JP2002111701A - Information transfer device and its function updating method, and system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information transfer device for managing both flexibility for coping with each kind of communication protocols, and low-consumption power properties. SOLUTION: The information transfer device comprises a programmable logic element 101; a communication module 102 for each kind of communication protocols for communicating data with each kind of networks 16, 18, and 20; a local configuration DB 10 for storing a plurality of semiconductors IP; and a control section 104 for utilizing the semiconductor IPs in the local configuration DB 106, creating configuration data written in the programmable logic element 101, and writing the configuration data in the programmable logic element 101. Also, the configuration data may be created by a processing section 141 utilizing the semiconductor IPs in a remote configuration DB 142 in a service center 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information transfer apparatus. In particular, the present invention provides an information transfer apparatus that flexibly supports various messages / protocols and realizes a reduction in power consumption by updating functions, a method of updating the functions of the information transfer apparatus, and And a function updating system for updating the function of the information transfer device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the explosive spread of personal computers and the Internet, so-called E-commerce (e-commerce) such as mail-order sales on the Internet.
Is attracting attention. Currently, the main form is that the end user accesses a store virtually built on the server with a personal computer and places an order there, but due to the rapid progress of microprocessor and semiconductor technology in recent years, personal As the performance of computers and network devices improves, the service items tend to increase. For example, a form in which the end user and the employee at the store side talk on a TV phone in real time and provide services tailored to individual end users, focusing on the compatibility of the Internet, is also conceivable. These services are used not only for the current low-speed communication centered on text and image data, but also for high-speed communication including real-time voice and moving images on the Internet and used in ordinary households. Means

[0003] Real-time audio and video are currently available in AM / FM radio, VHF / UHF television, BS
It is provided to ordinary households as a data distribution service using terrestrial / satellite waves, such as / CS television, and a data distribution service using a wired communication technology represented by a CATV network. Each of these data distribution services has an increasing number of service items for the future. In addition to existing AV equipment such as televisions, video tape recorders, AM / FM radios, and compact disc players, which are already widespread, new equipment such as small video cameras, high-performance video games, and DVD players are gradually being introduced into the home. It is becoming popular. Furthermore, the information source coding methods used in these services and devices are also diversifying. For example, for voice data, μL of telephone quality
ow, the quality of a compact disc, and the like, a method called MP3 has attracted attention in recent years as a coding method with a high compression rate.
G, MPEG1 and other conventionally used image coding methods, MPEG2 (high image quality), MPEG4
(For low-speed communication channels) has recently attracted attention.

As described above, services available at home have been increasing in recent years, and protocols for providing the services have also been increasing in recent years. The above-mentioned digital devices that have already become widespread in the home or will spread in the home are usually provided with an interface for networking them, such as IEEE 1394, for example. Expectations are also growing for new services that can be obtained by fusing together. In order to network such digital devices in the home and to connect to the external Internet and the like, an information transfer device for connecting between the home and an external communication network is newly introduced into the home. It is common to think about things.

[0005] Information transfer devices to be introduced into homes in the future include:
It is necessary to be able to flexibly cope with various existing / new information sources / information services / protocols as described above. As a method of configuring a conventional information transfer device that can flexibly cope with a variety of existing / new information sources / information services / protocols, for example, a hardware in which all necessary functions are pre-made, Specifically, a method of preparing an LSI can be considered. However, when a new information source / information service / protocol is newly provided, it is not possible to cope with the LSI once prepared, and a new LS is required.
It is necessary to further prepare I.

[0006] For this reason, a method is conceivable in which all necessary functions are realized by software using an ultra-high performance processor. According to this method, unlike the case of the above hardware configuration, it is possible to easily cope with a new information source or the like only by updating the software.
However, in this method, since all functions are realized by software, the power consumption of a processor that processes the software is enormous. It is actually not easy to introduce such an information transfer device having high power consumption into ordinary households.

[0007]

The information transfer apparatus according to the prior art has the following problems as described above. When the information transfer device is configured by hardware,
In order to support newly provided information sources / information services / protocols, new hardware must be separately prepared.

On the other hand, when the information transfer device is constituted by software, it is possible to easily cope with a new information source or the like by updating the software. However,
In order to cope with all kinds of information sources, the amount of software becomes enormous, and the power consumption of a processor that executes the software inevitably increases.

[0009] That is, the information transfer apparatus according to the prior art is very important for (a) flexibility to cope with new information sources / information services / protocols, and (b) introduction to general households. Low power consumption cannot be achieved at the same time.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is very important for the flexibility to support new information sources / information services / protocols and for introduction into ordinary households. Low power consumption, information transfer device, its function updating method, and,
An object of the present invention is to provide a function updating system for updating a function of an information transfer device.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the logical configuration can be reset by writing logical configuration data (configuration data). A logic element unit (programmable logic element) 101 for realizing various functions for exchanging data between the different networks described above, and various networks (second
At least one communication protocol execution unit (communication module) 102-1, 102-2, which can execute various communication protocols so as to perform data communication with communication networks, data distribution networks, and home networks of 102-3 and a plurality of circuit block data (semiconductor IP) prepared in advance to construct configuration data
When the function of the programmable logic element 101 needs to be updated at the time of resetting the programmable logic element 101, the necessary semiconductor IP is acquired from the local configuration DB 106. Creates new configuration data including the acquired semiconductor IP, and stores the new configuration data in the programmable logic device 1
The first feature is that the information transfer device includes a control unit 104 that writes data to the C.01. Here, in addition to the communication module 102, at least one extension function realizing unit (extension module) 103 that implements an extension function that can be incorporated into the function of the programmable logic element 101 is further connected to the programmable logic element 101. Is possible.

According to a first feature of the present invention, a reconfigurable programmable logic element 101 is incorporated,
By updating the configuration data,
Various functions required by the user can be freely realized. In addition, by connecting the extension module 103 to the programmable logic element 101, the user can increase the capability of the information transfer device 10 as necessary.

A second feature of the present invention relates to the function updating method of the information transfer device according to the first feature, wherein the logical configuration can be reset by writing logical configuration data (configuration data). In the function updating method of the information transfer device 10 including the logic element unit (programmable logic element) 101 for realizing various functions for exchanging data between two or more different networks, (a) resetting the programmable logic element 101 Sometimes determining whether the function of the programmable logic element 101 needs to be updated;
If one function update is required, a necessary semiconductor IP is obtained from a plurality of circuit block data (semiconductor IP) held in advance in the information transfer apparatus 10 in order to construct configuration data. Creating new configuration data from the obtained semiconductor IP inside the information transfer apparatus 10;
(C) resetting the logic configuration of the programmable logic element 101 by writing the created new configuration data to the programmable logic element 101, and updating the function of the programmable logic element 101. That is.

