Owner authentication system

Abstract

An owner authentication system (50) comprises facility equipment, a data management server (2), and a user terminal (3). The facility equipment includes: an operation data retention unit that retains operation data, which is dynamic data that changes over time in the facility equipment; a first information provision unit (11) that transmits, to the data management server, equipment correspondence data in which correspondence between first operation data of the operation data and equipment identification information is set; and a second information provision unit (12) that transmits second operation data of the operation data to the user terminal. The user terminal includes an authentication request unit (31) that requests for authentication of determining whether or not the user terminal corresponds to an owner of the facility equipment by transmitting, to the data management server, user correspondence data in which correspondence between the second operation data and user identification information is set. The data management server includes a match verification unit (23) that executes authentication by comparing the first operation data and the second operation data with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an owner authentication system and an owner authentication method for authenticating an owner of equipment.

Background Art

[0002] An owner authentication system for authenticating an owner of equipment such as an air conditioner is applied to, for example, an operation system in which the air conditioner is remotely operated by a user terminal such as a smartphone. In this operation system, the data management server permits the user terminal to remotely operate the equipment only when the user can be authenticated based on the identification information sent from the user terminal.

[0003] In the communication system described in Patent Document 1, the management device acquires the identification information of the relay device that communicates with the home equipment through two different paths, and verifies the user's communication terminal based on each identification information. This management device verifies the user's communication terminal based on whether the identification information received from the relay device via the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router matches the identification information received from the user's communication terminal via the relay device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1 above, when the owner of the home equipment moves to another user for some reason such as moving, if the communication terminal of the user who was the owner in the past sends the identification information acquired in the past to the management device, the management device has a problem that it misidentifies the user who was the owner in the past as the current owner of the home equipment.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above and aims to provide an owner authentication system that can correctly identify the current owner of equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems and achieve the objectives, the owner authentication system of this disclosure comprises equipment, a data management server connected to the equipment, and a user terminal that can connect to the equipment and the data management server. The equipment has an equipment identification information holding unit that holds equipment identification information, which is the identification information of the equipment, and an operation data holding unit that holds operation data, which is dynamic data that changes over time in the equipment. The equipment also has a first information providing unit that transmits equipment mapping data, which associates first operation data from the operation data with the equipment identification information, to the data management server, and a second information providing unit that transmits second operation data from the operation data to the user terminal. The user terminal has a user identification information holding unit that holds user identification information, which is the identification information of the user terminal, and an authentication request unit that requests authentication from the data management server to determine whether the user terminal is the terminal corresponding to the owner of the equipment by transmitting user mapping data, which associates second operation data with the user identification information. The data management server has a matching verification unit that performs authentication by comparing the first operation data included in the equipment mapping data with the second operation data included in the user mapping data. The matching verification unit determines that a user terminal corresponds to the owner of the equipment if the changes in the first operating data during the start-up period, which is a specific period after the equipment has started operation, match the changes in the second operating data during the start-up period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The owner authentication system described in this disclosure has the effect of correctly identifying the current owner of the equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the schematic configuration of the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]A flowchart showing the processing procedure for the first process performed by the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the device identification information held by the device identification information holding unit of the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the processing procedure for the second process performed by the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the user identification information held by the user identification information holding unit of the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of air conditioning operation data used for owner determination in the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the process of determining the consistency of changes in air conditioning operation data by the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the configuration of correspondence information between device identification information and user identification information created by the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the data management server according to the embodiment is implemented using a processor and memory. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the data management server according to the embodiment is implemented using dedicated hardware. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The owner authentication system and owner authentication method according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an owner authentication system according to an embodiment. An owner authentication system (air conditioner management system) 50 includes an air conditioner 1 which is an example of facility equipment, a data management server 2 which is a data management device, and a user terminal 3. The owner authentication system 50 is a system for authenticating (verifying the identity of) the owner of the air conditioner 1.

[0012] Based on whether the information sent from the user terminal 3 matches the information sent from the air conditioner 1, the data management server 2 determines whether the owner (user) operating the user terminal 3 is the owner of the air conditioner 1. Examples of the user terminal 3 include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0013] The air conditioner 1 has a first information providing unit 11, a second information providing unit 12, a data measuring unit 13, an air conditioning operation data holding unit (operation data holding unit) 14, and a device identification information holding unit 15. The data management server 2 has a first information receiving unit 21, an authentication receiving unit 22, a matching verification unit 23, and a storage unit 26. The matching verification unit 23 includes an operation start determination unit 24 and a change determination unit 25. The user terminal 3 has an authentication request unit 31, a second information receiving unit 32, and a user identification information holding unit 33.

