Information processing system and server device

Abstract

To provide an information processing system that allows unregistered users to use a service when a predetermined condition is satisfied.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a server device 20 that provides a service via a communication network N; and an electronic device 10 that is connected to the server device 20 via the communication network N and performs transmission / reception of data to / from the server device 20. The electronic device 10 includes: an operation unit 12: a communication unit 14 that transmits first information to the server device 20 based on a user's operation to the operation unit 12; and an output unit 13 that outputs identification information that is necessary for accessing a service of the server device 20 from a communication terminal device 110 that is operated by the user. The server device 20 permits, when receiving the first information from the communication unit 14, an access to the service based on the identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and a server device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a monitoring system as an information processing system. This monitoring system includes a monitoring server and multiple adapter devices arranged on a network. The adapter devices acquire information about the usage status of commercial power sources in a home and transmit the acquired information to the monitoring server. Users of the monitoring system log in to the monitoring server using registered account information and use services provided by the monitoring server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-162465 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that only registered users can use the service. However, depending on the content of the service, it is desirable that even unregistered users can use the service under certain conditions.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an information processing system that allows even non-registered users to use services if certain conditions are met. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An example information processing system of the present disclosure includes a server device (20) that provides services via a communication network (N), and an electronic device (10) that is connected to the server device (20) via the communication network (N) and transmits and receives data to and from the server device (20), the electronic device (10) having an operation unit (12) that can be operated by a user, a communication unit (14) that transmits first information to the server device (20) based on the user's operation on the operation unit (12), and an output unit (13) that outputs identification information required to access a service of the server device (20) from a communication terminal device (110) operated by the user, and the server device (20) allows access to the service based on the identification information when it receives the first information from the communication unit (14).

[0007] In such an information processing system 1, first information is transmitted from the electronic device 10 to the server device 20 when a user operates the operation unit 12 of the electronic device 10. The server device 20, which receives the first information, permits access to the service based on the identification information, so that the user can use the service by accessing the service of the server device 20 with the communication terminal device 110 based on the identification information output on the output unit 13 of the electronic device 10. Therefore, even if a user is not a registered user, the user can use the service if certain conditions (operation of the operation unit 12) are met.

[0008] In one example, the server device (20) may, upon receiving the first information from the communication unit (14), transmit second information including an authorization code permitting access to the service to the electronic device (10), and the electronic device (10), upon receiving the second information, output identification information generated to include the authorization code to the output unit (13). In this configuration, the server device (20) transmits the second information in response to the first information transmitted from the electronic device (10), and the identification information is generated to include the authorization code contained in the transmitted second information, thereby preventing errors in access to the service based on the identification information.

[0009] In one example, the server device 20 may manage the expiration date of access to the service based on the identification information by linking the authorization code, so that the user can access the service only for a certain period of time after the identification information is generated.

[0010] In one example, the operating unit 12 may be operated based on direct or indirect contact by a user, which limits access for users who are far enough away from the electronic device 10 that they cannot touch it.

[0011] As an example, the output unit 13 may output a two-dimensional code as the identification information. In this configuration, the service can be easily accessed by using a communication terminal device 110 that can read the two-dimensional code.

[0012] An example of the electronic device 10 may include a data input unit 11 to which detection data acquired by a sensor 31 is input, a communication unit 14 to transmit the detection data to a server device 20, and the services of the server device 20 may include a viewing service for the received detection data. In this configuration, a user operating the electronic device 10 can view data based on the detection data acquired by the electronic device 10.

[0013] In one example, the server device 20 may provide services for registered users that are authorized for access based on the account information of the registered users. In this configuration, registered users can access the services at any time based on their account information, and non-registered users can access the services when they operate the electronic device 10.

[0014] An example server device is a server device that provides a service to a communication terminal device (110) via a communication network (N), and includes: a data acquisition unit (21) that acquires data from an electronic device (10) connected via the communication network (N); and a management unit (23) that, when receiving first information transmitted from the electronic device (10) in response to a user operation on the electronic device (10), permits the communication terminal device (110) to access the service based on identification information required to access the service output from an output unit (13) of the electronic device (10). [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing system that allows even non-registered users to use services when certain conditions are met. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an example. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of an electronic device according to an example. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation flow of an information processing system according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of an example of an electronic device 10 included in the information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 includes the electronic device 10 and a server device 20. The electronic device 10 and the server device 20 are connected to a communication network N. The communication network N is, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet, but may also be a local area network. Furthermore, the communication network N may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of a wired network and a wireless network.

