JP2007006169A - Line control device and line control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a line control device capable of connecting a remote device etc. with a packet network provided by a cellular phone business operator, and controlling informational transmission and device management etc. from a communication control center, without direct connection to the Internet and a telephone line. <P>SOLUTION: A router comprises a network hub (concentrator) having a power supply control unit 130 with a built-in communication module 120 capable of performing packet communications in a cellular phone network. A device capable of connecting with a network is connected to a network frame receptacle, and the connected device is supplied with power from a power receptacle 135. Consequently, a power supply feed control comes to enable for the connected device from a communication control center side, and an ON/Off control of power supply to a game machine is performed if needed. Moreover, support for various devices comes to enable by carrying out protocol conversion for a non-procedural device to TCP/IP. Applications required for transmission can be supplied through an ASP (application service provider) controller 450. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a line control apparatus and a line control method connected to a line network such as a telephone line network.

  When managing and operating remotely installed devices and apparatuses, there are increasing examples of operating and managing using a network network such as the Internet network, a telephone network, or an ISDN network.

  For remote operation, it is necessary to connect devices / devices to a network system, and it is necessary to connect individual devices / devices with network interface cables.

  If there is only one device / device to be remotely controlled at one location, one line may be installed for connection to the network. However, when a plurality of devices are installed in one place, a line connection fee will be charged if a separate line is connected to each device / device.

Furthermore, any network configuration or operation control can be designed without any restrictions as long as the network environment is newly designed and newly introduced. However, in addition to existing equipment, a network system should be installed. In some cases, there were various restrictions and the controllable range was limited by itself.

  In an apparatus / device, functions that can be provided in addition to existing functions are limited, and it is difficult to additionally provide complicated functions. In addition, cost increases must be suppressed.

  For example, it has been necessary to manage the sales time for devices and devices in which the use of minors leads to illegal activities. In such a case, it is necessary to provide a timer for the device / device and manage the time during which the device can operate. However, if the device / device is not incorporated in the device, the device / device is significantly modified.

  The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-described problems, and enables remote control of devices / devices with a few additional functions, and a plurality of devices / devices are installed at one place, for example. Even in such a case, a line control device and a line control method capable of efficiently performing remote control of devices and apparatuses are provided. As a means for achieving such an object, for example, the following configuration is provided.

  That is, a wireless telephone network communication means connectable to a cellular phone network, a plurality of connection devices, a network interface means capable of network connection with the wireless telephone network, and network addresses of the connection devices constituting the network. Address management means for managing, network communication means for communicating with addresses managed by the address management means, and power control means for receiving instructions from the radio telephone network communication means and controlling power supply to a plurality of devices The power supply to the plurality of devices can be remotely controlled via the wireless telephone network communication means.

  And, for example, the power control means includes a power outlet for supplying commercial power to a device that controls power, and controls power supply to the device depending on whether or not commercial power is supplied to the power outlet. To do.

  Further, for example, the network interface means includes a plurality of network cable outlets that can be connected to a network interface of a connection device, and the network communication means transmits information addressed to or from an address managed by the address management means to the network. Output to a cable connection outlet or a wireless telephone network.

  Further, for example, it is further characterized by further comprising state notifying means for recognizing the state of the connection device interfaced by the network interface means and its own state change, and notifying the specified destination of the recognition result.

  Alternatively, a wireless telephone network communication means connectable to a mobile telephone network, a plurality of connection devices, a network interface means for enabling network connection with the wireless telephone network, and an instruction from the wireless telephone network communication means are received. A line control method in a line control device comprising power control means for controlling power supply to a plurality of devices, wherein the wireless telephone network communication means is used by packet communication of the wireless telephone network from a mobile phone or a center. The line control method is characterized in that the power supply control means can be instructed through the power supply control means, and the power supply to the connection device can be remotely controlled.

