Information terminal, server system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To make it possible to connect to a communication network even if communication with the communication network outside a facility via a predetermined communication device is stopped.SOLUTION: An information terminal 10 is provided in an apartment complex 100 (facility) and includes a first communication unit 11 and a second communication unit 12. The first communication unit 11 connects to a communication network 50 outside the housing complex 100. The second communication unit 12 communicates with a mobile terminal 20. When communication of the first communication unit 11 via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router) is stopped, the second communication unit 12 outputs, to the mobile terminal 20, communication information for connecting the first communication unit 11 to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information terminal, a server system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an intercom system used in apartment buildings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-38817 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an information terminal or the like that can connect to a communication network even when communication with a communication network outside a facility via a predetermined communication device is stopped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information terminal according to one aspect of the present invention is provided in a facility and includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit. The first communication unit connects to a communication network outside the facility. The second communication unit communicates with a mobile terminal. When communication of the first communication unit via a predetermined communication device is stopped, the second communication unit outputs communication information to the mobile terminal for connecting the first communication unit to the communication network via the mobile terminal.

[0006] A server system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit and an information processing unit. The communication unit communicates with an information terminal provided in a facility, the information terminal including a first communication unit connected to a communication network outside the facility and a second communication unit communicating with a mobile terminal via the mobile terminal and the communication network when communication via the first communication unit via a predetermined communication device is stopped. The information processing unit outputs distribution information from the communication unit to the information terminal via the mobile terminal and the communication network.

[0007] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes a first communication step of connecting to a communication network outside a facility and a second communication step of communicating with a mobile terminal. In the second communication step, when communication in the first communication step via a predetermined communication device is stopped, communication information is output to the mobile terminal in the first communication step to connect to the communication network via the mobile terminal.

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes an acquiring step and a connecting step. The acquiring step acquires communication information from a second communication unit of an information terminal provided in a facility, the second communication unit including a first communication unit connected to a communication network outside the facility and a second communication unit communicating with a mobile terminal, for connecting the first communication unit to the communication network via the mobile terminal when communication by the first communication unit via a predetermined communication device is stopped. The connecting step connects the first communication unit of the information terminal to the communication network based on the communication information.

[0009] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes a communication step and an output step. The communication step includes an information terminal provided in a facility, the information terminal including a first communication unit connected to a communication network outside the facility and a second communication unit communicating with a mobile terminal, and when communication via the first communication unit via a predetermined communication device is stopped, communication is performed via the mobile terminal and the communication network. The output step includes an output step of outputting distribution information to the information terminal via the mobile terminal and the communication network.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The information terminal or the like of the present invention can be connected to a communication network even when communication with a communication network outside the facility via a predetermined communication device is stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including an information terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another overall configuration including an information terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including the information terminal according to the embodiment when communication via a predetermined communication device is stopped. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, step order, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0014] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0015] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration] First, the configuration of an information terminal according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including an information terminal 10 according to an embodiment. The information terminal 10 is a terminal provided in a facility (here, an apartment building 100). The apartment building 100 is an example of a facility or collective facility, and specifically, is an apartment building, a dormitory, company housing, or the like. The apartment building 100 includes a plurality of private areas 101 and a common area 102. An intercom system 30 is provided within the apartment building 100.

[0016] [1-1. Intercom System] First, we will explain the intercom system 30. The intercom system 30 is a system installed in the apartment building 100. The intercom system 30 includes an intercom master unit 31, a lobby intercom 32, a control device 33, and a gateway device 34. The lobby intercom 32, the control device 33, and the gateway device 34 are installed in the common area 102.

[0017] The intercom master unit 31 is an information terminal 10 fixedly installed in the private area 101 of the apartment building 100. In other words, the information terminal 10 is an intercom master unit 31 provided in the private area 101 of the apartment building 100 (multi-unit facility). Although only one intercom master unit 31 is shown in FIG. 1 , the intercom system 30 includes multiple intercom master units 31. The multiple intercom master units 31 are installed in multiple private areas 101, respectively. The intercom master unit 31 performs information processing and the like to enable residents of the private area 101 to communicate with visitors via the lobby intercom 32 or an intercom handset (not shown). The intercom handset is a so-called door phone, and is provided outside the entrance to the private area 101. Although not shown, the intercom master unit 31 includes a user interface consisting of a response button, a display, etc.