[0014] The air conditioner 1 is connected to the data management server 2. Also, the user terminal 3 can be connected to the air conditioner 1 and the data management server 2. In FIG. 1, a state where the user terminal 3 is connected to the air conditioner 1 and the data management server 2 is shown.

[0015] The air conditioner 1 and the data management server 2 execute data transmission and reception via a first network communication path C1. The air conditioner 1 and the user terminal 3 execute data transmission and reception via a second network communication path C2. The data management server 2 and the user terminal 3 execute data transmission and reception via a third network communication path C3.

[0016] The data measurement unit 13 measures the changing data that changes within the air conditioner 1 as air conditioning operation data (operation data of facility equipment). The air conditioning operation data is dynamic data that changes over time. The data measurement unit 13 measures, as air conditioning operation data, for example, room temperature change data indicating the change in room temperature, operation start data indicating the start and end of the air conditioning operation, and collection time data indicating the time when the room temperature was measured. The room temperature change data is the change data of the room temperature in the room where the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1 is arranged. The data measurement unit 13 may acquire the air conditioning operation data using a sensor or the like, or may acquire the air conditioning operation data from a control device (not shown) of the air conditioner 1 or the like.

[0017] The operation start data is, for example, data indicating whether the power supply of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 1 is in the ON state or the OFF state. Since the operation start data is data indicating the start and end of the air conditioning operation, it is possible to determine whether the air conditioning operation is in progress or the air conditioning operation is stopped from the continuously measured operation start data. The data measurement unit 13 sends the measured air conditioning operation data to the air conditioning operation data holding unit 14.

[0018] The air conditioning operation data holding unit 14 holds the air conditioning operation data in which the room temperature change data, the operation start data, and the collection time data are associated. The device identification information holding unit 15 holds the device identification information that is information for identifying the air conditioner 1.

[0019] The first information providing unit 11 reads out the device identification information from the device identification information holding unit 15 and reads out the air conditioning operation data from the air conditioning operation data holding unit 14. The first information providing unit 11 transmits the data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as device-associated data) in which the device identification information and the air conditioning operation data are associated to the data management server 2 via the first network communication path C1.

[0020] The second information providing unit 12 reads out the air conditioning operation data from the air conditioning operation data holding unit 14. The second information providing unit 12 transmits the air conditioning operation data to the user terminal 3 via the second network communication path C2.

[0021] The second information receiving unit 32 of the user terminal 3 receives air conditioning operation data from the air conditioner 1. The second information receiving unit 32 sends the received air conditioning operation data to the authentication request unit 31. The user identification information holding unit 33 holds user identification information to identify the user who owns the user terminal 3.

[0022] The authentication request unit 31 reads user identification information from the user identification information holding unit 33. The authentication request unit 31 sends data that associates the user identification information with the air conditioning operation data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as user association data) to the data management server 2, thereby requesting user authentication (authentication of the owner of the air conditioner 1) from the data management server 2.

[0023] The first information receiving unit 21 of the data management server 2 receives equipment mapping data from the air conditioner 1, which associates equipment identification information with air conditioning operation data. The first information receiving unit 21 sends the received equipment mapping data to the matching verification unit 23.

[0024] The authentication reception unit 22 receives user mapping data from the user terminal 3, which associates user identification information with air conditioning operation data. The authentication reception unit 22 sends the received user mapping data to the matching verification unit 23.

[0025] The matching verification unit 23 authenticates the air conditioning operation data based on the equipment mapping data and the user mapping data. The matching verification unit 23 compares the air conditioning operation data included in the equipment mapping data with the air conditioning operation data included in the user mapping data to verify whether the two sets of air conditioning operation data match.

[0026] The operation start determination unit 24 of the matching verification unit 23 receives device mapping data sent from the first information receiving unit 21. The operation start determination unit 24 also receives user mapping data sent from the authentication acceptance unit 22.

