JP2010206675A - Network device equipped with power supply starting control function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain power consumption in standby state in external equipment which undergoes control including power supply start via network by control equipment. <P>SOLUTION: A network device having power supply starting control function is constituted of the control equipment and external equipment connected by first and second networks. The control equipment transmits a command for power supply start to the external equipment via the first network which can start power supply without utilizing a device whereon a CPU is mounted. After power supply of the external equipment is started up, the command is transmitted by the second network to control the external equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply activation control technique in a network device composed of control devices and external devices connected to each other via a plurality of networks.

  In recent years, HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) has been widely used as one of digital interfaces for digitally connecting AV (Audio and Visual) devices.

  HDMI is arranged for AV equipment by adding an audio transmission function and a copyright protection function to DVI (Digital Visual Interface), which is a connection standard between a PC (Personal Computer) and a display. Furthermore, since control signals between devices can be transmitted bidirectionally via HDMI, it is possible to operate external devices connected via HDMI.

  Such functions that can operate an external device include power activation and standby control, but when the power of an external device equipped with a monitor (display means) is activated via HDMI, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention that suppresses power consumption by avoiding an unnecessary power-on of a monitor screen being turned on by activation control.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the network device 800 having the conventional power supply activation control function disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network device having a conventional power activation control function disclosed in Patent Document 1. In FIG.

In FIG. 8, the network device 800 is transmitted via a network and network I / F unit 810 and a power source control unit 812 that independently controls at least the display unit 813 and other functional units including the main functional unit 814. A network including a function of using a power-on request detecting unit 811 that outputs a power-on signal to the power control unit 812 and at least a display unit 813 that causes another network device to control itself with a control command. It is included in the content reception / playback means 815 and the content distribution means 816 that output a power-on signal to the power supply control means 812 when the reception of a control command corresponding to the function that provides the function and uses the display means 813 is detected. Control command detection means is provided to input power-on signals. When the function to turn on the power is determined and the power on request is detected via the network and the network I / F means 810, only the power of the functional means other than the display means 813 including the main function means 814 is turned on and controlled When the command detection means detects a command requesting a function that uses the monitor screen (display means 813), the monitor screen (display means 813) is turned on.
JP 2008-98791 A

  However, analysis of commands transmitted and received via HDMI over a network is usually performed by a device such as a microcomputer (CPU) that is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Therefore, in the conventional method disclosed in Patent Document 1, HDMI is used. When controlling the power activation of an external device through the external device, it is necessary for the microcomputer of the external device in the standby state to be supplied with power, but this microcomputer requires more power consumption than other devices. Exists.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and has a function of detecting a power-on command without using a device such as a microcomputer, and the power consumption of the external device is reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a network device having a power activation control function capable of performing power activation.

In order to achieve the above object, a network device having a power activation control function according to the first invention of the present application is composed of at least one control device and at least one external device, and the control device includes at least two networks. A network device having a power activation control function for controlling the external device via (a first network and a second network),
The control device includes a communication unit A1 that communicates with the external device via the first network and a device equipped with a CPU, and performs communication with the external device via the second network. Means A2, and the external device includes a communication unit B1 for communicating with the control device via the first network and a device equipped with a CPU, and the control device via the second network. Communication means B2 for communicating with the power supply and power supply control means for controlling the power supply range in the external device, wherein the control device is in a standby state via the communication means A1 and the communication means A2. A function capable of activating the power supply of the external device in a state without using a device equipped with a CPU; The control device has a function that allows the control device to perform control including power activation from a standby state with respect to the external device via the communication unit B1 and the communication unit B2. When the external device is in a standby state in which a power supply range is limited to a predetermined range by the power control means, a command for instructing power activation is transmitted using the first network to activate the power source. After the power supply of the external device is activated, the external device is controlled using the second network.

  The network device having the power activation control function of the second invention of the present application is the network device having the power activation control function of the first invention of the present application, wherein the control device uses the second network. The external device confirms whether or not the external device has a power activation function by the first network, and confirms that the external device has a power activation function by the first network. If the external device is set to a mode in which the power supply of the external device is activated using the first network, and it is confirmed that the external device does not have a function of power activation by the first network, the external device Is set to a mode in which the power supply is activated using the second network.

