JP2006191424A - Equipment management device, communication device, equipment designating method, and communication system using them - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an equipment management device for designating a plurality of attributes in equipment which is desired by a user for communication and making it possible to communicate with the apparatus applicable to the designated attribute, and to provide a communication device, etc. <P>SOLUTION: A portable telephone set 101 includes a packet generating part 204 for generating an attribute packet concerning the apparatus to be designated; and a packet transmitting part 206 for transmitting the attribute packet to a management server 111. The management server 111 includes an equipment information table 303 for storing the address information and attribute value of the equipment to be managed by relating them; an address information acquiring part 306 for acquiring the address information of the applicable apparatus with referring to the apparatus information table 303, based on the attribute packet transmitted from the portable telephone set 101; and a packet generating part 304 for generating the packet to be transmitted to the equipment to be designated, based on the address information which is acquired by the address information acquiring part 306. The user specifies the attribute of the equipment by the portable telephone set 101, so as to perform communication with the equipment to be designated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a device management device, a communication device, a device specification method, and a communication system using these, which are used when communication is performed by specifying a communication partner.

  In recent years, devices that can be connected to a network, such as personal computers (PCs) and mobile phones, are increasing. In order to communicate with such devices, it is necessary to specify the network address of each device. For example, in a mobile phone, it is necessary to specify a telephone number, and in a personal computer (PC), it is necessary to specify an IP address. Since these network addresses are usually a series of numbers and difficult to remember, IP addresses can be communicated with names that are easy to understand by using DNS (Domain Name System). Yes.

  However, in the future, it is expected that the number of devices that can be connected to these networks will be further increased. To that end, a simpler and easier-to-understand communication device designation method is required.

  As a conventional communication device designation method, for example, there is a subaddress designation method of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration in the ISDN subaddress designation method. In FIG. 15, an ISDN telephone 511 and TAs (terminal adapters) 521a and 521b are connected by a bus 530, and “00”, “01”, and “02” are set as subaddresses, for example. In this example, the analog telephone 522 is connected to the TA 521a, and the FAX 523 is connected to the TA 521b.

  The ISDN telephone 501 can specify, for example, the TA 521a in which the sub address “01” is set as the incoming device by making a call by adding “01” as the sub address to the telephone number of the ISDN telephone 511, for example. It is possible to communicate with the analog telephone 522 under the TA 521a via the ISDN network 500.

  Further, in communication using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), more conditions can be specified as a method of specifying a communication partner. For example, it is possible to specify the type of device by describing sip: + 81-012-345-6789; user = phone in a SIP message. The transport protocol can also be specified by specifying transport = tcp.

  As another communication device designation method, a registration device that manages the name and address of the communication device is provided separately, and before starting communication, a list of the communication device name and address is downloaded from the registration device and the communication device is selected. There is a method of selecting (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a method for selecting a communication device by downloading a list of names and addresses of communication devices in this way.

In FIG. 16, the home network 610 is connected to the Internet 600,
As subordinate communication devices, for example, a personal computer (PC) 623, a telephone 622, a television 621, a registration device 611, and the like are provided. A personal computer (PC) 601 accesses the registration device 611 via the Internet 600 and downloads a list of names and addresses of communication devices. Then, after that, a user selects a device desired to communicate from the acquired list by using a personal computer (PC) 601 and starts communication with the selected device using the address of the selected device.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-223731

  However, in the conventional method for specifying a device using a sub-address by ISDN, there are not so many connected communication devices, so there are only two conditions that can be specified: a telephone number and a sub-address, and the two conditions are satisfied simultaneously. It is sufficient to specify only the condition (AND condition), and it is impossible to specify the condition such as the OR condition.

  For this reason, it is impossible to specify complicated conditions, and it is difficult to specify an appropriate device especially when the number of communication devices expected in the future increases. Further, the user needs to remember the sub-address of the communication device one by one, and there is a problem that the burden on the user increases when the number of communication devices increases.

  Also, in the conventional method of specifying the communication partner condition using SIP, it is possible to specify only a condition (AND condition) that a plurality of conditions are satisfied simultaneously, and it is impossible to specify an OR condition or the like. . In addition, there is a problem that the condition to be specified can only be specified using an equal sign, such as user = phone, and a numerical value range cannot be specified using an inequality sign.

  Also, in the conventional method of selecting a communication device by downloading a list of names and addresses of communication devices, if the number of communication devices increases, it takes time for the user to select one from the list of communication devices. There was a problem that the effort was increased.

  Furthermore, in the above-described conventional devices, as a common problem, a desired device has to be selected by the name, URI, subaddress, etc. of the communication device, and the user has to remember them. Furthermore, as a condition that can be specified, only the type of the device such as user = phone can be specified, and a state that changes with time such as a telephone call state or a service provided by the device cannot be specified as a condition. For this reason, I had to imagine the function and state of the device from the name.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem. For a device that a user desires to communicate with, a plurality of attributes are designated, a device corresponding to the designated attribute is selected, and the device is selected. Management device, communication device, device designation method, and communication system using these devices.

The device management apparatus according to the present invention is a device management device that manages a device specified by a communication device, and includes address information of the managed device, an attribute item of the managed device, and an attribute item of the managed device An attribute packet transmitted from a communication device, which is composed of storage means for associating and storing an attribute value for specifying an attribute, an attribute condition represented by an attribute item and an attribute value, or a logical condition represented by a plurality of attribute conditions Receiving means, address information obtaining means for obtaining address information of the corresponding managed device from the storage means based on the attribute condition or logical condition in the attribute packet received by the packet receiving means, and address information A packet generation unit that generates a predetermined packet to be transmitted to a managed device having the address information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an address information acquisition unit In having and a packet transmitting means for transmitting a predetermined packet generated by the packet generator to the device to be managed with the acquired address information construction.

