Network systems, information processing methods, and servers

Abstract

To provide a network system, information processing method, and server for providing a watch service that is more user-friendly.SOLUTION: A network system 1 is provided, comprising a refrigerator 200, a terminal 300, and a server 100 configured to be communicable with the refrigerator and the terminal. The server determines a time zone of the day when a refrigerator door is likely to be opened and closed by learning an opening / closing motion of the refrigerator door and, if the refrigerator door is not opened and closed during the time zone of the day, informs the terminal about the fact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote monitoring service, and particularly to a technology of a monitoring service using a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to remote monitoring services via a network are known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-148991 (Patent Document 1) discloses a safety confirmation system and a refrigerator. According to Patent Document 1, the safety confirmation system includes a refrigerator provided with any one of a human sensor, a door opening / closing sensor, or an operation unit, and voice input / output means, and an external device that can be connected to this via the Internet. An initial speech means that receives the transmission of any one of the detection signal of the human sensor, the detection signal of the door opening / closing sensor, or the input signal to the operation unit, and performs speech control for the target person via the voice input / output means, and a safety information acquisition means that acquires the voice data input by the target person to the voice input / output means in response to this, a safety state recognition means that recognizes the safety state by analyzing the voice data and generates safety information, and a re-speech means that performs speech control for the target person again with content according to the safety state. The safety information is stored in the external device, and the external device is connected to the Internet and includes a safety information confirmation means that can browse the safety information.

[0003] Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-185315 (Patent Document 2) discloses a refrigerator safety confirmation device. According to Patent Document 2, in a refrigerator having an opening / closing door, it includes an opening / closing count measurement means for the opening / closing door, and a transmission means that transmits information to a pre-registered electronic terminal when the number of openings / closing of the opening / closing door within a predetermined fixed time becomes less than or equal to a set value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a network system, an information processing method, and a server for realizing a monitoring service that is easier to use than conventional systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of this invention, a network system is provided comprising a refrigerator, a terminal, and a server capable of communicating with the refrigerator and the terminal. The server determines time periods during which the refrigerator door is likely to be opened or closed by learning the opening and closing movements of the refrigerator door, and notifies the terminal of information indicating that the refrigerator door was not opened or closed during those time periods. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, this invention provides a network system, an information processing method, and a server for realizing a more user-friendly monitoring service than conventional systems. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an image diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an image diagram illustrating the pairing process of the network system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an image diagram showing the screen transitions when registration of the communication terminal 300 according to the first embodiment is completed. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator 200 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication terminal 300 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring server 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an image diagram showing user information data 121 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an illustrative diagram showing the device information data 122 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an illustrative diagram showing pairing information data 123 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an image diagram showing the history information data 124 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an illustrative diagram showing the open / close possibility data 125 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the information processing related to the opening / closing notification according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the information processing related to the notification of no opening or closing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a sequence diagram relating to the automatic limiting function of the monitoring function according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows the information processing related to the notification of opening / closing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows the information processing related to the notification of opening / closing according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This flowchart shows the information processing related to the notification of opening / closing according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated. <First Embodiment> <Overall configuration of Network System 1>

[0010] First, referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0011] The network system 1 according to this embodiment mainly includes a monitoring server 100, electrical devices such as a refrigerator 200, and a communication terminal 300 such as a smartphone. In this embodiment, the electrical devices such as the refrigerator 200 and the communication terminal 300 such as the smartphone are configured to be connectable to the monitoring server 100 via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), a carrier network, the Internet, and the like.

[0012] Note that the communication terminal 300 is not limited to a smartphone, and may be a personal computer, a tablet, a game machine, a wearable terminal, or the like.

[0013] In this embodiment, as one of the functions included in the monitoring service, the monitoring server 100 provides information about the first user on the communication terminal 300 of the second user on the monitoring side based on operations on the refrigerator 200 in the first user's home on the monitored side, such as opening and closing of the doors 201, 202, 203. <Overview of the operation of the network system 1>

[0014] Next, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the overview of the operation of the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, referring to FIG. 2, the pairing process between the refrigerator 200 in the first user's home on the monitored side and the communication terminal 300 of the second user on the monitoring side using the monitoring server 100 will be described.

