JP3552960B2 - Adapter device for network connection equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device connected to a network and an adapter device for a network connection device connected between the network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a system in which an electronic device or an electric device is connected to a network to receive a service from the network side has appeared, and a representative example thereof is an information device terminal such as a personal computer and a mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 17, the information device terminal 1 is connected to the mail server 3 via the network 2 and can receive an e-mail.
[0003]
In the above-described system, the information device terminal 1 receives a mail by one of a method called a mail delivery type shown in FIG. 18 and a method called a mailbox inquiry type shown in FIG.
[0004]
That is, in the method referred to as the mail distribution type shown in FIG. 18, mail is directly transferred from the mail server 3 to the mail client of the information device terminal 1. On the other hand, in a method called a mailbox inquiry type shown in FIG. 19, a mailbox corresponding to a user is provided in the mail server 3, and the mail client of the information device terminal 1 inquires whether a new mail has arrived. When a new mail has arrived, the mail is transferred from the mail server 3 to the mail client of the information device terminal 1 in response to this.
[0005]
When any of the above methods is adopted, the display of the arrival of the mail is performed by the information device terminal 1, for example, a pop-up display on the display function (CRT, liquid crystal display, LED, etc.) of the information device terminal 1. Or an icon is displayed, and an alarm sound is generated by a sound function (speaker).
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above method is based on the premise that the screen is in the on state, and if the screen is in the off state, it is impossible to know whether or not there is an incoming mail. Also, the display method differs depending on the client application, and may be difficult to understand. Furthermore, when the display by sound is adopted, the information device terminal 1 needs to have a sound function.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the current state of the above-described network-connected devices, and an object of the present invention is to provide an adapter device for a network-connected device capable of knowing the service status regardless of the device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An adapter device for a network-connected device according to the present invention is a device for executing a service from a network to an entity, or an adapter device for a network-connected device connected between a device and a network in which a service provided by the entity is used from the network. And identification means for holding information on the target entity name, its communication protocol type and service name, and information on the communication protocol type, and decoding for receiving and decoding communication data transmitted and received between the device and the network . Means, a display means for displaying a service status in the device, data decoded by the decoding means, and information held in the identification means, to determine a status relating to the service of the entity. Judgment means and this Characterized by comprising a display control unit for controlling the display of said display means in response to determination by means. As a result, the service status is displayed regardless of the devices connected to the network.
[0009]
Further, the adapter device for a network connection device according to the present invention includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of types of status determination results related to the service by the determination unit , and the display unit corresponds to a type of the status determination result. The display is configured to be able to be displayed in different modes, and the display control means switches the display of the display means in accordance with the different state determination results being stored in the storage means by the determination means. Features. Thus, the display is switched by the determination means in response to the different status determination results being stored in the storage means, and the service status is appropriately displayed.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an adapter device for a network connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. FIG. 1 shows a communication system employing a network connection device adapter device 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The network connection device adapter device 20 is connected between the information device terminal 30 which is a device connected to the network 10 and the network 10.
[0011]
The network connection device adapter device 20 includes a transmission / reception interface 21 branched and connected to a line between the information device terminal 30 and the network 10, a decoding unit 22, an identification unit 23, a determination unit 24, and a notification display unit (display unit). ) 25. The transmission / reception interface 21 takes in communication data from a line, and the decoding means 22 decodes the taken communication data.
[0012]
The identification unit 23 specifies an entity and a service related to the target to be determined by the determination unit 24. Here, the entity is an identifier in the network of each information device terminal itself, hardware and software provided in the information device terminal, and multimedia data such as audio and images, and electronic documents in the network. Refers to what is considered an entity. The service means that the above-mentioned entity is put into a state of functioning in a network or used. The determining means 24 determines the service status of the information equipment terminal from the network side based on the data decoded by the decoding means 22 with reference to the identifying means 23. Further, the notification display unit 25 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal or an LED, or a sounding device such as a speaker.
[0013]
The identification means 23 is, for example, a memory table defined by an entity name and its communication protocol type, a service name and its communication protocol type, and the contents of this memory table are written in advance or appropriately set by the input means. Be changed. The determining means 24 is realized by a program executed by the processor.
[0014]
The operation of the network connection device adapter device 20 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, a communication signal is captured by the transmission / reception interface 21 (S1), and is decoded by the decoding means 22 (S2). As a result, the decoded data is divided as shown in FIG. That is, the decoding result is divided into a header of the communication protocol shown in FIG. 3A, a data body of the communication protocol shown in FIG. 3B, and a header after the communication protocol shown in FIG. Can be Note that the data body of the communication protocol shown in FIG. 3B shows only the communication protocol n, but there are also communication protocols 1 to n.
