reading unit 314 of the seller terminal 30 may acquire the user ID by reading the two-dimensional code.

[0078] (S204) Next, the seller terminal 30 acquires the device ID of the device that the user purchases according to an operation by the seller. Specifically, for example, when the device ID is stored in an internal memory of the device, an NFC tag outside the device, etc., the reception unit 312 of the seller terminal 30 may acquire the device ID by performing communication such as short-range wireless communication. Also, for example, when a two-dimensional code for device ID acquisition or the like is attached to the device, in response to the seller pointing the camera of the seller terminal 30 at the two-dimensional code, the reading unit 314 of the seller terminal 30 may acquire the device ID by reading the two-dimensional code. Also, for example, when the device ID is printed (stamped, etc.) on the device body or the device ID is described in the warranty, in response to the seller who has confirmed the device ID inputting the device ID into the seller terminal 30, the input reception unit 313 of the seller terminal 30 may acquire the device ID by receiving the input.

[0079] (S205) Next, the transmission unit 311 of the seller terminal 30 transmits a registration request for the device ID to the device information management server 10. The registration request for the device ID includes, for example, the user ID acquired in step S203 and the device ID acquired in step S204. The reception unit 112 of the device information management server 10 receives the registration request for the device ID from the seller terminal 30.

[0080] (S206) Next, the DB management unit 113 of the device information management server 10 extracts the user ID and the device ID from the registration request of the device ID received from the seller terminal 30, generates a new record including the user ID and the device ID, and registers the record in the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120. As a result, the device ID is registered in the device information DB 123.

[0081] (S207) Next, the security code issuing unit 114 of the device information management server 10 issues a security code for the device ID registered in step S206. Note that the security code issuing unit 114 may issue a security code on the condition that at least one of a legitimate user ID, a legitimate device ID, and a legitimate seller ID is included in the security code issuance request. Then, the DB management unit 113 of the device information management server 10 associates the issued security code with the device ID and registers it in the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120.

[0082] (S208) Next, the transmission unit 111 of the device information management server 10 transmits the security code to the user terminal 20. The reception unit 212 of the user terminal 20 receives the security code from the device information management server 10.

[0083] (S211) Next, the user terminal 20 registers the security code (as the above-described security code 222) by storing the security code in the storage unit 220. Thus, the operation sequence regarding the issuance of the security code ends.

[0084] (4-3) Browsing and Updating of Device Information FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence regarding browsing and updating of device information by the device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The operation sequence is executed, for example, when a user using the user terminal 20 browses or updates the device information registered in the device information management server 10.

[0085] (S301) First, the output control unit 215 of the user terminal 20 causes the display device to display various screens related to the device according to the operation by the user. At this time, the user terminal 20 may obtain data necessary for displaying the screen from the device information management server 10. The screen may include, for example, various screens shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. These various screens may be configured to be transitionable with each other according to the operation by the user or the like.

[0086] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the device operation screen 1000 according to the present embodiment. The device operation screen 1000 is a screen for operating the device and includes, for example, regions 1001 and 1002. In the region 1001, for example, information related to the operation of the device is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 11, in the region 1001, the operation state of the device and parameters such as the internal pressure of the tank are displayed. The information related to the operation of the device may be, for example, displayed on the device operation screen 1000 after the user terminal 20 obtains it from the device or a sensor provided in the device. In the region 1002, for example, various operation buttons for operating the device and various operation buttons for operating the user terminal 20 are displayed. For example, when an operation button for operating the device is selected, the transmission unit 211 of the user terminal 20 transmits a control signal corresponding to the operation button to the device. Thereby, the device executes an operation corresponding to the operation button. Further, for example, when an operation button for operating the user terminal 20 is selected, the user terminal 20 switches the screen or executes a predetermined process according to the operation button.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a belongings list screen 2000 according to the present embodiment. The belongings list screen 2000 is a screen for managing a user's belongings (possessions), and includes, for example, an area 2001. Devices possessed by the user are displayed in the area 2001. In the example shown in FIG. 12, in the area 2001, for each device, a product code, a product name, and a registration date are displayed. The items displayed in the area 2001 are merely examples, and other information regarding the devices may be displayed. Also, the information regarding the devices may include information acquired by the user terminal 20 from the device information management server 10. Specifically, the user terminal 20 transmits a request including a user ID to the device information management server 10, and the device information management server 10 that has received the request specifies the owned device information associated therewith based on the user ID in the user information DB 122, acquires information regarding the device from the device information DB 123, and then transmits it to the user terminal 20, and the user terminal 20 may display the device information received from the device information management server 10. Thus, since the devices possessed by the user are displayed on the belongings list screen 2000, the user can easily grasp the possessed devices.

