JP2013242925A - Information processing device and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience of an application with communications between devices.SOLUTION: When making a device C303 touch (approach) to a device B302, first communication is established between the device B302 and a device C301. When exchanging capability information by the first communication, information on a device A301 is provided to the device C303. By use of the information on the device A301, second communication is established between the device A301 and the device C303 as shown in Fig. 7C. By use of the second communication, streaming reproduction or the like of content data is performed. This invention is applicable to, for example, a communication system.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus that can improve the convenience of an application that involves communication between apparatuses.

  Conventionally, there is an application that operates in cooperation with another device by communicating with another device using a predetermined communication method and provides a predetermined service such as sharing information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  In the case of Patent Document 1, the digital mobile phone downloads a song name list file from a notebook computer in accordance with a user operation, and displays the song name list on the display unit according to the song name list file. The digital cellular phone downloads and plays a music file selected by the user from the displayed song name list from a notebook computer or music file server, and then outputs the music file via headphones.

JP 2001-215975 A

  However, in order to communicate with other devices, it is necessary to exchange information regarding communication functions and applications with each other and establish a connection based on the information. Such setting work for establishing communication is not only complicated, but also requires specific knowledge. Therefore, if such a setting operation is performed manually by the user, there is a possibility that an application involving communication with another device cannot be easily used.

  In particular, when a communication network is formed by three or more devices, processing such as mutual authentication and communication setting becomes more complicated, which may further reduce the convenience of the application.

  The present invention is for solving such a problem, and is intended to improve the convenience of an application involving communication between apparatuses.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, device information of a second other information processing apparatus different from the first other information processing apparatus from the first other information processing apparatus via the first communication, and First receiving means for receiving first connection information useful for connecting to the second other information processing apparatus by a second communication different from the first communication, and via the first communication First connection means for transmitting second connection information useful for connecting to itself through the second communication to the first other information processing device, the first connection information, and the An information processing apparatus comprising: second receiving means for receiving content data transmitted from the second other information processing apparatus through the second communication based on second connection information.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the device information of the second other information processing apparatus different from the first other information processing apparatus from the first other information processing apparatus via the first communication. The first connection information useful for connecting to the second other information processing apparatus is received by a second communication different from the first communication, and the first communication information is received via the first communication. Second connection information useful for connecting to itself through second communication is transmitted to the first other information processing apparatus, and based on the first connection information and the second connection information, The content data transmitted from the second other information processing apparatus is received by the second communication.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of applications that involve communication between devices.

It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of a communication system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the mobile phone in FIG. 1. It is a functional block diagram which shows the example of a function which CPU of FIG. 2 can implement | achieve. It is a figure which shows the example of the hand-over application of FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the mode of operation | movement of a handover application. It is a figure explaining the structural example of various information. It is a figure which shows the main structural examples of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the functional block which each apparatus has. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a device addition process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart following FIG. 9 for explaining the flow of device addition processing; It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the data exchanged. It is a figure which shows the main structural examples of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the functional block which each apparatus has. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a device addition process. FIG. 21 is a flowchart following FIG. 20 for explaining the flow of processing for adding a device. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the data exchanged. It is a figure which shows the main structural examples of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the functional block which each apparatus has. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the functional block which each apparatus has. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a device addition process. 27 is a flowchart following FIG. 26 for explaining the flow of device addition processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the data exchanged. It is a figure which shows the main structural examples of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the functional block which each apparatus has. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a device deletion process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the data exchanged. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the functional block regarding the promotion process which each apparatus has. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a promotion process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the main structural examples of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the functional block which each apparatus has. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a process of a roll switch. It is a flowchart following FIG. 40 explaining the flow of processing of the roll switch. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the data exchanged.

  First, processing at the time of communication connection between apparatuses will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, a communication system 100 is a system that operates a plurality of devices in cooperation with each other by wireless communication and executes an application that provides a series of services. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes, for example, a mobile phone 101 and a mobile phone 102.

  The mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 communicate with each other by two methods of the first communication and the second communication. The first communication is communication performed to exchange device information, which is information related to a device that performs communication, and capability information including information that is more useful for establishing the connection of the second communication. For example, proximity wireless communication is used as the first communication. The second communication is communication for performing communication necessary for operating applications executed in the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 in cooperation with each other and providing a series of services (application providing services). For example, near field communication is used as the second communication.

  Here, the proximity wireless communication means that the casings of the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 are brought into contact with each other, or the communication partner is brought close to a visually identifiable distance such as about several centimeters. Indicates a wireless communication system that can communicate in a state. For example, there is a wireless communication method using electromagnetic induction, such as a non-contact IC (Integrated Circuit) card. In the following description, the “contact” and the “proximity” as described above will be described without distinction unless otherwise required. That is, in the following, the action described as “proximity” includes “contact”. The reverse is also true.

  The short-range wireless communication refers to a wireless communication method in which communication is possible in a state where the casings of the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 are located at a short distance (for example, about several tens of meters or less). For example, there are a Bluetooth (registered trademark) system and a WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) system (WiFi-certified IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11x).

