JP2010074640A - Control terminal, control signal processing apparatus, and information management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control terminal, a control signal processor and an information management method, which can realize the system management desired by an administrator. <P>SOLUTION: A master control terminal 400 is employed in a device control system 100 in which a controlled device 200 is operated by receiving a control signal output from each of a slave control terminal 300 and the master control terminal 400. In this instance, the master control terminal 400 includes a terminal operation unit 403 to be operated by a user, a communication unit 402 which responds to the operation in the terminal operation unit 403 to obtain a history of the operation which has been performed by the slave control terminal 300 and is intended for the controlled device 200, and an operation history showing unit 414 for showing the obtained history of the operation to a user who is operating the terminal operation unit 403. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control terminal for operating a controlled device by a control signal, and a control signal processing apparatus and an information management method used in a device control system in which the control terminal is used. The present invention relates to a control terminal, a control signal processing device, and an information management method for operating a controlled device.

  In recent years, operation contents and operation forms for household electric appliances (hereinafter referred to as “controlled devices”) represented by televisions, video recorders, audio devices and the like have been diversified. This is due to, for example, diversification of information handled in controlled devices and complexity of device control systems.

  With the diversification of information, it has become necessary for users to limit their operations according to the person performing the operation, such as limiting the viewing operation of television programs that should not be viewed by children. . In addition, as the device control system becomes more complicated, it becomes necessary for the user to restrict the operation according to the device, for example, when the user competes with a plurality of control terminals and the user wants to restrict one of the operations. ing. That is, a device control system capable of controlling the validity / invalidity of the operation is required.

  Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that restricts operations according to users. The system described in Patent Literature 1 registers in advance information defining controlled devices that can be operated for each user, and controls the validity of the operation based on this information.

  In addition, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a device that arbitrates when a plurality of control terminals compete with each other for operation. For example, when operations compete at a plurality of control terminals targeting the same controlled device, the apparatus described in Patent Literature 2 controls the validity of the operation according to the priority order of the user's operation authority registered in advance. The device described in Patent Literature 2 presents registered priority orders to the user and accepts the change.

By using these conventional techniques, the operation of the controlled device from the control terminal can be limited according to the control terminal or the controlled device. Further, the content of the restriction can be arbitrarily changed later.
JP 2001-86571 A JP 2007-194974 A

  However, the techniques described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 have a problem that it is difficult to realize system management desired by an administrator.

  The reason is as follows. The administrator of the device control system not only determines the status of the device control system but also the usage status of the user who uses the device control system, when and how to change the content of the rights related to the operation (hereinafter referred to as “right content”). Judgment is often taken into consideration. For example, when a parent learns that a child is just listening to an animation program, the parent wants to change the content of the rights so that the viewing time allowed for the child is shortened or only a news program or an educational program is permitted. I hope.

  However, the administrator does not always realize the system management desired by himself / herself by correctly grasping the system usage status of the user. For example, when a television is installed in a child's room, even if the child listens only to an animation program, the parent does not know the actual situation, so the content of the rights is not changed and the situation is not improved.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a control terminal, a control signal processing device, and an information management method capable of realizing system management desired by an administrator.

  The control terminal of the present invention is a control terminal used in a device control system in which one or a plurality of controlled devices are operated by receiving a control signal output from each of one or a plurality of control terminals, An operation unit for a user to perform an operation, and an operation history for the controlled device by another control terminal used in the device control system in response to an operation in the operation unit, or operating the operation unit An operation history acquisition unit for acquiring at least one of operation histories for the controlled device by a user other than a user who is present, and an operation for presenting the acquired operation history to a user who is operating the operation unit And a history presentation unit.

  The control signal processing apparatus of the present invention is a control signal processing apparatus used in a device control system in which one or more controlled devices are operated by receiving control signals output from one or more control terminals. The communication unit that receives the control signal output from the control terminal on behalf of the controlled device, the usage right information that defines the right of operation for the controlled device, and the usage right information A right-of-use acquisition unit for acquiring consumed right-of-use information that is information indicating an already consumed part of the right to be used and is an operation history presented to the user, and receiving the control signal from the controlled device A right-of-use verifying unit that determines whether or not to accept the transfer as a target of transfer based on the right-of-use information and the consumed right-of-use information, and a control signal determined to be accepted to the controlled device A device control execution unit to be sent, and a consumed usage right update unit that acquires the operation content executed by transferring the control signal of the device control execution unit and adds the acquired operation content to the consumed usage right information And have.

  The information management method of the present invention is an information management method used in a device control system in which one or more controlled devices are operated by receiving a control signal output from each of one or more control terminals. , Performing user authentication for a user operating the control terminal, and confirming that a predetermined user is operating the control terminal, the other control used in the device control system At least one of a history of operations on the controlled device by a terminal or a history of operations on the controlled device by a user other than the predetermined user is presented to a user who has been subject to user authentication. Steps.

  According to the present invention, the administrator can check the operation history of the control terminal and determine when and how to change the contents of the usage right information, so that the system management desired by the administrator can be realized. it can.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a system for remotely controlling a home electric appliance will be described.

  In FIG. 1, the device control system 100 includes a controlled device 200, a child control terminal 300, a parent control terminal 400, and a control signal processing device 500.

  Communication is possible between the parent control terminal 400, the child control terminal 300, and the control signal processing device 500. Further, the control signal processing device 500 is arranged in the controlled device 200 and can communicate with the controlled device 200. The communication method between devices may be the same or different. As a communication method between devices, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN) can employ near-infrared communication or other short-range wireless communication, or a plurality of wireless communication methods can be used in combination. For example, near-infrared communication can be used for transmitting a control signal for operating the controlled device 200, and a wireless LAN can be used for other information transmission / reception. In addition, a LAN can be adopted as a communication method between devices installed at a fixed position. Here, it is assumed that the parent control terminal 400, the child control terminal 300, and the control signal processing device 500 communicate via a wireless LAN. Hereinafter, the parent control terminal 400 and the child control terminal 300 are collectively referred to as “control terminals” as appropriate.

  The controlled device 200 operates in response to an operation from the control terminal. The controlled device 200 is a content reproduction device such as a television, a radio, a display, a DVD (digital versatile disc) player, an audio player, or a game machine, and is a television here. The controlled device 200 receives program data, content, program information, time information, and the like from a broadcast station via a broadcast network or from a broadcast server via a communication network. The controlled device 200 performs processing such as display switching according to the instruction content of the control signal input from the control signal processing device 500 described later.

  The child control terminal 300 outputs a control signal for operating the controlled device 200 in response to a user operation. The child control terminal 300 is a terminal equipped with a remote controller function, such as a dedicated remote controller (remote controller), a mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistants), or a PC (personal computer). Here, the child control terminal 300 is a remote controller dedicated to a specific user other than the system administrator.

  Similar to the child control terminal 300, the parent control terminal 400 receives a user operation and outputs a control signal for operating the controlled device 200. Further, unlike the child control terminal 300, the parent control terminal 400 has a function for managing information (hereinafter referred to as “use right information”) that defines the right of operation for the controlled device 200. Specifically, this function presents information related to the contents of the operation to the controlled device 200 by the child control terminal 300 (hereinafter referred to as “operation history”) to the system administrator, and the contents of the usage right information are specified by the system administrator. This function accepts changes. The usage right information defines, for example, a content such as “usable up to 3 hours per day”. The parent control terminal 400 is, for example, a terminal equipped with a remote controller function, and is a remote controller dedicated to a system administrator.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the parent (administrator) is a system administrator who has the authority to change the specified contents of the usage right information, and the child (managed person) is an unauthorized user. Give an explanation. The true user of the parent control terminal 400 is a parent, and the true user of the child control terminal 300 is a child.

  The control signal processing device 500 determines whether or not to input each control signal output from the control terminal to the content reproduction processing unit (not shown) of the controlled device 200 based on the usage right information and the consumed usage right information. To control. The consumed usage right information is information indicating a portion that has already been consumed among the rights defined by the usage right information. The consumed usage right information is, for example, information indicating a content such as “2 hours used per day”. The control signal processing device 500 is a device that can control the controlled device 200, such as a PC, a server on a network, a home server, or a hard disk recorder, and is built in or externally attached to the controlled device 200. Here, the control signal processing apparatus 500 is a hard disk recorder built in the controlled device 200.

  In such a device control system 100, both the parent and the child can individually operate the controlled devices 200 within the range permitted by the usage right information. Further, the parent can check the operation history of the child and determine when and how to change the prescribed content of the usage right information. That is, the device control system 100 can realize appropriate parental control regarding the use of the controlled device 200.

  Next, the configuration of each device will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of each device of the device control system 100 shown in FIG.

  First, the configuration of the controlled device 200 will be described.

  The controlled device 200 includes a content reproduction processing unit that performs processing such as television program display and display switching in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the control terminal via the control signal processing device 500. The controlled device 200 includes an arithmetic device such as a CPU (central processing unit), a storage device such as a ROM (read only memory) storing a control program, and a working memory such as a RAM (random access memory), although not shown. Have. The functions of the above-described units are realized, for example, when the CPU executes a control program.

  Next, the configuration of the child control terminal 300 will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the child control terminal 300 includes a central processing unit 301, a communication unit 302, a terminal operation unit 303, a user authentication unit 311, a usage right information storage unit 312, and a non-acceptance notification unit 313.

  The central processing unit 301 controls the overall operation of the terminal itself.

  The communication unit 302 establishes a wireless LAN session (hereinafter simply referred to as “session”) in response to a user operation, and performs communication with other devices. However, the communication unit 302 transmits a control signal for controlling the controlled device 200 only when it is confirmed by a user authentication unit 411 described later that a true user (child) is operating. . Further, when a session is established with the parent control terminal 400 or the control signal processing device 500, the communication unit 302 transmits and rewrites information stored in the own device in response to a request from the other party. I do.

  The terminal operation unit 303 has a user interface (not shown) such as a plurality of key switches or a touch panel, and accepts various operations by the user. In addition, the terminal operation unit 303 transmits a control signal indicating the operation content by the user to the control signal processing device 500 via the communication unit 302. In addition, the terminal operation unit 303 transmits use right information and consumed use right information stored in a later-described use right information storage unit 312 to the control signal processing device 500 when the control signal is transmitted.