  And, for example, the power control by the power control means controls the power supply to the device depending on whether or not to supply commercial power to a power outlet that supplies commercial power to the device, and receives a power control command by packet communication. The present invention is characterized in that it is a line control method in which an operation power supplied to a device is turned off / on so that a malfunctioning device can be restarted.

  In addition, for example, the line control device includes a recognition unit that recognizes the state of the connection device and the state change of the connection device. When the recognition unit recognizes the state change of the connection device, the communication result is transmitted to the destination designated in advance. It is a line control method that broadcasts by means of the above.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to remotely control a device / apparatus with a few additional functions, and even if a plurality of devices / apparatuses are installed in one place, the device / apparatus can be efficiently used. Provided is a line control apparatus and a line control method capable of remote control of a network.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a case where the present invention is applied to a game machine group installed in a game center or the like will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to control of all remote operation crises and devices such as coin lockers, various vending machines, and coin laundry.
[First Embodiment]

  First, the schematic configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration when the line control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to control of a game machine installed in a game center or the like.

  The line control device according to the present embodiment is a network hub with power control (concentration line) that incorporates a communication module capable of packet communication by connecting a game machine having a network interface to, for example, a management center that manages the game machine. An example applied to a router (controller) having a device will be described.

  The line control apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of power outlets that supply commercial power to connected devices (game machines), and controls whether power is supplied to the power outlets. It is possible to turn on / off the power of the game machine from the center side that controls the device without performing special control.

  If necessary, non-procedure devices can be converted to TCP / IP to support various devices. Application programs necessary for operation and communication are held on the connection device side (terminal side) and the center side, and the terminal device is remotely controlled from the center side. In addition, it is configured such that a system that is necessary for business such as centralized management can be provided in the form of an ASP to a business operator who wants to remotely manage terminal-side equipment.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a line control device having a route selection function for monitoring an address of a network layer constituted by a wireless mobile phone line network 200 and a center 400, or a wireless phone 200, and determining which route should be transferred. A router (controller) that relays data flowing on the game machine network (center) to a center (game machine network) that is another network.

  The router 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to a control unit 110 that controls the entire router and a wireless communication module 120 that can be connected to the wireless telephone network 200 (network cables for connecting each game machine). And a power supply control unit 130 capable of controlling whether or not to supply power to each power outlet 135 provided in the apparatus under the control of the control unit 110, and a connected packet. The network table 140 stores information necessary for network control, such as information on each game machine that relays and the like, and address information assigned thereto.

  The wireless communication module 120 is capable of packet communication between the center 400 and a specific registered mobile phone via the mobile phone communication network 200, and according to the request of the center 400 and the mobile phone 300 or on the terminal side. Relay packets transferred according to request.

  In the above description, an example of connecting to a wireless mobile phone network has been described. However, a router connected to a wired phone network may be used. Further, it may be a router connected to a narrow band such as an ISDN line network, or a router connected to a broadband such as an ADSN line or an optical communication line.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a mobile phone communication network. For example, in the present embodiment, an au mobile phone communication network is used. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and may be a NTT Docomo mobile phone communication network, a Vodafone mobile phone communication network, or a mobile phone network of another company. Of course.

  Reference numeral 300 denotes a mobile phone, which can be used as it is from general telephone companies.

  A center 400 monitors and operates the mobile phone network 200 and remotely operates the router 100 and each of the game machines A to E (510 to 550), and performs call control and packet communication control with each mobile phone. In addition, the communication control of various information with the router 100 can be performed.

  Specific controls for game machines A to E (510 to 550) and routers. This is performed using an ASP (Application Service Provider), and can easily cope with any operation control only by updating the program of the center 400.

  The center 400 monitors and operates the line network control unit 410 for operating as a base station of the wireless telephone communication network, the router 100 to be controlled, the game machines A to E (510 to 550), and the packet communication. A remote control unit 430 that also performs control, various telephones that can communicate from the center via the radio telephone network 200, and an ASP control unit 450 that performs ASP control for executing various applications with terminal-side devices are included.