  In general, in the case of close proximity wireless communication used as the first communication, it is easy to specify a communication partner due to physical limitations of the communication range, and accordingly, setting work for establishing a communication connection is performed at a short distance. It is easier than wireless communication. For example, in the case of short-range wireless communication, when there are a plurality of devices in the communicable range, the user needs to specify which device to communicate with. On the other hand, in the case of proximity wireless communication, since the communicable range is narrow, the number of communication partners is basically limited to one. Therefore, in this case, the user needs to bring the device operated by himself / herself close to the device to be the communication partner, but since the act itself specifies the communication partner, the user inputs the designation of the communication partner again. There is no need.

  However, near field communication generally has a lower data transfer rate than near field communication and is not suitable for large capacity data transfer. In addition, it is necessary to keep devices close to each other during communication, but it may be difficult to maintain the posture (positional relationship between devices). Furthermore, communication between three or more devices becomes difficult.

  From the above points, in the communication system 100, the application (the application executed by each of the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102) is linked by the second communication (short-range wireless communication), and the first communication ( Proximity wireless communication) is used to exchange each other's device information and capability information for the second communication. That is, the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 first perform the first communication, and prepare for connection of the second communication by exchanging device information with each other. However, in practice, the device information alone is not versatile and it is difficult to establish a connection for the second communication. Therefore, the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 exchange capability information including more detailed information, and flexibly establish the connection of the second communication based on the capability information. When the connection of the second communication is established, the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 perform an application linking operation using the second communication.

  The device information includes general identification information for identifying each device. The identification information may be based on a predetermined communication protocol. The conditions for establishing the connection of the second communication are diversified depending on the communication capability and information processing capability of each device, and the application used. Therefore, the basic device information alone is not versatile.

  Although details will be described later, the capability information includes, for example, information on the capability of the apparatus such as a communication unit (communication method) and an application. The mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 make detailed settings of the communication unit used for the second communication and select an application used for the second communication based on the capability information of the communication partner. Through such exchange of capability information, the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 can share each other's information. Therefore, the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 can perform communication and application settings more appropriately based on the information without unnecessarily increasing the amount of work for the user. That is, the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 can improve the convenience of an application involving communication between apparatuses. For example, the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 may appropriately select various communication settings such as the communication method and communication speed for the second communication according to the capability of the mobile phone 101 and the communication partner or the application to be used. it can. Further, for example, the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 can appropriately select an application to be used according to the capability of the mobile phone 101 or the communication partner or the purpose of processing.

  Note that the communication device constituting the communication system 100 may be any communication device as long as it can perform both the first communication and the second communication. For example, the first communication that performs communication at a distance where the communication partner can be visually identified in the positional relationship of the device during communication, and the communication range is wider than the first communication, and the communication is performed in the positional relationship of the device during communication. The communication apparatus which can perform both the 2nd communication which communicates in the distance where it is difficult to identify an other party visually may be sufficient.

  That is, the communication device constituting the communication system 100 may be other than the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 described above. For example, a television signal receiver, a video recorder, a media player, an audio amplifier, an audio component, a printer, a facsimile, an in-vehicle audio system, or a car navigation system may be used. Of course, other devices may be used. Further, for example, each communication device constituting the communication system 100 may be a device having different functions, such as a mobile phone and an audio component.

  Furthermore, the number of communication devices constituting the communication system 100 is arbitrary, and may be three or more. Note that the first communication may not be proximity wireless communication. Further, the second communication need not be short-range wireless communication. Further, the first communication and the second communication may be performed via a relay device or a network. Further, the first communication and the second communication may be wired communication performed via a wire. However, as described above, since the first communication is a communication for exchanging information for establishing the second communication, the setting work for starting the communication is easy or unnecessary, such as being able to easily identify the communication partner. It is desirable that

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of the mobile phone 101 of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 of the mobile phone 101 is an arithmetic processing unit that executes various processes by executing a software program. The CPU 111 is mutually connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113 via a bus 114. A software program and data are stored in the ROM 112 in advance. The RAM 113 is loaded with software programs and data stored in the ROM 112 and the storage unit 123. The RAM 113 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 111 to execute various processes.

  An input / output interface 120 is also connected to the bus 114. An input unit 121 such as a keyboard and a mouse is connected to the input / output interface 120. The input / output interface 120 is also connected to a display such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and an output unit 122 such as a speaker. In addition, the input / output interface 120 is connected to a storage unit 123 including a flash memory and a hard disk.

  A drive 124 is connected to the input / output interface 120 as necessary, and a removable medium 131 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from them is Installed in the storage unit 123 as necessary.

  Further, the input / output interface 120 is connected to a first communication unit 141 that performs first communication and a second communication unit 142 that performs second communication. The input / output interface 120 is configured by a modem or the like, and is connected to a telephone line network communication unit 143 that performs voice communication or packet communication with other devices via a public telephone line network. Further, the input / output interface 120 is connected to a camera unit 144 having a digital camera function for photographing a subject and obtaining the image data.

  The first communication unit 141 is a wireless communication unit that performs close proximity wireless communication as described above. The first communication unit 141 includes a mobile device IC communication chip 151 (hereinafter referred to as a mobile IC communication chip 151), which is a wireless communication unit that performs communication using a communication method used for a contactless IC card. The first communication unit 141 includes a digital home appliance IC communication chip 152 (hereinafter referred to as a CE (Consumer Electronics) IC communication chip 152). The mobile IC communication chip 151 and the CE IC communication chip 152 perform communication based on different communication standards. The first communication unit 141 selectively uses one of these.