[0027] The operation start determination unit 24 determines a specific period (hereinafter referred to as the operation start period) from the start of operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the equipment mapping data or user mapping data. The operation start period is a specific period (for example, 15 minutes) from immediately after the start of the air conditioner trial run. Since the air conditioner operation data changes significantly during this specific period from immediately after the start of the air conditioner trial run, the operation start determination unit 24 sets this specific period as the operation start period. The operation start determination unit 24 sends the set operation start period to the change determination unit 25.

[0028] The change determination unit 25 determines whether the changes (characteristics) in the air conditioning operation data received from the air conditioner 1 match the changes (characteristics) in the air conditioning operation data received from the user terminal 3. Specifically, the change determination unit 25 determines whether the room temperature change data in the equipment mapping data matches the room temperature change data in the user mapping data within the operating start period. In other words, the change determination unit 25 determines whether the room temperature change data received from the air conditioner 1 within the operating start period matches the room temperature change data received from the user terminal 3 within the operating start period.

[0029] The change determination unit 25 determines that the owner of user terminal 3 is the owner of air conditioner 1 if the room temperature change data in the equipment mapping data and the room temperature change data in the user mapping data match within the operating start period. On the other hand, the change determination unit 25 determines that the owner of user terminal 3 is not the owner of air conditioner 1 if the room temperature change data in the equipment mapping data and the room temperature change data in the user mapping data do not match within the operating start period.

[0030] When the change determination unit 25 determines that user terminal 3 is the owner of air conditioner 1, it associates the equipment identification information contained in the equipment association data with the user identification information contained in the user association data and sends it to the storage unit 26. That is, if the room temperature change data in the equipment association data and the room temperature change data in the user association data match within the operating start period, the change determination unit 25 associates the equipment identification information with the user identification information and sends it to the storage unit 26. This association process between equipment identification information and user identification information by the change determination unit 25 corresponds to the authentication process of user terminal 3 corresponding to the user identification information. The storage unit 26 stores the equipment identification information and user identification information in association.

[0031] As described above, the air conditioning operation data immediately after the start of operation is highly variable and contains a large amount of information. Therefore, the owner authentication system 50 uses the air conditioning operation data from the start of operation to determine the owner. Furthermore, since the air conditioning operation data from the start of operation includes data that only the current owner would know (such as air conditioning operation data), the owner authentication system 50 can authenticate the owner of the air conditioner 1 using short-term air conditioning operation data, and can authenticate the owner in a short time without making the user wait.

[0032] In the following explanation, the air conditioning operation data included in the equipment mapping data may be referred to as the first air conditioning operation data (first operation data), and the air conditioning operation data included in the user mapping data may be referred to as the second air conditioning operation data (second operation data).

[0033] When an authentication request is received from the user terminal 3, the air conditioner 1 sends first air conditioning operation data to the data management server 2 and second air conditioning operation data to the user terminal 3. The air conditioner 1 sends the acquired air conditioning operation data to the user terminal 3 and the data management server 2, for example, in real time. That is, when an authentication request is received from the user terminal 3, the air conditioner 1 sends the acquired air conditioning operation data to the user terminal 3 and the data management server 2 each time it is acquired (for example, every minute).

[0034] Furthermore, when an authentication request is received from the user terminal 3, the air conditioner 1 may send the acquired air conditioning operation data to the user terminal 3 and the data management server 2 all at once. For example, when an authentication request is received from the user terminal 3, the air conditioner 1 may send the acquired 20 minutes of air conditioning operation data to the user terminal 3 and the data management server 2 all at once.

[0035] Next, the operation of the owner authentication system 50 (the processing procedure of the processes performed by the owner authentication system 50) will be explained. First, the process (first process) when the data management server 2 receives and stores the first air conditioning operation data (room temperature change data, operation start data, and collection time data) from the air conditioner 1 will be explained, and then the process (second process) when the data management server 2 authenticates the user terminal 3 to the air conditioner 1 will be explained.

[0036] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the first process performed by the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. The air conditioner 1 starts a trial run in accordance with instructions from the user who owns the air conditioner 1. The data measurement unit 13 acquires air conditioning operation data by measuring the air conditioning operation data when the trial run starts (step S10). The data measurement unit 13 measures room temperature change data, operation start data indicating the start and end of air conditioning operation, and collection time data as air conditioning operation data. The data measurement unit 13 sends the measured air conditioning operation data to the air conditioning operation data holding unit 14. The air conditioning operation data holding unit 14 holds the air conditioning operation data. The air conditioner 1 continues to collect air conditioning operation data regardless of whether the power to the air conditioning operation is OFF or ON. Note that the air conditioner 1 may collect air conditioning operation data only when the power to the air conditioning operation is ON.

