JP2001168888A - Home network system, server and constituting method thereof, and recording medium with control program for controlling it recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage information of each terminal altogether and to execute the service of information for each terminal. SOLUTION: Identifying information for identifying each terminal and terminal information which terminates information of each terminal corresponding for identifying information are stored by a home network server 1. The terminals indicate instructing information, which indicates the kinds of instructions related to the terminating information of the terminals to the home network server 1. Then the server 1 executes the instruction of terminal information related to each terminal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a home network technology, and more particularly, to a home network system for collectively managing information of each terminal and executing a command of information of each terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been an active movement regarding the connection of home appliances to a home network, ie, the realization of a home network. The home network is PC (Personal Compute)
r) In addition to this, it is a system that communicates various information on home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, VCRs, gas appliances, water and sewage systems, and various devices related to electric power (hereinafter referred to as terminals). It is said that a sufficient effect can be produced only when linked together.

[0003] The technology of the home network is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-164246 (hereinafter referred to as "prior art").
Is disclosed.

[0004] This prior art is a distributed home network system in which a plurality of terminals are connected via a network to enable mutual communication by digital signals. And a client unit that receives a digital signal transmitted from a terminal connected to the network and displays it as an image in order to operate various terminals connected to the network. And a server unit for transmitting a digital signal including video information to a network according to the control request described above, and recording a signal output from the tuner unit in the server unit. The client unit In the distributed home network system, the transmitted control request is relayed by the server unit, and then the operation screen of the tuner unit is fetched into the operation screen of the server unit and output to the client unit. is there.

The configuration of the distributed home network system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0006] The distributed home network system includes a gateway & collective tuner 70 and a home server 71.
, A network computer 72, a home computer 73, a terminal 74, a PDP display device 75
And a communication path 76. The PDP display device 75 is connected to the network computer 72.

Next, the operation of the prior art will be described.
As a specific example of this operation, an example in which a video / music signal recorded on the home server 71 is reproduced by operating the network computer 72 will be described.

First, when the network computer 72 as a client unit is activated, the network computer 72 searches for a server unit connected to the network, and displays a list of server units on the PDP.
The information is displayed on the display device 75.

When the user selects the home server 71, the network computer 72 sends a data request signal to the home server 71. Upon receiving the data request signal, the home server 71 transmits the operation interface screen data of the home server 71 to the network computer 72. The network computer 72 displays the operation interface screen data on the PDP display device 75.
On this operation interface screen, a list of titles of videos already recorded and operation buttons of the home server 71 are displayed. When the user selects a desired title and presses a play button, the collective tuner 70 is selected.
The home server 7 stores a menu related to playback control of a recorded program as an MPEG data request signal.
1 is transmitted. The home server 71 transmits the menu specified by the MPEG data to the network computer 72. Then, the network computer 71 decodes the received MPEG data and displays it on the PDP display device 75, so that the user views a desired recorded program.

In this prior art, since terminals having a control function are distributed, when a terminal for handling a new type of data is added, a terminal capable of transmitting and receiving the new type of data is added to the addition of the terminal. If there is at least one, new types of data can be transmitted and received via the terminal.

[0011]

However, the prior art described above is a distributed home network, and in order to make use of the advantages of the distributed type, it is considered that the effect is achieved only when there are many terminals. For example, even in the above-mentioned advantages, if there is no terminal other than the additional terminal capable of transmitting and receiving a new type of data, the new type of data cannot be exchanged.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and to form a network centered on a server to perform communication between different communication specifications. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology of a home network that can collectively manage information of each terminal and execute an instruction of information of each terminal without thinking.

[0013]

The present invention to achieve the above object is a home network system in which a home network is constituted by one server, a terminal, and a communication path connecting the server and the terminal. The terminal generates storage means for storing identification information for identifying the terminal and instruction information for identifying the type of instruction provided by the server, and terminal information which is information of the terminal. Generating means for requesting the server to register a new registration command (or update command) in the terminal information; transmitting a new registration command (or update command) to the identification information to the server; And transmitting means for transmitting the command information and the identification information to the server when requesting command information other than the command information of the update command to the server, wherein the server comprises a terminal Assigning means for assigning and assigning identification information for identification; a first storage means for storing the command information and the identification information; a second storage means for storing the terminal information; Separating means for separating the identification information and the command information (or the identification information, the command information and the terminal information) from the separated information; and the identification information separated by the separating means and the identification information stored in the first storage means. Is compared with the separated identification information and the first
In the case where the identification information stored in the storage means matches and the command information separated by the separation means is new registration (or update), the separated terminal information is stored in the second storage means. Executing means for newly registering (or updating) the command information separated by the separating means being command information other than the newly registered command and the updating command, and executing the command information separated by the separating means; It is characterized by the following.

