JP2005004916A - Home network management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience of a home network system by eliminating time and labor which are consumed when a user watches and listens to desired contents. <P>SOLUTION: An installation place storage part 114 unitarily stores information regarding the installation places of devices which have reproducing functions and are connected to a home network. An operation position information acquiring part 112 acquires information regarding the operation position of a contents instruction device connected to the home network to instruct contents to be reproduced. When the contents instruction device instructs the contents, a reproducing device deciding part 119 decides a reproducing device for reproducing the contents instructed by the contents instruction device from the devices having the reproducing functions on the home network on the basis of the installation place stored in the installation place storage part 114 and the operation position information acquired by the operation position acquiring part 112. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a home network management device used in a home network system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, studies have been made on a home network system in which home appliances provided in one house are networked and each home appliance is managed and operated in an integrated manner. For example, in a home network system in which a device that stores various types of content such as movies and music and a device that plays back various types of content is connected to the home network, playback of the device that plays back the stored content and content Functions are managed centrally. For this reason, the user can view the content without being aware of where the content is stored and on which device the stored content can be reproduced.
[0003]
In a conventional home network system, by using a protocol based on universal plug and play (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1), functions and contents of devices connected to the home network are managed in a unified manner, and each device is controlled. Manipulate.
[0004]
In another conventional home network system, a plurality of processing execution methods are proposed by a dialog between a device operated by a user and a device having an agent role of a device connected to the network (for example, Patent Literatures 1 to 3).
[0005]
In another conventional home network system, the user designates the content transfer source device and the transfer destination device by operating the device, and determines the functions that the system can provide based on the combination of the designated devices. And present it (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
[0006]
[Non-Patent Document 1]
"UPnP ^TM Forum ”; Universal Plug and Play Forum; <URL: http://www.upnp.org/>; 1999
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-145048 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-143450 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-145050 A
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-11-205357
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in any of the above-described conventional home network systems, there is a problem in that a device for reproducing stored content must be selected by a user operation. For this reason, it takes time and effort for the user to view desired content, and there is a certain limit to improving the convenience of the home network system.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a home network management device that can save the user from watching the desired content and improve the convenience of the home network system. Objective.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The home network management device of the present invention is a home network used in a home network system in which an execution device for executing a predetermined process and an instruction device for instructing a process to be executed are connected to or connectable to the home network. A management device that centrally stores information related to the installation location of the execution device; an acquisition device that acquires information related to an operation position of the pointing device; and a process to be executed is instructed by the pointing device The instruction device is instructed from the execution devices on the home network based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage means and the operation location information acquired by the acquisition means. And a determination unit that determines an execution device that executes the process.
[0010]
According to this configuration, the information regarding the operation position of the instruction device that instructs the process to be executed is acquired, and when the instruction to be executed is instructed by the instruction device, the installation location information of the execution device and the instruction device that execute the predetermined process In order to determine the execution device that executes the process instructed by the instruction device from the execution devices on the home network based on the operation position information, for example, the predetermined processing is content reproduction and the instruction device reproduces When instructing the content, the execution device that performs the reproduction of the instructed content can be determined without the user manually inputting, and the user can save time and effort when viewing the desired content. The convenience of the home network system can be improved.
[0011]
The process execution method of the present invention is a home network management used in a home network system in which an execution apparatus that executes a predetermined process and an instruction apparatus that instructs the process to be executed are connected to or connectable to the home network. A process execution method in the apparatus, wherein an installation location storage step for centrally storing information on an installation location of the execution device, an acquisition step for acquiring information on an operation position of the instruction device, and a process to be executed are the instructions When instructed by the device, the instructing device instructs the execution device on the home network based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage step and the operation location information acquired in the acquisition step. And a determination step for determining an execution device that executes the processed process. Was Unishi.
[0012]
According to this method, the information regarding the operation position of the pointing device that instructs the processing to be executed is acquired, and when the processing to be executed is instructed by the pointing device, the installation location information and the pointing device of the executing device that executes the predetermined processing In order to determine the execution device that executes the process instructed by the instruction device from the execution devices on the home network based on the operation position information, for example, the predetermined processing is content reproduction and the instruction device reproduces When instructing the content, the execution device that performs the reproduction of the instructed content can be determined without the user manually inputting, and the user can save time and effort when viewing the desired content. The convenience of the home network system can be improved.
[0013]
The processing execution program of the present invention is a home network management used in a home network system in which a playback device for executing a predetermined process and an instruction device for instructing the processing to be executed are connected to or connectable to the home network. A processing execution program in the apparatus, wherein an installation location storage function that centrally stores information related to an installation location of the execution device, an acquisition function that acquires information related to an operation position of the instruction device, and a process to be executed are the instructions When instructed by the device, the instructing device instructs the execution device on the home network based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage step and the operation location information acquired in the acquisition step. And a decision function that decides the execution device that executes the specified processing. Was to so that.
[0014]
According to this program, information on an operation position of an instruction device that instructs a process to be executed is acquired, and when the instruction to be executed is instructed by the instruction device, the installation location information of the execution device and the instruction device that execute a predetermined process In order to determine the execution device that executes the process instructed by the instruction device from the execution devices on the home network based on the operation position information, for example, the predetermined processing is content reproduction and the instruction device reproduces When instructing the content, the execution device that performs the reproduction of the instructed content can be determined without the user manually inputting, and the user can save time and effort when viewing the desired content. The convenience of the home network system can be improved.