  The remote control unit 430 and the ASP control unit 450 include a microcomputer system including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown).

  The ASP control unit 450 stores various application programs, and controls selection and execution of a desired application program in accordance with a request or instruction from the connected wireless device.

  As a result, the application stored in the ASP control unit 450 can be executed without imposing a load on the connected wireless device. For this reason, updating of programs and various information can be easily and centrally managed, and various applications can be maintained in the latest state.

  The remote control unit 430 of the center 400 can instruct the router 100 to turn off the power of the game machine by remote operation when the business hours of the game center are over. In this case, information on which power source of the game machine is connected to which power outlet of the power control unit 130 from the router 100 or from the game machine is received, and the power source of the game machine to be turned off is connected. Turn off the power supply to the power outlet.

  Further, by incorporating the current location recognition system (GPS function) in the game machines A to E (510 to 550), for example, even if the game machine is carried out to another place, the carry-out destination is extremely easy. Can be specified. This function is also incorporated in some cellular phones, and the present location recognition / informing system incorporated in these cellular phones can be applied as it is.

  Alternatively, device information unique to each game machine is transferred to the remote control unit 430 via the network, or controlled so as to be readable by the remote control unit 430, so that the game machine contacts the center 400 or the game machine maintenance company, for example. Even if the situation is such that it is unloaded to another place, the unloading destination can be identified very easily, and the maintenance company can be notified.

  As described above, the apparatus according to the present embodiment can perform communication with the terminal-side device, remote control, and the like all using a wireless telephone communication network, for example, an au mobile phone network. For this reason, for example, even when the state of a game machine is to be confirmed, the state is directly confirmed from the game machine via the center 400 or the router 100 using a mobile phone that is often carried at all times. Can do.

  Of course, even if the mobile phone owned is not an au mobile phone, it can be controlled in the same way by making a call from a mobile phone of another company to the phone number of the center.

  A detailed configuration of the router 100 as the line control apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the router shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 111 denotes a CPU of the control unit 110 according to a program stored in the ROM 113 and an application program received from the ASP control unit 450 of the center 400 via the bus interface 152 and the telephone line network communication interface 156. Processing is also performed.

  113 is a ROM for storing an operation program and various constants of the CPU 111, 115 is a RAM for temporarily storing a download program and various acquired data, and 117 is an interface with other components such as the wireless communication module 120 power control unit 130. The components are connected by a bus through the bus interface.

  In the wireless communication module 120, 122 is a bus interface that controls an interface with another configuration, and 124 is a telephone line network interface that controls an interface with the wireless mobile phone network 200, and functions as a mobile phone (for example, a call function) Etc.) and data communication with the center 400 is realized under the control of the control unit 110.

  A network communication interface 126 enables network communication between a control device (game machine) connected to the network outlet 125 via a network cable and the telephone line network communication interface 124, and is registered in the network table 140. Communication information from an existing address or from an address registered in the network table 140 is transferred.

  In the power control unit 130, 132 is a bus interface that controls an interface with other components, 134 is a power supply control that controls power supply to the power supply outlet 135 according to an instruction from the center 400 or a connected game machine, for example. Part.

  Further, in the network table 140, reference numeral 142 denotes a network address table for storing a network address (for example, an IP address) unique to each device assigned to each device connected to the network. Only send and receive packets.

  A power table 144 stores a unique number assigned to each power outlet 135 so that the power outlet can be identified by the number.

  Reference numeral 146 denotes a control command table, which is a control command table for registering a control command stored and transmitted in a command portion of a communication packet 210 to be described later. An operation registered in the control command table 146 in association with the control command The control is configured to be executable.

  For example, specific commands such as specifying a specific power outlet to supply power / stopping power supply, a command to notify the registered partner of the state of the device, a command to notify the operating state of the game machine, etc. The operation is executed according to the registered contents of the control command table 146.