  With this configuration, users can specify multiple attribute conditions and logical conditions between attribute conditions, making it possible to specify devices under complex conditions, and to specify appropriate devices even when the number of communication devices increases. Is possible. In addition, since the user can designate a device for communication if the attribute is designated, it is not necessary to memorize the address, and the burden on the user is reduced. Also, by specifying attributes (user name, device type, device status, service that can be provided by the device, etc.) that are easy to understand for humans, it is possible to realize advanced device specification that is close to the human sense.

The device management apparatus of the present invention is a device management device that manages a device specified by a communication device, and includes address information of the managed device, an attribute item of the managed device, and a managed device A storage unit that associates and stores an attribute value that specifies an attribute item, and an attribute condition represented by the attribute item and the attribute value, or a logical condition represented by a plurality of attribute conditions, and is transmitted from the communication device A packet receiving means for receiving an attribute packet; an address information obtaining means for obtaining address information of a corresponding managed device from the storage means based on an attribute condition or a logical condition in the attribute packet received by the packet receiving means; A packet generation unit that generates a device information packet composed of address information acquired by the address information acquisition unit; And has a configuration in which a packet transmission unit that transmits a device information packets made.
With this configuration, the user can easily acquire the address of the device corresponding to the specified condition, and thus it is possible to select a device to communicate from among them. As a result, even when the number of communication devices increases, it becomes possible to narrow down candidates for devices to communicate by attribute designation, and the burden on the user is reduced.

  The device management apparatus of the present invention has a configuration in which the attribute condition includes a relation condition indicating a relation between the attribute item and the attribute value.

  With this configuration, attribute items can be specified within a numerical range, reducing the burden on the user.

  Furthermore, the communication device of the present invention is a communication device that designates a device managed by the device management device, and is represented by an attribute item of the managed device and an attribute value that specifies the attribute item of the managed device. Packet generating means for generating an attribute packet for specifying a device, and a packet for transmitting the attribute packet generated by the packet generating means to the device management apparatus. It has a configuration including a transmission unit and a communication unit that communicates with a designated device acquired by the device management apparatus based on the attribute packet transmitted from the packet transmission unit.

  With this configuration, the user can specify multiple attribute conditions and logical conditions between attribute conditions, making it possible to specify devices under complex conditions, and to specify appropriate devices even when the number of communication devices increases. It becomes possible to do. In addition, since the user can designate a device for communication if the attribute is designated, it is not necessary to memorize the address, and the burden on the user is reduced. Also, by specifying attributes (user name, device type, device status, service that can be provided by the device, etc.) that are easy to understand for humans, it is possible to realize device specification that is highly compatible with human senses.

The communication device of the present invention is a communication device that identifies a device managed by the device management device, and is represented by an attribute item of the managed device and an attribute value that identifies the attribute item of the managed device. A packet generation unit configured to generate an attribute packet that specifies a device, and the attribute packet generated by the packet generation unit is transmitted to the device management apparatus. A packet transmission means, a packet reception means for receiving a device information packet composed of address information of a designated device, which is transmitted from the device management apparatus in response to an attribute packet transmitted from the packet transmission means, and a packet reception A communication unit configured to communicate with a device designated based on the device information packet received by the unit.

  With this configuration, the user can easily acquire the address of the device corresponding to the specified condition, so that it is possible to select a device to communicate from among them. As a result, even when the number of communication devices increases, it becomes possible to narrow down candidates for devices to communicate by attribute designation, and the burden on the user is reduced.

  The communication apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration in which the attribute condition includes a relation condition indicating a relation between the attribute item and the attribute value.

  With this configuration, attribute items can be specified within a numerical range, reducing the burden on the user.

  Furthermore, the device designation method of the present invention is a device designation method for designating a device managed by a device management device using a communication device, wherein the attribute item of the managed device and the attribute value for identifying the managed device attribute item are specified. And a communication device packet generation procedure in which a communication device generates an attribute packet for specifying a device, and a communication device packet generation procedure. Communication device packet transmission procedure in which the communication device transmits the attribute packet to the device management device, device management device packet reception procedure in which the device management device receives the attribute packet transmitted in the communication device packet transmission procedure, and device management device packet Based on the attribute condition or logical condition in the attribute packet received in the reception procedure, the address information, attribute item, and attribute value of the managed device An address information acquisition procedure in which the device management apparatus acquires the address information of the corresponding managed device from the storage means that stores the associated information, and a predetermined information that is transmitted to the managed device having the address information acquired in the address information acquisition procedure The device management apparatus generates a predetermined packet generated by the device management apparatus packet generation procedure in a device management apparatus packet generation procedure in which the device management apparatus generates a packet and the managed device having the address information acquired by the address information acquisition unit. It has a configuration comprising a device management apparatus packet transmission procedure for transmission, and a communication procedure for communication between a managed device to which a predetermined packet is transmitted in the device management device packet transmission procedure and a communication device.

  With this configuration, the user can specify devices with complex conditions by specifying multiple attribute conditions and logical conditions between attribute conditions, and specify appropriate devices even when the number of communication devices increases. It becomes possible to do. In addition, since the user can designate a device for communication if the attribute is designated, it is not necessary to memorize the address, and the burden on the user is reduced. Also, by specifying attributes (user name, device type, device status, service that can be provided by the device, etc.) that are easy to understand for humans, it is possible to realize device specification that is highly compatible with human senses.