[0019] The electronic device 10 is connected to a server device 20 via a communication network N, and transmits and receives data to and from the server device 20. As an example, the electronic device 10 may be a monitoring device that transmits detection data acquired by various sensors 31 connected to a pump device 30 to the server device 20. In this case, the electronic device 10 and the pump device 30 may be in one-to-one correspondence.

[0020] The electronic device 10 includes a data input unit 11, an operation unit 12, a communication unit 14, and an output unit 13. The data input unit 11 is a unit to which data is input from an external device connected to the electronic device 10. For example, detected data acquired by various sensors 31 connected to the electronic device 10 is input to the data input unit 11. In the example of FIG. 1, sensors 31 such as a temperature sensor and a water leak sensor provided in a pump device 30 serving as an external device are connected to the electronic device 10. Information regarding operational control of the pump device 30 may also be input to the data input unit 11. For example, control information for the pump device 30 may be input to the data input unit 11 from a control device that controls the operation of the pump device 30. The control information for the pump device 30 may include an operation history. One example of the data input unit 11 includes an input port 11a for connecting output lines of the various sensors 31 and a signal line from a control device of the pump device 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0021] The operation unit 12 is a part that accepts operations by the user 100. For example, the operation unit 12 is operated based on direct or indirect contact by the user 100. An example of the operation unit 12 includes a touch screen 12a provided in the electronic device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the example of the touch screen 12a is provided on the top surface of a housing that constitutes the electronic device 10. The user 100 can instruct the content of an operation by touching the touch screen 12a. In the example of the electronic device 10, when the user 100 touches the touch screen 12a, a message indicating a predetermined operation that the user 100 can select is displayed on the touch screen 12a.

[0022] The communication unit 14 transmits first information to the server device 20 based on an operation by the user 100 on the operation unit 12. For example, the first information may be information for the user 100 to request permission to access the server device 20. In this example, the first information is application information for requesting permission to temporarily access the server device 20. The application information includes, for example, a unique identifier of the electronic device 10. The unique identifier may be, for example, an individual identification number. In one example, the communication unit 14 is configured to include a communication device built into the electronic device 10. The communication device is, for example, a wireless communication device, and is connected to a network device such as a wireless router connected to the communication network N. The network device may be wirelessly connected to a mobile communication network that constitutes the communication network N, or may be wired to the communication network N. The communication unit 14 also plays a role in transmitting data input to the data input unit 11 to the server device 20.

[0023] The output unit 13 outputs identification information required for accessing the service of the server device 20 from the communication terminal device 110 operated by the user 100. In one example, the communication terminal device 110 is a device operated by the user 100, and has a function of connecting to a communication network N via, for example, a base station and performing wireless communication. For example, the communication terminal device 110 may be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The communication terminal device 110 may be configured to include hardware such as a processor, a storage device, a communication module, an input / output device, a camera, a speaker, etc.

[0024] The output unit 13 includes a touch screen 12a provided on the electronic device 10. That is, in one example of the electronic device 10, the operation unit 12 and the output unit 13 are configured by the touch screen 12a. The user 100 can temporarily use the service by accessing the server device 20 based on the identification information output on the touch screen 12a. The identification information may be configured to be readable by the communication terminal device 110 of the user 100. One example of the identification information may be a two-dimensional code including information for accessing the server device 20. The two-dimensional code may be a so-called QR code (registered trademark). The identification information includes address information for connecting to the URL of the service provided by the server device 20. The identification information also includes data indicating a unique identifier of the electronic device 10 and an authorization code.

[0025] The user 100 can access the URL of the service provided by the server device 20 by reading the QR code (an example of identification information) output on the touch screen 12a with the camera of a smartphone (an example of a communication terminal device 110). In this case, the QR code may include information in which the unique identifier of the electronic device 10 and an authorization code are added to the URL as a query string.

[0026] The electronic device 10 has a computer including a processor, a storage device, etc., within its housing, and the functions of the data input unit 11, the operation unit 12, the output unit 13, and the communication unit 14 are controlled by the computer. The unique identifier of the electronic device 10 may be stored in, for example, the storage device. As shown in Fig. 2, the electronic device 10 also includes a power supply 19 that functions as a main power supply, and an external connection terminal 18 for connecting to the built-in computer.

