CN113273139A

CN113273139A - Database device, database generation system, and database generation method

Info

Publication number: CN113273139A
Application number: CN202080008575.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 井泽秀人
Original assignee: Hisense Visual Technology Co Ltd; Toshiba Visual Solutions Corp
Current assignee: Hisense Visual Technology Co Ltd; Toshiba Visual Solutions Corp
Priority date: 2019-12-06
Filing date: 2020-11-06
Publication date: 2021-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-06
Also published as: WO2021109798A1; CN113273139B; JP2021092857A; JP7214616B2

Abstract

A database apparatus connected to a network has a device connected to the network and a database corresponding to an authorized user of the device to facilitate operation of an IoT (internet of things) device.

Description

Database device, database generation system, and database generation method

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from japanese patent application No. 2019-221546, filed on 12/6 of 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present application relate to a database apparatus, a generation system, and a generation method.

Background

In recent years, Internet of things (IoT) related devices (hereinafter referred to as IoT devices) that connect objects to the Internet have become increasingly popular. Since the IoT devices are connected to a network such as the internet, applications that generate communications between different IoT devices can be implemented. In the future, if an IoT device can be more easily connected to a network with the development of wireless technology such as a 5 th generation mobile communication system (hereinafter, referred to as 5G), it is expected that the popularization of the IoT device to a general user will be accelerated, and a single user will have a plurality of IoT devices. In general, in order to connect a device to a network, it is necessary to set parameters and the like for the device, register the device, and the like.

Documents of the related art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2005-55940

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2005-44201

Patent document 3: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2002-189935

Patent document 4: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2002-74135

Patent document 5: japanese patent laid-open No. 2001-256317

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the present application

However, when a single user owns a plurality of IoT devices and performs complicated operations on the network such as causing cooperation among the IoT devices, etc., setting, registration of the IoT devices becomes very cumbersome. In addition, general users are not limited to those familiar with Information Communication Technology (ICT), and it is required to facilitate the operation of IoT devices in the future widespread use.

An object to be solved by the present application is to provide a database device, a generation system, and a generation method, which facilitate the operation of an IoT device.

Technical scheme for solving technical problem

A database apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application is connected to a network, and has a device connected to the network and a database corresponding to an authorized user of the device.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a structural example of an entire system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an application server apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the store server apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information server apparatus according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a binding database device according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the system arrangement in embodiment 1.

Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operation of the system before a user purchases and uses a device in embodiment 1.

Fig. 9A is a diagram showing an example of data generated and managed by the binding database apparatus for one user in embodiment 1.

Fig. 9B is a diagram showing an example of data generated and managed by the binding database apparatus for a plurality of users in embodiment 1.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the system arrangement in embodiment 2.

Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operation of the system before a user purchases and uses a device in embodiment 2.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the system arrangement in embodiment 3.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the system arrangement in embodiment 4.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the system arrangement in embodiment 5.

Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operation of the system when the user gifts the device to another user in embodiment 5.

Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the 2 nd processing operation of the system when the user gifts the device to another user in embodiment 5.

Fig. 17 is a diagram describing an example of the kind of data and the relationship of each data used in the embodiment.

Description of the symbols:

a device, a 2.. an application server device, a 3.. a store server device, a 4.. an information server device, a 5.. a binding database device, a 6.. a PC, 11.. a communication section, a 12.. an application processing section, a 13.. a storage section, a 21.. a communication section, a 22.. an application service section, a 23.. an information query processing section, a 31.. a UI section, a 32.. a control section, a 33.. an information query processing section, a 34.. a communication section, a 35.. a binding database registration section, a 36.. a service providing section, a 51.. a control section, a 52.. a communication section, a 53.. an information registration section, a 54.. a storage section, a 55.. an information providing section, a 100.. a network.

Detailed Description

Embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings.

The devices 1A, 1B (simply referred to as device 1 unless otherwise noted) are various IoT devices that are connected to the network 100 and perform data communication with devices on the network 100. The device 1 may be a sensor such as a temperature detection sensor, a water leakage detection sensor, or a door opening/closing sensor, or may be a detection device using these sensors. Further, the device 1 may be a household appliance such as an air conditioner, a television, a lighting, a camera, and the like. Further, if connected to the network 100, the device 1 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

The application server apparatus 2 is built on a computer having a CPU or a memory provided on the network 100, for example, and provides an application using the device 1. The application server device 2 may be a cloud server. For example, assume that the water leakage detection device is the apparatus 1. When the device 1 detects a water leak, the application server apparatus 2 provides an application using the device 1, for example, an alarm notifying the application server apparatus 2 of the device 1 is transmitted to a smart phone registered in advance, and the notification is forwarded. Although only one application server apparatus 2 is shown in the figure, a plurality of application server apparatuses 2 may be installed for each device 1. The application server apparatus 2 may provide an application in which a plurality of devices 1 are combined. In particular, in the present embodiment, an application using the binding database device 5 described later is assumed.

The store server apparatus 3 is built in a computer having a CPU or a memory provided on the network 100, for example. The store server apparatus 3 may be a cloud server. The store server apparatus 3 is provided in, for example, a merchant that sells the device 1 to the user, and exchanges necessary data with apparatuses in the system through the network 100 when the user acquires the device 1. As for the method of obtaining the device 1 by the user, although the case of purchase is shown in the present embodiment, it may be obtained by loan such as rental and rental, obtained by free of sales promotion, obtained by discount, obtained by gift from another person, prize, gift, or the like. The store server apparatus 3 may have a function Of a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal. The store server apparatus 3 may also have a card reader that obtains information (hereinafter referred to as user identification information) for identifying the user (user of the device 1), such as a user ID, an email address, a telephone number, and the like, from a card such as a credit card, a loyalty card, マイナンバー (personal number) (japanese registered trademark). Further, the store server apparatus 3 may set a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for providing a service to the client via the network 100.

The information server apparatus 4 is constructed, for example, on a computer having a CPU or a memory provided on the network 100. The information server apparatus 4 manages the correspondence between user personal information (hereinafter referred to as user information) such as name, address, telephone number, and the like and user identification information, and provides information in accordance with the request.

The binding database means 5 is built on a computer having a CPU or a memory provided on the network 100, for example. The binding database means 5 stores data associating (binding) the user information of the purchaser and the purchased product information, and generates a database (particularly referred to as a binding database). Here, the product information is, for example, a product name, a manufacturer name, a model number, a serial number, and the like. Further, the binding database means 5 generates device-specific information to be registered (particularly referred to as device-specific information) using, for example, a manufacturer name, a model number, a serial number, and the like, and adds it to the database. The device specific information is information identifying each device, and may be a character string containing a number or symbol or the like that can be specified from a manufacturer name, a model number, a serial number, or the like.

