JP2006343908A - Home network system and communication method for home network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a home network system capable of enhancing communication efficiency while ensuring high-speed operation. <P>SOLUTION: A server is connected to a plurality of pieces of electronic equipment through a lamp line network. The plurality of pieces of electronic equipment can be connected through a communication network consisting of a communication path that is not the lamp line. The server stores and manages address information on the lamp line network and address information on the communication network of the electronic equipment, and transmits an operation instruction command according to a user's operation input through the lamp line network. The electronic equipment performs communication of predetermined data through the communication network when the operation instruction command transmitted through the lamp line network is communication instruction of the predetermined data with another electronic equipment connected to the communication network. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a home network system including a plurality of electronic devices (including electric devices in this specification) such as a television receiver, a DVD recorder, and a personal computer, and a server.

  The home network uses a wired LAN (Local Area Network) using optical fiber and copper wire, and a wireless LAN, as well as a power line and an antenna coaxial cable that can utilize existing infrastructure in the home as a communication path. Communication methods have been proposed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-319947) proposes a home network system that switches between a wired LAN and a wireless LAN and uses a power line as the wired LAN.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-94543 describes a home network system including a high-speed network and a low-speed network. In Patent Document 2, an air conditioner such as an air conditioner called a so-called home appliance, and an electronic device such as a cooking device such as a microwave oven or a refrigerator are connected by a power line network as a low-speed network. In contrast, electronic devices such as a television receiver, a recorder, a hard disk device, and a personal computer that require high-speed transmission of video / audio information are connected by a high-speed network using, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark). In the home network system of Patent Document 2, both networks are connected by a bridge so that a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) can be used as an operation means.

The above prior art documents are as follows.
JP 2002-319947 A JP 2002-94543 A

  By the way, although the recent power line network is capable of high-speed operation capable of a communication speed of 200 Mbps, there is a large variation in speed quality depending on the power line laying conditions, and high-speed operation is guaranteed for all households. There is a problem that can not be.

  As in Patent Document 2, it is possible to ensure high-speed operation by providing two types of networks, a high-speed network and a low-speed network. However, in Patent Document 2, the high-speed network and the low-speed network are connected via a bridge. Since it is necessary to connect and manage the home network as a whole, there is a problem that network management becomes complicated.

  Further, since the control command and the transmission data such as video / audio data are transmitted on the same network, there is a problem that communication collision occurs on the network and communication efficiency is lowered.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to ensure high-speed operation in a home network and improve communication efficiency.

In order to solve the above problems, a home network system according to the present invention provides:
A plurality of electronic devices including at least two electronic devices connected via a communication network consisting of a communication path that is not a power line;
A server connected to each of the plurality of electronic devices through a power line network using the power line;
A home network system comprising:
The server
A network management information storage unit for storing at least first address information on the power line network and second address information on the communication network of the plurality of electronic devices connected to the power line network; ,
User interface means for accepting user instruction command operations;
Generating an operation instruction command according to the user's instruction command operation received by the user interface means, and generating the generated operation instruction command for one or more of the plurality of electronic devices; An instruction command transmission means for transmitting through a power line network;
With
Each of the plurality of electronic devices is
Means for receiving the operation instruction command through the power line network and executing an operation according to the operation instruction command;
The electronic device connected via the communication network is
When the operation instruction command transmitted through the power line network is a communication instruction of predetermined data with another electronic device connected to the communication network, the predetermined data is transmitted through the communication network. It is characterized by comprising means for performing communication.

  In this invention, a server and a plurality of electronic devices are connected through a power line network, and data capable of low-speed transmission such as operation instruction commands, communication instructions, and data necessary for communication control is transmitted through the power line network. Is done.

  Then, in response to an operation instruction command from the server through the power line network, data that requires high-speed transmission such as video / audio data is transmitted between electronic devices through a communication network capable of high-speed transmission.

  The server is not connected to a communication network for high-speed transmission. Therefore, transmission of control system information such as operation instruction commands transmitted at low speed and video / audio data transmitted at high speed between electronic devices are performed. Thus, there is no collision with such transmission, so that high-speed transmission can be ensured and efficient communication can be performed.

  According to the present invention, transmission of control system information such as an operation instruction command transmitted at low speed from a server and transmission of video / audio data transmitted at high speed between electronic devices does not cause a collision, and high speed transmission. As well as efficient communication.

  Embodiments of a home network system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first network connection example of the home network system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a second network connection example of the home network system according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the embodiment of the home network system according to the present invention includes one server 100, a plurality of electronic devices, and in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, eleven electronic devices 201 to 211. It consists of. The breakdown of the eleven electronic devices 201 to 211 is, in this example, a television receiver 201, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder 202, a tuner device 203, hard disk devices 204 and 205, a digital video camera 206, and personal computers 207 and 208. , Air conditioner 209, electric light 210, and monitoring camera 211.

  In this embodiment, two or more communication paths (communication networks) are used in combination. One of them is a communication path using a power line as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and constitutes a power line network 1. Other than this, in this embodiment, a high-speed communication network capable of high-speed transmission than the power line network 1 is used.

  In this embodiment, the power line network 1 is connected to a server 100 for performing communication management and control in the entire home network system of this embodiment and all the electronic devices 201 to 211 described above.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the high-speed communication network is only a LAN 2 (hereinafter referred to as an optical fiber LAN) 2 using an optical fiber. That is, in the example of FIG. 1, of the electronic devices 201 to 211, an electronic device that needs to transmit information at high speed, in this example, a television receiver 201, a DVD recorder 202, a tuner device 203, a hard disk device 204, 205, the digital video camera 206, and the personal computers 207 and 208 are connected to each other by an optical fiber LAN2.