[0018] The intercom master unit 31 (information terminal 10) includes a first communication unit 11, a second communication unit 12, an information processing unit 13, and a storage unit 14.

[0019] The first communication unit 11 is connected to a communication network 50 outside the facility (here, the apartment building 100). The first communication unit 11 is a communication module (communication circuit) that communicates with an external system, such as a server system 40 (described later), via the communication network 50. The communication network 50 is, for example, a wide-area communication network such as the Internet.

[0020] Here, the first communication unit 11 connects to the communication network 50 via a predetermined communication device, thereby performing communication via the communication network 50. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the predetermined communication device is a gateway device 34, which will be described later. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the first communication unit 11 connects to the communication network 50 by connecting to the gateway device 34 via the control device 33 using an in-house communication line provided in the intercom system 30.

[0021] 2, the first communication unit 11 may perform communication via the communication network 50 by connecting to the communication network 50 via a wireless router 60. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another overall configuration including the information terminal 10 according to the embodiment.

[0022] The wireless router 60 is provided in the private unit 101 and is a wireless communication device used to connect a communication device in the private unit 101, such as the intercom master unit 31, to the communication network 50. The wireless router 60 performs short-range wireless communication with a communication device, such as the intercom master unit 31, according to a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). A communication device in short-range wireless communication with the wireless router 60 can connect to the communication network 50 via the wireless router 60. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 2 , the predetermined communication device is the wireless router 60. The first communication unit 11 connects to the communication network 50 by performing short-range wireless communication with the wireless router 60 according to a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the predetermined communication device may be a wired router instead of the wireless router 60. In this case, the first communication unit 11 connects to the communication network 50 by performing wired communication with the wired router.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 2, the first communication unit 11 may be connected to the communication network 50 via the control device 33 and the gateway device 34, and may also be connected to the communication network 50 via a wireless router 60.

[0024] The second communication unit 12 communicates with the mobile terminal 20, which will be described later. The second communication unit 12 is a communication module (communication circuit) that performs short-range wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 22 included in the mobile terminal 20 in accordance with a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). Note that the second communication unit 12 may have a wired communication module (communication circuit) that communicates with the mobile terminal 20 via a wired cable, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, by connecting to the mobile terminal 20 using the cable.

[0025] Here, the type of communication of the first communication unit 11 and the type of communication of the second communication unit 12 may be the same as or different from each other. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the first communication unit 11 communicates with the gateway device 34 using an in-house communication line, whereas the second communication unit 12 communicates with the wireless communication unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 by short-range wireless communication. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 1, it can be said that the type of communication of the first communication unit 11 and the type of communication of the second communication unit 12 are different from each other.

[0026] The information processing unit 13 performs processing to realize various functions of the intercom master unit 31. The information processing unit 13 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 13 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 13 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 14.

[0027] The storage unit 14 is a storage device that stores information necessary for processing executed by the information processing unit 13. The information stored in the storage unit 14 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 13. The storage unit 14 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0028] The lobby intercom 32 is a device installed outside (on the outdoor side) of the auto-locking door (not shown) at the entrance of the apartment complex 100 (i.e., the common area 102). The lobby intercom 32 controls, for example, the auto-locking door. The lobby intercom 32 has a user interface consisting of a numeric keypad, a call button, a display, etc. A visitor to the apartment complex 100 can speak to a resident and request that the auto-locking door be unlocked by entering the room number (sometimes called a dwelling unit number, etc.) of the person they are visiting using the numeric keypad provided on the lobby intercom 32.

[0029] The control device 33 is a device that controls devices installed in the apartment building 100 and controls communication between devices installed in the apartment building 100 (for example, communication between the intercom master unit 31 and the lobby intercom 32). The control device 33 can also communicate with a delivery locker (not shown) via a local communication network.

[0030] The gateway device 34 is a communication device that enables devices installed in the apartment building 100, such as the intercom master unit 31 or the control device 33, to communicate with the server system 40 (external system) via the communication network 50.