  The user authentication unit 311 performs user authentication to check whether or not the user who operates the terminal is a true user of the terminal. The user authentication unit 311 inputs authentication information such as a password or a question answer, or biometric information such as a fingerprint, a voice print, or a vein pattern, for example. And the user authentication part 311 performs the said user authentication by collating the input information with the information previously registered as a thing of a true user. Note that the user authentication unit 311 is not necessary when any user is allowed to operate the child control terminal 300.

  The usage right information storage unit 312 uses the usage right information that defines the right of the true user of the terminal itself (hereinafter referred to as “usage right information of the own terminal”) and the right defined by the usage right information. And used consumption right information (hereinafter referred to as “consumed use right information of own terminal”) indicating the acquired right.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information stored in the usage right information storage unit 312.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the usage right information storage unit 312 stores usage right information 611 and consumed usage right information 612 of the terminal itself. The usage right information 611 and the consumed usage right information 612 are accessible from the parent control terminal 400 and the control signal processing device 500 via the communication unit 302 when a session is established.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the usage right information 611.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the usage right information 611 describes one or a plurality of right items as a list, and valid / invalid is set for each item. Examples of rights items that can be set are as follows. The information related to the consumed usage rights is subject to items with time restrictions or frequency restrictions.

・ Time of day ・ Specify day of the week ・ Channel ・ Total usage time ・ Total time per day ・ Number of times ・ Number of times per day ・ Content type (drama, news, animation, game, Internet, etc.)
・ By content (program name, title, etc.)

  Here, the right item of the channel or content type may be able to write information indicating whether or not the channel can be parental locked or information indicating whether or not the parental lock is being applied.

  The usage right information 611 can also be described in the following format using tags.

<rights>
<device>
<validity>
<notBefore> Apr 4 15: 00: 002008 GMT </ notBefore>
<notAfter> Apr 4 20: 00: 002008 GMT </ notAfter>
</ validity>
</ device>
</ rights>

  The right-of-use information 611 is in a data format that can be easily processed by the CPU as in the above format inside the device control system 100, and when presented to the user, it is converted into a language such as Japanese and displayed in text or voice output. It is desirable that Thereby, reduction of processing load and the convenience of a user's use can be made compatible.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the consumed usage right information 612.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the consumed usage right information 612 describes one or more consumed right items. Here, the consumed usage right information 612 describes a consumed portion of the content of the right “2 hours used per day”. Thereby, it can be seen that among the rights that can be used for up to 3 hours a day, the rights for 2 hours are consumed and the rights for the remaining 1 hour remain.

  Similarly to the usage right information 611, the consumed usage right information 612 can be described using tags.

<used-rights>
<used-device>
<used-validity>
<notBefore> Apr 4 15: 30: 2008 GMT </ notBefore>
<notAfter> Apr 4 17: 00: 002008 GMT </ notAfter>
</ used-validity>
</ used-device>
</ used-rights>

  When the usage right information 611 is not consumed at all, the data in the <used-validity> is empty. Note that the usage right information storage unit 312 may not store the consumed usage right information 612 when the usage right information 611 is not consumed at all.

  When the control signal output from the terminal itself is not received by the control signal processing device 500, the non-acceptance notification unit 313 in FIG. 2 notifies the user to that effect by outputting a voice message or displaying a text message.

  Although not shown, the child control terminal 300 includes an arithmetic device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM storing a control program, and a working memory such as a RAM. For example, the CPU executes the control program by executing the control program described above. Implement the functions of each part.

  According to such a child control terminal 300, a control signal for operating the controlled device 200 in response to the operation of the user (child), the use right information of the own terminal, and the consumed use right information are controlled. It can be transmitted to the signal processing device 500. In addition, the child control terminal 300 can accept information reading and information rewriting from the parent control terminal 400 or the control signal processing device 500 for its own usage right information and consumed usage right information.

  Next, the configuration of the parent control terminal 400 will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the parent control terminal 400 includes a central processing unit 401, a communication unit 402, a terminal operation unit 403, and a user authentication unit 411. Since these have the same functions as the central processing unit 301, the communication unit 302, the terminal operation unit 303, the user authentication unit 311, the usage right information storage unit 312 and the non-acceptance notification unit 313 of the child control terminal 300, explanations will be given. Is omitted. The parent control terminal 400 further includes an operation history presentation unit 414 and a usage right rewriting unit 415.

  The operation history presenting unit 414 acquires the operation history of the child control terminal 300 via the communication unit 402 and presents the acquired operation history of the child control terminal 300 to the user. However, the operation history presentation unit 414 presents the operation history only when the user authentication unit 411 confirms that the true user (parent) is operating.

  In the present embodiment, the consumed usage right information of the child control terminal 300 stored in the control signal processing device 500 is used as the operation history of the child control terminal 300 as described later. That is, the operation history presentation unit 414 obtains the operation history of the child control terminal 300 by requesting the control signal processing device 500 to transmit the consumed usage right information of the child control terminal 300 via the communication unit 402. To do.

  In response to a user operation, the usage right rewriting unit 415 accesses the usage right information storage unit 312 of the child control terminal 300 via the communication unit 402 and accepts a change by the user to the contents of the usage right information of the child control terminal 300. . Specifically, however, the usage right rewriting unit 415 accepts the change of the content of the usage right information only when the user authentication unit 411 confirms that the true user (parent) is operating.

  Although not shown, the parent control terminal 400 has an arithmetic device similar to that of the child control terminal 300, a storage device storing a control program, and a working memory. For example, the function of each unit described above is executed by the CPU executing the control program. To realize.

  According to such a parent control terminal 400, a control signal for operating the controlled device 200 can be transmitted to the control signal processing device 500 in response to a user operation. The parent control terminal 400 receives the operation of the true user, presents the operation history of the child control terminal 300 to the parent who is the true user of the own terminal, and changes the usage right information of the child control terminal 300. be able to.

  Next, the configuration of the control signal processing device 500 will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the control signal processing device 500 includes a device control execution unit 504, a communication unit 502, a usage right verification unit 516, and a consumed usage right update unit 517. Further, although not shown, the control signal processing device 500 includes a time information acquisition unit and a program information acquisition unit.

  For example, the time information acquisition unit acquires time information from a clock function of the control signal processing device 500 or from the controlled device 200 or a broadcast server (not shown).

  The program information acquisition unit acquires program information for each channel of the controlled device 200 and genre information of the program from the controlled device 200 or a broadcast server (not shown).

  The communication unit 502 establishes a session with another device and performs communication. The communication unit 502 receives the control signal for controlling the controlled device 200, the usage right information and the consumed usage right information of the control terminal, which are received from the control terminal. In addition, when a session is established with the parent control terminal 400, the communication unit 502 transmits information stored in the own device in response to a request from the parent control terminal 400.

  The device control execution unit 504 controls the input of the control signal received from the control terminal by the communication unit 502 to the controlled device 200 based on the verification result of the usage right information by the usage right verification unit 516 described later. Specifically, the device control execution unit 504 transfers, to the content reproduction processing unit of the controlled device 200, a control signal that is determined to be accepted as a transfer target to the controlled device 200 by the usage right verification unit 516. . However, the device control execution unit 504 does not transfer the control signal determined not to be accepted to the content reproduction processing unit of the controlled device 200. In addition, the device control execution unit 504 determines that the controlled device 200 receives a control signal non-acceptance signal or an acceptance signal within a predetermined time from reception of the control signal, depending on whether the control signal is transferred. Reply to the sender of The non-acceptance signal or the acceptance signal may be transmitted by another device unit such as the usage right verification unit 516. The unacceptable signal is, for example, an NG message in the session, and the accepted signal is an OK message in the session.

  In addition, the device control execution unit 504 transmits a restriction signal to the controlled device 200 together with the control signal as necessary. The restriction signal is a signal for restricting the operation of the controlled device 200 by the control signal. This restriction of operation is, for example, restriction of display time, restriction of display program, and the like. Depending on the content of the restriction, the restriction signal may be omitted because it can be realized only by processing the control signal and the controlled device 200 may not support the restriction signal. For example, the restriction signal can be omitted by transmitting only the control signal to the controlled device 200 and stopping the transmission at a timing when the restriction condition is not satisfied.

  The usage right verification unit 516 verifies whether or not the control signal received by the communication unit 502 from the control terminal is received based on the usage right information and the consumed usage right information transmitted together with the control signal. The usage right verification unit 516 performs verification based on the time information or the program information acquired by the time information acquisition unit and the program information acquisition unit when the usage right information includes restrictions on time and programs. The control signal determined to be accepted as the transfer target to the controlled device 200 is transferred to the controlled device 200 by the device control execution unit 504 as described above.

  The consumed usage right update unit 517 updates the consumed usage right information of the control terminal via the communication unit 502 based on the content of the operation performed on the controlled device 200. Specifically, the consumed usage right update unit 517 stores consumed usage right information received from the control terminal. Then, the consumed usage right update unit 517 adds the operation content executed by the control terminal to the consumed usage right information as a consumed right item, and the new consumed usage right information is stored in the control terminal. Overwrites consumed usage rights information. The consumed usage right update unit 517 can be accessed from the parent control terminal 400 via the communication unit 502 when a session is established.

  In addition, the control signal processing device 500 includes a device unit (not shown) for recording a video signal received by the controlled device 200 as a functional unit of a television hard disk recorder.

  Although not shown, the control signal processing device 500 includes an arithmetic device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM storing a control program, a working memory such as a RAM, an HDD (hard disk drive) for recording a video signal, and the like. Having a large-capacity storage medium. The functions of the above-described units are realized, for example, when the CPU executes a control program.

  According to the control signal processing apparatus 500 as described above, it is controlled whether or not to input the individual control signals output from the control terminal to the controlled device 200 based on the usage right information and the consumed usage right information. Can do.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the device control system 100 having the above configuration will be described.

  First, the overall operation of the child control terminal 300 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the child control terminal 300.

  First, in step S1100, the terminal operation unit 303 determines whether or not the operation of its own terminal has been started. If it has started (S1100: YES), the process proceeds to step S1200. (S1100: NO), the determination process is repeated.

  In step S1200, the user authentication unit 311 performs user authentication. If the user who started the operation is not a true user (S1200: NO), the process returns to step S1100, and the user who started the operation is a true user. If there is (S1200: YES), the process proceeds to step S1300.