[0015]
The home network system of the present invention includes an execution means for executing a predetermined process, an instruction means for instructing a process to be executed, an installation location storage means for centrally storing information relating to an installation location of the execution means, and the instruction An acquisition means for acquiring information related to the operation position of the means, and when the processing to be executed is instructed by the instruction means, the installation location information stored in the installation location storage means and the operation position information acquired by the acquisition means On the basis of this, a configuration is adopted that includes a determination unit that determines an execution unit that executes the process instructed by the instruction unit from the execution unit.
[0016]
According to this configuration, the information on the operation position of the instruction unit that instructs the process to be executed is acquired, and when the process to be executed is instructed by the instruction unit, the installation location information and the instruction unit of the execution unit that executes the predetermined process Based on the operation position information, the execution means for executing the process instructed by the instruction means is determined from the execution means. For example, the predetermined process is the reproduction of the content, and the instruction device instructs the content to be reproduced. In this case, it is possible to determine the execution means for executing the reproduction of the instructed content without the user manually inputting it, so that the user can save time and effort when viewing the desired content. Convenience can be improved.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The essence of the present invention is that in a home network system in which a playback device that executes a predetermined process and an instruction device that instructs a process to be executed are connected to or connectable to the home network, the processing to be executed is the instruction device. The execution device that executes the process instructed by the instruction device is determined from the execution devices on the home network based on the information on the installation location of the execution device and the information on the operation position of the instruction device. That is.
[0018]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a home network management apparatus and a home network system that accommodates the home network management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020]
A home network system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a home network management device 100, N home appliances 102-1, 102-2,..., 102-N, and a mobile terminal device 104. Hereinafter, an arbitrary one of the home appliances 102-1 to 102-N is referred to as a “home appliance 102”.
[0021]
The home network system 10 is configured by directly connecting each of the above devices to a home network or by connecting to the home network via, for example, the Internet.
[0022]
Home network management apparatus 100 prestores information related to the installation locations of home appliances 102-1 to 102-N in an integrated manner. For example, when the user operates the mobile terminal device 104 to request playback of content stored in the home appliance 102, the home network management apparatus 100 acquires information regarding the operation position of the mobile terminal device 104. Based on the stored installation location information and the acquired operation position information, the content requested by the mobile terminal device 104 is reproduced from the home appliances 102-1 to 102-N and the mobile terminal device 104. Determine the equipment to be used.
[0023]
Next, the internal configuration of the home network management apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the home network management apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.
[0024]
The home network management device 100 includes a content instruction information acquisition unit 111, an operation position information acquisition unit 112, a device information management unit 113, an installation location storage unit 114, a function directory 115, a content directory 116, a template storage unit 117, and a selection rule storage unit. 118, a playback device determination unit 119, a connection management unit 120, a playback execution unit 121, and an interface 122. The playback device determination unit 119 includes a playback device candidate selection unit 123 and a playback device selection unit 124.
[0025]
Here, in order to describe the internal configuration of the home network management apparatus 100 more specifically, an example in which the home network management apparatus 100 is applied to another home network system will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of another home network system that accommodates the home network management apparatus according to the present embodiment. Details of the internal configuration of the home network management apparatus 100 will be described later using this application example.
[0026]
A home network system 10a shown in FIG. 3 includes a home network management apparatus 100, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device 130 (PDA devices 130a, 130b, and 130c), a modem / router 150, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Station 152, notebook computer 154, wireless LAN station 156, hub device 158, high-definition (for example, high-definition (R)) compatible television 160, hard disk video recorder (PVR: Personal Video Recorder) 162, and standard-definition television 164. Are systems connected to home networks.
[0027]
Note that the home network system 10a may be one in which each of the above devices is directly connected to the home network, or one that is connected to the home network via the Internet 170, for example.
[0028]
The home network management apparatus 100 centrally manages the installation location of each device connected to the home network, the functions of each device, and the content (eg, moving images, still images, music, etc.) stored in each device. To do. A protocol based on universal plug and play is used for the centralized management.
[0029]
Note that the protocol for centrally managing functions and contents is not limited to the above. For example, it may be a protocol based on the standard ECHONET relating to a network for controlling white goods home appliances, or a protocol based on the network specification HAVi (Home Audio / Video interoperability) of consumer digital devices. Details of the internal configuration of the home network management apparatus 100 will be described later.
[0030]
The PDA device 130 is a portable device that is connected to a home network by wireless communication.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the PDA device 130 is located in a room B of a house where the home network system 10a is installed, the PDA device 130 performs wireless communication with a wireless LAN station 152 installed in the room B. Hereinafter, the PDA device 130 located in the room B is referred to as “PDA device 130a”. Further, when it is located in the room C of the house, it performs wireless communication with the wireless LAN station 156 installed in the room C. Hereinafter, the PDA device 130 located in the room C is referred to as a “PDA device 130b”. When the user is in the Internet connection service area 180 outside the house (hereinafter simply referred to as “outside the house”), the access point 182 is provided in the Internet connection service area 180 and connected to the Internet 170. And wireless communication. Hereinafter, the PDA device 130 located in the Internet connection service area 180 outside the home is referred to as a “PDA device 130c”.