A third feature of the present invention is that a logical configuration can be reset by writing logical configuration data (configuration data), and various functions for exchanging data between two or more different networks are provided. A logic element unit (programmable logic element) 101 to be realized, and various networks (second
At least one communication protocol execution unit (communication module) 102-1, 102-2, which can execute various communication protocols so as to perform data communication with communication networks, data distribution networks, and home networks of An information transfer device 10 including: 102-3; and a control unit 104 that sends a request for creating new configuration data when the function of the programmable logic element 101 needs to be updated when the programmable logic element 101 is reset.
And a storage unit (remote configuration DB) 142 for storing a plurality of circuit block data (semiconductor IP) prepared in advance to construct configuration data
When receiving a request for creating new configuration data, the processing unit 141 acquires a required semiconductor IP from the remote configuration DB 142 and creates new configuration data including the acquired semiconductor IP. Remote processing device (service center)
And a communication line connected between the information transfer apparatus 10 and the service center 14 for transmitting a request for creating new configuration data transmitted from at least the control unit 104 and transferring the created new configuration data. 12 is a function updating system composed of

According to a third feature of the present invention, the information transfer device 10
The creation of new configuration data to be programmed in the programmable logic element 101 or the like is performed by the service center 1 located outside the information transfer apparatus 10.
4 inside. Then, after the configuration data is created, the data is downloaded to the information transfer device 10, and programming for the programmable logic element 101 is performed. For this reason, a large-scale library of semiconductor IPs can be prepared, and a function more suited to the user's request is realized in the information transfer device 10.

A fourth feature of the present invention relates to the function updating method of the function updating system according to the third feature, wherein the logical configuration can be reset by writing logical configuration data (configuration data). In the function updating method of the information transfer device 10 including the logic element unit (programmable logic element) 101 for realizing various functions for exchanging data between two or more different networks, (a) resetting the programmable logic element 101 Sometimes, it is necessary to determine whether or not the function of the programmable logic element 101 needs to be updated, and, if the function of the programmable logic element 101 needs to be updated, Transfer device 10
Required semiconductor IP from a plurality of circuit block data (semiconductor IP) prepared in advance outside
A step of creating new configuration data from the obtained semiconductor IP outside of the information transfer apparatus 10; and (c) a step of transmitting the created new configuration data from outside to inside of the information transfer apparatus 10. And (d) resetting the logic configuration of the programmable logic element 101 by writing the transmitted new configuration data to the programmable logic element 101,
And a step of updating the function.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. Hereinafter, the information transfer device according to the present invention and its operation will be described first, and then the function updating method of the information transfer device according to the present invention will be described in two embodiments.

(Information transfer device) Configuration of Information Transfer Device FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information transfer device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention includes a programmable logic element 101, which is reconfigurable hardware, and a communication module 102 (102-) that executes various communication protocols.
1, 102-2, 102-3), an extension module 103 for extending the scale, functions, and the like of the programmable logic element 101, and a programmable logic element 10
Control unit 104 for controlling programming of the logical configuration 1
A communication interface (communication I / F) 105 for connecting the information transfer device 10 and the first communication network 12,
A local configuration database (local configuration DB) 106 that holds logical configuration data indicating the logical configuration of the programmable logic element 101.
The programmable logic element 101 is, for example, an FP
It is composed of GA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

The bus (system bus) 107 is
Programmable logic element 101, control unit 104, communication interface 105, and local configuration DB10
6 are connected to each other, and various kinds of data are exchanged. The communication module 102 and the extension module 103 are connected to the sockets 108 (108-1, 108-2, 108) provided in the programmable logic element 101.
-3, 108-4) to the programmable logic element 101. The user of the information transfer apparatus 10 can use these modules 10
2 and 103 are arbitrarily programmable logic elements 101
, The system configuration of the information transfer apparatus 10 can be freely selected.

In FIG. 1, three communication modules 102 and one expansion module 103 connected to the programmable logic element 101 are shown for simplicity of description, but the present invention is applicable to a combination of these numbers. It is not limited. For example, if the communication module 102 is
Of course, two extension modules 103 may be used. Also, it is not necessary to use all the sockets 108. Further, the programmable logic element 10
The number of sockets 108 provided in one is not limited to four. Therefore, four or less, or four or more, of course, may be sufficient. However, the communication module 10 that can be connected to the programmable logic element 101
2, the number of extension modules 103 and the number of sockets 108 are naturally limited to the number of input / output pins of the programmable logic element 101.

FIG. 1 shows an information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention.
Is connected to the service center 14 via the first communication network 12.
And the second communication network 16 and the data distribution network 1
8 and the home network 20 respectively. The connection with the second communication network 16, the data distribution network 18, and the home network 20 is performed by the communication modules 102-1, 102-2 and 10-2.
This is performed via 2-3. Each of the communication modules 102 executes a communication protocol used for data communication on the assigned networks 16, 18, 20.

The service center 14 shown in FIG. 1 manages a service provided to a user of the information transfer apparatus 10 and
It is a center that executes management of the configuration of the information transfer apparatus 10 from a remote place. The service center 14 includes a processing unit 141 that processes a service request from a user and a remote configuration database (remote configuration database) that retains configuration data indicating the configuration of the information transfer apparatus 10 so that a desired service can be provided to the user. Configuration DB) 142. The service center 14 remotely manages the information transfer device 10 via the first communication network 12.

The first and second communication networks 12 and 16 and the data distribution network 18 connected to the information transfer apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 are, for example, as follows. The first and second communication networks 12, 16 are the Internet, N-IS
It means a network such as a DN network or a B-ISDN network which is constructed for the purpose of mainly exchanging information between a relatively small number of users. On the other hand, the data distribution network 18 is a network constructed for the purpose of mainly distributing information to a large number of users, such as a CATV network, a terrestrial TV broadcast, a satellite TV broadcast, and an FM radio broadcast. ing. In FIG. 1, one home network 20, one data distribution network 18, and two communication networks 12, 16 are connected to the information transfer apparatus 10. For example, the home network 20 is an IEEE 139.
4, the data distribution network 18 is a CATV network, the first communication network 12 is the Internet, and the second communication network 16 is a telephone network.