  In step S1300, the terminal operation unit 303 determines whether an operation on the controlled device 200 (hereinafter referred to as “device operation”) has been performed. If the device operation has been performed (S1300: YES), step S1300 is performed. The process proceeds to S1400.

  In step S1400, the terminal operation unit 303 causes the communication unit 302 to establish a session with the control signal processing device 500, and includes a control signal indicating the content of the device operation, usage right information of the terminal itself, and consumed usage right information. Is transmitted to the controlled device 200 via the communication unit 302. These signals and information are received by the control signal processing device 500 of the controlled device 200. Communication while a session is established is managed by a session ID (identifier) set for each session.

  In step S1500, the terminal operation unit 303 determines whether or not the transmitted control signal is received by the controlled device 200. The received signal or the unacceptable signal from the controlled device 200 is received via the communication unit 302. Judgment by.

  This determination is made as follows, for example. The terminal operation unit 303 determines that the control signal has been received when the unacceptable signal is not received within a predetermined time or when the received signal is received within the predetermined time. Note that the terminal operation unit 303 determines that the control signal has not been received when it receives an unacceptable signal within a predetermined time or when it does not receive an accepted signal within a predetermined time.

  If the transmitted control signal is not accepted (S1500: NO), the terminal operation unit 303 proceeds to step S1600. If the transmitted control signal is accepted (S1500: YES), the terminal operation unit 303 proceeds to step S1700.

  In step S1600, the non-acceptance notification unit 313 notifies the user that the transmitted control signal is not accepted, that is, the operation performed by the user is invalid, and the process proceeds to step S1700.

  For example, when an operation reception screen for receiving a user operation is displayed on the child control terminal 300, the non-acceptance notification unit 313 indicates that the operation performed by the user is invalid on the operation reception screen. An operation invalid message indicating is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation reception screen on which an operation invalid message is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, an operation invalidation message 614 “Channel change: operation could not be executed (other than NHK is not permitted)” is pop-up displayed on the operation reception screen 613. By displaying such an operation invalid message 614, the child can know whether or not the operation performed by the child is permitted and the reason why the operation is not permitted, and the operation not permitted is wasted. You can avoid repeating it.

  In step S1700 of FIG. 6, the terminal operation unit 303 determines whether device operation by the same user is continued.

  This determination is made as follows, for example. The terminal operation unit 303 determines that the device operation by the same user is continued if a predetermined time has not elapsed since it was determined in step S1200 that the user authentication was performed by the user authentication. To do. Further, the terminal operation unit 303 determines that the device operation by the same user has not been continued when a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined in step S1200 that the operation was a true user by user authentication. To do. Thereby, the child control terminal 300 can confirm that the true user is operating every predetermined time.

  The time-out period may be different for each controlled device 200, each used content, or each user. Accordingly, it is possible to more accurately determine that the device operation by the same user is continued, and the security level can be set more appropriately.

  When the device operation by the same user is continued (S1700: YES), the terminal operation unit 303 returns to step S1300 to repeat the determination (S1300: NO), and when not continued (S1700: NO), The communication unit 302 is disconnected from the session with the control signal processing device 500, and the series of processes is terminated.

  The child control terminal 300 repeatedly executes the above processing. Thereby, the child control terminal 300 can transmit a control signal to the controlled device 200 every time a device operation is performed by a true user.

  Further, the child control terminal 300 accepts access of the parent control terminal 400 and the control signal processing device 500 to the usage right information storage unit 312 in parallel with the processing shown in FIG. As described above, this access is made possible by establishing a session between the parent control terminal 400 or the control signal processing device 500 and the child control terminal 300. As a result, the usage right information 611 of the child control terminal 300 is acquired and updated at an arbitrary timing by the usage right rewriting unit 415 of the parent control terminal 400, and the used usage right update unit 517 of the control signal processing device 500 is arbitrarily updated. Acquired at timing. Further, the consumed usage right information 612 of the child control terminal 300 is acquired and updated at an arbitrary timing by the consumed usage right updating unit 517 of the control signal processing device 500.

  Next, the overall operation of the parent control terminal 400 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the parent control terminal 400. Parts common to the child control terminal 300 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIG. 6, and description thereof is omitted.

  When the operation by the true user is started and the device operation is performed, the parent control terminal 400 establishes a session with the control signal processing device 500 and transmits a control signal in the same manner as the child control terminal 300 (step S1400). ), The process proceeds to step S1700. On the other hand, when the device operation is not performed (S1300: NO), the parent control terminal 400 proceeds to step S2100, unlike the child control terminal 300.

  In step S <b> 2100, the terminal operation unit 403 determines whether an operation for instructing display of the operation history of the child control terminal 300 (hereinafter referred to as “history display operation”) has been performed. The history display operation is, for example, pressing of a key switch for history display operation. If a history display operation has been performed (S2100: YES), the terminal operation unit 403 proceeds to step S2200. If a history display operation has not been performed (S2100: NO), the terminal operation unit 403 proceeds to step S2300.

  In step S2200, the operation history presentation unit 414 establishes a session with the child control terminal 300 with respect to the communication unit 402, and acquires an operation history (consumed use right information) of the child control terminal 300 from the child control terminal 300. . Then, the operation history presentation unit 414 presents the acquired operation history to the user, causes the communication unit 402 to disconnect the session with the control signal processing device 500, and proceeds to step S1700.

  The operation history is presented as follows, for example. If the terminal itself is provided with a display device such as a liquid crystal display, the operation history presentation unit 414 displays an operation history screen describing the contents of the acquired operation history on the display device. When the own terminal is provided with a sound output device such as a loudspeaker, the operation history presenting unit 414 may output a sound obtained by reading the operation history from the sound output device. Further, the operation history presenting unit 414 may display or sound output the operation history on the controlled device 200 regardless of the presence or absence of the display device or the sound output device of the terminal itself.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation history screen.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the operation history screen 615 describes “2 hours used per day”, for example. This indicates that the child used the television for 2 hours that day. Such an operation history screen 615 allows the parent to confirm an outline of the content of rights actually consumed among the content of rights used by the child.

  In the operation history screen, arbitrary information may be deleted from the consumed usage right information. As a result, the parent can delete the information that he / she has confirmed, and can appropriately maintain the data size of the information stored in the usage right information storage unit 312 without losing the purpose of the parent.

  Further, the operation history presentation unit 414 may acquire the consumed usage right information of the child control terminal 300 as an operation history indirectly from the control signal processing device 500.

  Further, the operation history presentation unit 414 indirectly acquires the control signal transmitted from the child control terminal 300 toward the control signal processing device 500 from the control signal processing device 500, and specifies the operation content specified by the control signal, It may be acquired as an operation history. In this case, it is also possible to acquire a history of operations that have not been accepted but have not been accepted, for example, by trying at the child control terminal 300.

  Such an operation history may be acquired as follows, for example. The control signal processing device 500 transmits the control signals received from the child control terminal 300 to the parent control terminal 400 in real time or in a stored and batched manner. The operation history presentation unit 414 analyzes the received control signal of the child control terminal 300, and acquires the operation content intended by the control signal as the executed operation content. Then, the operation history presentation unit 414 accumulates the acquired operation contents, and creates an operation history screen that lists the accumulated operation contents to be presented.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation history screen generated from a control signal.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the operation history screen 615 displays individual operation contents performed in the child control terminal 300 such as “20:02: switching operation to 10 channels” in time series. Such an operation history screen 615 allows the parent to confirm the content of the rights used by the child.

  The operation history presenting unit 414 acquires the unacceptable signal unacceptable signal sent from the control signal processing device 500, and writes information such as “(invalid)” in the rejected operation content. May be.

  In step S2300 of FIG. 8, the terminal operation unit 403 determines whether an operation for instructing correction of the usage right information of the child control terminal 300 (hereinafter referred to as “use right correction operation”) has been performed. The usage right correcting operation is, for example, pressing of a key switch for starting the usage right correcting operation. The terminal operation unit 403 proceeds to step S2400 when the usage right correction operation is performed (S2300: YES), and proceeds to step S1700 when the usage right correction operation is not performed (S2300: NO). .

  In step S2400, the usage right rewriting unit 415 receives a change in the content of the usage right information of the child control terminal 300 from the user, and when the change is completed, the process proceeds to step S1700.

  The content of the usage right information is changed as follows, for example. The usage right rewriting unit 415 causes the communication unit 402 to establish a session with the child control terminal 300 and acquires the usage right information of the child control terminal 300 from the child control terminal 300 via the communication unit 402.

  The usage right rewriting unit 415 may perform mutual authentication using the authentication key between the usage right rewriting unit 415 and the usage right information storage unit 312 when accessing the usage right information storage unit 312. . In this case, for example, the authentication key is embedded in both the parent control terminal 400 and the child control terminal 300 at the time of manufacture. Alternatively, an authentication key may be shared between the parent control terminal 400 and the child control terminal 300 after exchanging certificates of the respective terminals held by the parent control terminal 400 and mutual authentication. In the latter case, it is possible to flexibly cope with an increase in the number of parent control terminals 400 or child control terminals 300. Alternatively, for key authentication, it may be possible to select which of an authentication key prepared in advance or a shared key obtained by key sharing processing is used. The key may be in the form of a common key or a public key. Further, the usage right rewriting unit 415 and the usage right information storage unit 312 may encrypt information exchanged between them.

  If the terminal itself is provided with a display device such as a liquid crystal display, the usage right rewriting unit 415 displays the acquired usage right information on the display device. When the own terminal is provided with an audio output device such as a loudspeaker, the usage right rewriting unit 415 may output a voice obtained by reading the usage right information from the audio output device. Further, the usage right rewriting unit 415 may display or output the usage right information on the controlled device 200 regardless of the presence or absence of the display device or the audio output device of the terminal itself.

  For example, the usage right rewriting unit 415 displays a change processing screen for changing the contents of the usage right information on the display device of the terminal itself based on the acquired usage right information.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the change processing screen.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the change processing screen 616 displays a plurality of rights items with icons indicating validity / invalidity. The change processing screen 616 accepts switching of validity / invalidity of each right item by a right item selection operation. Here, for example, an icon indicating that it is valid is attached to the right item “available for up to 3 hours per day”. This indicates to the child that 3 hours are permitted as a daily television viewing time. The change processing screen 616 may be a scroll screen.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state where the change processing screen 616 shown in FIG. 11 is scrolled. By adopting such a scroll screen, a large number of right items can be displayed as options or selection results.

