Method and system for managing customers by linking financial product and space control

Abstract

A space control system according to one embodiment may comprise: a payment information checking unit which obtains subscription product information and payment information related to space use and checks unpaid information for a subscription product usage fee on the basis of the subscription product information and the payment information; and a space control unit which controls an operation of a space operating device related to the subscription product information on the basis of the unpaid information.

Description

Method and system for managing customers by linking financial products and space control.

[0001] Embodiments disclosed in this document may relate to methods and systems for managing customers by linking financial products and spatial control.

[0002] Services that allow customers to rent out space or equipment within shared spaces, such as shared offices, study rooms, studios, and indoor sports facilities like golf practice ranges, are becoming increasingly diverse. These services require personnel to manage customers and maintain the environment and equipment within the space. Recently, there has been a growing need to minimize these management personnel or implement unmanned operations to improve space management efficiency and reduce operating costs.

[0003] The embodiments are directed to providing a space control system and a space control method that can automatically restrict space use by a customer who is in arrears by detecting the customer's non-payment information and restricting space entry or operation of devices related to space use.

[0004] In addition, the embodiments are intended to provide a space control system and a space control method that can efficiently manage payment information or non-payment information of customers who pay usage fees in lump sums as well as in installments at regular intervals.

[0005] In addition, the embodiments provide a space control system and a space control method that induce customers to make payments by applying personalized restriction actions to each customer.

[0006] A space control system according to one embodiment may include a payment information verification unit that obtains subscription product information and payment information related to space use, and verifies unpaid information for subscription product usage fees based on the subscription product information and the payment information, and a space control unit that controls the operation of a space operation device related to the subscription product information based on the unpaid information.

[0007] The above space control unit may, if it is determined that the subscription product usage fee has been paid, provide an identifier for unlocking the door lock to the customer's terminal, and if it is determined that the subscription product usage fee is unpaid, it may refuse to provide the identifier to the customer's request for unlocking the door lock.

[0008] If it is determined that the subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the space control unit may, based on the subscription product information, identify a restricted device among at least one device related to the subscription product, and set the restricted device to an off state or limit the operating range of the restricted device to a preset range.

[0009] If it is determined that the subscription product usage fee is in arrears, the space control unit may, if the space range available to the customer includes a separate space separated from the space used by other customers, select at least one of the devices related to the use of the separate space allocated to the customer as the restricted device, if the space range available to the customer is located within a common space, select at least one of the devices used only within the space allocated to the customer, excluding devices shared with other customers, as the restricted device, and if the customer is allocated a usage time, select at least one of the devices related to the use of the space allocated to the customer during the usage time as the restricted device.

[0010] If it is determined that the subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the space control unit may, based on the unpaid information, check whether the unpaid period is less than or equal to a preset threshold, and if the unpaid period is less than or equal to the preset threshold, perform a first restriction operation, and if the unpaid period exceeds the preset threshold, perform a second restriction operation, wherein the first restriction operation may include an operation of providing an identifier for unlocking a door lock to a customer terminal based on a customer request, and, based on the subscription product information, identifying a device subject to restriction among at least one device related to the subscription product, and setting the device subject to restriction to an off state or limiting the operation range of the device subject to restriction to a preset range, and the second restriction operation may include an operation of refusing to provide the identifier in response to a customer request for the identifier for unlocking the door lock.

[0011] If it is determined that the subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the space control unit may select at least one device related to the subscription product, among which the customer has a history of past use, as the restricted devices.

[0012] The above-mentioned restricted device includes a temperature control device and lighting, and the space control unit can set the settable temperature range of the temperature control device to be limited to a range greater than or equal to (current temperature - 2°C) and less than or equal to (current temperature + 2°C), and can set the brightness range of the lighting to be limited to a range greater than or equal to 0 lumen and less than or equal to 200 lumen.