[0015] First, the first user uses the touch panel 250 or other input interface on the refrigerator 200 to select the "Monitoring Registration" process from the menu of the cloud-based service. The first user instructs the refrigerator 200 to issue an authentication number. The refrigerator 200 requests the monitoring server 100 or authentication server to issue an authentication number. The refrigerator 200 receives the authentication number from the monitoring server 100 or authentication server and displays it.

[0016] Simultaneously, the second user launches the monitoring service application on the communication terminal 300. The second user selects the "Monitoring" process from the settings screen on the display 330, and then selects the "Register Monitored Appliance" process. The communication terminal 300 prompts the user to input a number output by the refrigerator 200 being monitored.

[0017] This allows the second user to enter the authentication number into the communication terminal 300. More specifically, the second user can obtain the authentication number output by the refrigerator 200 and enter it into the communication terminal 300 by working in front of the refrigerator 200 at the first user's home while holding the communication terminal 300. Alternatively, if the second user is located away from the refrigerator 200, the first user can transmit the authentication number to the second user via telephone, social media, etc., allowing the second user to enter the authentication number into the communication terminal 300.

[0018] As a result, the communication terminal 300 transmits the entered authentication number to the monitoring server 100. The monitoring server 100 performs a first authentication process based on the information from the communication terminal 300. More specifically, the monitoring server 100 determines that the first authentication was successful if it receives the authentication number from the communication terminal 300 within a predetermined time, for example, 30 minutes, after issuing the authentication number to the refrigerator 200. The monitoring server 100 returns the first authentication result to the communication terminal 300.

[0019] In this embodiment, the monitoring server 100 also provides the communication terminal 300 with information to specify an action to be taken on the refrigerator 200 as a first authentication result. For example, if the first authentication is successful, the monitoring server 100 causes the communication terminal 300 to output information instructing it to press a predetermined button on the refrigerator 200, such as a button for outputting a message.

[0020] This allows, for example, a second user to perform an authentication operation on the refrigerator 200 at the first user's home by pressing a designated button on the refrigerator 200 while holding the communication terminal 300. Alternatively, if the second user is in a location away from the refrigerator 200, the second user can use telephone, social media, etc., to inform the first user of the operation to be performed on the refrigerator 200, allowing the first user to perform the operation on the refrigerator 200.

[0021] The refrigerator 200 transmits the received operation to the monitoring server 100. The monitoring server 100 performs a second authentication process based on the operation performed on the refrigerator 200. More specifically, the monitoring server 100 determines that the second authentication was successful if it receives operation information from the refrigerator 200 within a predetermined time, for example, 30 minutes, after transmitting the operation information to the communication terminal 300. The monitoring server 100 returns the second authentication result to both the communication terminal 300 and the refrigerator 200.

[0022] In this embodiment, upon successful second authentication, the monitoring server 100 authorizes pairing between the refrigerator 200 and the communication terminal 300. Specifically, after pairing, as shown in Figure 3, the communication terminal 300 can register a nickname for the refrigerator 200, set the frequency of monitoring notifications, and finally, the operation history of the refrigerator 200 can be viewed from the communication terminal 300.

[0023] In this embodiment, the second user can freely set the frequency of monitoring notifications as follows: (1) a pattern in which a notification is sent to the communication terminal 300 when the door of the refrigerator 200 is opened for the first time in a day; (2) a pattern in which a notification is sent to the communication terminal 300 when the door of the refrigerator 200 is opened for the first time at predetermined intervals in a day; and (3) a pattern in which no notification is sent even if the door of the refrigerator 200 is opened.

[0024] Regarding (2), for example, it is conceivable to send a notification when the door of Refrigerator 200 is opened for the first time during three periods: morning, noon, and night. The morning period could be set to 5:00-11:59, the noon period to 12:00-16:59, and the night to 17:00-23:59. It is also possible to divide the period into even smaller, more frequent periods.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the second user can set the frequency of monitoring notifications from the settings screen at any time, not just immediately after the authentication process is completed.

