WO2008013012A1

WO2008013012A1 - System for operating apparatuses in linked relationship, method of performing linked operation, apparatus capable of linked operation, server device, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2008013012A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/062502
Authority: WO
Inventors: Noboru Oba
Original assignee: Access Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-07-28
Filing date: 2007-06-21
Publication date: 2008-01-31
Also published as: JPWO2008013012A1; JP5020955B2

Abstract

A system for operating apparatuses in a linked relationship, in which the apparatuses are connected to each other by a network and have a user authentication function. The system has identity confirmation means for confirming the identity of a user authenticated by each of at least two apparatuses and execution means for allowing linked operation between the at least two apparatuses when the identity is confirmed.

Description

Specification

Device linkage operation system, linkage operation execution method, device capable of linkage operation, server device, and program

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a device linked operation system, a linked operation execution method, a device capable of linked operation, a server device, and a program for linking home appliances in a home network. Background art

There have been proposals to operate a plurality of devices connected in a home network, for example, home appliances such as a washing machine, a television, and a telephone in cooperation with each other.

[0003] For example, according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-22224 (see FIG. 3, etc.), when a plurality of devices connected to the local network are operated in a linked manner, a list of the plurality of devices connected to the local network is listed. When a device that performs a linked operation is selected by the user, a table power having information representing a linked operation that can be executed using the selected device is acquired and displayed.

[0004] Also, according to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-204099 (see paragraph number 0049, etc.), in a network control system that operates by linking a plurality of devices connected via a network, The two devices to be operated are selected and specified by operating with the infrared remote control.

Disclosure of the invention

[0005] In the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-22224, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a selection operation from the screen is required, so that a user who uses a home network, for example, a child There is a problem that the operation is very difficult for the elderly. In other words, this type of system is required to be intuitively operable.

[0006] In this regard, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-204099 is superior in terms of intuitive operation because the device is directly identified using an infrared remote controller, but for example, anyone in the family can use the device. Can be operated in a common way, There is a problem that it cannot be maintained. In this case, for example, it is possible to set an ID or password for each individual in the family.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a device linkage operation system, a linkage operation execution method, a device capable of linkage operation, a server device, and a program that are excellent in operation intuition and can protect the privacy of individuals. It is to provide.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a device linkage operation system according to a main aspect of the present invention is a device linkage operation system including a plurality of devices having a user authentication function connected to each other via a network. Identity checking means for checking the identity of users authenticated by each of at least two devices, and execution means for executing a linkage operation between at least two devices when the identity is confirmed. It is characterized by comprising.

[0009] Here, the appliance is preferably a home appliance such as a washing machine, a television, and a telephone. Preferred examples of the user authentication function include a biometric authentication function such as a fingerprint authentication function and an authentication function using RFID (Radio frequency identification) of a mobile phone. The communication means includes a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a power line, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and an interface associated therewith.

[0010] According to the present invention, when performing a linkage operation between devices, the user authentication function of each device is used to confirm the identity of the user, and the devices are linked to each other. For example, the user can interact with each device simply by touching the device with a finger, so the operation is intuitive and the privacy of the user is particularly good. A system that can be protected is provided.

[0011] The device linkage operation system of the present invention, for example, when there are a plurality of types of linkage operations that can be executed between at least two devices, the linkage operation that selects one of the plurality of types of linkage operations to be executed. The configuration may further include selection means.

[0012] In the device linked operation system of the present invention, each of at least two devices has received a broadcast means for broadcasting a notification to that effect after execution of user authentication, and a notification from another device before broadcasting the notification. And a reception determination means for determining whether or not the notification is received. If it is determined that the notification has not been received, it waits while preparing a connection until a notification from another device is received, The notification has been received In such a case, a configuration may be adopted in which a connection is established with a device that is the transmission source of the notification. As a result, for example, a connection can be realized between the devices as a client-server relationship, and therefore the present invention can be realized without a separate server machine.

[0013] It is preferable that the device that broadcasts the notification first waits for a connection with the other device and times out when the connection cannot be established within a predetermined time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the waiting state of the connection from ending even if there is no other server machine.