[0032]
In this embodiment, the PDA device 130 having not only a configuration that can be connected to the home network by wireless communication but also a configuration that can be connected to the home network via the Internet 170 is used as a mobile terminal device. The portable terminal device does not necessarily have a configuration that can be connected to the home network via the Internet 170. However, the portable terminal device used in this case cannot be connected from outside the home to the home network.
[0033]
The modem / router 150 is a device that connects the home network management device 100, the wireless LAN stations 152 and 156, the hub device 158, and the Internet 170 to each other.
[0034]
The wireless LAN station 152 is connected to the modem / router 150. When the wireless LAN station 152 performs wireless communication with the PDA device 130a and the notebook computer 154, these devices are connected to the home network.
[0035]
The wireless LAN station 156 is connected to the modem / router 150. When the wireless LAN station 156 performs wireless communication with the PDA device 130b, the PDA device 130b is connected to the home network.
[0036]
The hub device 158 is connected to the modem / router 150, the televisions 160 and 164 and the PVR 162 installed in the room C.
[0037]
The PDA device 130, the notebook computer 154, and the televisions 160 and 164 are devices having a playback device for playing back content. The playback device has a display function for displaying video (image) signal content and an audio output function for outputting audio signal content as audio. Each of these devices displays the content transferred from the device connected in accordance with an instruction from the home network management device 100, using the display device, using the display function, or outputting the content using the audio output function. .
[0038]
In addition, each of the above devices having a playback device is equipped with dedicated browser software as an interface for operating the home network management device 100. For example, when these devices are connected to a home network by using HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), these devices are described in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and used for the operation of the home network management apparatus 100. The operation screen is received and displayed on the playback device using the display function. The user can access the home network management apparatus 100 using the displayed operation screen. If the home network management apparatus 100 has a Web server function, the home network management apparatus 100 may be accessed by accessing the portal page of the home network system 10a.
[0039]
Each of the above devices having a playback device has a content instruction device for instructing content to be viewed. For example, when the user wants to view a certain content, the user uses any one of the PDA device 130, the notebook computer 154, and the televisions 160 and 164, and operates the operation screen of the home network management apparatus 100 according to a predetermined procedure ( Here, the content list is displayed on the device in use. Then, on the operation screen, the content to be viewed is instructed. When the content is instructed, the home network management apparatus 100 is notified of the content display name of the instructed content and the requested processing name (in this case, content reproduction). Hereinafter, a device used when a user instructs content is referred to as a “content instruction device”.
[0040]
The notebook computer 154, the televisions 160 and 164, and the PVR 162 are devices having a content storage device for storing content, and have a decoding function for decoding the stored content. These devices decode the stored content, and transfer the decoded content to the connected device according to an instruction from the home network management apparatus 100.
[0041]
Hereinafter, the details of the internal configuration of the home network management apparatus 100 will be described. In the present embodiment, the process requested (instructed) to home network management apparatus 100 is content reproduction. However, when a device that can execute another process is connected to the home network, the user can also request (instruct) the other process. In this case, the home network management apparatus 100 further includes a processing request analysis unit that analyzes what processing is requested (instructed).
[0042]
The interface 122 exchanges various types of information between each unit of the home network management apparatus 100 and the modem / router 150.
[0043]
The content instruction information acquisition unit 111 acquires content instruction information regarding the content instructed by the content instruction device.
[0044]
The operation position information acquisition unit 112 acquires information about the operation position when the user operates the content instruction device (for example, when the user requests reception of the portal page of the home network system 10a). For example, it is determined from where the user requesting the content reproduction process has accessed the home network management apparatus 100.
[0045]
More specifically, the operation position information acquisition unit 112 analyzes the IP address acquired by the content instruction device. As a result of this analysis, if the IP address is the same subdomain address as the home network system 10a or a local address (for example, 192.168.0.0), the home where the home network system 10a is installed It is determined that the access is from inside (hereinafter simply referred to as “in-home”), and it is determined in which room the content instruction device is located. On the other hand, if the address is other than that, it is determined that the access is from outside the home via the Internet 170.
[0046]
Here, the analysis of the IP address will be described in detail. In the following description, the address 192.168.0.11 to 192.168.0.20 is assigned to the hub device 158 and the address 192.168..0 is assigned to the wireless LAN station 152 by, for example, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). It is assumed that 0.21 to 192.168.0.30 and addresses 192.168.0.31 to 192.168.0.40 are assigned in advance to the wireless LAN station 156, respectively.
[0047]
For example, the PDA device 130a acquires the address 192.168.0.21 from the wireless LAN station 152 when instructing the content. Since the address acquired by the PDA device 130a is a local address, the operation position information acquisition unit 112 determines that the PDA device 130a is accessing from the home. Furthermore, the operation position information acquisition unit 112 acquires the installation location information indicating that the wireless LAN station 152 is located in the room B from the installation location storage unit 114, so that the PDA device 130a is located in the room B. Judge that
[0048]
For example, the PDA device 130b acquires the address 192.168.0.31 from the wireless LAN station 156 when instructing the content. Since the address acquired by the PDA device 130a is a local address, the operation position information acquisition unit 112 determines that the PDA device 130b is accessing from the home. Further, the operation position information acquisition unit 112 acquires the installation location information indicating that the wireless LAN station 156 is located in the room C from the installation location storage unit 114, so that the PDA device 130b is located in the room C. Judge that
[0049]
For example, the television 160 located in the room C acquires the address 192.168.0.11 from the hub device 158 when instructing the content. Since the address acquired by the television 160 is a local address, the operation position information acquisition unit 112 determines that the television 160 is accessing from the home. Further, the operation position information acquisition unit 112 acquires the installation location information indicating that the hub device 158 is located in the room C from the installation location storage unit 114, so that the television 160 is located in the room C. to decide.