  The second communication unit 142 is a wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication as described above. The second communication unit 142 includes a Bluetooth (Bluetooth®) 161 that is a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication using the Bluetooth method. In addition, the second communication unit 142 includes a WiFi 162 that is a wireless communication unit certified for WiFi, which performs wireless communication using the IEEE802.11x method. The second communication unit 142 selectively uses one of these.

  In FIG. 2, it has been described that each of the first communication unit 141 and the second communication unit 142 is provided with two types of communication units. However, the number (type) of communication units included in each type is different. Also good. Moreover, the 1st communication part 141 should just perform 1st communication, and the 2nd communication part 142 should just perform 2nd communication. That is, the communication method of the communication unit included in the first communication unit 141 and the second communication unit 142 is arbitrary, and may be other than those described above.

  Of course, the mobile phone 101 may have a configuration other than that described above. In addition, some functions such as the camera unit 144 can be omitted.

  Since the mobile phone 102 that is the communication partner of the mobile phone 101 also has basically the same configuration as the configuration of the mobile phone 101 described with reference to FIG. 2, the description of the configuration of the mobile phone 102 is omitted. That is, the description of FIG. 2 can also be applied to the mobile phone 102, and the configuration of the mobile phone 102 will be described with reference to FIG. The same applies to the configurations shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to be described later. In the following description, the side that requests the handover process is described as the mobile phone 101, and the side that responds is described as the mobile phone 102. However, depending on the situation, the same device may be the request side or the response side It is also conceivable that the request side and the response side need not have different configurations. Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that the configurations of the mobile phone 101 and the mobile phone 102 are basically the same. That is, the description of the configuration of the mobile phone 101 can be applied to the description of the mobile phone 102.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating functions of the CPU 111 in FIG. 2 that executes an application. The CPU 111 implements various functions by reading various data and executing programs. FIG. 3 schematically shows various functions realized in such a manner.

  The CPU 111 includes an OS (Operating System) 201, a first communication control unit 202, a second communication control unit 203, a handover processing unit 204, a handover log management unit 205, an information management unit 206, a first communication application 207, and a handover application. 208.

  The OS 201 is basic software that provides basic functions commonly used by many application software and manages the entire computer system. For example, the OS 201 controls a processing unit outside the CPU 111 based on an instruction from another functional block, and performs various control processes such as input / output functions such as user interface input and screen output, and disk and memory management. The first communication control unit 202 controls the first communication unit 141 via the OS 201 and performs processing related to the first communication. The second communication control unit 203 controls the second communication unit 142 via the OS 201 and performs processing related to the second communication.

  For example, the handover processing unit 204 controls the first communication control unit 202 and the second communication control unit 203 to exchange setting information of the second communication using the first communication, and uses the information to perform the second communication. The process of establishing the connection (handover process) is performed. The handover processing unit 204 also exchanges device information and capability information using the first communication during the handover process. Based on this capability information, the handover processing unit 204 more appropriately sets the second communication and executes the application.

  The handover log management unit 205 manages a log of processing contents of the handover processing unit 204. The information management unit 206 manages various information such as device information, capability information, and profile information exchanged with the communication partner. The profile information is information related to the user of the device that is the communication partner. Details will be described later.

  The first communication application 207 is an application that provides a service using only the first communication, such as electronic money settlement and authentication processing. The handover application 208 is an application that provides a service using the second communication, and is an application that performs a handover process in order to establish the second communication. That is, in the handover application 208, both the first communication and the second communication are used. A specific example of the handover application will be described later.

  In FIG. 3, the first communication application 207 has been described as one functional block. However, the number of first communication applications is arbitrary, and the first communication application 207 may be configured by a plurality of types of applications. Similarly, the number of handover applications is also arbitrary, and the handover application 208 may be configured by a plurality of types of applications.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the handover application 208 of FIG. In the example of FIG. 4, the handover application 208 includes a content cast application 211, a music player application 212, a photo viewer application 213, a playlist management application 214, a multiplayer application 215, and a print control application 216.

  The content cast application 211 is an application that exchanges content data such as images and sounds with a communication partner device using the second communication. The content cast application 211 basically operates in cooperation with other applications such as the music player application 212 to the print control application 216, and exchanges content data necessary for the other applications.

  The music player application 212 is an application that reads out and reproduces music data stored in the storage unit 123, for example, and outputs sound from a speaker or the like (output unit 122). The music player application 212 operates in cooperation with the content cast application 211 to supply music data as streaming data to the communication partner apparatus using the second communication, and reproduce and output the music in the communication partner apparatus. Or the streaming data (music data) supplied from the communication partner apparatus can be acquired and the music can be reproduced and output.

  The photo viewer application 213 is an application that displays image data such as still images and moving images stored in the storage unit 123 or the like on a monitor (output unit 122), for example. The photo viewer application 213 operates in cooperation with the content cast application 211 to supply image data to the communication partner device using the second communication and display the image on the monitor of the communication partner device. The image data supplied from the communication partner device can be acquired and the image can be displayed on the monitor (output unit 122).