The PC6 is, for example, a personal computer, and is, for example, a client terminal that accesses the store server device 3 via the network 100. In the case of mail order, PC6 may be a personal computer owned by the user at home; in the case of store sales, the PC6 may be a personal computer provided in a store.

The network 100 includes not only the internet but also all networks, communication paths for connecting the above-described devices, apparatuses, and a network formed by combining them. For example, when the store server apparatus 3 communicates with the information server apparatus 4 that handles user information, a Private line that ensures confidentiality, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that is implemented on the internet, or the like is used, and such a communication path is also included in the Network 100. The network 100 may be wired or wireless, and may include a communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark) or 5G, for example. In addition, in the case of a wire, for example, a communication method using an ethernet cable may be included. In addition, in data transmission and reception on the network 100, a communication protocol predetermined by the devices or the apparatuses and a data communication path thereof is used.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment.

The communication unit 11 is connected to the network 100 to communicate the device 1 with an apparatus or device on the network 100. The communication unit 11 has a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. Further, the communication section 11 may have not only an interface for communicating with the network 100 but also an interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) for connecting to a personal computer.

The application processing unit 12 performs processing for making an application provided by the application server device 2 available by a computer program or the like stored in the device 1.

The storage section 13 stores settings and the like required by the device 1. The storage unit 13 is provided by a personal computer or the like through a control unit not shown or a USB provided in the communication unit 11.

The communication unit 21 is connected to the network 100 to communicate with devices or apparatuses on the network 100. The communication section 21 includes a wired or wireless communication interface.

The application service unit 22 performs processing for providing an application using a computer program or the like stored in the application server device 2. For example, when a temperature detection application using the device 1 is assumed, the application service section 22 performs reception processing on a temperature detection result transmitted from the device 1, and notifies an alarm to other devices or apparatuses preset on the network 100 through the communication section 11.

The information inquiry processing unit 23 inquires information of devices on the network 100 through the communication unit 21 in accordance with an instruction from the application service unit 22, obtains the inquired information, and outputs the inquired information to the application service unit 22. In the present embodiment, the information inquiry processing unit 23 inquires the binding database device 5 about information.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the store server device according to the embodiment.

The UI unit 31 is a user interface, and is a card reader for reading user identification information from a credit card, a loyalty card, or a personal number card, for example. The UI unit 31 outputs the read user identification information to the control unit 32. The UI unit 31 may read information from a smartphone, or may be a computer peripheral device such as a keyboard or a mouse. When the UI part 31 is a keyboard, the user or the vendor can input information related to the user including user identification information from the keyboard.

The control unit 32 controls each function of the store server devices 3 based on the user identification information input from the UI unit 31. In addition, data exchange with all other functional blocks not connected to the control section 32 in fig. 4 is possible.

The information inquiry processing unit 33 inquires of the external device through the communication unit 34 and obtains necessary information based on an instruction input from the control unit 32. In the present embodiment, the information inquiry processing unit 33 inquires the information server device 4 based on the user identification information input from the control unit 32 to obtain the user information.

The communication unit 34 is connected to the network 100 to communicate with devices or apparatuses on the network 100. The communication section 34 has a wired or wireless communication interface.

The binding database registration part 35 transmits required information such as user information or product information of a purchased product or the like to the binding database device 5.

The service provider 36 includes, for example, an electronic commerce site for enabling a user to purchase a product via the internet or a processing function at the time of purchase. In the case where the shop sales is not the network sales, the function may not be used. The service provider 36 obtains purchase information of the user.

The information registration section 41 includes a user interface such as a keyboard for inputting user information to the information server apparatus 4, processes information input from the user interface as necessary, and outputs it to the storage section 42. For example, when a credit card company or loyalty card company creates a user information database, the information registering part 41 processes information input from the user interface as necessary to create the database. The information registration unit 41 issues user identification information, i.e., user-specific identification Information (ID), when registering user information in the database. The user identification information is, for example, a credit card number, a credit card ID, or the like, and is stored in an Integrated Circuit (IC) or the like on a card such as a credit card or a credit card. The function of the information registration unit 41 is usually executed when issuing a credit card, a loyalty card, or the like.

The storage unit 42 stores data such as user information input from the information registration unit 41.

The information providing section 43 receives a request from an external device to provide data stored in the storage section 42, obtains the requested data from the storage section 42, and transmits the obtained data to the external device having the request through the communication section 44.

The communication unit 44 is connected to the network 100 to communicate with devices or apparatuses on the network 100. The communication section 44 has a wired or wireless communication interface.

The control unit 45 controls each function of the information server apparatus 4. In addition, data exchange with all other functional blocks not connected to the control section 45 in fig. 5 is possible.

The control section 51 controls each function of the binding database device 5. Specifically, the control section 51 receives a request from an external device on the network 100, and controls each function of the binding database device 5 according to the received request. In addition, data exchange with all other functional blocks not connected to the control section 51 in fig. 6 is possible.

The communication unit 52 is connected to the network 100 to communicate with devices or apparatuses on the network 100. The communication section 52 includes a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

The information registration part 53 creates information registration, i.e., a binding database, in accordance with a registration request of information received by the control part 51 from an external device on the network 100. In the present embodiment, when the control unit 51 receives an information registration request from the store server apparatus 3, the information registration unit 53 stores the user information, the product information, and the like transmitted from the store server apparatus 3 in the storage unit 54 under the control of the control unit 51, and creates a binding database.

The specification information generating part 531 creates a binding data user ID which is user specification information for specifying a user on the binding database. The binding data user ID may be a number or a character string including characters, numbers, and the like. Further, the determination information generation part 531 creates a device management number assigned to each user for the device 1 registered in the binding database. The device management number may be a number or a character string including characters, numbers, and the like. The device management number may be used as device specific information that is information unique to the device.

The storage unit 54 stores data input from the information registration unit 53.

When the control section 51 receives an information providing request from an external device on the network 100, the information providing section 55 acquires data from the storage section 54 in accordance with the request, and transmits the data to the external device having the request through the communication section 52.

(embodiment 1)

In the present embodiment, an operation example of the system when the user purchases the device 1 at a mail-order merchant on the network 100 using the own PC6 will be shown.

The user is the purchaser of the device 1 and owns the PC 6. The mail-order maker is a seller of the equipment 1, and has a store server device 3 and an information server device 4. The information server apparatus 4 manages user identification information (user ID) required when a user purchases an article at a mail-order maker. Further, the mail order store apparatus 1 is a product purchased by the user. The service provider is an application provider of the device 1, and has an application server apparatus 2 and a binding database 5.

Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operation of the system before a user purchases and uses a device in an embodiment.

In the sequence diagram, the processes of the PC6, the store server device 3, the information server device 4, the binding database device 5, the device 1, and the application server device 2 are shown in chronological order from the top to the bottom, starting from the left side. The PC6 and the store server device 3 include a user and a mail-order clerk, respectively, and the operation behaviors of the user and the clerk are shown by broken lines in the sequence chart. The staff of the mail order sends the device 1 to the user. At this time, the clerk can set the apparatus 1 as needed. The processes (non-human processes) performed by the PC6, the store server device 3, and other devices are shown by solid lines.

Next, the present timing chart will be described in chronological order from the top.

The user registers user information with the mail-order maker in advance, obtains user identification information (customer ID), and purchases device 1 (stage P1). Hereinafter, the detailed description will be given.

The user accesses the electronic commerce site provided by the shop server apparatus 3 through the PC6, and registers user information and the like to obtain an account (step S11). Specifically, the user transmits the user information together with the user information registration request from the PC6 to the shop server apparatus 3.

Upon receiving the user information registration request, the control unit 32 of the store server device 3 causes the service providing unit 36 to perform user information registration (step S12). The service providing unit 36 transmits the user information and the like to the information server apparatus 4 together with the user information registration request.

In the information server apparatus 4, when receiving the user information registration request, the control unit 45 outputs the user information or the like to the information registration unit 41 to perform user information registration. The information registration unit 41 adds the received user information to the database of the storage unit 42, issues user identification information (customer ID), and transmits the user identification information from the communication unit 44 to the store server device 3 (step S13). The shop server apparatus 3 transmits the received user identification information to the PC6 or the like, and notifies the user of it (step S14). The user is able to purchase products from a mail-order vendor by using the user identification information received from PC 6.

The user purchases the device 1 on the electronic commerce site of the shop server apparatus 3 via the PC6 (steps S15 and S16). Specifically, the user accesses an electronic commerce site provided by the service provider 36 of the store server device 3 through the network 100 using the PC 6. On this e-commerce site, for example, when the user clicks the name or the like of the device 1 to be purchased (step S15) and inputs user payment information (information such as credit card payment, bank payment) or user identification information or the like (step S16), the purchase information such as product information, user payment information or the like of the device 1 and the user identification information are transmitted to the service providing section 36. Upon receiving the information, the service providing unit 36 displays "purchase completed" or the like on a display unit, not shown, of the PC6, thereby completing the purchase process of the user.

Next, the store server apparatus 3 executes a database generation process (stage P2).

The store server apparatus 3 transmits the user information query together with the user identification information acquired at the stage P1 from the information query processing unit 33 to the information server 4 via the communication unit 34 (step S21). In the information server apparatus 4, the control unit 45 causes the information providing unit 43 to transmit the user information when receiving the user information inquiry (step S22). Specifically, when the control section 45 instructs the information providing section 43 to transmit the user information, the information providing unit 43 acquires the user information from the storage section 42 based on the received user identification information. The information providing unit 43 transmits the acquired user information to the store server device 3 through the communication unit 44.

The shop server apparatus 3 transmits the received user information and product information to the binding database apparatus 5 as Database (DB) information (step S23). Specifically, in the store server apparatus 3, the binding database registration unit 35 merges the user information received by the information inquiry processing unit 33 and the product information received by the service providing unit 36, and creates database information by performing processing as necessary. The binding database registry 35 transmits a database registration request (data binding request) to the binding database device 5 together with the created database information.

The binding database device 5, upon receiving the database registration request, registers the received database information in the database (step S24). More specifically, in the binding database device 5, when the control unit 51 receives a database registration request, the control unit 51 outputs the received database information to the information registration unit 53. The information registration unit 53 registers the database information in the storage unit 54. Through the above flow, a database (binding database) that associates the user information and the product information together is generated on the binding database device 5.

Fig. 9A is a diagram showing an example of data generated and managed by the binding database apparatus for one user in the embodiment.

The binding data 500 includes user specific data 501 and product data 502, and basically creates one for one user. For example, when a certain organization commonly uses all the devices 1, one binding data 500 is created as one organization. In the present embodiment, an example of creating one binding data 500 for one user is shown.

The user specific data 501 stores user specifying information (e.g., binding data user ID) provided to a user who manages data in the binding database apparatus 5. The user specific data 501 may be user identification information or the like in addition to the binding data user ID as data that can specify the user. Further, the user-inherent data 501 may be only, for example, a telephone number, an email address, or the like as long as the user can be determined, and data capable of determining the user's person without much change is desired. Further, the user specific data 501 may include user personal information such as name, address, year, month, day of birth, and the like.

The product data 502 includes data such as "No", "product name", "manufacturer", "model", and "serial number" shown as column items for each device 1 as a product. Each time the user purchases the device 1, a row is added and information for columns of items is registered. "No" is a device management number of the binding database means 5 management device 1. It is preferable that the device management number is assigned so that each device that can be used by the user is a specific number, and one of the following "product name", "manufacturer", "model", "serial number" and the like may be selected as the device management number, or the device management number may be generated from the selected one. Further, a plurality of the following "product names", "manufacturers", "model numbers", "serial numbers" and the like may be selected and combined to form a device management number, or the device management number may be generated from the selected plurality of combinations. The "product name" is the name of the device 1. "manufacturer" is the name of the manufacturing company of the device 1. The "model" is a character string including characters, numerals, and the like assigned by the manufacturing company to the model type of the device 1 and the like. The "serial number" may be a character string including letters, numbers, and the like uniquely assigned to the device 1 by the manufacturing company. In addition, column entries may be added. For example, when an IP address is given to the device 1, the IP address may be added to the database. Furthermore, an IP address of a certain application server apparatus 2 providing an application that can use the device 1 may be added.

D11, D12, D13, and D14 of the product data 502 are "product name", "manufacturer", "model", "serial number", respectively, for the device 1 of No-1. The "product name", "manufacturer", "model" and "serial number" of the device 1 of No ═ i are Di1, Di2, Di3 and Di4, respectively. N in the item "No" corresponds to the number of registered devices 1 that can be used by the user.

Fig. 9B is a diagram showing an example of data generated and managed by the binding database apparatus for a plurality of users in the embodiment.