  On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 2, a plurality of high-speed communication networks connected by different interfaces are used. In other words, in the example of FIG. 2, a network (hereinafter referred to as an HDMI network) 21 using HDMI (High-Definition multimedia interface) and a network (hereinafter referred to as E-LAN network) 22 using Ethernet (registered trademark) 22. And a network 23 (hereinafter referred to as an IEEE 1394 network) using the IEEE (The Institute Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 1394 serial bus standard. Needless to say, the networks 21 to 23 have a LAN configuration.

  In the example of FIG. 2, a television receiver 201 and a DVD recorder 202 are connected to the HDMI network 21. A tuner device 203, a hard disk device 204, and a personal computer 208 are connected to the E-LAN network 22. A hard disk device 205, a digital video camera 206, and a personal computer 207 are connected to the IEEE 1394 network 23.

  The power lines constituting the power line network 1 are connected to an outdoor power line cable 4 through a distribution board 3. In this embodiment, the distribution board 3 is provided with a dividing means 31 for dividing the power line network 1 from the external power line network, whereby the power distribution network 3 is separated from the public network using the external power line. Thus, the security of the home network system is maintained, and an abnormal operation command is prevented from entering the home network system from the outside.

  As described above and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the server 100 is not connected to the high-speed communication networks 2, 21 to 23, and only electronic devices are connected.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the server 100 that manages communication management and communication control in the home network system is connected to all the electronic devices 201 to 211 of the home network system only through the power line network 1.

  The server 100 performs device authentication with each of the plurality of electronic devices 201 to 211 and operation instruction control of the plurality of electronic devices 201 to 211 through the power line network 1.

  In addition, the server 100 performs operation control and state monitoring of home appliances such as the air conditioner 209, the light 210, and the monitoring camera 211 connected only to the power line network 1 through the power line network 1.

  The server 100 also stores an electronic device that stores video / audio content (AV content) and music content such as movies and dramas, photo files, and audio (music) files among the electronic devices 201 to 211. Property information for knowing what the content or file stored in the electronic device is, for example, content identification information (content ID), content title or file name, performer, performer, image thumbnail, etc. Are collected and accumulated, and the accumulated information is always updated.

  When the electronic device is a broadcast receiver and the content is broadcast program content, and the broadcast receiver can acquire information on the electronic program guide, the information on the electronic program guide is also sent to the server 100. Has been made available.

  In this example, a user interface 101 including a display for display and an operation input unit is connected to the server 100. The server 100 receives a user operation input through the user interface 101 and executes control on the electronic devices 201 to 211 according to the user operation input.

  In this embodiment, it is possible to access the server 100 through the power line network 1 from the personal computers 207 and 208, the television receiver 201, and the like, and the displays of the personal computers 207 and 208 and the television receiver 201 are displayed. The server 100 can be set by operating the operation input unit while viewing the screen. In addition, the personal computer 207, 208 or the television receiver 201 can be used to perform an input instruction operation on the server 100 using the display and input operation means instead of through the user interface 101.

  In response to a user operation input, the server 100 controls the operation of an electronic device alone or a plurality of electronic devices connected through the power line network 1, or transmits from an electronic device connected through the power line network 1. The status information of each electronic device is monitored by acquiring and analyzing the received status information. In this case, each of the electronic devices 201 to 211 may send status information in response to a status inquiry request from the server 100 through the power line network 1, or each electronic device may change its own status. In this case, the status information may be automatically sent to the server 100.

  An example of processing operation executed in the home network system of this embodiment by the operation control of the electronic device through the power line network 1 by the server 100 will be given.

  The server 100 performs independent operation control for electronic devices not connected to the high-speed communication network. For example, the server 100 controls the lighting 210 to be turned on / off according to the user's operation input through the user interface 101, and controls the activation, function switching, and stop of the air conditioner 209. Further, the server 100 acquires and controls the captured image information of the monitoring camera 211 so that the monitoring video is displayed on the display for display of the user interface 101.

  Further, for example, the server 100 sends a status inquiry request to the electronic devices 201 to 211 via the power line network 1 in response to a user operation input, and in response thereto, the electronic devices 201 to 211 send a power line network. The state information sent through is acquired and displayed on a display screen included in the user interface 101 as needed to notify the user of the state.

  For the electronic devices connected to the high-speed communication networks 21 to 23, the server 100 not only performs independent operation control on the electronic devices but also communicates with other electronic devices through the high-speed communication networks 21 to 23. Operation control for performing processing operations including communication is performed.

  For example, in the home network system of this embodiment, a broadcast program received by the television receiver 201 can be recorded by the DVD recorder 202 in response to a user operation input through the user interface 101.

  In that case, the server 100 sends a control instruction command for sending the broadcast program content to be recorded to the TV recorder 201 to the DVD recorder 202 through the power line network 1 in accordance with a user operation input, A control instruction command for receiving the broadcast program content sent from the television receiver 201 and recording it on the DVD is sent to the recorder 202 through the power line network 1.

  Then, in response to a control instruction command from the server 100, the television receiver 201 transmits the received video / audio data of the broadcast program content to the high-speed communication network 2 (in the case of FIG. 1) or the high-speed communication network 21 ( In the case of the example of FIG. Then, the DVD recorder 202 executes processing for recording the received video / audio data on the DVD.

As processing operations including communication with other electronic devices through the high-speed communication networks 21 to 23, in addition to the above-described example,
(A) a processing operation for recording a broadcast program received by the television receiver 201 in the hard disk device 204 or 205;
(B) a processing operation for recording the broadcast program received by the tuner device 203 in the DVD recorder 202 and the hard disk device 204 or 205;
(C) processing operation for sending video and audio content recorded on the DVD recorder 202 and the hard disk device 204 or 205 to the television receiver 201 and reproducing the video and audio;
(D) a processing operation for sending a broadcast program received by the tuner device 203 to the television receiver 201 and reproducing the video and audio;
(E) a processing operation for sending information of a still image or a moving image recorded by the digital video camera 206 to the television receiver 201 and reproducing the video;
(F) processing operation for storing still image or moving image information recorded by the digital video camera 206 in a personal computer or the hard disk devices 204 and 205;
(G) Copy and move processing operations of contents and files stored in the DVD recorder 202, the hard disk device 204, and the hard disk device 205,
and so on.