A home in which a home network includes at least a first terminal and a second terminal, a server, and a communication path connecting the first terminal, the second terminal, and the server. A network system, wherein the first terminal stores identification information given from the server and instruction information for identifying the type of instruction, and terminal information which is information on the first terminal. Generating means for generating a new registration command (or update command) in the terminal information of the first terminal, and adding a new registration command (or update command) to the identification information to the server. And transmitting means for transmitting the command information and the identification information to the server when requesting the server for command information other than the new registration command and the update command. Finally, a storage unit for storing identification information given from the server and instruction information for identifying the type of instruction, and when requesting the instruction information relating to terminal information of the first terminal, the identification information and Transmitting means for transmitting the command information to the server, wherein the server assigns and assigns identification information for identifying a first terminal and a second terminal, respectively; First storage means for storing the identification number, second storage means for storing terminal information of the first terminal, and information transmitted from the first terminal (or the second terminal) Separating means for separating identification information and command information (or identification information, command information and terminal information); collating the identification information separated by the separating means with the identification information stored in the first storage means; Is separated Identification means for identifying which of the terminals the identification information is, identification information obtained by the identification means, the separated identification information and the identification information of the first terminal stored in the first storage means And if the command information separated by the separating means is a new registration command (or an update command), the terminal information of the first terminal is newly registered (or updated) in the second storage means. And when the instruction information separated by the separation means is instruction information other than a new registration instruction and an update instruction, execution means for executing the instruction information separated by the separation means and identification information by the identification means. As a result, when the separated identification information matches the identification information of the second terminal stored in the first storage means, the execution means for executing the command information separated by the separation means And Characterized in that it.

It is to be noted that the first storage means and / or the second storage means are constituted by a non-volatile recording medium.

Further, the server is configured to operate without interruption.

Further, the first storage means and / or the second storage means are configured to be detachable.

The present invention for achieving the above object is a server of a home network system comprising one server, a terminal, and a communication path connecting the server and the terminal. Assigning means for assigning and assigning identification information for identifying a command, first storage means for storing command information for identifying the type of command and the identification information, and storing terminal information which is information on the terminal A second storage unit for performing identification information and command information (or identification information, command information, and terminal information) from information transmitted from the terminal;
Separation means for separating the identification information, the identification information separated by the separation means and the identification information stored in the first storage means, and the separated identification information and the identification information stored in the first storage means are compared. When the command information separated by the separating means is a new registration command (or an update command) in the case where the identification information coincides with the identification information, the separated terminal information is newly registered in the second storage means (or And updating means for executing the instruction information separated by the separating means when the instruction information separated by the separating means is instruction information other than new registration and update.
The server of the home network system includes at least a first terminal and a second terminal, a single server, and a communication path connecting the first terminal and the second terminal to the server. And the server comprises a first terminal and a
Allocate identification information to identify terminal 2
Providing means for providing, first storage means for storing command information for identifying the type of command and the identification information, second storage means for storing terminal information of the first terminal, Separation means for separating identification information and command information (or identification information, command information and terminal information) from information transmitted from one terminal (or the second terminal); and identification information separated by the separation means. And the identification information stored in the first storage means, and the identification means for identifying which of the terminals the identification information is separated, and the identification result by the identification means, When the identification information obtained by the identification information matches the identification information of the first terminal stored in the first storage means, and the instruction information separated by the separation means is a new registration instruction (or an update instruction), The first end Is newly registered (or updated) in the second storage unit, and when the instruction information separated by the separation unit is instruction information other than the new registration instruction and the update instruction, the terminal information is separated by the separation unit. An execution unit that executes the instruction information, and if the separated identification information and the identification information of the second terminal stored in the first storage unit match as a result of the identification by the identification unit, And execution means for executing the instruction information separated by the separation means.

It is to be noted that the first storage means and / or the second storage means are constituted by a non-volatile recording medium.

Further, the server is configured to operate without interruption.

Further, the first storage means and / or the second storage means are configured to be detachable.

The present invention to achieve the above object is a method of configuring a home network, wherein a communication path is set between one server and each terminal, and communication is possible only between the server and the terminal. And the step of unifying command information indicating the type of command between the server and the terminal; and the assigning step of assigning and assigning identification information for identifying the respective terminals by the server, A storage step in which the server stores and stores the command information and the identification information; a generation step in which the terminal generates terminal information that is information of the terminal itself; and a new registration command (or update) in the terminal information in the terminal information. Command) to the server, a command for adding command information of a new registration command (or an update command) to the identification information and transmitting the command to the server; When requesting the server for command information on its own terminal information or terminal information of another terminal recorded, the transmission step of transmitting the command information to the server together with its own identification information, Identifying the source terminal from the transmitted identification information; and the server, if the transmitted instruction information is a new registration instruction (or an update instruction) of the terminal information, transmits the transmitted terminal information to each terminal. When the command information is command information other than the new registration command and the update command of the terminal information, the command information transmitted with respect to the registered terminal information is transmitted to the source terminal. Performing the steps.