[0037] The first information provision unit 11 associates the first air conditioning operation data in the air conditioning operation data holding unit 14 with the equipment identification information in the equipment identification information holding unit 15 (step S20).

[0038] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the equipment identification information held by the equipment identification information holding unit of the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. In the owner authentication system 50, the equipment identification information holding unit 15 holds equipment identification information for identifying the air conditioner 1.

[0039] The first information provision unit 11 transmits equipment mapping data, which associates equipment identification information with air conditioning operation data (first air conditioning operation data), to the data management server 2 via the first network communication path C1 (step S30).

[0040] The data management server 2 receives and stores the device mapping data sent from the first information provision unit 11 (step S40). Specifically, the first information receiving unit 21 of the data management server 2 receives the device mapping data, and the operation start determination unit 24 stores the device mapping data. The data management server 2 may store the device mapping data in the storage unit 26, or in another storage unit (not shown).

[0041] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the second process performed by the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. The user terminal 3 receives air conditioning operation data from the air conditioner 1 (step S110). Specifically, the second information receiving unit 32 of the user terminal 3 receives the air conditioning operation data (room temperature change data, operation start data, and collection time data) held in the air conditioning operation data holding unit 14 of the air conditioner 1 from the second information providing unit 12 via the second network communication path C2.

[0042] The authentication request unit 31 associates the second air conditioning operation data received from the air conditioner 1 with the user identification information in the user identification information holding unit 33 (step S120).

[0043] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the user identification information held by the user identification information holding unit of the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. In the owner authentication system 50, the user identification information holding unit 33 holds user identification information for identifying the user (user terminal 3).

[0044] The authentication request unit 31 associates user identification information with air conditioning operation data (second air conditioning operation data) received from the air conditioner 1. The authentication request unit 31 of the user terminal 3 sends user mapping data, which associates user identification information with the second air conditioning operation data, to the data management server 2 along with the authentication request in order to request authentication that the user is the owner of the air conditioner 1. Note that the user mapping data itself may be the authentication request. In this case, the data management server 2 determines that it has also received an authentication request when it receives the user mapping data. The authentication request unit 31 sends the user mapping data, which includes the authentication request, to the data management server 2 via the third network communication path C3. In this way, the authentication request unit 31 sends the user mapping data and executes the authentication request (step S130).

[0045] The data management server 2 receives and stores user mapping data from the user terminal 3, which associates user identification information with air conditioning operation data (step S140). Specifically, the authentication reception unit 22 of the data management server 2 receives the user mapping data, and the operation start determination unit 24 stores the user mapping data. The data management server 2 may store the user mapping data in the storage unit 26, or in another storage unit (not shown).

[0046] The operation start determination unit 24 of the data management server 2 determines the operation start period based on the air conditioning operation data of the equipment mapping data (step S150). Alternatively, the operation start determination unit 24 may determine the operation start period based on the air conditioning operation data of the user mapping data.

[0047] The operation start determination unit 24 of the data management server 2 extracts the first air conditioning operation data for the operation start period determined in step S150 from the first air conditioning operation data (step S160).

[0048] Furthermore, the operation start determination unit 24 extracts the second air conditioning operation data for the operation start period determined in step S150 from the second air conditioning operation data (step S170).

[0049] The change determination unit 25 determines whether the change values ​​of the extracted air conditioning operation data match (step S180). That is, the change determination unit 25 determines whether the change value of the room temperature change data in the first air conditioning operation data extracted in step S160 matches the change value of the room temperature change data in the second air conditioning operation data extracted in step S170.

[0050] Here, we will explain the configuration of the air conditioning operation data that the change determination unit 25 compares. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of air conditioning operation data used for owner determination in the owner authentication system according to the embodiment.

[0051] The air conditioning operation data shown on the left side of Figure 6 is an example of the configuration of the first air conditioning operation data 41, and the air conditioning operation data shown on the right side of Figure 6 is an example of the configuration of the second air conditioning operation data 42. Figure 6 shows examples of the first air conditioning operation data 41 and the second air conditioning operation data 42 when the air conditioning power is turned on from OFF and then turned off after 15 minutes. Note that the period during which the air conditioning power is ON is not limited to 15 minutes, but can be any period longer than the start of operation.