[Hardware Configuration Example of Server 100]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 100, and a program ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a work area RAM (to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 via the system bus 110. Random Access Memory) 113, power line network interface 114, reception data processing unit 115, transmission data processing unit 116, network management information storage unit 117, timer unit 118, and user interface 101 are connected.

  The ROM 112 stores a processing program to be executed by the server 100. The RAM 113 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes the processing program.

  The power line network interface 114 is connected to the power line 6 to which the AC power plug 5 is attached at the tip. When the AC power plug 5 is plugged into an AC outlet (commercial power outlet), the server 100 is connected to the power line network 1. The power line 6 is connected to a power supply circuit 120, and the power supply circuit 120 generates a power supply voltage to be supplied to each part of the server 100.

  The reception data processing unit 115 converts data captured through the power line network interface 114 into data that can be processed in the server 100. The CPU 111 analyzes the data from the received data processing unit 115 and performs corresponding appropriate software processing.

  The transmission data processing unit 116 converts transmission data generated by software processing by the CPU 111 into a data format to be transmitted through the power line network interface 114.

  In the network management information storage unit 117, address information and electronic devices on the power line network 1 of the plurality of electronic devices 201 to 211 connected to the power line network 1 are stored in the high-speed communication networks 2, 21 to 23. Address information on those high-speed communication networks is stored.

  The network management information storage unit 117 also stores content and file information stored in the electronic device. In this embodiment, the content and file information include, in addition to the title name, file name, and auxiliary information (for example, performers, performers, and image thumbnails) for knowing the content and file contents. Also included are copyright protection information such as copy limit count and playback limit count and history information such as copy execution count and playback count.

  For example, the timer unit 118 performs a timer operation for processing that is activated at regular time intervals.

  In this example, the user interface 101 includes a display 1012 composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a display interface 1011 for connecting the display 1012 to the system bus 110, an operation input unit 1014, and an operation input unit 1014. And an operation input unit interface 1013 for connecting to the system bus.

[Hardware configuration example of electronic equipment]
An example of the hardware configuration of the electronic device will be described using the television receiver 201 as an example. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the television receiver 201.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the electronic devices 201 to 211 includes a control unit 300 and an electronic device function unit 400.

  The control unit 300 sends a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a power line network interface 304, a power line network transmission / reception data processing unit 305, a high speed LAN interface 306, a high speed LAN transmission / reception to the CPU 301 via the system bus 310. A reception data processing unit 307, a network information storage unit 308, and an operation input unit interface 309 are connected.

  The ROM 302 stores programs for executing various processing operations of the television receiver 201. The CPU 301 executes the program stored in the ROM 302 while using the RAM 303 as a work area.

  The power line network interface 304 is connected to the power line 8 to which the AC power plug 7 is attached at the tip. The television receiver 201 is connected to the power line network 1 by the AC power plug 7 being plugged into an AC outlet. The lamp line 8 is connected to a power supply circuit 410, and the power supply circuit 410 generates a power supply voltage to be supplied to each part of the television receiver 201.

  The transmission / reception data processing unit 305 for the power line network converts data captured through the power line network interface 304 into data that can be processed in the television receiver 201, and is generated by software processing by the CPU 301. Processing for converting the transmission data into a data format to be transmitted through the power line network interface 304 is performed.

  The high-speed LAN interface 306 is connected to the optical fiber network 2 in the case of FIG. 1 and connected to the HDMI network 21 in the case of FIG. Send and receive data to and from electronic devices. Therefore, the high-speed LAN interface 306 has a configuration of an interface for an optical fiber network in the case of the example of FIG. 1, and has a configuration of an interface for an HDMI network in the case of the example of FIG.

  The high-speed LAN transmission / reception data processing unit 307 converts data captured through the high-speed LAN interface 306 into data that can be processed in the television receiver 201, and transmission generated by software processing by the CPU 301. A process of converting the data into a data format to be transmitted through the high-speed LAN interface 306 is performed.

  The network information storage unit 308 includes address information on the power line network of the server 100, device information of the own device (here, the television receiver 201) transmitted to the server 100 through the power line network 1, and the content information and file of the own device. Is stored, information about the stored contents and stored files is stored.

  As the device information of the own device, the name of the electronic device (in this case, the television receiver), the information of the function provided by the own device, the address information on the own power line network 1 (the ID information on the power line network). ), Interface information of the high-speed communication network to which the own device is connected (here, the optical fiber network 2 or the HDMI network 21), address information on the own high-speed communication network (becomes ID information on the high-speed communication network) Etc.

  As address information on the high-speed communication network, an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, or the like is used.

  The information about the stored content and the stored file includes the presence / absence of the stored content and file of the own device, the content ID and title of the stored content of the own device, the file ID and file name of the stored file, Includes types and contents of stored files, copyright protection information, etc. The types of stored content and stored files include broadcast program content, captured data files, video content, music content, and the like. The copyright protection information includes information on whether or not copying (duplication) is possible, and information on the number of times that copying (duplication) is possible and information on the number of times that reproduction is possible.

  Information about the stored content and stored file in the network information storage unit 308 is updated accordingly when the stored content or stored file is deleted or newly recorded. When the information about the stored content and the stored file in the network information storage unit 308 is updated, the electronic device accesses the server 100 and transmits the updated information to the server 100.

  Note that the server 100 accesses the electronic device at an appropriate timing, instead of accessing the server 100 when the information about the stored content or the stored file is updated, and sending the updated information to the server 100. Then, information about stored contents and stored files may be acquired and updated.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration example of the television receiver 201, and thus there is no content storage unit or file storage unit. However, in the case of the hard disk device 204 or 205, the content storage unit or file storage unit including a hard disk is an electronic device. It exists in the function unit 400.

