JP7369967B2 - Control device, cloud computer, information processing system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control device, a cloud computer, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

In recent years, the introduction of HEMS (Home Energy Management System) to residences is progressing. According to HEMS, ``visualization'' is realized by displaying on a monitor the amount of energy used in a home, such as electricity or gas. Furthermore, HEMS can also be used as a control system for controlling home appliances installed in a residence.

As a technology related to controlling home appliances, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to remote control of home appliances.

JP 2019-128712 Publication

A control device, such as a HEMS controller, may be communicatively coupled to the control device. When a new device is communicatively connected to the control device, it is desirable that the newly communicatively connected device be ready for use by the user as soon as possible.

The present invention provides a control device and the like that can assist a user in putting a communicatively connected device into a state where it can be used.

A control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a storage unit in which identification information is stored; a first communication unit to which a first device is communicatively connected; A specifying unit that specifies the type, type information indicating the type of the specified first device, and the identification information that corresponds to the identification information in the registered information stored in the cloud computer by transmitting the identification information to the cloud computer. and a second communication unit that receives from the cloud computer control information used to control a second device belonging to the type indicated by the type information.

A cloud computer according to one aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores registration information in which control information for controlling devices is associated with each of a plurality of pieces of identification information for each type of device, and a control device that transmits control information to each of the plurality of pieces of identification information. a receiving unit that receives type information and identification information indicating the type of the first device that has been received, and the received type information that is associated with the received identification information by referring to the registered information; The device includes a specifying unit that specifies control information used to control the second device belonging to the type indicated by , and a transmitting unit that transmits the specified control information to the control device.

An information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control device and a cloud computer, and the control device includes a first storage unit in which identification information is stored, and a first communication unit to which a first device is communicatively connected. a first specifying unit that specifies the type of the first device communicatively connected to the first communication unit; type information indicating the type of the specified first device; and a cloud computer that specifies the identification information. and a second communication unit for transmitting data to a second communication unit, the cloud computer having a second memory storing registration information in which control information for controlling the device is associated with each of the plurality of pieces of identification information for each type of device. a receiving unit that receives the type information and the identification information transmitted by the second communication unit; and a receiving unit that receives the type information and the identification information transmitted by the second communication unit; and a transmitter that transmits the identified control information to the control device.

An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing system including a control device and a cloud computer, wherein the control device is a first device communicatively connected to the control device. a first specifying step of specifying the type of the first device; the control device transmits type information indicating the specified type of the first device and identification information stored in a first storage unit included in the control device to the cloud; a first transmission step of transmitting the information to a computer; a reception step of the cloud computer receiving the transmitted type information and the identification information; and a second storage unit of the cloud computer storing the information. The control information for controlling the device is associated with the received identification information by referring to the registration information that is registered information and is associated with each type of device, and control information for controlling the device is associated with each of the plurality of identification information, and a second specifying step of specifying control information used to control a second device belonging to the type indicated by the received type information, and the cloud computer transmits the specified control information to the control device. and a second sending step.

According to the present invention, a control device and the like that can assist a user in bringing a communicatively connected device into a usable state is realized.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of registration information according to operation example 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen according to operation example 1. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of operation example 2 of the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of registration information according to operation example 2. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of operation example 3 of the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of registration information according to operation example 3. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen according to operation example 3.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the present invention. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims will be described as arbitrary constituent elements.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes a control device 20, a plurality of devices 30, a cloud computer 40, and an information terminal 50.

The building 80 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a residential building such as an apartment complex or a single-family house. Inside the building 80, the control device 20 and the equipment 30 are installed. The cloud computer 40 is realized as a cloud (in other words, a cloud server).