[0052] In the first air conditioning operation data 41 and the second air conditioning operation data 42, the collection time data, which is the time the air conditioning operation data is collected, the room temperature change data, and the operation start data are associated with each other.

[0053] The first air conditioning operation data 41 is the air conditioning operation data stored in the equipment mapping data, and the second air conditioning operation data 42 is the air conditioning operation data stored in the user mapping data.

[0054] The first air conditioning operation data 43 is the air conditioning operation data from the first air conditioning operation data 41 for the period when the power supply for the air conditioning operation is ON. The second air conditioning operation data 44 is the air conditioning operation data from the second air conditioning operation data 42 for the period when the power supply for the air conditioning operation is ON. In other words, the first air conditioning operation data 43 is an example of the first air conditioning operation data that the operation start determination unit 24 extracts from the first air conditioning operation data 41. Similarly, the second air conditioning operation data 44 is an example of the second air conditioning operation data that the operation start determination unit 24 extracts from the second air conditioning operation data 42. The change determination unit 25 compares the first air conditioning operation data 43 and the second air conditioning operation data 44. If the owner of the user terminal 3 is the same as the owner of the air conditioner 1, the first air conditioning operation data 43 and the second air conditioning operation data 44 will be the same.

[0055] Here, we will explain the process for determining whether the changes in the air conditioning operation data match. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the matching determination process for changes in the air conditioning operation data by the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. In the graph shown in Figure 7, the vertical axis is room temperature and the horizontal axis is time. Figure 7 shows the room temperature changing over time.

[0056] The data management server 2 acquires equipment mapping data via the first path, which is the first network communication path C1. This equipment mapping data includes air conditioning operation data, which includes operation start data D1a and room temperature change data D1b. Operation start data D1a indicates whether the power supply for air conditioning operation is ON or OFF. Therefore, the change determination unit 25 can determine, based on the operation start data D1a, whether the air conditioner 1 is in a trial operation state or whether the power supply for air conditioning operation is OFF. In addition, the change determination unit 25 can determine the change in room temperature over time (change value) based on the room temperature change data D1b.

[0057] The operation start determination unit 24 of the data management server 2 determines the operation start period based on the operation start data D1a. The operation start determination unit 24 determines a specific period from when the power supply for the air conditioning operation is turned ON from OFF to ON as the operation start period.

[0058] Furthermore, the data management server 2 acquires user mapping data via a second path that includes the second network communication path C2 and the third network communication path C3.

[0059] The air conditioning operation data in this user-associated data includes room temperature change data. Figure 7 illustrates room temperature change data D2x, D2y, and D2z as examples of room temperature change data included in the air conditioning operation data of the user-associated data. Room temperature change data D2x is the first pattern (first example) of room temperature change data, room temperature change data D2y is the second pattern (second example) of room temperature change data, and room temperature change data D2z is the third pattern (third example) of room temperature change data.

[0060] Since the second pattern of room temperature change data, room temperature change data D2y, is room temperature change data from outside the start of operation period, the change determination unit 25 does not recognize the user terminal 3 that sent the user association data as the owner of the air conditioner 1.

[0061] The third pattern of room temperature change data, room temperature change data D2z, does not match the change value of the room temperature change data D1b in the equipment mapping data. Therefore, the change determination unit 25 does not recognize the user terminal 3 that sent the user mapping data as the owner of the air conditioner 1.

[0062] The first pattern of room temperature change data, room temperature change data D2x, is room temperature change data within the operation start period. Furthermore, the change value of room temperature change data D2x matches the change value of room temperature change data D1b in the equipment mapping data. In this case, the change determination unit 25 recognizes the user terminal 3 that sent the user mapping data as the owner of the air conditioner 1. Thus, since the change value of room temperature change data D2x within the operation start period matches the change value of room temperature change data D1b, the change determination unit 25 recognizes the user terminal 3 that sent the user mapping data including room temperature change data D2x as the owner of the air conditioner 1.

