JP2005318505A - Network system and communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption in a network system for grasping attributes of apparatuses connected to a network. <P>SOLUTION: A service registration section 3221 registers a service profile that can be provided by a communication apparatus 302, in a profile memory 3222. When a service discovery request section 3213 of a communication apparatus 301 requests the discovery of a service, a service search section 3223 searches the service meeting the request in the profile memory 3222. When a recovery request section 3214 requests recovery to an initial state while a host system 312 of the communication apparatus 302 is in a standby state, a state control section 3224 shifts an operating state of the host system 312 to the initial state. When a service request section 3116 requests a service thereafter, a service providing section 3126 provides the requested service. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system and communication devices constituting the network system, and in particular, a network system in which the other communication device provides a service in response to a request from one communication device, a communication device, a processing method therefor, and the The present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to execute a method.

  When digital devices represented by computers become widespread and these devices come into homes, it becomes a problem how easily these devices can be handled regardless of users. In particular, general users who do not have specialized knowledge are wondering how to connect purchased devices to build a system, and make full use of the functions of devices with insufficient settings. There is a risk that it will not be possible.

  In order to solve such a problem, a function has been proposed in which a newly brought-in device can be used as it is without special setting. For example, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) enables a device to be connected to a network without setting up the network. Specifically, it performs processing such as dynamically acquiring an IP (Internet Protocol) address, notifying the contents of a service that can be provided by its own device, and acquiring the contents of a service that can be provided from another device. Make necessary preparations for the control between other devices.

  As described above, in order to perform device control on the network, it is necessary to know the attributes of each device in advance. For example, in the above-described UPnP, each process is processed by the IP layer which is the network layer. It is assumed that the host system that processes the IP layer is always in a wake state. For this reason, the timing for putting the host system in the sleep state is limited, and it is difficult to reduce power consumption. In UPnP, on the assumption that each device connected to the network is in an activated state, communication based on broadcast or multicast is frequently used between devices. Accordingly, not only the power consumption increases, but also the communication data amount increases.

On the other hand, in the conventional network system, for the purpose of reducing the power consumption, a server that performs a proxy response is provided instead of the device in the standby state, and the server corresponds when receiving a message for the device in the standby state. A technique for returning a device from a standby state to an activated state has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-165419 A (FIG. 1)

  In the above-described UPnP, a process for searching for a service or the like is processed by the IP layer, and therefore it is assumed that the service is always in an activated state. In such a network system, it has been proposed to provide a proxy response server as described above in order to reduce power consumption.

  However, it is not always possible to provide such a proxy response server, and such a technique cannot be applied to a network system in which each device autonomously connects.

  In order to solve such a problem, an object of the present invention is to reduce power consumption in a network system that grasps attributes of devices connected to a network.

  In order to solve the above problem, a network system according to claim 1 of the present invention is a network system in which at least first and second communication devices are connected to a network, and the first communication device is Inquiry means for making an inquiry about the attribute of the second communication device to the second communication device via the network, the second communication device has attribute holding means for holding the attribute, and the inquiry Search means for searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means and returning the search result to the inquiry means via the network, the attribute holding means and the search means being a data link layer. It works in. This brings about the effect that the search of the attribute of the second communication device and the response to the inquiry from the first communication device are performed in the data link layer.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the communication device includes information indicating whether the attribute of the communication device is permitted for the service provided by the communication device, and the inquiry means includes the permission. An inquiry is made for the service that has been issued, and the search means performs the search for the authorized service in response to the inquiry. This brings about the effect that the search for the query for the permitted service is performed.

  The communication device according to claim 3 of the present invention is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network, and includes attribute holding means for holding attributes of the communication device and other communication via the network. Search means for searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to an inquiry from a device and returning the search result to the other communication device via the network, the attribute holding means and the above The search means operates in the data link layer. This brings about an effect that the attribute search of the communication device and the response to the inquiry from other communication devices are performed in the data link layer.

  The communication device according to claim 4 of the present invention is the communication device according to claim 3, wherein the attribute of the communication device indicates whether the service is permitted with respect to the service provided by the communication device. If the query is a query for the permitted service, the search means performs the search for the permitted service in response to the query. This brings about the effect that the search for the query for the permitted service is performed.

  Further, the communication device according to claim 5 of the present invention is the communication device according to claim 3, wherein the attribute of the communication device includes issuer information indicating an issuer who has permitted the service with respect to the service provided by the communication device. In addition, if the query is a query specifying the issuer information, the search means performs the search for a match of the issuer information in response to the query. This brings about the effect that the search considering the issuer information is performed for the query for the permitted service.

  The communication device according to claim 6 of the present invention is the communication device according to claim 3, further comprising attribute registration means for registering the attribute of the communication device in the attribute holding means. This brings about the effect that the attribute registration is performed in the attribute registration means by the communication device.

  The communication device according to claim 7 of the present invention is the communication device according to claim 6, wherein the attribute of the communication device indicates whether the service is permitted for the service provided by the communication device. If the attribute of the communication device to be registered indicates that the service is permitted, the attribute registration means verifies the authentication code presented and the authentication code is valid The above registration is performed only. As a result, only when a valid authentication code is presented, there is an effect of registering an attribute indicating that the service is permitted.

  In addition, in the communication device according to claim 8 of the present invention, in the communication device according to claim 6, if an item that overlaps the attribute of the communication device to be registered has already been registered, Only when the service in the attribute is not permitted, the attribute registration means newly registers the attribute of the communication device. As a result, there is an effect that, if a duplicate registered attribute is permitted, it is not overwritten.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the third aspect, the attribute of the communication device includes information related to a service provided by the communication device. Thus, when the attribute of the communication device is returned in response to the inquiry, the service provided by the communication device is notified to other communication devices.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the ninth aspect, the information related to the service provided by the communication device includes a type of protocol having jurisdiction over the service. This brings about the effect that the processing in the communication device is switched in accordance with the type of protocol having jurisdiction over the service.

  The communication device according to claim 11 of the present invention is the communication device according to claim 9, wherein the information related to the service provided by the communication device includes the content of the service and its type. This brings about the effect of informing the other communication devices of the large category and the small category of the service.

  The communication device according to claim 12 of the present invention is the communication device according to claim 9, wherein the attribute holding means holds the attribute by a plurality of bits, and the service is provided for each of the plurality of bits. The information about is made to correspond. This brings about the effect | action of making the process by a search means easy.

  The communication device according to claim 13 of the present invention is the communication device according to claim 3, further comprising upper layer processing means for processing a layer higher than the data link layer in the communication device. The attribute includes the operating state of the upper layer processing means. As a result, the operation state of the higher layer processing means is notified to other communication devices.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the thirteenth aspect, the operating state indicates whether or not the upper layer processing means is in a standby state. This brings about the effect of informing other communication devices whether or not the upper layer processing means is in a standby state.