[0015]
Next, the determination unit 24 determines whether the service for the corresponding entity has been executed using the identification unit 23 (S3). Here, the discriminating unit 24 discriminates the entity and the service from the identifier in the communication protocol by using the entity name and the communication protocol type and the service name and the information of the communication protocol type stored in the identifying unit 23 (S3A). Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the discriminating means 24 converts the entity name and its communication protocol type, the service name and the value specified by the protocol header corresponding to the communication protocol type, and the value of the data body of the communication protocol. Then, the judgment (step S3) is executed.
[0016]
If the service to the corresponding entity is not executed, the process returns to step S1 to continue the processing. On the other hand, if the service to the corresponding entity is executed, a notification indicating the service execution is given to the notification display unit 25. Display is performed (S4 (display control means)).
[0017]
FIG. 5 shows a system in which the network connection device adapter device 20 is provided as a new mail notification device 40 between the network 2 and the information device terminal 1. In other words, the configuration of the adapter device 20 for a network connection device in which a LAN card, an ISDN card, a modem card, a LAN cable, a telephone line cable, a socket, a connector, and the like are provided with a mail information decoding function and a display function, This is a new mail notification device 20 for displaying when new mail information has been determined to arrive by POP3 (Post Office Protocol Version 3) which is a mail distribution type protocol.
[0018]
In the above-described new mail notification device 20, the header and data body shown in FIG. 6 are obtained as a result of decoding. In the discrimination by the discriminating means 24, as shown in FIG. 7, an IP address is used to identify an entity name, a TCP port number is used to identify a service name, and the service status with mail is mail. And a detection of an acknowledgment for the distribution request.
[0019]
According to the new mail notification device 20 having such a configuration, the notification of the mail arrival can be recognized even when the screen of the information device terminal 1 is off. In addition, display independent of the hardware configuration of the information device terminal 1, the OS, and the type of the client application becomes possible.
[0020]
FIG. 8 shows a configuration in which a download notification device 41 having the configuration of the network connection device adapter device 20 is interposed between each device in home networking and the network. In this system, all network information services such as audio, video, and electronic documents arriving at home are once collected and stored in the home server 4, and downloaded to a television, an air conditioner, a personal computer, a mobile phone, or the like according to the purpose of the information. An environment that can be used has been established.
[0021]
In this embodiment, the download cable itself is provided with means for decoding communication data 22 flowing on the cable, identification means 23 for identifying the entity of the download destination, determination means 24 for determining whether or not the service has been downloaded, An adapter device 20 for a network connection device having a display control means for easily informing the judgment result of the presence / absence by LED display is constituted, and this is referred to as a download notification device 41 in home networking.
[0022]
Here, the indication of whether or not the download has been performed for the entity is generally performed in various ways according to the entity. By using the download notification device 41 according to the present embodiment, the convenience of home networking can be further enhanced from the following points.
[0023]
In other words, it is possible to provide the same easy-to-understand download notification to various devices connected to the network. Further, when a problem occurs in downloading, it becomes a reference when determining whether the problem is caused by a device or a network. The risk of accidentally disconnecting the device during data transfer can be reduced. This prevents a data error from occurring when another person tries to make a call by mistake while transferring data in a dial-up environment. Others know at a glance whether to use the phone. You can see at a glance whether a secure link has been established by home banking, online shopping, or the like.
[0024]
FIG. 9A shows a printer, a personal computer, a digital camera, a digital video, and an operation notification device 42 having the configuration of the network connection device adapter device 20 interposed between the electric device 30 and the network 1. Configuration is shown. Here, for example, when the printer is shared on the network, the setting procedure is automatically started when the printer is connected to the network. If necessary, the device driver is also downloaded from the network, and the setting of the network sharing is completed. This means that the print service can be automatically used via the network without manual initialization of the printer.
[0025]
The operation notification device 42 performs the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. The communication data flowing on the cable or the connector is decoded to monitor the initial setting processing stage (S11), a new entity is automatically connected to the network, and a service based on the entity is used from the network 1. It is detected whether or not a standby state has been reached (S12). When the standby state is entered, the standby state is simply displayed on the display unit 25A using an LED display or sound to notify the user (S13). This makes it possible to identify at a glance that the operating state has been established after the connection, and appropriate operation can be performed.
[0026]
FIG. 10A shows a network connection device adapter device 20 between a power supply system from a power company to a home and various home electrical devices 31 such as lighting devices, baths, videos, and air conditioners in the home. The configuration in which the outlet 43 having the above configuration is interposed is shown. This system is a system that can remotely control the electric device 31 through a power line or a household power line.
