JP2004265310A - Home network storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a home network storage device capable of informing of an access request when the access request is outputted from an IP network to a network apparatus installed in a home, and if an unauthorized access is occurred, immediately interrupting the access by a simple method. <P>SOLUTION: The home network storage device is provided with a visible/audible display means for informing of the reception of an access request from the IP network and a means for displaying a present access state or authentication information sent from an opposite party on a television by an image or a voice in real time and constituted so as to inform that the access request is received by the visible/audible display means at the timing of detecting the access request from the IP network and output the present access state or the authentication information sent from the opposite party on the television in real time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is provided in a general home and connected to an IP network such as the Internet, and connected to various AV (audiovisual) devices typified by a video camera and a digital camera to transfer various AV information. A home network equipped with a means for storing information therein, and capable of transmitting / receiving e-mail, browsing the Web or the like, or searching, selecting, browsing, and playing back various kinds of AV information stored therein using a television screen. The present invention relates to a method for coping with a case where an access request or an unauthorized access occurs from the IP network to the home network storage device in the storage device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At home, sending and receiving e-mails and browsing the Internet are performed by dial-up connection using public telephone lines or other lines. By paying a fixed amount, a method of connecting to the Internet without communication charges for 24 hours, or by using broadband, high-speed, large-volume data transfer, the affinity between ordinary homes and the Internet has further increased, and mail transmission and reception In addition to browsing the Internet and the Internet, anyone can send and receive various data and information such as images and music on the Internet anytime.
[0003]
At the same time, a device connected to the Internet, which is an IP network, from a general home can technically access the device from the Internet side as well, and can prevent unauthorized access from the outside to devices at home. However, some countermeasures are needed.
[0004]
For example, in the case of a Web page on the Internet, the Web page on the Internet is content for which an unspecified number of people request access. Therefore, it is stored and operated in a server such as a company outside the home that has security measures against unauthorized access. As a result, there is no need to prepare any countermeasures against unauthorized access to the content.
[0005]
On the other hand, when the user accesses a device at home from outside and uses the information stored in the device from outside, or when the personal information stored in the device at home such as personal photograph and video information is used by relatives and friends. In some cases, access to a device at home is permitted for sharing with a specific person such as an acquaintance.
[0006]
As a means to prevent unauthorized access in such a case, an authentication request is made for an external access request, and if access is received when information matching the registered authentication information is received, unauthorized access is permitted. Can be prevented. An example of using such authentication to prevent unauthorized access is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-32945.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, only the method of performing authentication to prevent unauthorized access as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H08-32945 discloses a method in which the authentication information is leaked to a third party by some means or the authentication information is intentionally decrypted. Did not have any means to detect unauthorized access.
[0008]
Therefore, it is conceivable to introduce an advanced security system used by a company that stores and operates the contents of Web pages. Is also difficult.
[0009]
It is also conceivable to equip inexpensively with a method for requesting complicated authentication information and a method for performing complicated access methods. However, considering the use of ordinary households, the operation is too cumbersome for the elderly and those who are unfamiliar with the system. Will be.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a purpose thereof is to notify a network device installed in a home when an access request is received from an IP network. An object of the present invention is to provide a home network storage device that can immediately block access in a simple manner when it occurs.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes means for connecting to an IP network, means for connecting to various AV (audio / visual) devices, means for storing various AV information therein, Means for outputting images and sounds to the television, and when an access request is received from the IP network, the authentication information sent from the other party is checked against the destination information stored in advance therein, and the matching is performed. A home or network storage device for determining whether or not access is permitted according to the result; a visible or audible display means for notifying that an access request has been received from the IP network; and a real-time display of the current access status or authentication information sent from the other party. Means for displaying an image or sound on a television, and detecting an access request from the IP network. To display indicating that an access request is received by the visual or audible display means in ring, and outputs to the television authentication information transmitted simultaneously from the current access status or destination in real time.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for forcibly interrupting communication with a destination by a predetermined operation even when an access request is made from the IP network or after the access is permitted. Features.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for transmitting an e-mail, and when an access request is generated from the IP network, whether or not the access is permitted or sent from the other party. An electronic mail having contents including authentication information is transmitted to a predetermined address stored in advance.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a home network storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a home network storage device, which has a function of connecting to an AV (audio / visual) device such as a digital camera and storing various types of AV information such as moving images and still images therein. Then, the television 103 is used as a display monitor, and is displayed on a television screen to search, select, browse, and reproduce various kinds of AV information stored therein.
[0017]
Also, an interface for connecting to an IP network (Internet) 104 is provided, and similarly, transmission / reception of e-mail and browsing of Web and the like can be performed using a television screen. All these operations are performed by a remote controller (remote controller) 102, and are controlled by connecting to a home network storage device wirelessly using infrared rays, for example.