[0014] At least two device powers are home appliances connected in the same home network, and the execution means is preferably provided by a home gateway in the home network. Thereby, the present invention can be realized on the extension line of the conventional home network.

[0015] A device linked operation system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of devices connected to each other via a network, a first device having a user authentication function, user information, and a predetermined information. A device-linked operation system comprising at least a second device that can select a device to be linked to the device, wherein a user authenticated by the first device corresponds to user information possessed by the second device User determination means for determining whether or not the user is a user, and execution means for executing a link operation between the predetermined device and the first device when it is determined that the user corresponds to the user information. It is characterized by comprising.

[0016] In the present invention, for the same reason as described above, it is possible to achieve both the intuition of operation and the protection of privacy. In addition to such effects, the second device, for example, a mobile phone, is used to select the link operation between the first device and a predetermined device. Only the owning user can perform operations related to such linked operations, which is not only powerful in protecting privacy but also very secure. For example, in home appliances connected to the home network, there may be inconveniences such as viruses entering from the outside and the devices malfunctioning, so security is an extremely important issue even in this type of system. .

[0017] For example, the predetermined device and the first device are home appliances connected in the same home network, the second device is a mobile phone, and the first device in the home network. The device and the second device may be configured to be connectable via the Internet.

[0018] User authentication is assumed to be biometric authentication or authentication using RFID, for example.

[0019] A device capable of linked operation according to another aspect of the present invention is a device that can be connected to a network, and an authentication unit that authenticates a user who operates the device and a network. Check the identity of the input means for identifying information sent to other devices and the user authenticated by the authentication means and the user corresponding to the information entered by the input means. And an execution means for executing a linkage operation between the device and another device in the case where the verification is confirmed.

[0020] A server device according to still another aspect of the present invention is a server device that can be connected to a network, and is a server device sent from the first and second devices connected to the network. Based on the authentication information input by the input means for inputting authentication information and the input means, the identity of the user operating the first device and the user operating the second device is confirmed. And executing means for executing a linkage operation between the first device and the second device when the device confirms.

[0021] A method according to the present invention is a linked operation execution method for linking an arbitrary device among a plurality of devices connected to each other via a network and having a user authentication function. A user authentication step for performing user authentication in each of the devices, an identity verification step for verifying the identity of the user authenticated in at least each of the two devices, and at least when the identity is confirmed Execution step means for executing a linkage operation between the two devices.

[0022] A method according to another aspect of the present invention is a linked operation execution method for linking an arbitrary device among a plurality of devices having a user authentication function connected to each other via a network. A user authentication step for performing user authentication with at least one device, a user determination step for determining whether or not a user authenticated with at least one device is a predetermined user, and the predetermined user. And a step of executing a linkage operation between a predetermined device in the network and at least one device.

[0023] Any device, server device, and method have the same effects as the above-described system. Is.

[0024] A program according to the present invention is a linkage operation execution program for causing a computer to execute the linkage operation execution method.

[0025] Each program has the same effect as the above system.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing whether each home appliance performs a server operation or a client operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of server processing in step ST205 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of client processing in step ST204 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network system of the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on a mobile phone in the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network system of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on a mobile phone in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration according to a twelfth embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a home network 200 and a home appliance manufacturer site 300 are connected to the Internet 100. In the home network 200, a plurality of nodes (TV 210, washing machine 220,... Home appliance 270) are connected to a home gateway 230 through a communication cable 240 so that communication is possible. In the present embodiment, three home appliances, that is, the television 210, the washing machine 220, and the home appliance 270 are described as being connected to the communication cable 240. Home appliances are also connected to this communication cable 240. As an alternative to the communication cable 240, each node in the home network 200 may be connected by wireless LAN or Bluetooth.

The home gateway 230 has a control unit 232 that performs conversion between the Internet communication protocol and the communication protocol in the home network 200.

[0030] Television 210 senses that the fingertip has touched and obtains image information of the fingerprint of the fingertip, and performs fingerprint authentication from the image information from fingerprint sensor 211 and between other home appliances. And a memory 213 for storing various data. In the memory 213, personal identification information 213a which is identification information of a user who is permitted to use the home network (hereinafter referred to as “registrant”), functions of each home appliance in the home network 200, and other home appliances are stored. Household appliance function information 213b, which is information indicating functions that can be realized when combined, is stored. That is, the user registers the fingerprint of his / her finger in advance, and this fingerprint information and personal identification information are stored in association with each other.