  The network device having the power activation control function of the third invention of the present application is the network device having the power activation control function of the second invention of the present application, wherein the control device uses the second network. When the external device confirms whether or not the external device has a function of power activation by the first network, communication from the external device using the first network is necessary. The address information is acquired.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network device having a power activation control function according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the control device uses the first network. When transmitting a command instructing power activation of the external device, it is confirmed in advance whether or not the external device is connected to the first network, and it is confirmed that the external device is not connected. In this case, the second device is used to control power activation for the external device.

  The network device having the power activation control function according to the fifth invention of the present application includes at least one control device and at least one external device, and the control device includes at least two networks (first network and A network device having a power activation control function for controlling the external device via a second network, wherein the control device communicates with the external device via the first network. A1 and a communication device A2 having a device equipped with a CPU and communicating with the external device via the second network, the external device being connected to the control device via the first network Communication having communication means B1 for performing communication and a device equipped with a CPU, and performing communication with the control device via the second network Stage B2 and power control means for controlling a power supply range in the external device, and the first network includes the external device in which the control device is in a standby state via the communication means A1 and the communication means A2. The second network is provided with a function capable of activating the power supply of the device without using a device equipped with a CPU, and the control device is configured so that the control device can perform the communication via the communication unit B1 and the communication unit B2. The external device has a function capable of performing control including power activation from a standby state, and the external device is in a standby state in which a power supply range is limited to a predetermined range by the power control unit. When a command is received from the control device via the first network to start power supply, the power supply is started, After starting is to being controlled from the control device via the second network.

  The network device having the power activation control function of the sixth invention of the present application is the network device having the power activation control function of the fifth invention of the present application, wherein the external device uses the second network. The control device confirms whether or not the control device has a power activation function by the first network, and confirms that the control device has a power activation function by the first network. If the power activation is set to the mode using the first network, and it is confirmed that the first network does not have a power activation function, the power activation is performed on the second network. The mode to be used is set.

  The network device having the power activation control function of the seventh invention of the present application is the network device having the power activation control function of the sixth invention of the present application, wherein the power control means is configured such that the control device is the first device. When it is confirmed that the power supply activation function by one network is provided, the power supply range is limited to the communication means A2 and the power supply control means, and the control device is powered by the first network. When it is confirmed that it does not have an activation function, the power supply range is limited to a part or all of the communication means B2 including a device equipped with the CPU and the power supply control means. It is what.

  Further, the network device having the power activation control function of the eighth invention of the present application is the network device having the power activation control function of the sixth invention of the present application, wherein the external device uses the second network. Communication with the control device using the first network when the control device confirms whether or not the control device has a function of power activation by the first network. Address information necessary for the transmission is transmitted.

  The network device having the power activation control function of the ninth invention of the present application is the network device having the power activation control function of the fifth invention of the present application, wherein the external device is supplied with power by the power control means. When the range is in a standby state limited to a predetermined range, the communication unit A2 monitors whether or not a command instructing power activation transmitted from the control device via the first network is received. In this case, it is confirmed whether or not it is connected to the control device via the first network, and if it is confirmed that it is connected, whether or not a command for instructing power activation is continuously received is determined. When it is confirmed that the connection is not established, the communication means B2 activates power from the control device using the second network. It is characterized in that to enable reception of indication commands.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network device having a power supply start control function according to the ninth aspect of the present invention. When it is confirmed that the power supply control means is not connected through the network of 1, the power supply control means changes the power supply range from the communication means A2 and the power supply control means to a device equipped with the CPU. The communication means B2 is expanded to include a part or all of the communication means B2, and when it is confirmed by the communication means A2 that the control device is connected again with the first network, the power supply The supply range is again returned to a state limited to the original communication means A2 and the power supply control means.

  The network device having the power activation control function of the eleventh invention of the present application is the network device having the power activation control function of any one of the first to tenth inventions of the present application, wherein the first network is: It is a LAN (Local Area Network), and a command for instructing power activation is a WOL (Wake On Lan) packet.

  The network device having the power activation control function of the twelfth invention of the present application is a network device having the power activation control function of any one of the first to tenth inventions of the present application, wherein the second network is: It is characterized by HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface).

  The network device having the power activation control function of the thirteenth invention of the present application is the network device having the power activation control function of the fourth or ninth invention of the present application, wherein the control device is connected to the external device. Means for confirming whether or not the first device is connected to the first network, and whether or not the external device is connected to the control device via the first network The connection confirmation means is a means based on physical layer communication confirmation using Linkup, or a means based on packet transmission / reception confirmation using Ping.