  The communication device according to claim 15 of the present invention is the communication device according to claim 13, further comprising state control means for controlling the operating state in response to a request from another communication device via the network. Prepare. This brings about the effect that the operating state of the upper layer processing means is controlled in response to a request from another communication device.

  A communication device according to claim 16 of the present invention is the communication device according to claim 3, wherein the network is a wireless ad hoc network, and the communication device is a wireless terminal constituting the wireless ad hoc network. is there. As a result, the independence between the communication devices is increased, and the attribute search of the communication devices and the response thereof are effectively performed.

  The processing method according to claim 17 of the present invention is a communication device that is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and includes attribute holding means for holding an attribute of the communication device. A procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device, a procedure for searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to the inquiry, and a result of the search to the other communication device via the network. The data link layer processes the return procedure. This brings about an effect that the attribute search of the communication device and the response to the inquiry from other communication devices are performed in the data link layer.

  The processing method according to claim 18 of the present invention is a communication device that is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and includes attribute holding means for holding the attribute of the communication device. Includes information indicating whether the service provided by the communication device is permitted or not, and a procedure for receiving an inquiry about the permitted service from another communication device via the network; , A procedure for searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means for the permitted service in response to the inquiry, and a procedure for returning the search result to the other communication device via the network. Is processed by the data link layer. This brings about the effect that the search for the query for the permitted service is performed.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing method as one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network, the attribute holding means for holding the attribute of the communication device, and the data link layer in the communication device. In a communication device comprising an upper layer processing means for processing an upper layer, a procedure for setting the upper layer processing means in a standby state, a procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device via the network, and the inquiry In response to the search for the attribute held in the attribute holding means, the procedure for returning the search result to the other communication device via the network, and the other communication device via the network. The data link layer processes a procedure for receiving a return request from the network and a procedure for returning the upper layer processing means from the standby state in response to the request. It is. As a result, the search and response of the attribute of the communication device in response to the inquiry from the other communication device are performed in the data link layer, and the return from the standby state of the upper layer processing means is performed from the other communication device. Bring about an effect.

  The program according to claim 20 of the present invention is a communication device that is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and includes attribute holding means for holding the attribute of the communication device. A procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device, a procedure for searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to the inquiry, and a result of the search to the other communication device via the network The return procedure is executed by the computer as data link layer processing. This brings about an effect that the attribute search of the communication device and the response to the inquiry from other communication devices are performed in the data link layer.

  The program according to claim 21 of the present invention is a communication device that is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and includes attribute holding means for holding the attribute of the communication device. A procedure for receiving an inquiry for the permitted service from another communication device via the network, including information indicating whether the service is permitted for the service provided by the communication device; A procedure for searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means for the authorized service in response to the inquiry, and a procedure for returning a result of the search to the other communication device via the network. The data link layer process is executed by a computer. This brings about the effect that the search for the query for the permitted service is performed.

  The program according to claim 22 of the present invention is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network, and has attribute holding means for holding the attribute of the communication device, and a higher rank than the data link layer in the communication device. In a communication device comprising an upper layer processing means for processing the layer, a procedure for setting the upper layer processing means in a standby state, a procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device via the network, and A procedure for searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means in response, a procedure for returning the search result to the other communication device via the network, and from the other communication device via the network. The data link layer processing includes a procedure for receiving a return request for a data link and a procedure for returning the upper layer processing means from the standby state in response to the request. It is intended to be executed by the over data. As a result, the search and response of the attribute of the communication device in response to the inquiry from the other communication device are performed in the data link layer, and the return from the standby state of the upper layer processing means is performed from the other communication device. Bring about an effect.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, an excellent effect of reducing power consumption can be achieved in a network system that grasps attributes of devices connected to a network.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network system to which the present invention is applied. In a network system to which the present invention is applied, either a wireless network or a wired network can be used as a base network.

  FIG. 1A illustrates an example in which a wireless network is used as a network, and a network system is configured by radio waves output from an antenna 351 connected to the communication device 300. The communication device 300 includes a network interface 320 connected to the antenna 351 and a host system 310 connected to the network interface 320. The network interface 320 performs processing related to the data link layer (second layer) and below in the OSI reference model, and is realized in the form of, for example, a network card. The host system 310 performs processing related to the network layer (third layer) and higher in the OSI reference model, and is realized in the form of, for example, a microcomputer system.

  FIG. 1B is an example in which a wired network is used as the network, and a network system is configured by connecting the communication device 300 to the bus 352. In this case as well, as in the case of FIG. 1A, the communication device 300 includes a network interface 320 connected to the bus 352 and a host system 310 connected to the network interface 320.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication device 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows an example in which a wireless network is used as the network, and the network interface 320 includes a network controller 330 and a wireless communication unit 341. In this example, it is assumed that the network controller 330 performs data link layer (second layer) processing in the OSI reference model, and the wireless communication unit 341 performs physical layer (first layer) processing in the OSI reference model. .

  FIG. 2B shows an example in which a wired network is used as the network, and the network interface 320 includes a network controller 330 and a medium mounting unit 342. In this example, it is assumed that the network controller 330 performs data link layer (second layer) processing in the OSI reference model, and the medium mounting unit 342 performs physical layer (first layer) processing in the OSI reference model. .

  That is, both are different in that a wireless communication unit 341 is used in the case of a wireless network and a medium mounting unit 342 is used in the case of a wired network, but a common network controller 330 that performs data link layer processing is used. Can be a unit.

  In addition, the host system 310 that performs processing related to the network layer (third layer) and higher can be configured not to depend on the physical form of the network. Specifically, processing by an upper protocol such as an IP protocol, a TCP protocol (Transmission Control Protocol), a UDP protocol (User Datagram Protocol), or an HTTP protocol (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is realized by an OS (Operating System) or an application.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a description will be given by taking up a corresponding part when two communication devices 301 and 302 are connected to the network 350. That is, FIG. 3 is asymmetric because it describes the functional configuration required when the communication device 301 requests a service and the communication device 302 provides the service. The communication devices can be configured symmetrically so as to have the same function.

  Similar to the communication device 300 described above, the communication devices 301 and 302 include host systems 311 and 312 and network interfaces 321 and 322, respectively. The communication device 301 that requests a service includes a service discovery instruction unit 3113, a return instruction unit 3114, a detailed service discovery request unit 3115, and a service request unit 3116 in the host system 311, and a service discovery in the network interface 321. A request unit 3213 and a return request unit 3214 are provided. The communication device 302 that provides a service includes a service registration instruction unit 3121, a power control unit 3124, a detailed service search unit 3125, and a service providing unit 3126 in the host system 312. A registration unit 3221, a profile memory 3222, a service search unit 3223, and a state control unit 3224 are provided.