The storage unit 54 of the binding database device 5

stores binding data

500A, 500B, and 500C for each of a plurality of different users (or organizations such as corporate). Returning to fig. 8, when the determination information generation part 531 of the binding database apparatus 5 issues the binding data user ID, the information registration part 53 transmits a completion notification (step S25). Further, in step S25, the issued binding data user ID may be transmitted together with the completion notification. When receiving the binding data user ID, the store server apparatus 3 displays the binding data user ID on a display unit, not shown, of the store server apparatus 3. In addition, if information of the user registered when the device 1 was purchased in the past has been registered in the binding database means 5, and the user has been given a binding data user ID, the binding data user ID is transmitted together with the completion notification. The device management numbers may also be sent simultaneously.

Next, the mail order dealer performs product delivery for the product (stage P3). Furthermore, in stage P3, parameters may be set for the device as needed.

The mail-order maker can set information such as required parameters for the newly purchased apparatus 1 (step S31). As the setting information, "serial number", "model number", "device management number", and the like of the device 1 are set in the storage unit 13 as device specifying information for specifying the device 1. Further, the binding data user ID is set in the storage section 13 as user specifying information for specifying the user. In addition, the user identification information may be a telephone number, an email address, or the like. Further, user identification information may also be used as the user specifying information. The setting information includes an IP address of the application server device 2, which is information that can communicate with the application server device 2, an application site URL provided by the application server device 2, and the like, and is stored in the storage unit 13. Further, the setting information may include an IP address or URL of the binding database device 5 instead of the IP address or URL of the application server device 2. The mail-order maker sends the device 1 to the user who purchased it (step S32). In step S32, the mail purchaser may transmit the device 1, to which the parameters are set through step S31, to the user who purchased the device. On the other hand, the mail purchaser may also transmit the apparatus 1 without parameter setting to the user who purchased the apparatus without performing step S31.

In addition, the identical devices 1, that is, the identical devices 1 such as "manufacturer", "serial number", "model number", and the like may be registered in the binding data 500 of different users. This corresponds to, for example, a case where different users share one device 1 in advance, or the like. In this case, in the binding data 500 of the user shared in the flow of steps S16 to S26 of fig. 8, the user specific information of the shared user and the product information of the new device 1 and the like are registered. This will be described in detail.

The user identification information of the user who purchased the device (hereinafter referred to as a purchasing user) and the user identification information of the sharing user (hereinafter referred to as a sharing user) are transmitted to the shop server apparatus 3 (step S16). The store server apparatus 3 transmits the user identification information of each of the purchase user and the sharing user received to the information server apparatus 4, inquires the user information, and obtains the user information of each (steps S21 and S22). The shop server apparatus 3 transmits the user information and the product information of each of the purchasing user and the sharing user to the binding database apparatus 5 (step S23). The binding database means 5 creates a binding database for each of the purchasing user and the sharing user (step S24).

Further, when the sharing user is a user that has been registered in the binding data 500 in the past, then the binding data user ID has been obtained, and therefore, the processing of steps S21, S22 is omitted, and the binding data user ID and the product information of the new device 1 are transmitted to the binding database means 5 in step S23, so that the new device 1 can be registered in the binding data 500 of the user.

Next, the user who purchased the device 1 receives the device 1 as a product, and sets and uses it (stage P4).

The user installs the device 1 transmitted by the mail order provider at a desired location when receiving it (step S41). In case a wired connection to the network 100 is required, for example an ethernet cable is connected to the device 1 and arranged to enable access to the network 100. The user presses a power switch or the like of the apparatus 1 to start the apparatus 1 (step S42). The apparatus 1 is started by turning on the power of the apparatus 1 (step S43). When the device 1 is started, the application processing unit 12 refers to, for example, the IP address of the application server device 2 stored in the storage unit 13, and accesses the application server device 2 via the network 100 (step S44). At the time of access, the user specification information (binding data user ID, e-mail address, telephone number, etc.) and the device specifying information stored in the storage unit 13 are transmitted to the application server apparatus 2. The user-specific information and the device-specific information may also be used as an account for authorizing access when the device 1 accesses the application server apparatus 2.

In the application server device 2, when the application service section 22 detects an access from the application processing section 12, the binding database means 5 is requested to confirm whether or not the received user specification information and the device specific information are associated together, that is, whether or not the device 1 is a product bound with the purchasing user or the user authorized to use (hereinafter, referred to as binding information confirmation) (step S45). More specifically, when the application service part 22 requests the information query processing part 23 to confirm the binding information, the information query processing part 23 transmits a request for confirmation of the binding information to the binding database device 5 together with the user specification information and the device specific information.

The binding database means 5, upon receiving the binding information confirmation request, confirms whether the received user specification information and device specific information are associated together, that is, whether the device 1 having the device specific information is an article owned by the user having the user specification information or a usable article, and transmits the confirmation result of the binding information to the application server 22 (step S46). In more detail, the control section 51, upon receiving the request for the binding information, outputs the received user specifying information and device specific information to the information providing section 55 at the same time. The information providing section 55 confirms whether or not data matching the received user specification information and device specific information exists in the binding data 500 held in the storage section 54. When the information providing unit 55 finds the device 1 matching the received user identification information and device specific information in the binding data 500, it transmits a response of "YES" to the application server apparatus 2. When there is NO device 1 matching the received user-specific information and device-specific information, a NO (NO) response is transmitted to the application server apparatus 2.

When receiving "YES", the application server apparatus 2 opens the application using the device 1 purchased in step S13 (step S47). When receiving "NO", the application server apparatus 2 prohibits the accessing device 1 from using the application. At this time, the application server apparatus 2 may transmit a response such as "no access" to the accessed device 1.

Through the above flow, the user can use the application using the device 1. According to the embodiment of the present embodiment, the user purchases the device 1 at the electronic commerce site, and can use the device 1 by simply installing the device 1 and pressing the power switch. Further, in the binding database means 5, by creating a binding database associating the device 1 and the purchasing user, an effect of eliminating the complexity of initial setting and the like at the time of purchasing the device 1 is achieved. Further, by creating the binding database, convenience is brought about in that initial setting is not required at the time of purchasing the device 1. These effects are effective for both the user and the clerk who sets the parameters and the like of the device 1, and the larger the number of devices 1 registered by a single user, the better. Further, by making clear the owner or user of the device 1 by using the binding database device 5, the effect of security such as prohibiting the use of the device 1 by a user other than the owner or user is achieved.

Considering that the number of devices 1 connected to the network 100 (internet) will increase in the future and will be used by many users, the effectiveness of facilitating the operation of the devices by the binding database device 5 will further increase. Further, the binding database apparatus 5 shown in the present embodiment can also be used for an application that causes a plurality of devices 1 owned by a user to cooperate with each other. Furthermore, by aggregating binding data of a plurality of users in the binding database device 5, it is also possible to use for collaboration between devices owned by different users.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a case where the user has not purchased the device 1 in the past and the user information is not registered in the binding database apparatus 5 is shown, but for example, in a case where the user information has been purchased in the past and registered in the binding database apparatus 5 and the binding data of the user has been given the user ID of the binding data, the flow can be further simplified.

