JP2002369266A - Control apparatus and method, record medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately cope with each command in an apparatus, that is controlled remotely from a plurality of users via a network. SOLUTION: A target machine 1 controls electrical equipment 2, based on information being transmitted from client machines 4-1 to 4-3 via a network 3. When, for example, another command is received from the client machine 4-2, while the electrical equipment 2 is the middle of making it conduct processing corresponding to a command that is reported from the client machine 4-1, the target machine 1 refers to priority which is set to each user, priority which is set to a reported command, or the like, to determine which command is to be assigned higher priority for execution.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device and method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly, to a control device and method, and a recording medium capable of more appropriately controlling a device to be controlled via a network. , And the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, home appliances have been connected to a network, and dedicated applications and WWW (World Wide Web)
Various systems have been proposed that use a personal computer or a mobile phone equipped with a browser, for example, to remotely control the device from outside.

[0003] By using such a remote control system, a user can access a personal computer at home from outside and set a recording reservation for a television program, for example.

[0004]

However, in such a remote control system, it is generally premised that one device to be controlled is controlled by one user. However, there has been a problem that consideration is not given when instructions are given from a plurality of persons.

For example, when a certain user has set a recording reservation for a television program, another user accesses the device and broadcasts the same time as the broadcast time of the program for which the recording reservation is set. When a recording reservation for another program is set, the program is recorded based on the recording reservation set later.

In order to suppress such a situation,
If the previously set recording reservation is treated as valid and the setting cannot be changed, even if the family wants to record a more important program than the program for which the recording reservation has already been set, even if the family member wants to record the program, Unless it is canceled or otherwise
You cannot record that important program.

[0007] If the device to be controlled is a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) device for recording television programs, trivial troubles such as unintended programs being recorded or important programs being unable to be recorded. However, if the device to be controlled is, for example, an air conditioner or a device that controls the amount of hot water in a bathtub, a serious accident may occur.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in an apparatus remotely operated by a plurality of users via a network, each command has
This is to make it possible to respond appropriately.

[0009]

A control device according to the present invention comprises: a connection establishing means for establishing a connection with a terminal in response to a connection request from any one of a plurality of terminals; In response to the notification of the identification information, the authentication means for performing the authentication, and the authentication of the authentication means, when the terminal is confirmed to be valid, based on the instruction notified from the terminal, Control means for controlling the operation.

When a command for controlling the operation of the device is issued from the terminal, a determination means for determining whether or not the device is executing an operation based on a command from another terminal different from the terminal is provided. Further provisions may be made.

When it is determined by the determining means that the operation based on the command from another terminal is being executed, the first terminal set for the terminal or the user is set. The apparatus further includes first comparing means for comparing the priority with a second priority set for another terminal or for the user, and the control means controls the comparison by the first comparing means. As a result, when it is determined that the first priority is higher than the second priority, the operation of the device can be controlled based on a command notified from the terminal.

When the determining means determines that the operation based on the command from another terminal is being executed, the third priority set for the command notified from the terminal is determined. Second comparing means for comparing the degree with the fourth priority set for the command notified from the other terminal, and the control means includes a result of the comparison by the second comparing means. When it is determined that the third priority is higher than the fourth priority, the operation of the device can be controlled based on a command notified from the terminal.

When it is determined by the determining means that the operation based on the command from the other terminal is being executed, the fifth terminal set for the terminal or the user is set. Third comparing means for comparing the priority with a sixth priority set for another terminal or for the user, and a third setting means for setting a command notified from the terminal. And a fourth comparing means for comparing the seventh priority with the eighth priority set for the command notified from the other terminal, and the control means includes: As a result of the comparison by the comparing means, it is determined that the fifth priority is higher than the sixth priority, and that the seventh priority is higher than the eighth priority. Control the operation of the device based on the command notified from the terminal. It can be.

[0014] The control means may further comprise a notifying means for notifying, to the terminal which has notified the instruction, whether or not the device corresponding to the instruction has been normally controlled.

[0015] A control method of a control device according to the present invention includes a connection establishing step of establishing a connection with a terminal in response to a connection request from any one of a plurality of terminals;
In response to the notification of the terminal identification information, the authentication step for performing the authentication, and the authentication by the processing of the authentication step, based on the instruction notified from the terminal when the terminal is confirmed to be legitimate And a control step of controlling the operation of the device.

[0016] The program recorded on the recording medium of the present invention is a program for establishing a connection for controlling the establishment of a connection with a terminal in response to a connection request from any one of a plurality of terminals. The control step, the authentication step for performing the authentication in response to the notification of the terminal identification information, and the authentication performed by the authentication step, the terminal notifies when the terminal is confirmed to be valid. And controlling the operation of the device based on the command.