[0050]
Further, for example, when instructing content, the PDA device 130 c performs wireless communication with the access point 182 and accesses the home network management apparatus 100 via the Internet 170. At this time, since the PDA device 130c uses a subdomain address different from that of the home network system 10a, the operation position information acquisition unit 112 determines that the PDA device 130c is accessing from outside the home via the Internet 170. .
[0051]
In addition, when each device connected to the home network has means for detecting other devices located within a predetermined distance from the own device using a protocol for short-range wireless communication technology (for example, Bluetooth) The operation position information acquisition unit 112 may acquire operation position information of the content instruction device based on the detection result of the content instruction device.
[0052]
For example, when the PDA device 130b accesses the home network management apparatus 100, it is determined that the PVR 162 and the televisions 160 and 164 are located within a predetermined distance from the PDA device 130b via the wireless LAN station 156. 112. The operation position information acquisition unit 112 acquires the installation location information indicating that the PVR 162 and the televisions 160 and 164 are located in the room C from the installation location storage unit 114, so that the PDA device 130b is located in the room C. Judge that
[0053]
In addition, when each device connected to the home network has means for measuring the position of its own device using GPS (Global Positioning System) instead of using the protocol for short-range wireless communication technology, the operation position information The acquisition unit 112 may acquire operation position information of the content instruction device based on the measurement result of the content instruction device.
[0054]
Further, when the name of each device connected to the home network is associated with the MAC (Media Access Control) address of each device, the operation position information acquisition unit 112 allows the user who requests the content reproduction processing to Which device is used when accessing the home network management apparatus 100 can be uniquely identified from the MAC address of the device.
[0055]
Moreover, the management table when the operation position information acquisition unit 112 manages the operation position information is as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The managed items include status information 1 indicating the operation position of the content indicating device, status information 2 indicating the terminal type (performance) of the content indicating device, and status information 3 indicating the terminal name of the content indicating device. An item for managing other device-specific metadata may be added.
[0056]
Further, as the information regarding the operation position acquired by the operation position information acquisition unit 112, in addition to the information indicating the operation position itself, the operation position of the content instruction device (for example, outside the house, in the house, the bedroom, the bathroom, etc.) Information indicating environmental conditions (for example, ambient temperature, ambient sound, wind, etc.). The home network management apparatus 100 can also instruct each device connected to the home network to execute processing according to the acquired environmental status by using the environmental status information.
[0057]
The operation of the home network management apparatus 100 when the execution of the process according to the environmental situation is instructed is as follows, for example. First, based on the information indicating the operation position itself and the information indicating the environmental status of the operation position, a scenario indicating the process to be executed, the device capable of executing the process, and the order in which the process is executed is created. A scenario to be actually executed is selected from the created scenarios, and an instruction for executing the selected scenario is output.
[0058]
Here, a device that receives an instruction to execute a process according to an environmental situation is not limited to a playback device that plays back content, and includes various home appliances such as lighting. Therefore, the processing according to the environmental situation is not limited to “reproduction of content” given as an example in the present embodiment. For example, “volume adjustment” when content is reproduced, Various processes such as “adjustment of image quality (sound quality)” or “adjustment of brightness of illumination” are included.
[0059]
The device information management unit 113 corresponds to the upper layer of the control point in universal plug and play, and is stored in the device, information on the installation location of the device connected to the home network, information on the function of the device. The information regarding the content is acquired from each device connected to the home network, and is registered in the installation location storage unit 114, the function directory 115, and the content directory 116, respectively.
[0060]
When a content list is requested from the content instruction device, the content metadata in the content directory 116 is read, converted into HTML format data, and transmitted to the content instruction device. At this time, the content display names may be sorted in the order of the Japanese syllabary or in the order of recording date and then converted into HTML format data.
[0061]
Here, a device registration operation when a certain device (connected device) is connected to the home network for the first time will be described. The connected device may be any of a device having a playback device, a device having a content storage device, and a content instruction device.
[0062]
When the connected device is connected to the home network, it automatically obtains an IP address using, for example, DHCP, and multicasts the IP address. The device information management unit 113 recognizes that the connected device is connected to the home network by referring to the IP address.
[0063]
Subsequently, the device information management unit 113 acquires information related to the function of the connected device and information related to the stored content. Then, the function information is registered in the function directory 115 in the XML (extensible Markup Language) format.
[0064]
When the device information management unit 113 recognizes that the connected device is connected, the device information management unit 113 displays an operation screen (see FIG. 5) for registering the installation location of the connected device. On this operation screen, a list of preset installation locations is displayed. The user selects an installation location of the connected device from the installation location list and clicks an OK button. The device information management unit 113 converts the installation location information regarding the selected installation location into data in XML format and registers the data in the installation location storage unit 114. In other words, the function information and installation location information of the connected device are held as XML documents (device description and service description).