[0031] Note that the washing machine 220 also has a fingerprint sensor 221 and a control unit as in the case of the television 210.

222 and a memory 223 are provided. Further, as in the case of the television 210, the memory 223 stores the registrant's personal identification information 223a and home appliance function information 223b.

[0032] Similarly to the television 210 and the washing machine 220, the home appliance 270 has a configuration for realizing the present invention (a fingerprint sensor, a control unit, a memory, personal identification information and home appliance function information stored in the memory). Etc.), and illustration of the television 210 etc. is omitted here. The home appliance 270 may be various home appliances such as a microwave oven, a refrigerator, and a DVD recorder. The home appliance manufacturer site 300 provides home appliance control software to the home network 200. Home network 200 can download home appliance control software via the Internet 100. Of course, such downloading and updating of the home appliance control software may be automatically executed without making the user aware of it.

[0034] Next, a linkage operation that home appliances establish and execute a secure connection in home network 200 will be described. In this case, for example, when the television 210 and the washing machine 220 establish a connection and perform a linked operation, the registrant must connect both fingerprint sensors 2.

By touching 11 and 221, the authentication operation and the linkage operation are performed. The home appliance touched on the fingerprint sensor first performs server operation, and the second touched home appliance performs client operation.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing whether each home appliance performs a server operation or a client operation. Hereinafter, the operation of the television 210 will be described.

First, television 210 detects whether or not it has been touched by fingerprint sensor 211, and detects that it has touched fingerprint sensor 211 (step ST201: YES). Next, the control unit 212 of the television 210 extracts a feature point from the fingerprint image information sent from the fingerprint sensor 211 and performs fingerprint authentication by comparing it with the personal identification information 213a (for example, the fingerprint image information of the registrant). The person is identified (step ST202). When it is determined that the fingerprint authentication is successful, a broadcast signal notifying that the fingerprint sensor has been touched is distributed to each node in the home network 200. If it is determined that there is an authentication error in this fingerprint authentication (in this case, the authenticated user is not a registrant), the fact is displayed to the outside and the process is terminated. Further, when the broadcast signal is received from another home appliance (in this embodiment, the washing machine 220) before being touched by the fingerprint sensor 211 in step ST201 (step ST203: YES), the client process for operating as the client side is executed (step ST204). On the other hand, if the broadcast signal is received from another home appliance before touching, the server process is executed (step ST205). Actually, when the broadcast signal is received, a flag is set in the memory 213, and in step ST203, the determination is made with reference to the flag. become. Note that the node serving as the client has already received the broadcast signal from the node serving as the server. Therefore, the client node may identify the server based on the broadcast signal and notify the server by unicast that it is a client. In addition to the above methods, various modes are conceivable for determining which home appliance among the home appliances that operate in cooperation is a server or a client. For example, registrants can specify which home appliances will be servers and clients by combining user interfaces and button operations.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the server processing operation in step ST 205 of FIG.

If the broadcast signal is received after the fingerprint sensor is touched in step ST201 in Fig. 2 (step ST301), the user information of the registered registrant is exchanged with the home appliance on the client side (step ST301). If these registrants are different (ST302), a message to that effect is displayed (step ST304), and the process is terminated. If the registrant responds, the linkage operation process is performed under the control of the control unit 212 (step ST305). If another home power broadcast signal has not been received even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed in step ST301 (step ST306), a time-out is displayed (step ST307), and the process ends.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client process in step ST204 of FIG. In response to the request at step ST302 in FIG. 3, the registrant information specified at step ST202 in FIG. 2 is sent to the home appliance on the server side (step ST401). Then, a linkage operation with the server-side home appliance is executed in accordance with an instruction from the server-side home appliance control unit 212 (step ST402).

[0039] In the case of a combination of a television and a washing machine, for example, the linked operation is notified from the washing machine to the television after the washing machine is finished. When the television receives the notification, for example, "Washing is finished." It is an operation of displaying a message such as “.”.