[0027]
The outlet 43 performs the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. At the start, the control data is detected from the power supply network, the data is decoded, and whether or not the electric device 31 is under remote control is monitored and its contents are monitored (S21). It is determined whether or not the remote control is being performed or whether or not the remote control is being operated (S22). Here, when it is detected that the electric device 31 is under remote control or in operation, a corresponding display is performed on the display 25B (S23). That is, the notification display on the display 25B is changed depending on whether or not the home electric device 31 connected to the outlet 43 is under remote control.
[0028]
As a result, the control notification function is provided in relatively easy-to-see parts such as outlets, cables and connectors, so it is not necessary to operate each device whether remote control is working smoothly or in operation. You can understand at a glance. In other words, since the remote control status of the devices connected to the outlet 43 at a plurality of distant locations can be known at the installation location of the outlet 43, the user can move the device to check the control and operate the device, or change the display unit of the device. It saves you the trouble of checking.
[0029]
FIG. 11 shows a configuration of a network connection device adapter device 20A according to the second embodiment. The network connection device adapter device 20A is obtained by providing the storage device 26 to the network connection device adapter device 20 of FIG. The storage unit 26 stores status transition information relating to the service status. The notification display unit 25C is configured to be able to display in at least two different modes. The determination unit 24 compares the status transition information on the service status stored in the storage unit 26 with the current service status, and detects a change. The display of the notification display unit 25C is switched according to the service status based on the information stored in the storage unit 26 and the determination by the determination unit 24.
[0030]
Be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12 the operation of the configured network connection device adapter apparatus 20A as described above. The basic process is the same as the operation by the network connection device adapter device 20 in FIG. 1, but the notification display indicating the service execution is performed on the notification display unit 25C (S4 (display control unit)), and the storage unit 26 is displayed. The change of the service status is stored (S5). Then, the value of the data body of the next communication protocol is obtained, and the determination (step S3) is executed. As a result, if there is a change, a notification display indicating a change in service execution is performed on the notification display unit 25C (S4 (display control means)).
[0031]
The operation in the case where the network connection device adapter device 20A according to the configuration of the second embodiment monitors the response to the mail inquiry notification and performs processing will be described with reference to FIG. Here, assuming a system as shown in FIG. 5, first, a case where “mail present” is returned in response to a mail inquiry from the information device terminal 1 to the mail server 3 connected to the network 2. In (ST1), the notification display section 25C according to the present embodiment is turned on, and this “mail present” is stored in the storage means 26.
[0032]
In the case where “no mail” is returned in response to the mail inquiry while the processing as described with reference to FIG. 12 is continued, or when mail is read and transferred in response to a mail read request. Is returned (ST2), it is detected that the service status is different from the content of the storage means 26, that is, "with mail", and the notification display section 25C according to the present embodiment is turned off. The "no mail" or "read" is stored in the storage means 26. In this situation, when “mail present” is returned again (ST1), the notification display unit 25C according to the present embodiment is turned ON, and this “mail present” is stored in the storage unit 26. Hereinafter, the operation is continued similarly.
[0033]
The operation of the apparatus according to the above-described second embodiment in the case of performing processing for a file transfer notification in FPT (File Transfer Protocol) or software download will be described with reference to FIG. When “file transfer start” is sent in the notification sent from the network 2 (ST3), the notification display unit 25C according to the present embodiment is turned on to indicate “communicating”, and the “file transfer” is displayed. "Start" is stored in the storage means 26.
[0034]
Then, while the processing as described with reference to FIG. 12 is continued, if “file transfer end” is sent by the notification sent from the network 2 side (ST4), the contents of the storage means 26 are stored. It is detected that the service status is different from "file transfer start", the notification display unit 25C according to the present embodiment is turned off to indicate "communication end", and this "file transfer end" is stored in the storage means 26. . In this situation, when “file transfer start” is returned again (ST3), the notification display unit 25C according to the present embodiment is turned on, and this “file transfer start” is stored in the storage unit 26. Hereinafter, the operation is continued similarly.
[0035]
The remote login by a service or a program for remotely logging in to a computer connected by TCP / IP using the adapter device 20A for a network connection device according to the configuration of the second embodiment. The operation when monitoring the notification and performing the processing will be described with reference to FIG. When the “remote login start” is sent by the telnet (ST5), the notification display unit 25C according to the present embodiment is turned on to indicate “communicating”, and the “remote login start” is stored in the storage unit 26. To memorize.
[0036]
Then, while the processing as described with reference to FIG. 12 is continued, if “remote login end” is sent by the notification by the telnet (ST6), the content of the storage unit 26 is “remote login”. It is detected that the service status is different from "start", the notification display unit 25C according to the present embodiment is turned off to indicate "communication end", and this "remote login end" is stored in the storage means 26. If "remote login start" is returned again in this situation (ST5), the notification display section 25C according to the present embodiment is turned on, and this "remote login start" is stored in the storage means 26. Hereinafter, the operation is continued similarly.