  The service registration instruction unit 3121 instructs the service registration unit 3221 to register the contents of the service that can be provided by the communication device 302 in the profile memory 3222. In response to this, the service registration unit 3221 registers the contents of the service that can be provided by the communication device 302 in the profile memory 3222. As will be described later, the profile memory 3222 holds the contents of services that can be provided by the communication device 302 as service profiles. This service registration can be realized by, for example, an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the network interface 322.

  Further, this service registration can be performed at various timings as follows, assuming that the network interface 322 is operable. First, registration can be performed when the host system 312 is ready to provide a service, such as when a server application is activated. Further, when it is assumed that the host system 312 provides a predefined service, the registration can be performed when the host system 312 is activated. Further, when it is assumed that the communication device 302 provides a predefined service, the communication device 302 can be registered when shipped. That is, this registration process may be performed any time before an inquiry is made to the network interface 322. The profile memory 3222 may be provided by a ROM or the like, or the contents of registered services may be fixed and cannot be changed by making a setting that cannot be changed.

  The service discovery instructing unit 3113 gives an instruction for discovering a service. This service discovery instruction can be realized by an API provided by the network interface 321, for example. In response to the instruction from the service discovery instruction unit 3113, the service discovery request unit 3213 outputs a protocol for discovering the service via the network 350 by broadcast or multicast. This service discovery protocol includes a service profile, which will be described later, as a service condition to be discovered.

  The service search unit 3223 receives the service discovery protocol broadcast or multicast by the service discovery instruction unit 3113 and searches whether the condition inquired by the service discovery protocol matches the service profile held in the profile memory 3222. . If it is determined that they match, the service search unit 3223 outputs a response protocol to the inquiring communication device 301 via the network 350 by unicast. On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match, the service search unit 3223 discards the received service discovery protocol and makes no response.

  Note that when the communication device 302 stops providing a service, it can be dealt with by deleting the corresponding area of the profile memory 3222. Further, when the profile memory 3222 is fixed by a ROM or the like as described above, the service search unit 3223 takes a measure such as temporarily ignoring an inquiry about a corresponding service in response to an inquiry from the outside. Can be considered.

  The state control unit 3224 controls the operating state of the host system 312, that is, whether the host system 312 is in a running state or a standby state. For example, after the service registration by the service registration unit 3221, the host system 312 does not necessarily have to be activated until the service is actually performed. Therefore, the state control unit 3224 temporarily waits for the host system 312. By shifting to, power consumption in the host system 312 can be suppressed.

  The power control unit 3124 controls power supply to each unit in the host system 312 according to an instruction from the state control unit 3224. That is, the state of the host system 312 is controlled by performing power control so that the power level is lowered when transitioning from the active state to the standby state, and the power level is increased when transitioning from the standby state to the active state.

  When the host system 312 of the communication device 302 is in the standby state, the return instruction unit 3114 instructs the return to the activated state. This state transition instruction can be realized by an API provided by the network interface 321, for example. The return request unit 3214 requests the communication device 302 to return the host system 312 to the activated state in accordance with an instruction from the return instruction unit 3114. In response to a request from the return request unit 3214, the state control unit 3224 instructs the power supply control unit 3124 to change the operating state of the host system 312 from the standby state to the activated state.

  Regarding the return request from the return request unit 3214, the state control unit 3224 can increase the security level by performing the return process only in response to an instruction from the communication device having the authority to return.

  The detailed service discovery request unit 3115 requests discovery of a detailed service as necessary. This service discovery is not intended for service discovery in the network interface 322 as described above, but requests service discovery in the host system 312. For example, when a process such as an IP layer higher than the data link layer is required as a protocol layer, discovery of a detailed service is required.

  The detailed service search unit 3125 searches for a detailed service in the host system 312 in response to the request from the detailed service discovery request unit 3115, and returns the result to the detailed service discovery request unit 3115. As described above, the direct exchange between the detailed service discovery request unit 3115 and the detailed service search unit 3125 at the host system level is controlled so that the state of the host system 312 is not a standby state but an active state. Because.

  The service request unit 3116 requests a service so that the communication device 302 can provide the service. The service providing unit 3126 receives a request from the service request unit 3116 and provides a predetermined service as the communication device 302. As described above, the protocol related to the service is implemented in the host system.

  Note that the service request from the service request unit 3116 is also processed by the service providing unit 3126 only in accordance with an instruction from an authorized communication device, as in the case of the above-described return request. As a result, the security level can be increased.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a service profile stored in the profile memory 3222 or included in the service discovery protocol according to the embodiment of the present invention. The service profile is data in which attributes of the communication device, that is, characteristics or services that can be provided are abstracted and compactly collected.

  A plurality of service profiles 610 can exist, and a collection of a plurality of service profiles 610 is referred to as a service profile list 600. Each service profile 610 includes profile information 611, device information 612, protocol information 613, service type information 614, service characteristic information 615, and options 616.

  Profile information 611 is information on the profile itself, and defines what information is included. For example, the version number of the profile can be indicated.

  The device information 612 holds information related to the type of communication device. This type is classified into, for example, a device that outputs data, a device that receives data, or a device that performs data conversion that receives and outputs data as a service provision form. Further, for example, it is also classified according to the characteristics of the device as a whole whether it is a stationary device or a device that is assumed to be carried. Further, information such as whether the device is supplied with power from the outside or the device is operated by a battery is also shown here.

  The protocol information 613 holds information on a protocol supported by a communication device that provides a service. As such a protocol, for example, it is possible to indicate information such as whether the protocol is processed in the data link layer or whether the protocol is processed in the network layer. This makes it easy to search for services that match the system specifications.

  The service type information 614 holds information related to a type obtained by abstracting a service provided by a communication device, that is, a large category of service. Thereby, it is possible to grasp an outline of what the communication device can do. An expression that the service type information 614 cannot indicate alone can be defined by other items and a plurality of designations. For example, in the television, the service type information 614 “video” is represented as a profile having device information 612 “data reception type service providing device”, and the service type information 614 “voice” is “data reception type service provision”. It is represented as a profile having device information 612 "device".

  The service characteristic information 615 holds information unique to the item specified by the service type information 614, that is, information related to a small category of service. By supplementing the service type with the service characteristic information 615, more accurate service discovery can be performed. In the service characteristic information 615, an item suitable for each service type information 614 is prepared.

