Information processing device, home system, connection determination method, and connection determination program

Abstract

This information processing device is included in a home system to which devices and equipment are communicably connected. The information processing device: manages registration of facility equipment used by a user by connecting to the home system; acquires from the facility equipment, if unregistered facility equipment is detected, corresponding function information which is information relating to functions required for the facility equipment to support connection to the home system; and determines, on the basis of the corresponding function information, whether the facility equipment can be connected to the home system.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Home System, Connection Determination Method, and Connection Determination Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a home system, a connection determination method, and a connection determination program. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-011679 filed in Japan on January 27, 2025, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2026-010631 filed in Japan on January 26, 2026, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The number of home appliances and the like that can be connected to the Internet is increasing. A smart home system has been proposed that utilizes home appliances and the like connected to the Internet to provide comfortable and convenient functions to residents (also referred to as users).

[0003] By registering the installed home appliances with the smart home system, the user can use the registered home appliances as part of the smart home system. Therefore, for example, as in Patent Document 1, the user needs to register unregistered home appliances such as purchased home appliances with the smart home system.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-110881

[0005] However, determining whether home appliances and the like can be connected to the smart home system and registering home appliances and the like with the smart home system have been laborious tasks for the user.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, a home system, a connection determination method, and a connection determination program that can easily connect home appliances and the like to a smart home system.

[0007] An information processing device according to a first aspect of this disclosure is an information processing device included in a home system to which devices and equipment are connected in a communicative manner, which manages the registration of facility equipment used by a user when connected to the home system, and when an unregistered facility equipment is detected, it obtains corresponding function information from the facility equipment, which is information regarding the functions necessary for the facility equipment to connect to the home system, and determines whether the facility equipment can connect to the home system based on the corresponding function information.

[0008] This figure shows the overall configuration of the home system according to the first embodiment. This is a functional block diagram of the smartphone in the home system. This is a sequence diagram of the home system. This is a sequence diagram of another embodiment of the home system. This figure shows the overall configuration of the home system according to the second embodiment. This is a functional block diagram of the outdoor camera in the home system. This is a sequence diagram of the home system.

[0009] (First Embodiment) A home system 100 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0010] [Home System 100] Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the home system 100. The home system 100 comprises a residential equipment 1, a control device 2, a router 4, a smartphone 6, and a server 7. The server 7 includes a device management server 8 and a user management server 9. The router 4, smartphone 6, device management server 8, and user management server 9 are connected via a network NW.

[0011] The network NW may be a wide-area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a private network (LAN) within a building where the home system 100 is installed, or a combination of the two. Furthermore, the network NW may be either wired or wireless. Other devices, such as access points, may be involved in communication between the devices.

[0012] The home system 100 has a facility network that includes a LAN (Local Area Network) connected by wireless LAN communication WC1 or wired LAN communication, and a PAN (Personal Area Network) connected by short-range wireless communication WC2. The facility network may also have other networks.

[0013] Residential equipment 1 is a device installed as equipment in residential HO. Residential HO to which residential equipment 1 is installed includes not only buildings used for residential purposes, but also buildings not used for residential purposes, such as offices, schools, and hospitals. Residential HO is an example of a "facility." Residential equipment 1 is an example of "facility equipment" installed as equipment in a facility. Facility equipment includes building equipment in buildings not used for residential purposes (e.g., office buildings). Furthermore, facility equipment includes not only equipment installed within residential HO, but also equipment installed on the site where residential HO (building) is located.

[0014] Residential equipment 1 includes open / close sensors, electric locks, electric shutters, cameras, air conditioners, etc. Residential equipment 1 may also include energy management devices such as distribution boards and solar power generation equipment, sensors such as temperature and humidity sensors and motion sensors, faucets, toilets, smart home appliances, etc. Residential equipment 1 has a manual control input mechanism that receives manual control instructions from the user, and a remote control input mechanism that receives remote control instructions from a server 7, etc.

[0015] The residential equipment 1 can communicate with the router 4 via wireless LAN communication WC1 such as Wi-Fi or wired LAN communication. The residential equipment 1 may also communicate with the router 4 via a control device 2 that can communicate via short-range wireless communication WC2 such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, or NFC (Near-field communication).

[0016] The residential equipment 1 has a remote control input mechanism that receives remote control instructions from a smartphone 6 via a server 7. For example, a user can remotely operate the residential equipment 1 using their smartphone 6, whether they are at home or out.