[0027] The server device 20 is configured by a computer including a processor, a storage device, an input / output interface, a communication interface, etc. The server device 20 is connected to a communication network N. The server device 20 transmits and receives data to and from the electronic device 10, and provides services in response to requests from the communication terminal device 110 of the user 100.

[0028] The server device 20 has, as functional units, a data acquisition unit 21, a service providing unit 22, and a management unit 23. The data acquisition unit 21 acquires various data transmitted from the electronic device 10. For example, the data acquisition unit 21 acquires detection data acquired by various sensors 31 connected to the electronic device 10. The data acquisition unit 21 also acquires data indicating the operation history of the pump device 30. These various data may be transmitted from the electronic device 10 to the data acquisition unit 21 in real time. Alternatively, the various data may be transmitted from the electronic device 10 to the data acquisition unit 21 at regular time intervals (for example, every five minutes).

[0029] The service providing unit 22 manages the services provided to the user 100 by the server device 20. For example, the service providing unit 22 provides data that is the subject of the service in response to a request from the communication terminal device 110 of the authenticated user 100. The services provided by the service providing unit 22 may include a temporary use service and a service for registered users. The temporary use service may be, for example, a service for viewing the history of detection data transmitted from the electronic device 10. The service for registered users is a service provided to users who have been registered in advance in the server device 20. Authentication of registered users may be managed by account information and a password. The service for registered users may provide a service for viewing information related to the operation control of the pump device 30 in addition to a service for viewing the history of detection data.

[0030] The management unit 23 manages authorization codes issued to users 100 who use the temporary use service. For example, the management unit 23 may acquire first information transmitted from the communication unit 14 of the electronic device 10. As described above, the first information is application information for requesting temporary access permission for the user 100, and includes a unique identifier of the electronic device 10. Upon acquiring the first information, the management unit 23 generates an authorization code that permits the service providing unit 22 to access the temporary use service, and transmits second information including the generated authorization code to the electronic device 10.

[0031] Furthermore, the management unit 23 manages the unique identifier of the electronic device 10 and the expiration date of the authorization code, linking them to the generated authorization code. That is, the management unit 23 manages the expiration date of access to the service based on the identification information including the authorization code, linking them to the generated authorization code. For example, the management unit 23 may have a database 24 that registers the unique identifier and the generated authorization code, linking them to each other. In this case, the management unit 23 registers the generated authorization code in the database 24 and deletes from the database 24 any authorization code that has been generated for a predetermined time. When a temporary use service is accessed based on the identification information, the service providing unit 22 determines whether the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code included in the identification information is stored in the database 24, and permits use of the temporary use service if the combination is validly stored in the database 24.

[0032] Next, a series of operations when a temporary use service is provided in the information processing system 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the information processing system 1. When a user (worker) 100 uses the temporary use service, first, the user 100 operates the operation unit 12 of the electronic device 10 to perform an identification information display operation (step S1). For example, the user 100 touches the touch screen 12a of the electronic device 10 to operate the touch screen 12a as the operation unit 12. In one example, the touch by the user 100 displays on the touch screen 12a a character string saying "Do you want to apply for temporary use?" along with options of "Yes" and "No."

[0033] When the user 100 selects "Yes," first information is transmitted from the electronic device 10 to the server device 20 (step S2). As described above, the first information is information for requesting temporary use of the service from the server device 20, and includes the unique identifier of the electronic device 10. Note that when the user 100 selects "No," the touch screen 12a returns to the standby state.

[0034] Upon acquiring the first information, the server device 20 generates an authorization code based on the first information (step S3). The server device 20 then links the generated authorization code to the unique identifier included in the first information and registers it in the database 24. The server device 20 also sets an expiration date for the authorization code. For example, the server device 20 links the authorization code to the expiration date for deleting the authorization code and the unique identifier from the database 24 and registers it in the database 24. The expiration date may be set uniformly in advance, or may be set in advance for each electronic device 10. As an example, the expiration date may be one hour from the time the authorization code is issued.

[0035] Next, the server device 20 transmits second information including the generated authorization code to the electronic device 10 (step S4). The electronic device 10 generates a QR code, which serves as identification information when accessing the temporary use service, based on the acquired authorization code. Then, the electronic device 10 displays the generated QR code on the touch screen 12a (step S5). That is, when the user 100 selects and taps "Yes" on the touch screen 12a, the QR code is displayed on the touch screen 12a.

