JP6884648B2 - Connection information provision system between products - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system for providing a user with information about an electrically connectable product.

In devices with built-in communication functions and computers and their peripheral devices, interconnection between devices is indispensable in order to perform various functions, and it is possible to exert new functions by interconnecting devices. Or become. Therefore, it is a very important issue for users whether or not they can interconnect devices without any problem.

Recently, IoT (Internet of Things), that is, communication functions not only for information and communication equipment such as computers and smartphones, but also for all kinds of equipment including home appliances, automobiles, public transportation, factories, manufacturing equipment, and medical equipment. By connecting to the Internet and communicating with each other, we have realized the technology that enables mutual reception of information, remote control of devices, remote monitoring of environment, energy, etc., and connectivity between devices. The problem is becoming more important from the viewpoint of compatibility, usability, and safety.

Regarding the connectivity between devices, the manufacturer of the communication device or the connected device provides information on the communication method, operating system, system conditions, target model, etc. of the device in the device manual or its own information provision site. By referring to such information, the user can predict what kind of devices can be connected to each other. However, much of the information provided by the manufacturer does not specifically specify the actual product name to which the product can be connected, such as what kind of product of another company can be connected.

Manufacturers spend a lot of time and effort testing the connectivity between their products as well as the connectivity with other companies' products when they bring their products to market. However, even if the products are based on the same specifications, poor connection or malfunction may occur when they are actually connected.

Therefore, it is very useful for users from the viewpoint of usability and safety if highly reliable information from a third party can be obtained about which products of which manufacturers can actually be connected to each other.

It should be noted that the provision of information on the connectivity between products is described in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, a means for registering a plurality of devices installed in a user's environment in advance and storing information on whether or not various devices can be electrically connected to each other and used. , Equipped with a means to store information on defects that may occur in connection with the electrical connection between devices, and enables interconnection of connected devices when a user or the like inquires about the connection of devices. A system that facilitates the availability of trouble information related to this connection is disclosed.

However, the system according to Patent Document 1 does not provide information based on objective verification by a third party regarding the connectivity between devices, but rather, whether or not connection is possible when a problem occurs in the connection between devices. And trouble information.

On the other hand, the applicant uses the manufacturer name, product model number (product number), and date as search keys on the premise of establishing a verification system for product connectivity by a third party, and the applicant can use the product connectivity as a search key. Detailed information on certification criteria and verification items related to verification, technical background and technical level at the time related to certification of verification items, etc. can be obtained, and product suppliers etc. are involved in litigation etc. In such a case, we are proposing a system that can be submitted as objective evidence to prove that quality control was performed correctly in the technical environment at the time of product sales (Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-068300). In addition, in relation to this system, it is proposed to provide consumers with a means for searching for product connectivity and a means for providing verified information extracted as a result of the search. Details are not disclosed in the patent application.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-161385

An object of the present invention is to provide a user with highly reliable information as to whether or not electrical connection between devices is possible in an easy-to-use manner.

The connection information providing system between products according to the present invention is a connection information providing system between products that provides information about what kind of devices can be electrically connected to each other in response to access from a user terminal. The manufacturer name and product of the product that can be electrically connected to the product if the product type and connectivity of the product have been verified in relation to the product manufacturer name and product model number. Product information storage means for accumulating connection verification device data including model number and type, connection source device type selection screen display means for displaying a screen that allows the user terminal to select the type of connection source device, and A connection purpose selection screen display means for displaying a screen for displaying a screen for listing and selecting the corresponding connection purpose from the type of connection source device selected by the user terminal, and a connection source device selected by the user terminal. Search to specify the type of connection destination device from the type and connection purpose, and to display a screen on the user terminal that allows the user terminal to select either the type of connection source device or the type of connection destination device as the search target device. Target device selection screen display means, manufacturer name selection screen display means for displaying a screen on the user terminal for listing and selecting the manufacturer name of the search target device from the search target devices selected by the user terminal, and From the manufacturer name selected by the user terminal, select the search target product to display the screen for selecting the search target product by listing the model numbers of the products of the manufacturer corresponding to the type of the search target device on the user terminal. The screen display means, the manufacturer name and model number of the search target product selected by the user terminal, and the type of the device to be connected to the search target device already selected are stored in the above product information storage means. Connection verification of the search target product that is available The connectable product list screen for extracting all the products that correspond to the type of the connection target device included in the device data and displaying the screen listed as connectable products on the user terminal. It is characterized by being provided with a display means. By narrowing down the devices that can be electrically connected to each other for the purpose of connection, it is possible to provide information in a way that is easy for the user to understand.