[0040] Thus, according to the present embodiment, when the linkage operation is executed between the television 210 and the washing machine 220, the fingerprint sensors 211 and 221 respectively possessed by the television 210 and the washing machine 220 are used. The identity is confirmed, and the TV 210 and the washing machine 220 are linked to each other, so the operation is highly intuitive and the fingerprint sensors 211 and 221 are especially used. We can protect the privacy of people.

(Second embodiment)

In the above-described embodiment, each home appliance performs fingerprint authentication independently, determines whether or not it is a registrant, and the linkage operation is also executed by each home appliance communicating with each other. However, the home gateway 230 may perform some of these functions. That is, the home gateway 230 also has personal identification information and home appliance function information. After fingerprint authentication is performed by each home appliance, the linkage operation is executed under the control of the home gateway 230.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing this operation. As shown in the figure, first, when a user catches a worm on the television 210 and the stencil sensors 211 and 221 of the washing machine 220 (step ST501), user authentication is performed by these home appliances (step ST502). If user authentication is successful in each case, the information of the touched home appliance and the information of the registrant who touched are sent to home gateway 230 (step ST503).

[0042] Next, the home gateway 230 confirms the identity of the registered registrant (step ST504), and recognizes the TV 210 and the washing machine 220 specified by the registrant as the target of the linked operation. (Step ST505).

[0043] Next, home gateway 230 sends a link operation instruction signal to the home appliance that is the target of the link operation (step ST506). Each home appliance starts a linkage operation based on an instruction signal from home gateway 203 (step ST507).

(Third embodiment)

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a home network system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In the figure, 400 indicates a base station of a mobile phone communication network, 500 indicates a mobile phone, and 510 indicates personal identification information of the mobile phone 500. The personal identification information 510 is information that can identify an individual such as a telephone number, e-mail address, and name, and is stored in the memory of the mobile phone 500. In FIG. 1, a combination of a television and a washing machine is used as a home appliance, but in the present embodiment, the fixed telephone slave unit 250 and the interphone 260 are connected to the home network 200 as home appliances. That is, in this embodiment, two home appliances are connected. The mobile phone 500 is used to select the linkage operation when there are more than 3 engagement action forces.

[0044] Note that the registrant of the home network 200 and the owner of the mobile phone 500 access the home page of the home appliance manufacturer site 300 via the Internet 100 from the mobile phone 500, for example, and Operate and download the home appliance control software to mobile phone 500. Of course, as described in the first embodiment, such a download may be automatically performed by updating.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation in this case. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen 520 a displayed on the mobile phone 500.

[0046] When a visitor touches fingerprint sensor 261 of interphone 260 (step ST701), interphone 260 transmits the information to a prescribed terminal, that is, mobile phone 500 via home gateway 230. That is, in the third embodiment, the partner with whom the intercom 260 first establishes a connection is uniquely determined. Mobile phone 500 launches the home appliance control application and displays link operation selection screen 520a (step ST 702).

[0047] Here, as shown in FIG. 8, when the registrant selects any one of “forward to this mobile phone”, “forward by voice mail”, and “touch with the destination” (step ST703), Processing according to the selection is executed (step ST704).

When “transfer to this mobile phone” is selected on screen 520 a shown in FIG. 8, processing is performed so that a call can be made between intercom 260 and mobile phone 500.

When “forward by voice mail” is selected on screen 520a shown in FIG. 8, the voice input from interphone 260 is processed to be transmitted to mobile phone 500 as voice mail. In this case, the intercom 260 may have a guidance function for allowing the visitor power S intercom 260 to input voice mail.

[0050] In the screen 520a shown in FIG. 8, "touch the transfer destination with a finger" is selected, and then the registrant touches the fingerprint sensor 251 of the fixed telephone slave unit 250 as the transfer destination, for example. At this time, first, the mobile phone 500 transmits the personal identification information 510 to the fixed telephone handset 250. Next, the fixed telephone handset 250 executes the authentication process, and the authentication result and the personal identification information 510 Are compared with each other to determine whether or not the user who touches the fingerprint sensor 251 is the owner of the mobile phone 500. Only when it is determined that they are the same user, a connection between the fixed telephone handset 250 and the intercom 260 is established, and the fixed telephone handset 250 power S interphone 260 is set as a response device.