[0017] The operating status of the residential equipment 1 is acquired by the smartphone 6 via the server 7. For example, the user can check the operating status of the residential equipment 1 using the smartphone 6, whether they are at home or out.

[0018] The residential equipment 1 is divided into residential equipment 1 registered with the home system 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "registered residential equipment 1A") and unregistered residential equipment 1 not registered with the home system 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "unregistered residential equipment 1B"). Users can use registered residential equipment 1A as part of the home system 100.

[0019] For example, unregistered residential equipment 1B is residential equipment 1 that was not previously installed in residential HO, and was newly installed in residential HO by the user through purchase or other means.

[0020] For example, unregistered residential equipment 1B is existing residential equipment 1 that was previously installed in house HO, but the user had not registered it with the home system 100.

[0021] For example, unregistered residential equipment 1B is existing residential equipment 1 that was previously installed in residential HO, but has been given the added function of connecting to the home system 100 through a software update.

[0022] The control device 2 is a device that controls the connected residential equipment 1. The control device 2 also relays communication between the residential equipment 1 and the router 4. The control device 2 is an example of an information processing device.

[0023] The control device 2 has an antenna and other components, and has the function of communicating via wireless LAN communication WC1 such as Wi-Fi or wired LAN communication, and the function of communicating via short-range wireless communication WC2 such as Bluetooth® or ZigBee®. The control device 2 can communicate with the residential equipment 1 via short-range wireless communication WC2. The control device 2 can communicate with the router 4 via wireless LAN communication WC1 or wired LAN communication.

[0024] The control device 2 can also communicate with the smartphone 6 via wireless LAN communication WC1 or short-range wireless communication WC2. For example, the control device 2 can perform control on multiple residential equipment 1 based on instructions from the smartphone 6.

[0025] [Router 4] Router 4 is installed in the house HO and has the function of communicating via wireless LAN communication WC1 such as Wi-Fi or wired LAN communication. Router 4 communicates with the house equipment 1 via wireless LAN communication WC1 or wired LAN communication. Router 4 relays the communication with the house equipment 1 via wireless LAN communication WC1 or wired LAN communication to the network NW via the Internet Service Provider (ISP).

[0026] [Smartphone 6] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of smartphone 6. Smartphone 6 is an example of a mobile terminal or terminal device. Mobile terminals and terminal devices are not limited to smartphone 6, and may include, for example, mobile phones, smartwatches, tablet devices, personal computers, etc.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the smartphone 6 includes a control unit 61, a wireless communication unit 62, a touch panel 63, a camera 64, and a microphone 65.

[0028] The control unit 61 is a program-executable computer having a processor such as a CPU, a memory capable of reading programs, a storage unit capable of storing programs and data, and an input / output control unit. The functions of the control unit 61 are realized by the processor executing programs provided to the control unit 61. Programs provided to the control unit 61 are also called applications. The control unit 61 controls the wireless communication unit 62, the touch panel 63, the camera 64, and the microphone 65.

[0029] The wireless communication unit 62 has an antenna and other components, and has the following functions: communication via wireless LAN communication WC1 such as Wi-Fi; communication via short-range wireless communication WC2 such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, and NFC (Near-field communication); and communication via high-speed wireless communication WC3 that can connect to a network NW using fourth-generation communication standards, fifth-generation communication standards, etc.

[0030] Based on instructions from the control unit 61, the wireless communication unit 62 can communicate with the residential equipment 1, the control device 2, and the router 4 via wireless LAN communication WC1 (LAN). Based on instructions from the control unit 61, the wireless communication unit 62 can communicate with the residential equipment 1 and the control device 2 via short-range wireless communication WC2 (PAN). Based on instructions from the control unit 61, the wireless communication unit 62 can communicate with the equipment management server 8 and the user management server 9 via high-speed wireless communication WC3 connected to the base station and the network NW.

[0031] The touch panel 63 is, for example, a capacitive touch panel. Input operations entered by the user on the touch panel are acquired by the control unit 61. The touch panel 63 displays a display screen based on instructions from the control unit 61. The touch panel 63 functions as an operation unit for inputting operations and a display unit for displaying the display screen.

[0032] Smartphone 6 has a smart home application (AP) installed, which is an application that provides users with comfortable and convenient functions by utilizing the home equipment 1 connected to the network NW.