In the connection information providing system between products, the product information storage means is associated with the manufacturer name of the product and the model number of the product, and even if the connectivity of the product is not verified, the connection verification is performed. By accumulating attribute data for products that can be regarded as having the same attributes as the products that accumulate device data, it is possible to list the products that accumulate the attribute data on the connectable product list screen. Further, for the products that accumulate the attribute data, it is possible to display on the connectable product list screen indicating that the products are listed as connectable products based on the attribute data.

Further, in the connection information providing system between products, the product information storage means associates the connection verification device data with the manufacturer name of the product and the model number of the product, and the level of verification performed on the connectivity of the product. By further accumulating, the verification level can be displayed for each connectable product displayed on the connectable product list screen.

Further, in the connection information providing system between products, the product information storage means associates the connection verification device data with the manufacturer name of the product and the model number of the product, and verifies the verification performed on the connectivity of the product. By further accumulating the date, it is possible to change the display for each connectable product displayed on the connectable product list screen based on the elapsed period from the verification date.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide information in a method that is easy for the user to understand by narrowing down the devices that can be electrically connected to each other for the purpose of connection. In addition, regarding devices that can be connected to each other, information on the device on the other side that can be connected can be obtained from either device, and information can be provided in a method that is easy for the user to use. Furthermore, by providing information on the criteria for determining the connectivity information to be provided, the level of verification, and the degree of passage from the verification date, the reliability of the information provided to the user can be further enhanced.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the system by this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of operation and process performed between a server and a user terminal provided in the system by this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the information accumulated in the product information database provided in the system by this invention in a tabular form. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of the connection verification device data accumulated in the product information database in a table format. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S1 and step U1 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S2 and step U2 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S3 and step U3 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S4 and step U4 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S5 and step U5 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S6 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S3 and step U3 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S4 and step U4 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S5 and step U5 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen corresponding to step S6 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other embodiment of the display screen corresponding to step S6 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other embodiment of the display screen corresponding to step S6 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other embodiment of the display screen corresponding to step S6 of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the connection information providing system between products (hereinafter, referred to as “the present system”) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the hardware configuration of this system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of this system. The server 1 receives access from a user's smartphone 9a, digital terminal 9b, personal computer 9c, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "user terminal 9") via a network such as the Internet, and provides connection information between products. It is a computer that performs processing and management of. The server 1 is a CPU 2 that controls the operation of the entire computer including input / output, recording, and reading of data, and a memory 3 that is a main storage device that the CPU 2 can directly access and stores data and programs necessary for processing. A storage unit 4 such as a hard disk that stores programs and data for executing processing in the system, an input unit 5 such as a keyboard and mouse for inputting data, a CRT display that displays a data input screen and analysis results, etc. It includes a display unit 6 such as a liquid crystal display, an output unit 7 such as a printer that outputs analysis results and various data, and a communication interface 8 for communicating with another computer or the like via a network.

The storage unit 4 stores the program 41 necessary for executing the processing of this system, and the program 41 is loaded into the memory 3 of the server 1 as needed and cooperates with the hardware of the server 1 including the CPU 2. And execute the processing of this system. The server 1 can access the product information database 10 and executes a search process and the like for information contained in these databases. In FIG. 1, the product information database 10 exists outside the server 1, but these databases may be provided in the server 1 or may be included in the external server.

Next, the contents of the information accumulated in the product information database 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The product information database 10 stores all related information such as the product connection information provided by the system to the user and the data necessary for providing the product connection information. FIG. 3 shows a part of the product information data accumulated in the product information database in a tabular format. The structure of this table itself does not necessarily indicate a method of recording data in the product information database 10.

The product information database 10 stores the manufacturer name, series name (when the product has a series name), model number, type, connection verification device data, attribute data, etc. for each product specified by the manufacturer name and model number. Accumulate the information included. Here, the type refers to each name of a device having a communication function, which is classified mainly from the user's point of view in consideration of their functions, uses, and usage methods, and is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As described above, for example, smartphones, LCD TVs, BT (Bluetooth: registered trademark) headsets, recorders, and the like are classified. In addition, attribute data refers to products of the same manufacturer when a product of a certain model number is slightly different from a product of another model number, for example, in terms of appearance specifications, but the functional specifications are the same. The data indicate that the products can be regarded as having the same attributes in terms of connectivity with other types of devices. In the example of FIG. 3, the model numbers A-S01H of Company A listed second in the table. In order to show that the smartphone can be regarded as having the same attributes as the model numbers A-S01 of company A listed first in the table, the model numbers of A-S01 are accumulated as attribute data. In the example of FIG. 3, the model number is accumulated as the attribute data, but the attribute data is not limited to the model number, and any data that can be identified as having the same attribute may be used.