According to the program of the present invention, a connection request is issued from any one of a plurality of terminals.
A connection establishment control step of controlling establishment of a connection with the terminal, and in response to the terminal identification information being notified,
An authentication step for performing the authentication and a control step for controlling the operation of the device based on a command notified from the terminal when the terminal is confirmed to be valid by the authentication in the processing of the authentication step, to the computer. It is characterized by being executed.

In the control device, the method, and the program according to the present invention, a connection with a terminal is established in response to a connection request from any one of a plurality of terminals, and identification information of the terminal is established. The authentication is performed in response to the notification. In addition, when the terminal is confirmed to be legitimate by the authentication, the operation of the device is controlled based on a command notified from the terminal.

[0019]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a remote control system to which the present invention is applied.

The target machine 1 shown in FIG.
An electric device 2 installed in a house and connected via wire or wireless based on an instruction from client machines 4-1 to 4-3 connected via network 3
Control the operation of.

The target machine 1 has a WWW (World Wide W
eb) It has a server function and the client machine 4-
1 to 4-3, the communication is established and, for example, HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Pro) is established.
Based on the procedure of (tocol), a password as identification information, an instruction to specify a process to be executed by the electric device 2, and the like are acquired from the client machines 4-1 to 4-3.
That is, as described later, the client machine 4-1
Each of 4 to 4-3 has a WWW browser function.

Based on the information notified from the client machines 4-1 to 4-3, the target machine 1 authenticates, for example, a password or an electric device 2 corresponding to a command.
Control. At this time, the target machine 1 has the priority set for each of the client machines 4-1 to 4-3, the priority set for each of its users, or has been transmitted. The priority (the importance of the process) set for the command is compared, the process to be given the highest priority is determined, and the electric device 2 is controlled. The process of the target machine 1 that controls the electric device 2 will be described later in detail with reference to a flowchart.

The electric device 2 is, for example, a VCR (Video Casset).
te Recorder) and AV (Audio V
isual) devices, or various devices such as personal computers, air conditioners, and lighting devices.

These electric devices 2 are based on IEEE (Ins)
titute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 139
4 Wired such as cable or USB (Universal Serial Bus), or IR (Infrared), for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark)
Is connected to the target machine 1 via radio such as a radio wave using a predetermined band, and when a control signal is transmitted, it is driven based on the control signal.

The client machines 4-1 to 4-3 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as the client machines 4 when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the client machines 4-1 to 4-3) are, for example, personal computers. Or mobile phone or PDA (Personal Digital Assista)
nts), and can be connected to a network 3 such as a telephone line network. Further, as described above, since a WWW browser is provided for each of the client machines 4, the user of the client machine 4 accesses the target machine 1 and displays predetermined information on a screen displayed by the WWW browser. The user can input and remotely control (control) the electric device 2.

For example, a user inputs predetermined information such as a recording start time, a recording end time, or a channel of a program on a displayed screen, and transmits the input information to the target machine 1 so that the VCR device The recording reservation can be set for the electrical device 2 which is a user.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the target machine 1 of FIG.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11
A program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 or a RAM (Random Access Mem
ory) 13 executes various processes in accordance with the program loaded. The RAM 13 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are mutually connected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14.

The input unit 16 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and is operated, for example, when the user directly inputs various settings to the target machine 1. The display unit 17 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crysta
l) to present various information to the user.

The storage unit 18 is composed of a hard disk or the like, and stores various applications for controlling the electric device 2, middleware, and the like, and expands them in the RAM 13 as necessary. For example, the storage unit 18 stores W
Software that provides a WW server function and software that provides a dial-up server function for establishing communication (allocating an IP (Internet Protocol)) when accessed from the client machine 4 are stored. ing.

The storage unit 18 stores a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) program described by a predetermined script. The CGI program transmits data for displaying an input screen for remotely operating the electric device 2 or data for displaying a processing result of a transmitted command to the client machine 4 via a WWW server based on HTTP. And provide the corresponding images to the WW
Display it on the W browser (on the screen).

As described above, the user of the client machine 4 needs to obtain a password in advance in order to remotely control the electric device 2, and the password management database 19 stores the issued password in various registration information. And manage them. Then, when the CPU 11 authenticates the password, the password management database 19
Provide necessary information.

The priority management database 20 stores the priority set for each user or the client machine 4 when a password is issued, or
It manages the priorities of instructions set in advance, and provides them to the CPU 11 as needed.

For example, a priority is set for each of the client machines 4, and the electric equipment 2 is controlled (driven) based on the previously given command.
In the meantime, when an instruction to control the electric device 2 is issued from another client machine 4, the CPU 11 refers to the priority managed by the priority management database 20,
It is determined whether or not to continue the process being executed.