[0031] Here, in the embodiment, the intercom master unit 31 (information terminal 10) is connected to an emergency power supply 35. The emergency power supply 35 is a backup power supply, and supplies power to the intercom master unit 31 even when the power supply from the system power supply to the intercom master unit 31 is cut off, for example, due to a power outage or the like. As a result, in the embodiment, the intercom master unit 31 can operate even in a situation where the power supply from the system power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like.

[0032] On the other hand, in the embodiment, the predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) is not connected to the emergency power supply 35. Therefore, in the embodiment, in a situation where the power supply from the system power supply to the predetermined communication device is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the predetermined communication device cannot operate. Therefore, in such a situation, the first communication unit 11 of the intercom master unit 31 (information terminal 10) cannot connect to the communication network 50 via the predetermined communication device, and communication via the communication network 50 stops.

[0033] [1-2. Mobile Devices] Next, the mobile terminal 20 will be described. The mobile terminal 20 is a portable information terminal used by a resident. The mobile terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The mobile terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a wireless communication unit 22, an information processing unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

[0034] The communication unit 21 is a communication module (communication circuit) for connecting the mobile terminal 20 to the communication network 50 by wireless communication via a mobile communication network. The mobile communication network is a communication network that uses a wireless communication system such as 4G (4th Generation Mobile Communication System) or 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System).

[0035] The wireless communication unit 22 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the mobile terminal 20 to perform short-range wireless communication with the intercom master unit 31 (information terminal 10). The wireless communication unit 22 performs wireless communication in accordance with, for example, a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or BLE.

[0036] The information processing unit 23 performs processing to realize various functions of the mobile terminal 20. The information processing unit 23 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 23 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 23 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 24.

[0037] The storage unit 24 is a storage device that stores information necessary for the processing executed by the information processing unit 23. The information stored in the storage unit 24 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 23. The computer programs are so-called application programs that are installed in the storage unit 24 in advance by, for example, a resident. The storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0038] [1-3. Server System] Next, the server system 40 will be described. The server system 40 is a system realized by one or more server devices located, for example, outside the apartment complex 100. In the embodiment, the server system 40 is a system operated by a management company of the apartment complex 100, and is used to provide various services to the residents of the apartment complex 100. Note that the operator of the server system 40 is not limited to the management company of the apartment complex 100, and may be another operator. Furthermore, the use of the server system 40 is not limited to the use described above. The server system 40 includes a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a memory unit 43.

[0039] The communication unit 41 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the server system 40 to communicate with the intercom master unit 31, the mobile terminal 20, etc. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0040] The information processing unit 42 performs information processing to realize various functions of the server system 40. The information processing unit 42 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The functions of the information processing unit 42 are realized by hardware such as a microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 43.

[0041] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores information necessary for processing executed by the information processing unit 42. The information stored in the storage unit 43 includes computer programs executed by the information processing unit 42. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), but may also be realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[0042] [2. Operation] The operation of the intercom master unit 31 (information terminal 10) according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0043] [2-1. Overview] First, before describing the operation example of intercom master unit 31, the reason for performing the operation described below will be explained with reference to an intercom master unit of a comparative example. The intercom master unit of the comparative example differs from intercom master unit 31 according to the embodiment in that it does not have the function to execute the operation example described below.

[0044] As already mentioned, a situation in which communication of the first communication unit 11 via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) stops may occur when the operation of the predetermined communication device stops due to a power outage or other reason that cuts off the power supply from the power grid to the predetermined communication device. This situation may also occur when the predetermined communication device stops operating normally due to a malfunction or other reason.

[0045] When such a situation occurs, the intercom master unit of the comparative example cannot connect to communication network 50 until the situation is resolved by recovery work or the like. Therefore, when using the intercom master unit of the comparative example, the resident cannot check distribution information transmitted from, for example, server system 40 (external system) until the situation is resolved, which causes a problem of reduced convenience.

[0046] The distributed information referred to here is information that is acquired by the server system 40 (external system) outside the facility (here, the apartment complex 100) and distributed to facility users (here, residents of the apartment complex 100), and is information that is useful to facility users. For example, if a disaster occurs at the location of the facility, the distributed information includes information for notifying facility users of actions that facility users should take in the event of a disaster, precautions to take, evacuation shelters around the facility, etc. Furthermore, if an abnormality occurs in facility equipment due to a power outage, etc., the distributed information includes information for notifying facility users of the progress of restoration work for the facility equipment, etc.