In the present embodiment, in the parameter setting at step S31, any one of the binding data user ID, mail address, telephone number, and the like, for example, or any combination of a plurality of them may be set as the user specifying information. The security strength of the service (step S47) of the application server apparatus 2 used by the device 1 can be changed by, for example, the number of user-determined information set in the device 1. Specifically, in steps S45 and S46, in response to the information inquiry processing from the application server device 2 by the binding database device 5, the strength of security can be further improved by increasing the number of pieces of user specifying information used as the determination condition by the information providing unit 55. In addition, the binding database device 5 may give priority to the user identification information and weight the determination condition of the information providing unit 55. For example, in the case where the binding data user ID pair is prioritized over the mail address (in the case where a weight is given), for the apparatus 1 using the binding data user ID as the user determination information, it is possible to read information of a height that is not allowed in use of the mail address (for example, information on balance inquiry), or important control that is not allowed in use of the mail address (for example, control related to payment of money) may be performed.

(embodiment 2)

An operation example of the system when a user (purchaser) who owns a customer ID of a mail order purchases a product (apparatus 1) at the mail order provider and the mail order provider orders the product to the service provider is shown in the present embodiment. Further, an operation example of the system when the user purchased the device 1 in the past and the user information has been registered in the binding database means 5 is also shown.

The user is the purchaser of the device 1 and owns the PC 6. The mail-order maker is a seller of the equipment 1, and has a store server device 3 and an information server device 4. The service provider is an application provider of the device 1, and has an application server apparatus 2 and a binding database 5. In the present embodiment, unlike embodiment 1, the service provider stores the device 1, i.e., a product purchased by the user.

Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operation of the system before a user purchases and uses a device in embodiment 2, and the same stages and steps are assigned symbols to the same parts as those of the flow shown in fig. 8. The description is omitted or simplified for the same portions as fig. 8.

The prior registration and purchase flow is the same as the stage P1 in fig. 8, and thus the description is omitted.

When the user completes the prior registration and purchase process, a database of binding data is generated (stage P22). Specifically, when the store server device 3 obtains a customer ID as user identification information of a mail order provider (step S16 in fig. 8), the information server device 4 inquires of the user information of the customer ID (step S221). The information server apparatus 4 acquires the user information of the received customer ID from the storage unit 42 of the information server apparatus 4, and transmits it to the store server apparatus 3 (step S222). The shop server apparatus 3 transmits database information including the received user information and the purchase information acquired at the stage P1 to the binding database apparatus 5 (step S223). The binding database means 5 confirms whether or not the received user information is registered in the user specific data 501 of the storage section 54, and if registered, registers the received purchase information in the product data 502 (S224). Further, if the received user information is not registered in the user specific data 501 of the storage section 54, the binding database means 5 registers the user information in the user specific data 501, registers the received purchase information in the product data 502, and issues a binding data user ID to the user. When the binding database device 5 completes the registration of the database information, the binding database device 5 displays the binding data user ID and the like on a display unit, not shown, of the binding database device 5, and notifies the service provider of the display result (step S225).

Next, the mail order dealer performs product delivery for the product (stage P23). In addition, the equipment can be subjected to parameter setting at the stage according to the requirement. This stage is only from stage P3 shown in embodiment 1, and the implementation subject is changed from a mail order provider to a service provider. Since the implementation contents are not changed, the description is omitted.

Next, the user who purchased the device 1 receives the device 1 as a product, and installs and uses it (stage P4). This stage is the same as the stage P4 shown in embodiment 1, and therefore, description thereof is omitted.

Through the above flow, the user (purchaser) purchases the product (apparatus 1) at the mail-order provider, and the mail-order provider orders the product to the service provider, even in this case, the user (purchaser) can use the apparatus 1 by purchasing the product (apparatus 1) on the electronic commerce site of the mail-order provider through a simple procedure.

(embodiment 3)

In the present embodiment, an example of the operation of the system when a user (purchaser) purchases a product (device 1) in a store using a loyalty card issued by the store is shown.

The user is the purchaser of the device 1. The store is a seller of the device 1 and a sales location, and includes a PC6, a store server device 3, and an information server device 4. The information server device 4 manages user information of the owner of the loyalty card. The service provider is an application provider of the device 1, and has an application server apparatus 2 and a binding database 5. The present embodiment differs from embodiment 1 only in that the seller of the device 1 changes from a mail order vendor to store sales, and the flow of the operation processing of the system is the same as the sequence chart of fig. 8, and therefore only the differences from embodiment 1 will be described with reference to fig. 8.

The user goes to the store and registers user information in order to obtain a loyalty card issued by the store (step S11). When the user inputs user information from the PC6 of the store, the user information is transmitted to the store server device 3 together with a request for registration of the loyalty card.

Upon receiving the registration request of the loyalty card, the control unit 32 of the store server device 3 causes the service providing unit 36 to register an account (step S12). The service providing unit 36 transmits the user information and the like to the information server apparatus 4 together with a registration request of the loyalty card.

In the information server apparatus 4, upon receiving a request for registration of a loyalty card, the control unit 45 outputs user information to the information registration unit 41 to perform registration of the loyalty card. The information registration unit 41 adds the received user information to the database of the storage unit 42, issues user identification information (user ID of the loyalty card), and transmits the user identification information from the communication unit 44 to the store server device 3 (step S13). In the information server apparatus 4, the registered user information is managed in association with the user identification information.

The shop server apparatus 3 notifies the user by transmitting the received user identification information to the PC6 or the like (step S14). In general, a card having a memory into which user identification information data is input is issued to a user as a loyalty card.

When the purchase information is transferred to the clerk, the clerk inputs the purchase information from the PC6, and the purchase information is transmitted to the store server device 3 (step S15). When the user places the point card in a card reader or the like connected to the PC6, user identification information is input to the PC6, and the user identification information is transmitted to the shop server device 3 (step S16). The subsequent steps are the same as those shown in fig. 8, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

Through the above flow, the user (purchaser) purchases the product (device 1) in the shop using the point card, and even in this case, the user (purchaser) can purchase the product (device 1) by a simple procedure to use the device 1.

(embodiment 4)

In the present embodiment, an example of the operation of the system when the user a (purchaser) purchases a product (device 1) with a credit card in a store is shown.