More specifically, if another command is issued from the client machine 4-2 while controlling the electric device 2 in accordance with the command issued from the client machine 4-1, the CPU 11 Referring to the priority, when it is determined that the priority set for the client machine 4-1 is higher than the priority set for the client machine 4-2, 2 causes the process to continue. On the other hand, when it is determined that the priority set for the client machine 4-1 is lower than the priority set for the client machine 4-2, the CP
U11 interrupts the process being executed and controls the electric device 2 based on the command issued from the client machine 4-2.

The priority is set to the client machine 4-
It is possible to set not only for each of 1 to 4-3, but also for each user (for each issued password) or for each command notified from the client machine 4.

As described above, by setting the priority, even if another process is instructed while a certain process is being executed, the process corresponding to any of the commands is given priority. It can be easily determined whether the electric device 2 should be executed.

Therefore, it is possible to suppress a situation where a process is performed based on an instruction having a low importance, which is notified while a certain important process is being executed, and the important process is interrupted. Can be.

The priority may be set when the password is issued as described above, or may be set by the user himself.
Thus, for example, when the family uses the electric device 2, the priority of the parent can be set higher than the priority of the child.

Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the communication section 21 is composed of a modem, a terminal adapter and the like, and performs communication via the network 3.

The device control section 22 generates a corresponding control signal based on an instruction from the CPU 11 and transmits the control signal to the electric device 2 via a wire or wirelessly. Therefore, when the electric device 2 is controlled by infrared light, the device control unit 22 is configured by an infrared light emitting unit and the like.

A drive 23 is connected to the input / output interface 15 as needed. The drive 23 includes a magnetic disk 24 such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), and a DVD.
(Digital Versatile Disk) Optical disk 2
5. A magneto-optical disk 26 such as an MD (Mini-Disk) or a semiconductor memory 27 such as a Memory Stick (registered trademark) is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read therefrom is required. Is installed in the storage unit 18 in accordance with.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the client machine 4 shown in FIG. 1, and a detailed description of the same parts as those of the target machine 1 shown in FIG. 2 will be omitted.

As described above, the client machine 4
Is, for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a PDA. When the client machine 4 is a personal computer, the input unit 46 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. When the client machine 4 is a mobile phone, the input unit 46 includes various call buttons and numeric keys, and the client machine 4 is a PDA.
In the case of, the input unit 46 is a touch panel or the like.

The storage unit 48 stores a program for providing a WWW browser function. The WWW browser program displays a corresponding image on the display unit 47 based on information provided from the target machine 1. .

The WWW browser displays, for example, a password entry field and a screen (menu screen) for selecting a process to be executed by the electric device 2 on the display unit 47. The user checks the screen displayed on the display unit 47,
By operating the input unit 46, a desired process is selected.

The processing selected by the user is
As a command for remotely controlling the electric device 2, the communication unit 4
9 and transmitted to the target machine 1 via the network 3.

Next, the operation of the remote control system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart.

First, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 4, various information is registered in the target machine 1,
The processing of the client machine 4 for requesting issuance of a password will be described.

In step S1, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an instruction to access and register the target machine 1 has been issued based on the output from the input unit 46.
Wait until it is determined that the instruction has been made.

When the CPU 41 determines in step S1 that registration has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S2, in which the WWW browser stored in the storage unit 48 is started, and is data for displaying a registration screen. Requests transmission of registration data to the target machine 1.

In the target machine 1, the data for registration is read and provided to the client machine 4.

In step S3, the CPU 41 controls the display unit 47 based on the registration data received by the communication unit 49 to display a corresponding registration screen. In response to the displayed registration screen, the user sets information on the electric device 2 (contents of a process to be remotely operated) and information on the client machine 4 (information on the type of the client machine 4 and information on a dial-up method). Etc.) as registration information.

In step S4, the CPU 41 determines whether or not predetermined registration information has been input, and waits until it is determined that the registration information has been input. Then, in step S4, when predetermined registration information is input and, for example, it is determined that the transmission button displayed at the predetermined position has been operated, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S5, controls the communication unit 49, and And send the registered information.

The target machine 1 issues a password in response to receiving the registration information, and notifies the client machine 4 of the password.

Then, in step S6, the CPU 41
Causes the display unit 47 to display the issued password.
For example, the issued password is composed of a predetermined number of digits or alphabets, and a user who has obtained the password inputs the issued password on a predetermined input screen when remotely operating the electric device 2.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
Based on the information notified from the client machine 4,
The processing of the target machine 1 that accepts registration will be described.