  In the case of the DVD recorder 202, a DVD loading unit is provided in the electronic device function unit 400, and contents and file information stored in the DVD loaded in the DVD loading unit are read from the DVD. The stored content and the stored file in the network information storage unit 308 are information. Therefore, each time the DVD loaded in the DVD loading unit changes, information about the stored content and the stored file is sent to the server 100.

  An operation input unit 311 is connected to the operation input unit interface 309, and the CPU 301 obtains information on user operations performed by the operation input unit 311 through the operation input unit interface 309 and determines which key operation is performed. Then, processing according to the determination result is executed.

  The configuration of the control unit 300 is common to electronic devices connected to the power line network 1 and the high-speed communication networks 2, 21 to 23. In the case of an electronic device connected only to the power line network 1, the high-speed LAN interface 306 and the high-speed LAN transmission / reception data processing unit 307 are not provided, but the configuration of the control unit 300 is the same.

  In this embodiment, the user can control each electronic device using the user interface 101 of the server 100 without using the operation input unit 311 included in the electronic device. In this case, the user may be allowed to set which operation input unit is valid, and for example, the operation input of the operation input unit of the server 100 may be given priority. good.

  Next, the electronic device function unit 400 is a component for realizing the main functions of each electronic device. In the case of the television receiver 201, a broadcast receiving unit 401, a decoding processing unit 402, a display 403, , The speaker 404, I / O ports 405 to 407 for connecting these components to the system bus 310, a display interface 408, and an audio output interface 409.

  The broadcast receiving unit 401 is supplied with a channel selection control signal according to the user's channel selection operation through the I / O port 405. The broadcast receiving unit 401 performs channel selection processing according to the channel selection control signal, and supplies the selected broadcast program data to the decoding processing unit 402. The decode processing unit 402 receives a control signal from the control unit 300 through the I / O port 406, performs decoding processing on the video data and audio data of the broadcast program, and outputs the decoding processing result through the I / O port 407. Supply to the system bus 310.

  The video data supplied to the system bus 310 is supplied to the display 403 through the display interface 408, and the video of the broadcast program is reproduced. The audio data supplied to the system bus 310 is supplied to the speaker 404 through the audio output interface 409, and the audio of the broadcast program is reproduced.

  The decode processing unit 402 also extracts and decodes data of an electronic program guide (EPG (Electronic Programming Guide)) included in the broadcast signal, and supplies the decoded output to the system bus 310 through the I / O port 407. .

  The CPU 301 generates an electronic program guide based on the data of the electronic program guide, and displays it on the display 403 at the time of channel selection operation through the operation input unit 311 in the television receiver 201 so that the user can display the electronic program guide. The channel selection operation can be performed through the network.

  In addition, the CPU 301 sends the electronic program guide data to the server 100 through the power line network 1 as appropriate. In the server 100, the CPU 111 generates an electronic program guide based on the data of the electronic program guide, and when the user performs a channel selection operation on the television receiver 201 through the user interface 101, the electronic program guide is displayed on the display 1012. The channel selection operation through the electronic program guide is displayed.

[Description of processing operation in home network system]
<Registration of new connection of electronic device to home network>
When the electronic device used in the home network system of this embodiment is connected to the power line network 1 (inserts an AC power plug into an AC outlet), it issues a new connection registration request to the server 100, and the home network Necessary registration processing is performed so as to become an electronic device in the system. In the case of an electronic device that is also connected to the high-speed communication network, after the connection to the high-speed communication network is completed, an AC power plug is inserted into the AC outlet, the power switch is turned on, and the power line network 1 is connected. Make a connection.

  New connection registration is also performed when the AC power plug of the electronic device is once removed from the AC outlet and then inserted again into the AC outlet. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the server 100 confirms the connection of electronic devices existing on the power line network 1 at appropriate intervals, and detects an electronic device removed from the power line network 1. This is because the electronic device is registered as disconnected from the home network.

  The processing operation of the electronic device at the time of new connection registration is shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, in the case of an electronic device that is also connected to a high-speed communication network, when the connection to the high-speed communication network is completed, the AC power plug is inserted into the AC outlet and the power switch is turned on, so that the CPU 301 of the electronic device is turned on. Starts the flowchart of FIG. Here, the CPU 301 does not mean the CPU of the control unit 300 of the television receiver 201, but the CPU of the control unit 300 of the electronic devices 201 to 211.

  First, the CPU 301 sends a new connection registration request to the server 100 through the power line network 1 (step S1). In response to this, since information indicating registration request acceptance is sent from the server 100, the CPU 301 waits for reception of the registration request acceptance information (step S2).

  Upon confirming receipt of registration request acceptance information from the server 100 in step S2, the CPU 301 reads out device information stored in the network information storage unit 308 and sends it to the server 100 through the power line network 1 (step S2). S3).

  As described above, this device information includes the name of the electronic device, information on the function provided by the own device, address information on the power line network 1 of the own device, interface information of the high-speed communication network to which the own device is connected, Contains address information on its own high-speed communication network.

  Next, the CPU 301 searches for information about the stored content and stored file in the network information storage unit 308, and determines whether there is a stored content or stored file (step S4).

  When it is determined that there is stored content or a stored file, the CPU 301 reads information about the stored content or stored file from the network information storage unit 308 and transmits the information to the server 100 through the power line network 1 ( Step S5).

  When it is determined in step S4 that there is no stored content or stored file, or when step S5 is completed, the CPU 301 transmits the transmission completion at the time of new connection registration to the server 100 through the power line network 1 (step S6). ). Then, the CPU 301 determines whether or not registration completion information is received from the server 100 (step S7). When the registration completion information is not received without receiving the registration completion information, the CPU 301 returns to step S3, and this step S3 The subsequent processing is repeated. If it is determined in step S7 that registration completion information has been received from the server 100, the processing routine of FIG.