According to the present invention for achieving the above object, when a home network including one server, a terminal, and a communication path connecting the server and the terminal is constructed, information management of the home network is executed by a computer. A control area for storing identification information for identifying the terminal and instruction information for identifying the type of instruction in the computer. And assigning and assigning identification information for identifying a terminal, a first storage step of storing the command information and the identification information, and storing terminal information that is information of the terminal. A second storage step, and identifying information and command information (or identifying information, command information and information) from information transmitted from the terminal. A separation step of separating the terminal information), is matched with the said and the separation step in the identification information is separated first identification information is stored in the storage step,
If the separated identification information matches the identification information stored in the first storage step, and if the instruction information separated in the separation step is a new registration instruction (or an update instruction), The registered terminal information is newly registered (or updated) in the second storage step, and when the separated instruction information is instruction information other than the registration instruction and the update instruction, the instruction information separated in the separation step And an execution step of executing

Also, a home network system including at least a first terminal and a second terminal, a server, and a communication path connecting the first terminal, the second terminal, and the server. Is a recording medium in which a control program for executing information management of a home network by a computer is recorded, wherein the control program causes the computer to identify a first terminal and a second terminal. Securing a storage area for storing the command information for identifying the identification information and the type of command, and assigning and assigning identification information for identifying the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively. When,
A first storage step of storing the command information and the identification information, a second storage step of storing terminal information that is information of the first terminal, and the first terminal (or the second terminal) ), Separating the identification information and the command information (or the identification information, the command information, and the terminal information) from the information transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and storing the identification information separated in the separation step and the first storage step. Identifying the identification information of which terminal is the separated identification information, and identifying the first identification information as a result of the identification in the identification step.
If the identification information of the terminal matches the identification information of the first terminal stored in the first storage step, the instruction information separated in the separation step is a new registration instruction (or an update instruction). In some cases, the separated terminal information is newly registered (or updated) in the second storage step.
Or when the instruction information separated in the separation step is other than a registration instruction and an update instruction, an execution step of executing the instruction information separated in the separation step and a result of the identification step, the separated When the identification information matches the identification information of the second terminal, an execution step of executing the separated instruction information is performed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a home network system in which a communication path is set only between each terminal and one server so that communication is possible only between the terminal and the server. Wherein each of said plurality of terminals comprises:
It is configured to register the generated own terminal information in the server, and to execute an instruction for the terminal information registered in the server, requesting the server to execute the instruction. The server stores the identification information for identifying each terminal and the terminal information transmitted in association with the identification information in a storage unit, and when a terminal requests a command related to the terminal information, the server stores the information. A home network system configured to execute instructions. Achieved by

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a home network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an identification table and a terminal file. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance of the home network server 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a communication information format.

In each figure, 1 is a home network server, 2A to 2N are terminals such as a video and a television,
3 is a communication path.

First, terms used in the present embodiment will be described.

1. Command Information Command information refers to command information requested by the terminals 2A to 2N to the home network server 1, and includes "participation command", "inquiry command", "new registration command", "update". There are five types of command information of “command” and “deletion command”.

[0031] The join instruction is to request the home network server 1 to join the home network managed by the home network server 1 when the terminals 2A to 2N are connected to the home network or turned on. Refers to instructions.

The inquiry commands are the terminals 2A to 2N
Is an instruction for requesting the home network server 1 to search for information or transmit data. The new registration command means that the terminals 2A to 2N have the home network server 1
To request new registration of information. The update command is a command that the terminals 2A to 2N request the home network server 1 to update specific registration information. The delete command is a command that the terminals 2A to 2N request the home network server 1 to delete specific registration information.

2. Home network number (hereinafter H /
The H / N number is a unique number assigned to the home network server 1 connected to the home network and for identifying it from other home networks.
For example, the device number of the home network server 1. Also, a home network connection unit 1 to be described later
The number of the interface board of No. 2 may be used.

3. Identification information Identification information refers to a terminal 2 connected to a home network.
The numbers and symbols assigned by the home network server 1 to the terminals 2A to 2N to identify each of the terminals A to 2N. Note that this identification information is stored in each of the terminals 2A to 2N and is used for communication with the home network server 1.

4. Data number The data number refers to a serial number assigned to information registered in the home network server 1 by the terminals 2A to 2N. This data number is a unique number only in the home network (home network server 1), is used only in the home network (home network server 1), and is used between the home network server 1 connected to the terminals 2A to 2N. used. Also, when the terminals 2A to 2N request an instruction related to the terminal information stored in the home network server 1, the data number is used as a key item.