[0088] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a device information screen 3000 according to the present embodiment. The device information screen 3000 is a screen for browsing and updating device information, and includes, for example, device information about a specific device. The device information screen 3000 may be displayed, for example, by selecting any of the devices displayed on the above-described belongings list screen 2000. In the example shown in FIG. 13, as an example, device information of a device with a device ID of "2398023" is displayed. The displayed device information may include, for example, information acquired by the user terminal 20 from the device information management server 10. Specifically, the user terminal 20 transmits a request including a device ID to the device information management server 10, and the device information management server 10 that has received the request acquires predetermined device information associated therewith based on the device ID from the device information DB 123 and then transmits it to the user terminal 20, and the user terminal 20 may display the device information received from the device information management server 10.

[0089] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the device information screen 3000 includes various device information 3001, device status information 3002, and additional information 3003 such as text and content. In this way, the device information screen 3000 enables viewing not only fixed information such as device IDs and product names but also additional information 3003 such as text and content.

[0090] The device information screen 3000 may include, as information registered in the device information DB 123 by the administrator of the device information management server 10, for example, version update information of programs executed on the device and recall information of the device.

[0091] The various device information displayed on the device information screen 3000 may be configured to be updatable by the user (including updating existing information and adding new registration information for unregistered items).

[0092] (S302) Next, the input reception unit 213 of the user terminal 20 receives an input for updating device information from the user on the device information screen 3000 shown in FIG. 13, for example. The user may update the device status information to "stolen" when noticing theft, for example. Also, the user may update it with content stored in the storage unit 220 of the user terminal 20 as additional information, for example. Further, the user may update the text as additional information, for example.

[0093] (S303) Next, the transmission unit 211 of the user terminal 20 transmits a device information update request to the device information management server 10. At this time, the transmission unit 211 includes the security code stored in the storage unit 220 in the device information update request. The reception unit 112 of the device information management server 10 receives the device information update request from the user terminal 20.

[0094] (S304) Next, the determination unit 115 of the device information management server 10 determines whether the security code (an example of the second security code) included in the device information update request corresponds to the security code (an example of the first security code) included in the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the security code included in the device information registration request does not correspond to the security code included in the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120 (S304; No), the process proceeds to step S306.

[0095] (S305) As a result of the determination in step S304, if it is determined that the security code included in the device information update request corresponds to the security code included in the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120 (S304; Yes), the DB management unit 113 of the device information management server 10 updates the device information included in the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120 with the device information received from the user terminal 20.

[0096] (S306) Next, the transmission unit 111 of the device information management server 10 transmits a predetermined notification to the user terminal 20. As a result of the determination in step S304, if it is determined that the security code included in the device status information registration request does not correspond to the security code included in the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120 (S304; No), the predetermined notification may include an error message indicating that the device information cannot be updated. On the other hand, if the device information included in the device information DB 123 is updated in step S305, the predetermined notification may include a message indicating that the update of the device information has been completed. Thus, the operation sequence regarding the browsing and update of the device information ends.

[0097] (4-4) Inquiry of device status information FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence regarding the inquiry of device status information by the device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The operation sequence may be executed, for example, when an arbitrary bringer brings a device into a store for the purpose of reselling or the like, in order to check the device status information of the device. The seller using the seller terminal 30 shown in FIG. 14 is assumed to be a seller different from the seller using the seller terminal 30 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, that is, the seller who sold the device to a legitimate user. Also, the user using the user terminal 20 shown in FIG. 14 is assumed to be a user who has legally purchased the brought-in device in the past (different from the above bringer).

[0098] (S401) First, the seller terminal 30 acquires the device ID of the device brought in by the bringer in response to an operation by the seller. Specifically, for example, when the device ID is stored in the memory inside the device, the receiving unit 312 of the seller terminal 30 may acquire the device ID by performing communication such as short-range wireless communication with the device. Also, for example, when a two-dimensional code or the like for acquiring the device ID is attached to the device, when the seller points the camera of the seller terminal 30 at the two-dimensional code, the reading unit 314 of the seller terminal 30 may acquire the device ID by reading the two-dimensional code. Also, for example, when the device ID is printed (stamped, etc.) on the device body or when the device ID is described in the warranty, the input reception unit 313 of the seller terminal 30 may acquire the user ID by receiving the input of the device ID to the input device by the seller.