  Next, the processing operation of the server 100 at the time of new connection registration is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the CPU 111 of the server 100 receives the new connection registration request from the electronic device, the CPU 111 activates the processing routine of FIG. 6 and sends the information on acceptance of the new connection registration request to the requesting electronic device through the power line network 1 ( Step S11).

  Next, the CPU 111 receives device information transmitted from the electronic device through the power line network 1, and stores it in the network management information storage unit 117 in correspondence with the identification information of the electronic device (step S12).

  Next, the CPU 111 determines whether or not information about stored contents and stored files is further sent from the electronic device (step S13). When it is determined that information has been sent, the CPU 111 receives information about the received stored contents and stored files. Is stored in the network management information storage unit 117 in correspondence with the identification information of the electronic device (step S14).

  When it is determined in step S13 that no information about the stored content or stored file has been sent from the electronic device, or after the processing in step S14 is completed, the CPU 111 indicates that the transmission has been completed from the electronic device. Is determined (step S15).

  If it is determined in step S15 that information indicating that transmission has been completed has not been received from the electronic device, the CPU 111 returns to step S12 and repeats the processing from step S12 onward.

  If it is determined in step S15 that the information indicating that the transmission has been completed is received from the electronic device, the CPU 111 determines whether the registration information has been stored without any problem (step S16), and the registration information has failed to be stored. In some cases, unregistered information is sent to the electronic device (step S17), and then the process returns to step S12 to repeat the processes after step S12.

  If it is determined in step S16 that the registration information can be stored without any problem, the CPU 111 transmits registration completion to the electronic device (step S18), and the processing routine is terminated.

<Confirmation of electronic device connection in home network>
In this example, the server 100 executes connection check processing for the home network of the electronic device shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 at predetermined time intervals. That is, the CPU 111 of the server 100 activates the flowchart of FIG. 7 when it is time to start the connection check process based on the time measured by the timer unit 118.

  First, the CPU 111 reads address information on one power line network 1 of an electronic device registered as being connected to the home network stored in the network management information storage unit 117, and sends the address information to the electronic device. Then, a connection confirmation request is sent through the power line network 1 (step S21).

  On the other hand, the electronic device that has received the connection confirmation request returns a check response to the server 100 through the power line network 1. Therefore, when the electronic device is disconnected from the power line network 1, no check response is sent from the electronic device that is the transmission destination (destination) of the connection confirmation request.

  The CPU 111 determines whether a check response has been received from the electronic device that is the destination of the connection confirmation request (step S22). If it is determined in step S22 that the check response from the electronic device that is the destination of the connection confirmation request has not been received, the CPU 111 determines that the electronic device that is the destination of the connection confirmation request has been removed from the home network, and the device Information and the like are deleted from the network management information storage unit 117 (step S23).

  If it is determined in step S22 that a check response has been received from the electronic device that is the destination of the connection confirmation request, the CPU 111 recognizes that the connection of the electronic device has been confirmed, and for all of the registered electronic devices. It is determined whether or not the check has been completed (step S24). In step S23, the process proceeds to step S24 even after the process of deleting the device information and the like for the electronic device removed from the home network from the network management information storage unit 117 is completed, and all the registered electronic devices are checked. It is determined whether or not is completed.

  When it is determined in step S24 that there is an electronic device that is not checked, the CPU 111 designates the next electronic device (step S25), returns to step S21, and repeats the processing after step S21 described above. When it is determined in step S24 that the connection check for all electronic devices has been completed, this processing routine is terminated.

<Operation Control of Electronic Device by Server 100>
Next, an example of operation control processing of the electronic device by the server 100 in response to a user instruction operation through the user interface 101 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 13 and a sequence diagram of FIG. The following explanation is an example of a typical electronic device single control process among a wide variety of operation control processes for a plurality of electronic devices connected to a home network, and an example of a cooperative control process of a plurality of electronic devices. Is described.

  That is, as an example of a typical single control process, a lighting process of a lamp will be described. In addition, as an example of the cooperative control processing of a plurality of electronic devices, the DVD content of the DVD recorder 202 is reproduced by the television receiver 201, and the content is copied (copied) from the DVD recorder 202 to the hard disk device 204 or 205, for example. ) Will be described.

  When the user requests display of the operation control menu of the electronic device through the user interface 101, the CPU 111 starts the processing routine shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 13 from the start of FIG.

  First, the CPU 111 displays on the display of the user interface 101 a list menu of processes that can be executed in the home network system of this embodiment, together with a list of all electronic devices connected through the power line network 1 and their operation status. (Step S31).

  Then, the CPU 111 waits for a predetermined process to be selected and determined by the user through the user interface 101 (step S32). When it is determined that the predetermined process has been selected and determined, the CPU 111 selects and determines the predetermined process. It is determined whether or not it is a lighting process (step S33).

  If it is determined in step S33 that the process is a predetermined lamp lighting process, the CPU 111 executes device authentication of the predetermined lamp selected and determined through the power line network 1 (step S34). That is, although illustration is omitted, the server 100 sends information for device authentication of the predetermined light to the predetermined light through the power line network 1 and sends response information from the predetermined light to the power line. Received through the network 1 to confirm authentication.

  Next, the CPU 111 discriminates the result of the device authentication (step S35), and if it is determined that the authentication has not been achieved, the CPU 111 notifies the user of the authentication NG through the user interface 101, for example, a display (step S36). ), This processing routine is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S35 that the device authentication has been obtained, the CPU 111 generates a control command for turning on the lamp with the brightness specified by the user for the predetermined lamp selected and determined (FIG. 9). In step S41), the generated control command is transmitted to the lamp through the lamp line network 1 (step S42).