  The playlist management application 214 is an application that manages a playlist indicating the reproduction output order (display order) of content data reproduced and output (displayed) by the music player application 212 and the photo viewer application 213. The playlist management application 214 displays the playlist on the monitor (output unit 122), and accepts user instruction input for the displayed playlist. Further, the playlist management application 214 controls the music player application 212 and the photo viewer application 213 based on the instruction. Furthermore, the playlist management application 214 can operate in cooperation with the content cast application 211 to control the music player application and the photo viewer application of the communication partner apparatus using the second communication. For example, the playlist management application 214 supplies the music data designated by the user to the communication partner device using the content cast application 211, activates the music player application of the communication partner device, and reproduces and outputs the music. Can be made.

  The multiplayer application 215 is an application that can process a plurality of types of content data, such as displaying and displaying image data corresponding to the music data while reproducing and outputting the music data. In other words, it basically has the same functions as the music player application 212 and the photo viewer application 213, and operates in cooperation with the content cast application 211, so that the communication partner device and content data can be transferred using the second communication. Can give and receive.

  The print control application 216 is an application that causes image data, text data, and the like to be printed on a print medium such as paper in a printing unit (output unit 122). By operating in cooperation with the content cast application 211, the print control application 216 can cause the printing unit to print the content data supplied from the communication partner device using the second communication.

  The content cast application 211 includes a handover control unit 221, a meta information acquisition unit 222, an application control unit 223, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) processing unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225.

  The handover control unit 221 controls the handover processing unit 204 to the information management unit 206 in FIG. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the handover control unit 221 directly or indirectly controls the mobile IC communication chip 151 (first communication unit) and the Bluetooth (Bluetooth®) 161 (second communication unit). Then, processing related to handover is executed. The handover control unit 221 exchanges capability information with each other by a first communication establishment unit 231 that performs processing relating to establishment of a connection of the first communication, a device information exchange unit 232 that exchanges device information through the first communication, and a first communication. A capability information exchanging unit 233, a second communication setting unit 234 for performing settings relating to the second communication based on the device information and capability information, a second communication establishing unit 235 for performing a process relating to establishing a connection for the second communication, and a handover It has a handover log creation unit 236 that creates log information related to processing.

  The meta information acquisition unit 222 controls the Bluetooth (registered trademark) 161 (second communication unit) directly or indirectly as shown in FIG. 5, for example, and through the second communication in which the connection is established, Acquires meta information including user profile information that is information related to a communication partner user, service cooperation information that is information related to a service provided in a communication partner device or another device operating in cooperation with the device, and the like. . As shown in FIG. 4, the meta information acquisition unit 222 includes a user profile acquisition unit 241 that acquires user profile information (profile information) from a communication partner device, and a service that acquires service cooperation information from the communication partner device. A cooperation information acquisition unit 242 is included.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the application control unit 223 performs processing related to other applications that operate in cooperation with a content cast application such as the music player application 212 to the print control application 216. The application control unit 223 includes an application setting unit 251 that sets other applications based on capability information and the like of a communication partner device, and an application cooperation unit 252 that activates and controls other applications.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the GUI processing unit 224 performs processing for GUI display in the content cast application, user instructions input based on the GUI, and the like. The memory access processing unit 225 inputs / outputs information to / from the storage area of the mobile phone 101. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the CPU 111 includes a security processing unit 261 that performs processing such as information encryption and decryption on a memory (storage area) built in the first communication unit 141. And an application program interface (API) 262 for a memory (storage area) other than the first communication unit 141 of the mobile phone 101 such as the storage unit 123. The security processing unit 261 accesses the first communication unit memory common area 263 formed in the storage area of the memory built in the first communication unit 141. The API 262 accesses the mobile phone memory 264 formed in the memory area of the memory other than the first communication unit 141 of the mobile phone 101.

  The first communication unit memory common area 263 stores manufacturing information 271 such as a device to be a communication partner, its own manufacturing number, model name, manufacturing date and time. The mobile phone memory 264 stores, for example, profile information 281, touch log information 282, content log information 283, capability information 284, content operation authority information 285, and the like.

  The profile information 281 includes, for example, information indicating the characteristics of the user who is himself or the communication partner. Also referred to as user profile information. The touch log information 282 includes, for example, log information of communication using the first communication unit 141. The content log information 283 includes, for example, log information related to used content. The capability information 284 includes, for example, information for specifying a device, information indicating a feature of the device, and the like necessary when the second communication is connected or when an application is linked (that is, during the second communication). The content operation authority information 285 includes, for example, information indicating the presence / absence of a content operation authority, which is an authority to control reproduction (distribution) of content possessed by an apparatus that distributes data. For example, a device having content operation authority can control which content is distributed to a device that distributes data.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the memory access processing unit 225 accesses the first communication unit memory common area 263 via the security processing unit 261 or accesses the mobile phone memory 264 via the API 262. .

  Next, a configuration example of various types of information exchanged between apparatuses will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the cellular phone 101 exchanges device information, capability information, and content operation authority information through the first communication, and exchanges profile information through the second communication.