  Note that the change processing screen 616 may accept registration of a new right item. This registration is performed by, for example, character input by the user or acquisition of a right item from the information server or the controlled device 200.

  By displaying such a change processing screen 616, even a parent who is not good at difficult device operation can arbitrarily and easily change the usage right information of the child control terminal 300 according to the situation, and the flexibility of the service Can be improved.

  Then, the usage right rewriting unit 415 updates the usage right information stored in the usage right information storage unit 312 of the child control terminal 300 via the communication unit 402 in response to a user operation. On the other hand, the session with the child control terminal 300 is disconnected.

  While it is determined by the determination process in step S1700 that the device operation by the same user is continued, the processes in steps S1300 to S2400 are repeated.

  The parent control terminal 400 repeatedly executes the above processing. Accordingly, the parent control terminal 400 can present the operation history of the child control terminal 300 to the true user every time the history display operation is performed by the true user. Further, the parent control terminal 400 can accept the modification of the usage right information of the child control terminal 300 every time the right of use is corrected by the true user.

  Note that the parent control terminal 400 may directly proceed from step S2200 to step S2300. As a result, the usage right information can be corrected immediately after the operation history is presented, and the operability can be improved.

  Next, the overall operation of the control signal processing apparatus 500 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the control signal processing apparatus 500.

  First, in step S3100, the communication unit 502 determines whether or not a control signal has been received from the control terminal. If it has been received (S3100: YES), the process proceeds to step S3200. : NO), the determination process is repeated.

  In step S3200, the usage right verification unit 516 determines whether or not to accept the received control signal as a transfer target to the controlled device 200. Specifically, the usage right verification unit 516 determines whether or not the content of the control signal is acceptable based on the usage right information and the consumed usage right information included in the received control signal.

  This determination is made as follows, for example. The usage right verification unit 516 first analyzes the operation content intended by the control signal. Then, the usage right verification unit 516 determines whether or not the analyzed operation content is included in the unconsumed portion of the content of the usage right information, and if included, determines that the control signal is received and included. If not, it is determined that the control signal is not accepted. The unconsumed part in the contents of the usage right information is the remaining part of the right contents indicated by the usage right information, excluding the consumed part of the right contents indicated by the consumed usage right information. For example, if the consumed part of the right content is “2 hours used per day” for the right content “available up to 3 hours per day”, the unconsumed part is “per day. It can be used for another hour. " This indicates that the television can be used for another hour. Therefore, when the television is turned on, the contents of this operation are included in the unconsumed portion of the contents of the usage right information.

  If the usage right verification unit 516 determines that the control signal is not accepted, the right content that caused the above determination among the right content of the usage right information is set to the source of the control signal (hereinafter referred to as “operation source”). To the user of the control terminal. In this case, the usage right verification unit 516 may use the display device of the control terminal or the controlled device 200. Thereby, the user can know the reason why the user's operation is not accepted.

  When the usage right verification unit 516 accepts the received control signal as an object to be transferred to the controlled device 200 (S3200: YES), the usage right verification unit 516 proceeds to step S3300, and when not accepted (S3200: NO), The process returns to step S3100.

  In step S3300, the device control execution unit 504 transfers the control signal determined to be accepted by the usage right verification unit 516 and the necessary restriction signal to the content reproduction processing unit of the controlled device 200.

  In step S3400, the consumed usage right update unit 517 updates the consumed usage right information stored in the operation source control terminal, disconnects the session with the child control terminal 300, and ends the series of processes. To do.

  This update is performed as follows, for example. The consumed usage right update unit 517 analyzes a control signal determined to be received by the usage right verification unit 516 from among the control signals received by the communication unit 502 from the control terminal, and determines the operation content intended by the control signal. , To obtain the content of the executed operation. The consumed usage right update unit 517 stores the consumed usage right information received from the operation source, adds the acquired operation content to the stored consumed usage right information, and stores the consumed usage right information. The used usage right information is updated with the new consumed usage right information. The operation content is added to the consumed usage right information, for example, by adding the elapsed time from the start time of the operation of the child control terminal 300 to the controlled device 200 to the used time of the consumed usage right information. . When the controlled device 200 ends the instructed process and returns a process end notification, the consumed usage right update unit 517 similarly uses the consumed usage right information based on the process end notification. Update. Thereby, the history of operation is reflected in the consumed usage right information.

  Further, when returning the unacceptable signal of the control signal, the usage right verification unit 516 or the device control execution unit 504 transmits the unacceptable signal to the operation source when returning from step S3200 to step S3100. When returning the acceptance signal of the control signal, the usage right verification unit 516 or the device control execution unit 504 transmits the acceptance signal to the operation source when proceeding from step S3200 to step S3300.

  The control signal processing device 500 repeatedly executes the above processing. Thus, each time the control signal processing device 500 receives a control signal from the control terminal, the control signal processing device 500 transmits the received control signal to the content reproduction processing unit of the controlled device 200 based on the corresponding usage right information and consumed usage right information. It is possible to control whether or not the input is made. In addition, every time the control signal processing apparatus 500 inputs a control signal to the content reproduction processing unit of the controlled device 200, the corresponding consumed usage right information is updated.

  When each device performs the operation as described above, the device control system 100 processes the control signal based on the usage right information and the consumed usage right information, and presents the operation history of the child control terminal 300 and the usage right. Information can be corrected. Further, the device control system 100 can limit the presentation of the operation history and the correction of the usage right information only when the parent is operating the parent control terminal 400.

  Next, an example of the operation of the device control system 100 based on a specific user operation will be described.

  First, an operation of the device control system 100 when a child operates a television as the controlled device 200 using a personal remote controller as the child control terminal 300 will be described. As described above, the control signal processing apparatus 500 is a hard disk recorder with a built-in television.

  First, a child operates a remote controller to select a channel in order to view a program on a television. Then, the remote control transmits a control signal including a command for causing the television to display the selected channel number and the broadcast of the channel on the television. Further, the remote controller transmits the usage right information and the consumed usage right information to the television. The contents of the usage right information of the remote control are set in advance by the parent.

  The television hard disk recorder determines whether or not to accept the control signal from the usage right information and the consumed usage right information.

  For example, in a hard disk recorder, if a control signal is a content that causes a television to display a broadcast, but the current time does not correspond to a TV usable time zone described in the usage right information, the control signal is not accepted. to decide.

  For example, the hard disk recorder determines that the control signal is not accepted if the channel number specified by the control signal does not correspond to the viewable channel number described in the usage right information.

  For example, the hard disk recorder determines that the control signal is not accepted when the genre of the program having the channel number specified by the control signal does not correspond to the viewable genre described in the usage right information.

  In addition, for example, when the genre of the program in the next time zone of the channel number specified by the control signal does not correspond to the viewable genre described in the usage right information, the hard disk recorder in the next time zone. It is determined that the control signal is not accepted. This determination is made regardless of the current program.

  In addition, for example, the hard disk recorder has a limited time in which the television can be used in a day in the usage right information, but if the consumed time indicated by the consumed usage right information is less than this limited time, the control is performed. Judge to accept the signal.

  When the hard disk recorder determines that it does not accept the control signal sent from the remote controller, it notifies the child accordingly. The hard disk recorder, for example, for a television content playback device, a control signal indicating that an operation invalid message is displayed on the television display, and “the time limit for one day has been exceeded” or “specified” Notifications such as “Channel not available” are sent. If the notification content to which the identification information is assigned is stored in advance in the television, the hard disk recorder may designate the notification content by transmitting the identification information.

  When it is determined that the hard disk recorder accepts the control signal sent from the remote controller, the hard disk recorder transmits a control signal and a necessary limit signal to the television content reproduction apparatus. Further, the hard disk recorder updates the consumed usage right information of the remote controller.

  The television performs processing according to the control signal and the limit signal. Specifically, the television displays a program of a designated channel, stops displaying when the time limit of 30 minutes elapses, or turns off the power. Moreover, when the television ends the process instructed by the control signal, the television transmits a process end notification to the hard disk recorder.

  When the hard disk recorder receives the processing end notification, it updates the consumed usage right information of the remote controller.

  By the operation of the device control system 100 as described above, the child can operate the television using the remote controller within the range permitted by the parent.

  Next, the operation of the device control system 100 when the parent confirms the operation history of the child and changes the content of the right-of-use information of the child's remote controller will be described.

  When the parent wants to check the operation history of the child's television, he / she operates the parent control terminal 400 which is a remote controller for himself / herself and stores the child control terminal 300 stored in the child control terminal 300 which is a child-specific remote controller. Select to display operation history. Then, the parent remote controller reads the operation history (consumed use right information) of the child remote controller, and displays, for example, the operation history screen shown in FIG. 9 on the display of the parent remote controller. Thereby, the parent can confirm, for example, the time when the child used the television or the program viewed while the parent was absent.

  When the parent determines from the operation history of the child that the content of the right of the child should be changed, the parent operates the parent's remote control to select the change of the usage right information of the child's remote control. Then, the parent remote controller reads the usage right information from the child remote controller and displays, for example, a change processing screen shown in FIG. 11 on the parent remote controller. Thereby, the parent can arbitrarily change the usage right information of the child's remote control.

  For example, if a child who is allowed to “use up to 3 hours a day” is watching television for 3 hours every day, the parent can know this and can only watch educational programs. New restrictions can be added.

  In this way, the parent can adjust the child to use the television properly even if he is not always with the child. In addition, since the child and others cannot change the usage right information and the consumed usage right information of the child control terminal 300 without permission, the parent can correctly know the rights content and operation history of the child, and the rights content. It is possible to facilitate discussion between parents and children.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the parent can check the operation history of the child and determine when and how to change the content of the usage right information of the child control terminal 300. System management desired by parents can be realized.

  Note that the display of the usage right information and the operation history may be operable at the child control terminal 300. In this case, it is desirable to perform user authentication at least after information display.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 1)
As a first modification of the first embodiment, a mode suitable when there are a plurality of child control terminals 300 will be described.

  When there are a plurality of child control terminals 300, the parent control terminal 400 and the control signal processing apparatus 500 side identify the communication partner and the child control terminal 300 corresponding to the information, so that each child control terminal 300 Device operation control and information management are possible.