  Next, the CPU 111 determines whether or not operation status information has been received from a predetermined lamp (step S43). When it is determined that the operation status information has been received, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the lighting state has been instructed. (Step S44) When it is determined that the lighting state is in accordance with the instruction, this processing routine is terminated.

  If the operation status information is not received from the predetermined lamp in step S43, it is determined from the time elapsed information from the timer unit 118 whether or not the predetermined time has not been received (step S45). When it is determined that the operation status information has not been received for the predetermined time or longer, the CPU 111 notifies a malfunction of the predetermined lamp through, for example, the display of the user interface 101 (step S46), and ends this processing routine. .

  Even when it is determined in step S44 that the predetermined lamp is not in the lighting state as instructed from the received operation status information, the CPU 111 proceeds to step S46 to identify the defect of the predetermined lamp in the user interface 101. For example, through a display, and this processing routine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S33 that the user has determined that the predetermined lamp lighting process has not been performed, the CPU 111 determines that the user has selected and determined the content of the DVD recorder 202 on the television receiver 201. It is determined whether or not the reproduction is performed (step S51 in FIG. 10).

  When it is determined in step S 51 that the user has selected and decided to reproduce the content of the DVD recorder 202 on the television receiver 201, the CPU 111 is recorded on the DVD loaded in the DVD recorder 202. The content list information is generated from the information stored in the network management information storage unit 117 and displayed on the display screen of the user interface 101 (step S52).

  At this time, if there is no information about the content stored in the DVD loaded in the DVD recorder 202 in the network management information storage unit 117, the server 100 is loaded in the DVD recorder 202 through the power line network 1. Inquires about information related to the content stored in the DVD, stores the acquired information in the network management information storage unit 117, generates content list information, and displays it on the display screen of the user interface 101. At this time, if a DVD is not loaded in the DVD recorder 202, the server asks the user based on the information on no loading of the DVD sent from the DVD recorder 202 in response to the inquiry about the content. The fact that no DVD is loaded in the DVD recorder 202 is displayed on the screen of the user interface 101 to notify the user.

  After displaying the list information of the content stored in the DVD in step S52, the CPU 111 accepts selection of the playback content through the user interface 101 by the user (step S53). When the selection of the playback content is accepted, the CPU 111 executes device authentication of the DVD recorder 202 and the television receiver 201 as described above (step S54).

  Next, the CPU 111 discriminates the result of the device authentication (step S55), and when it is determined that the authentication has not been achieved, the CPU 111 notifies the user of the authentication NG through the user interface 101, for example, a display (step S56). ), This processing routine is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S55 that the device authentication has been obtained, the CPU 111 transmits to the DVD recorder 202 a command for preparing to read and transmit the video / audio data of the specified content through the power line network 1 (step S55). S57). Then, the CPU 111 confirms reception of response information indicating completion of preparation from the DVD recorder 202 (step S58).

  When it is confirmed in step S58 that the response information indicating the completion of preparation from the DVD recorder 202 has been received, the CPU 111 sends a command for preparing to receive and reproduce the video / audio data to the television receiver 201 through the power line network 1. Transmit (step S59). Then, the CPU 111 confirms reception of response information indicating completion of preparation from the television receiver 201 (step S60).

  When it is confirmed in step S60 that the response information indicating the completion of preparation from the television receiver 201 is received, the CPU 111 reads out the address information of the television receiver 201 on the high-speed communication network from the network management information storage unit 117, and the DVD recorder 202 is transmitted through the power line network 1 (step S71 in FIG. 11).

  Next, the CPU 111 transmits, through the power line network 1, designation information that designates the playback content to be sent to the television receiver 201, which is accepted in step S53, to the DVD recorder 202 (step S72).

  Next, the CPU 111 transmits information (encryption key information and the like) related to the encryption of the video / audio data of the designated content to the DVD recorder 202 through the power line network 1 (step S73). Then, the CPU 111 confirms reception of response information indicating completion of encryption preparation from the DVD recorder 202 (step S74).

  In step S74, upon confirming reception of the response information indicating completion of encryption preparation from the DVD recorder 202, the CPU 111 informs the television receiver 201 about information related to decryption of the video / audio data of the received content (encryption / decryption). Key information and the like) are transmitted through the power line network 1 (step S75). Then, the CPU 111 confirms reception of response information indicating completion of encryption / decryption preparation from the television receiver 201 (step S76).

  In step S76, upon confirming reception of response information indicating completion of encryption / decryption preparation from the television receiver 201, the CPU 111 reads out the video / audio data of the designated content to the DVD recorder 202 and sends it to the television receiver 201. A command to start transmission is generated (step S77), and the generated command is transmitted to the DVD recorder 202 through the power line network 1 (step S78). Thus, this processing routine is finished.

  As a result, the DVD recorder 202 reads the content designated by the user from the DVD, performs designated encryption on the read video / audio data, and transmits it to the television receiver 201 via the high-speed communication network 2 or 21. . The television receiver 201 receives the encrypted video / audio data, decrypts the encryption, displays the reproduced video on the display 403, and emits the reproduced audio from the speaker 404.

  A sequence diagram for exchanging control signals and video / audio data between the server 100, the DVD recorder 202, and the television receiver 201 when the playback content of the DVD recorder 202 described above is viewed on the television receiver 201, As shown in FIG. The sequence of FIG. 14 is as described in the flowchart above, but will be described again according to FIG.

  When the server 100 receives a selection input of playback content from the user, the server 100 transmits and receives a signal (message) for device authentication between the DVD recorder 202 and the television receiver 201.

  When the device authentication is obtained, the server 100 sends a transmission preparation command for reproducing and transmitting the content to the DVD recorder 202 and sends a reception preparation command to the television receiver 201.

  When receiving the response information of the preparation OK from each of the DVD recorder 202 and the television receiver 201, the server sends address information on the high-speed communication network of the television receiver 201 to the DVD recorder 202. Next, the server 100 sends selection instruction information for content to be reproduced to the DVD recorder 202.