5. Individual identification information (additional information) Individual identification information refers to information set in advance to identify the contents of information registered by the home network server 1 and use the home network.

This individual identification information is used as additional information of identification information for identifying the terminals 2A to 2N. For example, the individual identification information of the terminal 2A includes a maker name, a device name, a serial number, and the like of the terminal 2A.

6. Terminal information Terminal information is terminal information transmitted from the terminals 2A to 2N. For example, when the terminal is a VCR, there is video recording reservation information, and when the terminal is an air conditioner, there is reservation information for cooling operation.

Next, the configuration of a specific embodiment will be described.

There is only one home network server 1 on the home network. The home network server 1 manages terminal information of registered terminals and operates without interruption.

The home network server 1 includes a control unit 10, an information storage unit 11, and a power supply unit 1.
2 and a home network connection unit 13.

The control unit 10 is constituted by a CPU or the like, generates an H / N number, identification information and a data number, and stores the H / N number, the identification information and the data number in the information storage unit 11. . In addition, terminals 2A-2
It also executes instruction information from N. The control unit 10 may be configured to display the free space of the information storage unit 11 or to delete the information stored in the information storage unit 11 alone.

The information storage unit 11 includes an information storage unit cartridge 110 which is a non-volatile recording medium. The non-volatile recording medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic storage medium, or the like. Information storage unit 1
1 has an identification table 111, a terminal file 112, and the like, and stores information such as the manufacturer name of the home network server 1 in addition to the above-described H / N number, identification information, individual identification information, data number, and terminal information. .

As shown in FIG. 2, the identification table 111 stores H / N numbers, identification information, information type codes, data numbers, and the like, and the terminal file 112 stores terminal information and the like.

The information storage unit cartridge 110 includes:
It is configured so that it can be attached or detached or added. Then, even if the information storage unit cartridge 110 is removed, the information registered in the information storage unit cartridge 110 is retained because the information storage cartridge 110 itself is formed of a non-volatile recording medium.

The power supply unit 12 includes an emergency power supply 120 and the like, and has a power supply function for supplying power to the home network server 1 and a backup power supply function for storing information of the information storage unit 11 in the event of a power failure. . However, the backup power supply function can be omitted because the information storage unit cartridge 110 is constituted by a nonvolatile storage medium.

The home network connection unit 13
An interface for connecting the network to the home network server 1 and the terminals 2A to 2N.

FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the home network server 1 configured as described above.

An information storage unit cartridge 110 is a cassette type that can be removed from the information storage unit 11. 120 is an emergency power supply,
It is provided in the power supply unit 12. Terminals 2A to 2N
Are composed of an analysis processing unit 20, an information generation unit 21, and a storage unit 22, and communicate only with the home network server 1. Although FIG. 1 shows only the configuration of the terminal 2A, the other terminals 2B to 2N also have the same components.

The analysis processing section 20 processes and analyzes information.

The information generator 21 generates terminal information of the terminal 2A.

The storage unit 22 stores H / N numbers, identification information, and the like.

The communication path 3 connects the home network 1 and the terminals 2A to 2N, and may be wired or wireless.

Next, a communication information format used between the home network server 1 and the terminals 2A to 2N will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, 51 is an instruction, 52 is an H / N number, 5
3 is a data number, 54 is an information type code, 55 is identification information, and 56 is terminal information.

The command information 51 in the communication information format
Is set to one type of instruction, for example, a participation instruction.

Next, a specific operation of the home network system configured as described above will be described.

First, terms used in the operation will be described.

1. H / N Number Comparison The H / N number comparison is a comparison between the H / N number stored in each of the terminals 2A to 2N and the H / N number stored in the connected home network 1.

2. Identification information comparison The identification information comparison is a comparison between the identification information stored in each of the terminals 2A to 2N and the identification information stored in the identification table 112.

3. Individual identification information comparison The individual identification information comparison is a comparison between the individual identification information held by each of the terminals 2A to 2N and the individual identification information stored in the identification table 111.

4. Data number comparison The data number comparison is a comparison between a data number transmitted by each of the terminals 2A to 2N and a data number stored in the identification table 111.

The combination of comparison differs depending on the command information requested by each of the terminals 2A to 2N.

For example, the "participation command" is a combination of H / N number comparison, identification information comparison, and individual identification information comparison. "Inquiry command", "Update command", "Delete command"
Is a combination of identification information comparison, individual identification information comparison, and data number comparison. The case of “new registration” is a combination of identification information comparison and individual identification information comparison. The individual identification information comparison is not an essential comparison because the individual identification information is additional information.