[0065]
As described above, in order to register the installation location selected from the preset installation location list in the installation location storage unit 114 and to hold the installation location information as an XML document, the installation location management of the connected device is performed. Can be easily performed.
[0066]
In addition, the device information management unit 113 registers information (content metadata) attached to the content of the connected device in the content directory 116 in the XML format.
[0067]
The installation location storage unit 114 centrally stores the installation location information registered by the device information management unit 113.
[0068]
The function directory 115 is a database that manages the functions of devices connected to the home network, and stores function information of devices registered by the device information management unit 113 in an integrated manner. The stored function information includes, for example, a decoding function (for example, MPEG2 decoding) that indicates what format content can be decoded, and a reproduction function (for example, how the content can be reproduced) , NTSC video signal TV display), volume control function and the like. The function information can be represented by a service name independent of the device model.
[0069]
In the function directory 115, for example, a function management table as shown in FIG. 6 is stored. The items to be managed include, for example, a function name that is the name of the function, a function official name that is a function name when actually using this function, a function URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) that indicates a storage location of the service description, IN information indicating the input file format of this function, OUT information indicating the output file format of this function, a device name indicating the name of the device having this function, and a screen size indicating the display size of the device (only devices having a display function) , And image quality indicating the display image quality of the device (only devices having a display function) are included.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 6, the items to be managed may further include items indicating the installation location of the equipment in addition to the above items. In addition, since universal plug and play can also refer to the power status of the device and the usage status of functions, the managed items may further include items indicating these. In addition, an item indicating information obtained from the service description of the device may be added.
[0071]
The content directory 116 is a database for managing content stored in devices connected to the home network, and stores content metadata registered by the device information management unit 113 in an integrated manner.
[0072]
The content directory 116 stores, for example, a content management table as shown in FIG. The managed items include, for example, a content name that is a content storage name, a content display name that is a content name at the time of application display (content list display), and a storage URI (Uniform) that is a location where the content is stored. Resource Identifier), content format indicating the format of the content, content size indicating the size of the content, playback time indicating the playback time of the content, bit rate of the content, display size of the content, and recording date and time indicating the date and time when the content was stored on the media , Comments about the content (detailed information such as commentary, performers, related information, etc.) and user comments that are notes entered by the user himself / herself are included.
[0073]
The template storage unit 117 stores a template indicating a combination of a content format and a function capable of reproducing the format. This template is used when the playback device candidate selection unit 123 confirms the playback function corresponding to the instructed content format. By using the template when confirming the playback function corresponding to the instructed content format, the confirmation process can be easily executed.
[0074]
Further, the template storage unit 117 has means for downloading a new combination from an external network. For example, when a device newly connected to the home network has a new function or content having a new format is saved, a new template indicating a combination of the new function and the content format corresponding to the new function Download and remember. For this reason, it is possible to easily cope with new functions of devices and new formats of contents.
[0075]
The template storage unit 117 stores, for example, a template management table as shown in FIG. One template is composed of a combination of a processing name and a content format name. For example, the template number of FIG. The processing name 1 is “content reproduction”, which is a template for reproducing content whose file format is MPEG2. In order to execute this processing, MPEG2 decoding is performed on MPEG2 format content and an NTSC video signal content is output (essential function 1), and a NTSC video signal content is displayed on TV (essential function). 2) is essential.
[0076]
The playback device candidate selection unit 123 connects to the home network based on the function information stored in the function directory 115 and the content metadata stored in the content directory 116 when content to be played is instructed by the content instruction device. A playback device candidate that is a device having a playback device capable of playing the instructed content is selected from the devices that have been specified.
[0077]
More specifically, the playback device candidate selection unit 123 refers to content metadata stored in the content directory 116 to confirm the format of the instructed content. Then, by referring to the template stored in the template storage unit 117, the reproduction function (for example, display function) corresponding to the instructed content format is confirmed. Then, by referring to the function information stored in the function directory 115, a device having a playback function corresponding to the instructed content format is selected as a playback device candidate.
[0078]
Further, the playback device candidate selection unit 123 confirms the decoding function corresponding to the instructed content format. Then, by referring to the function information stored in the function directory 115, a device having a decoding function corresponding to the instructed content format is selected as a decoding device. For example, a device that stores the instructed content is selected as a decoding device.
[0079]
In addition, the playback device candidate selection unit 123 creates a scenario indicating the combination of the selected decoding device and playback device candidate and the order in which the functions of these devices are executed.
[0080]
The playback device selection unit 124 uses the selection rule stored in the selection rule storage unit 118 based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage unit 114 and the operation position information acquired by the operation position information acquisition unit 112. Thus, one of the playback device candidates selected by the playback device candidate selection unit 123 is selected as a playback device that plays the instructed content.
[0081]
More specifically, the playback device selection unit 124 compares each scenario obtained from the playback device candidate selection unit 123 with the condition indicated in the selection rule, and selects one scenario that best matches the condition. At this time, the playback device candidate indicated in the selected scenario is the playback device. The selected scenario, that is, a scenario indicating a combination of a decoding device and a playback device is reported to the connection management unit 120.
[0082]
The selection rule storage unit 118 stores a selection rule used when the playback device selection unit 124 selects one playback device candidate selected by the playback device candidate selection unit 123 as a playback device.