  According to the network device having the power activation control function of the present invention, the power activation can be performed without using a device equipped with a CPU such as a microcomputer by using the WOL (Wake On Lan) function of the LAN to detect the power activation. Since the power supply can be activated by detecting the command, it is possible to reduce power consumption during standby until the power supply is activated.

  In addition, the LAN connection is confirmed during standby, and if the LAN connection is not confirmed, a device equipped with a CPU such as a microcomputer is activated to avoid power activation control failure due to the LAN not being connected. It becomes possible.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network device having a power supply activation control function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a network device having a power activation control function includes a control device 101 and an external device 102, and the control device 101 and the external device 102 are two networks, that is, an HDMI interface and a LAN (Local Area Network). Connected with an interface.

  The external device 102 transmits a video signal to the control device 101 using the HDMI interface. The control device 101 transmits / receives a CEC frame used for controlling device operation to / from the external device 102 using a CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) line in the HDMI interface, and further uses the LAN interface to transmit a packet. Send and receive.

  Normally, a microcomputer is used to analyze the CEC frame of the HDMI interface. However, even if the external device 102 is in a standby state, the microcomputer is used to determine the CEC frame related to power activation input from the control device 101. Although it is necessary to be energized, since this microcomputer is equipped with a CPU, there is a problem that it requires more power consumption than a device not equipped with a CPU.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the external device 102 is in a standby state, the control device 101 sends a packet for instructing power activation using the LAN interface to the outside. A configuration is made such that a packet transmitted to the device 102 and received by the external device 102 is discriminated and a power source is activated. In addition, the control of the external device 102 after the external device 102 activates the power is configured to be controlled using the CEC line of the HDMI interface.

  Here, the packet for instructing power activation is, for example, a WOL (Wake On LAN) compatible packet, and a device equipped with a CPU such as a microcomputer is not necessary for packet identification of this WOL compatible packet. If a WOL compatible LAN controller is installed, it can be supported.

  With the configuration described above, the external device 102 does not need to energize the microcomputer during standby, so that power consumption can be reduced.

  On the other hand, since the HDMI interface and the LAN interface are general-purpose network interfaces and can be easily connected by the user, the combination of connection between the control device 101 and the external device 102 is fixed. Not something. For example, there may be a connection form in which the HDMI interface is connected by the user but the LAN interface is not connected.

  Furthermore, among the external devices 102 connected to the control device 101 via a network, there may be a model that does not support the power activation by the LAN interface. Therefore, the control device 101 uses the HDMI interface to A mechanism for determining whether to start the power supply or to start the power supply of the external device 102 using the LAN interface is required.

  Similarly, in the external device 102, there may be a model that does not support the power activation by the LAN interface among the control devices 101 connected via the network. A mechanism is required for determining whether to wait for power-on or whether to wait for power-on from the LAN interface by energizing the LAN controller.

  In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which one external device 102 is connected to one control device 101 via a network. However, as a matter of course, a plurality of external devices are connected to one control device 101. In some cases, each of 102 may be connected via a network. Conversely, a plurality of control devices 101 may be connected to one external device 102 via a network.

  In FIG. 1, the control device 101 and the external device 102 are connected via two networks of HDMI and LAN. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is a network having another digital interface. In particular, as a replacement for the LAN interface, any network that can start the power supply from the standby state without using a device equipped with a CPU such as a microcomputer may be used.

  In FIG. 1, the control device 101 and the external device 102 are connected via two networks, HDMI and LAN, but may be connected via three or more networks.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the control device 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the control device 101 includes a video display unit 210, a main microcomputer 220, a LAN communication unit 230, and an HDMI communication unit 240, and the HDMI communication unit 240 includes a sub-microcomputer 241 and a video reception unit 242. The

  The video display unit 210 displays a video signal input from the external device 102 via the video reception unit 242 of the HDMI communication unit 240, and the main microcomputer 220 controls the entire control device 101, and claims Whether or not the LAN communication unit 230 corresponding to the communication unit A1 is connected to the external device 102 through the LAN interface corresponding to the first network described in the claims by the connection confirmation function provided by itself. The packet input from the main microcomputer 220 is transmitted to the external device 102 via the LAN interface, and conversely, the packet received from the external device 102 is transferred to the main microcomputer 220. The LAN communication unit 230 further outputs a disconnection notification to the main microcomputer 220 when it is confirmed that the connection with the external device 102 via the LAN interface has been disconnected.