In FIG. 1, one home network 20, one data distribution network 18, and one communication network 1 are connected to the information transfer apparatus 10.
Although a configuration in which 2, 16 are provided is shown, the present invention is not, of course, limited to a combination of these numbers. For example, in recent years, there has been much discussion about distributing TV broadcasts directed to the majority on the Internet, which has been constructed so that information transfer is performed between a relatively small number of users. When this technology is applied, both of the functions that the information transfer apparatus 10 of the present invention expects from the data distribution network 18 and the first communication network 12 described below are performed on a single Internet. It can be thought that it is realized in.

Further, the information transfer apparatus 10 of the present invention does not necessarily need to be connected to the two communication networks 12 and 16. For example, both the functions that the information transfer apparatus 10 of the present invention expects for the first and second communication networks 12 and 16 described below are realized on a single Internet or telephone network. Even in such a case, the present invention is applicable.

There may of course be a plurality of home networks 20 connected to the information transfer apparatus 10 of the present invention. The home network 20 indicates a connection network to a television, a video recording / reproducing device, a home video camera, a personal computer, and the like. Specifically, for example, a device or a device group connected by a wireless LAN, an IEEE 1394 bus, or the like. Pointing to. Also,
The information transfer apparatus 10 of the present invention and some of these devices may be physically integrated into a composite device. However, even in such a case, the present invention works effectively. Because, as shown in FIG. 1, the functions of the multifunction device include a function connected to the home network 20 and a function of the information transfer apparatus 10.
Logically, they can be separated.

Although the information transfer apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 is connected to the first communication network 12 via the communication interface 105, the information transfer apparatus 10 is replaced with the communication interface 105 as in the other networks 16, 18, and 20. Even if the communication module 102 is used to connect to the first communication network 12,
Of course it doesn't matter. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the information transfer device according to the present invention. In the information transfer device 10a in FIG. 2, the information transfer device 10a is connected to the first communication network 12 via the communication module 102-4 connected to the socket 108-5.

In the information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the communication module 103 is connected to the programmable logic element 101 via the socket 108 as described above. Therefore, various signal levels, for example, an RF signal of a TV broadcast, a modem signal of an analog telephone, IEEE13
An information transfer apparatus 10 that handles various types of analog signals, such as 94 signals, can be easily realized.

Further, in the information transfer apparatus 10 of the present invention, since a part for handling an analog signal is realized by the communication module 103, a wireless communication system requiring special analog signal processing, for example, Bluetooth, IEEE, or the like.
802.11 wireless LAN, and, for example, W-CDM
A and so-called next-generation cellular such as cdma2000 can be accommodated.

2. Next, an information transfer operation of the information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described. Here, the operation of the information transfer apparatus 10 when exchanging information between the data distribution network 18 or the second communication network 16 and the home network 20 will be described in three embodiments.

2-1. First Embodiment FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of an information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The information transfer apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 receives from a data distribution network 18 which is a terrestrial TV broadcast. The figure shows a case where information, for example, a TV broadcast program is transmitted to the IEEE 1394 home network 20 for viewing inside the home network 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, this information transfer device 10
The communication modules 102-2 and 102-1 are connected to the programmable logic element 101 corresponding to the data distribution network 18 and the home network 20, respectively.
Of course, as shown in FIG.
-1 is the communication module 1 via the socket 108-2.
Numerals 02-2 are connected to the programmable logic element 101 via sockets 108-1.

In FIG. 3, the communication module 102-2
Is a tuner function 10221 and Motion JPEG
And a capture function 10222. The tuner function 10221 converts the RF signal input from the outside, here, the data distribution network (terrestrial TV broadcast) 18 into N
It has a function of converting to a TSC signal. Also, Moto
The ion JPEG capture function 10222 converts the NTSC signal output from the tuner function 10221 into a mot
It has a function of outputting as digital information in accordance with an image coding method called ion JPEG.
On the other hand, the communication module 102-1 is based on the IEEE 1394 standard.
It comprises a protocol processing function 10211. In addition, the programmable logic element 101 includes
onJPEG → MPEG2 transcoder function 1010
1 is included at least.

In the information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the programmable logic element 1
01, various functions required by the user can be realized. In the case of FIG. 3, Motion JPEG →
The MPEG2 transcoder function 10101 is programmed. The function programmed in the programmable logic element 101 is, for example, a home network (IEEE13).
94) Devices connected to the end of 20, such as an encoding system that is normally accepted by a TV set for viewing a TV program, functions of a plurality of communication modules 102 owned by a user, and the like. The user will select accordingly. Note that the Motion JPEG → MPEG shown in FIG.
The two transcoder function 10101 may include a predetermined copyright protection scheme.

Further, the programmable logic element 10
The function programmed in 1 can be constructed by design data purchased from an external designer, so-called semiconductor IP. In this case, for example, in FIG. 3, the signal system output by the Motion JPEG capture function 10222 of the communication module 102-2 and the Motion JPEG → MPEG2 of the programmable logic element 101 are used.
A case may occur where the signal format that can be accepted as input by the transcoder function 10101 is different.
In such a case, the first signal matching these signal formats is used.
The matching circuit function 10102 described above may be further included as a function of the programmable logic element 101. Similarly, the signal format output by the Motion JPEG → MPEG2 transcoder function 10101 and the IEEE 139
If the signal format input to the four-protocol processing function 10211 is different, the second matching circuit function 10103 that matches these signal formats may be further programmed as a function of the programmable logic element 101.

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
Functions can be selectively programmed into the built-in programmable logic element 101 as necessary. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare in advance all the functions assumed to be required as in the case of the conventional hardware-based mounting technology. For this reason, it is possible to realize a significant decrease in the amount of hardware, and a reduction in power consumption associated therewith. Further, since the programmable logic element 101 is programmed by a user's selection, it is possible to provide different desired functions to each user. In particular, the characteristic of low power consumption is very preferable for equipment introduced in a home. Further, even when the information transfer apparatus 10 of the present invention has to cope with an image coding method developed after the information transfer device 10 is designed, the programmable logic is realized to realize the newly developed image coding method. Element 101
Can be handled by programming.