(Fourth embodiment)

Next, an embodiment in which an operation different from the operation shown in FIG. 7 is executed in the home network system shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the mobile phone 500.

[0052] First, in the network shown in FIG. 6, first, a visitor touches the fingerprint sensor 261 of the interphone 260 (step ST901), and then the registrant touches the fingerprint sensor 251 of the fixed telephone slave unit 250. (Step ST902), screen 520b shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on mobile phone 500 (step ST903). Next, when the registrant selects one of “Record to slave”, “Forward by mail”, and “Forward to slave” displayed on screen 520b shown in FIG. 10 (step ST904), The selected linkage operation is executed (step ST905).

[0053] In the screen 520b shown in FIG. 9, when "Record to handset" is selected, the fixed telephone handset 250 functions as a handset of the intercom 260 in this case, and the voice input from the interphone 260 is received by the fixed telephone. Recorded in handset 250. In this case, the interphone 260 or the like may be provided with a guidance function for allowing a visitor to input voice to the interphone 260 like an answering machine.

[0054] When "Forward by mail" is selected on screen 520b shown in Fig. 9, processing is performed so that the voice input by intercom 260 is transmitted to mobile phone 500 as voice mail. In this case, the intercom 260 may be provided with a guidance function for allowing the visitor power S intercom 260 to input voice mail.

When “Transfer to handset” is selected on screen 520b shown in FIG. 9, fixed telephone handset 250 power is set as a response device for S intercom 260.

(Fifth embodiment)

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure As shown, a home network 200 and a mobile phone 500 are connected to the Internet 100. The home network 200 is communicable with a home gateway 230 by connecting a surveillance camera 290 and a television 210 with a communication cable 240.

The monitoring camera 290 has the fingerprint sensor 291, the control unit 292, and the memory 293 that have already been described.

[0057] In this embodiment, registrant A is registered in personal identification information 293a of memory 293 of surveillance camera 290, while registrant B is registered in personal identification information 213a of memory 213 of television 210. . Here, even if registrant B touches fingerprint sensor 291 of surveillance camera 290 and fingerprint sensor 211 of television 210, registrant A is registered in personal identification information 293a of memory 293 of surveillance camera 290. For this reason, the cooperative operation between the surveillance camera 2900 and the television 210 is rejected.

That is, when surveillance camera 290 is in the room of registrant A and television 210 is in the room of registrant B, the privacy of registrant A is maintained. Incidentally, in this example, the surveillance camera 290 and the mobile phone 500 are linked to each other, and the image of the surveillance camera 290 can be seen by the mobile phone 500.

(Sixth embodiment)

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the home network 200 is communicable with a digital camera 510 and a printer 520 connected by a communication cable 540.

The digital camera 510 includes the fingerprint sensor 511, the control unit 512, and the memory 513 that have already been described. Similarly, the printer 520 includes a fingerprint sensor 521, a control unit 522, and a memory 523.

This system also operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

As the linkage operation, the image data of the digital camera 510 is transmitted to the printer 520 and the image is printed by the printer 520.

According to this embodiment, the digital camera 510 and the printer 520 can be directly connected without using a physical device such as a personal computer or a memory card. Also, since there is no worry of others seeing the digital camera 510 image data, Passy and security are maintained.

Note that a mobile phone (not shown) may be used as a device for controlling between the digital camera 510 and the printer 520 as in the fourth embodiment. For example, depending on the application on the mobile phone side, various controls such as specifying the image data to be printed out of the image data of the digital camera 510, specifying the number of sheets, specifying the image quality, etc. good.

(Seventh embodiment)

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the home network 600 is configured such that a digital camera 610, a printer 620, and a home gateway 630 are connected by a communication cable 640 so that communication is possible.

When fingerprint authentication is performed in digital camera 610, a connection is established between digital camera 6 10 and home gateway 630. Thereafter, a secure connection at the individual level is established between the digital camera 610 and the printer 620, and the image data of the digital camera 610 is linked with the printer 620 in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment. Is called.