First, the control device 20 will be explained. The control device 20 is, for example, a HEMS controller having an energy management function, and is installed in the building 80 and manages the power consumption of the equipment 30 installed in the building 80. The control device 20 is a local controller installed in the building 80 as a device separate from the device 30 (that is, not built into the device 30). Further, the control device 20 acquires and displays the status of the equipment 30, and controls the equipment 30 installed within the building 80 (or within the premises of the building 80). The control device 20 is not limited to a HEMS controller, and may be another home controller that does not have an energy management function or a gateway device.

Note that the devices 30 are, for example, home appliances such as a lighting device 31, an air conditioning device 32, a recording device 33, and a television 34, and the state of the device 30 refers to, for example, the operating state of the device 30, means the state of power consumption. Specifically, the operating state includes a power-on state, a power-off state, and a setting state (temperature setting if the device 30 is an air conditioning device, brightness if the device 30 is a lighting device, etc.). .

Specifically, the control device 20 includes a display section 21, a control section 22, a first storage section 23, a first communication section 24, and a second communication section 25.

The display unit 21 is a display device that has a function of displaying images and a function of receiving manual input from a user. The display unit 21 is realized by a display panel such as a touch panel, a liquid crystal panel, or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. The touch panel is, for example, a capacitive touch panel, but may also be a resistive touch panel.

The control unit 22 controls the display of images on the display unit 21, controls the equipment 30, and the like. The control unit 22 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The control unit 22 includes a first identification unit 26 and an execution unit 27.

The first storage unit 23 is a storage medium in which identification information of the control device 20 is stored. The identification information of the control device 20 is, for example, a unique device ID of the control device 20 such as a MAC address, but may also be a user account (described later) or the like. The first storage unit 23 also stores computer programs executed by the control unit 22. The first storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

The first communication unit 24 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the control device 20 to communicate with the device 30 via the local communication network. The communication performed by the first communication unit 24 is, for example, wireless communication, but may be wired communication. The communication standard used for communication is also not particularly limited. Note that communication between the first communication unit 24 and the device 30 is based on, for example, ECHONET Lite (registered trademark).

The second communication unit 25 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the control device 20 to communicate with the cloud computer 40 via a wide area communication network 70 such as the Internet. The communication performed by the second communication unit 25 is, for example, wireless communication, but may be wired communication. The communication standard used for communication is also not particularly limited.

Next, the device 30 will be explained. The device 30 is a device to be controlled by the control device 20. The device 30 includes, for example, a communication module (communication circuit) for communicating with the control device 20, and operates according to a control signal received from the control device 20. The devices 30 include, for example, a lighting device 31, an air conditioning device 32, a recording device 33, a television 34, and the like.

The lighting equipment 31 illuminates the inside (indoor) of the building 80. The lighting device 31 is, for example, a ceiling light, but the specific aspect of the lighting device 31 is not particularly limited. The lighting equipment 31 may be a downlight, a pendant light, a spotlight, a bracket light, or the like. Furthermore, the lighting device 31 may be a device that illuminates the outside of the building 80 (outdoors).

The air conditioner 32 is a general household air conditioner. The air conditioner 32 is an air conditioner that can adjust the temperature of the wind sent out from the air conditioner 32 by having a heat exchanger (not shown) or the like. That is, the air conditioner 32 has a temperature adjustment function (air blowing function and heating/cooling function). The air conditioner 32 is not limited to a general household air conditioner, but may be an industrial air conditioner.

The recording device 33 is a device that records video content such as a television program and plays back the recorded content. Specifically, the recording device 33 is a hard disk recorder, a Blu-ray disk recorder, or the like.

The television 34 is a display device that plays back video content recorded by the recording device 33, television programs, and the like.

Next, the cloud computer 40 will be explained. The cloud computer 40 is a computer that manages registration information of the device 30. The registration information of the device 30 is information in which control information for controlling the device 30 is associated with each of the plurality of pieces of identification information corresponding to the plurality of control devices 20 for each type of the device 30. The control information of the device 30 is, for example, setting information of the device 30. The cloud computer 40 is, for example, a server device used by a manufacturer/seller of the control device 20 to provide services to users. Specifically, the cloud computer 40 includes a communication section 41, an information processing section 42, and a second storage section 43.