  The HDMI communication unit 240 corresponding to the communication unit B1 described in the claims receives a video signal transmitted from the external device 102 via the HDMI interface corresponding to the second network described in the claims. The command signal is transmitted to and received from the external device 102. In the HDMI communication unit 240, the video reception unit 242 receives a video signal transmitted from the external device 102, and the sub-microcomputer 241 transmits / receives a command signal to / from the external device 102.

  Next, an operation for determining whether the control device 101 activates the power of the external device 102 using the HDMI interface or activates the power of the external device 102 using the LAN interface will be described.

  When the control device 101 is powered on, the sub-microcomputer 241 performs device authentication with the external device 102 via the HDMI interface. During the device authentication process, the sub-microcomputer 241 makes an inquiry to the external device 102 using the HDMI interface CEC line as to whether or not the external device 102 is compatible with a power-on packet by the LAN interface. .

  Since this inquiry is implemented in the Option field of the CEC, if the external device 102 does not support the power activation packet by the LAN interface, a reply from the external device 102 is not transmitted to the sub-microcomputer 241. If the sub-microcomputer 241 does not receive a reply from the external device 102 even though the inquiry has been made, the sub-microcomputer 241 determines that the external device 102 does not support the power-up activation packet by the LAN interface, and notifies that fact. The main microcomputer 220 sets the mode for starting the power supply of the external device 102 to the CEC power supply start setting using the CEC line of the HDMI interface.

  On the other hand, when the external device 102 is compatible with the power activation packet by the LAN interface, a notification of correspondence to the power activation packet is returned from the external device 102 to the sub-microcomputer 241, and further, with the external device 102 using the LAN interface. The MAC (Media Access Control) address of the external device 102 necessary for communication is sent.

  When the sub-microcomputer 241 receives the power activation packet correspondence notification from the external device 102, the sub-microcomputer 241 notifies the main microcomputer that the external device 102 is compatible with the power activation packet via the LAN interface and obtains it from the external device 102. Transfer the MAC address. The main microcomputer 220 stores the MAC address of the external device 102 transferred and acquired from the sub-microcomputer 241, and sets the mode for starting the power supply of the external device 102 to the LAN power supply start setting using the LAN interface.

  With the above configuration, the control device 101 uses the CEC line of the HDMI interface to inquire whether the external device 102 supports a power activation packet using the LAN interface, and thereby sets the HDMI interface. It is possible to determine whether to activate the power source of the external device 102 using the LAN interface or to activate the power source of the external device 102 using the LAN interface.

  Next, an operation when the control device 101 activates the power supply of the external device 102 using the LAN interface will be described.

  First, the operation of each block constituting the control device 101 when the control device 101 activates the power supply of the external device 102 using the LAN interface will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the device authentication process described above, the main microcomputer 220 determines whether or not the mode for starting the power supply of the external device 102 is set to the LAN power supply start setting. If the LAN power supply activation setting is set, the main microcomputer 220 has received a disconnection notification indicating that the connection with the external device 102 via the LAN interface has been disconnected from the LAN communication unit 230. Check. When the disconnection notification is not input, the main microcomputer 220 transmits a power supply start packet to the external device 102 via the LAN communication unit 230 to start the power supply of the external device 102, and the disconnection notification is input. In this case, a power activation instruction is output to the sub-microcomputer 241.

  When receiving the power activation instruction from the main microcomputer 220, the sub-microcomputer 241 outputs a CEC frame storing a power activation command using the CEC line to the external device 102, and activates the power of the external device 102.

  In the device authentication process described above, when the CEC power activation setting is set, the main microcomputer 220 outputs a power activation instruction to the sub microcomputer 241 and receives the power activation instruction from the main microcomputer 220. The sub-microcomputer 241 outputs a CEC frame storing a power activation command to the external device 102 using the CEC line, and activates the power of the external device 102.

  Next, the flow of processing when the control device 101 activates the power supply of the external device 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when the control device starts up the power supply of the external device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, the control device 101 starts the power activation control of the external device 102 (S301), and determines whether or not the mode set in the device authentication process is the LAN power activation setting (S302). If it is determined in step S302 that the LAN power supply activation setting has been made (YES in step S302), the main microcomputer 220 is connected to the LAN communication means 230 with the external device 102 via the LAN interface. It is confirmed whether or not (S303).