[0018]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the home network storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of each signal, the bold lines indicate various types of information, and the thin lines indicate control signals.
[0019]
A control unit 201 controls each block (203 to 208) of the home network storage device. A clock function is built in, and a time is notified to each block, and a timer is configured and used for controlling operations.
[0020]
Reference numeral 202 denotes a remote control receiving I / F unit, which is an interface device that receives a control signal from the remote control. It has a function of transmitting a control signal received from the remote controller to the control unit. In the embodiment, the control signal is transmitted from the remote controller using the infrared ray. After receiving the infrared ray transmitted from the remote controller, the control signal is demodulated and transmitted to the control unit. The infrared signal transmitted from the remote control corresponds to each key equipped on the remote control. When any key is pressed by the user, the infrared signal is transmitted from the remote control. I have.
[0021]
Reference numeral 203 denotes a visible display unit, which is turned on when the home network storage device detects an access request from the IP network, to notify the user of the access request. It is controlled by the control unit (201), and is configured by an LED or the like. It lights up until the connection to the IP network is completed, and plays a role of visually indicating that the connection is established.
[0022]
Reference numeral 204 denotes an audible display unit, which sounds when the home network detects an access request from the IP network and notifies the user of the detection. It is composed of a speaker and the like and its driving circuit. Whether or not to sound can be determined in advance by setting, and a sound such as a buzzer sound, a melody sound, or an announcement indicates that there is an access request from the IP network.
[0023]
Reference numeral 205 denotes an IP network I / F, which is an interface device for connecting a home network storage device to an IP network (Internet). In the embodiment, it is assumed that the ADSL line is used for free connection to an IP network for 24 hours. It has a function of connecting to a predetermined server when browsing the Web on the Internet and transmitting and receiving e-mail, and has a function of transmitting and receiving packetized information after the connection is completed.
[0024]
All information transmitted and received with the IP network is exchanged with the storage unit (206), and is performed according to an instruction from the control unit (201). It has a function of making an authentication request in response to an access request from the IP network and permitting access when information matching the authentication information registered in advance in the storage unit (206) is received.
[0025]
A storage unit 206 stores or temporarily stores all data and information handled by the home network storage device. In the present embodiment, this storage section is divided into several areas. For example, authentication information and setting data of connection destinations or various AV information are always stored, and image information is temporarily stored for convenience in an information storage area where a user can newly add or delete the information or when browsing the Web. A temporary storage area for temporarily storing an e-mail, an e-mail area used for temporarily storing a received e-mail, a temporary storage of a transmission file, and the like. Information to be output to the television among the information stored therein is selected under the control of the control unit, and the selected information is transmitted to the TV image generation unit (206).
[0026]
Reference numeral 207 denotes a TV image generation unit, which combines various types of information sent from the storage unit, converts the information into video information that can be displayed on a television screen, and transmits the video information to the TV output I / F unit (208). ing. In the embodiment, when the screen configuration of the television is changed, the control unit has a function of detecting a user's remote control operation and reflecting the content of the operation in the storage unit and the TV image generation unit. The screen configuration of the TV can be updated at any time by operating the remote control.
[0027]
When the application to be used is changed, the control unit has a function of detecting the user's remote control operation and reflecting the operation content in all the function blocks, thereby enabling the application to be used by the user's remote control operation. Can be updated at any time.
[0028]
Reference numeral 208 denotes a TV output I / F, which is an interface device for actually outputting video information transmitted from the TV image generation unit to the television. In the embodiment, the TV output I / F unit has respective pin jacks for audio and video so that the home network storage device and the television can be connected by independent cables with pin plugs. The terminal corresponding to is equipped.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the operation of the home network storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart shows how the home network storage device operates in a method of notifying the access to the television screen when an access request is made from the IP network.
[0030]
<301>
This shows the start of this flowchart. The state of the television at this time may be any of the case where the power is off and a normal television broadcast is being shown. Further, the state of the home network storage device is a state where the power is turned on (standby).
[0031]
<302>
It is in a state of waiting for an access request from the IPP network. This state indicates that the home network storage device is in the standby state until the IP network I / F unit (205) receives a signal of an access request from the IP network.
[0032]
<303>
At 302, the IP network I / F unit (205) receives an access request signal from the IP network and notifies the control unit (201). In response to this, the control unit (201) turns on the LED of the visible display unit (203) to perform visible display. Alternatively, the speaker of the audible display unit (203) sounds according to the setting. Thus, the user recognizes that an access request has been made to the home network storage device from the IP network.
[0033]
<304>
Next, authentication information for permitting access is obtained. For example, receiving the destination information such as an ID and a password, and temporarily storing the received destination information in the storage unit (206) in order to collate with the information stored in advance.