On the other hand, unlike the case of the conventional software-based mounting technology, according to the first embodiment,
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, required functions can be provided in a form in which required functions are sequentially connected in cascade. Therefore, the operating frequency of the entire system can be dramatically reduced. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a remarkable effect that an inexpensive mounting technique can be applied, the mounting cost of the entire system can be reduced, and the power consumption can be suppressed low by reducing the operating frequency. This is a very desirable characteristic for equipment to be introduced into a home, as described above.

The function realized by the communication module 102 may be realized by hardware-based mounting, software-based mounting, or programmable logic element-based mounting. Further, it is of course possible to realize the above by a combination thereof.

2-2. Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of an information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention. Specifically, the information transfer apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 2 shows a case where the mobile phone is connected to a second communication network (the Internet via an analog modem) 16. In FIG. 4, a terminal connected to the Internet 16 is a home network (IEEE 1394) 2.
Connected to 0.

As shown in FIG. 4, this information transfer device 10
Then, the communication module 102-3 having the modem function 10231 is further connected to the programmable logic element 101.
It is connected to the. The programmable logic element 101 further includes an IP protocol processing function 101.
04, IPover1394 protocol processing function 101
05 and an information distribution function 10106 are added. The IP protocol processing function 10104 has a function of processing an IP protocol, and may be configured by semiconductor IP. If the signal format accepted by the semiconductor IP and the signal format of the modem function 10231 are different, a third matching circuit 10107 for matching them may be provided. The IP over 1394 protocol processing function 10105 is a function of processing a service data unit of the IEEE 1394 protocol, and is a function of performing format conversion between an IP packet carried by the 1394 protocol and an IP layer packet. The information distribution function 10106 includes, at a service data unit level of the IEEE 1394 protocol, image information flowing from the data distribution network (terrestrial TV broadcast) 18 side;
Second communication network (Internet via analog modem)
16-home network (IEEE 1394) 20 plays a role of merging / dividing an IP packet flow exchanged between terminals connected to the home network (IEEE 1394) 20 and passing it to the IEEE 1394 protocol processing function 10211.

According to the second embodiment, for example, a plurality of terminals on a home network (IEEE 1394) 20 each view a terrestrial TV broadcast 18 at one terminal and access the Internet 16 at another terminal. Can be realized.

2-3. Third Embodiment FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention. Specifically, the information transfer apparatus 10 shown in FIG. Extension module 10 having coder function 10301
3 shows a case where the number 3 is added as an extended function of the programmable logic element 101. The example in FIG.
IEEE connected to home network (IEEE 1394) 20
MPEG2 video sent from the 1394 terminal is converted to MP
This is an example in which the EG2 → MPEG4 transcoder function 10301 converts the data into the MPEG4 format and then sends it to the second communication network (the Internet via an analog modem) 16.

Of course, the number of functions that can be programmed into the programmable logic device 101 of FIG. 1 is limited. For this reason, in the information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the extension module 103 can be connected to the programmable logic element 101. Then, even if the programmable logic element 101 has no room for adding a function, the connection can realize addition of a new function. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the MPEG2 → MP
By connecting the extension module 103 having the EG4 transcoder function 10301, the transcoder function 10301 is added to the programmable logic element 101.

In FIG. 5, MPEG2 → MPE
If the signal format accepted by the G4 transcoder function 10301 is different from the signal format accepted by the information distribution function 10106, a matching circuit function 10108 may be added. The function realized by the extension module 103 may be realized by any of hardware-based mounting, software-based mounting, or programmable logic element-based mounting. Further, it is of course possible to realize the above by a combination thereof.

As described above, the information transfer apparatus 1 according to the present invention
No. 0 incorporates a reconfigurable programmable logic element 101, and by updating its configuration data, various functions required by the user can be freely realized.

The programmable logic element 101
By connecting the communication module 102 to the communication module 102, it is possible to connect to a communication network that exchanges information at a logic level not provided by the programmable logic element 101.

Further, the programmable logic element 10
By connecting the extension module 103 to the information transfer device 1, the user can increase the capability of the information transfer device 10 as necessary.

(First Embodiment) Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. The first embodiment relates to the function updating method of the information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and more specifically, the programmable logic element 101 and the The present invention relates to a method for programming a desired function to the communication module 102 and the extension module 103 as needed. In particular, the first embodiment has a configuration in which the programmable logic element 1
This is an example of creating configuration data such as 010 (function updating method for locally performing logical synthesis).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the function updating method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the information transfer apparatus 10 is turned on (step S101), first, the control unit 104 of the information transfer apparatus 10
The configuration of the information transfer apparatus 10 is ascertained by referring to the types of the communication module 102 and the extension module 103 connected to each of the sockets 108 of Step No. 01 (Step S).
102).

Here, the control unit 104 is composed of, for example, a well-known microprocessor system. Also,
The types of the communication module 102 and the extension module 103 are stored in, for example, registers provided in each of the modules 102 and 103. The control unit 104
Each module 102, 1
03 type can be acquired. This acquisition is performed, for example, via the control signal A of FIG.

Next, the control unit 104 controls the information transfer device 10
Is referred to the local configuration DB 106 (step S10).
3). The local configuration DB 106 contains information transfer device 10
The configuration information includes at least information on the types of the modules 102 and 103 connected to the programmable logic element 101 and configuration data to be programmed in the programmable logic element 101. Also, if necessary, various semiconductors I for creating configuration data of the programmable logic element 101 can be used.
Information about P is also stored in the local configuration DB 106. The configuration data written to the programmable logic element 101 is, for example, VHD
It is expressed by a hardware description language such as L, verilog-HDL.

Here, the local configuration DB 106 includes, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, a CD-R,
Writable storage devices such as DVD-RAM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, CD-ROM and D
It is composed of a read-only storage device such as a VD-ROM. Of course, the present invention uses a local configuration DB.
It is not limited by the specific type of 106.

Next, the control unit 104 proceeds to step S102.
Is compared with the configuration information read from the local configuration DB 106 in step S103.
Then, based on the comparison result, the control unit 104 determines whether or not the configurations and types of the communication module 102 and the extension module 103 included in the information transfer apparatus 10 have been changed since the last power-off. (Step S
104). If there is no change in the configuration (step S
104NO), the control unit 104
6 is read, and the configuration data is programmed into the programmable logic element 101. Also, if necessary,
Programming is also performed on the communication module 102 and the extension module 103 (step S105).