[0047] Therefore, when the above-mentioned situation occurs, the intercom base unit 31 (information terminal 10) in the embodiment uses the network sharing function (in other words, the tethering function) possessed by the mobile terminal 20 to connect to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20 (i.e., via the mobile communication network).

[0048] 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including the information terminal 10 according to the embodiment when communication via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) is stopped. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the wireless router 60 is not provided in the exclusive unit 101, and the gateway device 34 corresponds to the predetermined communication device.

[0049] 3, if a predetermined communication device stops operating or an abnormality occurs in the operation of the predetermined communication device due to, for example, a power outage or the like, the first communication unit 11 of the intercom master unit 31 (information terminal 10) will be unable to connect to the communication network 50 via the control device 33 and the gateway device 34. On the other hand, even under such circumstances, the mobile terminal 20 can maintain a connection to the communication network 50 via the mobile communication network. Note that even if the power supply from the grid power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a base station constituting part of the mobile communication network can continue to operate for several hours to several days by receiving power from a backup power source.

[0050] Therefore, when communication of the first communication unit 11 via a specified communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) stops, the second communication unit 12 of the intercom base unit 31 (information terminal 10) outputs (transmits) communication information to the mobile terminal 20 for connecting the first communication unit 11 to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20.

[0051] Here, the communication information includes information requesting the mobile terminal 20 to execute a network sharing (in other words, tethering) process. In addition, the communication information further includes authentication information such as a password if the mobile terminal 20 needs to authenticate the intercom master unit 31 (information terminal 10) when executing the process.

[0052] The mobile terminal 20 acquires (receives) communication information from the intercom master unit 31 (information terminal 10) via the wireless communication unit 22 (or a wired communication module if connected via a wired cable). Then, the mobile terminal 20 executes a process to connect the first communication unit 11 of the intercom master unit 31 to the communication network 50 based on the acquired communication information. This allows the first communication unit 11 of the intercom master unit 31 to connect to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network.

[0053] [2-2. Example of operation] Next, a specific example of the operation of the information terminal 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information terminal 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the operation of the intercom master unit 31 (information terminal 10) as well as the operations of the mobile terminal 20, the server system 40 (external system), and another mobile terminal 70 (a specified terminal; see Fig. 3).

[0054] The other mobile terminal 70 referred to here is, for example, a mobile terminal used by a resident other than the resident who uses the mobile terminal 20. Note that the predetermined terminal is not limited to the other mobile terminal 70 used by the other resident, and may be, for example, an information terminal other than the other mobile terminal 70 registered in the server system 40.

[0055] The following description will be given on the assumption that communication of the first communication unit 11 via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) has stopped due to, for example, a power outage.

[0056] First, the intercom master unit 31 detects the stop of communication of the first communication unit 11 via a predetermined communication device (S101). In step S101, the information processing unit 13 of the intercom master unit 31 can detect the stop of communication, for example, when it becomes impossible to send or receive signals via the first communication unit 11.

[0057] Next, the second communication unit 12 of the intercom master unit 31 outputs (transmits) the communication information to the mobile terminal 20 (S102). For example, the second communication unit 12 automatically outputs the communication information to the mobile terminal 20 that has been registered in advance in the storage unit 14.

[0058] In step S102, second communication unit 12 may output communication information in response to an operational input from the resident. For example, when stoppage of communication by first communication unit 11 via a predetermined communication device is detected in step S101, information processing unit 13 of intercom master unit 31 displays on the display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for inquiring of the resident whether or not to request network sharing (in other words, tethering) processing from mobile terminal 20. Then, when the resident performs an operational input to intercom master unit 31 to permit the request for network sharing processing, second communication unit 12 outputs communication information to mobile terminal 20.

[0059] In step S102, the second communication unit 12 may search for a mobile terminal 20 that exists in the vicinity of the intercom master unit 31, for example, and output communication information to the mobile terminal 20 if the mobile terminal 20 is found.

[0060] Next, the wireless communication unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 (or the wired communication module in the case of connection via a wired cable) acquires (receives) the communication information output from the intercom master unit 31 (S103). Then, the information processing unit 23 of the mobile terminal 20 starts the network sharing process based on the acquired communication information (S104). As a result, the first communication unit 11 of the intercom master unit 31 is connected to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network.