[0033] The smart home application AP can check the status of home equipment 1 based on user requests. Users can check the status of home equipment 1 using the smart home application AP whether they are at home or away from home.

[0034] The smart home application AP can generate remote control instructions for the home equipment 1. These remote control instructions for the home equipment 1 are acquired by the equipment management server 8 via the network NW. The home equipment 1 performs control based on the control instructions acquired via the network NW. The user can remotely operate the home equipment 1 using the smart home application AP, whether they are at home or away from home.

[0035] [Server 7] Server 7 is composed of, for example, one or more servers and is connectable to a network NW. Server 7 is an example of an information processing device. The server includes hardware such as a processor such as a CPU, memory, recording media such as a hard disk or flash memory, and communication devices. The functions of Server 7 are realized by programs executed on the server's processor. The server may be an on-site server, a cloud server providing IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), SaaS (Software as a Service), etc., or a server combining these. In the following description, "server" includes any of the above servers.

[0036] Server 7 includes an equipment management server 8 and a user management server 9. Note that the equipment management server 8 and the user management server 9 may be the same server.

[0037] [Equipment Management Server 8] The equipment management server 8 is a server that manages the home equipment 1. For example, the equipment management server 8 manages the registration of home equipment 1 that can be used by each user (hereinafter also referred to as "home equipment registration"). Specifically, the equipment management server 8 records a unique identifier that can identify home equipment 1, such as the serial number of home equipment 1. The equipment management server 8 may also record the software version of home equipment 1. The equipment management server 8 also acquires control instructions for home equipment 1 generated in the smart home application AP. Control instructions for home equipment 1 are acquired by home equipment 1. The equipment management server 8 also acquires the status of home equipment 1 based on the user's request. The status of home equipment 1 is acquired by the smart home application AP.

[0038] [User Management Server 9] The user management server 9 is composed of, for example, one or more servers and is connectable to a network NW. The functions of the user management server 9 are realized by programs executed on the server's processor.

[0039] The user management server 9 is a server that manages the registration of users who can use the home system 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "user registration"). The user management server 9 assigns a user code to registered users. The user code is a unique code within the home system 100 and is a code that identifies the user within the home system 100. The user code is, for example, a user ID.

[0040] User registration is information recorded by associating a user code that identifies a user with a registered residential equipment 1A that the user can use. User registration may be recorded collectively for multiple registered residential equipment 1A installed in a residential HO, or it may be recorded separately for each registered residential equipment 1A. A registered user can use the associated registered residential equipment 1A.

[0041] The user of the home system 100 can obtain a user code from the user management server 9. The user code obtained by the user is registered in the smart home application AP of the smartphone 6. The user code is also recorded in the device management server 8. Control instructions for the home equipment 1 generated by the user in the smart home application AP are acquired by the device management server 8 and the home equipment 1 associated based on the user code.

[0042] Next, the operation of the home system 100 will be described. Hereinafter, the operation of the home system 100 will be described using the sequence diagram in the home system 100 shown in FIG. 3.

[0043] The server 7 searches in step S110 for unregistered home equipment 1 in the house HO. The server 7 searches, for example, using the advertising function of Bluetooth (registered trademark) for unregistered home equipment 1. Specifically, the server 7 causes the control device 2 to monitor beacons from the surrounding home equipment 1. Alternatively, the server 7 multicasts a search signal for searching for the surrounding home equipment 1 to the control device 2 at a predetermined interval. The server 7 acquires equipment information such as the unique identifier of the home equipment 1 that transmitted the beacon or response signal based on the data included in the beacon or response signal received by the control device 2.

[0044] The server 7 may search for unregistered home equipment 1 in the house HO using the smartphone 6 instead of the control device 2. Specifically, the server 7 causes the smartphone 6 to monitor beacons from the surrounding home equipment 1. Alternatively, the server 7 multicasts a search signal for searching for the surrounding home equipment 1 to the smartphone 6 at a predetermined interval. The server 7 acquires equipment information such as the unique identifier of the home equipment 1 that transmitted the beacon or response signal based on the data included in the beacon or response signal received by the smartphone 6.