Then, the programmable logic element 10
1. When the programming of the communication module 102 and the extension module 103 is completed, the information transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention shifts to a state where a predetermined normal operation is performed according to the programmed function (step S106).

On the other hand, when there is a change in the configuration since the last power-off (step S104 YES), and when there is a request for a new function change by the user during the normal operation state (step S107 YES), the control unit 104 is
Update the functions of the programmable logic element 101 and the like. Therefore, the control unit 104 executes acquisition of new configuration data (step S10).
8). Then, the process returns to step S105, and the control unit 104 sends the newly acquired configuration data
Again, programming is performed on the programmable logic element 101 and the like.

Here, as a method of notifying the control unit 104 of a request for a function change by the user (step S107 YES), for example, a switch is provided in the housing of the information transfer apparatus 100, and the control unit is operated by the switch operation by the user A method of notifying 104 is conceivable. When the user purchases a new communication module 102, the communication module 1
By the connection operation 02, it may be considered that the user has requested a function change. At this time, for example, when a new communication module 102 or an extension module 103 is inserted into the socket 108,
The connection to the control unit 104 and the modules 102, 1
03 may be automatically transmitted.

Next, the processing procedure of step S108 in FIG. 6 will be described. As described above, the new communication module 102 and the new extension module 103
08, or when a user requests a function change, a process of acquiring new configuration data is executed. In the function updating method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the local configuration DB (the CD-R inserted into the information transfer apparatus 10) held by the information transfer apparatus 10 is used.
Includes media such as OM and memory cards. The configuration data of the programmable logic element 101 and the like is created by selecting a semiconductor IP capable of realizing the function requested by the user from the semiconductor IP library stored in the 106 and connecting them. Therefore, the user of the information transfer device 10 can flexibly select necessary functions. By the way, a second embodiment to be described later is different from the information transfer device 10 through the second communication network 12.
Configuration DB in service center 14 connected to
This is an example in which a semiconductor IP library stored in a memory 142 is used.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of step S108 in FIG. 6 in the function updating method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
The control unit 104 first creates a list of semiconductor IP names stored in the local configuration DB 106 (step S201), and presents the list to the user (step S202). The name of the semiconductor IP may be presented using, for example, an icon. Also, at the time of presentation, the attributes of the semiconductor IP, for example, function, performance, price, semiconductor I
A link to a Web page of the P vendor may be displayed at the same time. By providing more information, the user can easily select a semiconductor IP. Also, for example, the semiconductor I which has been
If any of P has an advantage in terms of price, it may be shown. Further, a list of semiconductor IPs that can be downloaded from the communication network may be presented. in this case,
The semiconductor IP selected by the user is downloaded to the local configuration DB 106 via the communication network.

Here, when the list of the names of the semiconductor IPs is created in the above step S201, the names of the available semiconductor IPs correspond to the type of the communication module 102 inserted in the socket 108 at the time of the creation. It is sufficient to display only. By not showing the name of the unnecessary semiconductor IP to the user, the user can easily select the function.

The list of the names of the semiconductor IPs is presented as follows.
Specifically, for example, the following may be performed. First, the control unit 104 transfers a list of semiconductor IP names included in the local configuration DB 106 as HTML data to a personal computer (not shown) connected to the home network 20. Then, the user browses the HTML data using an Internet browser mounted on the personal computer. It should be noted that the method of presenting the list of the names of the semiconductor IPs does not affect the effectiveness of the present invention at all.

Next, the user who receives the list of the names of the semiconductor IPs selects the names of the required semiconductor IPs, and further defines the connection relationship between the selected semiconductor IPs. Then, these are notified to the control unit 104 (step S203). Of course, the semiconductor IP used
If the names and their connection relationships can be automatically determined, the processing in step S203 can be performed without user intervention. Also, the semiconductor IP used
If the connection relation can be automatically determined from the names of the semiconductor IPs, the user need only specify the name of the semiconductor IP in step S203 without specifying the connection relation. The definition of the connection relationship between the semiconductor IPs by the user may be performed, for example, on a window of a screen of a personal computer on the home network 20. A method often used in LSI design by CAD, such as displaying a box corresponding to the semiconductor IP selected by the user and drawing a line between the displayed boxes on the window, may be used. The personal computer converts the connection relationship between the semiconductor IPs defined by the line drawn by the user into a format suitable for the subsequent processing, and notifies the control unit 104 of the connection. Further, the user specifies the names of the semiconductor IPs to be used and the connection relations between them, if the control unit 104 of the information transfer apparatus 10 has a simple input / output device, for example, a small-screen LCD display and numeric keys. If so, these input / output devices may be used.

Next, when the control unit 104 receives the notification of the name group of the required semiconductor IPs and their connection relations, the control unit 104 first stores the corresponding semiconductor IPs in the local configuration DB1.
06, then, the extracted semiconductor IPs are combined according to the notified connection relationship, and new configuration data is created (step S204).
This configuration data creation method may be a logic synthesis method defined by a vendor that supplies the programmable logic element 101 used.

Next, the control unit 104 executes the above step S
It is determined whether the configuration data created in step 204 is actually usable (step S20).
5). For the determination, for example, the following determination criteria are used.

(A) Whether the input / output signal formats of the connected semiconductor IPs match.

(B) Whether there is any contradiction between the selected semiconductor IP and its connection.

(C) Whether or not to operate at an expected frequency.

(D) Whether the size of the created configuration data is too large to write to the programmable logic element 101.

Then, when it is determined that the created configuration data is unusable based on the above-described criteria (a) to (d) (step S).
205NO), the flow returns to step S202 again.

Here, for example, it is assumed that it is determined that the apparatus cannot be used according to the criterion (a). In this case, the control unit 104 may notify the user of the fact and prompt the user to re-define the names of the semiconductor IPs and the connection relation between them (step S203). Alternatively, the matching circuit function may be automatically logically synthesized between the semiconductor IPs whose input and output signal formats do not match, and may be arranged between them. This automatic logic synthesis method, for example,
It may be the method proposed by Y Explorations, Inc.

Further, even when it is determined that the device cannot be used according to the criterion (b), the user is notified of the fact and the name group of the semiconductor IP and the connection relation between them are redefined. Is desirable.