[0036] The user 100 uses the camera function of the communication terminal device 110 (e.g., a smartphone) that he or she owns to read the QR code displayed on the touch screen 12a (step S6). As a result, the communication terminal device 110 acquires URL information providing the temporary use service, information on the unique identifier of the electronic device 10 that is the target of the service, and information on the authorization code. Next, the user 100 accesses the temporary use service using a web browser provided in the communication terminal device 110 based on the acquired URL information, information on the unique identifier, and information on the authorization code (step S7).

[0037] When the communication terminal device 110 accesses the URL of the temporary use service, the server device 20 acquires the unique identifier and authorization code included in the identification information used for the access, and determines whether the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code is valid (step S8). For example, the server device 20 determines whether the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code is valid and exists in the database 24. If the result of the determination shows that the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code exists in the database 24, the server device 20 provides the temporary use service to the connected communication terminal device 110 (step S9). That is, the user 100 can use the temporary use service through the communication terminal device 110 (step S10).

[0038] When a predetermined time corresponding to the expiration date has elapsed since the generation of the authorization code, the server device 20 deletes the information on the unique identifier and authorization code registered in the database 24 (step S11). Note that in step S11, it is sufficient if the information on the unique identifier and authorization code is substantially deleted. That is, the information on the unique identifier and authorization code may actually be deleted from the database 24, or additional information indicating the deletion may be registered in the database 24, thereby denying the validity of the authorization code.

[0039] If the user 100 accesses the temporary use service from the communication terminal device 110 after the unique identifier and authorization code have been deleted (step S12), the server device 20 determines the validity of the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code included in the identification information used for the access (step S13), as in step S8. In this case, the server device 20 determines that the combination of the unique identifier and authorization code is invalid. Therefore, the application for the temporary use service by the communication terminal device 110 is not permitted. If the temporary use service was in use, further use is disabled.

[0040] As described above, an example information processing system 1 includes a server device 20 that provides services via a communication network N, and an electronic device 10 that is connected to the server device 20 via the communication network N and transmits and receives data to and from the server device 20. The electronic device 10 has an operation unit 12 that can be operated by a user 100, a communication unit 14 that transmits first information to the server device 20 based on the user's operation on the operation unit 12, and an output unit 13 that outputs identification information required to access the service of the server device 20 from a communication terminal device 110 operated by the user 100. When the server device 20 receives the first information from the communication unit 14, it allows access to the service based on the identification information.

[0041] In such an information processing system 1, the user 100 operates the operation unit 12 of the electronic device 10, whereby first information is transmitted from the electronic device 10 to the server device 20. The server device 20, which has received the first information, permits access to the service based on the identification information, and the user 100 can use the service by accessing the service of the server device 20 with the communication terminal device 110 based on the identification information output to the output unit 13 of the electronic device 10. Therefore, even if the user is not a registered user, the user can use the service if certain conditions (operation of the operation unit 12) are met.

[0042] In one example, when the server device 20 receives the first information from the communication unit 14, it transmits second information including an authorization code that permits access to the service to the electronic device 10, and when the electronic device 10 receives the second information, it outputs identification information that is generated to include the authorization code to the output unit 13. In this configuration, the server device 20 transmits the second information in response to the first information transmitted from the electronic device 10, and the identification information is generated to include the authorization code contained in the transmitted second information, thereby preventing errors in access to the service based on the identification information.

[0043] In one example, the server device 20 may manage the expiration date of access to the service based on the identification information by linking the authorization code to the identification information. In this configuration, the user 100 can access the service only for a certain period of time after the identification information is generated.

[0044] The operation unit 12, as an example, may be operated based on direct or indirect contact by the user 100. In this configuration, access by the user 100 who is far enough away from the electronic device 10 that he or she cannot touch the electronic device 10 is restricted.

[0045] As an example, the output unit 13 may output a two-dimensional code as the identification information. In this configuration, the service can be easily accessed by using a communication terminal device 110 that can read the two-dimensional code.

[0046] In one example, the electronic device 10 has an input port 11a to which detection data acquired by the sensor 31 is input, and the communication unit 14 transmits the detection data to the server device 20, and the services of the server device 20 may include a service for viewing the received detection data. In this configuration, a user 100 who operates the electronic device 10 can view data based on the detection data acquired by the electronic device 10.