[0083]
For example, a rule that “if the content indicating device is accessed from outside the home, select the content indicating device as a playback device”, “if there are multiple playback device candidates located in the same room as the content indicating device , A rule that the display quality of the display function of each playback device candidate is compared, and the playback device candidate with the better display image quality is selected as the playback device, and the playback device candidate located in the same room as the content instruction device If there are a plurality of playback device candidates, the display size of the display function of each playback device candidate is compared, and the playback device candidate with the larger display size is selected as the playback device "is stored as the selection rule.
[0084]
Note that the selection rules stored are not limited to the above. A desired selection rule can be registered in the selection rule storage unit 118 when the user performs an input operation. Therefore, user preferences can be reflected in the selection rule.
[0085]
In this way, by using a selection rule when selecting a playback device, even if there are multiple playback device candidates that can play back the format of the instructed content, one of the multiple playback device candidates is played back. It can be automatically selected as a device. Further, by registering a desired selection rule as described above, it is possible to automatically select a playback device desired by the user from among a plurality of playback device candidates.
[0086]
The connection management unit 120 connects the playback function of the playback device and the decode function of the decoding device indicated in the scenario reported from the playback device selection unit 124. Since the connection management unit 120 corresponds to an upper layer of a universal plug and play connection manager, the connection manager 120 instructs the connection manager to connect these functions. That is, this connection is made via the connection manager.
[0087]
More specifically, the indicated content is decoded by the decoding function of the selected decoding device, the decoded content is transferred to the selected playback device, and the playback function of the playback device from which the transferred content is selected The decoding function of the decoding device and the reproduction function of the reproducing device are connected so that the data is reproduced by When the connection is completed, the connection management unit 120 reports the fact to the content instruction device. Then, when the reproduction execution permission is notified from the content instruction device, the fact is reported to the reproduction execution unit 121.
[0088]
When receiving the report from the connection management unit 120, the playback execution unit 121 instructs the decoding device to decode the instructed content and transfer the decoded content to the selected playback device. . Further, it instructs the playback device to play back the content transferred from the decoding device on the playback device. Thereby, the reproduction process desired by the user is executed.
[0089]
Next, the scenario creation operation in the home network management apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the scenario creation operation in the home network management apparatus 100.
[0090]
First, in step S1100, the content instruction information acquisition unit 111 acquires content instruction information.
[0091]
In step S1200, the playback device candidate selection unit 123 refers to the content metadata stored in the content directory 116. Then, the format of the instructed content is confirmed. For example, in FIG. 7, when the content display name “star movie” is instructed, the format of the instructed content is “MPEG2”.
[0092]
In step S1300, the playback device candidate selection unit 123 refers to the template stored in the template storage unit 117. Then, a function capable of reproducing the instructed content format is confirmed. For example, in FIG. 8, the decoding function and the reproduction function corresponding to the designated content format “MPEG2” are “MPEG2 decoding” and “TV display”, respectively.
[0093]
In step S1400, the playback device candidate selection unit 123 refers to the function information stored in the function directory 115. Then, a device that matches the input / output format of the function capable of reproducing the instructed content format is searched. As a result, a list of devices necessary for content reproduction is acquired.
[0094]
Then, the playback device candidate selection unit 123 selects one combination of two devices from the acquired device list, and confirms whether or not the connection is possible based on, for example, the device consistency. (S1500). Specifically, when the function A possessed by a device A and the function B possessed by another device B are connected, it is confirmed whether the output file format of the function A and the input file format of the function B match. Then, it is determined whether or not the function A and the function B can be connected (S1600).
[0095]
As a result of this determination, if connection is possible (S1600: YES), the combination of device A and device B and the order in which function A and function B are executed are stored as one scenario (S1700), and the process proceeds to step S1800. . On the other hand, if connection is not possible (S1600: NO), nothing is done and the process proceeds to step S1800.
[0096]
In step S1800, the playback device candidate selection unit 123 determines whether or not connection confirmation has been completed for all combinations in the device list acquired in step S1400.
[0097]
If there is no unconfirmed combination as a result of this determination (S1800: YES), all scenarios stored in step S1700 are output to the playback device selection unit 124 (S1900). On the other hand, if there is an unconfirmed combination (S1800: NO), in step S1500, whether or not connection is possible is confirmed.
[0098]
The scenario output in the above operation is, for example, as shown in FIG. Scenario no. 1, in order to reproduce the content with the content name “Soccer.mpeg2”, this content is decoded with a device having the device name “PVR-HS2” (PVR162 in this embodiment), and the decoded content is This is a scenario indicating that display is performed on a device having the name “HD-37TV” (in this embodiment, the television 160). In addition, scenario no. 2, in order to reproduce the content, the content is decoded by a device having a device name “PVR-HS2”, and the decoded content is decoded by a device having a device name “SD-21TV” (in this embodiment, This is a scenario showing display on the television 164). In addition, scenario no. 3, in order to reproduce the content, the content is decoded by a device having a device name “PVR-HS2”, and the decoded content is a device having a device name “PDA-A2” (in this embodiment, This is a scenario showing display on the PDA device 130).
[0099]
Next, the scenario selection operation in the home network management apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the scenario selection operation in the home network management apparatus 100.