[0045] In step S120, Server 7 detects an unregistered residential equipment 1B in the house HO. If the unique identifier of the residential equipment 1 searched in step S110 is not recorded, Server 7 detects this residential equipment 1 as an unregistered residential equipment 1B. At this point, Server 7 can recognize the model type of the unregistered residential equipment 1B, but does not know whether the detected unregistered residential equipment 1B has the functionality to connect to the home system 100.

[0046] In step S130, the server 7 obtains corresponding function information from the detected unregistered residential equipment 1B. The corresponding function information is information about the functions necessary for the unregistered residential equipment 1B to connect with the home system 100. The corresponding function information includes (1) the communication methods (ECHONET Lite®, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Matter, etc.) and communication paths (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.15.4) supported by the unregistered residential equipment 1B, (2) the type or category of the unregistered residential equipment 1B, and (3) the functions of the unregistered residential equipment 1B. The "type or category of the unregistered residential equipment 1B" is, for example, the type or category of residential equipment such as solar power generation, distribution boards, electric locks, and water heaters, the type or category of home appliances such as air conditioners and lighting, and the type or category of sensors such as temperature sensors, motion sensors, and open / close sensors. The "functions of unregistered residential equipment 1B" are functions that can be controlled when connected to the home system 100, such as functions to turn the power on / off, open and close doors, lock / unlock locks, adjust the temperature, and change the operating mode.

[0047] In step S140, the server 7 determines whether the unregistered residential equipment 1B can connect to the home system 100 based on the corresponding function information obtained from the unregistered residential equipment 1B. Specifically, the server 7 determines from the corresponding function information of the unregistered residential equipment 1B whether the unregistered residential equipment 1B has the function to connect to the home system 100. For example, if the unregistered residential equipment 1B is an electric shutter, the server 7 determines whether the electric shutter can receive control instructions from the server 7 regarding shutter opening and closing operations.

[0048] The server 7 may gradually determine whether the unregistered home appliance 1B has a function that can be connected to the home system 100 based on the corresponding function information. For example, the server 7 determines whether the unregistered home appliance 1B has a connectable function by dividing it into three levels as shown below. The server 7 can change the connection mode with the unregistered home appliance 1B according to the level of the connectable function.

[0049] For example, if the unregistered home appliance 1B can communicate with any device of the home system 100, the server 7 determines that the unregistered home appliance 1B has a first-level connectable function. Specifically, the server 7 determines whether the unregistered home appliance 1B has a first-level connectable function based on whether the communication method and communication path supported by the unregistered home appliance 1B correspond to the communication method and communication path of the control device 2 or the smartphone 6.

[0050] For example, if the unregistered home appliance 1B is of a type or category that can be compatible with any device of the home system 100, the server 7 determines that the unregistered home appliance 1B has a second-level connectable function. Specifically, the server 7 determines whether the unregistered home appliance 1B has a second-level connectable function based on whether the type or category of the unregistered home appliance 1B can be compatible with the type or category of the control device 2, the smartphone 6 (smart home application AP), or the server 7.

[0051] For example, if the unregistered home appliance 1B has a function that can be compatible with any device of the home system 100, the server 7 determines that the unregistered home appliance 1B has a third-level connectable function. Specifically, the server 7 determines whether the unregistered home appliance 1B has a third-level connectable function based on whether the function of the unregistered home appliance 1B can be compatible with the functions of the control device 2, the smartphone 6 (smart home application AP), or the server 7. The "function that can be compatible with the server 7, etc." is, for example, a function that can be controlled by the server 7, etc.

[0052] When the software of the housing equipment 1 is updated, the server 7 may determine whether the unregistered housing equipment 1B can connect to the home system 100 based on the corresponding function information. This is because updating the software of the housing equipment 1 may add a function to connect to the home system 100. When the server 7 detects the unregistered housing equipment 1B, it can determine that the software of the unregistered housing equipment 1B has been updated by recording the unique identifier and software version of the unregistered housing equipment 1B. When the unregistered housing equipment 1B restarts, the server 7 may estimate that there is a high possibility that the software has been updated and check the software version of the unregistered housing equipment 1B.

[0053] If the unregistered residential equipment 1B is connectable to the home system 100, the server 7 executes step S150.

[0054] In step S150, server 7 notifies the smart home application AP on smartphone 6 of the existence of unregistered residential equipment 1B.