[0063] If the change determination unit 25 determines that the change values ​​of the air conditioning operation data match (step S180, match), it determines that authentication of the user terminal 3 is successful (step S190). Then, the change determination unit 25 associates the equipment identification information with the user identification information (step S200). In other words, if the change determination unit 25 determines that the change values ​​of the room temperature change data within the operation start period match, User identification information The change detection unit 25 authenticates the owner (user) of user terminal 3 who sent the data as the owner (user) of air conditioner 1, and associates the equipment identification information with the user identification information. As a result, the change detection unit 25 terminates the authentication process for user terminal 3.

[0064] On the other hand, if the change determination unit 25 determines that the change values ​​of the air conditioning operation data do not match (step S180, mismatch), it determines that authentication of the user terminal 3 has failed (step S210). In other words, the change determination unit 25 User identification information The change detection unit 25 determines that the owner (user) of user terminal 3 who sent the message is not the owner (user) of air conditioner 1. Then, the change detection unit 25 terminates the authentication process for user terminal 3.

[0065] Thus, the change detection unit 25 of the data management server 2, User identification information If the owner of user terminal 3 who sent the data is authenticated as the owner of air conditioner 1, correspondence information is created that associates the device identification information with the user identification information. This correspondence information is stored in a storage unit (for example, storage unit 26) within the data management server 2. The data management server 2 retains the correspondence information until the next user makes an authentication request to air conditioner 1 and the authentication of the next user is successful.

[0066] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of correspondence information between device identification information and user identification information created by the owner authentication system according to the embodiment. In the correspondence information between device identification information and user identification information created and stored by the data management server 2, the authentication number, device identification information, and user identification information are associated.

[0067] If authentication fails, the data management server 2 may delete from the correspondence information the user identification information of the user terminal 3 that failed authentication, and the correspondence information the equipment identification information of the air conditioner 1 that failed authentication. The data management server 2 updates the correspondence information when authentication fails or succeeds.

[0068] In this way, the owner authentication system 50 can perform authentication between the user and the air conditioner 1 without using static information (such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address), thus clearly distinguishing between past owners and current owners.

[0069] Furthermore, since the owner authentication system 50 uses the air conditioning operation data of the air conditioner 1 as dynamic data for authenticating the user and the air conditioner 1, it can distinguish between past and current owners without using additional hardware to generate dynamic data.

[0070] In this embodiment, the case in which the data management server 2's matching verification unit 23 includes two determination units (operation start determination unit 24 and change determination unit 25) has been described. However, the matching verification unit 23 may be configured to include only one of the operation start determination unit 24 and the change determination unit 25.

[0071] For example, the operation start determination unit 24 may determine whether or not the user terminal 3 is the owner of the air conditioner 1. That is, the operation start determination unit 24 may determine whether or not the air conditioning operation data matches based on the date and time (start date and time) data of when the operation started. Specifically, the operation start determination unit 24 may compare and verify whether or not the two sets of air conditioning operation data match by comparing the start date and time of when the operation started included in the equipment mapping data with the start date and time of when the operation started included in the user mapping data. In this case, the matching verification unit 23 does not need to include the change determination unit 25.

[0072] Furthermore, if the matching verification unit 23 does not include the operation start determination unit 24, the change determination unit 25 determines whether the changes in the first air conditioning operation data and the changes in the second air conditioning operation data match during an arbitrary period or date and time. In this case, the change determination unit 25 also recognizes the user terminal 3 that sent the user mapping data including the room temperature change data D2y shown in Figure 7 as the owner of the air conditioner 1.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the owner authentication system 50 is configured to include one air conditioner 1 and one user terminal 3. However, the air conditioner 1 and user terminal 3 connected to the data management server 2 are not limited to one each; at least one of them may be two or more.

[0074] Furthermore, if the owner authentication system 50 is equipped with multiple air conditioners 1, the data management server 2 may, if it successfully authenticates at least one user terminal 3, simultaneously authenticate other air conditioners connected using the same network communication path as the authenticated air conditioner 1. In other words, if the data management server 2 successfully authenticates one user terminal 3, it may certify that user terminal 3 as the owner of all air conditioners 1 connected to the same network communication path.