The device designation method of the present invention is a device designation method for designating a device managed by a device management device using a communication device, and is an attribute value for identifying a managed device attribute item and a managed device attribute item. And a communication device packet generation procedure in which a communication device generates an attribute packet for specifying a device, and a communication device packet generation procedure. Communication device packet transmission procedure in which the communication device transmits the attribute packet to the device management device, device management device packet reception procedure in which the device management device receives the attribute packet transmitted in the communication device packet transmission procedure, and device management device packet Based on the attribute condition or logical condition in the attribute packet received in the reception procedure, the address information, attribute item, and attribute value of the managed device are displayed. The device management device manages the device information packet composed of the address information acquisition procedure in which the device management device acquires the address information of the corresponding managed device from the storage means for storing the information and the address information acquired in the address information acquisition procedure. Device management device packet generation procedure generated by the device, device information packet generated by the device management device packet generation procedure, device management device packet transmission procedure by which the device management device transmits to the communication device, and device management device packet transmission procedure A communication device packet receiving procedure for receiving a device information packet that has been received, and a communication procedure for communicating with a device designated by the communication device based on the device information packet received in the communication device packet receiving procedure Have

  With this configuration, the user can easily acquire the address of the device corresponding to the specified condition, and thus it is possible to select a device to communicate from among them. As a result, even when the number of communication devices increases, it becomes possible to narrow down candidates for devices to communicate by attribute designation, and the burden on the user is reduced.

  In the device specifying method of the present invention, the attribute condition includes a relation condition indicating a relation between the attribute item and the attribute value.

  With this configuration, attribute items can be specified within a numerical range, reducing the burden on the user.

  Furthermore, the communication system of the present invention is a communication system in which a communication device designates a device managed by the device management device, and the communication device includes an attribute item of the managed device and an attribute of the managed device. A communication device packet generation unit configured to generate an attribute packet that specifies an apparatus, and includes an attribute condition represented by an attribute value specifying an item or a logical condition represented by a plurality of attribute conditions; and a communication device packet generation unit Communication device packet transmitting means for transmitting the attribute packet generated in step 1 to the device management device, and communication means for communicating with the designated device acquired by the device management device based on the attribute packet transmitted from the communication device packet transmission means The device management apparatus stores the address information, the attribute item, and the attribute value of the managed device in association with each other, and the communication device of the communication device The device management apparatus packet receiving means for receiving the attribute packet transmitted from the packet transmission means, and the corresponding management from the storage means based on the attribute condition or logical condition in the attribute packet received by the equipment management apparatus packet receiving means Address information acquisition means for acquiring address information of the apparatus, device management apparatus packet generation means for generating a predetermined packet to be transmitted to a managed device having the address information acquired by the address information acquisition means, and address information acquisition means A device management device packet transmission unit configured to transmit a predetermined packet generated by the device management device packet generation unit to a managed device having the acquired address information.

  With this configuration, the user can specify devices with complex conditions by specifying multiple attribute conditions and logical conditions between attribute conditions, and specify appropriate devices even when the number of communication devices increases. It becomes possible to do. In addition, since the user can designate a device for communication if the attribute is designated, it is not necessary to memorize the address, and the burden on the user is reduced. Also, by specifying attributes (user name, device type, device status, service that can be provided by the device, etc.) that are easy to understand for humans, it is possible to realize device specification that is highly compatible with human senses.

Further, the communication system of the present invention is a communication system in which a communication device designates a device managed by the device management device and communicates, and the communication device includes an attribute item of the managed device and a device to be managed. A communication device packet generation means for generating an attribute packet for specifying a device, comprising an attribute condition represented by an attribute value specifying an attribute item or a logical condition represented by a plurality of attribute conditions; and communication device packet generation Communication device packet transmitting means for transmitting the attribute packet generated by the means to the device management apparatus, and the address of the specified device transmitted from the device management apparatus in response to the attribute packet transmitted from the communication device packet transmission means A communication device packet receiving means for receiving a device information packet composed of information, and a device information packet received by the communication device packet receiving means. Communication means for communicating with the designated device, and the equipment management device stores the address information, the attribute item, and the attribute value of the managed equipment in association with each other, and transmits from the communication equipment packet transmission means. Device management device packet receiving means for receiving the received attribute packet, and address information of the corresponding managed device from the storage means based on the attribute condition or logical condition in the attribute packet received by the device management device packet receiving means Address information acquisition means to be acquired, device management device packet generation means for generating a device information packet composed of address information acquired by the address information acquisition means, and device information packet generated by the device management device packet generation means in the communication device And a device management apparatus packet transmitting means for transmitting.

  With this configuration, the user can easily acquire the address of a device that satisfies the specified condition, and can select a device that performs communication from the address. As a result, even when the number of communication devices increases, it becomes possible to narrow down candidates for devices to communicate by attribute designation, and the burden on the user is reduced.

  In the communication system of the present invention, the attribute condition includes a relation condition indicating a relation between the attribute item and the attribute value.

  With this configuration, attribute items can be specified within a numerical range, reducing the burden on the user.