  Specifically, for example, a device (for example, the parent control terminal 400 or the control signal processing device 500) that has generated and updated the usage right information and the consumed usage right information signs the generated or updated information. Is granted. In this case, for example, when the control signal processing device 500 determines the usage right information and the consumed usage right information together with the control signal, each of the signatures is verified. Then, the control signal processing apparatus 500 re-signs the consumed usage right information when generating or updating the consumed usage right information using the usage right information. Note that the control signal processing apparatus 500 does not necessarily need to give a signature to the usage right information and the consumed usage right information held by itself.

  In addition, the device control system 100 may treat the initial usage right information and the consumed usage right information as integrated information by subtracting the consumed portion from the usage right information. Similarly, a signature is given to the integrated information.

  In the usage right information, an ID (identifier) of the child control terminal 300 to which each belongs may be described as a signature. For example, when the device ID of the first child control terminal 300 is “001”, the usage right information of the first child control terminal 300 may be described as follows.

<rights>
<device ID = 001>
<validity>
<notBefore> Apr 4 15: 00: 002008 GMT </ notBefore>
<notAfter> Apr 4 20: 00: 002008 GMT </ notAfter>
</ validity>
</ device>
</ rights>

  When the device ID of the second child control terminal 300 is “002”, the usage right information of the second child control terminal 300 may be described as follows.

<rights>
<device ID = 002>
<validity>
<notBefore> Apr 4 15: 00: 002008 GMT </ notBefore>
<notAfter> Apr 4 20: 00: 002008 GMT </ notAfter>
</ validity>
</ device>
</ rights>

  As a result, the parent control terminal 400 and the control signal processing device 500 can easily determine which child control terminal 300 the usage right information belongs to.

  Similarly, the ID of the child control terminal 300 to which each belongs may also be described as a signature in the consumed usage right information. For example, the consumed usage right information of the first child control terminal 300 may be described as follows.

<used-rights>
<used-device ID = 001>
<used-validity>
<notBefore> Apr 4 15: 30: 2008 GMT </ notBefore>
<notAfter> Apr 4 17: 00: 002008 GMT </ notAfter>
</ used-validity>
</ used-device>
</ used-rights>

  Further, for example, the consumed usage right information of the second child control terminal 300 may be described as follows.

<used-rights>
<used-device ID = 002>
<used-validity>
<notBefore> Apr 4 15: 30: 2008 GMT </ notBefore>
<notAfter> Apr 4 17: 00: 002008 GMT </ notAfter>
</ used-validity>
</ used-device>
</ used-rights>

  Thereby, the parent control terminal 400 and the control signal processing device 500 can easily determine which child control terminal 300 the consumed use right information belongs to.

  Since the parent control terminal 400 and the control signal processing apparatus 500 can determine which child control terminal 300 the usage right information or the consumed usage right information belongs to, the management of each child control terminal 300 is facilitated. . For example, a plurality of children can have one dedicated child control terminal 300, and the use of the controlled device 200 can be restricted for each child. Further, the control signal processing device 500 can centrally manage the usage right information and the consumed usage right information of the plurality of child control terminals 300.

  In addition, by using security technologies such as authentication, encryption, or signature together, even if the security level of communication between devices is not high, it is possible to prevent spoofing operations and falsification of information and perform safe and correct processing. it can. This mechanism can also be applied to a configuration with a single child control terminal 300.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 1)
As a second modification of the first embodiment, a mode suitable when there are a plurality of parent control terminals 400 will be described.

  When there are a plurality of parent control terminals 400, the parent control terminal 400 identifies the parent control terminal 400 that is the communication partner, so that the parent control terminal 400 can change the usage right information stored in the own terminal. It is possible to record what has been done.

  The usage right information storage unit 312 of the child control terminal 300 records change history information indicating which parent control terminal 400 has changed which right content every time the usage right information stored therein is modified. .

  The change history information is described as follows, for example.

<rights>
<device ID = 001>
<validity>
<givenbyDeviceID = 010>
<givenAt = Apr 1 00: 00: 002008 GMT>
<notBefore> Apr 4 15: 00: 002008 GMT </ notBefore>
<notAfter> Apr 4 20: 00: 002008 GMT </ notAfter>
</ validity>
</ device>
</ rights>

  Thereby, it is possible to confirm from which parent control terminal 400 or the child control terminal 300 which parent control terminal 400 has changed the usage right information.

(Modification 3 of Embodiment 1)
As a third modification of the first embodiment, a mode in which the control signal processing device is arranged as a device different from the controlled device will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device control system 100 according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the control signal processing device 500 is arranged between the child control terminal 300 and the parent control terminal 400 and the controlled device 200 independently of the controlled device 200. In this case, the device control execution unit 504 communicates with the content reproduction device that is the controlled device 200.

  As a result, the right to operate the general-purpose controlled device 200 can be managed, and the degree of freedom in system construction is improved.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a specific application form of the device control system 100 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the device control system 100 includes a control signal processing device 500 arranged in a control signal processing server 700, and includes a control signal processing server 700, a child control terminal 300, a parent control terminal 400, and a controlled device 200. However, it may be configured to be connected via the communication network 800. The communication network 800 is, for example, a home LAN or the Internet.

  As a result, the control signal processing device 500 can be managed at a location remote from the controlled device 200 or the control terminal.

(Modification 4 of Embodiment 1)
As a fourth modification of the first embodiment, a mode in which usage right information and consumed usage right information are stored in the control signal processing device will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device control system according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the child control terminal 300 is not provided with a usage right information storage unit, and instead, the control signal processing device 500 is provided with a usage right information storage unit 512. The usage right information storage unit 512 stores usage right information and consumed usage right information of the child control terminal 300 and the parent control terminal 400, respectively. In this case, the usage right information storage unit 512 manages the usage right information and the consumed usage right information by adding the identification information of the control terminal to which the information belongs. Further, the usage right rewriting unit 415 of the parent control terminal 400 designates the identification information and accesses the usage right information and the consumed usage right information in the usage right information storage unit 512.

  As a result, it is possible not only to centrally manage the usage right information and consumed usage right information of the plurality of child control terminals 300 in the control signal processing device 500, but also to use the usage right information and consumed usage rights in the control terminal. No need to store information. Therefore, access to these pieces of information from the child control terminal 300 can be easily restricted, and consumption of the storage capacity of the control terminal can be reduced. That is, even when the data size of the usage right information or the consumed usage right information is increased or the security level is increased, it is possible to flexibly cope with performance differences in the memory size and security function of each device. Further, when there are a plurality of controlled devices 200, the usage right information and the consumed usage right information can be managed for each controlled device 200.

  Note that the control terminal may store only one of the usage right information and the consumed usage right information. In addition, the usage right information and the consumed usage right information may be stored in the control terminal, and the control signal processing apparatus 500 may store a copy of the information in an auxiliary manner. As a result, correct processing can be performed even when the data of the consumed usage right information is destroyed, altered, or deleted in the child control terminal 300.

(Modification 5 of Embodiment 1)
As a fifth modification of the first embodiment, a mode in which usage right information and consumed usage right information are stored in a controlled device will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device control system according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, instead of providing the usage right information storage unit in the child control terminal 300 and the control signal processing device 500, the usage right information storage unit 212 is provided in the controlled device 200 separated from the control signal processing device 500. Is provided. The usage right information storage unit 212 is the same as the usage right information storage unit 512 shown in FIG. In this case, the usage right rewriting unit 415 of the parent control terminal 400 specifies the identification information and accesses the usage right information and the consumed usage right information in the usage right information storage unit 212 via the control signal processing device 500. .

  In other words, even when a plurality of controlled devices 200 are arranged, it is not necessary to add identification information for each controlled device 200 to the usage right information and the consumed usage right information. Information management for each is facilitated.

(Modification 6 of Embodiment 1)
As a sixth modification of the first embodiment, a mode in which the non-acceptance notification unit is arranged in the control signal processing device will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device control system according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the child control terminal 300 is not provided with a non-acceptance notification unit, and instead, the control signal processing device 500 is provided with a non-acceptance notification unit 513. In this case, the non-acceptance notification unit 513 notifies the user that the operation performed by the user is invalid when the control signal is not accepted by the control signal processing device 500. The non-acceptance notification unit 513 notifies the user of this notification using any of a display device and a sound output device (none of which are shown) provided in the control terminal, the controlled device 200, or the control signal processing device 500. Notify As a result, notification to the user can be made by any device, and the degree of freedom of the system configuration can be improved.

(Modification 7 of Embodiment 1)
As a seventh modification of the first embodiment, a mode in which a plurality of controlled devices are arranged will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device control system according to Modification 7 of Embodiment 1.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, the device control system 100 includes first to third controlled devices 200-1 to 200-3. The first to third controlled devices 200-1 to 200-3 are connected to the device control execution unit 504 of the control signal processing device 500, respectively.

  In this case, the device control system 100 manages the items constituting the usage right information and the consumed usage right information with the identification information of the controlled device 200 to which the item belongs. Thereby, the device control system 100 enables operation and information management for each controlled device 200.

  The identification information is a device name or device ID unique to the device. The device control system 100 desirably uses a device ID such as a MAC (media access control) address for management of the controlled device 200 in the system, and uses a device name for information notification to the user. In this case, the control signal processing device 500 or the control terminal stores a correspondence table of the device name, device ID, and transmission destination address of the controlled device 200 registered as the operation target.

  The device name is an identification name of a device that can be freely defined by the user, for example, “living room TV”, “kitchen TV”, “audio room speaker”, and the like. The device ID is unique information for uniquely identifying a device such as a manufacturing number or a MAC address. For example, when the control signal processing device 500 and the controlled device 200 are directly connected, the transmission destination address is an output destination such as “HDMI”, “composite”, or “digital audio output”. The transmission destination address is the IP (internet protocol) address of the controlled device 200 when connected to the network.

  The controlled device 200 may be registered in the correspondence table based on a user input in another device such as a PC or a mobile phone. Thus, the controlled device 200 to be operated can be registered while the user confirms. In addition, the controlled device 200 is registered in the correspondence table such that the controlled device 200 multicasts information necessary for registration in the correspondence table, and the control signal processing device 500 that has received the information describes the information in the correspondence table. It may be. Thereby, the burden on the user can be reduced, and the operation of the controlled device 200 can be started even when the user has no knowledge about information registration. The correspondence table may be stored in the control terminal.