In step S21, the CPU 11 accesses the client machine 4 to determine whether registration has been requested, and waits until it is determined that registration has been requested. When accessed from the client machine 4, the CPU 11 activates a program that provides a dial-up server function, and sends an IP address to the client machine 4.
Issue an address and establish communication.

Then, in step S22, the CPU 1
1 starts a CGI program, reads out registration data for displaying a registration screen, and provides it to the client machine 4.

In step S23, the CPU 11 determines whether predetermined registration information has been notified from the client machine 4 based on the output from the communication unit 21,
It waits until it is determined that it has been notified.

If the CPU 11 determines in step S23 that the registration information has been notified, the process proceeds to step S24, in which a password is issued, and the password is issued to the client machine 4.
Notify.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S25, where the CPU 11
Saves the issued password in the password management database 19 in association with the notified registration information.

In step S 26, the CPU 11 sets the priority and stores a correspondence table with the password in the priority management database 20. The CPU 11, for example,
Based on the notified registration information, the client machine 4
Priority is set for each of.

Further, the CPU 11 sets a priority for each user who remotely operates the electric device 2 based on the notified registration information. For example, when the target machine 1 and the parent and child of the house where the electric device 2 is installed are registered, the CPU 11 sets a higher priority for the parent than the child and sets the issued password and the like. Manage by associating.

Further, the CPU 11 can set a priority for each command for designating a process to be executed by the electric device 2. For example, if the electric device 2 is a VCR device, the CPU 1
1 sets a higher priority than a command for instructing erasure of a program already stored for a command for instructing a recording process, and manages the command in association with information for identifying each command.

Thus, for example, in the case where the recording process is being executed, the recording process is continued even if a command for instructing the target machine 1 to delete the program is given later.

In the above description, the user accesses the target machine 1 from the client machine 4 and registers on the screen displayed by the WWW browser. However, the user may directly operate the target machine 1 to register. . As described above, various priorities (priority of the client machine 4, priority of each user, or priority of an instruction) may be set by the user.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The processing of the client machine 4 that remotely controls the electric device 2 will be described.

In step S41, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the user has instructed to access the target machine 1 based on the output from the input unit 46, and waits until it is determined that the access has been made. CPU 41
If it is determined that access has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S42, where a WWW browser is started, the communication unit 49 is controlled, and the target machine 1 is accessed.

Since data for displaying an input screen is provided in response to access to the target machine 1, the CPU 41 displays the input screen on the display unit 47 based on the received data in step S43. Let it.

For example, since a password input field and a menu screen of a function that can be remotely operated are displayed, the user operates the input unit 46 to input a password or select a process to be executed by the electric device 2. . For example, when the electric device 2 is a VCR device and the user sets a recording reservation, a screen for inputting a recording start time and an end time or a program channel is displayed.

When the transmission button provided at a predetermined position is operated, in step S44, the input password and an instruction for designating a process to be executed by the electric device 2 are transmitted.

In the target machine 1, a process of authenticating the transmitted password or a process of controlling the electric device 2 based on various priorities is performed, and a response relating to the process result is made as described later. You.

In step S45, the CPU 41 of the client machine 4 determines whether or not there is a response from the target machine 1, and waits until it determines that there is a response. Then, when determining that there is a response from the target machine 1, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S46, and displays the notified message on the display unit 47.

For example, when the target machine 1 determines that the password is not valid, a message such as “The password is incorrect” is received and displayed on the display unit 47. When it is determined that the process corresponding to the notified command cannot be executed by the electric device 2 based on the determination of the various priorities, the process is executed because another process is being executed. Message is received and displayed on the display unit 47.

As described above, since the processing result for the transmitted command is notified from the target machine 1, the user can confirm whether or not the commanded processing is actually executed.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The processing of the target machine 1 that controls the electric device 2 based on the information transmitted from the client machine 4 will be described.

In step S61, the CPU 11 determines whether or not access has been made from the client machine 4, and waits until it is determined that access has been made. CPU11
If it is determined that the client machine 4 has been accessed, the process proceeds to step S62, where a program for providing a dial-up server function is started, an IP address is issued to the client machine 4 that has accessed, and the Start (establish) communication.

Then, in step S 63, the password and the input data for displaying the input screen of the command for the target machine 1 are transmitted to the client machine 4.

On the client machine 4, an input screen is displayed. In response to this, the user inputs a password acquired in advance and a command for designating a process to be executed by the electric device 2, and sends a command to the target machine 1. Send.

The CPU 11 receives the password and the command input by the user in step S64, and authenticates the notified password in step S65.
Specifically, the password obtained via the WWW server is provided to the authentication program by the CGI program,
Authentication is performed with reference to the password stored in the password management database 19.

At step S65, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the password notified from the client machine 4 is valid. If it is determined that the password is not valid, the process proceeds to step S67, where the CPU 11 Signals that the instruction cannot be executed.