(Eighth embodiment)

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to still another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the Internet 100 is connected to a home network 200, a convenience store site 310, and a printer 720 installed in a predetermined convenience store 700. The home network 200 is communicable by connecting a digital camera 710 to a home gateway 730 via a communication cable 740.

The digital camera 710 includes the fingerprint sensor 711, the control unit 712, and the memory 713 that have already been described. Similarly, the printer 720 includes a fingerprint sensor 721, a control unit 722, and a memory 723. Further, the printer 720 is a device outside the home network 200, and has an authentication means 724 using RFID of a mobile phone in addition to fingerprint authentication in order to enhance security. That is, with respect to the printer 720, both fingerprint authentication by the fingerprint sensor 721 and authentication by the authentication means 724 are performed so that a linked operation is possible, thereby improving security. [0066] In this embodiment, the digital camera 710 performs fingerprint authentication by the fingerprint sensor 711, and the printer 720 performs the above-described authentication, thereby enabling a linked operation between the digital camera 710 and the printer 720. Become.

[0067] As the linkage operation, for example, the image data of the digital camera 710 may be uploaded to the convenience store site 310 and then the image may be printed by the printer 720, or the image data of the digital camera 710 may be predetermined. Convenience store 700 printers 7 You can also send images directly to 20 and print images.

(Ninth embodiment)

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration according to still another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a home network 200 and a blog site 320 are connected to the Internet 100. The home network 200 is communicable by connecting a digital camera 8 10 and a personal computer 820 to a home gateway 830 via a communication cable 840.

The digital camera 810 includes the fingerprint sensor 811 described above, a control unit 812, and a memory 813. Similarly, the personal computer 820 includes a fingerprint sensor 821, a control unit 822, and a memory 823.

[0069] In this embodiment, authentication by the fingerprint sensor 811 of the digital camera 810 and authentication by the fingerprint sensor 821 of the personal computer 820 are performed, so that the image data of the digital camera 810 can be uploaded to the blog site 320. it can.

In the present embodiment, the image data of the digital camera 810 can be uploaded to the blog site 320 with a very simple operation without being transferred to the personal computer 820.

(Tenth embodiment)

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in the figure, a fingerprint sensor 921 is provided on a remote control 920 of a television 910, and a fingerprint sensor 931 is provided on a facsimile 930 that is communicably connected to the television 910. The remote controller 920 and the facsimile 930 are provided with a control unit and a memory similar to those in the above-described embodiments, and the same linked operation is possible. [0071] In this linkage operation, the registrant touches the fingerprint sensor 931 of the facsimile 930, and then touches the fingerprint sensor 921 on the remote control 920, so that the image received by the facsimile 930 is printed on the television 910. It is reflected in. The registrant prints after confirming the image displayed on the TV 910 in this way.

[0072] As described above, in a home appliance having a remote controller, such as a television or an air conditioner, a fingerprint sensor or the like is provided on the remote controller, which makes it very easy to use.

(Eleventh embodiment)

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in the figure, fingerprint sensors 1011 and 1021 and functions (control unit, memory) associated with the fingerprint sensors 1011 and 1021 are provided at the access points 1010 and 1020 of each wireless LAN, and the fingerprint sensors 1011 and 102 1 are touched. As a result, the wireless LAN access points 1010 and 1020 can be connected as a linked operation.

In the present embodiment, the connection between the wireless LAN access points 1010 and 1020 is enabled by a very simple operation and extremely high security.

(Twelfth embodiment)

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in the figure, each mobile phone (PHS) 1110, 1120 is provided with a fingerprint sensor 1111, 1121 and a function (control unit, memory) associated therewith, and the respective fingerprint sensor 1111, 1121 is touched. In this way, the cellular phone 1110 and 1120 can be connected by a transceiver as a linked operation.

[0074] In this embodiment, the connection between the mobile phones 1110 and 1120 by the transceiver is enabled with extremely simple operation and extremely high security.

(Other embodiments)

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be utilized for various applications.