[0061] In step S104, the information processing unit 23 of the mobile terminal 20 may start the network sharing process in response to an operational input from the user of the mobile terminal 20. For example, when the wireless communication unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 acquires communication information in step S103, the information processing unit 23 of the mobile terminal 20 displays a GUI on the display to inquire of the user whether or not to start the network sharing process. Then, when the user performs an operational input to the mobile terminal 20 to permit the start of the network sharing process, the information processing unit 23 starts the network sharing process.

[0062] Next, the first communication unit 11 of the intercom master unit 31 outputs status information addressed to the server system 40 (external system) to the mobile terminal 20 (S105). That is, when the first communication unit 11 is connected to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20, it outputs information to the server system 40 via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50. The status information here is information for notifying the server system 40 of a situation occurring in a facility (here, the apartment building 100), such as a power outage, for example.

[0063] In step S105, first communication unit 11 may output the status information automatically when network sharing is started, or may output the status information in response to an operational input from the resident. For example, when network sharing is started in step S104, information processing unit 13 of intercom base unit 31 displays a GUI on the display to inquire of the resident whether or not to output the status information to server system 40. Then, when the resident performs an operational input to intercom base unit 31 to permit output of the status information, first communication unit 11 outputs the status information.

[0064] Next, the wireless communication unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 acquires the status information output from the intercom master unit 31 (S106). Then, the communication unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 outputs the acquired status information to the server system 40 via the mobile communication network and the communication network 50 (S107). As a result, the communication unit 41 of the server system 40 acquires the status information output from the intercom master unit 31 via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50 (S108).

[0065] Next, the communication unit 41 of the server system 40 outputs the distribution information addressed to the intercom master unit 31 to the mobile terminal 20 via the communication network 50 (S109). Then, the communication unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 acquires the distribution information output from the server system 40 via the mobile communication network and the communication network 50 (S110). Then, the wireless communication unit 22 of the mobile terminal 20 outputs the acquired distribution information to the intercom master unit 31 (S111).

[0066] The first communication unit 11 of the intercom master unit 31 acquires the distribution information output from the server system 40 via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50 (S112). Then, the information processing unit 13 of the intercom master unit 31 outputs the distribution information by displaying a GUI showing the content of the distribution information on a display or by outputting the content of the distribution information as audio from a speaker (S113). As a result, even if communication with the communication network 50 via a predetermined communication device is stopped due to a power outage or the like, the resident can check the distribution information via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network, which tends to improve convenience.

[0067] Furthermore, the communication unit 41 of the server system 40 executes step S109 and outputs the distribution information to the other mobile terminal 70 via the communication network 50 (S114). Here, in step S114, the distribution information output by the server system 40 to the other mobile terminal 70 includes the status information acquired from the intercom master unit 31. In this case, when the first communication unit 11 of the intercom master unit 31 is connected to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20, it can be said that the first communication unit 11 outputs (transmits) the status information (information) to the other mobile terminal 70 (predetermined terminal) different from the mobile terminal 20 via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50. Note that if the other mobile terminal 70 is registered in advance in the intercom master unit 31, the first communication unit 11 may output the status information to the other mobile terminal 70 via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50 without going through the server system 40.

[0068] A communication unit (not shown) of the other mobile terminal 70 acquires the distribution information output from the server system 40 via the communication network 50 (S115). Then, an information processing unit (not shown) of the other mobile terminal 70 outputs the distribution information, for example, by displaying a GUI showing the content of the distribution information on a display by push notification or by outputting the content of the distribution information as audio from a speaker (S116). This allows the user of the other mobile terminal 70 to check the status information included in the distribution information and understand a situation, such as when communication with the communication network 50 via a predetermined communication device in the intercom master unit 31 has been stopped due to a power outage or the like.

[0069] As described above, with the information terminal 10 according to the embodiment, even if communication with the communication network 50 outside the facility (the apartment building 100) via a predetermined communication device (the gateway device 34 or the wireless router 60) is interrupted, the information terminal 10 can connect to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network. Therefore, in the embodiment, the user of the information terminal 10 (here, a resident of the apartment building 10) can check distribution information transmitted from, for example, the server system 40 (an external system) even until the communication interruption situation is resolved. Furthermore, the user of the information terminal 10 can notify the server system 40 or a user of a predetermined terminal (here, another resident) of the situation. Thus, in the embodiment, the information terminal 10 can be connected to the communication network 50 even until the situation is resolved, which tends to improve convenience for the user of the information terminal 10.