[0013] If it is determined that the subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the space control unit may, based on the unpaid information, check whether the unpaid period is less than or equal to a preset threshold, and if the unpaid period is less than or equal to the preset threshold, perform a first restriction operation, and if the unpaid period exceeds the preset threshold, perform a second restriction operation, wherein the first restriction operation may include an operation of limiting and setting a settable temperature range of a temperature control device that controls the temperature of a space allocated to a customer to a range greater than or equal to (current temperature - 2°C) and less than or equal to (current temperature + 2°C), and limiting and setting a brightness range of a light that controls the brightness of the space allocated to the customer to a range greater than or equal to 0 lumen and less than or equal to 200 lumen, and the second restriction operation may include an operation of setting the temperature control device and the light to be maintained in an off state.

[0014] If it is determined that the subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the space control unit may, based on the unpaid information, check whether the unpaid period is less than or equal to a preset threshold, and if the unpaid period is less than or equal to the preset threshold, perform a first restriction operation, and if the unpaid period exceeds the preset threshold, perform a second restriction operation, and the first restriction operation may include an operation of selecting, as a restriction target device, a device with the second highest frequency of use by the customer during a specified period among at least one device related to the subscription product, and maintaining the restriction target device in an off state or limiting its operation range to a preset range, and the second restriction operation may include an operation of selecting, as the restriction target device, a device with the highest frequency of use by the customer during the specified period, and maintaining the restriction target device in an off state or limiting its operation range to a preset range.

[0015] A device according to one embodiment may be coupled with hardware and controlled by a computer program stored on a medium to execute any one of the methods described above.

[0016] According to embodiments, space use by customers with overdue payments can be automatically restricted by detecting information about the customer's overdue payments and restricting space access or operation of devices related to space use.

[0017] In addition, according to embodiments, it is possible to efficiently manage payment information or non-payment information of customers who pay usage fees in lump sums as well as customers who pay usage fees in installments at regular intervals.

[0018] Additionally, according to embodiments, personalized restriction actions can be applied to each customer to induce payment from the customer.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a space control system according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a space control system according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an operation method of a space control system according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating a space control system according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating a space control system according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of operating a space control system according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a space control system according to one embodiment.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are included within the scope of the patent application.

[0027] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed form, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the technical concept.

[0028] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, these terms should be interpreted solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0029] Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. In certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on their meaning and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply their names.

[0030] When it is said that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0031] The terms used in the examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] Throughout this specification, when a part is said to “include” a certain component, this does not mean that other components may be included, but rather that other components may be excluded, unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the singular forms used herein also include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. Furthermore, the expression “at least one of b, and c” used throughout this specification can encompass “a alone,” “b alone,” “c alone,” “a and b,” “a and c,” “b and c,” or “all of a, b, and c.”

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0034] In addition, terms such as “unit”, “module”, etc. described in this specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. These functional blocks may be implemented by various numbers of hardware or / and software configurations that execute specific functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may employ direct circuit configurations such as memory, processing, logic, look-up tables, etc., which may execute various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.

[0035] Each block of the processing flow diagrams attached to this specification and combinations of the flow diagrams can be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be installed in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the instructions, when executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment, create a means for performing the functions described in the flow diagram block(s).

[0036] These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer-available or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to implement a function in a particular manner, and the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory may also produce an article of manufacture that includes instruction means for performing the function described in the flowchart block(s).

[0037] Since the computer program instructions may be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device, a series of operational steps may be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-executable process, and the instructions that cause the computer or other programmable data processing device to perform the steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s) may also provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0038] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that contains one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function(s). Furthermore, in some alternative implementation examples, the functions described in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks depicted in succession may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on their respective functions.

[0039] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing embodiments, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0040] A service provider may provide a service to a space manager for automating space control using a space control system. The service provider server may provide and manage a space operation device and a space control server to the space manager, thereby providing a service that enables automated space control. In this case, the specific operations of the space operation device and the space control server may be customized for each space. The space control system may include a service provider server, a space operation device, and a space control server.

[0041] Considering the high initial costs associated with implementing a space control system, service provider servers can collect the cost of implementing the system from space managers in the form of a monthly subscription fee or installment payments. This allows space managers to reduce the labor costs required for space operation by utilizing the system. By leveraging these reduced labor costs, they can spread the cost of implementing the system over monthly payments, thereby reducing the burden of the initial initial cost.