[0100]
First, the playback device selection unit 124 queries the operation position information acquisition unit 112 for the operation position of the content instruction device (S2100), and detailed information about the device indicated in the scenario input from the playback device candidate selection unit 123 (for example, It is determined whether or not installation location and function information have been acquired (S2200).
[0101]
If detailed information has been acquired as a result of this determination (S2200: YES), the process proceeds to step S2400. On the other hand, if the detailed information has not been acquired yet (S2200: NO), in step S2300, the device information management unit 113 acquires detailed information about the device indicated in the scenario, and the installation location storage unit 114 and the function directory. 115, and the process proceeds to step S2400.
[0102]
In step S2400, the playback device selection unit 124 stores one of the scenarios input from the playback device candidate selection unit 123 in the selection rule storage unit 118 based on the detailed information and the operation position information. Compare with selection rule condition.
[0103]
An example of the selection rule used in this comparison is as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a case where the selection rule shown in FIG. 12 is used will be described. In FIG. 12, condition 1 is a condition related to the operation position (situation information 1) of the content indicating device, condition 2 is a condition related to the performance of the playback device candidate (situation information 2), and condition 3 is the terminal name of the content indicating device. This is a condition related to (situation information 3).
[0104]
In this comparison, the playback device selection unit 124 first compares the scenario with condition 1 (S2500), and determines whether or not it matches with condition 1 (S2600). As a result of this determination, if the compared scenario matches the condition 1 (S2600: YES), the process proceeds to step S2700, and if not (S2600: NO), the process proceeds to step S3000. Subsequently, the scenario is compared with condition 2 (S2700), and it is determined whether or not the condition is matched with condition 2 (S2800). As a result of this determination, if the compared scenario matches the condition 2 (S2800: YES), the process proceeds to step S2900, and if not (S2800: NO), the process proceeds to step S3000. Subsequently, the scenario is compared with condition 3 (S2900).
[0105]
In step S3000, the playback device selection unit 124 stores to what condition the compared scenarios match.
[0106]
In step S3100, the playback device selection unit 124 determines whether the comparison with the conditions of the selection rule has been completed for all scenarios input from the playback device candidate selection unit 123. As a result of this determination, if all scenarios have been compared with the conditions of the selection rule (S3100: YES), all scenarios are sorted in the order that matches the conditions (S3200). On the other hand, if there is a scenario that has not been compared with the conditions of the selection rule (S3100: NO), the process proceeds to step S2200 to compare the scenario with the conditions of the selection rule.
[0107]
In step S3300, the playback device selection unit 124 selects a scenario that most closely matches the condition from all scenarios.
[0108]
For example, when the PDA device 130c has accessed the home network management apparatus 100, since all scenarios other than the scenario that matches the condition 1-1 in FIG. 12 do not match the condition 1, the scenario that matches the condition 1-1, That is, a scenario (scenario No. 3 in FIG. 10) in which content is played back by the PDA device 130c accessed from outside the house is selected.
[0109]
For example, when the PDA device 130b accesses the home network management apparatus 100, the condition 2 is set so that the scenario indicating the playback device candidate with the better image quality is selected. , That is, a scenario in which content is played back on the high-definition television 160 among the two televisions 160 and 164 installed in the room B (scenario No. 1 in FIG. 10) is selected.
[0110]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when content to be viewed is instructed by the content instruction device, the decoding device having a decoding function corresponding to the format of the instructed content and the format of the instructed content A scenario indicating a playback device candidate having a corresponding playback function and the order in which the decoding function and the playback function are executed is created based on the function information and content metadata, and one of the created scenarios is set as an operation position. By selecting based on the information and the installation location information, it is possible to determine a playback device that plays the instructed content from the playback device candidates. The desired content can be played back on the playback device located at the location. Can save time and trouble when view Ceiling, thereby improving the convenience of the home network system 10a.
[0111]
The configuration of the home network system 10a to which the present invention is applied is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and the home network management apparatus 100 and one or more devices are connected to or connectable to the home network. Any configuration may be used as long as it is provided. Moreover, the home network system 10a may be formed by integrating the home network management apparatus 100 and the one or more devices.