  The capability information is detailed information useful for the second communication connection configured by information indicating the characteristics of the device. The capability information is also referred to as connection information. The capability information includes information such as an address, a protocol type, a device type, a profile, and an application identifier, for example.

  The address is identification information of a device in the communication network by the second communication, and is information that conforms to the communication protocol defined in the protocol type. For example, it is composed of one or a plurality of addresses such as a BD (Bluetooth Device) address, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, or an IP (Internet Protocol) address. Of course, a plurality of types of identification information may be included.

  The protocol type is information indicating the type of protocol that can be used, such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth®) or WiFi (WiFi). The device type is information indicating the type (use) of the device such as a mobile phone, a car navigation system device (car navigation system), and a personal computer (PC).

  The profile is information indicating setting information (profile) that can be used in each protocol. The application identifier is identification information indicating an available application. For example, it is indicated by the type and name of an application such as a music player, a photograph, and a game. It may be indicated by a predetermined identification number. Further, the application identifier may be specified by the application identifier.

  The profile information is composed of information indicating characteristics of the user of the device. The profile information includes, for example, information such as user ID, nickname, profile picture, occupation classification, country, married / unmarried, date of birth, postal code, address, telephone number, message, and the like. The user ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the user. The nickname or message is information about the user, and is registered in advance in the apparatus by the user, for example.

  The content operation authority information is information indicating the presence / absence of a reproduction control right that is an authority capable of controlling the reproduction of the content of the device that distributes the data. For example, a device having content operation authority information set to have a playback control right has a playback control right and controls the content distributed by that device even if the device that distributes data is another device. be able to.

  The mobile phone 101 can easily grasp the type of the second communication of the communication partner device by exchanging the capability information in addition to the device information with the mobile phone 102 as the communication partner. , More appropriate settings can be made. Further, the mobile phone 101 can identify an application that can be executed by the communication partner device by referring to the capability information of the communication partner, and can easily execute an application that can be executed according to the capability of the communication partner. Can be selected and used.

  The configuration of the capability information, profile information, and content operation authority information shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and other information not shown may be included, or some of the above-described information may be included. It may be omitted. For example, the application managed by the capability information only needs to execute a predetermined process based on information exchanged with the communication partner, for example, the first communication instead of the second communication, and other It may be an application that exchanges information via communication. Further, for example, the communication method of the second communication may be fixed, and the information related to the communication method of the second communication may be omitted in the capability information.

  As described above, when performing a handover, the mobile phone 101 can facilitate processing for establishing communication and starting an application, and can improve the convenience of an application involving communication between apparatuses.

  Next, a case where a new device is added to the second communication network, which is a network based on the second communication generated as described above, will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, in the communication system 300, the device A301 and the device B302 establish the second communication network 310, which is a communication network based on the second communication, by the method described with reference to FIGS. doing. The device A301 and the device B302 use the second communication network 310 to perform streaming reproduction (data distribution) of content data such as music and video, for example, as indicated by an arrow 311. That is, the device A301 operates as a communication management device, distributes content data (streaming data), and the device B302 operates as a receiving device, and reproduces data received from the device A301 while receiving it.

  In such a state, in order to newly join the device C303 to the second communication network 310 and operate as a streaming playback receiving device, in the case of the method described with reference to FIGS. The second communication needs to be established between the device C303 and the device A301. That is, the device C303 needs to be touched (approached) to the device A301, which is a communication management device, to exchange device information and capability information with each other by the first communication, and to establish the second communication.

  However, the device C303 is not necessarily located near the device A301, but it may be easier to bring the device C303 closer to the device B302. However, in the case of the method described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the second communication can be established between the device C303 and the device B302 even if the device C303 and the device B302 are touched (approached). Since the second communication cannot be established between the device C303 and the device A301, the device C303 cannot receive the data distributed from the device A301.

  Further, in the method described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, it is possible to confirm with the user whether or not to hand over from the first communication to the second communication using the GUI. However, when adding the device C303 as shown in FIG. 7A, in the method described above, when the device C303 is touched (approached) to the device A301, the user of the device B302 cannot refuse the participation of the device C303.

  Furthermore, in the method described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, there is no concept of authority for content operation of the device A301. For example, in the communication system 300, it may be possible to instruct which content is to be distributed from the device B302 or the device C303 on the receiving device side to the device A301. In such a case, if the device on the receiving device side can unconditionally control the content distribution of the device A301 that is a communication management device, an unfamiliar user may accidentally operate and inconvenience other users. There is a possibility of problems such as applying Therefore, it is desirable to limit the operation authority, but such a concept does not exist in the method described above with reference to FIGS.

  Therefore, the communication system 300 performs the following process. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the first communication is established between the device B302 and the device C303 as indicated by the arrow 321 by touching (approaching) the device C303 to the device B302. Then, when exchanging device information and capability information by the first communication, the device B302 provides information on the device A301 to the device C303. The device C303 uses the information of the device A301 to establish the second communication with the device A301 as shown in FIG. 7C. By doing so, the device C303 can participate in the second communication network 310 as a receiving device, and the device C303 can reproduce while receiving data distributed from the device A301 as indicated by an arrow 312. become.