  According to the present invention, a communication device includes an attribute condition represented by an attribute item of a managed device and an attribute value specifying an attribute item of the managed device, or a logical condition represented by a plurality of attribute conditions. Communication device packet generating means for generating an attribute packet designating the device, communication device packet transmitting means for transmitting the attribute packet generated by the communication device packet generating means to the device management device, and transmission from the communication device packet transmitting means. A communication unit that communicates with the designated device acquired by the device management apparatus based on the attribute packet that is stored, and the device management device stores the address information, the attribute item, and the attribute value of the managed device in association with each other. Storage device for receiving, an attribute packet transmitted from the communication device packet transmitting unit of the communication device, a device management device packet receiving unit for receiving an attribute packet, and a device management device packet Address information acquisition means for acquiring the address information of the corresponding managed device from the storage means based on the attribute condition or logical condition in the attribute packet received by the packet reception means, and the address information acquired by the address information acquisition means A device management apparatus packet generating means for generating a predetermined packet to be transmitted to a managed apparatus having a predetermined information generated by the apparatus management apparatus packet generating means for a managed apparatus having the address information acquired by the address information acquiring means. And a device management apparatus packet transmission means for transmitting the packet, and the communication system has a configuration including these communication apparatus and device management apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, the communication apparatus is configured such that an attribute condition represented by an attribute item of a managed device and an attribute value specifying the attribute item of the managed device, or a logical condition represented by a plurality of attribute conditions Communication device packet generation means for generating an attribute packet for designating a device, communication device packet transmission means for transmitting the attribute packet generated by the communication device packet generation means to the device management device, and communication device packet transmission means The communication device packet receiving means for receiving the device information packet configured from the address information of the designated device, which is transmitted from the device management apparatus in response to the attribute packet transmitted from the device, and received by the communication device packet receiving means A communication unit that communicates with a device specified based on the device information packet, and the device management apparatus stores address information of the device to be managed. Storage means for storing attribute items and attribute values in association with each other, device management apparatus packet reception means for receiving an attribute packet transmitted from the communication apparatus packet transmission means, and an attribute packet received by the equipment management apparatus packet reception means A device that generates address information acquisition means for acquiring the address information of the corresponding managed device from the storage means based on the attribute condition or logical condition of the device, and a device information packet composed of the address information acquired by the address information acquisition means A management device packet generation means; and a device management device packet transmission means for transmitting the device information packet generated by the device management device packet generation means to the communication device, and the communication system includes the communication device and the device management device. Have.

  Therefore, the user can designate a plurality of attribute conditions and logical conditions between the attribute conditions, thereby making it possible to designate a device based on complicated conditions, and to designate an appropriate device even when the number of communication devices increases. It becomes possible. In addition, since the user can designate a device for communication if the attribute is designated, it is not necessary to memorize the address, and the burden on the user is reduced. Also, by specifying attributes (user name, device type, device status, service that can be provided by the device, etc.) that are easy to understand for humans, it is possible to realize device specification that is highly compatible with human senses.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a mobile phone 101 as a communication device of the present invention is a mobile phone owned by a user, and has a function of connecting to the Internet 100. A management server 111 as a device management apparatus according to the present invention is connected to the Internet 100, and device information of a device group 120 (a personal computer (PC) 121, telephones 122a, 122b, 122c, an air conditioner 123, a television receiver 124, etc.). Holding. Each device in the device group 120, a personal computer (PC) 121, telephones 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, an air conditioner 123, a television receiver 124, and the like are each connected to the management server 111.

  In the present embodiment, when the mobile phone 101 communicates with one of the device groups 120 under the management server 111, a plurality of attributes relating to the device, such as characteristics of each device, are specified and described. Sent to the management server 111, and the transmitted attribute packet reaches the management server 111 via the Internet 100. The management server 111 corresponds to the attribute described in this attribute packet in the device group 120. Transfer the packet to the device.

  In the first embodiment, SIP is used as a communication protocol. However, various protocols such as HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) can be used in addition to SIP.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the mobile phone 101 as the communication apparatus of the present invention used in this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the mobile phone 101 used in this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone 101.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 101 used in the present embodiment inputs a control unit 201, a display unit 202 that performs a desired display under the control of the control unit 201, and information from the user. A packet generation unit 204 that operates under the control of the input unit 203 and the control unit 201 and generates an attribute packet of a device to be specified input by the input unit 203, and communicates with the Internet 100 based on the generated attribute packet Communication unit 205. The communication unit 205 also includes a packet transmission unit 206 that transmits attribute packets to the management server 111.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, when the control unit 201 sends a display command to the display unit 202 to display on the display unit 202 a screen that prompts the user to input the attribute of the device desired to communicate (S1). Then, the user input screen is displayed on the display unit 202 in accordance with this display command, and the user input is waited for (S2).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, this user input screen is composed of a guidance such as “please specify communication device conditions” and an input screen for inputting device conditions that the user desires to communicate with. Yes. The attribute conditions of the device to be input include attribute items that are items (for example, user name, service function, presence status, installation location, line speed, etc.) representing various characteristics of the device, and contents for specifying these attribute items. Attribute values (attribute conditions, for example, user name, functions such as telephone and fax, presence status of whether communication is possible (open) or closed (communication impossible), latitude / longitude of installation location, line speed) ), Relational conditions, logical conditions, logical condition ranges, etc. can be set.

  Here, for the attribute item, the attribute item name to be specified is input as a character string. For example, when a user name is designated, “OWNER” is input in the attribute item. As the attribute value, the value for the specified attribute item is input as a character string. For example, when the device condition “user name is“ TARO YAMADA ”” is specified, the attribute value “TARO YAMADA” is input to the attribute item “OWNER”.

  In the relation condition, a condition representing the relation between the attribute item and the attribute value is input as a relational expression. For example, when the device condition “user name is“ TARO YAMADA ”” is designated, “OWNER” is entered as the attribute item, “TARO YAMADA” is entered as the attribute value, and “=” is entered as the relationship condition.

  When the device condition “line speed is 1000 kbps or higher” is designated, “RATE” is entered in the attribute item, “1000” is entered in the attribute value, and “> =” is entered in the relation condition. In addition to the inequality sign indicating the magnitude of the value, various conditions such as “! =” (Not equal) can be input as the relation condition.

  In the logical condition, AND (and), OR (or), or NOT (negative) is input as a logical condition between the attribute conditions. For example, when the device condition “user name is“ TARO YAMADA ”and the line speed is 1000 kbps or higher” is specified, “OWNER” is set in the attribute item, “TARO YAMADA” is set in the attribute value, and the related condition is set. Enter “=”, enter “RATE” for the next attribute item, “1000” for the attribute value, “> =” for the relation condition, and “AND” for the logical condition between the two conditions. input.

  In addition, when the device condition “having a telephone service function and the user name is not“ HANAKO SATO ”” is designated, “SERVICE” is set in the attribute item, “Tel” is set in the attribute value, and “=” is set in the relation condition. In addition, “OWNER” is input to the next attribute item, “HANAKO SATO” is input to the attribute value, “=” is input to the relation condition, and “NOT” is input to the logical condition between the two conditions.