[0075] For example, a fingerprint sensor and a function associated therewith are provided in an air conditioner remote control, and sensors for detecting temperature, humidity, and air volume are provided at various locations in the room (a fingerprint sensor and a function associated therewith are provided). In addition, a small fan, fan, air purifier, heat (The fingerprint sensor and its associated functions are provided), and each fingerprint sensor is touched to optimize the room temperature and humidity as a linked operation.

[0076] In that case, a power source such as a fan can be installed anywhere by using a lighting rail. A cell cloth or the like may be used.

[0077] Further, in that case, for a small fan or various sensors, it may be possible to select whether or not to operate such a fingerprint sensor according to the request of the registrant by attaching a fingerprint sensor externally.

[0078] According to the present invention, the operation is highly intuitive and the personal strength can be protected.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A device-linked operation system including a plurality of devices having a user authentication function connected to each other via a network,

An identity verification means for verifying the identity of a user authenticated by each of at least two devices;

And an execution means for executing a linkage operation between the at least two devices when the identity is confirmed.

[2] In the device linkage operation system according to claim 1,

When there are a plurality of types of linkage operations that can be executed between the at least two devices, the system further comprises linkage operation selection means for selecting one of the plurality of types of linkage operations to be executed. Equipment linkage operation system.

[3] In the device linkage operation system according to claim 1,

Each of the at least two devices is

Broadcast means for broadcasting a notification to that effect after execution of user authentication, and reception determination means for determining whether or not a notification from another device has been received before broadcasting the notification,

If it is determined that the notification has not been received, it waits while preparing the connection until it receives a notification from another device,

When it is determined that the notification has been received, a device-linked operation system characterized by establishing a connection with the device that has transmitted the notification.

[4] In the device linkage operation system according to claim 3,

A device-linked operation system characterized in that a device that broadcasts a notification first times out if it cannot establish a connection within a predetermined period of time and waits for a connection with another device.

[5] In the device linked operation system according to claim 1,

The at least two devices are home appliances connected in the same home network; A device-linked operation system, wherein the execution means is included in a home gateway in the home network.

[6] A plurality of devices connected to each other via a network, the first device having a user authentication function, and the second device capable of selecting a device having user information and operating in cooperation with a predetermined device A device linkage operation system comprising at least

User determination means for determining whether or not a user authenticated by the first device is a user corresponding to user information included in the second device;

And an execution means for executing a link operation between the predetermined device and the first device when it is determined that the user corresponds to the user information. system.

[7] In the device linkage operation system according to claim 6,

The predetermined device and the first device are home appliances connected in the same home network;

The second device is a mobile phone;

The device linked operation system characterized in that the first device and the second device in the home network can be connected via the Internet.

[8] In the device linkage operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

A device-linked operation system characterized in that user authentication is biometric authentication or authentication using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

[9] A device that can be connected to a network,

An authentication means for authenticating a user who operates the device;

An input means for inputting information for identifying a user sent from another device via the network;

The identity of the user authenticated by the authentication means and the user corresponding to the information input by the input means are confirmed, and when the identity is confirmed, the device and the other device cooperate with each other. A device capable of performing linked operation, comprising:

[10] A server device that can be connected to a network, Input means for inputting user authentication information sent from the first and second devices connected to the network;

Based on the authentication information input by the input means, the identity of the user who operates the first device and the user who operates the second device is confirmed, and when the identity is confirmed, the first And an execution means for executing a link operation between the second device and the second device.

[11] A linked operation execution method for linking an arbitrary device among a plurality of devices having a user authentication function connected to each other via a network,

A user authentication step of performing user authentication in each of at least two devices; an identity verification step of confirming the identity of a user authenticated in each of the at least two devices;

Execution step means for executing a linkage operation between the at least two devices when the identity is confirmed.

[12] A linked operation execution method for linking and operating arbitrary devices among a plurality of devices having a user authentication function connected to each other through a network,

A user authentication step for performing user authentication on at least one device;

A user determination step of determining whether or not the user authenticated by the at least one device is a predetermined user;

And a step of executing a linkage operation between the predetermined device in the network and the at least one device when it is determined that the user is the predetermined user.

[13] A linkage operation execution program for causing a computer to execute the linkage operation execution method according to any one of claims 11 and 12.