  The option 616 can hold incidental matters when providing a service. For example, the operating status and port number of the host system necessary for providing the service may be included.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the service profile 610 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The service profile 610 is defined by assigning each information described so far to each bit. For example, in the case of device information 612, a data output type service providing apparatus that outputs data, a data receiving type service providing apparatus that receives data, or a data conversion type service providing apparatus that performs data conversion for receiving and outputting data The type of device such as a battery-driven device that operates on a battery is represented by each bit.

  By configuring the service profile 610 in this way, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity in the profile memory 3222 as compared with the case where the service profile 610 is defined in the XML format, for example. In addition, since the service profile stored in the profile memory 3222 and the service profile included in the service discovery protocol can be compared in the same format, the service search can be easily performed.

  Note that the correspondence between each bit and each item does not necessarily correspond to each bit, and may be encoded and used for each of a plurality of bits according to the required number of bits.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing service type information 614 and service characteristic information 615 of the service profile 610 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the service type information 614 indicates a large category of service, and the service characteristic information 615 indicates a small category. Here, “voice”, “control”, “data”, “still image”, “moving image”, “network”, and “application” are shown as the service type information 614.

  “Audio” represents a service related to an audio format such as music. In this case, a format such as “ATRAC3plus” or “MP3” is designated as the service characteristic information 615. "Control" represents a service related to control input or output. In this case, whether the service characteristic information 615 is “input system control device” or “output system control device” is designated. “Data” represents a service related to a data format such as text data or binary data. In this case, a format such as “text data” or “XML” is designated as the service characteristic information 615. “Still image” represents a service related to a still image format. In this case, a format such as “JPEG” or “PNG” is designated as the service characteristic information 615. “Movie” represents a service related to the format of the movie. In this case, a format such as “MPEG1” or “WMV9” is designated as the service characteristic information 615. “Network” represents a network-related service such as a gateway or a router. “Application” represents a service related to an application such as a home theater or a game.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing a flow of service discovery in the embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that a service search is performed from the communication device 301 to the other communication devices 302 and 303.

  First, when a service discovery request instruction is issued from the host system of the communication device 301 (811), the network interface of the communication device 301 broadcasts or multicasts a service discovery protocol requesting service discovery (812). This service discovery protocol is received by the other communication devices 302 and 303.

  The communication devices 302 and 303 that have received the service discovery protocol search for the service profiles registered in the respective profile memories (814 and 815). When a service that meets the conditions is found, the communication devices 302 and 303 output a response protocol to the communication device 301 by unicast (815 and 816). Here, an example is shown in which both the communication devices 302 and 303 meet the conditions, but if the conditions are not met, the service discovery protocol is ignored. This response protocol is received at the network interface of the communication device 301 (817, 818).

  In this way, the response to the service discovery protocol is performed by unicast, not by broadcast or multicast. Thereby, it is possible to avoid wasteful power consumption and waste of communication bandwidth due to broadcast and multicast. This is particularly useful to avoid wasting relays between hubs in wired networks and multi-hops in wireless ad hoc networks.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing a flow of a return request in the embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the communication device 301 requests another communication device 302 to change the operating state from the standby state to the activated state.

  First, when there is a return request instruction from the host system of the communication device 301 (821), the network interface of the communication device 301 transmits a protocol for requesting the return of the operating state (822). This return request protocol is received by the network interface of the communication device 302.

  The communication device 302 that has received the return request protocol outputs a return signal from the network interface to the host system (823). Upon receiving this return signal, the host system returns the operating state from the standby state to the activated state (824). Then, the host system notifies the network interface that the state transition has been completed (825). Upon receiving this notification, the network interface returns a response to the return request from the communication device 301 (826).

  When receiving the return request response from the communication device 302, the network interface of the communication device 301 notifies the host system to that effect (827). As a result, the host system of the communication device 301 recognizes that the host system of the communication device 302 has transitioned to the activated state and is in a state where service can be provided.

  Next, a construction example of a system using a communication device in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a construction example of the home theater system 500 in the embodiment of the present invention. The home theater system 500 includes a home server 510, a DVD player 520, an audio amplifier 530, a flat panel display 540, a surround speaker 550, a light shielding curtain 560, an illumination 570, and a remote controller 580. These devices include the communication device 300 described with reference to FIG. 1 or the like, or connect to such a communication device 300 to communicate with other devices.

  The home server 510 is a server that accumulates moving images and audio and supplies moving image and audio data in response to requests from other devices. The DVD player 520 has a role of playing back moving images and audio recorded on a DVD. The DVD player 520 also has a role of converting data supplied from other devices into a predetermined format. The audio amplifier 530 has a role of amplifying audio data supplied from another device. The flat panel display 540 has a role of displaying moving image data supplied from another device. The surround speaker 550 has a role of outputting audio data supplied from another device. The light shielding curtain 560 is a curtain that controls opening and closing in response to a request from another device. The illumination 570 is an illumination that controls the luminance in response to a request from another device. The remote controller 580 is a remote controller for causing other devices to perform processing.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a service profile of each device in the home theater system 500 shown in FIG. Here, for simplification, only the device information 612 and the service type information 614 in the service profile 610 are shown.

  The home server 510 supports “data output type service providing device that supports video, audio, or control”, “data input type service providing device that supports video, audio, or control”, and “home theater application” It has an attribute of “stationary device”. These are defined as separate service profiles. The application specified by the service profile can be defined when the service profile specification is established as long as it can be uniquely identified in advance as the service profile specification.

  The registration of the service profile is performed at the time of starting the home theater server application executed after starting the basic system of the home server. It is assumed that devices such as home server 510 can register and delete a plurality of functions regardless of the implementation form such as hardware and software, and when it becomes possible to provide services for those that cannot be identified immediately after the main power is turned on Then, the service profile is registered, and when the service becomes unavailable, the service profile is deleted.

  The DVD player 520 has attributes of “data output type service providing apparatus that supports video or audio” and “data conversion type service providing apparatus that supports video or audio”. The registration of the service profile is performed when power supply to the DVD player 520 is started and the main power of the device is turned on. As a result, the service profile registered in the network interface can be searched by continuing the operation of the network interface of the DVD player 520 even if the DVD player 520 enters a standby state later.

  The audio amplifier 530 has attributes of “a data reception type service providing apparatus that supports voice” and “a data conversion type service providing apparatus that supports voice”. The registration of the service profile is performed when the power supply to the audio amplifier 530 is started and the main power of the device is turned on.

  The flat panel display 540 has an attribute “data receiving service providing apparatus that supports video”. The registration of the service profile is performed when power supply to the flat panel display 540 is started and the main power of the device is turned on.

  The surround speaker 550 has an attribute of “data input type service providing device that supports voice”. If the function is not changed later, such as the surround speaker 550, or if you do not want to change the service provided by the manufacturer, register the service profile at the factory shipment so that they will not be changed during operation. The contents can be fixed, for example, by specifying a setting that cannot change the service profile in the profile memory.