  The contents of these tables can be downloaded from the ASP control unit 450 or updated.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of a packet 210 that performs packet communication in the network system of the present embodiment having the above configuration. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a communication packet used in the network system according to the present embodiment.

  The packet shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and it is needless to say that there is no limit to the use of a packet for mobile phone specifications, a packet for Internet specifications, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the packet stores a destination address 211 of the packet, a source address 212 of the packet, a command part 213 in which command information is stored when the packet is a command transmission packet, and data to be transmitted. A transmission information storage unit 214, a check code 215 for checking a packet transmission error, and the like.

  A plurality of addresses can be set as the destination address 211. For example, it is possible to perform broadcast communication by adding to all game machines. The command set in the command unit 213 indicates what kind of packet the packet is, and specifies an instruction on what operation to perform.

  Specifically, for example, identification of a packet type such as an application program transfer packet or a network table update packet, a power outlet on / off control command for the router 100, a connection status report request command to the power outlet 135, a network outlet There are a report request command such as whether or not the device connected to 125 is in an operating state, a command such as a report request for an operating state and a charging state for the game machine, and the like.

  In addition, an update request command for each operation program from the ASP control unit 450 of the center 400 and an application transmission request command from the router 100 and the game machine are also prepared. A communication path is established with the unit 450, and an application program to be executed is downloaded.

  Control of the network system of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When power is supplied to the device, the controller 110 first checks whether or not the wireless communication module 120 has received a communication packet sent from the mobile phone network 200 or the connected game machine in step S51 after executing the initial processing. . If no communication packet has been received, the process proceeds to step S67.

  On the other hand, if the packet is received in step S51, the process proceeds to step S53, and it is checked whether or not the address included in the packet matches the address registered in the network address table 142. If it is an unregistered address, there is no need to transmit / receive, so nothing is done and the process proceeds to step S67.

  On the other hand, if the address included in the packet is an address registered in the network address table 142 in step S53, the process proceeds to step S55, where the received packet is received and addressed to the connected game machine in step S57. Determine whether it is a packet.

  If the packet is destined for the game machine in step S57, the process proceeds to step S58, and the received packet is sent down to the network outlet 125 via the network communication interface 126. Then, the process proceeds to step S67.

  On the other hand, if the packet is not addressed to the game machine in step S57, the packet is addressed to the own device (router) and is stored in the RAM 115 as it is, and the command part 213 of the packet is examined to find out which packet has been sent. Check if the packet looks like this.

  In step S61, it is determined whether the control command is for the power supply control unit 130 or not. If it is a control instruction command of the power control unit 130, the process proceeds to step S63, and for example, power supply control to a power outlet instructed by the transmission information storage unit 214 sent following the command unit 213 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S67. The power supply control includes power supply start control or power supply stop control. This power supply control is performed when the power is turned off according to an instruction from the game machine, when the power is turned on / off according to an instruction from the center 400, or when the power is turned on / off according to an instruction from a predetermined mobile phone 300. included.

  On the other hand, if power control is not performed in step S61, the process proceeds to step S65, and processing according to the received packet is executed. Then, the process proceeds to step S67. The process of step S65 includes a notification request for whether or not the game machine connected to the network outlet is in operation (whether or not a signal from the game machine is detected at the outlet), and the operation status of the own apparatus. In some cases, the investigation result according to the request is transmitted to the requesting device. If it is a network table 140 update request from the center 400 or an application update request, processing corresponding to the request is executed according to the information stored in the transmission information storage unit 214.

  Moreover, since the router 100 of the present embodiment constructs a network via the mobile phone network 200, various instructions can be sent using a mobile phone possessed by most people recently. It can be carried out.

  Furthermore, by using this cellular phone network 200, not only the cellular phone 300 but also the game machines A to E (510 to 550) connected to the router 100 and the router 100 to construct a new network on the center side. The ASP control by the ASP control unit 450 is possible only by using an existing mobile phone system without performing the above, and system maintenance and version upgrade can be realized very easily.