[0026] In this way, once the pairing process is complete, the monitoring server 100 sends information about the opening and closing of the refrigerator door 200 to the communication terminal 300 when the refrigerator door is opened, based on the frequency of monitoring notifications. As a result, a monitoring notification pops up on the display 330 of the communication terminal 300, as shown in Figure 3. When a second user touches the display 330, the communication terminal 300 displays a detailed history of the opening and closing of the refrigerator door 200.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferable that the communication terminal 300 displays a detailed history of the opening and closing of the refrigerator door 200 not only when there is a notification from the monitoring server 100, but also when the second user selects "Notification List" from the settings screen at any time. The communication terminal 300 may request information regarding the opening and closing of the refrigerator door 200 from the monitoring server 100 in response to the selection of "Notification List," or it may display information that has been stored in advance.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first user and the second user can input a command to deactivate the monitoring mode by using the refrigerator 200. Alternatively, the first user and the second user can also input a command to deactivate the monitoring mode by using the communication terminal 300.

[0029] Thus, in this embodiment, the monitoring server 100 acquires operations on the refrigerator 200 and provides this information to the communication terminal 300, thereby enabling the first user to know the safety status of the second user. The specific configuration of the network system 1 for realizing this function will be described in detail below. <Configuration of Refrigerator 200>

[0030] Referring to Figure 4, one configuration of the refrigerator 200 that constitutes the network system 1 will be described. The refrigerator 200 according to this embodiment includes, as its main components, a CPU 210, a memory 220, a display 230, an operation unit 240, a communication interface 260, a speaker 270, a microphone 280, a device drive unit 290, a door opening / closing sensor 299, and doors 201, 202, 203 (see Figure 1).

[0031] The CPU 210 controls the various parts of the refrigerator 200 by executing programs stored in the memory 220 or an external storage medium.

[0032] The memory 220 is implemented by various types of RAM, various types of ROM, etc., and may be embedded in the refrigerator 200, or it may be detachable from the various interfaces of the refrigerator 200, or it may be a recording medium of another device accessible from the refrigerator 200. The memory 220 stores programs executed by the CPU 210, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 210, data input via the operation unit 240, and data received from the monitoring server 100 via a router or the internet.

[0033] The display 230 outputs characters, images, etc., based on signals from the CPU 210. The display 230 may simply be an LED light or the like.

[0034] The operation unit 240 is implemented by buttons, a touch panel, etc., and receives commands from the user and inputs those commands to the CPU 210. The display 230 and the operation unit 240 may also constitute a touch panel 250.

[0035] The communication interface 260 is implemented by a communication module such as a wireless LAN or wired LAN. The communication interface 260 exchanges data with other devices such as the server 100 via wired or wireless communication through a router or the internet. In other words, the CPU 210 transmits information such as door opening and closing operations, other operation commands, and the current operating status to other devices such as the server 100 via the communication interface 260, and conversely receives various information such as operation commands and voice data from other devices such as the server 100.

[0036] Speaker 270 outputs voice messages and other information based on audio data from CPU 210. Microphone 280 acquires the user's voice and other audio data and inputs it to CPU 110.

[0037] The equipment drive unit 290 controls various parts of the electrical equipment (such as the compressor motor, fan, and lights) based on signals from the CPU 210.

[0038] The door opening / closing sensor 299 detects the open or closed state of each door and inputs the detection result to the CPU 210. <Configuration of communication terminal 300>

[0039] Next, with reference to Figure 5, one configuration of the communication terminal 300 constituting the network system 1 will be described. The communication terminal 300 according to this embodiment includes, as its main components, a CPU 310, a memory 320, a display 330, an operation unit 340, a communication interface 360, a speaker 370, and a microphone 380.

[0040] The CPU 310 controls various parts of the communication terminal 300 by executing programs stored in the memory 320.

[0041] The memory 320 is implemented using various types of RAM and ROM. The memory 320 stores application programs for various services, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 310, data received from the server 100, data input via the operation unit 340, and other data used for the services according to this embodiment.

[0042] The display 330 displays images and text based on data from the CPU 310. The operation unit 340 consists of a pointing device and switches, and inputs various commands from the user to the CPU 310. The user terminal may also have a touch panel 350 that includes the display 330 and the operation unit 340.

[0043] The communication interface 360 ​​sends and receives data to and from other devices such as the server 100 and the refrigerator 200 via the internet or a carrier network. For example, the CPU 310, according to the application program for the monitoring service, obtains open / close history from the monitoring server 100 via the communication interface 360, sends operation commands and messages to the monitoring server 100, and exchanges various other information used for the monitoring service. <Configuration of monitoring server 100>

[0044] First, one aspect of the configuration of the monitoring server 100 that constitutes the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Referring to Figure 6, the server 100 includes, as its main components, a CPU 110, a memory 120, an operation unit 140, and a communication interface 160.