  Although three logical conditions, AND, OR, and NOT, are shown here, other conditions may be used.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, the device condition is “the user name is“ TARO YAMADA ”or“ JIRO TANAKA ”, the telephone service function is provided, and the presence status is OPEN. Moreover, the location of the equipment is in the range of 35: 15: 0 north latitude, 145: 40: 0 east longitude to 35: 20: 0 north latitude, 145: 50: 0 east longitude, and the line speed is 1000 Kbps or more. Is entered.

  In the logical condition range, the priority order of the logical conditions is expressed using parentheses (“(”, “)”).

  In other words, various devices can be specified using attribute items and attribute values as attribute conditions, and the relationship between attribute items and attribute values can be specified using attribute signs and inequality signs as attribute conditions. By specifying the conditions, you can specify the equipment to meet even more complex requests. Even if the number of devices increases, it can be specified.

  In FIG. 4, the user directly inputs characters and the like as an input method of the device condition. However, the characters and values that can be input are separately displayed in a list, and input can be performed by selecting from the list. It is also possible to input by other methods.

  In this way, when an input from the user is performed, the input information is sent from the input unit 203 to the control unit 201 (S3). The control unit 201 converts the input information into a predetermined device condition format (S4), and sends the device condition to the packet generation unit 204 (S5). The packet generation unit 204 generates an attribute packet describing the device conditions (S6).

  Here, the data format of the attribute packet is set as shown in FIG. 5, for example. That is, in FIG. 5, an arbitrary address preset in the mobile phone 101, for example, “anonymous @ anywhere” is set in the destination address description section. In the condition description part, the device condition received from the control unit 201, for example, data obtained by converting the device condition into text is set. Note that the condition description part may be omitted, and all device conditions may be described in the destination address description part.

  When the attribute packet is generated in the packet generation unit 204 in this way, the generated attribute packet is sent to the packet communication unit 205 (S7), and the packet transmission unit 206 in the packet communication unit 205 manages the received attribute packet. It transmits to the server 111 (S8). At this time, the IP address of the management server 111 that is the destination of the attribute packet may be set in the mobile phone 101 in advance, or may be input each time by the user from the user input screen.

  The attribute packet may be transmitted as an INVITE message when SIP is used. At this time, a Request-URI may be used as the destination address description part, and a uniquely extended header or message body may be used as the condition description part.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the management server 111 as the device management apparatus in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the management server 111 used in the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 111.

The attribute packet transmitted from the mobile phone 101 is received by the packet receiving unit 305 in the communication unit 302 (S101), and the attribute packet received by the packet receiving unit 305 is the control unit 3
01 (S102). The address information acquisition unit 306 in the control unit 301 refers to the device information table 303 as a storage unit, and acquires the address of the device corresponding to the device condition described in the transmitted attribute packet (S103).

  The device information table 303 as a storage unit holds device information of each device, for example, as shown in FIG. The device information includes, for example, a device name, a device URI (address), and device attribute information. These pieces of information are registered in the device information table 303 by transmitting device information data from each device in the device group 120 to the management server 111 in advance. The timing at which the device information data is transmitted is set using the time when the device is connected to the network of the device group 120 and the time when the device information of each device changes.

  The address information acquisition unit 306 in the control unit 301 searches for a device corresponding to the device condition from the device information table 303, and acquires the address of the corresponding device (S103). In this example, since “OWNER =“ TARO YAMAADA ”OR ONER =“ JIRO TANAKA ”” is specified as the attribute condition of the user name, “PC”, “ Select “Taro Tel”, “Jiro Tel”, “Aircon”. Further, since “SERVICE =“ Tel ”” is specified as the attribute condition of the device type, the value of the SERVICE attribute is referred to for the selected device, and “PC”, “Taro Tel” is determined as the device whose SERVICE attribute is hit. , “Jiro Tel” is selected.

  After that, “Presence state = OPEN”, “PLACE> = 35: 15: 0-145: 40: 0”, “PLACE <= 35: 20: 0-145: 50: 0”, “RATE> = 1000” By repeating the above procedure based on the attribute condition, for example, “PC” is selected as a device that finally meets the specified condition, and “sip: pc@example.com” is set as the address. get. If there are multiple corresponding devices, the addresses of all these devices are acquired.

  When the address information acquisition unit 306 acquires the device address in this way, the control unit 301 sends the acquired address and attribute packet to the packet generation unit 304 (S104). Here, when there are a plurality of acquired addresses, it is determined whether all addresses are sent to the packet generation unit 304 or only one address is selected and sent to the packet generation unit 304. The data is sent to the generation unit 304. That is, these operations are determined in advance by the administrator of the management server 111 and set in the control unit 301. The packet generator 304 generates a transfer packet from the received address and attribute packet (S105).

  The transfer packet is set in a format as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

  That is, in FIG. 9, the acquired address is described in the destination address description part of the transfer packet. Then, the data portion of the attribute packet is copied to the data portion.

  When there are a plurality of addresses received from the control unit 301, a transfer packet is generated for each received address by the same method. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, since the acquired address is “sip: pc@example.com”, this is described in the address description part of the transfer packet.

  When the transfer packet is generated in this way, the packet generation unit 304 sends all the generated transfer packets to the communication unit 302 (S106), and the packet transmission unit 307 in the communication unit 302 sequentially transfers the transfer packets to the device group. It transmits to 120 (S107).

  Since any address of the device group 120 is described as a destination address in the transfer packet, it is transmitted to any device in the device group 120. In this example, since “sip: pc@example.com” is described in the address description part of the transfer packet, the management server 111 follows “Sip: pc@example.com” in accordance with a standard SIP procedure. The IP address of the personal computer (PC) 121 is resolved, and the transfer packet is transmitted to the personal computer (PC) 121.