  In step S67, it is checked whether there is a communication packet transfer request (transmission request) from the game machine connected to the network outlet 125 via the network communication interface 126 of the wireless communication module 120.

  If there is a transfer request, the process proceeds to step S69, where a packet from the network is received and transmitted to the mobile telephone network 200 via the telephone network communication interface 124. Specifically, the packet is transmitted as mail. Then, the process returns to step S51.

On the other hand, if there is no transfer request from the game machine in step S67, the process proceeds to step S71 to check whether a detectable change in the device state is detected. For example, when it is detected that the operation of the connected game machine is stopped / started by monitoring the signal from the network outlet 125, the power control is performed according to the command, the table or application is updated, etc. Proceeding to step S73, the state that has been changed is notified to the other party that is set to be notified in advance when a state change has occurred. Then, the process returns to step S51. The destination of the other party is set in advance by ASP control or in accordance with an instruction from the mobile phone or the center 400. As a result, the other party also changes depending on the changed state, and for example, it is possible to notify a designated mobile phone and enable quick response.

  For example, by periodically performing formal packet communication with game devices connected to the network, it is possible to check whether the connected device is operating or hung up. The center 400 can notify the life status of the connected device to a mobile phone possessed by a preset administrator.

  Therefore, the manager can quickly recognize the situation and grasp the situation. The administrator who has received the report thereafter connects to the communication control center side via the Internet or directly using a mobile phone.

  Using an application provided by the communication control center, the administrator can normally shut down a device in which an error has occurred from the shutdown interface.

  Using an application provided by the center, the administrator can instruct a power control unit that controls a power control outlet to which the device in which an abnormality has occurred is connected to perform power on / off control of the abnormal device.

  On the other hand, if no change in state is detected in step S71, the process returns to step S51 to monitor whether a packet is received, whether there is a transfer request from a network connection device, or whether a change in state of crisis is detected. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since it is connected to the center or the telephone via the mobile phone network, an electric circuit for connecting the installation location and the network is unnecessary, and anyone in the near future It is possible to give various instructions using the mobile phone possessed by as a controller.

  In addition, the ASP control using the e-mail function of the mobile phone network can be applied as it is, and it is easy to install and update applications to be executed without developing a new system. Can be constructed.

  Further, for example, if control is performed so that data is transmitted to and received from the game machine at regular intervals via a network, it is possible to remotely monitor whether or not the game machine is operating normally. When communication at regular intervals is not normally performed, it is possible to determine that the operation of the game device is unstable, and it is possible to try to start the check program or automatically repair the program execution. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, if the equipment operation does not return to normal even after performing these recovery processes, or if the program hangs up due to the effects of noise or other reasons and remote control is not possible at all, conventional maintenance personnel We had to rush to the site to deal with the situation, but according to this embodiment, since the power can be controlled, the power of such equipment is forcibly turned off and then the power is supplied. Then, the operation of starting up the device can be performed remotely. For example, there are many cases where a hang-up or malfunction of a device program is repaired by turning the power off / on, and the trouble can be repaired without dispatching maintenance personnel to the site.

In a device using computer technology, the ability to automatically turn off / on the power by this remote operation has a great effect in repairing a malfunction of the device.
[Other Embodiments]

  In the above description, an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a game machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples. One of the features of the present invention is that it uses a wireless telephone communication network (mobile phone communication network), uses an ASP function, and has a power outlet with a power control function. Because of such characteristics, it is possible to remotely control the operation / non-operation of the device without modifying the existing network connection device or adding a special function.

  Therefore, excellent effects can be obtained by applying to various vending machine systems. For example, the remote control of the router's power supply, such as alcohol vending machines and cigarette vending machines that have problems operating at midnight, and adult goods vending machines that have problems operating during the day, This can be done easily by using an on / off structure.