Next, the operation when the terminal 2A is connected (activated) to the home network will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the terminal 2A is connected (activated) to the home network, the analysis processing unit 20 of the terminal 2A sets the H /
The N number, identification information, and individual identification information are extracted from the storage unit 22, set in the communication information format of FIG. 4, and a participation instruction is transmitted to the control unit 10 (step S10).
0).

The control unit 10 receives the transmitted information via the home network connection unit 12 and
/ N number comparison, identification information comparison, and individual identification information comparison are performed (step S101).

Home network server 1 based on the results of H / N number comparison, identification information comparison and individual identification information comparison
Are as shown in FIG.

For example, when the H / N number comparison is “the same information”, the identification information comparison is “the same information”, and the individual identification information comparison is “the same information”, the control unit 10
Determines “connection confirmation” (step S102).
It should be noted that the determination of “connection confirmation” is when the terminal 2A is registered in the home network server 1.

Then, the control unit 10 determines that the H
/ N number, identification information, and individual identification information are set in the communication information format shown in FIG.
(Step S103).

The analysis processing section 20 of the terminal 2A receives the transmitted information (Step S104).

On the other hand, for example, when the H / N number comparison is “different”, the identification information comparison is “no identical information”, and the individual identification information comparison is “no identical information”, the control unit 10
Determines that “new registration” (step S105).
It should be noted that the case of determining as “new registration” is when the terminal 2A is not registered in the home network server 1.

Then, the control unit 10 newly assigns identification information to the terminal 2A (step S106),
The assigned identification information and the H / N number stored in the home network server 1 are stored in the identification table 111 (step S107). When the control unit 10 receives the terminal information and the individual identification information generated from the information generation unit 21 of the terminal 2A, the control unit 10 newly assigns a data number to the terminal information and the individual identification information, And the individual identification information in the identification table 111
And the terminal information is stored in the terminal file 112.

The control unit 10 sets the stored H / N number and identification information in the communication information format shown in FIG. 4, and transmits the information to the analysis processing unit 20 of the terminal 2A (step S).
108).

The analysis processing section 20 of the terminal 2A receives the transmitted H / N number and identification information and stores them in the storage section 22 (step S109).

For example, when it is determined that the H / N number comparison is “unacquired”, the identification information comparison is “unnumbered”, and the individual identification information comparison is “no identical information”, the control unit 1
0 is determined as "information recovery" (step S110).
In addition, when it is determined to be “information recovery”, the terminal 2
For example, when A is registered in the home network server 1 again.

The control unit 10 extracts identification information corresponding to the terminal 2A from the identification table 111, sets the extracted identification information and H / N number in the communication information format shown in FIG. The data is transmitted to the analysis processing unit 20 (step S111).

The analysis processing unit 22 of the terminal 2A receives the transmitted information and stores the identification information and the H / N number in the storage unit 24 (Step S112).

For example, when the H / N number is “same”, the identification information comparison is “unnumbered”, and the individual identification information comparison is “the same information exists”, the control unit 10 determines that the instruction is “retransmission instruction”. Then, it requests the terminal 2A to transmit the participation instruction again.

Next, the operation of executing a command (query command, new registration command, update command, delete command) of home network server 1 will be described. First, an operation in which the home network server 1 transmits terminal information of the terminal 2A to the terminal 2A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The analysis processing unit 20 of the terminal 2A stores identification information,
The individual identification information and the data number are set in the information communication format shown in FIG.
0 (step S200).

The control unit 10 converts the transmitted information into
Received via the home network connection unit 12,
The identification information comparison, individual identification information comparison, and data number comparison are performed (step S201).

The control unit 10 determines the matching identification information,
Identification table 1 corresponding to individual identification information and data number
11 and the terminal file 112 are extracted (step S2).
02).

The control unit 10 transmits the extracted information of the identification table 111 and the terminal file 112 to the analysis processing unit 20 of the terminal 2A via the home network connection unit 12 (step S203).

The analysis processing section 20 of the terminal 2A receives the transmitted information (Step S204).

Next, the case where the home network server 1 transmits the terminal information of the terminal 2A to the terminal 2B will be described.

The analysis processing unit 20 of the terminal 2B sets the identification information of the terminal 2B and the data number of the terminal 2A in the communication information format shown in FIG. 4, and transmits an “inquiry command” to the control unit 10 (step S200). The method of obtaining the data number is as follows.
The home network server 1 may be provided with a display device to display a list of the data numbers of the required terminal data numbers.

The control unit 10 converts the transmitted information into
Received via the home network connection unit 12,
The comparison of the identification information and the comparison of the data number are performed (step S2).
01).