The communication unit 41 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the cloud computer 40 to communicate with the control device 20 via the wide area communication network 70. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. The communication standard used for communication is also not particularly limited. The communication section 41 includes a receiving section 44 and a transmitting section 45.

The information processing unit 42 performs information processing related to managing registration information of the device 30 and providing control information of the device 30. The information processing unit 42 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The information processing section 42 includes a second identification section 46 .

The second storage unit 43 is a storage device in which control information for the device 30 is stored. The second storage unit 43 also stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 42 . The second storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

Next, the information terminal 50 will be explained. Specifically, the information terminal 50 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a stationary terminal such as a personal computer. The information terminal 50 functions as a user interface device used by a user to register control information of the device 30 in the cloud computer 40.

[Operation example 1]
For example, when a user purchases a new recording device 35 and uses it within the building 80, the user generally needs to manually configure settings. In contrast, by registering the setting information of the existing recording device 33 in the cloud computer 40, the information processing system 10 sets the new recording device 35 to the same settings as the setting information of the recording device 33. can do. Hereinafter, a first example of operation of such an information processing system 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the information processing system 10.

First, the user performs a registration operation to register setting information of the recording device 33. When the user's registration operation is accepted by the display unit 21 of the control device 20 (S11), the control unit 22 uses the first communication unit 24 to acquire setting information and type information from the recording device 33 (S12). ). The setting information includes, for example, schedule information indicating a program reservation schedule, and regional information (that is, channel setting information) indicating the area of the received program. The type information is information indicating the device type of the recording device 33.

Note that it is not essential that the type information be acquired from the recording device 33. The control unit 22 uses the first communication unit 24 to acquire the product number of the recording device 33 from the recording device 33, and uses the second communication unit 25 to transfer the acquired product number to a management server device that manages manufacturing information of the device 30. (not shown), the device type of the recording device 33 may be inquired of the management server device. That is, the control device 20 may acquire type information from the management server device. Further, in a case where the setting information and type information are stored in advance in the first storage unit 23 of the control device 20, the process of step S12 is omitted.

The control unit 22 causes the second communication unit 25 to transmit the acquired setting information and type information, as well as the device ID of the control device 20 stored in the first storage unit 23 to the cloud computer 40 (S13). The receiving unit 44 of the cloud computer 40 receives the setting information, type information, and device ID, and the information processing unit 42 stores the second storage unit 43 based on the received setting information, type information, and device ID. The registration information stored in is updated (S14). For example, the information processing unit 42 generates individual registration information in which the received setting information, type information, and device ID are associated with each other, and stores the contents of the generated individual registration information in the registration stored in the second storage unit 43. Reflect in information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of registration information according to operation example 1, and the registration information is information in which setting information is associated with each of a plurality of device IDs for each type of device.

Note that although the processes from step S11 to step S14 (in other words, the registration process) were performed by the user operating the control device 20, they may also be performed by the user operating the information terminal 50. For example, if the information terminal 50 and the recording device 33 are able to communicate, the information terminal 50 can perform steps S11 to S14 in the same way as the control device 20.

In this way, when a new recording device 35 is communicatively connected to the first communication unit 24 of the control device 20 while the registration information is stored in the cloud computer 40, the first identification unit 26 detects this. (S15). The first specifying unit 26 uses the first communication unit 24 to obtain type information from the new recording device 35, thereby specifying the type of the recording device 35 (S16).

Note that it is not essential that the type information be acquired from the recording device 33. The first identifying unit 26 uses the first communication unit 24 to acquire the product number of the new recording device 35 from the new recording device 35, and uses the second communication unit 25 to transmit information on the device 30 using the acquired product number. The device type of the recording device 35 may be inquired of the management server device (not shown) by transmitting the information to the managing server device (not shown). That is, the first specifying unit 26 may specify the type of the new recording device 35 by making an inquiry to the management server device.