In response to this notification, the client machine 4
For example, as described above, a message such as "The password is incorrect" is displayed.

On the other hand, in step S66, the CPU 11
If it is determined that the password notified from the client machine 4 is valid, the process advances to step S68 to check whether there is another command being processed. Then, in step S69, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is another command being processed (whether or not the process corresponding to the previously notified command is being executed). If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S67, and the subsequent processes are executed.

Accordingly, in the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 7, an instruction has been issued from another client machine 4 first, and the instruction issued while the electric device 2 is executing the processing corresponding to the instruction is: It will not be accepted.

That is, the electric device 2 is a VCR device,
When recording is performed based on a command from the client machine 4-1, the user of the client machine 4-2 cannot cause the electric device 2 to execute any processing.

For example, in step S67, a message such as "Processing is not accepted because another process is being executed" is transmitted to the client machine 4, and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, in step S69, the CPU 11
If it is determined that there is no other command being processed, the process proceeds to step S70, controls the device control unit 22, and causes the electric device 2 to execute a process corresponding to the received command.

For example, when the user of the client machine 4-1 instructs the target machine 1 to start recording on the electric device 2, which is a VCR device, the device control unit 2
2 emits a predetermined infrared ray, and the electric device 2 starts recording.

In step S71, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the processing has been completed normally. If it is determined that the processing has not been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S72, where the CPU 11 responds to the instruction to the client machine 4. Notify that the electric device 2 could not execute the process.

On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines in step S71 that the process has been completed normally,
Proceeding to 73, the client machine 4 is notified that the electric device 2 has executed the processing corresponding to the command.
For example, a message such as “processing is completed” is generated and transmitted to the client machine 4.

In general, when the target machine 1 is provided with a server function, anyone can easily access the server machine. Therefore, by issuing a password and performing authentication, an unauthorized user can cause trouble. Processing (access) can be suppressed. Further, access may be restricted by a user name or an IP address.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
Another process of the target machine 1 that controls the electric device 2 based on the information transmitted from the client machine 4 will be described.

In this process, when a new command is received while the electric device 2 is executing a process based on the command already issued, the command to be executed is transmitted. The priority set for the user is compared with the priority set for the user who has newly sent the command. Then, based on the comparison result, processing corresponding to the command transmitted from the user to which the higher priority is set is performed.

The processing in steps S81 to S89 is the same as the processing in steps S61 to S69 described with reference to FIG. 7, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

That is, the CPU 11 of the target machine 1
Establishes communication with the client machine 4 in step S82 when accessed from the client machine 4, and proceeds to step S83 to input the password and the input data of an instruction designating a process to be executed by the electric device 2 to the client. Send to machine 4. And CP
U11 acquires the password and the like notified from the client machine 4 in step S84, and authenticates its validity in step S85.

If the CPU 11 determines that the password is not valid, the process proceeds to step S87, generates a message notifying the fact, and notifies the client machine 4.

On the other hand, in step S86, the CPU 11
If it is determined that the notified password is valid, the process proceeds to step S88, in which another command being processed is confirmed, and in step S89, the presence or absence of a command already executed is determined.

Then, in a step S89, the CPU 1
If it is determined that there is another command being processed, the process proceeds to step S90, and the priority set for the user of the client machine 4 which has notified the command this time indicates that the command is already being processed. It is determined whether or not the priority is higher than the priority set for the user.

For example, when the user of the client machine 4-2 notifies the command while processing the command from the user of the client machine 4-1, the CPU 11
On the basis of the respective passwords notified together with the command, referring to the correspondence table stored in the priority management database 20, the priority set for the user of the client machine 4-1 and the client machine 4
-2 is acquired. Then, the acquired priorities are compared, and it is determined whether or not a higher priority is set for any user.

In step S90, the CPU 11 determines that the priority set for the user who has issued the instruction this time is lower than the priority set for the user who has notified the instruction which is being processed. If so, the process proceeds to step S91 to cause the electric device 2 to continue the process.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S87, and the user is notified of the fact that the command has been transmitted this time but the electric device 2 has not been able to execute the process corresponding to the command. Generate and send a message.

That is, in the above example, the priority set for the user of the client machine 4-1 is:
If it is determined that the priority is higher than the priority set for the user of the client machine 4-2, the processing corresponding to the command that has been already executed and is notified from the client machine 4-1 is continued. Then, in step S87, a message to the effect that the process corresponding to the command cannot be executed is notified to the client machine 4-2.

On the other hand, in step S90, the CPU 11
This time, if it is determined that the priority set for the user who has notified the instruction is higher than the priority set for the user who has notified the instruction that is already being processed,
Proceeding to step S92, the electric device 2 starts processing corresponding to the newly received command.