The product information database 10 widely stores product information of devices having a communication function regardless of the presence or absence of connectivity verification, and stores connection verification device data for products for which connectivity verification has been performed. In FIG. 3, the products marked with ● in the connection verification device data column are products that have been subjected to connectivity verification and have accumulated connectivity verification device data. An example of the details of the connection verification device data is shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the connection verification device data for the smartphone specified by the model number A-S01 of the company A described first in the table shown in FIG. 3 in a tabular format. Information on all products that can be connected to the smartphone specified by model A-S01 by verification is the manufacturer name, series name (if the product has a series name), model number, type, etc. for each product. The verification date, verification level, verification identification code, etc. are accumulated. The connection verification device data may be accumulated as a series of data in the records of the individual products shown in FIG. 3 using a CSV format or the like, and indicates that the connection verification device data is included, for example. The identification code may be stored in each product record, and the data shown in FIG. 4 may be accumulated as a separate file in relation to the identification code.

In FIG. 4, the verification date is the date when the connection with the smartphone specified by the model number A-S01 of Company A is verified, and is accumulated for each verified product. Here, the verification is performed according to the verification items and verification methods that have been certified in advance, but what kind of product is used, what kind of product is used in combination, and what purpose is to be connected. Depending on the security and reliability, a high level of connectivity quality may be required, but it is not rational in terms of cost and labor to uniformly perform the highest level of verification for all verifications. Absent. For example, the required quality level differs between the connectivity quality between a smartphone and a car when it is desired to control the car with a smartphone and the connectivity quality between the smartphone and a digital TV. Therefore, due to the difference in required connectivity quality, a plurality of certified levels are set for the verification items and verification methods for connectivity, and the levels of verification actually performed are accumulated for each product. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the levels are only 1 and 2, but the verification level does not necessarily have to be 2 levels. The verification identification code is an identification code assigned to each verification performed for each product, and details of connectivity verification including the content of verification (verification date, verification item, verification method, verification result) for each verification identification code. By accessing another file that stores)), the detailed contents of the verification can be obtained.

Next, the flow of the process of providing the connection information between the products executed by the server 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5 to 14. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of operations and processes performed between the server 1 and the user terminal 9 (see FIG. 1). 5 to 14 are diagrams showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 9, and the screen display on the connection information providing site between products provided under the title of "connect, use, product search" is displayed by the user. It is shown according to the order of operations.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the user uses the user terminal 9 to access the connection information providing system between products provided by the server 1 via the network, the server 1 first determines the type of device that the user has. The screen to be selected is displayed on the user terminal 9 (S1). This is because the system is for requesting information on products to which the user can connect, so that the server 1 first obtains information on the type of device that the user has as the starting point of the connection. The device that is the starting point of this connection is hereinafter referred to as the "connection source device". When the user selects the type of the connection source device on the user terminal 9 (U1), this information is sent to the server 1.

FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen corresponding to step S1 and step U1. As shown in FIG. 5, on the screen first displayed to the user, a question such as "What product do you have?" Is displayed first, and then "from a smartphone", "from a tablet terminal", "from a personal computer", etc. The types of connection source devices are listed as in "From LCD TV" to prompt the user to select, and FIG. 5 shows the state in which "From smartphone" is selected.

When the user selects the type of the connection source device and the information is sent to the server 1, the server 1 displays a screen on the user terminal 9 that lists the purpose of the connection and prompts the user to make a selection (S2). On the other hand, when the user selects the purpose of connection on the user terminal 9 (U2), this information is sent to the server 1. The screen listing the purpose of the connection displayed in the step S2 is set in advance on the server 1 according to the type of the connection source device selected on the screen in step S1.