[0045] The CPU 110 controls various parts of the server 100 by executing programs stored in memory 120. For example, the CPU 110 executes programs stored in memory 120 and references various data to perform various processes described later.

[0046] The memory 120 is implemented by various types of RAM, various types of ROM, etc. The memory 120 may be embedded in the server 100, or it may be detachable from various interfaces of the server 100, or it may be a recording medium of another device accessible from the server 100. The memory 120 stores programs executed by the CPU 110, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 110, data acquired from the refrigerator 200 and the communication terminal 300, and other data used for services according to this embodiment.

[0047] For example, memory 120 stores user information data 121, as shown in Figure 7. User information data 121 stores user identification information, username, and other user-related information for each user registered with the monitoring service.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the memory 120 stores device information data 122. For each refrigerator 200 registered with the monitoring service, the device information data 122 stores the identification information of the refrigerator 200, the model name of the refrigerator 200, the model number of the refrigerator 200, the start date and time for learning the door opening and closing operation, and other information related to the refrigerator 200. Note that the start date and time for learning the door opening and closing operation may be the date and time when the main power of the refrigerator 200 is turned ON, the date and time when the refrigerator 200 is first paired with the communication terminal 300, or the date and time when information to start learning the opening and closing operation is received from the refrigerator 200 or the communication terminal 300.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the memory 120 stores pairing information data 123. The pairing information data 123 stores the correspondence between the refrigerator 200 that has been successfully paired for the monitoring service and the second user or communication terminal 300. In this embodiment, for each second user or communication terminal 300, the nickname of the target refrigerator 200, such as "Grandma's Refrigerator" or "Dad's Hie-chan," is stored. In addition, in this embodiment, for each second user, setting information such as the frequency of monitoring notifications for the target refrigerator 200 is stored.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the memory 120 stores history information data 124. The history information data 124 is associated with the identification information of the refrigerator 200 and stores the history of door opening and closing operations, the history of other operation information, and the history of various measured values. Preferably, the history information is stored linked to day of the week data, month data, weekday / holiday data, seasonal data, weather data, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the memory 120 stores open / close possibility data 125. The open / close possibility data 125 stores information for identifying the time periods when the door is most likely to be opened, in association with the identification information of the refrigerator 200. In this embodiment, based on the opening and closing history of the refrigerator 200 door over a period of several weeks, information indicating the likelihood of the door being opened or closed is stored every hour.

[0052] For example, every hour, the CPU 110 calculates the probability that the refrigerator door 200 will be opened or closed during that hour, based on new information regarding whether or not the refrigerator door 200 was opened or closed during that hour, and information on the same time period that has been accumulated up to date, and updates the open / close probability data 125. The open / close probability data 125 may be information indicating the probability of the refrigerator door 200 being opened or closed every hour, or it may be information indicating the probability of the refrigerator door 200 being opened or closed every hour divided into different time periods, or it may be information that identifies time periods in which the probability is above a predetermined value. Furthermore, it is preferable that this information be stored linked to day of the week data, month data, weekday / holiday data, seasonal data, weather data, etc.

[0053] Returning to Figure 6, the operation unit 140 receives commands from the service administrator or others and inputs those commands to the CPU 110.

[0054] The communication interface 160 transmits data from the CPU 110 to other devices such as the refrigerator 200 and the communication terminal 300 via the internet, carrier network, router, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 160 receives data from other devices such as the refrigerator 200 and the communication terminal 300 via the internet, carrier network, router, etc., and passes it on to the CPU 110. <Information processing in monitoring server 100>

[0055] Next, we will describe the information processing in the monitoring server 100. First, referring to Figure 12, when the CPU 110 of the monitoring server 100 in this embodiment receives data from the refrigerator 200 via the communication interface 160 indicating that the door has been opened or closed, it executes the following processing according to the program stored in the memory 120.

[0056] The CPU 110 receives information from the refrigerator 200 via the communication interface 160 that the door has been opened or closed (step S112). The CPU 110 refers to the pairing information data 123 to identify the communication terminal 300 that is paired with the refrigerator 200 and determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the pairing (step S114). The predetermined period of time is, for example, 24 hours.