  When the attribute packet is transmitted as a SIP INVITE message, the SIP INVITE message may be used as it is as a transfer packet.

  The processing after the transfer packet is transmitted to the personal computer (PC) 121 is not particularly defined. For example, after the personal computer (PC) 121 receives the INVITE message, the response message is sent via the management server 111 or By transmitting directly to the mobile phone 101, communication between the mobile phone 101 and the PC 121 may be started. The communication unit 205 of the mobile phone 101 has the function of the packet transmission unit 206 and also communicates with various devices as described above.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by transmitting an attribute packet designating a plurality of attributes from the mobile phone 101 to the management server 111, the packet is transmitted to the device corresponding to the attribute designated by the management server 111. Forward. Thus, if only the attribute is specified when specifying the communication partner, communication with an appropriate device becomes possible, so that it is not necessary to memorize the address of each device, and the burden on the user can be reduced.

  In this case, by specifying attributes that are easy to remember and understand, such as user names and service types, as attribute items, it is possible to specify devices with higher affinity that match human senses.

(Embodiment 2)
The present embodiment of the communication system of the present invention is also configured as shown in FIG. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the outline will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, when the mobile phone 101 as a communication device communicates with one of the device groups 120 under the management server 111 as a management device, a plurality of attributes relating to the device are specified and the attributes describing them are specified. The packet is transmitted to the management server 111. The attribute packet is transmitted to the management server 111 via the Internet 100. The management server 111 transmits the device information packet describing the name, address, and attribute information of the device corresponding to the attribute described in the attribute packet to the mobile phone 101. Send to. The mobile phone 101 displays the device information described in the device information packet to the user, and communicates with the device selected by the user.

  Next, the configuration and operation of mobile phone 101 as a communication device used in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the mobile phone 101 in the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone 101.

  In the operation of the mobile phone 101, the operation (S201 to S205) from when the user inputs device conditions until the control unit 401 sends the device conditions to the packet generation unit 404 is the same as the operation of the first embodiment (S1 to S5). Since it is the same, the description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  When the packet generation unit 404 receives the device condition, the packet generation unit 404 generates an attribute packet describing the device condition (S206).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the attribute packet has a data format as shown in FIG. 12, for example. That is, a source address description part is further added to the data format shown in Embodiment 1 of FIG.

  Since the attribute description part is the same as in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted, but here, as the device condition, “user name is“ TARO YAMAADA ”or“ “JIRO TANAKA”, telephone service function, presence status is OPEN, and the location of the device is 35: 15: 0 north latitude, 145: 40: 0 northeast to 35: 20: 0 north latitude In this example, it is assumed that the condition “East longitude 145: 50: 0” is specified.

  In the destination address description section, an arbitrary address preset in the mobile phone 101 is described. In FIG. 12, the address of the management server 111 is described in the destination address description part. In the transmission source address description portion, the address of the mobile phone 101 (in this example, the URI of the mobile phone 101 is shown because communication by SIP is shown) is described. The attribute description part may be omitted, and all device conditions may be described in the destination address description part.

  When the packet generation unit 404 generates an attribute packet, the packet is sent to the communication unit 405 (S207), and the communication unit 405 transmits the received attribute packet from the packet transmission unit 406 to the management server 111 (S208). As a response, it waits for the device information packet to arrive from the management server 111 (S209).

  At this time, the IP address of the management server 111 that is the destination of the attribute packet may be set in the mobile phone 101 in advance, or may be input each time by the user from the user input screen. If the URI of the management server 111 is described in the destination address description part of the attribute packet, the IP address may be resolved according to a standard SIP procedure.

  The attribute packet may be transmitted as an INVITE message when SIP is used. In this case, a Request-URI may be used as the destination address description part, and a uniquely extended header or message body may be used as the condition description part. Further, a Via header may be used as the source address description part.

  Next, the operation of the management server 111 used in this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 111 as a management apparatus used in the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of the management server 111 used in the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  When the packet reception unit 305 in the communication unit 302 receives the attribute packet transmitted from the mobile phone 101 (S301), the communication unit 302 transmits the attribute packet to the control unit 301 (S302). The address information acquisition unit 306 in the control unit 301 refers to the device information table 303 as a storage unit, and device information (for example, name, address, attribute information) of the device corresponding to the device condition described in the received attribute packet. Etc.) is acquired (S303).

If there are a plurality of devices that meet the device conditions, device information of all the devices is acquired. Here, the data format of the device information table 303 is also the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In this example, “
Since “PC” and “TARO Tel” are hit, device information of these devices is acquired.

  The control unit 301 sends the acquired device information and attribute packet to the packet generation unit 304 (S304). Here, when there are a plurality of pieces of acquired device information, all of the device information is sent to the packet generation unit 304. The packet generation unit 304 generates a device information packet from the received device information and attribute packet (S305).

  FIG. 14 shows the data format of the device information packet in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 14, in the destination address description part, the URI of the mobile phone 101 described in the source address description part of the attribute packet is described. In the device information description section, the received device information is described. In this example, the received device information of “PC” and “TARO Tel” is described as shown in FIG.

  When the packet generation unit 304 generates a device information packet, the packet generation unit 304 sends the generated device information packet to the communication unit 302 (S306), and the packet transmission unit 307 in the communication unit 302 carries the received device information packet. It transmits to the telephone 101 (S307).

  If a SIP INVITE message is received as an attribute packet, a response message to INVITE may be transmitted as a device information packet. For example, a response message such as 302 Moved Temporary may be transmitted. A Contact header may be used as the device information description part of the device information packet.

 Further, a Via header may be used as the destination address description part.