  When performing an operation for each controlled device 200, the child control terminal 300 extracts a corresponding terminal ID from the above correspondence table when an operation is performed on the target device with the target device selected by the user. Then, the child control terminal 300 designates the extracted terminal ID as an operation target and sends a control signal. The control signal processing device 500 transfers the control signal only to the designated terminal ID. Note that when the controlled device 200 accepts only when the terminal ID of the received control signal matches the terminal ID of its own device, such processing of the control signal processing 500 is unnecessary. It is.

  When managing the usage right information for each controlled device 200, for example, the terminal ID of the child control terminal 300 is “001”, and the first to third controlled devices 200-1 to 200-3 are controlled. The device IDs are “00A”, “00B”, and “00C”, respectively. In this case, the usage right information of the child control terminal 300 is described as follows.

<rights>
<device ID = 001>
<target ID = 00A>
<validity>
<CH> 3 </ CH>
</ validity>
</ target>
<target ID = 00B>
<validity>
<notBefore> Apr 4 15: 00: 002008 GMT </ notBefore>
<notAfter> Apr 4 20: 00: 002008 GMT </ notAfter>
</ validity>
</ target>
<target ID = 00C>
<validity>
<hour> 3 </ hour>
</ validity>
</ target>
</ device>
</ rights>

  As described above, the usage right information can define the right content for each operation target.

  Also, the consumed usage right information can describe the content of the consumed rights for each operation target as in the case of the usage right information.

<used-rights>
<used-device ID = 001>
<used-target ID = 00A>
<used-validity>
</ used-validity>
</ used-target>
<used-target ID = 00B>
<used-validity>
<notBefore> Apr 4 15: 30: 2008 GMT </ notBefore>
<notAfter> Apr 4 17: 00: 002008 GMT </ notAfter>
</ used-validity>
</ used-target>
<used-target ID = 00C>
<used-validity>
<hour> 0.5 </ hour>
</ used-validity>
</ used-target>
</ used-device>
</ used-rights>

  In this example, the consumed usage right information is not consumed for the channel usage right of the controlled device 200 having the device ID “00A”.

  In the case of the parent control terminal 400 and other child control terminals 300, the usage right information and the consumed usage right information can be described in the same manner.

  Furthermore, the device control system 100 can present the contents of the usage right information to the user in an easy-to-understand manner by using the above correspondence table.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of usage right information. This notification content is displayed, for example, as a change processing screen, or output by voice by reading out.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the usage rights information presentation content 617 has a configuration in which the rights content is associated with the device name. Thereby, the user can easily confirm what rights are set for which controlled device 200.

  By adopting such usage right information and consumed usage right information, the control signal processing device 500 can perform appropriate signal processing for each control terminal and each controlled device 200, which is understood by the user. Information can be presented easily.

  When there are a plurality of controlled devices 200 as shown in FIG. 19, it is desirable that the device control system 100 be configured so that the controlled device 200 registered as a control target in the control signal processing device 500 can be confirmed. . For example, the control signal processing device 500 stores registered device information that lists the controlled devices 200 registered in the terminal itself. Then, the control terminal acquires the registered device information from the control signal processing device 500, and displays the listed controlled device 200 as an operation target option. Further, when the usage right information and the consumed usage right information are stored in the control signal processing apparatus as in the above-described modification 4, the usage right information and the consumed usage regarding all the control terminals and controlled devices 200 are used. It is possible to centrally manage the right information.

(Embodiment 2)
As Embodiment 2 of the present invention, when control signals output from a plurality of control terminals compete, which control terminal receives the control signal and which control terminal does not receive the control signal (hereinafter referred to as “win or loss as appropriate”). ”) Will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 21, the device control system 100a includes a child control terminal 300a, a parent control terminal 400a, and a controlled device 200a having a control signal processing device 500a.

  The child control terminal 300a has substantially the same configuration as the child control terminal 300 of the first embodiment, but has a winning / losing result notification unit 321a instead of the non-acceptance notification unit 313.

  The parent control terminal 400a has substantially the same configuration as the parent control terminal 400 of the first embodiment, but further includes a win / loss result notification unit 421a.

  The control signal processing device 500a has substantially the same configuration as the control signal processing device 500 of the first embodiment, but performs a process different from this in place of the device control execution unit 504 of the first embodiment. A device control execution unit 504a is included. The control signal processing device 500a further includes a win / loss determination rule storage unit 522a and a win / loss determination unit 523a.

  When the control signal output from the terminal itself is not accepted by the control signal processing device 500a, the winning / losing result notifying units 321a and 421a notify that by outputting a voice message or displaying a text message. The processing itself performed by the winning / losing result notifying units 321a and 421a is the same as the non-accepting notifying unit 313 of the first embodiment. However, the winning / losing result notifying unit 321a, 421a is implemented in that the notification content includes the result of determining the winning / losing of the operation with the other control terminal by the winning / losing determining unit 523a (hereinafter referred to as “winning / losing result”). This is different from the non-acceptance notification unit 313 of the first embodiment.

  The win / loss determination rule storage unit 522a stores win / loss determination rules. The winning / losing decision rule is information that defines which control signal should be accepted (winning) when a new control signal is received from a different control terminal.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the win / loss determination rule.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the win / loss determination rule 621a describes one or a plurality of rule items as a list. For example, the winning / losing determination rule 621a describes a rule item “the one whose usage right has been received first wins”. This prescribes that when a control signal is newly received from a different control terminal, the control signal received earlier is won.

  The win / loss determination rule 621a can also be described in the following format using a tag.

<rules>
<rule ID = 001>
<name> Parent control terminal has priority on even days, child control terminal has priority on odd days </ name>
<program> prog001 </ program>
</ rule>
<rule ID = 002>
<name> Automatically generate Amidakuji </ name>
<program> prog002 </ program>
</ rule>
<rule ID = 003>
<name> Determine by running automatic janken </ name>
<program> prog003 </ program>
</ rule>
<rule ID = 004>
<name> The one whose usage rights were accepted first wins </ name>
<program> prog004 </ program>
</ rule>
</ rules>

  When the winning / losing determining unit 523a in FIG. 21 receives a new control signal from a different control terminal, the control unit received by the communication unit 502 from the controlling terminal based on the winning / losing determining rule 621a stored in the winning / losing determining rule storage unit 522a Determine the victory or defeat of the signal.

  The device control execution unit 504a controls the input of the control signal to the controlled device 200a based on the verification result of the usage right information by the usage right verification unit 516 and the winning / losing result by the win / loss determination unit 523a. Specifically, the device control execution unit 504a performs content reproduction of the controlled device 200a for a control signal that is determined not to be accepted or lost by at least one of the usage right verification unit 516 and the win / loss determination unit 523a. Do not transfer to processing section.

  In addition, when the device control execution unit 504a does not transfer the control signal due to the winning / losing result, the device controlling executing unit 504a returns the winning / losing result to the control terminal that is the operation source. Furthermore, when the device control execution unit 504a does not transfer the subsequent control signal to the control terminal that has been transferring the control signal until then, the result of winning or losing is sent to the control terminal. Send. The winning / losing result transmitted to the control terminal is notified to the user by the winning / losing result notifying unit 321a or the winning / losing result notifying unit 421a of the control terminal.

  In addition, the device control execution unit 504a transmits a control signal non-acceptance signal or an acceptance signal or a limit signal as appropriate, similarly to the device control execution unit 504 of the first embodiment.

  As described above, when the control signal output from the child control terminal 300a and the control signal output from the parent control terminal 400a compete with each other, the device control system 100a performs any control according to a predetermined win / loss rule. The signal can be invalidated.

  The overall operation of child control terminal 300a and parent control terminal 400a is the same as that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the overall operation of the control signal processing apparatus 500a will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the control signal processing device 500a, and corresponds to FIG. 13 of the first embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  If the usage right verification unit 516 determines to accept a new control signal received by the communication unit 502 (S3100: YES, S3200: YES), the process proceeds to step S3210a.

  In step S3210a, the device control execution unit 504a checks whether the controlled device 200a is operating. For example, the device control execution unit 504a determines that the controlled device 200a is operating when the controlled device 200a is powered on, and controls the controlled device 200a when the controlled device 200a is powered off. Is determined not to be in operation.

  If the controlled device 200a is not in operation (S3210a: NO), the device control execution unit 504a proceeds to step S3300 and transfers a new control signal and a necessary limit signal to the controlled device 200a. This is because there is no control signal (hereinafter referred to as “previous control signal”) from the control terminal that started the control of the controlled device 200a first.

  On the other hand, if the controlled device 200a is in operation (S3210a: YES), the device control execution unit 504a proceeds to step S3220a.

  In step S3220a, the win / loss determination unit 523a determines whether or not to transfer a new control signal to the controlled device 200a. Specifically, the winning / losing determining unit 523a determines whether or not the previous control signal does not exist or the new control signal wins. The win / loss determination unit 523a determines whether or not the new control signal is a win, for example, as follows.

  For example, the win / loss determination unit 523a first selects a rule item to be used from the win / loss determination rule 621a, and determines or determines a win / loss of a new control signal according to the selected rule item. When there are a plurality of rule items, the winning / losing determining unit 523a may randomly select a rule to be used each time.

  For example, when the rule item “the parent control terminal has priority over the even days and the child control terminal has priority over the odd days” is selected, the win / loss determination unit 523a acquires time information including the date, and is the even day. Or win depending on whether it is an odd day.

  In addition, for example, when the rule item “automatically generate and determine the amida lottery” is selected, the win / loss determination unit 523a activates a program for selecting one of the control signals by the amida lottery and is selected by the amida lottery. Win the control signal. This selection may be performed as follows, for example. First, the winning / losing determining unit 523a assigns left or right identifiers to target control signals so as not to overlap each other, and randomly determines an identifier of a signal to be accepted as either left or right. Then, the win / loss determination unit 523a repeats the position inversion N times from the position, and selects the control signal having the same final identifier.

  In addition, for example, when the rule item “execute and execute automatic junken” is selected, the win / loss determination unit 523a activates a program that selects one of the control signals using janken, and the selected control signal Win. This selection may be performed, for example, by randomly generating and comparing janken hands for each control signal and selecting the control signal that won the janken.

  Further, for example, when the rule item “the one that has received the right to use first wins” is selected, the win / loss determination unit 523a wins the previous control signal.