[0057] If a predetermined period has not elapsed since pairing (the answer is NO in step S114), the CPU 110 notifies the communication terminal 300 paired with the refrigerator 200 via the communication interface 160 that the door of the refrigerator 200 has been opened or closed (step S130). Then, based on the door opening and closing information received, the CPU 110 updates the history information data 124 and the opening / closing possibility data 125 (step S132). The CPU 110 waits for the next data from the refrigerator 200 via the communication interface 160.

[0058] Furthermore, it is preferable that the CPU 110, by referring to the pairing information data 123 and the history information data 124, notifies the user via the communication interface 160 that the door of the refrigerator 200 has not been opened even once during a predetermined period, such as 24 hours, since pairing.

[0059] Thus, in this embodiment, since notifications regarding the opening and closing of doors can be increased until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since pairing, it is easier for the second user to recognize that the monitoring settings are working correctly.

[0060] If a predetermined period of time has elapsed since pairing (if the answer is YES in step S114), the CPU 110 refers to the pairing information data 123 and reads the setting information, such as the notification frequency, corresponding to the refrigerator 200 and the communication terminal 300 (step S116). The CPU 110 then determines whether the door of the refrigerator 200 was opened or closed for the first time during the time period in question (step S118).

[0061] If the door of refrigerator 200 is opened or closed for the first time during the specified time period (if the answer is YES in step S116), the CPU 110 notifies the communication terminal 300 paired with refrigerator 200 via the communication interface 160 that the door of refrigerator 200 has been opened or closed for the first time during that time period today (step S130). Then, based on the door opening and closing information received, the CPU 110 updates the history information data 124 and the opening / closing possibility data 125 (step S132). The CPU 110 then waits for data from the next refrigerator 200 via the communication interface 160.

[0062] If the door of refrigerator 200 has not been opened or closed for the first time during the target time period (the answer is NO in step S116), the CPU 110 updates the history information data 124 and the open / close possibility data 125 based on the door open / close information received this time (step S132). The CPU 110 waits for the next data from refrigerator 200 via the communication interface 160.

[0063] In this embodiment, the CPU 110 of the monitoring server 100 also performs the processing shown in Figure 13 by learning the history of past opening and closing operations of the refrigerator door 200, that is, by utilizing the opening / closing possibility data 125, etc.

[0064] Each time a first predetermined period has elapsed, for example every 10 minutes, for each refrigerator 200, the CPU 110 refers to the equipment information data 122 and determines whether a second predetermined period, for example two weeks, has elapsed since the start of learning the door opening and closing history of the refrigerator 200 (step S142).

[0065] If a second predetermined period has elapsed since the start of learning the opening and closing history of the refrigerator 200 (if the answer is YES in step S142), the CPU 110 refers to the opening / closing possibility data 125 and determines whether the time period in which the probability of the refrigerator 200 door being opened or closed is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, such as 100% or 75%, has ended within the first predetermined period, looking back from the present (step S144). Note that the time period used for this determination may be the time period in which the probability of the refrigerator 200 door being opened or closed is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value + 1 hour, or the time period in which the probability of the refrigerator 200 door being opened or closed is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value ± 1 hour.

[0066] If, within the first predetermined period, the time period in which the probability of the refrigerator door 200 being opened or closed is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value has not ended (i.e., the result in NO in step S144), the CPU 110 moves on to processing the next refrigerator 200.

[0067] If the time period in which the probability of the refrigerator door 200 being opened or closed is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value has ended (if the answer is YES in step S144), the CPU 110 refers to the history information data 124 to determine whether or not the refrigerator door 200 was opened or closed during the current time period (step S146). If the refrigerator door 200 was opened or closed during the current time period (if the answer is YES in step S146), the CPU 110 moves on to processing the next refrigerator 200.

[0068] If the door of refrigerator 200 is not opened or closed during this time period (if the answer is YES in step S146), the CPU 110 sends a message via the communication interface 160 to the communication terminal 300 paired with refrigerator 200, stating that the door of refrigerator 200 was not opened or closed today during the time period when it is normally opened or closed (step S148). The CPU 110 then proceeds to process the next refrigerator 200.