  When the device information packet received by the packet transmission unit 307 of the communication unit 302 is transmitted to the mobile phone 101, the packet communication unit 407 of the mobile phone 101 receives it as shown in FIG. 11 (S210), and the communication unit 405. Sends the received device information packet to the control unit 401 (S211). The control unit 401 sends a command for displaying the device information and the device selection request message described in the device information packet to the display unit 402 (S212), and the device information and the device selection request message are displayed on the display unit 402. Is displayed, and a state of waiting for the user's selection input is entered.

  In this example, since the device information of “PC” and “TARO Tel” is described in the device information packet, these are respectively displayed. Here, the user can also select a plurality of devices.

  When the user selects a device, the input information is sent from the input unit 403 to the control unit 401 (S214). In this example, it is assumed that the user selects “PC”. The control unit 401 determines the device selected by the user from the input information, and sends the address of the device to the packet generation unit 404 (S215). The packet generation unit 404 generates a start packet for starting communication using the received address as a destination address (S216), and sends the generated start packet to the communication unit 405 (S217). The packet transmission unit 406 in the communication unit 405 transmits this start packet to the device (S218).

  Since the start packet describes the address of any device in the device group 120 as the destination address, the start packet is sent to any device in the device group 120. By sending the start packet to the device group, the mobile phone 101 can communicate with the designated device via the communication unit 405.

  In this example, since “sip: pc@example.com” which is the address of “PC” is described in the destination address of the start packet, the start packet is sent to the personal computer (PC) 121.

  A SIP INVITE message may be used as the start packet, and an INVITE message in which the acquired destination address is set in the Request-URI may be transmitted to the personal computer (PC) 121.

  Note that the start packet may be transmitted to the management server 111 again. Since the condition description part is not set in the start packet and only the destination address is set, the management server 111 only has to look at the destination address and relay it to the personal computer (PC) 121.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the mobile phone 101 communicates with one of the device groups 120 under the management server 111, the attribute packet describing a plurality of attributes related to the device is transmitted to the management server 111. , The attribute packet reaches the management server 111 via the Internet 100, and the management server 111 transmits the device information packet describing the device information of the device corresponding to the attribute described in the attribute packet to the mobile phone 101. Send to. Therefore, the mobile phone 101 displays the device information described in the device information packet to the user, and communicates with the device selected by the user. As a result, the user can select a device that performs communication from among devices corresponding to the specified attribute, and can specify a device that reflects the user's intention. In particular, when the number of devices corresponding to the specified attribute is large, it is possible to further narrow down the devices by specifying the attribute, which is effective when there are many devices connected to the network.

In the present invention, by specifying a plurality of attribute conditions and logical conditions between attribute conditions, a user can specify devices according to complicated conditions, and can specify an appropriate device even when the number of communication devices increases. Can do. In addition, since the user can designate a device for communication if the attribute is designated, it is not necessary to memorize the address, and the burden on the user is reduced. In addition, by specifying attributes (user name, device type, etc.) that are easy to understand for humans, it is possible to realize advanced device specification that is close to the human sense. Therefore, the present invention is particularly useful for specifying a device in a home network or a corporate network.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a network of a communication system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile phone used in a communication system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone used in the communication system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure explaining the user input screen in the mobile telephone used in the communication system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the data format of the attribute packet used in the communication system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the management server used in the communication system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the management server used in the communication system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the data structure of the apparatus information table used in the communication system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the data format of the transfer packet used in the communication system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile phone used in a communication system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone used in the communication system in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the data format of the attribute packet used in the communication system in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the management server used in the communication system in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the data format of the apparatus information packet used in the communication system in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the conventional communication system A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another conventional communication system

Explanation of symbols

100, 600 Internet 101 Mobile phone 111 Management server 120 Device group 121, 601, 623 Personal computer (PC)
122a, 122b, 122c, 622 Telephone 123 Air conditioner 124, 623 Television 201, 301, 401 Control unit 202, 402 Display unit 203, 403 Input unit 204, 303, 404 Packet generation unit 205, 302, 405 Communication unit

Claims (12)