[0099] (S402) Next, the transmission unit 311 of the seller terminal 30 transmits an inquiry request for device status information to the device information management server 10. The inquiry request includes, for example, the device ID input in step S401. The receiving unit 112 of the device information management server 10 receives the inquiry request for device status information from the seller terminal 30.

[0100] (S403) Next, the DB management unit 113 of the device information management server 10 acquires the device status information associated with the device ID included in the query request received in step S402 from the device information DB 123 stored in the storage unit 120.

[0101] (S404) Next, the transmission unit 111 of the device information management server 10 transmits the acquired device status information to the seller terminal 30. The reception unit 312 of the seller terminal 30 receives the device status information from the device information management server 10.

[0102] (S405) Next, the output control unit 315 of the seller terminal 30 causes the display device to display the device status information.

[0103] FIG. 15 is an example of a device status query screen 4000 according to the present embodiment. The device status query screen 4000 is a screen for querying the device status, and includes the device status information acquired from the device information management server 10, similar to the device information screen 3000 shown in FIG. 13. The device status query screen 4000 shown in FIG. 15 is, for example, a display screen of the device status information displayed in step S305 of the operation sequence shown in FIG. 10 when "theft" is registered as the device status information. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the device status information 4001 included in the device status query screen 4000 includes text indicating that the device has been stolen, "theft". Thereby, the seller can grasp that the device brought into the store has been stolen.

[0104] (S406) When the device status displayed on the seller terminal 30 indicates that the device has been stolen, for example, the seller can input a reporting request to the seller terminal 30. At this time, the input reception unit 313 of the seller terminal 30 receives the input of the reporting request.

[0105] (S407) The transmitter 311 of the seller terminal 30 transmits a reporting request to the device information management server 10. The reporting request includes, for example, the device ID acquired in step S101. The receiver 112 of the device information management server 10 receives the reporting request from the seller terminal 30.

[0106] (S408) Next, after identifying the user ID associated with the device ID included in the reporting request in the device information DB 123, the transmitter 111 of the device information management server 10 transmits a predetermined report to the user terminal 20 related to the identified user ID. The report may include a message indicating that the stolen device has been found. Further, the report may include information about the seller terminal 30 that sent the reporting request (for example, the location information of the store, etc.). The receiver 212 of the user terminal 20 receives the report from the device information management server 10.

[0107] (S409) Next, the output control unit 215 of the user terminal 20 causes the display device to display the report received from the device information management server 10. As a result, a message indicating that the stolen device has been found and information about the seller terminal 30 that sent the reporting request (for example, the location information of the store, etc.) are displayed on the user terminal 20. Thereby, for example, the user can grasp the fact that the stolen device has been found and the location of the store where it was found. Thus, the operation sequence regarding the inquiry of the device status information ends.

[0108] Note that the object of the inquiry in the operation sequence shown in FIG. 14 is the device status information, but not limited to this. The device information management system 1 according to the present embodiment may be able to inquire about any device information registered in the device information DB 123 or the like. Further, the inquiry of the device information may be executable not only by any seller terminal 30 but also by any user terminal 20.

[0109] As described above, in the above-described embodiment, after the device state information received from the information processing device used by the user of the device is stored in the storage unit in association with the device identification information, in response to a query request for the device state information from an arbitrary information processing device, the device state information is transmitted to the arbitrary information processing device. As a result, information regarding the state of the device is shared with persons other than the user of the device, so that it is possible to deter theft of the device.

[0110] The embodiments described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting and interpreting the present invention. Each element included in the embodiments is not limited to what is exemplified and can be changed as appropriate. Also, it is possible to partially replace or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments. Further, the order of each step of the above-described operation sequences is merely an example, and each step may be executed in an arbitrary order and selectively.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0111] 1... Device information management system, 10... Device information management server, 110... Control unit, 111... Transmission unit, 112... Reception unit, 113... DB management unit, 114... Security code issuance unit, 115... Determination unit, 120... Storage unit, 121... Program, 122... User information DB, 123... Device information DB, 20... User terminal, 210... Control unit, 211... Transmission unit, 212... Reception unit, 213... Input reception unit, 214... Reading unit, 215... Output control unit, 220... Storage unit, 221... Program, 222... Security code, 30... Seller terminal, 310... Control unit, 311... Transmission unit, 312... Reception unit, 313... Input reception unit, 314... Reading unit, 315... Output control unit, 320... Storage unit, 321... Program