In addition, the present invention can be applied to a coin laundry, and the situation can be reported to the user in real time by controlling so as to notify the mobile phone of the progress of the laundry. In addition, even when a coin laundry laundry dryer breaks down, the power supply can be stopped immediately.For example, if the dryer heats up abnormally, or if the equipment malfunctions, the operation continues. Therefore, when there is a possibility that a malfunction will occur, the power supply can be stopped immediately, and an accident can be prevented.
(Operational effect of the embodiment)

  As described above, it is possible to provide a router (controller) having a network hub with power control (line concentrator) incorporating a communication module capable of packet communication used in a mobile phone.

  As a result, it is possible to collect devices that can be connected to the network, supply power to the devices connected to the devices, and control the power supply. It can be controlled, and the connected devices can be shut down as necessary.

  In addition, it is possible to cope with various devices by performing protocol conversion to TCP / IP for non-procedure devices.

  Applications required for communication are stored on the connection terminal side and the center side, and the application is transferred to the connection terminal and executed by using the ASP function of the center ASP control unit for the device connected to the controller. Can do. For example, by making the mobile phone network available, it is necessary for businesses that want to remotely manage equipment connected to the network by simply using the facilities that are currently installed in the center. Such a system can be provided in the form of an ASP.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the example of embodiment of 1 invention which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the router shown in FIG.

It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of the communication packet used with the network system of the example of this embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation control of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 router (controller)
110 Control unit 111 CPU
113 ROM
115 RAM
117, 122, 132 Bus interface 120 Wireless communication module 124 Telephone line network interface 125 Network outlet 126 Network communication interface 130 Power supply control unit 134 Power supply control unit 135 Power supply outlet 140 Network table 142 Network address table 144 Power supply table 146 Control command table

200 Mobile phone network 210 Packet 211 Destination address 212 Source address 213 Command part 214 Transmission information storage part 215 Check code 300 Mobile phone 400 Center 510-550 Game machines A-E
410 Network control unit 430 Remote control unit 450 ASP control unit

Claims (7)

A wireless telephone network communication means connectable to a mobile telephone network;
A plurality of connection devices and network interface means for enabling network connection with the wireless telephone network;
Address management means for managing addresses on the network of connection devices constituting the network;
Network communication means for communicating with the address managed by the address management means;
Power supply control means for receiving an instruction from the wireless telephone network communication means and controlling power supply to a plurality of devices;
A line control device characterized in that power supply to the plurality of devices can be remotely controlled via the wireless telephone network communication means. The power supply control unit includes a power outlet that supplies commercial power to a device that controls power, and controls power supply to the device depending on whether or not commercial power is supplied to the power outlet. 1. The line control apparatus according to 1. The network interface means includes a plurality of network cable connection outlets connectable to a network interface of a connection device, and the network communication means transmits information addressed to or from an address managed by the address management means. 3. The line control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the line control apparatus outputs to a radio telephone line network. 4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising state notifying means for recognizing the state of the connection device interfaced by the network interface means and its own state change and notifying a destination designated by the recognition result. The line control apparatus according to any one of the above. A wireless telephone network communication means connectable to a cellular phone network, a plurality of connection devices, a network interface means for enabling network connection with the wireless telephone network, and a plurality of instructions received from the wireless telephone network communication means A line control method in a line control device comprising power control means for controlling power supply to the device,
It is possible to instruct power supply control to power supply control means via the wireless telephone network communication means using packet communication of the wireless telephone network from a mobile phone or center, and to enable remote control of power supply to the connection device. A characteristic line control device. The power control by the power control means controls power supply to the device depending on whether or not commercial power is supplied to a power outlet that supplies commercial power to the device, and supplies the device when receiving a power control command by packet communication. 6. The line control method according to claim 5, wherein the operation power supply to be operated is turned off / on, and the malfunctioning device can be restarted. The line control device comprises a recognition means for recognizing the state of the connection device and its own state change,
7. The line control method according to claim 5, wherein when the recognizing unit recognizes a change in the state of the connection device, the recognition result is notified to a destination designated in advance by packet communication.

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