Further, in the case of the above (d), the control unit 104 notifies the user to that effect and selects the semiconductor I to be selected.
P, and again define the name group of the semiconductor IPs and their connection relationship, or
It is desirable to prompt the user to insert a new one into the socket 108.

On the other hand, if the configuration data can be normally created (YES in step S205), a series of procedures necessary for obtaining new configuration data ends.

When a new semiconductor IP is obtained in step S 203, it is preferable that the semiconductor IP be stored in the local configuration DB 106. Thus, when the configuration data is created next time, the semiconductor IP can be reused, and waste such as purchasing the same semiconductor IP many times can be eliminated.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when a new configuration data acquisition process is performed (step S108 in FIG. 6), the information transfer device 1
However, in the second embodiment, the second configuration data is created outside the information transfer apparatus 10, that is, at a remote place remote from the information transfer apparatus 10. In the embodiment, the service center 14 creates new configuration data to be written to the programmable logic element 101 or the like (a function updating method for remotely performing logic synthesis and downloading configuration data).

The information transfer device 10 according to the present invention is mainly assumed to be a device to be introduced into a home. For this reason, it is not realistic to employ a large-scale DB as the local configuration DB 106 built in the information transfer apparatus 10. Therefore, naturally, the scale of the semiconductor IP library included in the local configuration DB 106 becomes small.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the user requests a function that requires a relatively large-scale semiconductor IP, such as MPEG2 encoding.

Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention,
Programmable logic element 101 of information transfer device 10
The creation of new configuration data to be programmed as described above is executed inside the service center 14 arranged outside the information transfer apparatus 10. Then, after the configuration data is created, the data is downloaded to the information transfer device 10, and programming for the programmable logic element 101 and the like is performed.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show steps S1 of FIG. 6 in the function updating method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of 08. As shown in FIG. 8, first, the control unit 104 accesses the processing unit 141 in the service center 14 via the communication interface 105 and the first communication network 12. Then, the configuration information of the information transfer apparatus 10 at the time of access is notified to the processing unit 141 in association with a device identifier unique to the information transfer apparatus 10 (step S301). At the same time, it is desirable that the user of the information transfer apparatus 10 be notified of his / her user identifier and authentication information, for example, a password.

Next, the processing unit 141 of the service center 14
Refers to the notified user identifier and the authentication information, and confirms whether the access is valid (step S302). If the notified user identifier and the authentication information are not registered, that is, if the access is improper (NO in step S302), the processing unit 141 does not permit the access from the control unit 104 (step S302). (S303), ends here.

On the other hand, if the notified user identifier and the authentication information are registered, that is,
If the access is legitimate (YES in step S302),
Subsequently, the processing unit 141 refers to the notified configuration information and selects a usable one from the semiconductor IPs stored in the remote configuration DB 142 in the service center 14. Then, a list of the names of the selected semiconductor IPs is created (step S304). The processing unit 141 sends the created list to the control unit 104 via the first communication network 12 and the communication interface 105 (Step S305). The destination is specified by the device identifier of the information transfer device 10 notified earlier.

Next, the control unit 104 presents the sent list to the user (step S306). Here, the presentation of the list may be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Next, when a list of the names of the semiconductor IPs is presented, the user can select a semiconductor IP that realizes the required functions.
Select each name, and then select the selected semiconductor I
The connection relationship between the Ps is defined and notified to the control unit 104 (step S307). If the names of the semiconductor IPs to be used and their connection relations can be automatically determined, the process of step S307 can be performed without user intervention. In this case, the operation of the user can be simplified. If the connection relations can be automatically determined from the names of the semiconductor IPs to be used, in step S307, the user need only specify the name of the semiconductor IP without specifying the connection relation.

Next, upon receiving the notification of the required semiconductor IP name groups and their connection relations, the control unit 104 transmits them to the communication interface 105 and the first interface.
Is sent to the processing unit 141 in the service center 14 via the communication network 12 (step S308). Then, the processing unit 141 extracts necessary semiconductor IPs from the remote configuration DB 142 based on the received semiconductor IP name groups and their connection relations, connects them according to the connection relations specified by the user, and creates new configuration data. Is created (step S309). This method of creating configuration data is based on the semiconductor IP in the local configuration DB 106 according to the first embodiment.
A method similar to the method using a library may be used.

Thereafter, the processing section 141 determines whether or not the created configuration data can be used normally (step S310). Here, if the configuration information notified from the control unit 104 in step S301 includes information indicating the size of the programmable logic element 101, the processing unit 141 can perform the following measures. That is, if the size of the new configuration data is large and cannot be written to the programmable logic element 101, the process returns to step S306, and the user is required to select the necessary semiconductor IPs again and to connect them. Encourage redefining relationships.

The processing section 141 determines that the configuration data has been normally created (step S310).
YES), and sends the created configuration data to the first communication network 12 to the control unit 104 of the information transfer apparatus 10.
Then, it is sent via the communication interface 105 (step S311). Then, the control unit 104 receives the new configuration data (Step S
312), a series of operations for acquiring new configuration data using the service center 14 ends.

Here, the accounting process in step S313 of FIG. 9 will be described. Regarding the semiconductor IP used at the request of the user, there may be a case where a royalty is charged from the copyright holder. Usually, the service center 14
The remote configuration DB 142 stores data entries for accumulating usage charges (or prices) of semiconductor IPs for each user. Therefore, the control unit 1 of the information transfer device 10
04 after downloading new configuration data (steps S311 and S31 in FIG. 9).
2) The usage fee requested by the copyright holder may be added to this data entry and recorded. By doing so, the service center 14 can also collect the usage fee of the semiconductor IP used for creating new configuration data by referring to the record. Further, the usage fee of the semiconductor IP may be such that each user is not only charged for the total amount, but also the usage history is stored and the details thereof are presented. The correspondence between the user and the data entry is determined in step S described above.
It may be executed based on the user identifier of each user, which is notified to the processing unit 141 in 301.

The semiconductor I for which each user has paid a usage fee
The name of P may be recorded in the service center 14. If the author of the semiconductor IP permits the reuse, when the configuration data is created again, if the semiconductor IP for which the usage fee has been paid is recorded, the usage fee can be collected again without collecting the usage fee. Semiconductor IP can be used.