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus that manages a storage unit for storing information about a device, receiving, from another information processing apparatus used by a user of the device, device identification information for identifying the device and device status information regarding the status of the device; storing the device status information in the storage unit in association with the device identification information; receiving, from any other information processing apparatus, a query request for the device status information; acquiring the device status information from the storage unit in response to the query request; transmitting the device status information to the any other information processing apparatus; receiving, from the other information processing apparatus used by the user of the device, an update request for the device status information; updating the device status information stored in the storage unit based on the update request; storing a first security code in the storage unit in association with at least one of the device identification information and the device status information; determining whether a second security code included in the update request received from the other information processing apparatus used by the user of the device corresponds to the first security code, wherein the step of updating the device status information stored in the storage unit based on the update request is not executed when it is determined that the second security code does not correspond to the first security code. An information processing method.

2. The information processing apparatus further receiving, from the other information processing apparatus used by the user of the device, user identification information for identifying the user; storing the user identification information in the storage unit in association with at least one of the device identification information and the device status information. The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. The information processing apparatus further receiving, from another information processing apparatus used by a seller of the device, a security code issuance request; issuing the first security code in response to the security code issuance request; transmitting the first security code to the other information processing apparatus used by the seller of the device. The information processing method according to claim 1.

4. ​ The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device state information includes theft information indicating that the device has been stolen.

5. The information processing apparatus further receiving, from the other information processing apparatus used by the user, the device identification information and additional information related to the device; storing the additional information in the storage unit in association with the device identification information; and executing the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In an information processing apparatus that manages a storage unit for storing device information, receiving, from another information processing apparatus used by the user of the device, device identification information for identifying the device and device state information related to the state of the device; storing the device state information in the storage unit in association with the device identification information; receiving a query request for the device state information from an arbitrary other information processing apparatus; acquiring the device state information from the storage unit in response to the query request; transmitting the device state information to the arbitrary other information processing apparatus; receiving an update request for the device state information from another information processing apparatus used by the user of the device; updating the device state information stored in the storage unit based on the update request; storing a first security code in the storage unit in association with at least one of the device identification information and the device state information; a program for executing a step of determining whether a second security code included in the update request received from another information processing apparatus used by the user of the device corresponds to the first security code, wherein the step of updating the device state information stored in the storage unit based on the update request is not executed when it is determined that the second security code does not correspond to the first security code.

7. An information processing apparatus for managing a storage unit for storing device information, a first receiving unit that receives, from another information processing apparatus used by the user of the device, device identification information for identifying the device and device state information related to the state of the device; a registration unit that stores the device state information in the storage unit in association with the device identification information; A second receiving unit that receives an inquiry request for the device status information from any other information processing device; An acquisition unit that acquires the device status information from the storage unit in response to the inquiry request; A transmission unit that transmits the device status information to the any other information processing device; A third receiving unit that receives an update request for the device status information from the other information processing device used by the user of the device; An update unit that updates the device status information stored in the storage unit based on the update request; A registration unit that stores the first security code in the storage unit in association with at least one of the device identification information and the device status information; An information processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines whether a second security code included in the update request received from the other information processing device used by the user of the device corresponds to the first security code; The update unit does not execute updating the device status information stored in the storage unit based on the update request when it is determined that the second security code does not correspond to the first security code.

8. A device information management system including a first information processing device that manages a storage unit that stores device information, and a second information processing device used by a user of the device, The second information processing device, A first acquisition unit that acquires device identification information for identifying the device; A second acquisition unit that acquires device status information regarding the status of the device; A transmission unit that transmits a registration request for the device status information including the device identification information to the first information processing device; A second transmission unit that transmits an update request for the device status information to the first information processing device, The first information processing device, A receiving unit that receives the registration request for the device status information including the device identification information from the second information processing device; A registration unit that stores the device status information in the storage unit in association with the device identification information; A second receiving unit that receives an update request for the device status information from the second information processing device; An update unit that updates the device status information stored in the storage unit based on the update request; A second registration unit that stores the first security code in the storage unit in association with at least one of the device identification information and the device status information; A device information management system comprising: a determination unit that determines whether a second security code included in the update request received from the second information processing device used by the user of the device corresponds to the first security code. The device information management system, wherein the update unit does not execute updating the device status information stored in the storage unit based on the update request when it is determined that the second security code does not correspond to the first security code.

Images