  That is, by establishing the first communication with the device B302 that does not perform the second communication, the device C303 can establish the second communication with the device A301 that has not established the first communication. To do. By doing in this way, the additional work of apparatus C303 to the 2nd communication network 310 becomes easy, and the convenience of the application accompanying communication between apparatuses can be improved.

  Furthermore, a GUI for determining whether or not the device C303 can be added in such a procedure is displayed on the device B302. The user of the device B302 permits or rejects the addition of the device C303 according to this GUI. By doing in this way, the user of the apparatus which forms the 2nd communication network 310 and does not perform 2nd communication directly with the apparatus C303 can also control whether the apparatus C303 can be added.

  Thereby, participation of an unknown apparatus (user) can be suppressed and the safety | security of the 2nd communication network 310 can be improved easily. For example, if the device A301 is a highly public device such as a server, the device A301 basically wants to distribute data to the device C303. However, it is conceivable that the user of the device B302 for personal use does not want to provide his / her personal information to an unknown user (device C303) (does not want to participate in the second communication network 310). For example, even if the user of the device A301 and the user of the device C303 are acquaintances, the user of the device B302 and the user of the device C303 are not acquaintances. In this case, the user of the device B302 may not want to provide his / her personal information to the device C303. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the device C303 joins the second communication network 310 and personal information is provided without the user of the device B302 knowing. As described above, by confirming whether participation is possible, occurrence of such a situation can be suppressed, and the safety of the second communication network 310 can be easily improved. That is, it is possible to improve the convenience of an application that involves communication between apparatuses.

  Further, the device B302 displays a GUI for confirming whether or not the device C303 has the content operation authority for the device A301. The user of the device B302 controls whether or not to give the content operation authority to the device C303 according to this GUI. By doing so, since the authority of an unknown device (user) can be suppressed, the safety of the second communication network 310 can be improved. That is, it is possible to improve the convenience of an application that involves communication between apparatuses.

  The specific method will be described below.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the content cast application 211 included in the devices A301, B302, and C303 in FIG. The devices A301 to C303 have basically the same configuration as the cellular phone 101 in the case described with reference to FIGS. That is, the devices A301 to C303 may be any devices, but have the first communication unit 141 and the second communication unit 142 as shown in FIG. 2, and have the functions as shown in FIG. Has a block. That is, the devices A301 to C303 have the hand application 208 configured as shown in FIG. 4 and the content cast application 211.

  FIG. 8A shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 included in the device A301. FIG. 8B shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 included in the device B302. FIG. 8C shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 included in the device C303. The same parts as those described with reference to FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  That is, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the device A301 includes, as functions of the content cast application 211, a master additional reception processing unit 330, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit. 225.

  The master addition acceptance processing unit 330 performs processing for accepting addition of a device as a master (communication management device) in the second communication network 310. The master addition reception processing unit 330 includes an addition request reception unit 331, an addition confirmation unit 332, a second communication control unit 333, and a profile processing unit 334.

  The addition request reception unit 331 performs processing for an addition request for the device C303 supplied from the device B302 touched (approached) to the device C303. The addition confirmation unit 332 performs processing for confirming whether or not addition is possible for the user of the device A301. The second communication control unit 333 establishes second communication with the device C303 permitted to be added. The profile processing unit 334 exchanges profile information with other devices constituting the second communication network 310 and synchronizes each other's information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the device B302 includes a slave addition reception processing unit 340, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. Have.

  The slave addition acceptance processing unit 340 performs processing for accepting addition of a device as a slave (receiving device) in the second communication network 310. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the slave addition reception processing unit 340 performs processing of the device C303 to be added and the device (device B302) to be touched (closed). The slave addition reception processing unit 340 includes an addition instruction reception unit 341, a reproduction control right processing unit 342, a setting information transmission / reception unit 343, an addition request processing unit 344, and a profile processing unit 345.

  The addition instruction receiving unit 341 receives an apparatus addition instruction from the user. The reproduction control right processing unit 342 performs a process related to granting a reproduction control right that is a right to control reproduction (distribution) of content to the added device. The setting information exchanging unit 343 uses the first communication established with the touched (proximity) device C303, and relates to communication such as device information, capability information (connection information), and content operation authority information. Send and receive various setting information. The addition request processing unit 344 performs processing for requesting the device A301 to add the device C303. The profile processing unit 345 exchanges profile information with other devices constituting the second communication network 310 and synchronizes each other's information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8C, the device C303 includes an additional device processing unit 350, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211.

  The additional device processing unit 350 performs processing as a device added to the second communication network 310. As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the additional device processing unit 350 includes a setting information transmission / reception unit 351, a second communication control unit 352, and a profile processing unit 353.

  The setting information exchanging unit 351 relates to communication such as device information, capability information (connection information), and content operation authority information using the first communication established with the touched (proximity) device B302. Send and receive various setting information. The second communication control unit 352 establishes second communication with the master device A301. The profile processing unit 353 exchanges profile information with other devices configuring the second communication network 310 and synchronizes each other's information.

  Next, an example of the flow of processing in adding the device C303 as shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 11 thru | or FIG. 17 as needed.