FIG. 6 is an example of a display screen corresponding to step S2 and step U2. In FIG. 6, the question "What do you want to do?" Is displayed, and since the smartphone is selected as the type of the connection source device in FIG. 5, the server 1 responds to this selection and sets the "video" as the purpose of the connection. "Wirelessly display on TV", "Talk with BT headset", "Listen to video (MPEG3) audio with BT headset", "Listen to video audio taken with built-in camera with BT headset", " "Back up images", "Transfer recorded programs to Blu-ray recorders for viewing". .. .. Etc. are displayed here, indicating that the user has selected "display the video on the TV wirelessly".

When the information of the purpose of the connection selected by the user is sent to the server 1 (U2), the other party to be connected from the purpose selected in the server 1 and the type of the connection source device already specified at that stage. The type of the device on the side (hereinafter referred to as "connection destination device") is specified, displayed together with the type of the connection source device, and a screen for guiding the user to specify the device to be searched is displayed (S3). In the server 1, in order to specify the type of the connection destination device from the type of the connection source device and the connection purpose, for example, in the product information database 10, the connection purpose, the type of the connection source device, and the connection destination device are stored in advance. A connection destination device table that stores combinations with types is provided, and the corresponding combinations are extracted from this table based on the type of connection source device and the purpose of connection, and the type of connection source device and the type of connection destination device are selected. It may be displayed. On the other hand, when the user selects either the connection source device or the connection destination device in order to identify the search target device (U3), this information is sent to the server 1.

FIG. 7 is an example of a display screen corresponding to step S3 and step U3. By the screen of FIG. 6, the user has selected a smartphone as the type of connection source device, and has selected "display the video on the TV wirelessly" as the purpose. Therefore, in FIG. 7, the smartphone and the LCD TV are connected. It is displayed as the original device and the connected device, and the question "What product do you have?" Is displayed again, and the state in which the smartphone is selected is displayed. That is, in order to acquire information on connectable products, it is possible to narrow down from both the connection source device and the connection destination device.

When the user selects one of the displayed connection source devices and connection destination devices as the search target device (U3), the information is sent to the server 1, and the server 1 uses the manufacturer of the search target device as the user. The manufacturer name is displayed in a list and the user is prompted to select the manufacturer (S4). In order to display a list of manufacturer names for the types of devices to be searched, the server 1 provides, for example, a manufacturer name table for each type in the product information database 10 that stores all manufacturer names for each device type, and selects a user. The manufacturer name may be extracted and displayed from the type of device to be used. On the other hand, when the user selects a manufacturer (U4), this information is sent to the server 1.

FIG. 8 is an example of a display screen corresponding to steps S4 and U4. In FIG. 8, since the user selected the smartphone in FIG. 7, the question "What is the manufacturer of the product you have?" Is displayed, and the names of the smartphone manufacturers are displayed in a list, indicating that Company A has been selected. ..

The server 1 receives the manufacturer selection information from the user, extracts the product corresponding to the type of the device of the manufacturer from the product information database 10, displays a screen displaying a list of model numbers, and searches the user. Prompt the selection of the target product (S5). When the user selects a product (U5), this information is sent to server 1 (U5). The server 1 may provide a manufacturer-specific product table in which individual model numbers are accumulated for each manufacturer and device type in advance separately from the product information file shown in FIG. 3, and output the display screen in step S5.

FIG. 9 is an example of a display screen corresponding to steps S5 and U5. In FIG. 9, since company A was selected in FIG. 8, the question "What is your product name?" Was asked, and the model numbers of the smartphones of company A were listed, and the user selected A-S01. It is shown that. Then, by clicking or tapping the "Search for connectable products" button at the bottom of the screen, the information is sent to the server 1.

Upon receiving the product selection information from the user, the server 1 receives the connection verification device data accumulated in relation to the search target product specified by the selected manufacturer name and model number from the product information database 10 (FIG. 3). , Refer to Fig. 4), extract all products corresponding to the device type not selected in the set of device types selected and displayed as in step U3, and provide information including the type, manufacturer name, and model number. The list of connectable product list screens is displayed on the user terminal 9 (S6).

FIG. 10 is an example of a display screen corresponding to S6. As the purpose of the connection, it was selected to wirelessly display the video on the TV from the smartphone, and since the model number A-S01 of company A was selected as the smartphone, the liquid crystal that has been verified to be connectable to the model number A-S01 of company A. The TV manufacturer, series name, and model number are listed. As shown in FIG. 10, not only the verified product but also the product in which the attribute data is accumulated in FIG. 3 may be displayed as a connectable product.

In addition, in FIGS. 5 to 10, in order to display in an easy-to-understand manner, each step is displayed on one screen, but even if one screen is divided and each display is performed on each divided screen. Good.