[0055] In step S160, the smart home application AP asks the user whether to register the unregistered home equipment 1B with the home system 100. The smart home application AP notifies the user of the existence of the unregistered home equipment 1B, for example, by displaying a message on the touch panel 63. The smart home application AP obtains user confirmation information, for example, from the user's operation input to the touch panel 63. When the user chooses to register the unregistered home equipment 1B with the home system 100, the smart home application AP executes step S170.

[0056] In step S170, the smart home application AP requests the server 7 to register the unregistered residential equipment 1B that the user wishes to register with the home system 100.

[0057] In step S180, server 7 registers the unregistered residential equipment 1B with the home system 100 as a device available to the user. This allows the user to use the registered residential equipment 1 as part of the home system 100.

[0058] Next, we will describe the operation of another mode of the home system 100. Hereafter, we will use the sequence diagram of the home system 100 shown in Figure 4 to describe the operation of another mode of the home system 100.

[0059] Steps S110 to S140 are the same as the operation of the home system 100 described above. If the unregistered home equipment 1B can be connected to the home system 100, the server 7 executes step S180.

[0060] In step S180, Server 7 registers the unregistered residential equipment 1B in the home system 100 as a device available to the user without user confirmation. The user can register the unregistered residential equipment 1B in the home system 100 without having to perform the registration work for the unregistered residential equipment 1B.

[0061] For example, if the unregistered residential equipment 1B is an existing residential equipment 1 that has been installed in the house HO for some time, the server 7 determines that the unregistered residential equipment 1B is a residential equipment 1 with a high "confidence level," indicating that it is highly likely to be owned by the user. Specifically, when the server 7 detects the unregistered residential equipment 1B, it records the unique identifier of the unregistered residential equipment 1B and a timestamp indicating the date and time of detection, thereby determining that the unregistered residential equipment 1B is an existing residential equipment 1 that has been continuously installed in the house HO for a predetermined period, such as one year. The server 7 may also determine that the longer the period of continuous installation in the house HO, the higher the confidence level of the residential equipment 1. In such cases, the server 7 registers the unregistered residential equipment 1B in the home system 100 as a device that can be used by the user, without user confirmation.

[0062] Server 7 may register the unregistered residential equipment 1B based on user confirmation, as shown in Figure 3, or it may register the unregistered residential equipment 1B without user confirmation, as shown in Figure 4, or it may combine these two registration methods. For example, Server 7 may normally register the unregistered residential equipment 1B based on user confirmation, and when it determines that the unregistered residential equipment 1B is a highly reliable residential equipment 1, it may register the unregistered residential equipment 1B without user confirmation. Whether or not user confirmation is required for the registration of unregistered residential equipment 1B may be selectable by the user in advance.

[0063] According to the home system 100 of this embodiment, residential equipment 1 can be easily connected to the home system 100. This prevents users from overlooking existing residential equipment 1 that can be connected to the home system 100, or residential equipment 1 that can be additionally connected through software updates. Furthermore, even if an oversight occurs, if the residential equipment 1 is highly reliable, it will be automatically registered in the home system 100, thus improving convenience.

[0064] Although the first embodiment of this disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment and may include design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components shown in the embodiment and modified examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0065] (Second Embodiment) A home system 100B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. In the following description, components that are common to those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0066] Figure 5 shows the overall configuration of the home system 100B. The home system 100B comprises residential equipment 1D, a control device 2, a router 4, a smartphone 6, and a server 7. Server 7 includes a device management server 8 and a user management server 9. The router 4, smartphone 6, device management server 8, and user management server 9 are connected via a network NW.

[0067] Residential equipment 1D is a device installed as equipment on the exterior or outdoors of the house HO. Residential equipment 1D is an example of residential equipment 1. In this embodiment, residential equipment 1D is an outdoor camera. Residential equipment 1D is not limited to an outdoor camera; it can be any device installed as equipment outdoors of the house HO, such as an electric shutter or energy management device installed outdoors. Hereafter, "outdoor camera 1D" will be described as an example of residential equipment 1D.

[0068] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of the outdoor camera 1D. The outdoor camera 1D includes a control unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, an external memory 13, a camera 14, a setting button 15, and an identifier 16.

[0069] The control unit 11 is a program-executable computer having a processor such as a CPU, a memory capable of reading programs, a storage unit capable of storing programs and data, and an input / output control unit. The functions of the control unit 11 are realized by the processor executing the programs provided to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 controls the wireless communication unit 12, the external memory 13, the camera 14, and the setting button 15.