  First, in the state shown in FIG. 7A, in step S101, the application of apparatus A301 transmits content data for streaming playback of content data (streaming playback / transmission). In the following, a case will be described in which music data is used as an example of content data and the music data is streamed. That is, a music player application 212 will be described as an example of the application. Of course, the content to be streamed may be any content such as a moving image, a still image, and multimedia content, and the application is arbitrary.

  At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being transmitted is displayed on the monitor of the device A301, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In step S141, the music player application 212 of the device B302 reproduces the music data distributed from the device A301 while receiving it (streaming reproduction / reception). At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being received / reproduced is displayed on the monitor of the device B302, for example, as shown in FIG. Here, for example, when the user instructs to add a device by operating a menu button displayed on the GUI, for example, the addition instruction receiving unit 341 receives the device addition instruction in step S142.

  When the device addition instruction is accepted, the reproduction control right processing unit 342 displays a GUI for confirming the user with the reproduction control right as shown in FIG. 13, for example, in step S143. In the case of the example in FIG. 13, options “Yes” and “No” are displayed as a GUI together with a message “Do you want to grant playback control right?”. The user controls the reproduction control right granting by selecting either “Yes” or “No”. For example, when the user selects “Yes”, the playback control right processing unit 342 performs setting so that the playback control right is granted to the added device C303. Conversely, when “No” is selected by the user, the playback control right processing unit 342 performs setting so that the playback control right is not granted to the added device C303.

  When the reproduction control right grant is confirmed, the device B302 is ready for the first communication. In this state, when the device C303 is touched (approached) to the device B302, in step S144, the handover control unit 221 of the device B302 is connected to the touched (approached) device C303 as illustrated in FIG. 7B. Establish first communication. At this time, a screen that prompts the user to perform a touch (proximity) operation is displayed on the monitor of the device B302, for example, as illustrated in FIG. In the case of the example in FIG. 14, a message “TOUCH!” Is displayed, prompting the casing of the device B302 to be close to or in contact with the casing of the device C303.

  Corresponding to the processing of the device B302, the handover control unit 221 of the device C303 also establishes the first communication with the touched (proximity) device B302 as shown in FIG. 7B in step S121. When the device C303 is touched (approached) to the device B302, a GUI screen for confirming the establishment of the first communication is displayed on the monitor of the device C303, for example, as shown in FIG. In the case of the example in FIG. 15, the options “OK” and “CANCEL” are displayed together with the message “ACCEPT?”. For example, if the user of the device C303 wishes to participate in the second communication network 310, “OK” is operated. If not, operate “CANCEL”. When “OK” is operated, the handover control unit 221 of the device C303 establishes the first communication.

  When the first communication is established, in step S145, the setting information exchanging unit 343 of the device B302 performs various types of communication such as device information, capability information and content operation authority information as described with reference to FIG. Setting information is provided to the device C303. Corresponding to this processing, the setting information exchanging unit 351 of the device C303 acquires the provided various setting information in step S122.

  The setting information 361 in FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of setting information provided from the device B302 to the device C303. As shown in FIG. 17, the setting information 361 includes a master address 371, master capability information 372, a new master PIN (Personal Identification Number) 373, a self address 374, self capability information 375, and content operation authority 376. Of course, other information may be included.

  The master address 371 is device information, and is address information (identification information) of a device that operates as a master of the second communication network 310. In the case of the example of FIG. 17, an A address that is the address of the device A301 is provided as the master address 371. The master capability information 372 is capability information of a device that operates as a master of the second communication network 310. In the case of the example in FIG. 17, A capability information that is capability information of the device A301 is provided as the master capability information 372.

  The new master PIN 373 is a pass key for confirming the session. This is identification information for confirming which request the response is based on the value of the new master PIN 373. In the case of the example in FIG. 17, the new master PIN 373 is generated by the existing device B302 that forms the second communication network 310 and has established the first communication with the device C303 to be added. Here, it is assumed that the value “1234” is provided as the new master PIN 373. The new master PIN 373 may have any value, and the data length is also arbitrary.

  The own address 374 is device information, and is own address information (identification information). In the case of the example in FIG. 17, the B address that is the address of the device B302 is provided as the own address 374. The own capability information 375 is own capability information. In the case of the example of FIG. 17, B capability information that is capability information of the device B 302 is provided as the own capability information 375.

  The content operation authority 376 is information indicating whether or not to grant the operation authority of the content of the device A301 to the device C303. In the case of the example in FIG. 17, information “with playback control” is provided as the content operation authority 376. That is, in this case, the playback control right is given to the device C303. In the case where the playback control right is not granted, information “no playback control” is provided. The content operation authority 376 may be any value as long as it is information indicating the presence / absence of reproduction control.

  Returning to FIG. 9, this time, the setting information exchanging unit 351 of the device C <b> 303 performs various types of communication including device information, capability information, and content operation authority information as described with reference to FIG. 6 in step S <b> 123. Setting information is provided to the device B302. Corresponding to this processing, the setting information sending / receiving unit 343 of the device B302 acquires the provided various setting information in step S146.

  The setting information 362 in FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of setting information provided from the device C303 to the device B302. As shown in FIG. 17, the setting information 362 includes a self address 377, self capability information 378, and a new master PIN 379. Of course, other information may be included.