[0069] If the second predetermined period has not elapsed since the start of learning the opening and closing history of refrigerator 200 (the result is NO in step S142), the CPU 110 refers to the history information data 124 and determines whether the period during which the door of refrigerator 200 has not been opened or closed has lasted for a third predetermined period, such as 24 hours or longer (step S152). If the period during which the door of refrigerator 200 has not been opened or closed has not lasted for 24 hours or longer (the result is NO in step S152), the CPU 110 moves on to processing the next refrigerator 200.

[0070] If the door of refrigerator 200 remains closed for more than 24 hours (if the answer is YES in step S152), the CPU 110 sends a message via the communication interface 160 to the communication terminal 300 paired with refrigerator 200, indicating that the door of refrigerator 200 has remained closed for more than 24 hours (step S154). The CPU 110 then proceeds to process the next refrigerator 200. <Automatic restriction function for monitoring notifications>

[0071] The following describes a function for automatically restricting notifications for monitoring in the network system 1 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 14, first, the monitoring server 100 accepts the setting for monitoring mode for the refrigerator 200 (step S160).

[0072] In this state, when a user initiates eco-mode operation via the control panel 240 of the refrigerator 200 (step S162), the CPU 210 of the refrigerator 200 transmits information that eco-mode operation has been initiated to the monitoring server 100 via the communication interface 260. However, the command to initiate eco-mode operation may be entered by the first user by voice into the refrigerator 200, or by the first user via a communication terminal such as a smartphone, or by the second user via a communication terminal 300.

[0073] When the CPU 110 of the monitoring server 100 receives information from the refrigerator 200 about the start of eco-mode operation via the communication interface 160, it restricts the functionality of the monitoring service of the refrigerator 200 (step S164). For example, the refrigerator 200 or the monitoring server 100 may pause one of the steps shown in Figure 12 or pause the process shown in Figure 13.

[0074] Furthermore, the restriction of the monitoring service's functions may include stopping all notifications from the monitoring server 100 to the communication terminal 300 regarding the monitoring service, while continuing to accumulate the history of opening and closing operations and learning the opening and closing time periods; stopping only some of the notifications from the monitoring server 100 to the communication terminal 300 regarding the monitoring service; or stopping the transmission of data from the monitoring server 100 to the communication terminal 300 regarding the monitoring service.

[0075] Alternatively, the refrigerator 200 may store a history of opening and closing operations while partially stopping communication between the monitoring server 100 and the refrigerator 200. Alternatively, the monitoring service provided by the monitoring server 100 and the refrigerator 200 may be completely stopped. In other words, the CPU 210 of the refrigerator 200 may be configured to stop some or all of the operations related to the monitoring service in response to an eco-mode operation command.

[0076] Then, while the monitoring service is restricted in this manner, if the user terminates eco-mode operation via the control panel 240 of the refrigerator 200, or if the eco-mode operation is automatically terminated by opening or closing the door of the refrigerator 200 (step S166), the CPU 210 of the refrigerator 200 sends information to the monitoring server 100 via the communication interface 260 indicating that the eco-mode operation has been terminated.

[0077] When the CPU 110 of the monitoring server 100 receives information from the refrigerator 200 regarding the end of eco-mode operation via the communication interface 160, it restores the monitoring service for the refrigerator 200 to its normal state (step S168).

[0078] This reduces the possibility of a malfunction occurring where the notification in step S148 of Figure 13 is repeatedly sent to the second user even if the first user leaves for a trip without performing the operation to deactivate monitoring mode. Furthermore, even if the user forgets to restart monitoring mode upon returning home, they can return to monitoring mode simply by opening and closing the door of the refrigerator 200. <Second Embodiment>

[0079] In addition to the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, even if the door of the refrigerator 200 is opened or closed for the first time during the target time period (if the answer is YES in step S118), if the probability of the door of the refrigerator 200 being opened or closed during that time period is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, such as 75% (if the answer is YES in step S220), the CPU 110 may not notify the communication terminal 300.

[0080] In other words, the CPU 110 of the monitoring server 100 may notify the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 160 that the door of the refrigerator 200 has been opened if the door of the refrigerator 200 is opened for the first time during the target time period, and the probability of the door of the refrigerator 200 being opened is less than a first predetermined value.

[0081] However, the CPU 110 may be configured to notify the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 160 that the door of the refrigerator 200 has been opened when the door of the refrigerator 200 is opened for the first time during the target time period, or when the door is opened or closed when the probability of the door of the refrigerator 200 being opened or closed is less than a first predetermined value.