[0042] The service provider server can mitigate concerns about non-payment of system installation fees by restricting space managers from using the space control system if the system's installation fees are unpaid. Similarly, the space control server can mitigate concerns about non-payment by restricting users' (customers') use of the space if the user's (customers') usage fees are unpaid.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a space control system according to one embodiment.

[0044] A space control system may include a service provider server (140), a space operation device (120), and a space control server (110). Referring to FIG. 1, the space control server (110) according to various embodiments of the present document may include a processor (111), a communication unit (112), and a database (113). Meanwhile, although FIG. 1 illustrates that the space control server (110) includes a database (113), this is merely exemplary. For example, depending on the embodiment, the space control server (110) may be configured not to include a database (113).

[0045] The space control server (110) can transmit and receive information with the space operation device (120), the customer terminal (130), and the service provider server (140) through the communication unit (112). To this end, the communication unit (112) can be implemented with various communication technologies. For example, the communication unit (112) can be applied with Wi-Fi, Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSUPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Mobile WiMAX, WiBro, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, Bluetooth, infrared data association (IrDA), Near Field Communication (NFC), Zigbee, wireless LAN technology, etc. In addition, when the space control server (110) is connected to the Internet and provides the service, the communication unit (112) may follow TCP / IP, which is a standard protocol for information transmission on the Internet, and may also use GPS (Global Positioning System) technology.

[0046] The database (113) can store information for space control based on the customer's payment information. For example, the database (113) can store customer identification information, customer subscription product information, payment information, and customer past usage information.

[0047] The processor (111) can access the database (113) through the communication unit (112). Meanwhile, if the space control server (110) does not include the database (113) as described above and uses an external database, the space control server (110) can also access the external database through the communication unit (112).

[0048] In addition, the processor (111) included in the space control server (110) can communicate with the space operation device (120) through the communication unit (112). The space control server (110) according to one embodiment can communicate with the space operation device (120) to control the operation of the space operation device (120). According to one embodiment, the space operation device (120) may be devices related to the operation of a space and may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device. For example, the space operation device (120) may include a door lock, lighting, a temperature control device, a humidity control device, an air purifier, a power supply device, a printer, an audio device, a computer, a sports training device, etc. that can be controlled by the space control server (110). For example, the space control server (110) can control the opening and closing of a door lock (e.g., a door lock). As another example, the space control server (110) can control the on-off or operating range of devices (e.g., lighting, temperature control devices, humidity control devices, air purifiers, power supplies, printers, audio devices, computers, sports training devices, etc.) related to products subscribed to by the customer.

[0049] In addition, the processor (111) included in the space control server (110) can communicate with a customer terminal (130) through a communication unit (112). For example, the customer terminal (130) is a digital device that includes a function capable of performing communication, and may be a digital device equipped with a memory and a processor and having computational capabilities while performing communication, such as a mobile phone, tablet PC, desktop computer, notebook computer, PDA, web pad, etc.

[0050] The service provider server (140) can control the space control server (110) and the space operation device (120). Specifically, the service provider server (140) can verify whether the cost for introducing the space control system has been deposited. In one embodiment, the service provider server (140) can automatically verify whether the contracted cost has been deposited on a preset date (e.g., the first day of each month, every quarter, every half year, etc.).

[0051] The service provider server (140) may restrict the use of the space control system if the cost of introducing the space control system has not been paid. Specifically, the service provider server (140) may restrict the functions of the space control server (110). In one embodiment, the service provider server (140) may restrict access to the space control server (110) or restrict the use of the space control server (110) to control the space operation device (120).

[0052] If the cost of introducing the space control system has not been paid, the service provider server (140) may send a notification of non-payment or overdue payment to the space control server (110). If the use of the space control system is restricted, the service provider server (140) may determine the specific functions to be restricted based on usage logs (frequency, timing, etc.) for each specific service function. In addition, the service provider server (140) may notify the space control server (110) of information regarding the restricted service.

[0053] Even if the space manager attempts to control the space operation device (120) offline without using the space control server (110), the space control server (110) can detect the operation of the space operation device (120) and notify the service provider server (140). That is, if the space operation device (120) can be controlled offline, the space manager can be prevented from continuing to use the space operation device (120) without paying the fee.