Therefore, the processing corresponding to the command which is being executed and which is notified by the user having a lower priority set is interrupted or forcibly terminated. Further, a message notifying the user who instructed the interrupted processing may be generated and transmitted.

When it is determined in step S89 that there is no command being processed, the process in step S90 is skipped, and the process corresponding to the received command is started in step S92.

The processing in steps S93 to S95 is the same as the processing in steps S71 to S73 described with reference to FIG. That is, it is determined in step S93 whether or not the processing started in step S92 has been completed normally, and if it is determined that the processing has not been completed normally, the fact is notified to the client machine 4 in step S94. Is done.

If it is determined in step S93 that the process started in step S92 has been completed normally, the flow advances to step S95, and the client machine 4 is notified of this fact.

According to the above-described processing, for example, when the parent and child share the electric device 2 and the parent has a higher priority than the child, the child instructs to execute the processing. Even so, the parent can cause the electric device 2 to execute the process instructed later.

By setting the priorities as described above, even if another process is instructed during execution of a certain process, the target machine 1 should execute that process. It can be easily determined whether or not.
Further, since the priority can be set by the user himself, troubles due to unintended operations can be suppressed.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
Still another process of the target machine 1 that controls the electric device 2 based on the information transmitted from the client machine 4 will be described.

In this process, when a new command is received while the electric device 2 is executing the process based on the already-executed command, the command is set to each command itself. Priorities are compared. Then, based on the comparison result, the electric device 2 executes a process corresponding to the instruction for which the higher priority is set.

Steps S111 to S119 are the same as steps S61 to S69 described with reference to FIG. 7 and steps S81 to S89 described with reference to FIG.
Detailed description is omitted.

That is, the CPU 11 of the target machine 1
Establishes communication with the client machine 4 in step S112 when accessed from the client machine 4, proceeds to step S113, and enters a password,
Data for inputting a command specifying a process to be executed by the electric device 2 is transmitted to the client machine 4. Then, in step S114, the CPU 11 acquires the password or the like notified from the client machine 4, and authenticates its validity in step S115.

If the CPU 11 determines that the password is not valid, the process proceeds to step S117, generates a message notifying the fact, and notifies the client machine 4.

On the other hand, in step S116, the CPU 1
If it is determined that the notified password is valid, the process proceeds to step S118, where another command being processed is confirmed, and in step S119, it is determined whether or not there is a command that has already been executed.

Then, in step S119, the CPU
If it is determined that there is another command being processed, the process proceeds to step S120, and the priority set for the command received this time is higher than the priority set for the command already being processed. It is determined whether it is high.

For example, if the user of the client machine 4-2 notifies the user of the command while the user of the client machine 4-1 is processing the command notified earlier, the CPU 11 sets the priority management database. Reference is made to a correspondence table between various instructions and priorities stored in the storage unit 20, and the priorities set for both instructions are acquired. Then, the CPU 11 compares the acquired priorities and determines whether any of the instructions is a more important instruction.

The CPU 11 determines in step S120
This time, the priority set for the notified instruction is
If it is determined that the priority is lower than the priority set for the instruction that is already being processed, the process proceeds to step S121, and the electric device 2 continues the process.

Then, the flow advances to step S117, and this time,
A message is generated to notify a user who has failed to cause the electrical device 2 to execute the process corresponding to the command despite having transmitted the command,
Send.

On the other hand, in step S120, the CPU 1
If it is determined that the priority set for the instruction that has been notified this time is higher than the priority set for the instruction that is already being processed, the process proceeds to step S122, and the newly received instruction Is started by the electric device 2.

Therefore, the processing corresponding to the instruction which is being executed and for which a lower priority is set is interrupted or forcibly terminated.

The processing of steps S123 to S125 is the same as the processing of steps S71 to S73 described with reference to FIG. That is, it is determined in step S123 whether or not the process started in step S122 has been completed normally. If it is determined that the process has not been completed normally, the fact is notified to the client machine 4 in step S124. Is done.

If it is determined in step S123 that the process started in step S122 has been completed normally, the flow advances to step S125, and the client machine 4 is notified of that fact.

By the above processing, the instruction whose priority is set to be higher is reliably executed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a situation in which a more important instruction cannot be executed than an instruction being executed because an instruction having a not so high importance is executed first.

Next, the processing of the target machine 1 for controlling the electric equipment 2 based on the information transmitted from the client machine 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

This processing is based on the processing shown in FIG. 8 for selecting an instruction to be executed based on the priority set for each user, and the processing based on the priority set for each instruction. To select the instruction to be executed.
Are combined with the processing shown in FIG.