  Both the light shielding curtain 560 and the illumination 570 have an attribute of “data input type service providing apparatus that supports control”. The registration of the service profile is performed when the power supply to the light shielding curtain 560 and the illumination 570 is started and the main power supply of the device is turned on.

  Since the remote controller 580 is not a device that provides a service but a device that only receives a service, the service profile is not registered. The service profile may be registered only when the device providing the service wants other devices on the network to discover the service. This also means that if a service profile is not registered even though the device is connected to the network, it will not be discovered using this mechanism.

  The description of these service profiles is an example, and the contents of the service profile only have to be able to uniquely identify each item when formulating a description specification. In other words, when searching using specific data, it is important to be able to detect with the algorithm specified in the service profile, and what kind of name is used to specifically identify the contents of the item that can be uniquely specified It does not matter.

  Assuming these service profiles, the home theater system 500 of FIG. 9 is operated in the following scenario, for example. First, when a user executes a movie viewing function with the remote controller 580, the movie viewing application of the remote controller 580 starts to discover devices necessary for movie viewing. Then, responses are returned from the flat panel display 540, the DVD player 520, and the home server 510.

  When the user selects the home server 510, the application of the home server 510 starts operating, and starts service discovery for performing more advanced settings. Then, responses are returned from the flat panel display 540, the audio amplifier 530, the light shielding curtain 560, and the illumination 570.

  When the application of the home server 510 inquires the application of the audio amplifier 530 for a more detailed configuration, the application of the audio amplifier 530 starts service discovery for finding a speaker. Then, a response is returned from the flat panel display 540 and the surround speaker 550, and the options are returned to the application of the home server 510. The application of the home server 510 selects the surround speaker 550 and completes preparation.

  When the user requests a movie title from the remote controller 580, the movie title stored in the home server 510 is displayed on the screen of the remote controller 580. When the user selects one of the titles from the displayed list and selects playback, the instruction is notified to the home server 510.

  The home server designates the movie data decoder to the DVD player 520 based on the information acquired in the service discovery, sets the video output to the flat panel display 540 and the audio reproduction to the audio amplifier 530, and sets the video output to the light-shielding curtain 560. A close instruction is issued, and an instruction to lower the brightness of the illumination 570 is issued. Data output from the home server 510 is transmitted to the DVD player 520, and the decoded data is transferred to the flat panel display 540 and the audio amplifier 530. The audio amplifier 530 decodes the audio stream into a format that can be reproduced by the surround speakers 550 and transfers the decoded audio streams to the speakers of the surround speakers 550.

  In addition, when the user selects pause using the remote controller 580, the instruction is sent to the home server 510, and an instruction to increase the brightness of the illumination 570 is transmitted from the home server 510 to the illumination 570. can do.

  With such service discovery and processing that each device holds alone, the home theater system 500 can be realized by a simple operation of the remote controller 580.

  Next, the operation of the communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a processing procedure of the communication device 302 (FIG. 3) on the service providing side in the embodiment of the present invention. First, when a service profile for the device is created (step S911), the service registration unit 3221 registers the service profile in the profile memory 3222 in accordance with an instruction from the service registration instruction unit 3121 (step S912). Thereafter, the host system 312 of the communication device 302 can transition to a standby state (step S913). This state transition is not always necessary, but when there is no other process to be executed, it is possible to reduce power consumption by transitioning to the standby state rather than the activation state. This state transition is executed by the power supply control unit 3124 according to the control of the state control unit 3224.

  Thereafter, upon receiving a service discovery protocol from another communication device (step S914), the service search unit 3223 searches for a service profile stored in the profile memory 3222 (step S915). If the condition included in the service discovery protocol matches the service profile stored in the profile memory 3222 (step S916), the service search unit 3223 returns a response protocol to the other communication device (step S918). . On the other hand, if no matching service profile is found in step S916, the service discovery protocol is ignored and reception of the next service discovery protocol is awaited (step S914).

  In addition, when receiving a return request protocol from another communication device (step S919), the state control unit 3224 controls the power supply control unit 3124 to return the operating state of the host system 312 from the standby state to the activated state. In response to this, the power supply control unit 3124 changes the operating state of the host system 312 from the standby state to the activated state (step S921).

  When the detailed service search unit 3125 receives a service discovery protocol requesting detailed service discovery from another communication device (step S922), the detailed service search unit 3125 searches for a service in a layer higher than the data link layer (step S923). As a service in a layer higher than the data link layer, for example, UPnP in which service is performed in the IP layer corresponds.

  When the service providing unit 3126 receives a service request from another communication device (step S924), the service providing unit 3126 performs processing related to the service in response to the request (step S925). Then, after all the processes related to the service are finished and become an idle state, the host system 312 of the communication device 302 can transition to a standby state (step S913).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a processing procedure of the communication device 301 (FIG. 3) on the service request side in the embodiment of the present invention. First, when the service discovery instruction unit 3113 calls the service discovery function (step S931), the service discovery request unit 3213 transmits a service discovery protocol by broadcast or multicast (step S932).

  Thereafter, upon receiving a response to the service discovery protocol from another communication device (step S933), the service discovery request unit 3213 notifies the service discovery instruction unit 3113 of the response (step S934). At this time, the operating state of the host system can be notified from the communication device on the service providing side. As a result, when the operation state of the communication device on the service providing side is in the standby state (step S935), the return request unit 3214 instructs the communication device on the service providing side in response to an instruction from the return instruction unit 3114. The host system is requested to return the operating state of the host system from the standby state to the activated state (step S936).

  The detailed service discovery request unit 3115 requests a detailed service discovery (step S938) when a service discovery in a layer higher than the data link layer is required (step S937). For example, when UPnP is set in the protocol information 613 of the service profile 610, the detailed service discovery request unit 311 requests service discovery using the UPnP protocol.

  When these processes complete the preparation for service use, the service request unit 3116 requests a service from the host system 312 of the communication device 302 and performs the process for using the service (step S939).

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the service search unit 3223 registers the service profile 610 in the profile memory 3222 of the network interface 322, and the service search unit 3223 searches for the service in response to a request from another communication device. By performing the above, even if the host system 312 is in a standby state, it is possible to search for a service using only the network interface 322.