[0075] Furthermore, although the data management server 2 in this embodiment uses room temperature change data as dynamic data for authenticating the user terminal 3, the dynamic data for authenticating the user terminal 3 may also include outside temperature change data, set temperature, set temperature change data, compressor rotation speed, fan rotation speed, refrigerant circuit piping temperature, or refrigerant circuit piping pressure data. Here, the compressor, fan, and refrigerant circuit piping are components of the air conditioner 1. The outside temperature change data is the data of the change in the outside temperature at the location where the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 1 is located. The set temperature is the temperature (room temperature) set for the air conditioner 1. The set temperature change data is the data of the set temperature change history.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the data management server 2 uses room temperature change data, which is one type of data, as dynamic data for authenticating the user terminal 3. However, the user terminal 3 may be authenticated using any two or more of the above-mentioned dynamic data. That is, the data management server 2 may apply at least one of the following as dynamic data for authenticating the user terminal 3: room temperature change data, outside temperature change data, set temperature, set temperature change data, compressor rotation speed, fan rotation speed, refrigerant circuit piping temperature, and refrigerant circuit piping pressure data. When the data management server 2 determines the owner using two or more types of dynamic data, it can determine the owner with higher accuracy than when it authenticates using only one type of dynamic data.

[0077] Furthermore, as explained in Figure 6, the data management server 2 of this embodiment authenticated the user terminal 3 as the owner of the air conditioner 1 when the first air conditioning operation data 43 and the second air conditioning operation data 44 matched perfectly. However, authentication may also be performed after interpolating the time data.

[0078] Furthermore, while the owner authentication system 50 of this embodiment retains the ON or OFF state of the power supply as operation start data as shown in Figure 6, it may also retain operation start time data or operation end time data, and use the room temperature change data collected during these times as first air conditioning operation data 43 and second air conditioning operation data 44.

[0079] Furthermore, although the owner authentication system 50 of this embodiment was described as extracting operation start data for authenticating the user terminal 3 from the operation data when the trial run is started, owner authentication may also be performed by extracting operation start data from the operation data when a normal cooling or heating operation is started.

[0080] In this embodiment, an example of equipment is described as an air conditioner 1, but the equipment may be other devices besides the air conditioner 1. For example, the equipment may be a television, a surveillance camera, or the like.

[0081] Thus, the owner authentication system 50 does not determine whether or not someone is the owner of the air conditioner 1 based solely on static data, but authenticates the current owner of the air conditioner 1 based on the characteristics of changes in dynamic data related to the operation of the air conditioner 1. The owner authentication system 50 authenticates the current owner of the air conditioner 1 without using additional hardware to generate dynamic data. In other words, since the owner authentication system 50 is configured to use the dynamic data of the air conditioner 1 for authentication with the user terminal 3, it is possible to authenticate the current owner without authenticating past owners.

[0082] Here, we will describe the hardware configuration of the air conditioner 1, the data management server 2, and the user terminal 3. Since the air conditioner 1, the data management server 2, and the user terminal 3 have similar hardware configurations, we will describe the hardware configuration of the data management server 2 here. The data management server 2 is implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor and memory that executes programs stored in memory, or it may be dedicated hardware.

[0083] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the data management server according to the embodiment is implemented using a processor and memory. The processing circuit 90 shown in Figure 9 includes a processor 91 and memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is composed of a processor 91 and memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 is implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a data management program and stored in memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, each function is implemented by the processor 91 reading and executing the data management program stored in memory 92. In other words, the processing circuit 90 includes memory 92 for storing the data management program, which will ultimately be executed by the processing of the data management server 2. This data management program can also be said to be a program that causes the data management server 2 to execute each function implemented by the processing circuit 90. This data management program may be provided by a storage medium on which the data management program is stored, or by other means such as a communication medium.

[0084] The above data management program has a modular configuration that includes a matching verification unit 23, and these are loaded into the main memory and generated in the main memory.

[0085] Here, the processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Registered Trademark) (Electrically EPROM), magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, or DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs).

[0086] Figure 10 shows an example of a processing circuit when the processing circuit of the data management server according to the embodiment is implemented with dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 93 shown in Figure 10 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processing circuit 93 may be partially implemented with dedicated hardware and partially implemented with software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit 93 can realize each of the above functions with dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0087] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 transmits equipment mapping data, which associates first air conditioning operation data with equipment identification information, to the data management server 2, and transmits second air conditioning operation data to the user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 then transmits user mapping data, which associates second air conditioning operation data with user identification information, to the data management server 2. The data management server 2 performs authentication of the air conditioner by comparing the first air conditioning operation data included in the equipment mapping data with the second air conditioning operation data included in the user mapping data. This enables the data management server 2 to correctly recognize the current owner of the air conditioner 1 based on dynamic data that changes over time.