  If it is confirmed in step S303 that the external microcomputer 102 is connected to the external device 102 via the LAN interface (YES in step S303), the main microcomputer 220 sends the external device from the LAN interface via the LAN communication unit 230. A power activation packet is transmitted to 102 (S304), and it is confirmed whether or not a power activation completion notification is received from the external device 102 that has received the power activation packet via the HDMI interface (S305).

  If it is confirmed in step S305 that the power activation completion notification has been received (YES in step S305), the power activation control of the external device 102 is terminated (S306), and it is confirmed that the power activation completion notification has been received. If it is not possible (NO in step S305), the confirmation of whether or not the power activation completion notification has been received is repeated until it is confirmed that the power activation completion notification has been received.

  On the other hand, when the set power activation setting mode is not the LAN power activation setting but the CEC power activation setting in step S302 (NO in step S302), or in step S303, the control device 101 is connected to the LAN interface. If it is not connected to the external device 102 (NO in step S303), the main microcomputer 220 transmits a power activation command to the external device 102 using the HDMI interface CEC line via the sub-microcomputer 241. When confirming whether or not a power activation completion notification is received from the external device 102 that has received the power activation command via the HDMI interface (S305), and confirming that the power activation completion notification is received (S305) In step S305 In the case of YES) to exit the power-up control of the external device 102 (S306).

  As described above, when the control device 101 activates the power of the external device 102, the control device 101 confirms the connection of the LAN interface in advance when the power of the external device 102 is activated by the power activation packet. As a result, it is possible to avoid a power-on failure when the control device 101 and the external device 102 are not connected via the LAN interface.

  As a means for confirming whether or not the control device 101 is connected to the external device 102 via the LAN interface, a physical layer connection confirmation by LinkUp, or one of UNIX (registered trademark) commands. Means such as connection confirmation by transmission / reception of a packet such as a certain Ping can be given.

  Next, the configuration of the external device 102 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the external device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 4, the external device 102 includes a storage unit 410, a main microcomputer 420, a power source control unit 430, a LAN communication unit 440, and an HDMI communication unit 450. The HDMI communication unit 450 further includes a sub-microcomputer 451 and a video transmission unit. 452. In FIG. 4, power lines indicating the flow of power (power source) supplied from the power source control unit 430 to each block are not displayed.

  The storage unit 410 stores the video signal, and outputs the video signal to the control device 101 via the video transmission unit 452 in accordance with an instruction from the main microcomputer 420.

  The main microcomputer 420 controls the entire external device 102, and the power control unit 430 controls a range in which power (electric power) is supplied in the external device 102, and a LAN corresponding to the communication unit A 2 described in the claims. The communication unit 440 transmits the packet input from the main microcomputer 420 to the control device 101 via the LAN interface, and forwards the packet received from the control device 101 to the main microcomputer 420. When the connection via the LAN interface is disconnected, a disconnection notice is output.

  The HDMI communication unit 450 corresponding to the communication unit B2 described in the claims performs transmission and reception of a video signal to the control device 101 and transmission and reception of a CEC frame storing a device control command via the HDMI interface. The video transmission means 452 transmits signals and the sub-microcomputer 451 transmits and receives CEC frames.

  In the external device 102 configured as described above, when the external device 102 is in a standby state, the microcomputer (sub-microcomputer 451) is energized and waits for power activation from the HDMI interface, or the LAN controller (LAN communication means 440) is energized. An operation for determining whether to wait for power-on from the LAN interface will be described.

  When the external device 102 is powered on, the sub-microcomputer 451 performs device authentication processing with the control device 101 via the HDMI interface. In the device authentication process, the control device 101 is inquired of the control device 101 using the CEC line of the HDMI interface as to whether or not the control device 101 is compatible with power activation packet transmission through the LAN interface.

  Since this inquiry is implemented in the Option field of the CEC, if the control device 101 does not support the power activation packet by the LAN interface, a reply from the control device 101 is transmitted to the external device 102. Not come. When the reply from the control device 101 does not reach the external device 102 despite the inquiry, the sub-microcomputer 451 determines that the control device 101 does not support the power activation packet by the LAN interface. When the main microcomputer 420 receives a notification from the sub-microcomputer 451 that the control device 101 does not support the power activation packet by the LAN interface, the main microcomputer 420 activates the power of the external device 102. The mode is set to the CEC power activation setting using the CEC line of the HDMI interface.