[0070] [3. Modifications] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, the server system 40 (external system) outputs distribution information to the intercom base unit 31 when it acquires (receives) status information from the intercom base unit 31 (information terminal 10), but this is not limited to this. For example, the server system 40 may output distribution information to the intercom base unit 31 periodically or irregularly, regardless of the acquisition of status information. In this case, the first communication unit 11 of the intercom base unit 31 does not need to output status information to the server system 40.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server system 40 (external system) outputs (transmits) distribution information to other mobile terminals 70 (predetermined terminals), but it is not necessary to output distribution information to other mobile terminals 70.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information terminal is an intercom master unit installed in a private area of ​​an apartment building, but it may also be other equipment installed in an apartment building, such as a lobby intercom.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information terminal is applied to an apartment building, but it may also be applied to facilities other than apartment buildings. For example, the information terminal may be applied to facilities such as offices, factories, research facilities, medical facilities, or accommodation facilities. In this case, the server system (external system) may not be a server system operated by a management company of the apartment building, but may be a server system operated by a management company of the corresponding facility, for example.

[0075] Furthermore, the server system may be realized by multiple devices (e.g., multiple servers) or may be realized as a single device (e.g., a single server). When the server system is realized by multiple devices, the components (especially functional components) of the server system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner.

[0076] For example, the server system 40 according to the embodiment may be divided into a first server system connected to the intercom system 30 and a second server system operated by another business operator and connected to the first server system. In this case, when the communication of the first communication unit 11 via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) stops and the first communication unit 11 is connected to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20, the first communication unit 11 may output information to at least one of the first server system and the second server system.

[0077] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a broadband router, not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0079] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0080] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0081] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0082] For example, the present invention may be realized as an information processing method executed by a computer of an information terminal according to the above-described embodiments, an information processing method executed by a computer of a server system (external system) according to the above-described embodiments, or an information processing method executed by a computer of a mobile terminal according to the above-described embodiments. The present invention may also be realized as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute these information processing methods. Furthermore, the present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0083] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0084] (summary) As described above, the information terminal 10 according to the first aspect is provided in the apartment building 100 (facility), and includes the first communication unit 11 and the second communication unit 12. The first communication unit 11 connects to the communication network 50 outside the apartment building 100. The second communication unit 12 communicates with the mobile terminal 20. When communication of the first communication unit 11 via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) stops, the second communication unit 12 outputs communication information to the mobile terminal 20 for connecting the first communication unit 11 to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20.

[0085] With such an information terminal 10, even if communication with a communication network 50 outside the facility via a specified communication device is stopped, it is possible to connect to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network.

[0086] In addition, in the information terminal 10 according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the information terminal 10 is connected to the emergency power supply 35. A predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) is not connected to the emergency power supply 35. When communication of the first communication unit 11 via the predetermined communication device is stopped due to a power outage, the second communication unit 12 outputs communication information to the mobile terminal 20 for connecting the first communication unit 11 to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20.

[0087] With such an information terminal 10, even if communication with a communication network 50 outside the facility via a specified communication device is stopped due to a power outage, it is possible to connect to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network.

[0088] In addition, in the information terminal 10 according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, when the first communication unit 11 is connected to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20, it outputs information to an external system (server system 40) via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50.

[0089] With such an information terminal 10, even if communication with a communication network 50 outside the facility via a specified communication device is stopped, communication can still be established between the information terminal 10 and an external system via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network.

[0090] In addition, in the information terminal 10 according to the fourth aspect, in any of the first to third aspects, when the first communication unit 11 is connected to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20, it acquires distribution information from an external system (server system 40) via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50.

[0091] With such an information terminal 10, even if communication with the communication network 50 outside the facility via a specified communication device is stopped, distribution information can be obtained via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network, which tends to improve convenience for users of the information terminal 10.

[0092] In addition, in the information terminal 10 according to the fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, when the first communication unit 11 is connected to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20, it outputs information to a predetermined terminal (another mobile terminal 70) different from the mobile terminal 20 via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50.