Next, the first specifying unit 26 uses the acquired type information (that is, type information indicating the type specified by the first specifying unit 26) and the device ID of the control device 20 stored in the first storage unit 23. The second communication unit 25 transmits the information to the cloud computer 40 (S17).

The receiving unit 44 of the cloud computer 40 receives the type information and device ID transmitted by the control device 20. By referring to the registration information stored in the second storage unit 43, the second specifying unit 46 configures the device 30 that is associated with the received device ID and belongs to the type indicated by the received type information. Information is specified (S18). Specifically, in step S18, setting information of the recording device 33 is specified. The transmitter 45 notifies that there is setting information corresponding to the newly connected recording device 35 (S19).

When the notification is received by the second communication unit 25 of the control device 20, the first identification unit 26 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 21, and the display unit 21 receives an approval operation from the user (S20). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen according to operation example 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the confirmation screen is a screen for confirming with the user whether or not to approve the reflection of the settings indicated by the setting information of the recording device 33 on the new recording device 35, and the approval operation. is an operation for approving reflection of the settings indicated by the setting information of the recording device 33 on the new recording device 35.

Note that in step S20, the user may select how much the settings are to be reflected (eg, regional information is reflected but schedule information is not reflected). Further, if the setting information of a plurality of recording devices 33 is specified in step S18, the user selects which recording device 33's setting information is to be reflected in the new recording device 35 in step S20. Good too.

When the approval operation is accepted, the first specifying unit 26 acquires the setting information specified in step S18 via the second communication unit 25 (S21), and reflects the acquired setting information and the setting information. The first communication unit 24 is caused to transmit a command to the new recording device 35 (S22). Based on the received command, the recording device 35 reflects the settings indicated by the received setting information (S23).

As described above, according to the information processing system 10, the user can set the new recording device 35 to the same settings as the settings indicated by the setting information of the recording device 33.

Note that although the first operation example describes the reflection of settings on the recording device 35, the same operation is performed for devices 30 other than the recording device 35. The information processing system 10 can reflect the settings of the existing device 30 to the new device 30.

Further, the setting information is an example of control information for controlling the device 30. The information processing system 10 can handle control information other than setting information in the same way. For example, in FIG. 3, recorded data (actual data of video content) stored in the recording device 33 is illustrated as control information other than setting information. The information processing system 10 can also store (copy or move) the recorded data stored in the existing recording device 33 to the new recording device 35 by performing the same process as in FIG. 2 above.

[Operation example 2]
In operation example 2, the control information applied to the new device 30 is specified by the device ID of the control device 20, but such a configuration is not essential. For example, the control information applied to the new device 30 may be specified by a user account. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a second example of operation of such an information processing system 10.

In operation example 2, the user uses the control device 20 or the information terminal 50 to access the cloud computer 40 in advance and obtains a user account (user ID and password). A user account is issued by cloud computer 40.

Thereafter, the user performs a login process to input a user account on the display unit 21 of the control device 20 (S30), and in the logged-in state performs a registration operation to register setting information of the recording device 33. When the user's registration operation is accepted by the display unit 21 of the control device 20 (S31), the control unit 22 uses the first communication unit 24 to acquire setting information and type information from the recording device 33 (S32). ). Note that the control device 20 may acquire type information from a management server device that manages manufacturing information of the device 30. Further, in a case where the setting information and type information are stored in advance in the first storage unit 23 of the control device 20, the process of step S32 is omitted.

The control unit 22 causes the second communication unit 25 to transmit the acquired setting information and type information to the cloud computer 40 (S33). The receiving unit 44 of the cloud computer 40 receives the setting information and the type information, and the information processing unit 42 receives the setting information and the type information based on the user account used for the login process, the received setting information, and the received type information. Then, the registration information stored in the second storage unit 43 is updated (S34). For example, the information processing unit 42 generates individual registration information in which the user account used for login processing, the received setting information, and the received type information are associated with each other, and the content of the generated individual registration information is 2. The information is reflected in the registered information stored in the second storage unit 43. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of registration information according to operation example 2, and the registration information is information in which setting information is associated with each of a plurality of user accounts for each type of device.