[0082] Alternatively, different notifications may be issued depending on whether the probability of the refrigerator door 200 being opened or closed is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, or less than or equal to a first predetermined value. For example, if the answer in step S220 is YES, the message "The door was opened as usual." may be issued, and if the answer in step S120 is NO, the message "It looks like the refrigerator was opened today." may be issued. <Third Embodiment>

[0083] Alternatively, the open / close possibility data 125 may also store information to specify a time period in which the door is unlikely to be opened, in association with the identification information of the refrigerator 200. Then, as shown in Figure 16, if the door of the refrigerator 200 is opened or closed (if the answer is YES in step S118), the CPU 110 may refer to the open / close possibility data 125 and issue a notification (if the answer is YES in step S320) if the probability of the door of the refrigerator 200 being opened or closed is less than a second predetermined value, such as 25%, which is smaller than a first predetermined value, during that time period.

[0084] In other words, the CPU 110 of the monitoring server 100 may notify the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 160 that the door of the refrigerator 200 has been opened if the door of the refrigerator 200 is opened for the first time during the target time period, and the probability of the door of the refrigerator 200 being opened is less than a second predetermined value.

[0085] However, the CPU 110 may be configured to notify the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 160 that the door of the refrigerator 200 has been opened when the door of the refrigerator 200 is opened for the first time during the target time period, or when the door is opened or closed when the probability of the door of the refrigerator 200 being opened or closed is less than a second predetermined value.

[0086] Alternatively, CPU 110 may change the message depending on the probability of the door being opened during the time period in which it was opened. For example, if the probability of the refrigerator door 200 being opened or closed is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, CPU 110 may notify the message "Looks like the refrigerator was opened again today." If the probability of the refrigerator door 200 being opened or closed is less than the first predetermined value but greater than or equal to a second predetermined value, CPU 110 may notify the message "Looks like the refrigerator was opened today." If the probability of the refrigerator door 200 being opened or closed is less than the second predetermined value, CPU 110 may notify the message "It's unusual, but it looks like the refrigerator was opened today." <Fourth Embodiment>

[0087] In the above embodiment, as shown in step S114 of Figure 12, the CPU 110 determined whether a predetermined period of time had elapsed since pairing. However, as shown in Figure 17, the CPU 110 may refer to the pairing information data 123 to identify the communication terminal 300 paired with the refrigerator 200 and determine whether the door has been opened and closed a predetermined number of times or more since the pairing (step S414). The predetermined number of times is, for example, three times.

[0088] If the door has not been opened or closed more than a predetermined number of times since pairing (if the answer is NO in step S414), the CPU 110 notifies the communication terminal 300 paired with the refrigerator 200 via the communication interface 160 that the door of the refrigerator 200 has been opened or closed (step S130). Based on the door opening and closing information received this time, the CPU 110 updates the history information data 124 and the opening / closing possibility data 125 (step S132). The CPU 110 waits for the next data from the refrigerator 200 via the communication interface 160.

[0089] If the door has been opened and closed more than a predetermined number of times since pairing (if the answer is YES in step S414), the CPU 110 executes the process from step S116. <Fifth Embodiment>

[0090] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, upon successful first authentication, the monitoring server 100 would output information to the communication terminal 300 instructing it to press a predetermined button on the refrigerator 200. However, the CPU 110 of the monitoring server 100 may, upon successful first authentication, output information to the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 160 instructing it to open and close a predetermined door on the refrigerator 200.

[0091] Based on information from the monitoring server 100, the CPU 310 of the communication terminal 300 displays information on the display 330 or outputs audio to the speaker 370 within a predetermined time to specify which door should be opened first. This allows the first or second user to recognize which door should be opened.

[0092] Then, the CPU 210 of the refrigerator 200 transmits information to the monitoring server 100 via the communication interface 260 to identify which door has been opened or closed, based on the detection results of the door opening / closing sensor 299.

[0093] The monitoring server 100 performs a second authentication based on the open / close information from the refrigerator 200. More specifically, the CPU 110 of the monitoring server 100 sends information to the communication terminal 300 to specify which door to open, and then determines whether the specified door was opened within a predetermined time, for example, 30 minutes.