[0093] With such an information terminal 10, the user of a specified terminal can grasp situations such as when communication with an external communication network 50 via a specified communication device on the information terminal 10 has been stopped due to a power outage or the like.

[0094] In the information terminal 10 according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the type of communication of the first communication unit 11 and the type of communication of the second communication unit 12 are different from each other.

[0095] In such an information terminal 10, even if communication by the first communication unit 11 is stopped, the connection to the communication network 50 can be continued through communication by the second communication unit 12, i.e., communication via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network.

[0096] In addition, in the information terminal 10 according to a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the facility is an apartment building (apartment house 100). The information terminal 10 is an intercom master unit 31 provided in an exclusive area 101 of the apartment building.

[0097] With such an intercom base unit 31, even if communication with a communication network 50 outside the collective facility via a specified communication device is stopped, it is possible to connect to the communication network 50 via a mobile terminal 20 and a mobile communication network.

[0098] Furthermore, a server system 40 according to an eighth aspect includes a communication unit 41 and an information processing unit 42. The communication unit 41 communicates with the information terminal 10 via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50 when communication between the first communication unit 11 and the information terminal 10 via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) is stopped. The information terminal 10 is provided in a facility (apartment building 100), and includes the first communication unit 11 connected to the communication network 50 outside the facility, and the second communication unit 12 that communicates with the mobile terminal 20. The information processing unit 42 causes the communication unit 41 to output distribution information to the information terminal 10 via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50.

[0099] In such a server system 40, even if communication with an external communication network 50 via a specified communication device in the information terminal 10 is stopped, distribution information can be output to the information terminal 10 via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network, which tends to improve convenience for users of the information terminal 10.

[0100] An information processing method according to a ninth aspect is an information processing method executed by a computer of an information terminal 10, and includes a first communication step and a second communication step. The first communication step connects to a communication network 50 outside the facility. The second communication step communicates with a mobile terminal 20. In the second communication step, when communication in the first communication step via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) is stopped, communication information is output to the mobile terminal 20 in the first communication step to connect to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20.

[0101] In this information processing method, even if communication with a communication network 50 outside the facility via a specified communication device is stopped, it is possible to connect to the communication network 50 via a mobile terminal 20 and a mobile communication network.

[0102] An information processing method according to a tenth aspect is an information processing method executed by a computer of the mobile terminal 20, and includes an acquiring step and a connecting step. The acquiring step acquires communication information from the second communication unit 12 of the information terminal 10 for connecting the first communication unit 11 to the communication network 50 via the mobile terminal 20 when communication of the first communication unit 11 via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) stops. The information terminal 10 is provided in a facility (apartment building 100), and includes the first communication unit 11 connected to the communication network 50 outside the facility, and the second communication unit 12 communicating with the mobile terminal 20. The connecting step connects the first communication unit 11 of the information terminal 10 to the communication network 50 based on the communication information.

[0103] In this information processing method, even if communication with a communication network 50 outside the facility via a specified communication device is stopped, it is possible to connect to the communication network 50 via a mobile terminal 20 and a mobile communication network.

[0104] In addition, the information processing method of the 11th aspect further includes a communication step of communicating with an external system (server system 40) via the communication network 50 based on information obtained from the first communication unit 11 of the information terminal 10 in the 10th aspect.

[0105] In such an information processing method, even if communication with a communication network 50 outside the facility via a specified communication device is stopped, communication can be maintained between the information terminal 10 and an external system via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network.

[0106] Furthermore, an information processing method according to a twelfth aspect is an information processing method executed by a computer of the server system 40, and includes a communication step and an output step. In the communication step, when communication between the information terminal 10 and the first communication unit 11 via a predetermined communication device (gateway device 34 or wireless router 60) is stopped, the information terminal 10 communicates via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50. The information terminal 10 is provided in a facility (apartment building 100), and includes the first communication unit 11 connected to the communication network 50 outside the facility, and the second communication unit 12 that communicates with the mobile terminal 20. In the output step, distribution information is output to the information terminal 10 via the mobile terminal 20 and the communication network 50.

[0107] In such an information processing method, even if communication with the communication network 50 outside the facility via a specified communication device in the information terminal 10 is stopped, distribution information can be output to the information terminal 10 via the mobile terminal 20 and the mobile communication network, which tends to improve convenience for users of the information terminal 10.