Note that although the processes from step S31 to step S34 (in other words, the registration process) were performed by the user operating the control device 20, they may also be performed by the user operating the information terminal 50. For example, when the information terminal 50 and the recording device 33 can communicate, the information terminal 50 can perform the processes of steps S31 to S34 in the same way as the control device 20.

In this way, when a new recording device 35 is communicatively connected to the first communication unit 24 of the control device 20 while the registration information is stored in the cloud computer 40, the first identification unit 26 detects this. (S35). The first specifying unit 26 uses the first communication unit 24 to obtain type information from the new recording device 35, thereby specifying the type of the recording device 35 (S36). Note that the first specifying unit 26 may specify the type of the new recording device 35 by making an inquiry to the management server device.

Next, the first specifying unit 26 transmits the acquired type information (that is, type information indicating the type specified by the first specifying unit 26) and the user account stored in the first storage unit 23 to the second communication. 25 to transmit to the cloud computer 40 (S37).

The receiving unit 44 of the cloud computer 40 receives the type information and user account transmitted by the control device 20. By referring to the registration information stored in the second storage unit 43, the second specifying unit 46 configures the device 30 that is associated with the received user account and belongs to the type indicated by the received type information. The information is specified (S38). Specifically, in step S38, setting information of the recording device 33 is specified. The transmitter 45 notifies that there is setting information corresponding to the newly connected recording device 35 (S39).

When the notification is received by the second communication unit 25 of the control device 20, the first identification unit 26 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 21, and the display unit 21 receives an approval operation from the user (S40).

Note that in step S40, the user may select to what extent the settings are reflected. Further, if the setting information of a plurality of recording devices 33 is specified in step S38, the user selects which recording device 33's setting information is to be reflected in the new recording device 35 in step S40. Good too.

When the approval operation is accepted, the first specifying unit 26 acquires the setting information specified in step S38 via the second communication unit 25 (S41), and reflects the acquired setting information and the setting information. The first communication unit 24 is caused to transmit a command to the new recording device 35 (S42). Based on the received command, the recording device 35 reflects the settings indicated by the received setting information (S43).

As described above, according to the information processing system 10, the user can set the new recording device 35 to the same settings as the settings indicated by the setting information of the recording device 33. In other words, the information processing system 10 can reflect the settings of the existing device 30 on the new device 30. Furthermore, data stored in the existing device 30 can also be stored in the new device 30.

Further, according to operation example 2, when a plurality of control devices 20 are installed in the building 80, all the setting information of the devices 30 connected to the plurality of control devices 20 is stored in one user account. Linked registration information is generated. Therefore, the setting information of the device 30 that is communicatively connected to the first control device can also be reflected in the device 30 that is newly connected to the second control device. Furthermore, even when the control device 20 is replaced with a new control device, the registration information that was used for the control device 20 can be continued to be used.

[Operation example 3]
Incidentally, each of the plurality of devices 30 generally includes a storage unit storing firmware, a processor, etc. that executes the firmware, and operates by the processor, etc. executing the firmware. However, each of the plurality of devices 30 does not have to include firmware. In this case, for example, the plurality of devices 30 may be controlled by the control device 20 that is separate from the plurality of devices 30 executing firmware. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of operation example 3 of such an information processing system 10.

In operation example 3, the user uses the control device 20 or the information terminal 50 to access the cloud computer 40 in advance and obtains a user account (user ID and password) for receiving the firmware provision service. A user account is issued by cloud computer 40.