A device management apparatus that manages a device specified by a communication device, the address information of the managed device, the attribute item of the managed device, and the attribute that specifies the attribute item of the managed device An attribute packet transmitted from the communication device, comprising storage means for associating and storing a value, and an attribute condition represented by the attribute item and the attribute value, or a logical condition represented by a plurality of the attribute conditions Address information for acquiring the address information of the managed device from the storage means based on the attribute condition or the logical condition in the attribute packet received by the packet receiving means An acquisition unit and a predetermined packet to be transmitted to the managed device having the address information acquired by the address information acquisition unit are generated. Device management apparatus comprising: a packet generation unit configured to transmit; and a packet transmission unit configured to transmit the predetermined packet generated by the packet generation unit to the managed device having the address information acquired by the address information acquisition unit . A device management apparatus that manages a device specified by a communication device, the address information of the managed device, the attribute item of the managed device, and the attribute that specifies the attribute item of the managed device An attribute packet transmitted from the communication device, comprising storage means for associating and storing a value, and an attribute condition represented by the attribute item and the attribute value, or a logical condition represented by a plurality of the attribute conditions Address information for acquiring the address information of the managed device from the storage means based on the attribute condition or the logical condition in the attribute packet received by the packet receiving means A packet generator for generating a device information packet comprising the acquisition means and the address information acquired by the address information acquisition means; If, device management apparatus and a packet transmission means for transmitting the device information packet generated by the packet generating unit to the communication device. The device management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute condition includes a relation condition indicating a relation between the attribute item and the attribute value. A communication device that designates a device managed by a device management device, wherein the attribute condition is represented by an attribute item of the managed device and an attribute value that identifies the attribute item of the managed device, or A packet generating unit configured to generate an attribute packet for designating the device; and a packet for transmitting the attribute packet generated by the packet generating unit to the device management apparatus. A communication apparatus comprising: a transmission unit; and a communication unit that communicates with the designated device acquired by the device management apparatus based on the attribute packet transmitted from the packet transmission unit. A communication device that identifies a device managed by a device management device, wherein the attribute condition is represented by an attribute item of the managed device and an attribute value that identifies the attribute item of the managed device, or A packet generating unit configured to generate an attribute packet for designating the device; and a packet for transmitting the attribute packet generated by the packet generating unit to the device management apparatus. A transmission means; and a packet reception means for receiving a device information packet composed of address information of the designated device, transmitted from the device management apparatus in response to the attribute packet transmitted from the packet transmission device; A communication unit that communicates with the designated device based on the device information packet received by the packet receiving unit. Location. The communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the attribute condition includes a relation condition indicating a relation between the attribute item and the attribute value. A device designation method for designating a device managed by a device management device using a communication device, an attribute represented by an attribute item of the managed device and an attribute value identifying the attribute item of the managed device A communication device packet generation procedure in which the communication device generates an attribute packet specifying the device, and the communication device packet generation procedure. A communication device packet transmission procedure in which the communication device transmits an attribute packet to the device management device; a device management device packet reception procedure in which the device management device receives the attribute packet transmitted in the communication device packet transmission procedure; Based on the attribute condition or the logical condition in the attribute packet received in the device management apparatus packet reception procedure, the management is performed. Address information acquisition procedure in which the device management apparatus acquires the address information of the device to be managed from storage means for storing the address information of the device to be associated with the attribute item and the attribute value, and the address information A device management device packet generation procedure in which the device management device generates a predetermined packet to be transmitted to the managed device having the address information acquired in the acquisition procedure; and the address information acquired by the address information acquisition means. The device management apparatus packet transmission procedure in which the device management apparatus transmits the predetermined packet generated in the device management apparatus packet generation procedure to the managed device, and the predetermined packet in the device management apparatus packet transmission procedure. A device comprising the transmitted device to be managed and a communication procedure with which the communication device communicates Constant method. A device designation method for designating a device managed by a device management device using a communication device, an attribute represented by an attribute item of the managed device and an attribute value identifying the attribute item of the managed device A communication device packet generation procedure in which the communication device generates an attribute packet specifying the device, and the communication device packet generation procedure. A communication device packet transmission procedure in which the communication device transmits an attribute packet to the device management device; a device management device packet reception procedure in which the device management device receives the attribute packet transmitted in the communication device packet transmission procedure; Based on the attribute condition or the logical condition in the attribute packet received in the device management apparatus packet reception procedure, the management is performed. Address information acquisition procedure in which the device management apparatus acquires the address information of the device to be managed from storage means for storing the address information of the device to be associated with the attribute item and the attribute value, and the address information A device management device packet generation procedure for generating a device information packet composed of the address information acquired in the acquisition procedure; and a device management device for generating the device information packet generated in the device management device packet generation procedure. A device management device packet transmission procedure transmitted to the communication device, a communication device packet reception procedure in which the communication device receives the device information packet transmitted in the device management device packet transmission procedure, and the communication device packet reception procedure. Based on the device information packet received by the communication device, the communication device Device designation method having a communication procedure for communicating with the. 9. The device designation method according to claim 7, wherein the attribute condition includes a relation condition indicating a relation between the attribute item and the attribute value. A communication system is a communication system in which a communication device designates a device managed by a device management device, and the communication device specifies an attribute item of the managed device and the attribute item of the managed device. A communication device packet generation unit configured to generate an attribute packet specifying the device, the communication device packet generation unit including an attribute condition represented by an attribute value or a plurality of logical conditions represented by the attribute condition; A communication device packet transmitting means for transmitting the generated attribute packet to the device management device; and the designated device acquired by the device management device based on the attribute packet transmitted from the communication device packet transmission device; A communication means for performing communication, wherein the device management apparatus associates address information of the device to be managed, the attribute item, and the attribute value. A storage unit for storing, a device management device packet reception unit for receiving the attribute packet transmitted from the communication device packet transmission unit of the communication device, and an attribute packet received by the device management device packet reception unit. Address information acquisition means for acquiring address information of the corresponding managed device from the storage means based on the attribute condition or the logical condition, and the management having the address information acquired by the address information acquisition means Device management device packet generation means for generating a predetermined packet to be transmitted to the device, and the predetermined information generated by the device management device packet generation means in the managed device having the address information acquired by the address information acquisition means Communication system comprising a device management apparatus packet transmitting means for transmitting Beam. A communication system is a communication system in which a communication device designates a device managed by a device management device, and the communication device specifies an attribute item of the managed device and the attribute item of the managed device. A communication device packet generation unit configured to generate an attribute packet specifying the device, the communication device packet generation unit including an attribute condition represented by an attribute value or a plurality of logical conditions represented by the attribute condition; A communication device packet transmitting means for transmitting the generated attribute packet to the device management apparatus; and the designated packet transmitted from the device management apparatus in response to the attribute packet transmitted from the communication device packet transmission means. Communication device packet receiving means for receiving a device information packet composed of the address information of the device, and received by the communication device packet receiving means Communication means for communicating with the designated device based on the device information packet, and the device management apparatus stores address information of the managed device, the attribute item, and the attribute value in association with each other. Storage means, device management apparatus packet reception means for receiving the attribute packet transmitted from the communication apparatus packet transmission means, and the attribute condition in the attribute packet received by the equipment management device packet reception means or An apparatus that generates address information acquisition means that acquires address information of the corresponding managed apparatus from the storage means based on a logical condition, and an apparatus information packet that includes the address information acquired by the address information acquisition means Generated by the management device packet generation means and the device management device packet generation means in the communication device Serial communication system comprising a device management unit packet transmitting means for transmitting the device information packet. The communication system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the attribute condition includes a relation condition indicating a relation between the attribute item and the attribute value.

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