  Further, the server 100 sends encryption information for encrypting video / audio data to be transmitted to the DVD recorder 202, and also transmits encryption / decryption information for encryption / decryption to the television receiver 201. send.

  Upon receiving response information for encryption and decryption preparation OK from each of the DVD recorder 202 and the television receiver 201, the server 100 directs the DVD recorder 202 toward the television receiver 201. An instruction to start transmission of video / audio data of the content instructed to be reproduced is sent.

  Receiving this transmission start command, the DVD recorder 202 encrypts the video / audio data of the content instructed to be reproduced and transmits it to the television receiver 201 through the high-speed communication network 2 or 21. The television receiver 201 decrypts and reproduces the encryption of the video / audio data of the reproduced content, displays the reproduced video, and emits the reproduced audio.

  When it is determined in step S51 in FIG. 10 that the user has selected and decided not to reproduce the content of the DVD recorder 202 on the television receiver 201, the CPU 111 determines that the user has made the selection and decision. It is determined whether or not the copy (duplication) destination device of the content of the DVD loaded in 202 is a copy to a hard disk device 204 (step S81 in FIG. 12).

  When it is determined in step S81 that the content of the DVD loaded in the DVD recorder 202 is not copied to the hard disk device 204, which is a copy destination device, the CPU 111 executes other processing in accordance with the user's instruction operation. (Step S82).

  If it is determined in step S81 that the content of the DVD loaded in the DVD recorder 202 is a copy to the hard disk device 204, the CPU 111 is loaded in the DVD recorder 202 in the same manner as in step S52 described above. The content list information recorded on the DVD is generated from the information stored in the network management information storage unit 117 and displayed on the display screen of the user interface 101 (step S83).

  Then, the CPU 111 accepts selection of playback content through the user interface 101 by the user (step S84). When the selection of the playback content is accepted, the CPU 111 executes device authentication of the DVD recorder 202 and the hard disk device 204 as described above (step S85).

  Next, the CPU 111 discriminates the result of the device authentication (step S86). When it is determined that the authentication has not been achieved, the CPU 111 notifies the user of the authentication NG through the user interface 101, for example, a display (step S86). S87), this processing routine is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S86 that the device authentication has been obtained, the CPU 111 searches the storage content of the network management information storage unit 117 to determine whether or not the selected content can be copied (step S88). When it is determined in step S88 that the copy is not possible, the CPU 111 notifies the user that the selected content cannot be copied, for example, through the display of the user interface 101 (step S89). This processing routine ends.

  If it is determined in step S88 that copying is possible, the CPU 111 transmits to the DVD recorder 202 an instruction for reading out and transmitting the video / audio data of the specified content via the power line network 1 (step S88). S90). Then, the CPU 111 confirms reception of response information indicating completion of preparation from the DVD recorder 202 (step S91).

  When it is confirmed in step S91 that the response information indicating the completion of preparation from the DVD recorder 202 has been received, the CPU 111 sends an instruction for preparing to receive and store the video / audio data to the hard disk device 204 as the copy destination device. Transmission is performed through the line network 1 (step S101 in FIG. 13). Then, the CPU 111 confirms reception of response information indicating completion of preparation from the television receiver 201 (step S102).

  When it is confirmed in step S102 that the response information indicating the completion of preparation from the hard disk device 204 is received, the CPU 111 reads the address information of the hard disk device 204 on the high-speed communication network from the network management information storage unit 117 and stores it in the DVD recorder 202. On the other hand, it transmits through the power line network 1 (step S103).

  Next, the CPU 111 transmits to the DVD recorder 202 the designation information that is accepted in step S84 and designates the content to be copied through the power line network 1 (step S104).

  Next, the CPU 111 transmits information (encryption key information and the like) related to the encryption of the video / audio data of the designated content to the DVD recorder 202 through the power line network 1 (step S105). Then, the CPU 111 confirms reception of response information indicating completion of encryption preparation from the DVD recorder 202 (step S106).

  In step S106, upon confirming reception of the response information for completion of encryption preparation from the DVD recorder 202, the CPU 111 informs the hard disk device 204 about the decryption of the encrypted video / audio data of the received content (encryption / decryption key). Are transmitted through the power line network 1 (step S107). Then, the CPU 111 confirms reception of response information indicating completion of encryption / decryption preparation from the hard disk device 204 (step S108).

  In step S108, upon confirming reception of response information indicating completion of encryption / decryption preparation from the hard disk device 204, the CPU 111 reads out the video / audio data of the designated content to the DVD recorder 202 and starts transmission to the hard disk device 204. A command to be generated is generated, and the generated control command is transmitted to the DVD recorder 202 through the power line network 1 (step S109).

  Next, the CPU 111 generates a control command for receiving and storing video / audio data of the designated content for the hard disk device 204, and sends the generated control command to the hard disk device 204 through the power line network 1. Transmit (step S110).

  Further, the CPU 111 rewrites the number of times that the copied content stored in the network management information storage unit 117 can be copied by 1 (step S111). Thus, this processing routine is finished.

  As a result of the control processing of the server 100 described above, the DVD recorder 202 reads the video / audio data of the designated content from the DVD and transmits it to the hard disk device 204 through the high-speed communication interface 2. The hard disk device 204 stores the received video / audio data of the content in the hard disk and completes the copying.

  The above has referred to the content duplication restriction. However, if the number of times of reproduction is limited for the reproduction of the content, the reproduction of the content is performed each time the content is reproduced in the same manner as described above. By rewriting the content reproduction count information stored in the network management information storage unit 117, copyright protection control can be performed in the same manner as in the case of copying described above.

  As described above, in the home network system of this embodiment, the power line network and the server connected to the power line network are provided in parallel separately from other high-speed communication networks, and control commands are provided. The data such as video / audio data can be guaranteed to be transmitted at high speed by transmitting the data such as video / audio data from the server to each electronic device through the power line network.