[0037]
The operation of the device according to the configuration of the above-described second embodiment in the case of performing processing for notification of a secure link by SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or the like will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, a notification display unit 25C ′ that shows green, red, and off states is used as a display. Here, the system detects the protocol for starting the "TCP connection" (ST7), displays the notification display section 25C 'in red to indicate "non-SSL communication", and stores the "TCP connection" in the storage means 26.
[0038]
Further, in order to enter a stage such as a case where credit card information is transmitted, a protocol of "SSL start" is detected (ST8), and the notification display section 25C 'is displayed in green to indicate "SSL communication in progress". "SSL start" is stored in the storage means 26. Next, a protocol of "SSL termination" for ending the stage of transmitting credit card information or the like and shifting to normal communication is detected (ST9), and the notification display section 25C 'is changed to red display. Indicates “non-SSL communication”, and stores “SSL end” in the storage means 26.
[0039]
Further, from the above state, processing is performed by entering a stage such as when transmitting credit card information, and finally, when the protocol of “TCP connection end” is reached (ST10), the notification display unit 25C ′ is turned off. This is changed to indicate “communication end”, and this “TCP connection end” is stored in the storage unit 26.
[0040]
By utilizing the fact that the display is configured to be able to display in at least two different modes as described above, the transition of the service status is stored in the storage means 26, and the display is displayed in accordance with the change of the status. Since the mode is changed, the current situation can be clearly grasped by the display.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the adapter device for a network connection device according to the present invention, the communication data transmitted and received between the device and the network is decoded, and the decoded data and the information held in the identification unit are decoded. The status of the service of the entity concerned is determined using this, and the display control is performed according to the determination result, so the service status is displayed regardless of the device, and the service status can be properly grasped. It is.
[0042]
Also, according to the adapter device for a network connection device according to the present invention, by utilizing the fact that it is configured to be able to display in a number of different modes according to the type of the status determination result , the different status is determined by the determination means. Since the display mode is changed in accordance with the result of the determination being stored in the storage means , the current situation can be clearly grasped by the display.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system including a network connection device adapter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the system including the network connection device adapter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view showing communication data decoded by the adapter device for a network connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view showing data used for determining a service status in the adapter device for a network connection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a mail transmission system including an adapter device for a network connection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing decoded communication data in the mail transmission system including the network connection device adapter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing data used for determining a service status in the mail transmission system.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a home networking system including a network connection device adapter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a system for providing a network service availability notification including an adapter device for a network connection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and an operation flowchart thereof.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a home appliance control system including the network connection device adapter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and an operation flowchart thereof.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a system including a network connection device adapter device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a system including the network connection device adapter device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a mail transmission system including a network connection device adapter device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a file transfer system including an adapter device for a network connection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the operation of a system for performing remote login provided with an adapter device for a network connection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a system for performing secure communication including an adapter device for a network connection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a conventional network system.
FIG. 18 is a view for explaining an operation of mail transmission performed by a mail distribution type in a conventional network system.
FIG. 19 is a view for explaining an operation of mail transmission performed by a mailbox inquiry type in a conventional network system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 30 Information equipment terminal 2, 10 Network 3 Mail server 4 Home server 20, 21A Adapter device for network connection equipment 21 Transmission / reception interface 22 Decoding means 23 Identification means 24 Determination means 25, 25C, 25C 'Notification display section 25A, 25B , Display 26 storage means

Claims (6)

A device on which a service from the network to the entity is executed, or an adapter device for a network connection device connected between the device and a device in which the service by the entity is used from the network,
Identification means for holding information relating to a target entity name, its communication protocol type and service name and its communication protocol type,
Decoding means for capturing and decoding communication data transmitted and received between the device and the network ,
Display means for displaying a service status in the device,
Using the data decoded by the decoding means and the information held by the identification means, to determine the status of the service of the entity ,
A display control means for controlling display of the display means in accordance with the determination by the determination means. 2. The adapter device for a network connection device according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting information to be stored in the identification unit . Storage means for storing a plurality of types of situation determination results relating to the service by the determination means ,
The display means is configured to be able to display in a different number of modes according to the type of the situation determination result ,
2. The adapter device for a network-connected device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means switches the display on the display means in accordance with a different situation determination result being stored in the storage means by the determination means. . 2. The adapter device for a network connection device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit detects an incoming electronic mail based on the information held in the identification unit and displays the electronic mail on a display unit. 2. The adapter device for a network connection device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit detects a download from a network based on the information held in the identification unit and displays the download on a display unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit detects whether or not the device has become operable after being connected to a network based on information held in the identification unit, and displays the information on a display unit. The adapter device for a network connection device according to the above.

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