[0054]

[0055] Hereinafter, a space control system (200) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a space control system (200) according to one embodiment. The space control system (200) according to one embodiment may include an information storage unit (210), a payment information verification unit (220), and a space control unit (230).

[0056] For example, the payment information verification unit (220) and the space control unit (230) may be implemented through the processor (111) described with reference to FIG. 1. As another example, the information storage unit (210) may be implemented through the database (113) described with reference to FIG. 1. Meanwhile, as described with reference to FIG. 1, when the space control system (200) is configured not to include the database (113), the information storage unit (210) may not be included in the space control system (200) but may be configured as an external database. Accordingly, at least one of the payment information verification unit (220) and the space control unit (230) (e.g., the processor (111)) may access the information storage unit (210) (e.g., the database (113)) through the communication unit (112) described with reference to FIG. 1. In addition, at least one of the payment information verification unit (220) and the space control unit (230) can transmit and receive necessary information by communicating with at least one of the space operation device (120) and the customer terminal (130) through the communication unit (112).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the information storage unit (210) may store at least one of customer identification information, subscription product information related to a product subscribed by the customer, the customer's payment information, and the customer's past usage information. For example, the customer's subscription product information may include information on at least one of the usage fee, usage fee payment deadline, usage period, available space range, and available device information for the product subscribed by the customer. Furthermore, the customer's payment information may include information on at least one of the customer's payment amount, payment date, and payment time. Furthermore, the customer's past usage information may include information on the frequency of use of devices used by the customer during a specified period. According to another embodiment, the information storage unit (210) may also store customer identification information and information on whether or not a payment has been made that matches the customer identification information.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the payment information verification unit (220) may obtain the customer's payment information and subscription product information to verify unpaid information regarding the customer's subscription product usage fee. For example, the payment information verification unit (220) may verify whether the customer's payment amount matches the amount corresponding to the usage fee of the customer's subscription product based on the customer's payment information and subscription product information stored in the information storage unit (210). If the customer's payment amount does not match the usage fee corresponding to the customer's subscription product or is confirmed as unpaid, the payment information verification unit (220) may determine that the customer is in an unpaid state. If the customer's payment amount for the customer's subscription product matches the amount corresponding to the usage fee of the customer's subscription product, the payment information verification unit (220) may determine that the product usage fee has been normally paid.

[0059] According to another embodiment, the payment information verification unit (220) can obtain the customer's payment information (e.g., payment amount, payment date, etc.) by calling a separate server that performs payment, and can check the unpaid information for the customer's subscription product usage fee based on the obtained customer's payment information and the subscription product information obtained from the information storage unit (210).

[0060] According to another embodiment, information on whether or not a payment has been made that matches the customer identification information may be stored in the information storage unit (210), and the payment information verification unit (220) may obtain information on whether or not a customer has been paid from the information storage unit (210).

[0061] In one embodiment, the payment information verification unit (220) can verify unpaid usage fees for using the space control system (200). In another embodiment, the payment information verification unit (220) can also verify unpaid usage fees for products provided through the space control system (200).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the payment information verification unit (220) may determine the cycle for checking unpaid information based on the customer's subscription product information. For example, if the customer's subscription product is a product that requires payment of usage fees in installments at regular intervals (e.g., monthly subscription payment method), the payment information verification unit (220) may check the customer's unpaid information when the payment deadline has passed (e.g., 1 second after the payment deadline). If the customer has not paid the usage fee within the payment deadline, the payment information verification unit (220) may set the customer as unpaid and may check whether the customer has paid at regular intervals thereafter or when the customer requests to use the space. If the customer has paid the usage fee within the payment deadline, the payment information verification unit (220) may set the customer as paid.

[0063] The space control unit (230) can control the operation of a space operation device (e.g., space operation device (120) of FIG. 1) related to a customer based on the customer's non-payment information obtained from the payment information verification unit (220).