The processing of steps S141 to S149 is the same as the processing of steps S61 to S69 described with reference to FIG. 7, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

That is, the CPU 11 of the target machine 1
When accessed from the client machine 4, in step S142, the communication with the client machine 4 is established, and the process proceeds to step S143, where the password and the
Data for inputting a command specifying a process to be executed by the electric device 2 is transmitted to the client machine 4. Then, in step S144, the CPU 11 acquires the password or the like notified from the client machine 4, and authenticates the validity in step S145.

When the CPU 11 determines that the password is not valid, the process proceeds to step S147, generates a message notifying the fact, and notifies the client machine 4.

On the other hand, in step S146, the CPU 1
When it is determined that the notified password is valid, the process proceeds to step S148, where another command being processed is checked, and in step S149, it is determined whether or not there is a command that has already been executed.

Then, in step S149, the CPU
If it is determined that there is another command being processed, the process proceeds to step S150, and the priority set for the user of the client machine 4 which has notified the command this time indicates that the command is already being processed. It is determined whether the priority set for the command received this time is higher than the priority set for the user who has performed the command, and the priority set for the command received this time is higher than the priority set for the command already processed. I do.

In this case, the CPU 11 refers to the correspondence table stored in the priority management database 20 and sets the priority set to the user who has notified the instruction that is already being executed, and the priority set to the instruction itself. , The priority set for the user who has notified the command received this time, and the priority set for the command itself, and each determination is made.

The CPU 11 determines in step S150
The priority set for the user of the client machine 4 that has notified the command this time is not higher than the priority set for the user that has notified the command that has already been processed, or the command received this time. If it is determined that the priority set in is not higher than the priority set in the instruction already being processed, the process proceeds to step S151.

Then, in step S151, the CPU
Step S11 causes the electric device 2 to continue the process, and
In step 7, a message notifying the user is transmitted to the user who has not been able to execute the process corresponding to the command even though the command has been transmitted this time. .

On the other hand, in step S150,
The priority set for the user of the client machine 4 that has notified the command is higher than the priority set for the user that has notified the command that has already been processed, and is set to the command received this time. If it is determined that the given priority is higher than the priority set for the command that has already been processed, the process proceeds to step S152, and the electric device 2 starts processing corresponding to the command received this time.

The processing in steps S153 to S155 is the same as the processing in steps S71 to S73 described with reference to FIG. That is, it is determined in step S153 whether or not the processing started in step S122 has been completed normally, and if it is determined that the processing has not been completed normally, the fact is notified to the client machine 4 in step S154. Is done.

If it is determined in step S153 that the process started in step S152 has been completed normally, the process advances to step S155, and the client machine 4 is notified of that fact.

As shown in FIG. 10, the priority can be set for various items, and the judgment can be made based on various algorithms.

In the above, the target machine 1
By providing a W server function and providing each of the client machines 4-1 to 4-3 with a WWW browser function, various types of information are transmitted and received. The application may be installed on both sides.

This dedicated application is installed on the target machine 1 via the magnetic disk 24 to the semiconductor memory 27, and for the client machine 4, the magnetic disk 51 to the semiconductor memory 5
4 installed.

In the above description, the case where one device is controlled by the target machine 1 has been described. However, a plurality of devices may be controlled.

The above series of processing can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software.

When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in a computer built in dedicated hardware, or by installing various programs, various functions are executed. Is installed from a network 3 or a recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like, for example, which can execute the program.

As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, this recording medium is provided separately from the main body of the apparatus, and is distributed to provide the user with the program. 25, 52, magneto-optical disks 26, 53, or semiconductor memories 27, 54
ROMs 12 and 42 storing programs, which are provided to the user in a state in which they are not only configured by package media such as
And a hard disk included in the storage units 18 and 48.

[0147] In this specification, the steps of describing a program recorded on a recording medium are not limited to processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but are not necessarily performed in chronological order. Alternatively, it also includes individually executed processing.

In this specification, a system is
It represents the entire device composed of a plurality of devices.

[0149]

According to the control device, method and program of the present invention, a connection with a terminal is established in response to a connection request from any one of a plurality of terminals, and The authentication is performed in response to the notification of the identification information. In addition, when the terminal is confirmed to be valid by authentication, based on a command notified from the terminal,
Since the operation of the device is controlled, even if a command is issued to execute another process while a certain process is being executed, it is possible to appropriately respond to each command.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a remote operation system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a target machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a client machine in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process of a client machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a registration reception process of the target machine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a remote operation process of the client machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the target machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another control process of the target machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating still another control process of the target machine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the target machine.