The control unit 10 identifies the identification information of the terminal 2B and extracts the terminal file 112 corresponding to the data number of the terminal 2A (step S202).

The control unit 10 transmits the extracted information of the terminal file 112 to the home network connection unit 1.
3 to the analysis processing unit 20 of the terminal 2B (step S203).

The analysis processing section 20 of the terminal 2B receives the transmitted information (Step S204).

Next, the operations of the "new registration command", "update command" and "deletion command" will be described. The description of the same parts as those of the operation of the "inquiry command" will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

Regarding the operation of the "new registration command", the home network server 1 sends the terminal information of the terminal 2A to the terminal 2A.
Will be described in the case of registration in response to a request.

The analysis processing unit 20 of the terminal 2A stores identification information,
Then, the terminal information generated by the information generation unit 21 is set in the communication information format shown in FIG. 4, and a “new registration instruction” is transmitted to the control unit 10 (step S200).

The control unit 10 converts the transmitted information into
Received via the home network connection unit 12,
The identification information is compared (step S201).

The control unit 10 extracts the identification table 111 corresponding to the matching identification information. The control unit 10 converts the received terminal information into the extracted identification table 1
The data number is stored in the terminal file 112 in association with the data number 11 and the data number is newly stored in the identification table 111 (step S202).

The operation of the "update command" will be described in the case where the home network server 1 updates the terminal information of the terminal 2A in response to a request from the terminal 2A.

The analysis processing section 20 of the terminal 2A includes identification information,
The data number and the terminal information to be updated are set in the communication information format shown in FIG.
(Step S200).

The control unit 10 converts the transmitted information into
Received via the home network connection unit 12,
The comparison of the identification information and the comparison of the data number are performed (step S2).
01). The control unit 10 extracts the identification table 111 and the terminal file 112 corresponding to the matching identification information and data number, and overwrites the received terminal information on the extracted terminal file 112 (step S202).

The operation of the "delete command" will be described in the case where the home network server 1 deletes the terminal information of the terminal 2A at the request of the terminal 2A.

The analysis processing unit 20 of the terminal 2A sets the data number (or condition) in the communication information format shown in FIG. 4, and transmits a “deletion command” to the control unit 10 (step S200). The control unit 10 receives the transmitted information via the home network connection unit 12, and performs identification information comparison and data number comparison (Step S201).

The control unit 10 extracts the identification table 111 and the terminal file 112 corresponding to the matching data number (or condition).
1 and the corresponding part of the terminal file 112 are deleted (step S202).

By performing the operation described above, the information storage efficiency of the entire home network system is increased as shown in FIG. That is, the terminal can minimize the necessary data storage function part, and the home network server increases the storage capacity according to the total data amount of the plurality of terminals, increases resource efficiency, and invests in terminal development. Resources can be kept low.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the home network connection function of the terminal is distributed and standardized, so that the effect of suppressing the device price of the terminal is also achieved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to realize a use environment that is not aware of the state of each terminal. For this reason, for example, each terminal can receive the latest terminal information registered in the home network server 1 from the home network server regardless of turning on the power of the other terminals.

As shown in FIG. 12, the security of information storage and the cost reduction can be realized. For this reason, even if terminal information (for example, recording reservation information of a VCR) is lost due to, for example, power-off of the terminal, the terminal information of the terminal can be restored when the power is turned on again.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the inheritance of information can be facilitated. Therefore, for example, when a terminal is replaced (or repaired), the registered data before replacement can be inherited by the replaced terminal.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, mobility in a home network environment can be facilitated. For this reason, when moving, for example, by attaching the information storage unit of the home network server before the move to the home network server of the move destination, the same environment as before the move can be restored at the move destination.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the home network server 1 is used to collectively manage the information of each terminal and to execute the instruction information of the information of each terminal.
It can also be applied using a game machine. In this case, the control program for executing the home work network information management as described above is installed in the consumer game machine, and the information storage unit 11 and the home network connection unit 12 are further stored in the consumer game machine. Will be added.

[0110]

According to the present invention, the terminal information of each terminal can be collectively managed in the home network server, and the storage portion of each terminal can be minimized.

The communication specifications of the terminal are unified with the communication specifications of the home network server, so that not only the same type of data on the network but also a new type of data not on the network can be used for data communication.

Further, the home network server is configured to operate without power interruption, so that there is an effect that communication can be performed regardless of the power status of the terminal.

Further, since the storage unit of the home network server is constituted by a non-volatile recording medium and is detachable, there is an effect that registration data can be easily inherited.