Thereafter, the user operates the control device 20 or the information terminal 50 to select a rate plan. The firmware that the user can select differs depending on the rate plan. For example, the higher the rate plan is, the more firmware that can expand the functions of the device 30 can be selected. In other words, there is more room for choosing firmware. When a user account is input and a rate plan is selected, registration information in which the user account, rate plan, and selectable firmware are associated is stored in the second storage unit 43. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of registration information according to operation example 3. Firmware is another example of control information. The information processing unit 42 of the cloud computer 40 performs billing processing on the user account, and the user pays a fee according to the rate plan (maximum storage capacity).

Thereafter, the user performs a login process by inputting a user account into the display unit 21 of the control device 20 (S51). When a new device 30 is communicatively connected to the first communication unit 24 of the control device 20 in the logged-in state, the first identification unit 26 detects this (S52). The first specifying unit 26 uses the first communication unit 24 to obtain type information from the new recording device 35, thereby specifying the type of the recording device 35 (S53). Note that the first specifying unit 26 may specify the type of the new recording device 35 by making an inquiry to the management server device.

Next, the first specifying unit 26 transmits the acquired type information (that is, type information indicating the type specified by the first specifying unit 26) and the user account stored in the first storage unit 23 to the second communication. 25 to transmit to the cloud computer 40 (S54).

The receiving unit 44 of the cloud computer 40 receives the type information and user account transmitted by the control device 20. By referring to the registration information stored in the second storage unit 43, the second specifying unit 46 selects the device type indicated by the received type information from among the selectable firmware linked to the received user account. The corresponding firmware is specified (S55). The transmitter 45 notifies that there is firmware corresponding to the newly connected device 30 (S56).

When the notification is received by the second communication unit 25 of the control device 20, the first identification unit 26 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 21, and the display unit 21 receives an approval operation from the user (S57).

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen according to operation example 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the confirmation screen is a screen for confirming with the user whether or not to approve the download of the firmware of the new device 30, and the approval operation is a screen for confirming whether or not to approve the download of the firmware of the new device 30. This is an operation for approval.

Note that if a plurality of firmwares are identified in step S55, the user may select which recording device 33's setting information is to be reflected in the new recording device 35 in step S57.

When the approval operation is accepted, the first specifying unit 26 acquires the firmware specified in step S55 via the second communication unit 25 (S58), and stores the acquired firmware in the first storage unit 23 (S59). ). Thereafter, when the display unit 21 receives an operation for operating a new device (S60), the execution unit 27 executes the firmware stored in the first storage unit 23 (S61). As a result, the first communication unit 24 transmits a command, etc. to the new device 30 (S62), and the new device 30 operates (S63).

As described above, according to the information processing system 10, the user can easily download firmware for a new device 30.

[Effects etc.]
As explained above, the control device 20 includes a first storage section 23 in which identification information is stored, a first communication section 24 to which a first device is communicatively connected, and a first communication section 24 that is communicatively connected to the first communication section 24. The first specifying unit 26 that specifies the type of one device, the type information indicating the type of the specified first device, and the identification information are transmitted to the cloud computer 40, so that the registered information stored in the cloud computer 40 It includes a second communication unit 25 that receives control information from the cloud computer 40 that is associated with the identification information and is used to control the second device belonging to the type indicated by the type information.

Such a control device 20 can support making the first device usable by the user by receiving control information used to control a second device of the same type as the first device. .

Further, for example, the control information is setting information indicating the settings of the second device, and the first communication unit 24 transmits the setting information received by the second communication unit 25 to the first device, thereby transmitting the setting information. Reflects the settings of the second device indicated by on the first device.

Such a control device 20 can reflect the settings indicated by the setting information of the second device (for example, the recording device 33) on the first device (for example, the new recording device 35). That is, the control device 20 can assist in making the first device usable by the user.

Further, for example, the control information is firmware used to control the second device, and the firmware received by the second communication unit 25 is stored in the first storage unit 23. The control device 20 further includes an execution unit 27 that controls the first device via the first communication unit 24 by executing the firmware stored in the first storage unit 23.