As described above, according to the information transfer apparatus of the present invention, the user can change the configuration of the programmable logic element even after the purchase of the information transfer apparatus by logically synthesizing the circuit configuration. Can be changed. For this reason, the present invention works particularly effectively as a method for realizing an apparatus in a category in which there are so many variations, and it is commercially difficult to sell a wide variety and a small amount of products corresponding to the variations. For example, in a home environment where necessary devices are sequentially purchased, it is unlikely that the functions of all the devices for networking conform to a certain standard version. The present invention is effective as a method of configuring an information transfer device for connecting devices in such an environment.

Further, it is a great advantage of the present invention that the semiconductor IP purchased once can be effectively used even after the configuration of the information transfer device is changed. The present invention has the advantage that the user does not need to purchase several slightly different configuration data.

(Other Embodiments) Although the invention made by the present inventors has been described above, it should be understood that the description and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. Absent. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, in the first and second embodiments, a case where new configuration data is created in the information transfer apparatus 10 or the service center 14 in response to a function change request from a user or the like. However, in some cases, writing configuration data prepared in advance to the programmable logic element 101 of the information transfer device 10 may be sufficient.
Therefore, configuration information obtained by logically synthesizing the information transfer device 10 according to the present invention on demand, configuration data prepared in advance,
May be used properly. For example, configuration data for a factory shipment state or a minimum configuration state may be prepared in advance on a CD-ROM or the like, and the configuration data may be used immediately after purchase or at the time of malfunction.

The information transfer apparatus 10a according to the present invention shown in FIG. 2 employs a replaceable communication module 102-4 instead of the communication interface 105 of the information transfer apparatus 10 shown in FIG. . Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in a communication network or a communication method for communicating with the service center 14 only by changing the configuration data of the communication module 102-4 or the programmable logic element 101. have. Here, in the case of the information transfer apparatus 10a, in order to download new configuration data A from the service center 14, first, it is necessary to acquire configuration data B for connecting to the service center 14. Therefore, in this case,
As described above, as the configuration data B, configuration data for factory shipping conditions prepared in advance or configuration data distributed on a CD-ROM or the like may be used.

Further, in the embodiment disclosed herein, the information transfer device 10 is a device incorporated in a home network, but the information transfer device 10 of the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the present invention works effectively even when a single or a plurality of communication modules 102 are connected by a programmable logic element 101 as in the embodiment disclosed herein as a configuration method of a mobile phone. For example, as the communication module 102, W-
If CDMA and Bluetooth are adopted and the programmable logic element 101 connects between them, W
When the information received from the CDMA is transferred to the Bluetooth side, the information source coding and the conversion of the information transfer protocol can be executed by the programmable logic element 101, which can be executed at a higher speed than the case where the information is executed by software, and consumed. Power can be reduced. Also, according to the function updating method disclosed herein, the mobile phone prepares a logic circuit corresponding to all the services provided by the carrier at that time, as compared with the case of executing by hardware. This eliminates the need to keep mobile phones, which contributes to lower power consumption and miniaturization of mobile phones, and allows individual users' mobile phones to be customized according to user preferences.
User satisfaction is improved.

Thus, it should be understood that the present invention includes various embodiments and the like not described herein. Accordingly, the present invention is limited only by the matters specifying the invention according to the claims that are reasonable from this disclosure.

[0095]

According to the present invention, flexibility to cope with new information sources / information services / protocols and low power consumption, which is very important for introduction to ordinary households, are provided. A compatible information transfer device can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information transfer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the information transfer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information transfer apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, illustrating a case where the information transfer apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 transmits information received from a data distribution network 18 to a home network 20. It is.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information transfer apparatus 10 of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the information transfer apparatus 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 is further connected to a second communication network; It is shown.

5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information transfer apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. In the information transfer apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 4, an extension module 103 is added as an extension function of the programmable logic element 101. It shows the case where it is done.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a function updating method according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of step S108 in FIG. 6 in the function updating method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of step S108 in FIG. 6 in the function updating method according to the second embodiment of the present invention (part 1).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of step S108 in FIG. 6 in the function updating method according to the second embodiment of the present invention (part 2).

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 10a Information transfer device 12 First communication network 14 Service center 16 Second communication network 18 Data distribution network 20 Home network 101, 101a Programmable logic element 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4 Communication Module 103 Extension module 104 Control unit 105 Communication interface (communication I / F) 106 Local configuration database (Local configuration D
B) 107 bus 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4, 1
08-5 Socket 141 Processing Unit 142 Remote Configuration Database (Remote Configuration D
B) 10221 Tuner function 10222 Motion JPEG capture function 10101 Motion JPEG → MPEG2 transcoder function 10102, 10103, 10107 Matching circuit function 10104 IP protocol processing function 10105 IPover 1394 protocol processing function 10106 Information distribution function 10301 MPEG2 → MPEG4 coder

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/173 630 F-term (Reference) 5B014 EB03 FA15 FB04 GD05 GD23 GE05 HC11 5C064 BA01 BA07 BB05 BC11 BD13 BD16 5K030 GA04 GA17 HB18 HB19 HC01 JA07 JL01 KA02 LA08 LB15 LD17 LE07 MD04 5K033 AA03 AA09 CB01 CB02 CB14 DA06 DA17 DB12 DB16 EC01 5K034 AA15 AA17 FF01 FF04 HH04 HH06 HH63 JJ03 JJ11 JJ21 KK21 NN