[0114]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a home network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an identification table and a terminal file.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance of a home network server 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a communication information format.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of confirming connection of the home network server 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing operation criteria for the home network server 1 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a service execution operation of the home network server 1.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a comparison of the information storage efficiency with the related art.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating efficiency improvement by unifying communication specifications.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating realization of a usage environment that is not aware of the state of a terminal.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating security of information storage and cost reduction.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing inheritance of information.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating mobility in a home network environment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a typical example of the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Home network server 2 Terminal 3 Communication path 10 Control unit 11 Information storage unit 12 Power supply unit 13 Home network connection unit 20 Analysis processing unit 21 Information generation unit 22 Storage unit 111 Identification table 112 Terminal file

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] December 8, 1999 (1999.12.
8)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Name of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

BRIEF name of the home network system, the service <br/> over server, a recording medium in which the configuration method and a control program is recorded

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04Q 9/00 321 H04L 11/00 320 // H04N 7/173 620 G06F 15/21 N

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A home network system in which a home network is configured by one server, a terminal, and a communication path connecting the server and the terminal, wherein the terminal is provided by the server. Storage means for storing identification information for identifying a terminal and instruction information for identifying the type of instruction; generating means for generating terminal information that is information of the terminal; and a new registration instruction (or When requesting the server for an update command, the server adds a new registration command (or an update command) to the identification information and transmits the identification information to the server. And a transmission unit for transmitting the command information and the identification information to the server, wherein the server allocates and assigns identification information for identifying the terminal. Providing means, first storage means for storing the command information and the identification information, second storage means for storing the terminal information, and identification information and command information (or Separating means for separating the identification information, the command information, and the terminal information);
The identification information stored in the storage means is compared with the identification information, and when the separated identification information matches the identification information stored in the first storage means, the instruction information separated by the separation means is If you are a new registration (or renewal)
The separated terminal information is newly registered (or updated) in the second storage means. If the instruction information separated by the separation means is instruction information other than a new registration instruction and an update instruction, the separation information is stored in the second storage means. Executing means for executing the separated instruction information. 2. A home in which a home network includes at least a first terminal and a second terminal, a single server, and a communication path connecting the first terminal, the second terminal, and the server. A network system, wherein the first terminal stores identification information given by the server and instruction information for identifying the type of instruction, and terminal information which is information on the first terminal. Generating means for generating a new registration command (or an update command) in the terminal information of the first terminal from the server;
When a new registration command (or an update command) is added to the identification information and transmitted to the server, and command information other than the new registration command and the update command is requested from the server, the command information and the identification information are used. Transmitting means for transmitting to the server, the second terminal, storage means for storing the identification information given from the server and instruction information for identifying the type of instruction, the first terminal, When requesting the command information related to the terminal information of the terminal, a transmission unit for transmitting the identification information and the command information to the server, wherein the server identifies the first terminal and the second terminal Assigning means for assigning and assigning the identification information of
First storage means for storing the instruction information and the identification number, second storage means for storing terminal information of the first terminal, and transmission from the first terminal (or the second terminal) Separating means for separating the identification information and the command information (or the identification information, the command information and the terminal information) from the separated information, the identification information separated by the separating means and the identification information stored in the first storage means Identification means for identifying which terminal the separated identification information is identification information of, and as a result of the identification by the identification means, the separated identification information is stored in the first storage means. If the identification information of the first terminal matches, the command information separated by the separating means is a new registration command (or an update command).
When the terminal information of the first terminal is
When the instruction information separated by the separation unit is instruction information other than the newly registered instruction and the update instruction, execution of the instruction information separated by the separation unit is performed. Means, if the separated identification information matches the identification information of the second terminal stored in the first storage means as a result of the identification by the identification means, the separated information is separated by the separation means. Executing means for executing the command information. 3. The home network system according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit and / or the second storage unit is configured by a non-volatile recording medium. 4. The home network system according to claim 1, wherein said server is configured to operate without interruption. 5. The home network system according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit and / or the second storage unit is configured to be detachable. 6. A server of a home network system comprising one server, a terminal, and a communication path connecting the server and the terminal, wherein the server has identification information for identifying the terminal. Assigning means for assigning and assigning
First storage means for storing command information for identifying the type of command and the identification information, second storage means for storing terminal information which is information of the terminal, and information transmitted from the terminal. Identification information and command information (or identification information,