  In other words, as described above, in a home network system using only a power line network, even if a transmission rate of 200 Mbps is possible, the speed quality varies greatly depending on the power line laying conditions, and high speed is achieved in all homes. Although the operation cannot be guaranteed, in this embodiment, high-quality video / audio data can be transmitted at high speed by using both the power line network and the high-speed communication network.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of communication paths having different interfaces can be used as the high-speed communication network. That is, home electronic devices that have been separately connected with different interfaces, such as an IEEE 1394 network, a wireless LAN, a wired LAN (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark)), an HDMI network, a network using Bluetooth, etc. And a server can be added and function as an integrated one.

  In this embodiment, the control data is transmitted through the power line network for information related to stored contents necessary for network management, and the video / audio data requiring high-speed transmission is transmitted through the high-speed communication network. , Communication collision can be reduced and communication efficiency can be increased.

  Further, in this embodiment, as in the above example, the copyright management function can be concentrated on the server, the load of mounting the copyright protection function on the electronic device can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. is there.

  In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, the server 100 can be operated not only through the user interface 101 but also by operating the server 100 using a display or input device on the power line network 1. It also has an effect.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the power line network 1 is cut off from the outside, unauthorized access from the outside can be prevented, and accidents due to the movement operation of electronic devices in the home can be prevented.

  Note that connection to an external network such as the Internet can be performed via a high-speed communication network.

  In the above-described embodiment, the server 100 is a separate and independent device. However, the server 100 may be provided in an electronic device connected only to the power line network 1.

  Further, in the network management information storage unit 117, the address information on the power line network 1 of each electronic device, the address information on the high-speed communication network, and information related to the contents are stored together. Needless to say, they may be stored in separate storage units.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of embodiment of the home network system by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of embodiment of the home network system by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the server used for embodiment of the home network system by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure of an example of the electronic device used for embodiment of the home network system by this invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the electronic device when the electronic device is initially registered in the home network in the embodiment of the home network system according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of a server when an electronic device is initially registered in a home network in the embodiment of the home network system according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a connection check operation of an electronic device with respect to a home network of a server in the embodiment of the home network system according to the present invention. 7 is a part of a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation control process for an electronic device of a server in an embodiment of a home network system according to the present invention. 7 is a part of a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation control process for an electronic device of a server in an embodiment of a home network system according to the present invention. 7 is a part of a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation control process for an electronic device of a server in an embodiment of a home network system according to the present invention. 7 is a part of a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation control process for an electronic device of a server in an embodiment of a home network system according to the present invention. 7 is a part of a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation control process for an electronic device of a server in an embodiment of a home network system according to the present invention. 7 is a part of a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation control process for an electronic device of a server in an embodiment of a home network system according to the present invention. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the operation control process for the electronic device of the server in the embodiment of the home network system according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Power line network, 2 ... High-speed communication network (optical fiber network), 3 ... Distribution board, 21-23 ... High-speed communication network, 100 ... Server, 201-211 ... Electronic equipment

Claims (8)

A plurality of electronic devices including at least two electronic devices connected via a communication network consisting of a communication path that is not a power line;
A server connected to each of the plurality of electronic devices through a power line network using the power line;
A home network system comprising:
The server
A network management information storage unit for storing at least first address information on the power line network and second address information on the communication network of the plurality of electronic devices connected to the power line network; ,
User interface means for accepting user instruction command operations;
Generating an operation instruction command according to the user's instruction command operation received by the user interface means, and generating the generated operation instruction command for one or more of the plurality of electronic devices; An instruction command transmission means for transmitting through a power line network;
With
Each of the plurality of electronic devices is
Means for receiving the operation instruction command through the power line network and executing an operation according to the operation instruction command;
The electronic device connected via the communication network is
When the operation instruction command transmitted through the power line network is a communication instruction of predetermined data with another electronic device connected to the communication network, the predetermined data is transmitted through the communication network. A home network system comprising means for performing communication. The home network system according to claim 1,
The server acquires information for identifying contents and files stored in the plurality of electronic devices connected through the power line network from the electronic device through the power line network, and stores the information in a storage unit. And
The home network system, wherein the user interface means includes means for presenting information on the content and the file stored in the storage unit to a user. The home network system according to claim 1,
When the operation instruction command is a communication instruction of predetermined data with another electronic device connected to the communication network, the server sends the predetermined data to the electronic device that performs the communication. Information for transmitting and receiving encrypted data is transmitted through the power line network. The home network system according to claim 2,
The home network system, wherein the server controls and manages copyright protection for copying and playback of the content and the file. The home network system according to claim 1,
The home network system, wherein the power line network is divided from a public network using an external power line. The home network system according to claim 1,
The home network system, wherein a display means included in the electronic device connected to the server through the power line network is used as a display for displaying the user interface of the server. The home network system according to claim 1,
The home network system, wherein the plurality of electronic devices are divided into groups connected separately by the plurality of communication networks having different communication interfaces. A plurality of electronic devices including at least two electronic devices connected via a communication network including a communication path that is not a power line, and a power line using each of the plurality of electronic devices and the power line A communication method in a home network system comprising servers connected through a network,
The server
Storing and managing at least first address information on the power line network and second address information on the communication network of the plurality of electronic devices connected to the power line network;
An operation instruction command is generated in response to a user instruction command operation received through the user interface means, and the generated operation instruction command is transmitted to one or more of the plurality of electronic devices. Send it over the network,
The plurality of electronic devices are:
Receiving the operation instruction command through the power line network, and executing an operation according to the operation instruction command;
When the operation instruction command transmitted through the power line network is a communication instruction of predetermined data with another electronic device connected to the communication network, the predetermined data is transmitted through the communication network. A communication method in a home network system, characterized in that

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