[0064] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the operation of a space control system (e.g., the space control server (110) of FIG. 1 or the space control system (200) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the space control system according to one embodiment. The space control method described in FIG. 3 can be performed on the space control server (110) of FIG. 1 or the space control system (200) of FIG. 2.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the space control system may include a step of obtaining subscription product information and payment information related to the customer's use of the space (S310), a step of checking unpaid information for the customer's subscription product usage fee based on the obtained payment information and subscription product information of the customer (S320), and a step of controlling the operation of a space operation device related to the customer's subscription product information based on the unpaid information (S330). The step of obtaining the customer's payment information and subscription product information (S310) and the step of checking whether the customer's subscription product usage fee is unpaid (S320) are substantially the same as or similar to the operation of the payment information confirmation unit (220) of FIG. 2, and therefore, any overlapping description thereof will be omitted. The step of controlling the operation of the space operation device related to the customer's subscription product information (S330) is substantially the same as or similar to the operation of the space control unit (230) of FIG. 2, and therefore, any overlapping description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, an example of an operating method of a space control system (200) according to one embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operating method of a space control system (200) according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the space control system (200) can control the opening and closing of an entrance door lock to restrict the entry and exit of a customer who is in arrears.

[0067] In one embodiment, the payment information verification unit (220) can verify unpaid information regarding the customer's subscription product usage fees (S410). This is substantially identical or similar to the operation of the payment information verification unit (220) described above in FIG. 2, and therefore, any overlapping description will be omitted.

[0068] If it is determined that the customer's subscription fee has been paid (No), the space control unit (230) may perform an operation (S420) to unlock the door. If it is determined that the customer's subscription fee is unpaid (Yes), the space control unit (230) may perform an operation (S430) to keep the door locked.

[0069] For example, a door lock may include a reader that recognizes an identifier (e.g., a QR code, a barcode, etc.), and may be unlocked by recognizing the identifier (e.g., a QR code, a barcode, etc.) for unlocking. If it is determined that the customer's subscription service fee has been paid, the space control unit (230) may provide an identifier for unlocking the door lock to the customer's terminal (e.g., the customer terminal (130) of FIG. 1) based on the customer's request, and the door lock may recognize the identifier and perform an unlocking operation. If it is determined that the customer's subscription service fee is unpaid, the space control unit (230) may refuse to provide an identifier for unlocking in response to the customer's request, and may not provide an identifier for unlocking the door lock to the customer's terminal.

[0070] For another example, the door lock may include a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint recognition sensor, an iris recognition sensor, etc.) and may be unlocked through the customer's biometric recognition. For another example, the door lock may include a card reader and may be unlocked by recognizing the customer's access card. For another example, the door lock may be unlocked through the input of a password assigned to each customer. If it is determined that the customer's subscription service fee has been paid, the space control unit (230) may unlock the door when the customer requests to unlock the door (e.g., biometric recognition, access card tagging, or password input). If it is determined that the customer's subscription service fee is unpaid, the space control unit (230) may keep the door locked when the customer requests to unlock the door (e.g., biometric recognition, access card tagging, or password input).

[0071] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, an example of an operating method of a space control system (200) according to one embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operating method of a space control system (200) according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the space control system (200) can detect whether a customer has overdue payment and control the operation of a device related to the customer's subscription product.

[0072] In one embodiment, the payment information verification unit (220) can verify unpaid information regarding the customer's subscription product usage fees (S510). This is substantially the same as or similar to the operation of the payment information verification unit (220) described above in FIG. 2, and therefore, any overlapping description will be omitted.

[0073] If it is determined that the customer's subscription product usage fee has been paid (No), the space control unit (230) can control at least one device related to the customer's subscription product to operate normally (S520). According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the customer's subscription product usage fee has been paid, the space control unit (230) can control at least one device related to the customer's subscription product to be turned on. Alternatively, if it is determined that the customer's subscription product usage fee has been paid, the space control unit (230) can maintain at least one device related to the customer's subscription product in a state controllable by the customer. According to one embodiment, the device related to the customer's subscription product may include a device used in a space allocated to the customer based on the customer's subscription product. For example, the device related to the customer's subscription product may include at least one of a lighting device, a temperature control device, a humidity control device, an air purifier, a power supply device, a printer, an audio device, a computer, and sports training equipment.