[Description of Signs] 1 target machine, 2 electrical equipment, 3 network, 4 client machine, 11 CPU,
12 ROM, 13 RAM, 14 bus, 15 input / output interface, 16 input section, 17 output section,
18 storage unit, 19 password management database, 20 priority management database, 21 communication unit,
22 equipment control unit, 23 drive, 24 magnetic disk, 25 optical disk, 26 magneto-optical disk, 27 semiconductor memory, 41 CPU, 42 RO
M, 43 RAM, 44 bus, 45 input / output interface, 46 input section, 47 output section, 48
Storage unit, 49 communication unit, 50 drive, 51 magnetic disk, 52 optical disk, 53 magneto-optical disk, 54 semiconductor memory

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 11/00 301 H04M 11/00 301 5K101 H04N 5/76 H04N 5/76 Z 5/765 5/91 L F-term (Reference) 5B085 AA08 AE03 AE04 BA07 CA07 5B089 GA25 HA13 JA35 JB14 KA17 KB04 5C052 AB03 AB04 DD10 EE02 5C053 FA23 FA24 FA27 FA29 FA30 GB05 JA21 KA01 KA08 KA24 LA11 LA14 LA20 5K05 BA04 DC01 FC01 KK18 LL01

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A control device for controlling the operation of a device connected via a wire or wirelessly based on a command from a plurality of terminals connected via a network, wherein: A connection establishing unit for establishing a connection with the terminal in response to a connection request from the terminal; an authentication unit for performing authentication in response to notification of the identification information of the terminal; A control device, comprising: control means for controlling the operation of the device based on a command notified from the terminal when the terminal is confirmed to be valid by authentication by the authentication means. 2. When the terminal issues an instruction to control the operation of the device, whether or not the device is executing an operation based on an instruction from another terminal different from the terminal. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the control device determines whether or not the control device is in the control state. 3. When the determining means determines that the operation based on a command from the another terminal is being performed, the setting is made for the terminal or the user. And the second priority set for the other terminal or for the user.
And a first comparing unit that compares the first priority with the second priority. As a result of the comparison by the first comparing unit, the first priority is higher than the second priority. 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein when it is determined, the operation of the device is controlled based on the command notified from the terminal. 4. 4. When the determining means determines that the operation based on the command from the other terminal is being executed, the setting is made for the command notified from the terminal. And the fourth priority set for the command notified from the other terminal.
And a second comparing unit that compares the third priority with the fourth priority. As a result of the comparison by the second comparing unit, the third priority is higher than the fourth priority. 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein when it is determined, the operation of the device is controlled based on the command notified from the terminal. 4. 5. When the determination means determines that the operation based on a command from the another terminal is being performed, the setting is made for the terminal or for the user thereof. And the sixth priority set for the other terminal or for that user.
Third comparing means for comparing the priority of the command, the seventh priority set for the command notified from the terminal, and the command notified from the other terminal. And a fourth comparing means for comparing with the set eighth priority, wherein the control means determines that the fifth priority is equal to the sixth priority as a result of the comparison by the third comparing means. Based on the instruction notified from the terminal when it is determined that the priority is higher than the priority of the terminal, and when the seventh priority is determined to be higher than the eighth priority. The control device according to claim 2, wherein operation of the device is controlled. 6. The apparatus further comprising: a notifying unit that notifies the terminal that has notified the instruction whether the control of the device corresponding to the instruction is normally performed by the control unit. The control device according to claim 1. 7. A control method of a control device for controlling the operation of a device connected via a wire or wirelessly based on a command from a plurality of terminals connected via a network, comprising: A connection establishing step of establishing a connection with the terminal in response to a connection request from any one of the terminals; and an authentication step of performing authentication in response to notification of the identification information of the terminal. And a control step of controlling the operation of the device based on a command notified from the terminal when the terminal is confirmed to be valid by the authentication in the process of the authentication step. And control method. 8. A program for a control device for controlling the operation of a device connected via a wire or wirelessly based on a command from a plurality of terminals connected via a network, wherein: A connection establishment control step of controlling establishment of a connection with the terminal in response to a connection request from one of the terminals, and authentication of the terminal in response to notification of the identification information of the terminal. And a control step of controlling the operation of the device based on a command notified from the terminal when the terminal is confirmed to be legitimate by the authentication in the processing of the authentication step. A recording medium on which a computer-readable program is recorded. 9. A computer that controls the operation of a device connected via a wire or wirelessly based on an instruction from a plurality of terminals connected via a network, wherein the computer controls any one of the plurality of terminals. A connection establishment control step of controlling establishment of a connection with the terminal in response to a connection request from the terminal, and performing authentication in response to notification of the terminal identification information. And a control step for controlling the operation of the device based on a command notified from the terminal when the terminal is confirmed to be valid by the authentication in the processing of the authentication step. .