[0112]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to save time and labor for the user to view desired content, and to improve the convenience of the home network system 10a.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a home network management apparatus and a home network system that accommodates the home network management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a home network management apparatus according to the present embodiment
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of another home network system that accommodates the home network management apparatus according to the present embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a management table of operation position information in the present embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation screen for registering the installation location of the device in the present embodiment
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a function management table in the present embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a content management table in the present embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a template management table in the present embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a scenario creation operation in the home network management apparatus according to the embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of scenarios output from the playback device candidate selection unit to the playback device selection unit in the present embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a scenario selection operation in the home network management apparatus according to the embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a selection rule used for comparison with a scenario in the present embodiment
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 10a Home network system
100 Home network management device
102-1, 102-2, ..., 102-N Household appliances
104 Mobile terminal equipment
111 Content instruction information acquisition unit
112 Operation position information acquisition unit
113 Device Information Management Department
114 Installation location storage unit
115 Function directory
116 Content Directory
117 Template storage unit
118 Selection rule storage unit
119 Playback equipment determination unit
120 Connection manager
121 Playback execution unit
122 interface
123 Playback device candidate selection unit
124 Playback device selection unit
130, 130a, 130b, 130c PDA equipment
150 Modem / Router
152, 156 Wireless LAN station
154 notebook computer
158 Hub device
160, 164 TV
162 PVR
170 Internet
180 Internet connection service area
182 access point

Claims (15)

A home network management device used in a home network system in which an execution device for executing a predetermined process and an instruction device for instructing a process to be executed are connected to or connectable to a home network,
Installation location storage means for centrally storing information relating to the installation location of the execution device;
Obtaining means for obtaining information on an operation position of the pointing device;
The execution connected to the home network based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage means and the operation location information acquired by the acquisition means when the instruction to be executed is instructed by the instruction device A determination means for determining an execution device for executing the process instructed by the instruction device from the devices;
A home network management device characterized by comprising: The predetermined process is content reproduction, and the instruction device instructs the content to be reproduced,
The determining means includes
When the content to be played is instructed by the instruction device, based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage means and the operation location information acquired by the acquisition means, the execution device on the home network Determining an execution device for executing reproduction of the content instructed by the instruction device;
The home network management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The home network system is further provided with or capable of connecting a content storage device for storing content to the home network,
Function storage means for centrally storing information on the function of the execution device;
Content metadata storage means for centrally storing information related to the content stored in the content storage device;
The determining means includes
When the content to be played is instructed by the instruction device, the execution device on the home network is based on the function information stored in the function storage means and the content metadata stored in the content metadata storage means. A first selection means for selecting execution device candidates capable of executing reproduction of the content instructed by the instruction device;
Based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage means and the operation position information acquired by the acquisition means, the execution device candidates selected from the execution device candidates selected by the first selection means are instructed. Second selection means for selecting an execution device for executing reproduction of content;
The home network management device according to claim 2, further comprising: The content metadata stored in the content metadata storage means includes information regarding the format of the content,
Template storage means for storing a template indicating a combination of a content format and a function capable of reproducing the format;
The first selection means includes
When the content to be reproduced is instructed by the instruction device, the function information stored in the function storage unit and the content metadata stored in the content metadata storage unit using the template stored in the template storage unit From the execution devices on the home network, the execution device candidate capable of reproducing the content instructed by the instruction device is selected.
The home network management device according to claim 3. The template stored in the template storage means can be updated in units of one combination.
5. The home network management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein Selection rule storage means for storing a selection rule for selecting one execution device from execution device candidates selected by the first selection means, including at least a condition relating to an operation position of the pointing device. In addition,
The second selection means includes
The selection rule stored in the selection rule storage means is selected by the first selection means based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage means and the operation position information acquired by the acquisition means. Selecting an execution device that executes reproduction of the content instructed by the instruction device from the execution device candidates.
The home network management device according to claim 3. The selection rule stored in the selection rule storage means includes a condition regarding the performance of the execution device,
The second selection means includes
Using the selection rule stored in the selection rule storage means, the installation location information stored in the installation location storage means, the operation position information acquired by the acquisition means, and the function information stored in the function storage means From the execution device candidates selected by the first selection means, the execution device that executes the reproduction of the content instructed by the instruction device is selected.
The home network management device according to claim 6. 7. The home network management apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for registering a selection rule in the selection rule storage means by a user input operation. When the execution device is connected to the home network, the execution device further includes a registration unit that registers an installation location selected from a preset installation location list in the installation location storage unit,
The installation location storage means is
Storing the installation location registered by the registration means as information about the installation location of the execution device,
The home network management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The acquisition means includes
Means for analyzing terminal information transmitted from the pointing device;
Based on the analysis result, obtain information on the operation position of the pointing device,
The home network management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The pointing device has means for detecting other devices on the home network existing within a predetermined distance from the own device,
The acquisition means includes
Based on the detection result, obtain information on the operation position of the pointing device,
The home network management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The pointing device has means for measuring the position of the own device,
The acquisition means includes
Based on the measurement result, obtain information on the operation position of the pointing device,
The home network management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A process execution method in a home network management apparatus used in a home network system in which an execution device that executes a predetermined process and an instruction device that instructs the process to be executed are connected to or connectable to a home network. ,
An installation location storage step for centrally storing information on the installation location of the execution device;
An acquisition step of acquiring information relating to an operation position of the pointing device;
When the processing to be executed is instructed by the instruction device, based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage step and the operation location information acquired in the acquisition step, from among the execution devices on the home network, A determination step of determining an execution device that executes the process instructed by the instruction device;
The process execution method characterized by having. A processing execution program in a home network management device used in a home network system in which an execution device for executing a predetermined process and an instruction device for instructing a process to be executed are connected to or connected to the home network. ,
An installation location storage function for centrally storing information on the installation location of the execution device;
An acquisition function for acquiring information related to the operation position of the pointing device;
When the processing to be executed is instructed by the instruction device, based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage step and the operation location information acquired in the acquisition step, from among the execution devices on the home network, A determination function for determining an execution device that executes the process instructed by the instruction device;
Processing execution program for realizing. Execution means for executing processing;
Instruction means for instructing processing to be executed;
Installation location storage means for centrally storing information on the installation location of the execution means;
Obtaining means for obtaining information on the operation position of the instruction means;
When the instruction to execute is instructed by the instruction means, the instruction means is selected from the execution means based on the installation location information stored in the installation location storage means and the operation position information acquired by the acquisition means. Determining means for determining execution means for executing the processing instructed by
A home network system characterized by comprising:

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