[0070] The wireless communication unit 12 has an antenna and other components, and has the function of communicating via wireless LAN communication WC1 such as Wi-Fi. Based on instructions from the control unit 11, the wireless communication unit 12 can communicate with the control device 2 and the router 4 via wireless LAN communication WC1 (LAN). The wireless communication unit 12 may also be able to communicate with the router 4 via a repeater. The wireless communication unit 12 may also have the function of communicating via short-range wireless communication WC2.

[0071] The external memory 13 is a non-volatile memory that can be attached to and removed from the outdoor camera 1D. The external memory 13 can be, for example, an SD card, a USB memory stick, or an SSD.

[0072] The control unit 11 may record the images captured by the camera 14 in its own memory, in the external memory 13, or transmit them to the server 7 via the control device 2 and / or the router 4. The control unit 11 may also record the images acquired by the camera 14 only in the external memory 13. In this case, the user can ensure the privacy of the recorded images by removing the external memory 13 from the outdoor camera 1D.

[0073] The setting button 15 is a button located on the housing of the outdoor camera 1D. The setting button 15 is a function button for easily connecting to the router 4, and is, for example, a WPS button (Wi-Fi Protected Setup button). User input to the setting button 15 is acquired by the control unit 11. The setting button 15 is an example of an operation unit. The operation unit is not limited to a button like the setting button 15, but may also be a sensor or touch panel that detects user input.

[0074] Identifier 16 is an identifier that identifies an individual outdoor camera 1D. Identifier 16 is, for example, a manufacturing number or serial number. Identifier 16 may also be a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode containing the manufacturing number or serial number. Identifier 16 is provided in a visible location on the outdoor camera 1D. Identifier 16 does not necessarily have to be provided in a visible location; for example, it may be provided in a hidden location. Identifier 16 may also be something that is not visible, such as a code obtained by wireless communication such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). That is, identifier 16 is provided on the outdoor camera 1D so that it can only be obtained when a user approaches the outdoor camera 1D. Identifier 16 may also be provided on something other than the outdoor camera 1D, such as an instruction manual.

[0075] Next, the operation of the home system 100B will be described. From here on, the operation of the home system 100B will be explained using the sequence diagram of the home system 100B shown in Figure 7.

[0076] In step S10, the outdoor camera 1D requests a connection to the router 4 via wireless LAN communication WC1. Specifically, the control unit 11 of the outdoor camera 1D requests a connection to the router 4 via wireless LAN communication WC1 when it detects, for example, an operation by the user on the setting button 15. The outdoor camera 1D may also request a connection to the router 4 by another method. The router 4 enables communication with the outdoor camera 1D via wireless LAN communication WC1 based on a connection standard such as WPS. The outdoor camera 1D may also be connected to the router 4 via a repeater.

[0077] When the server 7 detects in step S20 that a connection request has been made from the outdoor camera 1D, it obtains the time the connection request was made from the outdoor camera 1D (connection request time) from the router 4.

[0078] In step S110, the server 7 searches for any unregistered residential equipment 1 (unregistered residential equipment 1B), similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, when the server 7 detects that a connection request has been made from the outdoor camera 1D, it searches for the outdoor camera 1D that made the connection request. The server 7 obtains equipment information such as the unique identifier of the outdoor camera 1D from the outdoor camera 1D.

[0079] In step S120, the server 7 detects an unregistered residential equipment 1B, similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the server 7 detects whether the searched outdoor camera 1D is unregistered. If the unique identifier of the outdoor camera 1D searched in step S110 is not recorded, the server 7 detects this outdoor camera 1D as an unregistered residential equipment 1B.

[0080] In step S130, the server 7 acquires corresponding function information from the detected unregistered outdoor camera 1D, similar to the first embodiment.

[0081] In step S140, the server 7 determines, similar to the first embodiment, whether the unregistered residential equipment 1B can be connected to the home system 100B based on the corresponding function information obtained from the unregistered residential equipment 1B.

[0082] In step S150, the server 7 notifies the smart home application AP on the smartphone 6 of the presence of the unregistered outdoor camera 1D, similar to the first embodiment.