[0088] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and can be combined with other known technologies. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1 Air conditioner, 2 Data management server, 3 User terminal, 11 First information provision unit, 12 Second information provision unit, 13 Data measurement unit, 14 Air conditioning operation data storage unit, 15 Equipment identification information storage unit, 21 First information receiving unit, 22 Authentication acceptance unit, 23 Match verification unit, 24 Operation start determination unit, 25 Change determination unit, 26 Storage unit, 31 Authentication request unit, 32 Second information receiving unit, 33 User identification information storage unit, 50 Owner authentication system, 90, 93 Processing circuit, 91 Processor, 92 Memory, D1a Operation start data, D1b, D2x, D2y, D2z Room temperature change data.

Claims

1. Equipment and machinery, A data management server connected to the aforementioned equipment, A user terminal that can connect to the aforementioned equipment and the aforementioned data management server, Equipped with, The aforementioned equipment and machinery are A device identification information holding unit holds device identification information, which is the identification information of the aforementioned equipment, The aforementioned equipment includes an operating data holding unit that holds operating data, which is dynamic data that changes over time, A first information providing unit transmits equipment mapping data, which associates the first operating data from the aforementioned operating data with the equipment identification information, to the data management server. A second information provision unit transmits the second operational data from the aforementioned operational data to the user terminal, It has, The aforementioned user terminal is A user identification information holding unit that holds user identification information, which is the identification information of the user terminal, An authentication request unit sends user mapping data, which associates the second operating data with the user identification information, to the data management server to request authentication as to whether the user terminal is the terminal corresponding to the owner of the equipment. It has, The aforementioned data management server is The system includes a matching verification unit that performs the authentication by comparing the first operation data included in the equipment mapping data with the second operation data included in the user mapping data. The matching verification unit determines that the user terminal is the terminal corresponding to the owner of the equipment when the changes in the first operating data during the start-up period, which is a specific period after the equipment has started operation, match the changes in the second operating data during the start-up period. Owner authentication system.

2. The first operation data and the second operation data include a start date and time, which is the date and time when the equipment started operation. The owner authentication system according to claim 1.

3. Equipment and machinery, A data management server connected to the aforementioned equipment, A user terminal that can connect to the aforementioned equipment and the aforementioned data management server, Equipped with, The aforementioned equipment and machinery are A device identification information holding unit holds device identification information, which is the identification information of the aforementioned equipment, The aforementioned equipment includes an operating data holding unit that holds operating data, which is dynamic data that changes over time, A first information providing unit transmits equipment mapping data, which associates the first operating data from the aforementioned operating data with the equipment identification information, to the data management server. A second information provision unit transmits the second operational data from the aforementioned operational data to the user terminal, It has, The aforementioned user terminal is A user identification information holding unit that holds user identification information, which is the identification information of the user terminal, An authentication request unit sends user mapping data, which associates the second operating data with the user identification information, to the data management server to request authentication as to whether the user terminal is the terminal corresponding to the owner of the equipment. It has, The aforementioned data management server is The system includes a matching verification unit that performs the authentication by comparing the first operation data included in the equipment mapping data with the second operation data included in the user mapping data. The first operation data and the second operation data include a start date and time, which is the date and time when the equipment started operation. The matching verification unit determines that the user terminal is the terminal corresponding to the owner of the equipment when the start date and time included in the first operation data matches the start date and time included in the second operation data. Owner authentication system.

4. The aforementioned equipment is an air conditioner, The first operating data and the second operating data include at least one of the following: data on changes in room temperature of the room where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located; data on changes in outside temperature at the location where the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is located; the set temperature set for the air conditioner; change data indicating the history of changes to the set temperature; the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioner; the rotational speed of the fan of the air conditioner; the temperature of the piping in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner; and pressure data of the piping in the refrigerant circuit. The owner authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned data management server is The matching verification unit determines that the user terminal corresponds to the owner of the equipment, and further has a storage unit that stores correspondence information that associates the equipment identification information with the user identification information. The owner authentication system according to claim 4.

6. The matching verification unit updates the correspondence information if the authentication is successful or unsuccessful. The owner authentication system according to claim 5.

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