Such a control device 20 can support making the first device usable by the user by receiving the firmware of the second device of the same type as the first device.

Further, for example, each of the first device and the second device is a recording device, the control information is recorded data stored in the second device, and the first communication unit 24 is a second communication unit. By transmitting the recorded data received by 25 to the first device, the recorded data is stored in the first device.

Such a control device 20 can copy the recorded data stored in the second device (for example, the recording device 33) to the first device (for example, the new recording device 35). That is, the control device 20 can assist in making the first device usable by the user.

Further, for example, when detecting that the first device is communicatively connected to the first communication unit 24, the first identification unit 26 identifies the type of the first device communicatively connected to the first communication unit 24. , type information, and identification information to the second communication unit 25 to the cloud computer 40.

Such a control device 20 can automatically acquire control information for a device of the same type as the first device from the cloud computer 40 when the first device is newly connected to the control device 20. .

The cloud computer 40 also includes a second storage unit 43 storing registration information in which control information for controlling the device is associated with each of the plurality of pieces of identification information for each type of device, and a second storage unit 43 that transmits the control information by the control device 20. The receiving unit 44 receives the type information and identification information indicating the type of the first device that has been received, and refers to the registered information to associate the type information with the received identification information and the type information indicated by the received type information. It includes a second specifying section 46 that specifies control information used to control a second device belonging to the type, and a transmitting section 45 that transmits the specified control information to the control device 20.

Such a cloud computer 40 can support making the first device usable by the user by transmitting control information used to control a second device of the same type as the first device. .

The information processing system 10 also includes a control device 20 and a cloud computer 40. The control device 20 specifies a first storage unit 23 in which identification information is stored, a first communication unit 24 to which the first device is communicatively connected, and a type of the first device communicatively connected to the first communication unit 24. and a second communication unit 25 that transmits type information indicating the type of the specified device and identification information to the cloud computer. The cloud computer 40 uses a second storage unit 43 that stores registration information in which control information for controlling devices is associated with each of the plurality of pieces of identification information for each type of device, and a second communication unit 25 that transmits the information. The receiving unit 44 receives the received type information and identification information, and by referring to the registered information, the receiving unit 44 receives the second device that is associated with the received identification information and belongs to the type indicated by the received type information. It includes a second specifying section 46 that specifies control information used for control, and a transmitting section 45 that transmits the specified control information to the control device 20.

Such an information processing system 10 provides control information used for controlling a second device of the same type as the first device from the cloud computer 40 to the control device 20, thereby making the first device available for use by the user. We can assist you in doing so.

Further, the information processing method executed by the information processing system 10 including the control device 20 and the cloud computer 40 includes a first specifying step in which the control device 20 specifies the type of the first device communicatively connected to the control device 20. (S16), the control device 20 transmits the type information indicating the type of the identified first device and the identification information stored in the first storage unit 23 included in the control device 20 to the cloud computer 40. a sending step (S17); a receiving step (S17) in which the cloud computer 40 receives the transmitted type information and identification information; information, in which control information for controlling the device is associated with each of the plurality of pieces of identification information by referring to registration information that is associated with each type of device, and A second identifying step (S18) in which the cloud computer 40 transmits the identified control information to the control device 20; and a second transmission step (S21).

In such an information processing method, the cloud computer 40 provides the control device 20 with control information used to control the second device of the same type as the first device, thereby making the first device available for use by the user. We can help you do that.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

Further, in the above embodiments, the information processing system is realized by a plurality of devices, but it may be realized as a single device. For example, the information processing system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a control device, or may be realized as a single device corresponding to a cloud computer. When the information processing system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components included in the information processing system may be distributed to the plurality of devices in any manner.

For example, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, in communication between devices, a relay device (including a server device, etc.), which is not shown, may intervene.