  If the previous control signal does not exist or the new control signal wins (S3220a: YES), the win / loss determination unit 523a proceeds to step S3300 and transfers the new control signal to the controlled device 200a. Is done.

  On the other hand, if the previous control signal exists and the previous control signal is a win (S3220a: NO), the win / loss determination unit 523a proceeds to step S3230a.

  In step S3230a, the device control execution unit 504a transfers the previous control signal and the necessary restriction signal to the controlled device 200a, and proceeds to step S3400.

  Note that when the device control execution unit 504a does not transfer the control signal due to the winning / losing result, that is, when it is determined that it is losing to any of the control signals, the winning / losing result is determined to be lost. It returns to the transmission source of the judged control signal. As a result, the winning / losing result notifying unit 321a or 421a of the corresponding control terminal displays, for example, a winning / losing result notifying screen on the own terminal.

  By such an operation, the control signal processing device 500a determines whether or not the control signal competes every time a new control signal is received from the control terminal, and appropriately processes the control signal if there is a conflict. be able to.

  As described above, the device control system 100a according to the present embodiment can appropriately resolve these conflicts by controlling these control signals even when control signals from a plurality of control terminals compete with each other. The collision of control signals at 200 can be prevented. In addition, by making it possible to modify the winning / losing decision rule from the parent control terminal 400 in the same manner as the usage right information, it is possible to limit the operation of the child according to the rule intended by the parent.

(Modification of Embodiment 2)
As a modification of the second embodiment, a mode in which the winning / losing result notifying unit is arranged in the control signal processing device will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device control system according to a modification of the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the child control terminal 300a and the parent control terminal 400a are not provided with a winning / losing result notifying unit, and instead, the control signal processing device 500a is provided with a winning / losing result notifying unit 521a. In this case, when the control signal is not accepted by the control signal processing device 500a, the winning / losing result notifying unit 521a notifies the user that the operation performed by the user is invalid, and the control signal is lost. If it is, the winning / losing result is notified to the user. The winning / losing result notifying unit 521a performs these notifications by using a display device or a sound output device (both not shown) provided in the control terminal, the controlled device 200a, or the control signal processing device 500a.

  For example, the winning / losing result notifying unit 521a displays a winning / losing notification screen indicating the winning / losing result on the controlled device 200a.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a win / loss notification screen.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the winning / losing notification screen 622a describes, for example, “This television channel is changed to 4ch”. This indicates that the display of the program of the other channel is changed to the display of the program of the four channels. Such a win / loss notification screen 622a is displayed when, for example, when a program other than the 4-channel is viewed on a certain control terminal, an operation for instructing switching to the 4-channel is performed on another control terminal, and the control is performed. Displayed when the signal is won. As a result, when an operation of another user is performed while interrupting an operation of a certain user, both users can know that fact.

  The winning / losing notification screen 622a may also display who has performed the program switching, such as “Change to 4ch by Hanako's request”. In this case, the control signal processing device 500a stores in advance a correspondence table in which the identification information of the control terminal and the user name are associated with each other, and displays the name of the user corresponding to the operation source using the correspondence table. To do. As a result, the user who has invalidated the operation can know who is performing the valid operation.

  Thus, by arranging the winning / losing determining unit in the control signal processing apparatus 500a, the winning / losing determining unit can be eliminated from the control terminal, and the configuration of the control terminal can be simplified.

(Embodiment 3)
As Embodiment 3 of the present invention, an example will be described in which each control terminal targets a plurality of controlled devices to be operated, and a control signal that is not input to a specified controlled device is input to an alternative device. . Hereinafter, when control signals from a plurality of control terminals target one controlled device, changing the transfer destination of one of the control signals is referred to as “arbitration”.

  FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device control system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 2 of Embodiment 1. The same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 26, the device control system 100b includes a child control terminal 300b, a parent control terminal 400b, first to third controlled devices 200-1 to 200-3, and a control signal processing device 500b.

  The child control terminal 300b has almost the same configuration as the child control terminal 300 of the first embodiment, but has an arbitration result notification unit 331b instead of the non-acceptance notification unit 313.

  The parent control terminal 400b has substantially the same configuration as the parent control terminal 400 of the first embodiment, but further includes an arbitration result notification unit 431b.

  The control signal processing device 500b has almost the same configuration as the control signal processing device 500 of the first embodiment, but performs a process different from this in place of the device control execution unit 504 of the first embodiment. A device control execution unit 504b is included. The control signal processing apparatus 500b further includes an alternative device information storage unit 532b and an arbitration unit 533b.

  The arbitration result notification units 331b and 431b notify the user of the arbitration determination result (hereinafter referred to as “arbitration result”) by the arbitration unit 533b described later. Specifically, the arbitration result notification units 331b and 431b transfer the control signal output from the own terminal to an alternative device instead of the controlled device that is the target of the original control (hereinafter referred to as the “original operation target”). If so, the user is notified of this. Notification to the user is performed by outputting a voice message or displaying a text message. The processing itself performed by the arbitration result notification units 331b and 431b is the same as that of the non-acceptance notification unit 313 according to the first embodiment. Is different.

  The substitute device information storage unit 532b stores substitute device information. The substitute device information is information that defines to which other controlled device 200 the control signal is to be transferred when the controlled device 200 cannot be transferred to its original operation target.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of alternative device information.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the substitute device information 631b describes one or a plurality of information items as a list. For example, in the substitute device information 631b, an information item “substitute control signal“ watch news ”” is described in association with the television in the kitchen. This stipulates that, when the control signal for designating news display for the controlled device 200 other than the kitchen TV is to be invalidated, the control signal is transferred to the kitchen TV instead. To do.

  The alternative device information 631b can also be described in the following format using a tag.

<alternatives>
<target ID = 00A>
<allowedSignal>
<ext-input from = ”HDD Recorder”>
<mode> HD </ mode>
</ ext-input>
</ allowedSignal>
<denyedSignal>
<genre> News </ genre>
<ext-input from = ”Game Console” />
</ denyedSignal>
</ target>

<target ID = 00B>
<allowedSignal>
<genre> News </ genre>
</ allowedSignal>
</ target>

<target ID = 00C>
<allowedSignal>
<genre> Basic English </ genre>
</ allowedSignal>
</ target>
</ alternatives>

  However, the data in <denyedSignal> will be empty if there is no condition for no replacement. Also, if there is no condition for substitution, the data in <allowedsignal> will be empty as well.

  The arbitration unit 533b in FIG. 26 performs arbitration for the control signal based on the substitute device information 631b stored in the substitute device information storage unit 532b.

  The device control execution unit 504b controls the input of the control signal to the controlled device 200 based on the arbitration result by the arbitration unit 533b. Specifically, the device control execution unit 504b is a case where the original operation target of the received control signal has received an operation from another control terminal (that is, a case where the received control signal is not received), If there is an alternative device that can be transferred, the control signal is transferred to the alternative device.

  In addition, when the control signal is transferred to the alternative device based on the arbitration result, the device control execution unit 504b returns the arbitration result to the operation source. The returned arbitration result is notified to the user by the arbitration result notifying unit 331b or the arbitration result notifying unit 431b of the control terminal.

  In addition, device control execution unit 504b transmits a non-acceptance signal or an acceptance signal of a control signal or a limit signal as appropriate, similar to device control execution unit 504 of the first embodiment.

  As described above, when the control signal from the child control terminal 300b and the control signal from the parent control terminal 400b compete with each other, the device control system 100b transfers any control signal according to a predetermined arbitration rule. Can be changed to an alternative device.

  The overall operation of child control terminal 300b and parent control terminal 400b is the same as that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the overall operation of the control signal processing device 500b will be described.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the control signal processing apparatus 500b, and corresponds to FIG. 13 of the first embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  If the usage right verification unit 516 determines to accept a new control signal received by the communication unit 502 (S3100: YES, S3200: YES), the process proceeds to step S3210b.

  In step S3210b, the device control execution unit 504b determines whether or not the operation target of the control signal is in operation, and if it is not in operation (S3210b: NO), the process proceeds to step S3300, and a new control signal and The necessary restriction signal is transferred to the operation target.

  On the other hand, if the controlled device 200 is in operation (S3210b: YES), the device control execution unit 504b proceeds to step S3220b.

  In step S3220b, the arbitrating unit 533b determines whether or not the transfer destination of either the new control signal or the previous control signal can be changed to the substitute device based on the substitute device information. The arbitration unit 533b determines whether or not the transfer destination can be changed, for example, as follows.

  For example, when the genre of the program designated by the new control signal is defined as a genre that cannot be substituted in the original operation target, the arbitration unit 533b changes the transfer destination of the new control signal to the substitute device. Judge that you can not.

  For example, when the genre of the program specified by the new control signal is defined as a genre that can be replaced in the original operation target, the arbitration unit 533b changes the transfer destination of the new control signal to the replacement device. Judge that you can.

  Further, for example, when the external input destination specified by the new control signal is defined as an external input destination that cannot be replaced in the original operation target, the arbitration unit 533b uses the transfer destination of the new control signal as a replacement device. It is determined that it cannot be changed.

  Further, for example, when the external input destination and the recording mode specified by the new control signal are defined as a combination that can be replaced in the original operation target, the arbitration unit 533b sets the transfer destination of the new control signal as a replacement device. Judge that it can be changed.

  If the transfer destination of either the new control signal or the previous control signal can be changed to an alternative device (S3220b: YES), the arbitration unit 533b proceeds to step S3230b and is impossible. If not (S3220b: NO), the process returns to step S3100.

  In step S3230b, the device control execution unit 504b transfers the control signal that the arbitration unit 533b determines that the transfer destination can be changed to the substitute device specified in the substitute device information. Then, device control execution unit 504b transfers the other control signal to its original operation target, and proceeds to step S3400.

  When the control signal is arbitrated, the device control execution unit 504b returns the arbitration result to the transmission source of the control signal transferred to the alternative device. As a result, the arbitration result notification unit 331b or 431b of the corresponding control terminal displays, for example, an arbitration result notification screen on its own terminal.

  29 and 30 are diagrams illustrating an example of a state before and after switching of the arbitration result notification screen for switching display.