  Also, as the format of the service profile 610, the necessary information is assigned to each bit and defined, thereby reducing the data size compared to the case of adopting the XML format, for example, and eliminating the need for processing such as an XML parser. be able to. The service profile 610 is used not only for the service definition in the profile memory 3222 but also as a search condition in the service discovery protocol, so that the search process in the service search unit 3223 can be facilitated. Further, in the service discovery instruction unit 3113, the same format can be used for the service profile set in the network interface 321 and the profile used for the search in the same communication device 301, so that the processing becomes easy.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described so far, the network interface 322 unconditionally registers a service in accordance with an instruction from the host system 312. With such a configuration, not only the manufacturer of the communication device but also, for example, a general user can flexibly register a new service freely. However, if no distinction is provided for this, authorized so-called genuine services and other services are mixed, which may cause inconvenience. Therefore, another embodiment of the present invention aims to further improve the reliability of a provided service by distinguishing and registering both services.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a service profile according to another embodiment of the present invention. This service profile is different from the service profile of FIG. 4 in that security information 617 is added. This security information 617 is information indicating whether or not the content of the corresponding service profile 610 has been approved by a predetermined issuer, that is, whether it has been authorized.

  In the service profile 610, device information 612, protocol information 613, service type information 614, and service characteristic information 615 are particularly referred to as function items.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the security information 617 according to another embodiment of the present invention. This security information 617 includes a permission flag 671 and issuer information 672. The permission flag 671 is a flag indicating whether or not the content of the corresponding service profile 610 is permitted. The issuer information 672 holds information related to an issuer who has given permission when the permission flag 671 indicates “permitted”. As the issuer information 672, for example, identification information that can identify the issuer such as a company name can be assumed.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a generation process of the authentication code 730 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, when a service is registered with the permission flag 671 of the security information 617 in the “permitted” state, a valid authentication code 730 is provided. This authentication code 730 is generated by a predetermined authentication code generation logic 720.

  The authentication code generation logic 720 generates an authentication code 730 by performing a predetermined operation on the target service profile 610. Here, as an algorithm for realizing a predetermined operation, for example, a hash function such as SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1) or an encryption method such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) can be used. This algorithm only needs to match between the authentication code generation side and the verification code verification side, and a plurality of algorithms may be used properly in synchronization with each other.

  Further, when generating the authentication code 730, the authentication code generation logic 720 may perform a predetermined operation by adding the secret code 710 to the service profile 610. The secret code 710 is an arbitrary code, and it is necessary to use the same code on the side that generates the authentication code and the side that verifies the authentication code. This secret code 710 is preferably stored in advance in a secure memory in the network interface. By using the secret code 710, it is possible to prevent the authentication code from being generated without permission even if the authentication code generation logic 720 is overlooked.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a registration process of a service profile 610 according to another embodiment of the present invention. When the host system 312 instructs registration of the service profile 610 in which the permission flag 671 indicates “permitted”, the network interface 322 verifies that the authentication code 730 presented at the same time is valid.

  As this verification method, for example, there is a method in which an authentication code for the service profile 610 is actually generated by an authentication code generation logic 720 predetermined in the network interface 322 and a match with the presented authentication code 730 is confirmed. . If they match, the authentication code 730 can be verified as valid. At this time, the secret code 710 can also be used as described above.

  If the verification that the authentication code 730 is valid is successful, the network interface 322 records the service profile 610 in the profile memory 3222.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an aspect of generation or distribution of the authentication code 730 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating an aspect in the case where a developer who has the authority to generate an authentication code generates the authentication code 730 by himself / herself. When the developer himself has generation authority, the authentication code 730 can be generated alone as described above.

  FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating an aspect in the case where a developer who does not have the authority to generate an authentication code requests generation of the authentication code 730. The developer sends the created service profile 610 to the supplier and requests generation of an authentication code. The supplier generates an authentication code 730 by applying an authentication code generation logic to the received service profile 610. The authentication code 730 generated in this manner is distributed to the developer who is the request source.

  FIG. 17C is a diagram showing an aspect in the case where a distributor is provided between a developer who does not have authorization to generate an authentication code and a supplier who has authorization to generate an authentication code. In this case, the developer requests the distributor to generate an authentication code, but it is the supplier who actually generates the authentication code. After generating the authentication code 730, the supplier entrusts the distribution to the distributor. The distributor manages the authentication code and distributes the authentication code 730 to an appropriate developer.

  In the distribution process of these authentication codes, secure distribution should be performed by performing encryption processing. For example, when distributed by e-mail, encryption means such as PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) can be employed.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a communication device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Corresponding to the case where two communication devices 301 and 302 are connected to the network 350 as in FIG. Shows the part. In the communication device of FIG. 18, the network interface 322 includes a code memory 3227, and a service registration request unit 3128, a service registration unit 3228, a service discovery instruction unit 3119, a service discovery request unit 3219, and a service search unit 3229. 3 has the same functional configuration as that of the communication device in FIG.

  The code memory 3227 is a memory that holds the secret code 710. The service registration unit 3228 reads the secret code 710 from the code memory 3227 when the secret code 710 is used in the authentication code generation logic 720. Accordingly, the code memory 3227 is not necessarily required in a communication device that generates an authentication code without using the secret code 710.

  The service registration instruction unit 3128 instructs the service registration unit 3228 to register the contents of services that can be provided by the communication device 302 in the profile memory 3222. At this time, the permission flag 671 of the security information 617 can be set to “permitted”. In this case, it is necessary to present a valid authentication code 730. For example, the service registration instruction unit 3128 instructs service registration using an API provided by the network interface 322.

  When there is a service registration instruction from the service registration instruction unit 3128 of the host system 312, the service registration unit 3228 verifies the presented authentication code when the permission flag 671 indicates “permitted”. As a result of the verification, if it is confirmed that the authentication code is valid, the service registration unit 3228 records the service profile 610 in the profile memory 3222.

  However, when a service profile 610 having the same attribute has already been registered, the service profile 610 is recorded in the profile memory 3222 only when the permission flag 671 of the existing service profile 610 does not indicate “permitted”. . At this time, the existing service profile 610 is deleted by overwriting.

  The service discovery instructing unit 3119 gives an instruction to discover a service. The service discovery instructing unit 3119 creates a service profile including the service to be discovered, and instructs the discovery of the service using, for example, an API provided by the network interface 321. At this time, if it is desired to find an authorized service, the permission flag 671 is set to “permitted” to instruct the discovery of the service. If the issuer is desired to be limited, the issuer information 672 further describes the company name of the issuer. On the other hand, when the issuer is not limited, the issuer information 672 describes a symbol indicating a wild card (for example, all “1”).

  In response to an instruction from the service discovery instruction unit 3119, the service discovery request unit 3219 outputs a protocol for discovering a service via the network 350 by broadcast or multicast.