[0083] In step S161, the smart home application AP confirms with the user whether they want to register the unregistered outdoor camera 1D with the home system 100B. If the user registers the unregistered outdoor camera 1D, the smart home application AP notifies the user to obtain an identifier 16 from the outdoor camera 1D. The smart home application AP notifies the user using the display on the touch panel 63, voice, etc. The user takes a picture of the barcode which is the identifier 16 using the camera 64, or reads the serial number or other identifier 16 and inputs it into the touch panel 63. Through these actions, the smart home application AP obtains the identifier 16 of the unregistered outdoor camera 1D.

[0084] In step S171, the smart home application AP requests the server 7 to register the unregistered outdoor camera 1D that the user has requested to register with the home system 100B. At this time, the smart home application AP transmits the identifier 16 of the unregistered outdoor camera 1D, which was obtained in step S161, to the server 7.

[0085] In step S181, the server 7 determines whether the unregistered outdoor camera 1D can be registered in the home system 100B. When the identifier 16 obtained from the user's smartphone 6 matches the identifier 16 of the unregistered outdoor camera 1D (first registration condition), the server 7 determines that the outdoor camera 1D has a high "confidence level," indicating that it is highly likely to be the user's property. In this case, the server 7 registers the unregistered outdoor camera 1D in the home system 100B as a device available to the user. This allows the user to use the registered home equipment 1 as part of the home system 100B. For example, when the server 7 obtains the corresponding function information of the outdoor camera 1D, it also obtains the identifier 16 of the outdoor camera 1D.

[0086] Server 7 may determine that the outdoor camera 1D is highly reliable and register the unregistered outdoor camera 1D if the period from the time a connection request was made from the outdoor camera 1D in step S20 (connection request time) to the time a registration request was made in step S171 (registration request time) is within a predetermined period (second registration condition). By limiting the period during which an unregistered outdoor camera 1D can be registered, it is possible to prevent unintended residential equipment 1 from being registered in the home system 100B or residential equipment 1 from being connected to other home systems.

[0087] Server 7 may set both the first and second registration conditions as conditions for registering an unregistered outdoor camera 1D, or it may set one of the first and second registration conditions as a condition for registering an unregistered outdoor camera 1D.

[0088] According to the home system 100B of this embodiment, outdoor residential equipment 1D can be easily and safely connected to the home system 100. Before registering an unregistered residential equipment 1D, the home system 100B notifies the user's smartphone 6 that there is an unregistered residential equipment 1D. When the first registration condition and / or second registration condition are met, the home system 100B determines that the residential equipment 1D is highly reliable and registers the residential equipment 1D. Therefore, even if the residential equipment 1D is located outdoors, the home system 100B can safely connect the residential equipment 1D to the home system 100B.

[0089] Although the second embodiment of this disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment and may include design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components shown in the embodiment and modified examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the first registration condition for determining the reliability of the outdoor camera 1D uses the identifier 16 of the outdoor camera 1D. However, the first registration condition for determining the reliability of the outdoor camera 1D is not limited to this. The first registration condition for determining the reliability of the outdoor camera 1D may be, for example, causing the camera 14 of the outdoor camera 1D to capture images of an object or gesture action specified by the server 7 or the like for the user.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the server 7 performs detection of unregistered residential equipment 1B and registration of unregistered residential equipment 1B. However, the detection of unregistered residential equipment 1B and registration of unregistered residential equipment 1B may be performed by other information processing devices, for example, the control device 2.

[0092] Programs for smartphones 6 and servers 7 are recorded on computer-readable recording media. The programs recorded on these recording media are loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording media" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside the computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above programs may be for the purpose of realizing some of the functions described above, or they may be able to realize the above functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, or they may be realized using programmable logic devices such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0093] This disclosure includes the following technical concepts: (Note 1) A home system in which devices and equipment are connected in a communicative manner, comprising: a server; facility equipment installed at a user's facility and capable of communicating with the server; and a terminal device capable of communicating with the server, wherein the server manages the registration of the facility equipment used by the user when connected to the home system, and when it detects an unregistered facility equipment, it obtains corresponding function information from the facility equipment, which is information regarding the functions necessary for the facility equipment to connect to the home system, and determines whether the facility equipment can connect to the home system based on the corresponding function information. (Note 2) The home system according to Note 1, wherein the server determines the confidence level indicating that there is a high probability that the unregistered facility equipment is owned by the user, and determines whether to register the facility equipment based on the confidence level. (Note 3) The home system according to Note 2, wherein the server records the detection date and time when the unregistered facility equipment was detected, and determines that the confidence level is high when the unregistered facility equipment is continuously detected over a predetermined period. (Note 4) The home system described in Note 2, wherein the server determines that the reliability is high when it obtains an identifier that identifies an individual unregistered facility from the user's terminal device. (Note 5) The home system described in Note 2, wherein the server determines that the reliability is high when the period from the connection request time when a communication connection request is made from the unregistered facility to the registration request time when a registration request is made to the home system is within a predetermined period.