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A logic element unit capable of resetting a logic configuration by writing logical configuration data and realizing various functions for exchanging data between two or more different networks; At least one communication protocol execution unit that is connected and can execute various communication protocols so as to be able to perform data communication with various networks, and stores a plurality of circuit block data prepared in advance to construct the logical configuration data When the function of the logic element unit needs to be updated when resetting the logic element unit, necessary circuit block data is obtained from the storage unit, and the obtained circuit block data is stored in the storage unit. An information transfer apparatus comprising: a control unit that creates new logical configuration data including the new logical configuration data and writes the new logical configuration data into the logical element unit. 2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one extended function realizing unit connected to the logical element unit and realizing an extended function that can be incorporated into the function of the logical element unit. Described information transfer device. 3. The storage unit further includes configuration information of the information transfer device that can be updated as needed, including information on each of a communication protocol execution unit and an extended function realization unit connected to the logic element unit. The control unit may create the new logical configuration data when the configuration of the information transfer device at the time of resetting the logic element unit is different from the last updated configuration of the information transfer device. The information transfer device according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The information transfer device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit creates the new logical configuration data when a function change of the logic element unit is requested by a user. . 5. A function of an information transfer apparatus including a logic element unit capable of resetting a logical configuration by writing logical configuration data and realizing various functions for exchanging data between two or more different networks. The updating method includes the following steps. (A) determining whether the function of the logic element unit needs to be updated when resetting the logic element unit; and (b) determining whether the function of the logic element unit needs to be updated. In order to construct the logical configuration data, obtain necessary circuit block data from a plurality of circuit block data held in advance inside the information transfer device,
Creating new logical configuration data from the acquired circuit block data inside the information transfer device; and (c) writing the created new logical configuration data to the logical element unit by writing the new logical configuration data to the logical element unit. Resetting the logical configuration and updating the function of the logic element unit. 6. The function update determining step includes: a configuration of the information transfer device at the time of resetting the logic element unit; a configuration of the information transfer device updated last;
Is different, the step of determining that the function of the logic element unit needs to be updated, and, when a function change of the logic element unit is requested by a user, the function change of the logic element unit is The method according to claim 5, further comprising at least one of the steps of determining that the function is necessary. 7. The information transfer device is connected to the logic element unit, and is capable of executing various communication protocols so as to perform data communication with various networks, and at least one communication protocol execution unit, and the logic element. And at least one extended function realizing unit connected to the logical element unit for realizing an extended function that can be incorporated into the function of the logical element unit. The information transfer device is configured to execute a communication protocol connected to the logical element unit. The method of updating an information transfer device according to claim 6, wherein information on each of the unit and the extended function realizing unit is included and can be updated as needed. 8. The new logical configuration data creating step includes the step of presenting the plurality of circuit block data stored in advance to a user, and the step wherein the user selects from among the presented circuit block data. Selecting circuit block data necessary for creating the new logical configuration data; andusing the selected circuit block data to create the new logical configuration data. 7. The method for updating a function of an information transfer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: 9. The circuit block data presenting step includes a step of creating a list of the plurality of previously stored circuit block data, and a step of providing the list to the user. A method for updating the function of the information transfer device according to claim 8. 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of verifying the created new logical configuration data between the new logical configuration data creating step and the function updating step of the logic element unit. Item 6. A method for updating the function of the information transfer device according to Item 5. 11. A function of an information transfer apparatus including a logic element unit capable of resetting a logical configuration by writing logical configuration data and realizing various functions for exchanging data between two or more different networks. The updating method includes the following steps. (A) determining whether the function of the logic element unit needs to be updated when resetting the logic element unit; and (b) determining whether the function of the logic element unit needs to be updated. In order to construct the logical configuration data, obtain necessary circuit block data from a plurality of circuit block data prepared in advance outside the information transfer apparatus,
Creating new logical configuration data from the acquired circuit block data outside the information transfer device; and (c) transmitting the created new logical configuration data from outside the information transfer device to the inside (D) resetting the logical configuration of the logical element unit by writing the transmitted new logical configuration data to the logical element unit, and updating the function of the logical element unit. 12. Holding of the plurality of circuit block data prepared in advance and creation of new logical configuration data are performed inside a remote processing device connected to the information transfer device via a communication line. The method for updating the function of an information transfer device according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The function update determining step includes: a configuration of the information transfer device at the time of resetting the logic element unit; a configuration of the information transfer device updated last;
Is different, the step of determining that the function of the logic element unit needs to be updated, and, when a function change of the logic element unit is requested by a user, the function change of the logic element unit is The method for updating a function of an information transfer device according to claim 11, further comprising at least one of a step of determining that the function is necessary. 14. The information transfer device is connected to the logic element unit, and is capable of executing various communication protocols so as to perform data communication with various networks, and at least one communication protocol execution unit, and the logic element. Connected to the
The information transfer apparatus includes at least one extended function realizing unit that realizes an extended function that can be incorporated into the function of the logic element unit. The information transfer device includes a communication protocol execution unit connected to the logical element unit and an extended function realization. 14. The function updating method for an information transfer apparatus according to claim 13, wherein information on each unit is included and can be updated at any time. 15. The new logical configuration data creating step includes the step of presenting the plurality of circuit block data stored in advance to a user; Selecting circuit block data necessary for creating the new logical configuration data; andusing the selected circuit block data to create the new logical configuration data. The method of updating an information transfer device according to claim 11, wherein 16. The circuit block data presenting step includes:
16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: creating a list of the plurality of circuit block data held in advance; and providing the list to the user. . 17. The method according to claim 17, further comprising a step of verifying the created new logical configuration data between the new logical configuration data creating step and the new logical configuration data transmitting step. Item 12. The method for updating a function of an information transfer device according to item 11. 18. The new logical configuration data transmitting step includes: a step of registering, for each user, a usage fee for circuit block data included in the new logical configuration data; 12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of: performing a billing process for each of the users. 19. A logical element unit which can reset a logical configuration by writing logical configuration data and realizes various functions for exchanging data between two or more different networks; When at least one communication protocol execution unit is connected and capable of executing various communication protocols so as to be able to perform data communication with various networks, and the function of the logic element unit needs to be updated when the logic element unit is reset A control unit that sends a request for creating new logical configuration data, an information transfer device, and a storage unit that stores a plurality of circuit block data prepared in advance to construct the logical configuration data, When a request for creating the new logical configuration data is received, necessary circuit block data is obtained from the storage unit, and the obtained circuit block data is A processing unit for creating new logical configuration data, and a remote processing device connected between the information transfer device and the remote processing device, and at least a new logical configuration data sent from the control unit. A function updating system comprising a communication line for performing a creation request and the delivery of the created new circuit configuration data. 20. The information transfer apparatus further comprises at least one extended function realizing unit connected to the logical element unit and realizing an extended function that can be incorporated into the function of the logical element unit. 20. The function updating system according to claim 19, wherein 21. The information transfer apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the information transfer apparatus includes information on each of a communication protocol execution unit and an extended function realization unit connected to the logic element unit, and can be updated at any time.
A storage unit configured to store configuration information of the information transfer device, wherein the control unit has a configuration of the information transfer device when resetting the logic element unit, and a configuration of the information transfer device that is updated last. 21. The information transfer device system according to claim 20, wherein when the configuration is different, the request for creating the new logical configuration data is transmitted. 22. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the control unit sends a request to create the new logical configuration data when a user requests a change in the function of the logical element unit. Function update system.