  On the other hand, when the control device 101 supports the power activation packet by the LAN interface, the control device 101 notifies the external device 102 that the power activation packet is supported by using the CEC line. Returns a start packet correspondence notification. On the other hand, the sub-microcomputer 451 of the external device 102 notifies the MAC address stored in the LAN communication unit 440 to the control device 101 using the CEC line, and also notifies the control device 101 to the main microcomputer 420. The power-up activation packet correspondence notification by the LAN interface received from is transferred. When the main microcomputer 420 receives the power activation packet correspondence notification from the control device 101 from the sub microcomputer 451, the main microcomputer 420 sets the mode for powering on the external device 102 to the LAN power activation setting using the LAN interface.

  As described above, the external device 102 uses the HDMI interface CEC line to inquire about whether or not the control device 101 supports the power activation packet using the LAN interface. During standby, it can be determined whether the microcomputer is energized and waits for power activation from the HDMI interface, or the LAN controller is energized and waits for power activation from the LAN interface.

  Next, a procedure for determining the power supply range determined by the power control unit 430 when the external device 102 shifts to the standby state will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining the power supply range when the external device shifts to the standby state.

  In FIG. 5, first, the external device 102 starts transition to the standby state (S501), and determines whether or not the LAN power supply activation setting is set during the device authentication process described above (S502).

  If it is determined in step S502 that the LAN power supply activation setting is set (YES in step S502), the power supply destination of the external device 102 during standby is the LAN communication unit 440 and the power control unit 430 ( S503), the transition to the standby state is terminated (S505).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the LAN power supply activation setting has not been set (NO in step S502), the power supply destination of the external device 102 during standby is the sub-microcomputer 451 and the power control means 430. (S504), the transition to the standby state is terminated (S505).

  Next, the operation of the external device 102 during standby will be described. First, the operation of each block constituting the external device 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, when the power activation setting at the time of standby is the CEC power activation setting, similarly to the conventional method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the power control unit 430 switches to the sub-microcomputer 451 at the time of standby. When power is supplied and the sub-microcomputer 451 receives the CEC frame storing the power-up command from the CEC line of the HDMI interface, the sub-microcomputer 451 notifies the power control unit 430 of the power-up instruction, and the sub-microcomputer 451 receives the power-up instruction. The power control unit 430 that has received the notification enters the power activation process of the entire external device 102.

  On the other hand, if the power activation setting during standby is the LAN power activation setting, power is supplied from the power control means 430 to the LAN communication means 440 during standby. The LAN communication unit 440 monitors whether or not a power activation packet has been received from the control device 101. When the power communication packet is received, the LAN communication unit 440 notifies the power control unit 430 of a power activation instruction. When the power control unit 430 receives a power activation instruction from the LAN communication unit 440, the power control unit 430 enters a power activation process for the entire external device 102.

  Also, the LAN communication unit 440 confirms whether or not it is connected to the control device 101 via the LAN interface. If the connection with the control device 101 via the LAN interface cannot be confirmed, a disconnection notification is sent to the power control unit 430. Send to. When receiving the disconnection notification from the LAN communication unit 440, the power supply control unit 430 supplies power to the sub-microcomputer 451 that is a part of the HDMI communication unit 450 in addition to the LAN communication unit 440. When the power is supplied from the power control unit 430, the sub-microcomputer 451 monitors whether or not a CEC frame storing a power activation command transmitted from the control device 101 is received.

  In the above situation, when the LAN communication unit 440 confirms the connection with the control device 101 through the LAN interface, the LAN communication unit 440 transmits a connection notification to the power control unit 430 and receives the connection notification. The means 430 returns the power supply destination (power supply range) to the LAN communication means 440 only.

  Next, the procedure for determining the power supply (power) supply range when the external device 102 is on standby will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining the power supply range during standby when the external device is set to the LAN power supply startup setting.

  In FIG. 6, the standby state is started (S601), and the external device 102 checks whether it is connected to the control device 101 via the LAN interface (S602).

  If it is confirmed in step S602 that the LAN interface is connected (YES in step S602), the external device 102 supplies power to the LAN communication unit 440 and the power control unit 430 (S603). Returning to step S602, it is continuously checked whether or not the control device 101 is connected via the LAN interface.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in step S602 that the LAN interface is not connected, the external device 102 supplies power (electric power) to the sub-microcomputer 451 and the power control unit 430 (S604), and returns to step S602. Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the control device 101 is connected via the LAN interface.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a description will be given of a power activation procedure when a power-on packet is received during standby when the external device 102 is set to the LAN power activation setting. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing from the standby state to power activation when a power-on packet is received when the external device is set to the LAN power activation setting.