The user is the purchaser of the device 1. The store is a seller of the device 1 and a sales location, and has the PC6 and the store server device 3. The credit card company owns the information server apparatus 4. The information server device 4 manages user information of the credit card owner. The service provider is an application provider of the device 1, and has an application server apparatus 2 and a binding database 5. The flow of the operation processing of the system is the same as the timing chart of fig. 8, and therefore only the points different from the 1 st embodiment and the 3 rd embodiment will be described using fig. 8.

When the user goes to the store and delivers the purchase information to the clerk, the clerk inputs the purchase information from the PC6, and the purchase information is transmitted to the store server device 3 (step S15). When the user places a credit card in a card reader connected to the PC6, user identification information is input to the PC6, and the user identification information is transmitted to the shop server device 3 (step S16). Here, assuming that the user registration of the credit card itself has been completed and the user information of the credit card owner is registered in the information server apparatus 4, the description of steps S11 to S14 is omitted. The subsequent steps are the same as those shown in fig. 8, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

Through the above flow, the user (purchaser) purchases the product (device 1) using the credit card in the shop, and even in this case, the user (purchaser) can purchase the product (device 1) by a simple procedure to use the device 1.

(embodiment 5)

In the present embodiment, an example of the operation of the system when the user a (purchaser) gives the apparatus 1 to the user B (recipient) is shown. User a (purchaser) purchases device 1 at a mail-order merchant. The mail-order maker registers the information of the user B in the binding database device, acquires the binding database ID of the user B, sets parameters required by the device 1, and transmits the device 1 to the user B. There are a case where the user B is not registered in the binding database apparatus and a case where it is registered in the binding database apparatus, and first, an operation example of the system in the case of unregistered is shown.

The user is the purchaser of the device 1 and owns the PC 6. The mail-order maker is a seller of the equipment 1, and has a store server device 3 and an information server device 4. Further, the mail-order stores the device 1 as a product purchased by the user. The service provider is an application provider of the device 1, and has an application server apparatus 2 and a binding database 5. The system setup of fig. 14 is the same as the example of fig. 7 shown in embodiment 1, but in this figure it is assumed that users are A, B two persons. In this example, for example, the following is assumed: a case where a child (user a) introduces a device for a parent (user B) in a different place unfamiliar with various setting operations, a case where a parent (user a) introduces a device for a child (user B) staying at home, and the like.

Hereinafter, the present timing chart will be described chronologically from the top.

User information of user B is registered in advance, and user a purchases device 1 (stage P51).

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user B registers the user information of the user B in advance and issues the user identification information of the user B (user B identification information) (steps S151 to S154). The details of the posting flow are the same as steps S11 to S14 in fig. 8, so description is omitted.

The user a acquires the user identification information of the user B from the user B, and purchases the device 1 from the PC6 (steps S155, S156). Specifically, the user a accesses an electronic commerce site provided by the service providing unit 36 of the store server device 3 through the network 100 using the PC 6. In this e-commerce site, for example, when the user a clicks on the name of the purchased device 1, selects the purchased device 1, inputs the user identification information or payment information of the user B, and clicks on an "OK" button or the like on the site, the purchase information such as the product information or payment information of the device 1 and the user identification information of the user B are transmitted to the service providing unit 36. Upon receiving the information, the service providing unit 36 causes the user a to complete the purchase processing by displaying "purchase complete" or the like on the PC6, for example.

Then, the store server apparatus 3 executes the database generation process (stage P52).

The store server apparatus 3 transmits the user information query of the user B together with the user identification information of the user B obtained in the stage P51 from the information query processing unit 33 to the information server apparatus 4 via the communication unit 34 (step S251). In the information server apparatus 4, the control unit 45 causes the information providing unit 43 to transmit the user information of the user B when receiving the user information inquiry of the user B (step S252). Specifically, when the control section 45 instructs the information providing section 43 to transmit the user information of the user B, the information providing unit 43 acquires the user information of the user B from the storage section 42 based on the received user identification information. The information providing unit 43 transmits the acquired user information of the user B to the store server device 3 through the communication unit 44.

The shop server apparatus 3 transmits the received user information and product information of the user B to the binding database apparatus 5 as database information (step S253). Specifically, in the store server apparatus 3, the binding database registration unit 35 merges the user information of the user B received by the information query processing unit 33 and the product information received by the service providing unit 36, and performs processing as necessary to create database information of the user B. The binding database registration part 35 transmits a database registration request together with the created database information to the binding database device 5.

The binding database device 5, upon receiving the database registration request (data binding request), registers the received database information in the database (step S254). More specifically, in the binding database device 5, when the control unit 51 receives a database registration request, the control unit 51 outputs the received database information to the information registration unit 53. The information registration unit 53 registers the database information in the storage unit 54. Through the above flow, a database in which the user information of the user B and the device information purchased by the user a are associated (bound) together can be generated.

When the registration of the binding data 500 is completed, the information registering part 53 of the binding database apparatus 5 transmits a completion notification together with the binding data user ID of the user B created by the determination information generating part 531 (step S255). The store server apparatus 3 receives the binding data user ID and displays it on a display unit, not shown, of the store server apparatus 3.

The mail order provider then performs parameter setting and product delivery on the product (stage P3). The operation example in this stage is the same as that of fig. 8, and therefore description is omitted, but unlike the case of embodiment 1, the mail order maker transmits the apparatus 1 to the user B, instead of transmitting the apparatus 1 to the purchaser, i.e., the user a.

User B then receives device 1 and installs and uses it (stage P54).

The user B installs the apparatus 1 transmitted by the mail order vendor at a desired location when receiving it (step S451). An ethernet cable for connection to the network 100 is connected to the device 1 as needed, and the device 1 is connected to the network 100. The user B presses a power switch or the like of the device 1 to start the device 1 (step S452). The apparatus 1 is started by turning on the power of the apparatus 1 (step S453). When the device 1 is started up, the application server apparatus 2 is accessed via the network 100 (step S454). Thereafter, steps S454 to S457 are the same as steps S44 to S47 in fig. 8, and thus detailed description is omitted.

In the application server device 2, when the application service part 22 detects an access from the application processing part 12, the binding database device 5 is requested to confirm binding information such as whether the device 1 having the access is associated with a user (user B in the present embodiment) or the like (step S455). The binding database device 5 confirms the binding information and transmits the confirmation result of the binding information to the application service part 22 (step S456).

The application server apparatus 2, upon receiving "YES" as a confirmation result of the binding information, opens the application using the device 1 purchased in step S153 (step S457). The application server apparatus 2, upon receiving "NO" as a result of confirmation of the binding information, prohibits the accessed device 1 from using the application.

Through the above flow, the user a (purchaser) gifts the device 1 to the user B (recipient) who does not have the binding database ID, in which case the user B (recipient) can use the device 1. Second, a case is shown where user B has registered user-specific information in the binding database device and has a binding database ID.

Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing operation of the system when the user gifts the device to another user in embodiment 5.

User a purchases device 1 (stage P61).

User a obtains the binding data user ID of user B from user B in advance. When the user a accesses the electronic commerce site provided by the service provider 36 of the shop server apparatus 3 from the PC6 and inputs the purchase information on the purchased device 1 and the binding data user ID of the user B, the purchase information and the binding data user ID of the user B are transmitted to the shop server apparatus 3 (steps S163, S164).

Next, the store server apparatus 3 executes a database generation process (stage P62).

The shop server apparatus 3 transmits the binding data user ID of the user B acquired in the stage P61 and the product information of the purchased device 1 as database information to the binding database apparatus 5 together with the database registration request (step S263).

Upon receiving the database registration request, the binding database device 5 registers the received database information in the database (step S264). More specifically, the binding database apparatus 5 searches the binding data 500 registered in the storage part 54 for the binding data 500 in which the received binding data ID is registered, and adds the received product information to the searched binding data 500. Through the above flow, a database in which the user information of the user B and the device information purchased by the user a are associated (bound) together can be generated.

Thereafter, the product parameter setting and product sending phase are the same as the phase P3 in fig. 8, and the installation use phase of the product is the same as the phase P54 in fig. 8, and thus the description is omitted.

Through the above flow, when the user B has the binding database ID, that is, has registered the user specific information in the binding database device, the user a (purchaser) gives the device 1 to the user B (recipient), and the user B can use the device 1.

(embodiment 6)

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a store clerk of a shop (mail order maker) uses a purchase number as an item set in a device. Next, the purchase number is described.

Fig. 17 is a diagram describing an example of the kind of data and the relationship between data used in the embodiment, and also includes an example of the kind of data and the relationship between data before the 5 th embodiment. Fig. 17 depicts data used in the user X, the device 1, the store server apparatus 3, the information server apparatus 4, and the binding database apparatus 5, and stored data. However, the example shown here is one example, and various forms can be easily conceived for a device or the like that stores data.

The user information is information related to the user X, and is, for example, a name, an address, a telephone number, an email address, a name of a company to which the user belongs, or the like. User X is an information source and user information is provided by user X. In addition, in the case where the user X gives the device 1 to the user Y (in the case of embodiment 5), the user information may be information relating to the user Y. The user information may be provided to the information server apparatus 4 (owned by a credit card company, a loyalty card company, or the like), the store server apparatus 3 (owned by a sales store of the device, a mail purchaser, or the like), and the binding database apparatus 5 (owned by an application service provider or the like using the device). In addition, when the user information includes information corresponding to the user identification information, the store server device 3 may not transmit information other than the information to the binding database device 5.

The information server apparatus 4 generates (issues) a user identification number such as a credit card number or a loyalty card number (user ID) based on the acquired user information.

The user identification number is a number or character or the like issued by a credit card company, a loyalty card company or the like for identifying the user X, and is provided to the user X, the store server apparatus 3, the binding database apparatus 5 or the like. Further, a user-specific number generated by an ID or password or the like specified by the user may be used as the user identification number. In this case, for example, when the user inputs a user-specific ID or a password from the store server device 3, an authentication server not shown that issues a user-specific number may be used. A user-specific number (which may include numbers, characters, etc.) issued by the user authentication server may be used as the user identification number. In this way, the user does not need to provide information requiring high security, such as a credit card number, to the store server device 3 or the binding database device 5. The user identification number is not necessarily a character string, a number string, or the like, and may be authentication data such as "image data" or "voice data" when image authentication, voice authentication, or the like is used instead of the card reader of the UI unit 31 of the store server device 3, for example.

The user X obtains the user identification number by, for example, a credit card or the like mounted with a memory storing the user identification number.

The store server apparatus 3 acquires the user identification number from, for example, a credit card of the user X using a card reader. The store server apparatus 3 can acquire the user information stored in the information server apparatus 4 using the obtained user identification number. The user X may also provide the user information directly from the client PC6 or the like to the store server device 3. In addition, although fig. 17 shows an example in which the store server apparatus 3 stores user information and user identification information separately, both may be transmitted to the binding database apparatus 5 as user information.

The binding database device 5 obtains the user information included in the database information (DB information) from the shop server device 3. The binding database means 5 stores the obtained user information in the user specific data 501. The store server apparatus 3 may include the user identification number in the database information (DB information) and transmit the user identification number to the binding database apparatus 5. The binding database means 5 stores the user identification number in the user specific data 501.

The binding database means 5 extracts or generates user specific information from the user specific data 501. The user specifying information is information that can specify the user X as long as the information is available. Specifically, an address, a telephone number, an email address, a company name, and the like are extracted as user specifying information from the user information of the user specific data 501. For example, if the acquired device is used in a house, a company, or the like at a specific address, the "address" and the "company name" can be used as the user specifying information. For example, when the user X is a user of a smartphone or the like, "telephone number" and "email address" are used as user specifying information for specifying the user X. The user X can decide which item is the user-specific information.

The binding database means 5 generates binding data user ID for determining user X in the database of the binding database means 5. The binding data user ID compares the user identification information or user identification information extracted from the user information with the binding database of other registered users to generate a binding data user ID specific to user X. The binding database means 5 stores the generated binding data user ID in the user specific data 501. Further, the binding database device 5 transmits the binding data user ID as "selected user specifying information" to the shop server device 3. The shop server apparatus 3 transmits the binding data user ID to the user X as "selected user specifying information". Further, the shop server apparatus 3 sets the binding data user ID as "selected user specifying information" in the device 1. The "selected user identification information" may be not only the binding data user ID but also one or more items selected from the user identification information. For example, a combination of a telephone number and an email address may be used as "selected user specifying information", or only the email address may be used as "selected user specifying information". A combination of a telephone number, an email address, and a binding data user ID may also be used as "selected user specifying information". Further, the user identification information may be "selected user specifying information".

The purchase information is user payment information such as product information of the device 1 that the user X wants to obtain, and a payment method for the user X to obtain the money required for the device 1, and the user X is an information source and provided by the user X.

The product information includes a manufacturer name, a model number, a serial number, and the like of the device 1 (product) to be obtained. Further, the product information itself may be stored in the store server apparatus 3, and if the user X clicks on a photograph or the like of the device 1 (product) displayed on the electronic commerce site of the store server apparatus 3, the device 1 that the user X wants to obtain and the product information thereof may be associated in the store server apparatus 3.