Further, in the above embodiments, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Further, the order of the plurality of processes may be changed, or the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, each operation example may be combined arbitrarily.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

Moreover, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Further, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

Further, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM. Further, the present invention may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

For example, the present invention may be realized as an information processing method executed by a computer such as an information processing system, or may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such an information processing method, or may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such an information processing method. It may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded.

Other embodiments may be obtained by making various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or may be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also includes such forms.

10 Information processing system 20 Control device 23 First storage unit 24 First communication unit 25 Second communication unit 26 First identification unit 27 Execution unit 30 Equipment (first equipment, second equipment)
33 Recording device 35 New recording device 40 Cloud computer 43 Second storage section 44 Receiving section 45 Transmitting section 46 Second specifying section

Claims (8)

a storage unit in which identification information regarding the own device or the user is stored;
a first communication unit to which the first device is communicatively connected;
an identification unit that identifies the type of the first device communicatively connected to the first communication unit;
By transmitting the type information indicating the type of the identified first device and the identification information to the cloud computer, the type information associated with the identification information in the registration information stored in the cloud computer is a second communication unit that receives control information used for controlling a second device belonging to the indicated type from the cloud computer. The control information is setting information indicating settings of the second device,
The first communication unit reflects the settings of the second device indicated by the setting information on the first device by transmitting the setting information received by the second communication unit to the first device. The control device according to item 1. The control information is firmware used to control the second device,
The firmware received by the second communication unit is stored in the storage unit,
The control device according to claim 1, further comprising an execution unit that controls the first device via the first communication unit by executing the firmware stored in the storage unit. Each of the first device and the second device is a recording device,
The control information is recorded data stored in the second device,
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit stores the recorded data in the first device by transmitting the recorded data received by the second communication unit to the first device. When the identification unit detects that the first device is communicatively connected to the first communication unit, the identification unit identifies the type of the first device communicatively connected to the first communication unit, and stores the type information. 5. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: causing the second communication unit to transmit the identification information to the cloud computer. a storage unit storing registration information in which control information for controlling the device is associated with each of the plurality of pieces of identification information regarding the control device or the user for each type of device;
a receiving unit that receives type information indicating the type of the first device and identification information regarding the control device or the user, transmitted by the control device;
a specifying unit that identifies control information associated with the received identification information and used to control a second device belonging to a type indicated by the received type information by referring to the registered information;
A cloud computer, comprising: a transmitter that transmits the specified control information to the control device. a control device;
Equipped with a cloud computer,
The control device includes:
a first storage unit in which identification information regarding the control device or the user is stored;
a first communication unit to which the first device is communicatively connected;
a first identifying unit that identifies the type of the first device communicatively connected to the first communication unit;
comprising type information indicating the type of the identified first device, and a second communication unit that transmits the identification information to a cloud computer,
The cloud computer includes:
a second storage unit storing registration information in which control information for controlling the equipment is associated with each of the plurality of pieces of identification information regarding the control device or the user for each type of equipment;
a receiving unit that receives the type information and the identification information transmitted by the second communication unit;
a second identifying unit that identifies control information associated with the received identification information and used to control a second device belonging to a type indicated by the received type information by referring to the registered information; and,
An information processing system, comprising: a transmitter that transmits the identified control information to the control device. An information processing method executed by an information processing system including a control device and a cloud computer,
a first specifying step in which the control device specifies the type of a first device communicatively connected to the control device;
The control device transmits type information indicating the type of the identified first device and identification information regarding the control device or the user stored in a first storage section included in the control device to the cloud computer. one sending step;
a receiving step in which the cloud computer receives the transmitted type information and the identification information;
The cloud computer may include registration information stored in a second storage unit included in the cloud computer, and control information for controlling the device for each of a plurality of pieces of identification information regarding the control device or the user for each type of device. By referring to the registered information associated with the received identification information, control information used to control the second device associated with the received identification information and belonging to the type indicated by the received type information is identified. a second identification step;
an information processing method, including a second sending step in which the cloud computer sends the specified control information to the control device.

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