[0094] 100, 100B... Home System, AP... Smart Home Application, 1... Home Equipment, 2... Control Device, 4... Router, 6... Smartphone, 7... Server, 8... Device Management Server, 9... User Management Server

Claims

1. An information processing device included in a home system to which devices and equipment are connected in a communicative manner, which manages the registration of facility equipment used by a user when connected to the home system, and when an unregistered facility equipment is detected, it obtains corresponding function information from the facility equipment, which is information regarding the functions necessary for the facility equipment to connect to the home system, and determines whether the facility equipment can connect to the home system based on the corresponding function information.

2. When it is determined that the facility equipment can be connected to the home system, the information processing device according to claim 1, which notifies the user's terminal device that there is an unregistered facility equipment that can be connected to the home system.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, which automatically registers the facility equipment when it is determined that the facility equipment can be connected to the home system.

4. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which determines the degree of confidence that the unregistered facility equipment is likely to be owned by the user, and determines whether to register the facility equipment based on the degree of confidence.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, which records the detection date and time when an unregistered facility or equipment is detected, and determines that the reliability is high when the unregistered facility or equipment is continuously detected over a predetermined period of time.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4, which determines that the reliability is high when it obtains an identifier that identifies an individual unregistered facility or equipment from the user's terminal device.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the identifier is provided on the unregistered facility so that it can be obtained only when the user approaches the unregistered facility.

8. The information processing device according to claim 4, which determines that the reliability is high when the period from the time of the connection request when a communication connection request is made from the unregistered facility equipment to the time of the registration request when a registration request is made to the home system falls within a predetermined period.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the connection request is transmitted based on an operation by the user to an operating unit provided on the facility equipment.

10. The information processing device according to claim 4, which determines that the reliability is high when it obtains an identifier that identifies an individual unregistered facility or equipment from the user's terminal device, and the period from the connection request time when the unregistered facility or equipment made a communication connection request to the home system to the registration request time when the registration request was made is within a predetermined period.

11. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which determines whether the facility equipment can be connected to the home system based on the corresponding function information when the software of the facility equipment is updated.

12. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the facility equipment is installed on the exterior or outdoors of the user's residence.

13. A home system in which devices and equipment are connected in a communicative manner, comprising: a server; facility equipment installed at a user's facility and capable of communicating with the server; and a terminal device capable of communicating with the server, wherein the server manages the registration of facility equipment used by the user when connected to the home system, and when an unregistered facility equipment is detected, it obtains corresponding function information from the facility equipment, which is information regarding the functions necessary for the facility equipment to connect to the home system, and determines whether the facility equipment can connect to the home system based on the corresponding function information.

14. The home system according to claim 13, wherein when the server determines that the facility equipment is connectable to the home system, it notifies the user's terminal device that there is an unregistered facility equipment that is connectable to the home system.

15. The home system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the server automatically registers the facility equipment when it determines that the facility equipment can be connected to the home system.

16. The home system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the server determines the confidence level that there is a high probability that the unregistered facility equipment is owned by the user, and determines whether to register the facility equipment based on the confidence level.

17. The home system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the server determines whether the facility equipment can connect to the home system based on the corresponding function information when the software of the facility equipment is updated.

18. A connection determination method that manages the registration of facility equipment used by a user when connected to a home system, and when an unregistered facility equipment is detected, obtains corresponding function information from the facility equipment and determines whether the facility equipment can be connected to the home system based on the corresponding function information.

19. A connection determination program that causes a computer to manage the registration of facilities and equipment used by a user when connecting to a home system, to obtain corresponding function information from the facilities and equipment when it detects unregistered facilities and equipment, and to determine whether the facilities and equipment can be connected to the home system based on the corresponding function information.

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