[0034]
<305>
The other party information such as the ID and the password acquired in 304 is extracted from the storage unit (206), and output to the television from the TV output I / F unit (208) via the TV image generation unit (207). At this time, not only the destination information acquired in 304 but also the access status and the like stored in the storage unit (206) are always output to the television. That is, the access request and the access status stored in the storage unit (206) are stored until the access is rejected after the access request is generated, until the access is forcibly shut down during the access, or until the access is normally completed. Means that the information is output to the television in real time.
[0035]
First, the user is notified in 303 visually or audibly that there is an access request from the IP network to the home network storage device. Therefore, when the power of the television is OFF, the user can confirm the information of the other party who transmitted the access request on the television screen by turning on the power and switching the input to the home network storage device.
[0036]
Also, when watching a normal television broadcast, the user can confirm the destination information to which the access request has been transmitted on the television screen by switching the input to the home network storage device.
[0037]
<306>
The destination information acquired in 304 is compared with information stored in the storage unit (206) in advance, and permission for the access request is determined (automatic determination). The determination is made by checking whether the received ID and password are an ID and password for which access permission is registered in advance. If the access permission is a registered ID and password, the access is permitted. Conversely, if the access permission is not registered for an ID and a password, it is determined that the access is rejected, and the flow shifts to 309.
[0038]
<307>
The other party information is displayed on the television screen, and whether or not to continue the access is determined by a predetermined operation of the user (manual determination). In the embodiment, when the user knows from the display on the television screen that access is being performed using, for example, his / her ID and password, it is determined that the access is unauthorized by a third party, and the remote controller determines that the access is unauthorized. Press the specific key for forcible disconnection. When the signal by pressing the specific key is received by the remote control receiving I / F unit (202), the connection is forcibly cut off even under access by the control of the control unit (201), and the flow shifts to 309.
[0039]
Further, by pressing a specific key of the remote controller at any time until the access is normally completed, the connection can be forcibly cut off.
[0040]
<308>
The type of access being made from the IP network is temporarily stored in the storage unit (206), and the end of access is monitored. For example, whether the image information or the like is downloaded from the home network storage device or whether the file or the like is uploaded from the outside via the IP network is stored in the storage unit (206) in real time. Then, when the operation indicating the end of the access is detected from the destination of the access request, the flow shifts to 309.
[0041]
The above-mentioned flow of 305 to 308 is a series of operations, and the above-mentioned series of operations is repeated unless the flow shifts to the flow of 309. As a result, the access status can be confirmed on the TV screen in real time, and the state can be forcibly cut off at any time.
[0042]
<309>
When the access is determined to be ended in any of the flows 306, 307, and 308 and the disconnection processing is completed, the transmission of the access status and the like that has been output to the television is stopped. At the same time, the information regarding the access temporarily stored in the storage unit (206) is deleted, and preparation for the next access request is performed. At this time, it is also possible to save information temporarily stored as a detailed log depending on the setting.
[0043]
<310>
Subsequent to stopping the display of the television screen at 309, the visible and audible display continuously displayed after the access request is generated is stopped, and the home network storage device shifts to the standby state.
[0044]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the operation of the home network storage device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This flowchart shows how the home network storage device operates in a method of notifying the access request by e-mail when an access request is made from the IP network.
[0045]
<401>
This shows the start of this flowchart. At this time, the state of the home network storage device is a state where the power is turned on (standby).
[0046]
<402>
It is in a state of waiting for an access request from the IP network. This state indicates that the home network storage device is in the standby state until the IP network I / F unit (205) receives a signal of an access request from the IP network.
[0047]
<403>
In 402, the IP network I / F unit (205) receives an access request signal from the IP network and notifies the control unit (201). In response to this, the control unit (201) acquires authentication information for permitting access. For example, it receives destination information such as an ID and a password and stores the temporarily received destination information in the storage unit (206) in order to collate with information stored in advance.
[0048]
<404>
The destination information acquired in 403 is compared with the information stored in the storage unit (206) in advance, and permission for the access request is determined (automatic determination). The determination is made by checking whether the received ID and password are an ID and password for which access permission is registered in advance. If the access permission is a registered ID and password, the access is permitted. Conversely, if the access permission is an ID and a password for which no registration has been made, it is determined that the access has been rejected, and the flow returns to 402 to shift to the standby state.
[0049]
<405>
The other party information such as the ID and password acquired in 403 is extracted from the storage unit (206), quoted in the body of the e-mail, and transmitted from the IP network I / F unit (205) to the address registered in advance. You. At this time, the presence / absence of the access permission performed in 404 is also quoted in the body of the e-mail and transmitted.