[0074] If the customer's subscription product usage fee is determined to be unpaid (Yes), the space control unit (230) may, based on the customer's subscription product information, identify at least one device among the devices associated with the customer's subscription product that is subject to restrictions (S530). For example, the customer's subscription product information may include at least one of the following: usage period, available space range, and available device information.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the space control unit (230) may set the types and ranges of devices subject to restrictions for each customer based on the customer's subscription product information. For example, if the space range available for use based on the product subscribed by the customer includes a separate space (e.g., a single room) that is separate from the spaces used by other customers, the space control unit (230) may select at least one device related to the use of the separate space allocated to the customer as the restricted device. In other words, the space control unit (230) may select at least one device among a lighting device, a temperature control device, a humidity control device, an air purifier, a power supply device, a printer, an audio device, a computer, and sports training equipment located in the space allocated to the customer who is in arrears as the restricted device. For another example, if the space range available for use based on the product subscribed by the customer is located in a common space shared with other customers, the space control unit (230) may select at least one device used exclusively within the space range used by the customer who is in arrears as the restricted device. In other words, the space control unit (230) may select partial lighting and power supply devices used only within the space allocated to a customer with outstanding payments as restricted devices. For another example, if a reserved space (e.g., reserved seat) and its usage time are allocated to a customer based on a product subscribed to by the customer, the space control unit (230) may select at least one device associated with the use of the reserved space during the time allocated to the customer with outstanding payments as a restricted device.

[0076] According to another embodiment, the space control unit (230) may set the types and range of devices subject to restrictions for each customer based on the customer's past usage information. For example, the information storage unit (210) may store past usage information regarding the types and frequency of use of devices used by the customer during a preset past period, and the space control unit (230) may select, as the restricted devices, at least one device related to the customer's subscription product that has been confirmed to have been used by the customer in the past (e.g., a printer, a power supply unit, partial lighting, etc.).

[0077] The space control unit (230) can restrict the operation of the selected restricted device (S540). According to one embodiment, the space control unit (230) can control the restricted device to remain in an off state. Alternatively, the space control unit (230) can maintain the restricted device in a state that cannot be controlled by the customer. For example, the space control unit (230) can set at least one of the lighting, temperature control, humidity control, air purifier, power supply, printer, audio device, computer, and sports training device selected as the restricted device to remain in an off state or set it to remain in a state that cannot be controlled by the customer.

[0078] In another embodiment, the space control unit (230) may limit the operating range of the restricted device to a preset range. For example, the space control unit (230) may limit the settable temperature range of the temperature control device to a range greater than or equal to (current temperature - 2°C) and less than or equal to (current temperature + 2°C). In another example, the space control unit (230) may limit the brightness range of the lighting to a range greater than or equal to 0 lumen and less than or equal to 200 lumen.

[0079] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, an example of an operating method of a space control system (200) according to one embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operating method of a space control system (200) according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the space control system (200) can stepwise control the operation of a customer's subscription product and space operation device based on whether or not the customer has defaulted on payment.

[0080] In one embodiment, the payment information verification unit (220) can verify unpaid information regarding the customer's subscription product usage fees (S610). This is substantially the same as or similar to the operation of the payment information verification unit (220) described above in FIG. 2, and therefore, any overlapping description will be omitted.

[0081] If it is determined that the customer's subscription product usage fee has been paid (No), the space control unit (230) can control the space operation devices related to the customer's subscription product to operate normally (S620). For example, the space operation devices may include door locks, lighting, temperature control devices, humidity control devices, air purifiers, power supply devices, printers, audio devices, computers, sports training equipment, etc.

[0082] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the customer's subscription fee has been paid, the space control unit (230) may perform an operation to unlock the door based on the customer's request and control at least one device associated with the customer's subscription product to be turned on. Alternatively, if it is determined that the customer's subscription fee has been paid, the space control unit (230) may set at least one device associated with the customer's subscription product to a state controllable by the customer.