  The service search unit 3229 receives the service discovery protocol broadcast or multicast by the service discovery instruction unit 3119, and searches whether the condition inquired by the service discovery protocol matches the service profile held in the profile memory 3222. . If it is determined that they match, the service search unit 3223 outputs a response protocol to the inquiring communication device 301 via the network 350 by unicast. On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match, the service search unit 3223 discards the received service discovery protocol and makes no response.

  At this time, the service search unit 3229 also checks the security information 617 when determining whether the service profiles match. In other words, when the discovery of a service whose permission flag 671 is “permitted” is requested, a service profile whose permission flag 671 is “permitted” is searched in the profile memory 3222. When the issuer information 672 is further specified, the match of the issuer information 672 is also set as a search condition. On the other hand, when the permission flag 671 in the service discovery request is not “permitted”, the security information 617 is not a search condition, and only the other function items are the search conditions.

  Next, the operation of the communication device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the communication device 302 (FIG. 18) on the service providing side according to another embodiment of the present invention. First, when a service profile for the device is created (step S940), the service registration unit 3228 registers the service profile in the profile memory 3222 according to an instruction from the service registration instruction unit 3128 (step S950). Regarding the creation and registration of the service profile, differences from the case of FIG. 3 will be described later with reference to FIGS. After that, the host system 312 of the communication device 302 can make a transition to the standby state (step S963) as in the case of FIG.

  Thereafter, upon receiving a service discovery protocol from another communication device (step S964), the service search unit 3229 searches for a service profile stored in the profile memory 3222 (step S965). If the condition included in the service discovery protocol matches the service profile stored in the profile memory 3222 (step S966) and the security information 617 is checked and the condition is satisfied (step S967), the service search is performed. The unit 3229 returns a response protocol to the other communication device (step S968). The subsequent processing is the same as in the case of FIG.

  On the other hand, if no matching service profile is found in step S916 or the condition of the security information 617 is not satisfied, the service discovery protocol is ignored and reception of the next service discovery protocol is waited (step S964).

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a profile creation processing procedure according to another embodiment of the present invention. After the data necessary for creating the service profile 610 is created (step S941), if the permission flag 671 is not “permitted” (step S942), the authentication code is unnecessary, so the authentication code is set in a fixed format. When it is necessary to present it, a dummy is set in the authentication code (step S944).

  If the permission flag 671 is “permitted” (step S942), if there is an authority to generate an authentication code (step S943), an authentication code is generated (step S945). On the other hand, if there is no authority to generate an authentication code (step S943), the supplier or distributor is requested to generate the authentication code as described with reference to FIG. 17 (step S946).

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a profile registration processing procedure according to another embodiment of the present invention. When the permission flag 671 is “permitted” (step S951), the service registration unit 3228 verifies the presented authentication code (step S952). At this time, if the authentication code is not valid (step S953), the service profile is discarded and an error response is sent to the host system 312 (step S959).

  If the permission flag 671 is not “permitted” (step S951) or the authentication code is valid (step S953), is a duplicate service profile of the same function item already registered in the profile memory 3222? A determination is made (step S954), and if not registered, the service profile is recorded in the profile memory 3222 (step S955).

  When duplicate service profiles of the same function item are already registered in the profile memory 3222 (step S954), only when the permission flag 671 of the already registered service profile is not “permitted” ( In step S956, the new service profile is overwritten in the profile memory 3222 (step S957).

  If the permission flag 671 is not “permitted” (step S951) or if the authentication code is valid (step S953), then a normal response is sent to the host system 312 (step S958).

  As described above, in another embodiment of the present invention, by providing the security information 611 in the service profile 610, it is possible to distinguish and register whether or not the service is authorized. Reliability can be further improved.

  Note that the processing procedure of the communication device 301 (FIG. 18) on the service request side in the other embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the embodiment of the present invention described in FIG. This is different from the case of FIG. 12 in that security information 611 can be included when generating the service profile.

  The embodiment of the present invention is an example for embodying the present invention and has a corresponding relationship with the invention-specific matters in the claims as shown below, but is not limited thereto. However, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  That is, in claim 1, the first communication device corresponds to the communication device 301, for example. The inquiry means corresponds to the service discovery request unit 3213 or 3219, for example. The second communication device corresponds to the communication device 302, for example. An attribute holding unit corresponds to the profile memory 3222, for example. The search means corresponds to the service search unit 3223 or 3229, for example.

  Further, in claim 3, attribute holding means corresponds to, for example, the profile memory 3222. The search means corresponds to the service search unit 3223 or 3229, for example.

  In claim 6, attribute registration means corresponds to, for example, the service registration unit 3221 or 3228.

  Further, in claim 9, information related to the service corresponds to, for example, the service profile 610.

  In claim 10, the type of protocol corresponds to, for example, protocol information 613.

  Further, in claim 11, the contents and types of services correspond to, for example, service characteristic information 615 and service type information 614.

  Further, in claim 13, upper layer processing means corresponds to, for example, the host system 312.

  In claim 15, the state control means corresponds to, for example, the state control unit 3224.

  Further, in claims 17 and 20, the attribute holding means corresponds to, for example, the profile memory 3222. A procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device via the network corresponds to, for example, step S914 or S964. A procedure for searching for an attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to the inquiry corresponds to, for example, step S915 or S965. The procedure for returning the search result to another communication device via the network corresponds to, for example, step S918 or S968.

  Further, in claims 18 and 21, the attribute holding means corresponds to, for example, the profile memory 3222. A procedure for receiving an inquiry about a service permitted from another communication device via the network corresponds to, for example, step S964. A procedure for searching for an attribute held in the attribute holding means for a service permitted in response to the inquiry corresponds to, for example, steps S965 to S967. A procedure for returning the search result to another communication device via the network corresponds to, for example, step S968.

  Further, in claims 19 and 22, the attribute holding means corresponds to, for example, the profile memory 3222. The upper layer processing means corresponds to the host system 312 for example. A procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device via the network corresponds to, for example, step S914 or S964. A procedure for searching for an attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to the inquiry corresponds to, for example, step S915 or S965. The procedure for returning the search result to another communication device via the network corresponds to, for example, step S918 or S968. A procedure for receiving a return request from another communication device via a network corresponds to, for example, step S919 or S969. The procedure for returning the upper layer processing means from the standby state in response to the request corresponds to, for example, step S921 or S971.