  In FIG. 7, when the standby is started (S701), the power supply destination in the external device 102 is the power control unit 430 and the LAN communication unit 440. The external device 102 determines whether or not a power activation packet has been received via the LAN interface (S702). If the power activation packet has not been received (NO in step S702), the external device 102 continues to receive the power activation packet. If a power activation packet is received (YES in step S702), power is supplied to the entire external device 102 (S703), and the power activation process is terminated (S704).

  As described above, the external device 102 can avoid energization of the sub-microcomputer 451 with large power consumption by using the power activation packet using the LAN interface when the power is activated from the standby time. It is possible to reduce power consumption at the time.

  Further, even when the external device 102 is set to the LAN power supply activation setting at the standby time, the external device 102 monitors whether it is connected to the control device 101 via the LAN interface and is connected to the control device 101 via the LAN interface. If it is determined that there is no connection, it is possible to avoid failure in power activation when the LAN interface is not connected to the control device 101 by switching to the activation mode on the CEC line via the HDMI interface.

  As a means for confirming whether or not the control device 101 is connected to the external device 102 via the LAN interface, a physical layer connection confirmation by LinkUp, or one of UNIX (registered trademark) commands. Means such as connection confirmation by transmission / reception of a packet such as a certain Ping can be given.

  By configuring the control device 101 and the external device 102 as described above, the control device 101 performs power activation of the connected external device 102 by a power activation packet using a LAN interface, so that an HDMI CEC line can be obtained. It is possible to save power of the external device 102 as compared with power activation by a CEC frame using.

  Further, between the control device 101 and the external device 102, authentication as to whether or not power activation by a power activation packet using a LAN interface is supported, and exchange of MAC address information necessary for communication is performed. Thus, even when an external device that does not support power activation by the power activation packet using the LAN interface is connected, the power activation is automatically performed by switching to the power activation using the HDMI CEC line. It is possible to suppress the failure.

  Furthermore, the LAN interface connection between the control device 101 and the external device 102 is confirmed. When it is confirmed that the connection is not established, the power supply is automatically switched to the power activation using the HDMI CEC line. It becomes possible to suppress power activation failure.

  The network device having the power activation control function of the present invention can be applied to a device that performs power activation control using a plurality of interfaces.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of the network apparatus provided with the power supply starting control function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process when a control apparatus starts the power supply of an external apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the external apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention A flowchart showing a procedure for determining a power supply range when an external device shifts to a standby state. The flowchart which shows the determination procedure of the power supply range at the time of a standby when an external apparatus is set to LAN power supply starting setting The flowchart which shows the flow of a process from the standby state at the time of receiving a power-on packet when an external apparatus is set to LAN power supply start setting to power supply start-up FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network device having a conventional power activation control function disclosed in Patent Document 1

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Control apparatus 102 External apparatus 210 Image | video display means 220 Main microcomputer 230 LAN communication means 240 HDMI communication means 241 Sub microcomputer 242 Image receiving means 410 Storage means 420 Main microcomputer 430 Power supply control means 440 LAN communication means 450 HDMI communication means 451 Sub microcomputer 452 Video transmission means
800 Network device 810 Network I / F unit 811 Power-on request detection unit 812 Power source control unit 813 Display unit 814 Main function unit 815 Content reception / playback unit 816 Content distribution unit

Claims (13)