  As shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the arbitration result notification screen 632b describes, for example, “Living TV displays the high-definition content of the HDD recorder and news is displayed on the TV of the kitchen”. The arbitration notification screen 632b allows the user to know that his / her operation content is reflected on the controlled device 200 different from his / her operation target.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, device control system 100b can properly process these control signals even when control signals from a plurality of control terminals compete. Therefore, it is possible not only to prevent a collision of control signals in the controlled device 200 but also to realize a user operation using an alternative device. In addition, by making it possible to modify the substitute device information from the parent control terminal 400b in the same manner as the usage right information, it is possible for the child to use the substitute device according to the rules intended by the parent.

(Modification of Embodiment 3)
As a modification of the third embodiment, a mode in which the winning / losing result notifying unit is arranged in the control signal processing device will be described.

  FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device control system according to a modification of the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the child control terminal 300b and the parent control terminal 400b are not provided with an arbitration result notifying unit, and instead, the control signal processing device 500b is provided with an arbitration result notifying unit 531b. In this case, the arbitration result notifying unit 531b notifies the user that the operation performed by the user is invalid when the control signal is not accepted by the control signal processing device 500b, and arbitrates the control signal. In the case of failure, the mediation result is notified to the user. The arbitration result notifying unit 531b performs these notifications by using a display device or an audio output device (none of which is shown) provided in the control terminal, the controlled device 200, or the control signal processing device 500b.

  For example, the arbitration result notification unit 531b displays an arbitration notification screen on any controlled device 200.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arbitration notification screen.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the mediation notification screen 633b describes, for example, “News will be displayed on the kitchen TV”. By displaying such a mediation notification screen 633b on, for example, a television screen being viewed, the mediation result can be notified to the user quickly and easily.

(Embodiment 4)
As Embodiment 4 of the present invention, an example in which the control terminals have a common configuration will be described.

  FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control terminal according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and corresponds to the portion of child control terminal 300 or parent control terminal 400 of FIG. 2 of Embodiment 1. The same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  33, control terminal 900c has substantially the same configuration as parent control terminal 400 of the first embodiment. However, instead of the communication unit 402, the operation history display unit 414, and the usage right rewriting unit 415, the control terminal 900c includes a communication unit 402c, an operation history presentation unit 414c, and a usage right rewriting unit 415c that perform processing different from these. Have. The control terminal 900c further includes an update right information storage unit 941c.

  The communication unit 402c performs various types of communication including transmission of control signals regardless of which user is operating.

  The update right information storage unit 941c stores information (hereinafter referred to as “update right information”) that defines which user is a user (parent) who has the authority to change the contents of the usage right information. The update right information can be changed only by an operation of a user who has the authority to change the contents of the usage right information in the current update right information. The content of the update right information is, for example, the parent user ID.

  The operation history presentation unit 414c operates only when it is confirmed that the user confirmed by the user authentication unit 411 matches the user specified by the update right information stored in the update right information storage unit 941c. Present the history.

  The usage right rewriting unit 415c is used only when it is confirmed that the user confirmed by the user authentication unit 411 matches the user specified by the update right information stored in the update right information storage unit 941c. Accept changes to the content of the rights information.

  With such a configuration, the control terminal 900c has no user restriction on device operation, but can restrict the operation history presentation or the operation of changing the contents of the usage right information to only the parent. That is, it can be used as a remote control for both the parent and child. Further, since the mounting can be shared by all the control terminals, the degree of freedom of mounting is improved and the device control system 100c can be constructed at a lower cost.

  In each of the embodiments described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a system for remotely operating an electric home appliance has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is, for example, various devices having a plurality of control terminals for operating devices, such as a system that operates office automation (OA) devices in a company, a traffic system that controls the operation of a plurality of vehicles, and a school education system. It can be applied to the control system. For example, in the case of a school education system, the administrator is a teacher and the managed person is a student. Of course, the user who has the authority to change the contents of the usage right information and the user who does not have it differ depending on the system. It is.

  The control terminal, control signal processing apparatus, and information management method according to the present invention are useful as a control terminal, control signal processing apparatus, and information management method that can realize system management desired by the administrator. The control terminal, the control signal processing device, and the information management method according to the present invention are particularly suitable for a device control system in which a plurality of users individually and independently operate household electrical devices such as a television.

The system block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus control system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of each apparatus of the apparatus control system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the information which the usage right information storage part in Embodiment 1 stores The figure which shows an example of the content of the usage right information in Embodiment 1 The figure which shows an example of the content of the consumed use right information in Embodiment 1 The flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement of the child control terminal which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the operation reception screen in Embodiment 1. Flowchart showing overall operation of parent control terminal according to Embodiment 1 The figure which shows an example of the operation history screen in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the other example of the operation history screen in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the change process screen in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the state by which the change process screen in Embodiment 1 was scrolled Flowchart showing the overall operation of the control signal processing apparatus in the first embodiment. A block diagram showing a configuration of a device control system according to a third modification of the first embodiment The figure which shows an example of the application form of the equipment control system which concerns on the modification 3 of Embodiment 1. FIG. A block diagram showing a configuration of a device control system according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment A block diagram showing a configuration of a device control system according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment A block diagram showing a configuration of a device control system according to a sixth modification of the first embodiment The block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus control system which concerns on the modification 7 of Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the presentation content of the usage right information in the modification 7 of Embodiment 1 The block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus control system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the content of the winning / losing determination rule in Embodiment 2 Flowchart showing the overall operation of control signal processing in the second embodiment The block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus control system which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the winning / losing notification screen in the modification of Embodiment 2 The block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus control system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the content of the alternative apparatus information in Embodiment 3 Flowchart showing overall operation of control signal processing in Embodiment 3 The figure which shows an example of the adjustment result notification screen in Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the other example of the adjustment result notification screen in Embodiment 3. The block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus control system which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 3. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the mediation notification screen in the modification of Embodiment 3 The block diagram which shows the structure of the control terminal which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100, 100a, 100b Device control system 200, 200a Controlled device 212 Usage right information storage unit 300, 300a, 300b Child control terminal 301 Central processing unit 302 Communication unit 303 Terminal operation unit 311 User authentication unit 312 Usage right information storage unit 313 Non-acceptance notification unit 321a Win / Loss result notification unit 331b Arbitration result notification unit 400, 400a, 400b Parent control terminal 401 Central processing unit 402, 402c Communication unit 403 Terminal operation unit 411 User authentication unit 414, 414c Operation history presentation unit 415, 415c Use Right rewriting unit 421a Winning / losing result notifying unit 431b Arbitration result notifying unit 500, 500a, 500b Control signal processing device 502 Communication unit 504, 504a, 504b Device control execution unit 512 Usage right information storage unit 513 Non-acceptance notification unit 516 Usage right test Unit 517 Consumed usage right update unit 521a Win / loss result notification unit 522a Win / loss determination rule storage unit 523a Win / loss determination unit 531b Arbitration result notification unit 532b Alternative device information storage unit 533b Arbitration unit 700 Control signal processing server 800 Communication network 900c Control terminal 941c Update Rights information storage

Claims (13)

A control terminal used in a device control system in which one or more controlled devices are operated by receiving a control signal output from each of the one or more control terminals,
An operation unit for a user to perform an operation;
An operation history for the controlled device by another control terminal used in the device control system in response to an operation in the operation unit, or the controlled by a user other than the user operating the operation unit An operation history acquisition unit for acquiring at least one of operation history for the device;
An operation history presenting unit that presents the acquired operation history to a user who is operating the operation unit;
Control terminal. Use right information that prescribes the right of operation for the controlled device, and is information used to determine whether or not reception of the control signal can be restricted in the controlled device.
A usage right rewriting unit that accepts a change in the specified content of the usage right information from a user operating the operation unit;
The control terminal according to claim 1. A user authentication unit that performs user authentication for a user operating the operation unit;
The usage right rewriting unit
When it is confirmed that a user having the authority to change the specified content of the usage right information is operating the operation unit, the change of the specified content of the usage right information is accepted.
The control terminal according to claim 2. The operation history presentation unit
When it is confirmed that the authorized user is operating the operation unit, the operation history is presented.
The control terminal according to claim 3. A usage right information storage unit for storing at least a part defining the right of operation of the own terminal in the usage right information;
The control terminal according to claim 2. A control signal processing device used in a device control system in which one or more controlled devices are operated by receiving a control signal output from each of one or more control terminals,
A communication unit that receives the control signal output from the control terminal instead of the controlled device; and
Usage right information that defines the right of operation for the controlled device, and consumed usage that is information indicating an already consumed portion of the right specified by the usage right information and is an operation history presented to the user A usage right acquisition unit for acquiring right information;
A usage right verification unit that determines whether to accept the received control signal as an object of transfer to the controlled device based on the usage right information and the consumed usage right information;
A device control execution unit that transfers a control signal determined to be received to the controlled device;
A consumed usage right update unit that acquires the operation content executed by transferring the control signal of the device control execution unit, and adds the acquired operation content to the consumed usage right information;
Control signal processing device. A non-acceptance notification unit for notifying the determination result by the usage right verification unit to the user of the control terminal that has output the control signal to be the determination target
The control signal processing apparatus according to claim 6. A right-of-use information storage unit that stores at least a portion of the right-of-use information and the consumed right-of-use information that prescribes the right for the controlled device to which the own device is to transfer a control signal;
The control signal processing apparatus according to claim 6. When the control signals output from a plurality of control terminals compete with each other, the winning / losing decision is determined for receiving the control signal output from which control terminal and not receiving the control signal output from which control terminal. A part,
The control signal processing apparatus according to claim 6. A winning / losing result notifying unit for notifying a result of the determination by the winning / losing determining unit to a user of the control terminal that has output the control signal to be determined;
The control signal processing apparatus according to claim 9. Among the received control signals, further includes an arbitration unit that determines which other controlled device is to input a control signal that is not input to the controlled device specified by the control signal.
The control signal processing apparatus according to claim 6. An arbitration result notifying unit for notifying the determination result by the arbitration unit to the user of the control terminal that has output the control signal to be determined;
The control signal processing apparatus according to claim 11. An information management method used in a device control system in which one or more controlled devices are operated by receiving a control signal output from each of one or more control terminals,
Performing user authentication for a user operating the control terminal;
When it is confirmed that a predetermined user is operating the control terminal, a history of operations on the controlled device by other control terminals used in the device control system, or other than the predetermined user Presenting at least one of the history of operations on the controlled device by the user to the user subject to the user authentication;
An information management method.

Images