[0050]
<406>
Obtain the e-mail sent in 405 and check the contents, for example, if you read the e-mail and know that you are accessing using your ID and password even though you are not accessing it Then, it determines that the access is unauthorized by a third party and immediately sends a reply mail to the home network storage device. Upon receiving the reply mail, the home network storage device regards it as a forced disconnection instruction, forcibly disconnects the current access, returns to the flow of 402, and shifts to the standby state. On the contrary, until the reply mail is received, it is determined that the access is normal according to the authentication and the access is continued.
[0051]
<407>
The type of access being made from the IP network is temporarily stored in the storage unit (206), and the end of access is monitored. For example, whether a prohibited file is used for download from a home network storage device, or a prohibited file or the like is externally used for upload via an IP network. If a prohibited operation is detected, access is blocked according to a predetermined procedure.
[0052]
Further, even if an operation indicating the end of the access is detected from the other party who has made the access request, the access is blocked according to a predetermined procedure, and the flow returns to the flow of 402 to shift to the standby state.
[0053]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a home network storage device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The configuration is such that a voice input unit (501) and a key input unit (502) are added to FIG.
[0054]
Reference numeral 501 has a function of detecting a voice input, and includes a microphone and a voice recognition device. When the voice registered in advance is input to the microphone, the control unit (201) is notified. The control unit (201) having received the notification performs each control of the home network storage device according to the content of the notification.
[0055]
For example, in the flow of 307 shown in FIG. 3, when the user determines that the access is unauthorized by a third party, a voice registered in advance is uttered to the microphone. When the voice received by the voice input unit (501) is recognized as voice for forcibly blocking access registered in advance, the connection is forcibly connected even under access by the control of the control unit (201). Is cut off, and the flow shifts to 309.
[0056]
Reference numeral 502 has a function of detecting a key input, and includes at least one key. Each key is assigned a function in advance, and when the key is pressed, the control unit (201) is notified. The control unit (201) having received the notification performs each control of the home network storage device according to the content of the notification.
[0057]
For example, in the flow of 307 shown in FIG. 3, when the user determines that the access is unauthorized by a third party, a key input registered in advance is performed. If the key detected by the key input unit (502) is a key input for forcibly interrupting a pre-registered access, the connection is forcibly interrupted even under access by the control of the control unit (201). And the process moves to the flow of 309.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, at the timing when an access request is detected from an IP network, a display notifying that the access request has been received is made by a visible or audible display means, and at the same time, the current access status or a message sent from the destination. The authentication information is output to the television in real time. Thus, the user can know the access request at the timing when the access request occurs, and can immediately know who made the access request, the access status, and the like by switching the input of the television. .
[0059]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to forcibly cut off communication with a partner even when an access request is made from an IP network or after access is permitted by a predetermined operation. Thus, if the user recognizes that the access is unauthorized, the user can press a specific key on the remote control, or press a specific key on the home network storage device, or use the home network storage device. The access can be interrupted immediately by uttering a specific sound to the microphone of the device.
[0060]
Further, when an access request from the IP network occurs, an e-mail of the content including the presence or absence of the access permission or the authentication information sent from the other party is transmitted to a predetermined address stored in advance. . Thus, even if the user has gone out of the office, the user can be notified of the unauthorized access by e-mail, and the access can be immediately interrupted by sending a reply mail.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a home network storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the home network storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the home network storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a home network storage device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional block diagram of a home network storage device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 home network storage device 102 remote control 103 television 104 IP network (Internet)
201 control unit 202 remote control reception I / F unit 203 visible display unit 204 audible display unit 205 IP network I / F unit 206 storage unit 207 TV image generation unit 208 TV output I / F unit 501 audio input unit 502 key input unit

Claims (3)

A means for connecting to an IP network, a means for connecting to various AV (audio / visual) devices, a means for internally storing various AV information, and a means for outputting images and sounds to a television. When there is an access request from the network, the home network storage device compares the authentication information sent from the partner with the partner information stored in advance and determines whether or not access is permitted according to the result of the comparison. ,
There are visible or audible display means for notifying that the access request has been received from the IP network, and means for displaying the current access status or the authentication information sent from the other party in real time as an image or sound on a television. Then, at the timing when the access request is detected from the IP network, a display indicating that the access request has been received is displayed by the visible or audible display means, and at the same time, the current access status or the authentication information sent from the other party is transmitted to the TV in real time. A home network storage device for outputting. 2. The home network storage device according to claim 1, further comprising means for forcibly interrupting communication with a partner even when an access request is made from the IP network or after the access is permitted by a predetermined operation. A means for transmitting an e-mail, and when an access request is generated from the IP network, a predetermined e-mail containing the presence or absence of access permission or the e-mail containing the authentication information sent from the other party is stored in advance. The home network storage device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission is performed to an address.

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