A power activation control function configured by at least one control device and at least one external device, wherein the control device controls the external device via at least two networks (a first network and a second network); A network device comprising:
The control device includes a communication unit A1 that communicates with the external device via the first network and a device equipped with a CPU, and performs communication with the external device via the second network. Comprising means A2,
The external device includes a communication unit B1 that communicates with the control device via the first network and a device equipped with a CPU, and communication that communicates with the control device via the second network. Means B2 and power control means for controlling a power supply range in the external device;
In the first network, the control device can activate the power supply of the external device in a standby state via the communication unit A1 and the communication unit A2 without using a device equipped with a CPU. With various functions
The second network has a function that allows the control device to perform control including power activation from a standby state to the external device via the communication unit B1 and the communication unit B2.
The control device transmits a command to instruct power activation using the first network when the external device is in a standby state in which a power supply range is limited to a predetermined range by the power control means. Then, after the power source is activated and the power source of the external device is activated, the network device having a power source activation control function, wherein the external device is controlled using the second network. The control device confirms whether or not the external device has a function of power activation by the first network with respect to the external device using the second network. When it is confirmed that it has a power-on function, it sets the power source of the external device to a mode to start up using the first network, and has a function of power-on by the first network. 2. The network device having a power activation control function according to claim 1, wherein if it is confirmed that the power supply of the external device is not activated, the power supply of the external device is set to a mode for activating using the second network. The control device uses the second network to check whether the external device has a function of power activation by the first network from the external device. 3. The network device having a power-on activation control function according to claim 2, wherein address information necessary for communication using the first network is acquired. When the control device transmits a command for instructing the power-on of the external device using the first network, a connection confirmation as to whether or not the control device is connected to the external device in advance in the first network is performed. 2. The power activation control function according to claim 1, wherein when it is confirmed that the connection is not established, power activation control is performed on the external device using the second network. Network equipment provided. A power activation control function configured by at least one control device and at least one external device, wherein the control device controls the external device via at least two networks (a first network and a second network); A network device comprising:
The control device includes a communication unit A1 that communicates with the external device via the first network and a device equipped with a CPU, and performs communication with the external device via the second network. Comprising means A2,
The external device includes a communication unit B1 that communicates with the control device via the first network and a device equipped with a CPU, and communication that communicates with the control device via the second network. Means B2 and power control means for controlling a power supply range in the external device;
In the first network, the control device can activate the power supply of the external device in a standby state via the communication unit A1 and the communication unit A2 without using a device equipped with a CPU. With various functions
The second network has a function that allows the control device to perform control including power activation from a standby state to the external device via the communication unit B1 and the communication unit B2.
The external device receives a command for instructing power activation from the control device via the first network when the power supply range by the power control means is in a standby state limited to a predetermined range. A network device having a power activation control function, wherein the network device is controlled by the control device via the second network after the power is activated. The external device confirms whether the control device has a function of power activation by the first network with respect to the control device using the second network, and performs the operation according to the first network. If it is confirmed that the power activation function is provided, the power activation is set to the mode using the first network, and it is confirmed that the power activation function based on the first network is not provided. 6. The network device having a power activation control function according to claim 5, wherein power activation is set to a mode using the second network. The power control means limits the power supply range to the communication means A2 and the power control means when it is confirmed that the control device has a function of power activation by the first network. When it is confirmed that the control device does not have a function of power activation by the first network, the power supply range is set to a part or all of the communication means B2 including a device equipped with the CPU. The network apparatus having a power activation control function according to claim 6, wherein the network apparatus is limited to the power control means. The external device uses the second network to check the control device when the control device confirms whether the control device has a function of power activation by the first network. 7. A network apparatus having a power activation control function according to claim 6, wherein address information necessary for communication using the first network is transmitted. When the external device is in a standby state in which a power supply range is limited to a predetermined range by the power control unit, the communication unit A2 is transmitted from the control device via the first network. When monitoring the presence / absence of reception of a command to start power supply, it is confirmed whether or not it is connected to the control device by the first network. Whether or not a command for instructing power activation is continuously received is monitored, and if it is confirmed that the connection is not established, the communication means B2 instructs the power activation from the control device using the second network. 6. The network device having a power-on activation control function according to claim 5, wherein a command to be received can be received. When it is confirmed by the communication means A2 that the control device is not connected to the first network, the power supply control means sends the power supply range to the communication means A2 and the power supply control means. From the limited state, the communication means B2 including the device on which the CPU is mounted is expanded to include a part or all of the communication means B2, and the communication device A2 is connected again to the control device by the first network. 10. The power activation control function according to claim 9, wherein when it is confirmed that the power supply range is limited to the original communication unit A2 and the power control unit again, the power supply start range is provided. Network device. 11. The power supply according to claim 1, wherein the first network is a LAN (Local Area Network), and a command for instructing power activation is a WOL (Wake On Lan) packet. A network device with an activation control function. The network device having a power activation control function according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second network is a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI). Connection confirmation means for confirming whether or not the control device is connected to the external device via the first network, and the external device is connected to the control device via the first network. 10. The power supply according to claim 4 or 9, wherein the means for confirming connection when confirming whether or not is a means for confirming communication of a physical layer by Linkup or a means for confirming packet transmission / reception by Ping A network device with an activation control function.

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