The user payment information is a payment method or amount for obtaining a payment or the like of the device. In the case of bank payments, bank accounts, card types (e.g., prepaid cards, electronic purses, etc.), and others may also be included in the user payment information. In addition, when the user X makes a payment in cash in the sales store, the payment method is "cash payment". The user X transmits the product information and the user payment information to the shop server apparatus 3. The store server apparatus 3 includes the received product information in the DB information, and transmits it to the binding database apparatus 5. The binding database means 5 stores the received product information in the product data 502.

The binding database means 5 generates device-specific information, which is information for determining a product from the received product information. Specifically, the item "No" (device management number) of the product data of the binding database of the user X may be generated as the device specific information. The generated device management number is stored in the product data 502. Further, elements of the received product information, such as "manufacturer name", "serial number", and the like, may be used as the device-specific information, or a combination of a plurality of elements may be used as the device-specific information. The binding database device 5 transmits the device-specific information to the shop server device 3. The device-specific information received by the store server apparatus 3 is set in the device 1 by, for example, a clerk of a sales store or a clerk of a mail-order maker.

When the store server apparatus 3 obtains the user payment information from the user X, it generates a purchase number. The shop server apparatus 3 has user payment information and purchase history in addition to information of user-specific data 501 concerning the user X and information of product data 502 to be obtained by the user X this time. The purchase history includes, for example, a purchase place, a purchase time, and the like. Therefore, the store server apparatus 3 can generate a purchase number that takes into account both the user specifying information of the user X and the device specifying information that the user X is to obtain this time, by using these pieces of information. That is, the shop server apparatus 3 sets the generated purchase number to the device 1, and registers it in the binding database apparatus 5. The purchase number may be a date, a place, a mail address, a numeric string connecting serial numbers of product information, a character string, or the like. Instead of the mail address, a binding data user ID or a telephone number may be used, or a combination thereof may be used. When the device 1 obtained by the user X transmits a purchase number to the application server means 2, if the application server means 2 transmits the received purchase number to the binding database means 5, it is possible to know the device 1 and the authorized user of the device 1.

As described above, if the store clerk of the shop (mail order maker) sets the purchase number in the device 1, the user X can use the device 1 without performing a complicated procedure.

According to at least one embodiment described above, a database apparatus, a generation system, a generation method are provided to facilitate operation of an IoT device.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the application server apparatus 2 or the binding database apparatus 5 are described as separate apparatuses, but they may be built on the same hardware apparatus. Various configurations and combinations of functions of the apparatuses and hardware for performing the functions may be considered for other apparatuses as well, but the present invention is not limited to the examples of the embodiments shown above.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case of purchasing the device 1 as a method of obtaining the device by the user is shown, but it may be obtained by loan obtainment such as rental and lease, free obtainment of an event, obtainment of a discount, a gift from another person, a prize, a gift, or the like.

In either case, the shop server apparatus 3 can combine (bind) the user information and the product information in the binding database apparatus 5 by obtaining the user information of the user as an authorized user, the user identification information, and the product information of the device 1 that the user wants to obtain. In the case where the acquisition method is not purchase but rental, for example, the store server apparatus 3 may issue a number corresponding to the purchase number by using the rental date, rental location, or the like instead of the purchase date and purchase location. In the case of the gift, the store server apparatus 3 uses the gift transmission date, the transmission location, and the like instead of the purchase date and the purchase location to issue a number corresponding to the purchase number.

While certain embodiments of the present application have been described, these embodiments are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present application. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope or gist of the present application and are included in the invention described in the claims and the scope of equivalents thereof. In addition, the scope of the present application is also intended to include cases where the constituent elements of the claims are expressed as being divided, cases where a plurality of the constituent elements are expressed as being combined, or cases where the constituent elements are expressed as being combined. Further, a plurality of embodiments may be combined, and an example constituted by the combination is also a scope of the present application.

In order to make the description clearer, the drawings may schematically show the width, thickness, shape, and the like of each part as compared with the actual form. In the block diagram, data or signals may be exchanged between unconnected blocks or in the direction of an arrow, which is not shown although connected. The functions shown in the block diagrams, the processes shown in the flowcharts and the sequence charts may be realized by hardware (an IC chip or the like), software (a program or the like), or a combination of hardware and software. The device of the present application can be applied to a case where the claims are expressed as a control logic, a case where the claims are expressed as a program including instructions to be executed by a computer, and a case where the claims are expressed as a computer-readable recording medium in which the instructions are described. The terms and expressions used are not limited, and other expressions are included in the present invention if they are substantially the same or have the same purpose.

Claims

A database apparatus connected to a network has a device connected to the network and a database corresponding to an authorized user of the device.
The database apparatus of claim 1, the database containing user specific information identifying the authorized user and device specific information identifying devices available to the authorized user.
The database apparatus according to claim 2, having:

a determination information generating section that generates the device specific information.
The database device according to claim 2 or 3, the user specifying information including at least one selected from a group of information for specifying the authorized user, including an email address, a telephone number, an address, a company name to which it belongs, a personal number (registered trademark), a card ID inherent to the authorized user including a credit card ID, authentication data obtained as user identification information, and the like.
The database apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, having:

and a specification information generating unit that generates the user specification information.
The database apparatus according to claim 2, having:

an information providing unit that decides authorization for use of the device based on the device-specific information and the user-specific information.
The database apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, having:

an information providing part that decides authorization of use of the device based on the 1 st device specific information and the 1 st user specific information in the database, and the 2 nd device specific information and the 2 nd user specific information input from the device connected to the network.
A generation system having:

a shop server apparatus including a data binding request transmitting part that outputs product information and user information together with a binding request for binding product information on a device obtained by a user and user information that is specific information of the user together; and

a binding database device including a request reception processing portion that performs reception processing of the product information, the user information, and the binding request, and a data binding portion that combines the user information and the product information together.
The generation system according to claim 8, the binding database means includes a determination information generation section that determines user determination information of the user based on the user information distribution, and that distributes device-specific information capable of determining the device in user-specific data in a database as inherent data of the user based on the product information.
The generation system of claim 9, wherein the first and second reference signals are derived from a signal generated by the first and second generators,

the shop server apparatus includes a determination information receiving section that receives the user determination information and the device specific information,

the data binding request transmitting part outputs the user specifying information and the device specifying information.
The generation system of claim 10, wherein the first and second reference signals are generated by a first and second generator,

the shop server apparatus includes an identification information receiving portion that receives the user identification information, and the data bind request transmitting portion outputs the user identification information as the user information.
A method of generation, comprising:

outputting product information and user information together with a binding request for binding product information about a device obtained by a user and user information that is specific information of the user,

receiving and processing the product information, the user information and the binding request,

combining the user information with the product information.