Separating means for separating command information and terminal information), collating the identification information separated by the separating means with the identification information stored in the first storage means, and comparing the separated identification information with the first information. In the case where the identification information stored in the storage means matches and the instruction information separated by the separation means is a new registration instruction (or an update instruction), the separated terminal information is stored in the second storage means. And executing means for newly registering (or updating) the command information and executing the command information separated by the separating means when the command information separated by the separating means is command information other than new registration and updating. A server, characterized in that: 7. A home network system comprising at least a first terminal and a second terminal, a server, and a communication path connecting the first terminal, the second terminal, and the server. A server, wherein the server assigns and assigns identification information for identifying the first terminal and the second terminal, and assigns the instruction information and the identification information for identifying the type of the instruction. First storage means for storing, second storage means for storing terminal information of the first terminal, and identification information and instructions from information transmitted from the first terminal (or the second terminal). Separating means for separating information (or identification information, command information and terminal information); collating the identification information separated by the separating means with the identification information stored in the first storage means; Identification information of any terminal Identification means for identifying whether the information is different information, as a result of the identification by the identification means, when the separated identification information matches the identification information of the first terminal stored in the first storage means, The command information separated by the separating means is a new registration command (or an update command)
When the terminal information of the first terminal is
Is newly registered (or updated) in the storage means, and when the instruction information separated by the separation means is instruction information other than the new registration instruction and the update instruction, execution of the instruction information separated by the separation means is executed. Means, if the identification information obtained by the identification means matches the separated identification information with the identification information of the second terminal stored in the first storage means, Executing means for executing the instruction information. 8. The server according to claim 6, wherein the first storage unit and / or the second storage unit is configured by a non-volatile recording medium. 9. The server according to claim 6, wherein the server is configured to operate without interruption. 10. The server according to claim 6, wherein the first storage unit and / or the second storage unit is configured to be detachable. 11. A method for configuring a home network, comprising: setting a communication path between one server and each terminal so as to enable communication only between the server and the terminal; Unifying command information indicating the type of command between the terminal and the terminal; assigning and assigning identification information for identifying the terminal by the server; and providing the command information and identification by the server. A storage step of storing and storing information; a generation step in which the terminal generates terminal information which is information of its own terminal; and the terminal requests a new registration instruction (or an update instruction) in the terminal information to the server. In this case, a transmission step of adding command information of a new registration command (or update command) to the identification information and transmitting the command to the server; When requesting command information for terminal information or terminal information of another terminal from the server, transmitting the command information to the server together with its own identification information; and Identifying the source terminal; and the server stores the transmitted terminal information separately for each terminal when the transmitted instruction information is a new registration instruction (or an update instruction) of the terminal information, When the command information is command information other than the new registration command and the update command of the terminal information, executing the command information transmitted with respect to the registered terminal information to the source terminal. A method for configuring a home network. 12. When a home network including one server, a terminal, and a communication path connecting the server and the terminal is constructed, a control program for executing information management of the home network by a computer is recorded. Wherein the control program causes the computer to reserve a storage area for storing identification information for identifying the terminal and instruction information for identifying the type of instruction; and identifying the terminal. An assigning step of assigning and assigning identification information for performing the operation, a first storage step of storing the command information and the identification information, and a second storage step of storing terminal information that is information of the terminal. Separating identification information and command information (or identification information, command information and terminal information) from information transmitted from the terminal Separating the identification information separated in the separation step and the identification information stored in the first storage step, and comparing the separated identification information with the identification information stored in the first storage step. In the case where the information matches, if the command information separated in the separation step is a new registration command (or an update command), the separated terminal information is newly registered (or updated) in the second storage step. And a step of executing the command information separated in the separation step when the separated command information is other than the registration command and the update command. 13. A home network system including at least a first terminal and a second terminal, one server, and a communication path connecting the first terminal, the second terminal, and the server. Is a recording medium on which a control program for executing information management of a home network by a computer is recorded, wherein the control program is used to identify a first terminal and a second terminal to the computer. Securing a storage area for storing instruction information for identifying the identification information and the type of instruction, and assigning and assigning identification information for identifying the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively. A first storage step for storing the command information and the identification information; and a second storage step for storing terminal information that is information of the first terminal.
A separating step of separating identification information and command information (or identification information, command information and terminal information) from information transmitted from the first terminal (or the second terminal); An identification step of comparing the identification information separated in the step with the identification information stored in the first storage step to identify which terminal the separated identification information is, and As a result of the identification, when the identification information of the separated first terminal matches the identification information of the first terminal stored in the first storage step, the instruction separated in the separation step When the information is a new registration command (or an update command), the separated terminal information is newly registered (or updated) in the second storage step.
Or when the instruction information separated in the separation step is other than a registration instruction and an update instruction, an execution step of executing the instruction information separated in the separation step, and as a result of the identification step, the separated A step of executing the separated command information when the identification information matches the identification information of the second terminal. 14. A home network system, wherein a communication path is set only between each terminal and one server, and communication is possible only between the terminal and the server. Each is configured to register the generated own terminal information in the server, and when executing an instruction on the terminal information registered in the server, requesting the server to execute the instruction. The server stores the identification information for identifying each terminal and the terminal information transmitted in association with the identification information in the storage unit, and when the terminal requests a command regarding the terminal information, A home network system configured to execute the instructions.