[0047] The server device 20 may provide a service for registered users 100, to which access is permitted based on the account information of the registered user 100. In this configuration, registered users can access the service at any time based on their account information, while non-registered users can access the service when they operate the electronic device 10. For example, a business operator who performs maintenance and inspection of the pump device 30 can temporarily use the service of the server device 20 while they are near the electronic device 10, without having to become a registered user. On the other hand, the owner of the pump device 30 can become a registered user and use the service at any time, even if they are not near the electronic device 10.

[0048] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific forms of the present invention are not limited to the above examples.

[0049] For example, a monitoring device that monitors the pump device 30 has been exemplified as the electronic device 10, but the electronic device 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is a so-called IoT device and is a device that can be connected to the server device 20 via the communication network N.

[0050] Furthermore, while the touch screen 12a functioning as the operation unit 12 and the output unit 13 has been exemplified, the specific configurations of the operation unit 12 and the output unit 13 are not limited thereto. The operation unit 12 may be in any form operable by the user 100 around the electronic device 10, and may be, for example, a switch or the like provided on the electronic device 10. Note that the operation unit 12 does not necessarily need to be operated based on contact by the user, and may be, for example, a non-contact switch, operable based on an action involving a physical action on the operation unit 12 by a user in the vicinity of the operation unit 12. Furthermore, the output unit 13 may be capable of outputting identification information to the user 100 or a communication terminal device 110 owned by the user 100. For example, the output unit 13 may be a display or the like if the identification information is output as an image, or may be a transmission device or the like if the identification information is output as a signal.

[0051] Although the example in which the authorization code is generated by the server device 20 has been described, the authorization code may also be generated by the electronic device 10. For example, when the electronic device 10 is operated by the user 100, the electronic device 10 may generate an authorization code and transmit the generated authorization code together with a unique identifier to the server device 20, whereby the authorization code and the unique identifier may be registered in the database 24 by the server device 20. In this case, the electronic device 10 may generate identification information to include the stored unique identifier and the generated authorization code. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1...information processing system, 10...electronic device, 11...data input section, 12...operation section, 13...output section, 14...communication section, 20...server device, 21...data acquisition section, 22...service providing section, 23...management section, 24...database, 31...sensor, 100...user, 110...communication terminal device, N...communication network.

Claims

1. a server device (20) that provides a service via a communication network (N); an electronic device (10) connected to the server device (20) via a communication network (N) and transmitting and receiving data to and from the server device (20); The electronic device (10) an operation unit (12) operable by a user; a communication unit (14) that transmits first information to the server device (20) based on a user's operation on the operation unit (12); an output unit (13) that outputs identification information required to access the service of the server device (20) from a communication terminal device (110) operated by a user, When the server device (20) receives the first information from the communication unit (14), it permits access to the service based on the identification information; The electronic device (10) further includes a data input unit (11) to which detection data acquired by the sensor (31) is input; The communication unit (14) transmits the detection data to the server device (20), The service of the server device (20) includes a browsing service for the received detection data.

2. When the server device (20) receives the first information from the communication unit (14), it transmits second information including an authorization code that authorizes access to the service to the electronic device (10); 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device (10) outputs the identification information generated to include the authorization code to the output unit (13) when the electronic device (10) receives the second information.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the server device (20) manages an expiration date of access to the service based on the identification information in association with the authorization code.

4. 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit (12) is operated based on direct or indirect contact by a user.

5. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output unit (13) outputs a two-dimensional code as the identification information.

6. 6. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the server device (20) provides services for registered users to which access is permitted based on account information of the registered users.

7. A server device that provides a service to a communication terminal device (110) via a communication network (N), a data acquisition unit (21) that acquires data from an electronic device (10) connected via a communication network (N); a management unit (23) that, when receiving first information transmitted from the electronic device (10) in response to a user operation on the electronic device (10), permits the communication terminal device (110) to access the service based on identification information required to access the service output from an output unit (13) of the electronic device (10); The electronic device (10) has a data input unit (11) to which detection data acquired by a sensor (31) is input, and is configured to transmit the detection data to the data acquisition unit (21); The service includes a server device for viewing the detection data received from the electronic device (10).

Images