  The processing procedure described in the embodiment of the present invention may be regarded as a method having a series of these procedures, and a program for causing a computer to execute these series of procedures or a recording medium storing the program May be taken as

  As an example of use of the present invention, for example, when a network is formed by connecting communication devices via a network, and a predetermined service is realized while communicating between devices that incorporate such communication devices or are connected to communication devices. The present invention can be applied.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the network system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication apparatus 300 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the communication apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure shown about the service profile hold | maintained at the profile memory 3222 in embodiment of this invention, or included in a service discovery protocol. It is a figure shown about the structural example of the service profile 610 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure shown about the service classification information 614 and the service characteristic information 615 of the service profile 610 in embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows the flow of the service discovery in embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows the flow of the return request | requirement in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the construction example of the home theater system 500 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the service profile of each apparatus by the home theater system 500 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process sequence of the communication apparatus 302 of the service provision side in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process sequence of the communication apparatus 301 of the service request side in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure shown about the other example of the service profile in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the security information 617 in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | generation process of the authentication code 730 in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the registration process of the service profile 610 in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the aspect of the production | generation thru | or distribution of the authentication code 730 in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the communication apparatus in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process sequence of the communication equipment 302 of the service provision side in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process sequence of the profile creation in other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process sequence of the profile registration in other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

300 to 302 Communication equipment 310 to 312 Host system 320 to 322 Network interface 330 Network controller 341 Wireless communication unit 342 Medium mounting unit 350 Network 351 Antenna 352 Bus 500 Home theater system 510 Home server 520 DVD player 530 Audio amplifier 540 Flat panel display 550 Surround Speaker 560 Shading curtain 570 Lighting 580 Remote controller 600 Service profile list 610 Service profile 611 Profile information 612 Device information 613 Protocol information 614 Service type information 615 Service characteristic information 616 Option 617 Security information 710 Secret code 730 Authentication Service discovery instruction unit 3114 return instruction unit 3115 detailed service discovery request unit 3116 service request unit 3121, 3128 service registration instruction unit 3124 power supply control unit 3125 detailed service search unit 3126 service provision unit 3213, 3219 service discovery request unit 3214 Return request unit 3221, 3228 Service registration unit 3222 Profile memory 3223, 3229 Service search unit 3224 Status control unit 3227 Code memory

Claims (22)

A network system in which at least first and second communication devices are connected to a network,
The first communication device includes inquiry means for making an inquiry about the attribute of the second communication device to the second communication device via the network.
The second communication device includes an attribute holding unit that holds the attribute, and searches for the attribute held in the attribute holding unit in response to the inquiry and sends the search result to the inquiry unit via the network. And a search means to return
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the attribute holding means and the search means operate in a data link layer. The attribute of the communication device includes information indicating whether the service is permitted for the service provided by the communication device,
The inquiry means makes an inquiry for the permitted service,
2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the search unit performs the search for the permitted service in response to the inquiry. One of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network,
Attribute holding means for holding attributes of the communication device;
Search means for searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to an inquiry from another communication device via the network and returning the search result to the other communication device via the network; Prepared,
The attribute holding means and the search means operate in a data link layer. The attribute of the communication device includes information indicating whether the service is permitted for the service provided by the communication device,
4. The communication according to claim 3, wherein if the query is a query for the permitted service, the search means performs the search for the permitted service in response to the query. machine. The attribute of the communication device further includes issuer information indicating an issuer permitted the service with respect to the service provided by the communication device,
5. The search unit according to claim 4, wherein if the query is a query designating the issuer information, the search unit performs the search for a match of the issuer information in response to the query. Communication equipment.   4. The communication device according to claim 3, further comprising attribute registration means for registering the attribute of the communication device in the attribute holding means. The attribute of the communication device includes information indicating whether the service is permitted for the service provided by the communication device,
When the attribute registration means indicates that the service is permitted in the attribute of the communication device to be registered, the attribute registration means verifies the presented authentication code and only when the authentication code is valid. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the registration is performed.   The attribute registering unit, when an item that overlaps with the attribute of the communication device to be registered has already been registered, is newly added only when the service in the registered attribute is not permitted. 8. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an attribute of the apparatus is registered.   The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the attribute of the communication device includes information related to a service provided by the communication device.   10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the information related to the service provided by the communication device includes a type of protocol having jurisdiction over the service.   The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the information related to the service provided by the communication device includes a content of the service and a type thereof.   The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the attribute holding unit holds the attribute by a plurality of bits, and associates information on the service with each of the plurality of bits. The communication device further comprises upper layer processing means for processing a layer higher than the data link layer,
4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the attribute of the communication device includes an operating state of the upper layer processing means.   The communication apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the operating state indicates whether or not the upper layer processing means is in a standby state.   14. The communication device according to claim 13, further comprising a state control unit that controls the operation state in response to a request from another communication device via the network. The network is a wireless ad hoc network;
The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the communication device is a wireless terminal constituting the wireless ad hoc network. In a communication device including attribute holding means for holding one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and holding the attribute of the communication device,
A procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device via the network;
Searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to the inquiry;
A processing method of processing, by a data link layer, a procedure for returning the search result to the other communication device via the network. In a communication device that is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and includes an attribute holding unit that holds an attribute of the communication device, the attribute of the communication device is permitted for the service provided by the communication device. Including information indicating whether or not
A procedure for receiving an inquiry for the permitted service from another communication device via the network;
Searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means for the authorized service in response to the inquiry;
A processing method of processing, by a data link layer, a procedure for returning the search result to the other communication device via the network. A communication that is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and includes an attribute holding unit that holds an attribute of the communication device and an upper layer processing unit that processes a layer higher than the data link layer in the communication device. In the equipment
A procedure for placing the upper layer processing means in a standby state;
A procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device via the network;
Searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to the inquiry;
Returning the search result to the other communication device via the network;
Receiving a return request from the other communication device via the network;
A processing method for processing, by the data link layer, a procedure for returning the upper layer processing means from the standby state in response to the request. In a communication device including attribute holding means for holding one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and holding the attribute of the communication device,
A procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device via the network;
Searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to the inquiry;
A program for causing a computer to execute, as a data link layer process, a procedure for returning the search result to the other communication device via the network. In a communication device that is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and includes an attribute holding unit that holds an attribute of the communication device, the attribute of the communication device is permitted for the service provided by the communication device. Including information indicating whether or not
A procedure for receiving an inquiry for the permitted service from another communication device via the network;
Searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means for the authorized service in response to the inquiry;
A program for causing a computer to execute, as a data link layer process, a procedure for returning the search result to the other communication device via the network. A communication that is one of a plurality of communication devices connected to a network and includes an attribute holding unit that holds an attribute of the communication device and an upper layer processing unit that processes a layer higher than the data link layer in the communication device. In the equipment
A procedure for placing the upper layer processing means in a standby state;
A procedure for receiving an inquiry from another communication device via the network;
Searching for the attribute held in the attribute holding means in response to the inquiry;
Returning the search result to the other communication device via the network;
Receiving a return request from the other communication device via the network;
A program for causing a computer to execute, as data link layer processing, a procedure for returning the upper layer processing means from the standby state in response to the request.

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