[0108] A program according to a thirteenth aspect causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of the ninth to twelfth aspects.

[0109] With such a program, even if communication with a communication network 50 outside the facility via a specified communication device is stopped, it is possible to connect to the communication network 50 via a mobile terminal 20 and a mobile communication network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 Information terminals 11 First Communications Department 12 Second Communications Department 20 Mobile devices 31 Intercom base unit 34 Gateway device (prescribed communication device) 35 Emergency power supply 40 Server system (external system) 41 Communications Department 42 Information Processing Department 50 Communication Network 60 Wireless router (prescribed communication device) 70 Other mobile devices (prescribed devices) 100 Apartment complexes (community facilities) 101 Private Area

Claims

1. An information terminal, Located in the facility, a first communication unit that connects to a communication network outside the facility; a second communication unit that communicates with the mobile terminal; the second communication unit outputs, to the mobile terminal, communication information for connecting the first communication unit to the communication network via the mobile terminal when communication of the first communication unit via a predetermined communication device is stopped; the facility is a collective facility; The information terminal is an intercom master unit installed in a private area of ​​the collective facility. Information terminal.

2. the information terminal is connected to an emergency power supply, the predetermined communication device is not connected to the emergency power supply, When communication of the first communication unit via the predetermined communication device is stopped due to a power outage, the second communication unit outputs communication information to the mobile terminal for connecting the first communication unit to the communication network via the mobile terminal. The information terminal according to claim 1.

3. When the first communication unit is connected to the communication network via the mobile terminal, the first communication unit outputs information to an external system via the mobile terminal and the communication network.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the first communication unit is connected to the communication network via the mobile terminal, the first communication unit acquires distribution information from an external system via the mobile terminal and the communication network.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the first communication unit is connected to the communication network via the mobile terminal, the first communication unit outputs information to a predetermined terminal different from the mobile terminal via the mobile terminal and the communication network.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The type of communication of the first communication unit and the type of communication of the second communication unit are different from each other.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The specified communication device is a gateway device connected to a first communication network which is the communication network and a second communication network through which the intercom master unit communicates with a lobby intercom installed in a common area of ​​the collective facility.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

8. an information terminal provided in a facility, the information terminal including a first communication unit connected to a communication network outside the facility and a second communication unit communicating with a mobile terminal; and a communication unit communicating with the mobile terminal via the communication network when communication by the first communication unit via a predetermined communication device is stopped; an information processing unit that outputs distribution information from the communication unit to the information terminal via the mobile terminal and the communication network, the facility is a collective facility; The information terminal is an intercom master unit installed in a private area of ​​the collective facility. Server system.

9. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a first communication step of connecting to a communication network outside the facility; a second communication step of communicating with the mobile terminal; In the second communication step, when the communication in the first communication step via a predetermined communication device is stopped, communication information is output to the mobile terminal in the first communication step for connecting the mobile terminal to the communication network; the facility is a collective facility; the computer is an intercom master unit installed in a private area of ​​the collective facility; Information processing methods.

10. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring, from the second communication unit of an information terminal provided in a facility and including a first communication unit connected to a communication network outside the facility and a second communication unit communicating with a mobile terminal, communication information for connecting the first communication unit to the communication network via the mobile terminal when communication of the first communication unit via a predetermined communication device is stopped; a connecting step of connecting the first communication unit of the information terminal to the communication network based on the communication information, the facility is a collective facility; The information terminal is an intercom master unit installed in a private area of ​​the collective facility. Information processing methods.

11. a communication step of communicating with an external system via the communication network based on the information acquired from the first communication unit of the information terminal; The information processing method according to claim 10.

12. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: an information terminal provided in a facility, the information terminal including a first communication unit connected to a communication network outside the facility and a second communication unit communicating with a mobile terminal; and a communication step of communicating via the mobile terminal and the communication network when communication via the first communication unit via a predetermined communication device is stopped; an output step of outputting the distribution information to the information terminal via the mobile terminal and the communication network, the facility is a collective facility; The information terminal is an intercom master unit installed in a private area of ​​the collective facility. Information processing methods.

13. The information processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 is executed by the computer. program.

Images