11 to 14 show sequentially the display screens after selecting the LCD TV which is the type of the connected device (FIG. 11) in step U3, unlike FIG. 7, and FIG. 12 shows steps S4 and U4. 13 is an example of a display screen corresponding to steps S5 and U5, and FIG. 14 is an example of a display screen corresponding to step S6. In this way, in this system, the list of connectable products can be narrowed down from either the connection source device or the connection destination device.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which a part of the display screen corresponding to step S6 is changed. In FIG. 15, the product in which attribute data is accumulated in FIG. 3 is also displayed as a connectable product, but an item called a judgment criterion is further provided as a display item of the listed products, for example, connection verification. The distinction is disclosed to the user by displaying a double circle for the product corresponding to the device and a single circle for the product that can be connected based on the attribute data.

FIG. 16 shows another embodiment in which a part of the display screen corresponding to step S6 is changed. In FIG. 16, an item called a verification level is further provided as a display item of the products listed as connectable products, and the verification level accumulated as the connection verification device data described with reference to FIG. 4 is disclosed to the user. I am trying to do it.

Further, FIG. 17 also shows another embodiment in which a part of the display screen corresponding to step S6 is changed. In FIG. 17, based on the verification date accumulated as the connection verification device data described with reference to FIG. 4, for the products for which a certain period has passed from the verification date, the display color or display format (net). I try to change (hanging, changing the font, etc.). For example, a product six months after the verification date is displayed in yellow, and a product one year old is displayed in red to draw the user's attention. This is because, after a certain period of time, the system of the connection partner may be changed, and the accuracy of the information that guarantees the connectivity may not be ensured. The period for changing this display can be set according to the type of device.

1 server 2 CPU
3 Memory 4 Storage 5 Input 6 Display 7 Output 8 Communication interface 9a Smartphone 9b Digital terminal 9c Personal computer 41 Program

Claims (5)

It is a connection information providing system between products that provides information on what kind of devices can be electrically connected to each other when accessed from a user terminal.
The manufacturer name and product of the product that can be electrically connected to the product if the product type and connectivity of the product have been verified in relation to the product manufacturer name and product model number. Product information storage means for accumulating connection verification device data including model number and type,
Connection source device type selection screen display means for displaying a screen that allows the user terminal to select the connection source device type,
A connection purpose selection screen display means for displaying a screen on the user terminal for listing and selecting the corresponding connection purpose from the type of connection source device selected by the user terminal.
Specify the type of connection destination device from the type of connection source device and the purpose of connection selected by the user terminal, and let the user terminal select either the type of connection source device or the type of connection destination device as the search target device. Search target device selection screen display means for displaying the screen on the user terminal,
Manufacturer name selection screen display means for displaying on the user terminal a screen for listing and selecting the manufacturer name of the search target device from the search target devices selected by the user terminal.
From the manufacturer name selected by the user terminal, select the search target product to display the screen for selecting the search target product by listing the model numbers of the products of the manufacturer corresponding to the type of the search target device on the user terminal. Screen display means and
Based on the manufacturer name and model number of the search target product selected by the user terminal and the type of device to be connected to the search target device that has already been selected, the search target product stored in the above product information storage means Connectable product list screen display means for extracting all products corresponding to the type of device to be connected included in the connection verification device data and displaying the screen listed as connectable products on the user terminal.
A system for providing connection information between products. The product information storage means is associated with the manufacturer name of the product and the model number of the product, and has the same attributes as the product that stores the connection verification device data even when the connectivity of the product is not verified. The connection information providing system between products according to claim 1, wherein attribute data is accumulated for products that can be regarded as, and the products that accumulate the attribute data are also listed on the connectable product list screen. The connection information providing system between products according to claim 2, wherein for products that accumulate attribute data, a display indicating that the products are listed as connectable products based on the attribute data is displayed on the connectable product list screen. The product information storage means associates the connection verification device data with the product manufacturer name and the product model number, further accumulates the level of verification performed on the connectivity of the product, and displays it on the connectable product list screen. The connection information providing system between products according to claim 1, wherein the verification level is displayed for each connectable product. The product information storage means associates the product manufacturer name and the product model number with the connection verification device data, further accumulates the verification date of the verification performed on the connectivity of the product, and lists the connectable products. The connection information providing system between products according to claim 1, wherein the display is changed for each connectable product displayed on the screen based on the elapsed period from the verification date.

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