[0094] When the monitoring server 100 successfully completes the second authentication, it authorizes pairing between the refrigerator 200 and the communication terminal 300 and transmits a message to that effect to both the refrigerator 200 and the communication terminal 300 via the communication interface 160.

[0095] In other words, the second user can successfully authenticate by opening a designated door of the refrigerator 200 at the first user's home while looking at the screen of the communication terminal 300, or if the second user is in a location away from the refrigerator 200, the second user can use telephone or social media to inform the first user which door to open, allowing the first user to successfully authenticate by opening the designated door of the refrigerator 200. <Sixth Embodiment>

[0096] The structure, function, and operation of the monitoring server 100, refrigerator 200, and communication terminal 300 are not limited to those of the above embodiment. For example, the roles of each device may be realized by other devices. For instance, part of the role of the monitoring server 100 may be taken over by other authentication servers, refrigerators 200, or communication terminals 300, or conversely, part of the role of the refrigerator 200 may be taken over by refrigerators 200, communication terminals 300, or other home appliance control servers. <Summary>

[0097] In the above embodiment, a network system is provided comprising a refrigerator, a terminal, and a server capable of communicating with both the refrigerator and the terminal. The server determines the time periods during which the refrigerator door is likely to be opened or closed by learning the opening and closing movements of the refrigerator door, and notifies the terminal of information indicating that the refrigerator door was not opened or closed during those time periods.

[0098] Preferably, the server notifies the terminal of information indicating that the refrigerator door has been opened or closed during a time when it is unlikely that the refrigerator door has been opened or closed.

[0099] Preferably, the server notifies the terminal at the beginning of the day if the refrigerator door has been opened or closed.

[0100] Preferably, the server notifies the terminal at the beginning of each of several periods, which are divisions of the day, that the refrigerator door has been opened or closed.

[0101] Preferably, the server notifies the terminal if the refrigerator door has not been opened or closed for a predetermined period of time until the learning period has elapsed.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an information processing method is provided which includes the steps of: the server determining a time period during which the refrigerator door is likely to be opened or closed by learning the opening and closing operation of the refrigerator door; and the server notifying the terminal of information indicating that the refrigerator door was not opened or closed during that time period.

[0103] In the above embodiment, a server is provided which includes a communication interface for communicating with a refrigerator and a terminal, and a processor that, by utilizing the communication interface, learns the opening and closing operation of the refrigerator door to determine the time period in which the refrigerator door is likely to be opened or closed, and notifies the terminal if the refrigerator door is not opened or closed during that time period.

[0104] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1: Network System 100: Server 110: CPU 120: Memory 121: User Information Data 122: Equipment information data 123: Pairing information data 124: Historical information data 125: Open / close possibility data 140:Operation unit 160: Communication Interface 200: Refrigerator 201: Door 202: Door 203: Door 210: CPU 220: Memory 230: Display 240:Operation unit 250: Touch panel 260: Communication Interface 270: Speaker 280: Mike 290: Equipment drive unit 299: Door opening / closing sensor 300: Communication terminal 310: CPU 320: Memory 330: Display 340:Operation unit 350: Touch panel 360: Communication Interface 370: Speaker 380: Mike

Claims

1. A method for pairing an electrical device with a communication terminal, The steps include operating the aforementioned electrical equipment to issue an authentication number, The steps include: entering a number into the aforementioned communication terminal, A step of comparing the authentication number issued by the electrical equipment with the number entered into the communication terminal, A first authentication process including, The steps include: the communication terminal specifying an operation for the electrical equipment; A step of detecting an operation performed on the electrical equipment, A step of comparing the operation specified by the communication terminal with the operation detected by the electrical equipment, A second authentication process including, A pairing method that, upon completion of both the first authentication process and the second authentication process, permits pairing between the electrical device and the communication terminal.

2. The pairing processing method according to claim 1, wherein the second authentication process is performed immediately after the completion of the first authentication process.

3. The pairing processing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first authentication process and the second authentication process is performed in a predetermined time.

4. The pairing processing method according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the electrical equipment in the first authentication process and the operation of the electrical equipment in the second authentication process are different.

5. The system comprises a server that communicates with the electrical equipment and the communication terminal, The pairing processing method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the issuance and verification of the authentication number in the first authentication process and the specification and verification of the operation in the second authentication process is performed by the server.

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