[0083] If it is determined that the customer's subscription fee is unpaid (Yes), the space control unit (230) can check whether the customer's unpaid period is below a preset threshold based on the customer's unpaid information (S630). If the customer's unpaid period is below the preset threshold (Yes), the space control unit (230) can perform a first restriction operation (S640). If the customer's unpaid period exceeds the preset threshold (No), the space control unit (230) can perform a second restriction operation (S650).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the first restriction operation may be an operation of unlocking the door lock at the customer's request and restricting the operation of at least one device related to the customer's subscription product. The second restriction operation may be an operation of maintaining the door lock for a customer who is in arrears. For example, the first restriction operation may include an operation of providing an identifier for unlocking the door lock to the customer terminal based on the customer's request, identifying a restricted device among at least one device related to the customer's subscription product, and setting the restricted device to an off state or restricting the operation range of the restricted device to a preset range. Furthermore, the second restriction operation may include an operation of refusing to provide an identifier for unlocking the door lock at the customer's request. In other words, if the customer's non-payment period is less than or equal to a threshold, access to the space may be permitted, but operation of devices related to the use of the space may be restricted, and if the customer's non-payment period exceeds the threshold, access to the space may be restricted.

[0085] According to another embodiment, the first limiting operation may be an operation of limiting the operating range of at least one device associated with the customer's subscription product to a preset range, and the second limiting operation may be an operation of keeping at least one device associated with the customer's subscription product in an off state. For example, the first limiting operation may include an operation of limiting and setting the settable temperature range of a thermostat that controls the temperature of a space allocated to the customer to a preset range (e.g., a temperature range greater than or equal to (current temperature - 2°C) and less than or equal to (current temperature + 2°C)), and the second limiting operation may include an operation of setting the thermostat that controls the temperature of the space allocated to the customer to be kept in an off state. For another example, the first limiting operation may include an operation of limiting and setting the settable brightness range of a light that controls the brightness of the space allocated to the customer to a preset range (e.g., a brightness range greater than or equal to 0 lumen and less than or equal to 200 lumen), and the second limiting operation may include an operation of setting the light that controls the brightness of the space allocated to the customer to be kept in an off state.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the first restriction operation and the second restriction operation may be set based on the customer's past usage information. For example, the first restriction operation may include selecting, as the restricted device, the device with the second highest frequency of use by the customer during a specified period of time among at least one device associated with the customer's subscription product, and setting the selected restricted device to be turned off or to limit its operating range to a preset range. Furthermore, the second restriction operation may include selecting, as the restricted device, the device with the highest frequency of use by the customer during a specified period of time among at least one device associated with the customer's subscription product, and setting the selected restricted device to be turned off or to limit its operating range to a preset range. As another example, the first restriction operation may include selecting, as the restricted device, the device with the second highest usage time by the customer during a specified period of time among at least one device associated with the customer's subscription product, and setting the selected restricted device to be turned off or to limit its operating range to a preset range. Additionally, the second restriction action may include an action of selecting, as a restricted device, at least one device associated with the customer's subscription product, that has had the longest usage time for the customer during a specified period in the past, and setting the selected restricted device to be turned off or to limit its operating range to a preset range.

[0087] Depending on the embodiment, the step of checking whether the customer's overdue period is below a preset threshold based on the customer's overdue information (S630) may be replaced with a step of checking whether the customer's accumulated overdue amount is below a preset threshold based on the customer's overdue information.

[0088] In selecting a device whose operation is restricted among the devices related to the customer's subscription product in the first restriction operation or the second restriction operation described in FIG. 6, an operation of confirming the restricted device (S530) and restricting the operation of the restricted device (S540) based on the customer's subscription product information described in FIG. 5 may be performed, and any overlapping description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] A space control system (200) according to one embodiment can control a space operation device in stages according to a customer's unpaid period or unpaid amount, thereby inducing the customer to pay unpaid usage fees.

[0090] Hereinafter, a space control system (700) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a space control system (700) according to one embodiment. The space control system (700) according to one embodiment may include an information storage unit (710), a payment information verification unit (720), a space control unit (730), and an unpaid information provision unit (740). The information storage unit (710), the payment information verification unit (720), and the space control unit (730) are substantially the same as the information storage unit (210), the payment information verification unit (220), and the space control unit (230) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, and therefore, any overlapping description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] The unpaid information provider (740) may provide information related to the customer's unpaid usage fees to a customer terminal (e.g., the customer terminal (130) of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the unpaid information provider (740) may provide the customer terminal with information about the customer's subscription product, unpaid amount, unpaid period, and space operation devices restricted according to unpaid amount, and display the information on the customer terminal or an application of the customer terminal. According to another embodiment, the unpaid information provider (740) may display information related to the customer's unpaid usage fees and a user interface accessible as a payment screen for the unpaid amount on the customer terminal.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, if it is determined that a customer's subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the space control unit (730) of the space control system (700) according to one embodiment can perform an operation (S430) for maintaining the door lock, and the unpaid information provision unit (740) can display information related to the customer's unpaid usage fee, an interface indicating that entry is not possible due to unpaid fee, and a user interface accessible as a screen for paying the unpaid amount on the customer terminal.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, when it is determined that a customer's subscription product usage fee is unpaid, a space control unit (730) of a space control system (700) according to one embodiment can, based on the customer's subscription product information, check (S530) at least one device among devices related to the customer's subscription product that is subject to restrictions and restrict the operation of the selected restricted device (S540), and the unpaid information providing unit (740) can display on the customer terminal information related to the customer's unpaid usage fee, an interface that guides the use of a device that is restricted due to unpaid payment, and a user interface that can be accessed as a screen for paying the unpaid amount.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when it is determined that a customer's subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the space control unit (730) of the space control system (700) according to one embodiment may perform a first restriction operation or a second restriction operation depending on the customer's unpaid period or unpaid amount, and the unpaid information provision unit (740) may display on the customer terminal information related to the customer's unpaid usage fee, an interface that guides the type and range of devices whose use is restricted depending on the unpaid period or unpaid amount, and a user interface accessible as a screen for paying the unpaid amount.

[0095] The embodiments described above may be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0096] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of the program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0097] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may, independently or collectively, command the processing device. The software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave, for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0098] Although the embodiments described above have been described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various technical modifications and variations can be applied based on the above. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0099] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. Space Control Server; A space operating device controlled by the above space control server; and A service provider server that checks payment of costs for the introduction of a space control system at regular intervals and controls the use of the space control server and the space operation device; The above space control server, A payment information verification unit that obtains subscription product information and payment information related to space use and verifies unpaid information for subscription product usage fees based on the subscription product information and payment information; and A space control system, comprising a space control unit that controls the operation of a space operation device related to the subscription product information based on the above unpaid information.

2. In paragraph 1, The above space control unit, If it is determined that the above subscription product usage fee has been paid, an identifier for unlocking the door lock will be provided to the customer terminal. A space control system that refuses to provide the identifier to the customer's request for unlocking the door lock if the subscription service fee is determined to be unpaid.

3. In paragraph 1, If it is determined that the above subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the above space control unit, Based on the above subscription product information, check at least one device among the devices related to the subscription product that is subject to restrictions, A space control system that sets the above-mentioned restricted device to an off state or limits the operating range of the above-mentioned restricted device to a preset range.

4. In paragraph 3, If it is determined that the above subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the above space control unit, If the space available to the customer includes a separate space that is separate from the space used by other customers, at least one of the devices related to the use of the separate space allocated to the customer is selected as the device subject to the restriction. If the space available to the customer is located within a public space, at least one of the devices used only within the space allocated to the customer, excluding devices shared with other customers, is selected as the restricted device. A space control system that selects at least one of the devices related to the use of the space allocated to the customer during the available time as the restricted device when the available time is allocated to the customer.

5. In paragraph 1, If it is determined that the above subscription product usage fee is unpaid, the above space control unit, Based on the above unpaid information, check whether the unpaid period is below the preset threshold, If the above-mentioned non-payment period is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the first restriction action is performed, If the above-mentioned non-payment period exceeds the above-mentioned preset threshold, a second restriction action is performed, The above first limiting operation is, Provides an identifier to unlock the door lock to the customer terminal based on the customer's request, Based on the above subscription product information, check at least one device among the devices related to the subscription product that is subject to restrictions, Including an action of setting the above restricted device to an off state or limiting the operating range of the above restricted device to a preset range, The above second limiting action is, A space control system comprising an action of refusing to provide the identifier in response to a customer's request for the identifier to unlock the door lock.

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