  The own address 377 is device information, and is own address information (identification information). In the case of the example of FIG. 17, the C address that is the address of the device C303 is provided as the own address 377. The own capability information 378 is own capability information. In the case of the example in FIG. 17, C capability information that is capability information of the device C303 is provided as the own capability information 378.

  The new master PIN 379 is a new master PIN supplied from the first communication connection destination. In the case of the example in FIG. 17, the same value “1234” as the new master PIN 373 supplied from the device B302 is provided as the new master PIN 379. Since this new master PIN 379 is common, it is indicated that the setting information 362 is information corresponding to the setting information 361. The new master PIN 379 may have any value, and the data length is arbitrary.

  By exchanging this information, the device B302 acquires device information (address) and capability information of the device C303. In addition to the device information (address) and capability information of the device B302, the device C303 acquires device information (address) and capability information of the master device A301, and information indicating the presence / absence of content operation authority.

  Returning to FIG. 9, when the exchange of the device information, the connection information, and the like by the first communication is completed, the addition request processing unit 344 of the device B302 makes a request for adding the device C303 using the second communication in step S147. This is performed for the device A301. The addition request 363 in FIG. 17 indicates information provided to the device A301 at this time.

  In the example of FIG. 17, the addition request request 363 includes an addition request request command 380, an additional device address 381, additional device capability information 382, new master PIN information 383, own address 384, own capability information 385, and additional device content operation authority. 386. Of course, other information may be included.

  The addition request request command 380 is a command for requesting the device A301 to add the device C303 to the second communication network 310. The additional device address 381 is device information and is address information of a device to be added to the second communication network 310. In the case of the example of FIG. 17, the C address is provided as the additional device address 381. The additional device capability information 382 is capability information of a device to be added to the second communication network 310. In the case of the example of FIG. 17, C capability information is provided as the additional device capability information 382. The new master PIN 383 is the same information as the new master PIN 373 described above. In the case of the example of FIG. 17, since this addition request request corresponds to the above-described processing, the same value “1234” as the new master PIN 373 and the new master PIN 379 is provided as the new master PIN 383.

  The own address 384 is device information, and is own address information (identification information). In the case of the example in FIG. 17, the B address is provided as the own address 384. The own capability information 385 is own capability information. In the case of the example in FIG. 17, B capability information is provided as the own capability information 378.

  The additional device content operation authority 386 is information indicating whether or not the device to be added grants the content operation authority of the device operating as a master, and is the same information as the content operation authority 376. In the case of the example in FIG. 17, the information “with playback control” is provided as the additional device content operation authority 386.

  In step S102, the addition request receiving unit 331 of the device A301 provided with the addition request request as described above acquires the request. In step S103, the addition confirmation unit 332 causes the monitor of the device A301 to confirm the addition of the device to the user of the device that is not touched (close to) the device to be added, for example, as illustrated in FIG. Display the GUI screen. In the case of the example in FIG. 16, the “Yes” and “No” options are displayed on the GUI screen together with the message “Do you want to connect device C?”. The user of the device A301 indicates an intention to add the device C303 by selecting either “Yes” or “No”.

  When the user selects “Yes”, the addition request reception unit 331 responds to the addition request to the device B302 via the second communication in step S104 and permits the addition of the device C303. The response 364 in FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of information provided from the device A301 to the device B302 at this time.

  In the example of FIG. 17, the response 364 includes an addition request permission response 387, a new master PIN 388, its own address 389, and its own capability information 390. Of course, other information may be included.

  The addition request permission response 387 is a response to the addition request request command 380 and indicates that addition is permitted. The new master PIN 388 is the same information as each new master PIN described above. Since this response corresponds to each process described above, in the case of the example of FIG. 17, the same value “1234” as the new master PIN 373, the new master PIN 379, and the new master PIN 383 is provided as the new master PIN 388. The

  The own address 389 is device information, and is own address information (identification information). In the case of FIG. 9, an A address is provided as the own address 389. The own capability information 390 is own capability information. In the case of the example in FIG. 17, A capability information is provided as the own capability information 390.

  In step S148, the addition request processing unit 344 of the device B302 acquires the response.

  By this information exchange, the device A301 not touching (adjacent to) the device C303 can acquire device information (address) and capability information of the device C303. Further, the device B302 can know that the addition of the device C303 is permitted in the device A301.

  When the user of the device A301 selects “No” in step S103 and rejects the addition of the device C303, in step S104, the addition request reception unit 331 sends a request to the device B302 via the second communication. , Send a reply indicating rejection. With this rejection response, a series of processing ends. That is, in this case, the device C303 cannot participate in the second communication network 310.

  The above communication between the device A301 and the device B302 can be performed using the second communication in which streaming playback is performed. That is, the device A301 and the device B302 can perform the above-described information exchange without interrupting streaming playback.

  When the addition request permission response is transmitted, the second communication control unit 333 of the device A301 establishes the second communication with the device C303 in step S105 of FIG. In response to this, the second communication control unit 352 of the device C303 establishes second communication with the device A301 in step S124 of FIG.

  When the second communication is established, the profile processing unit 334 of the device A301 uses the second communication to exchange profile information with the device C303 in step S106, and the profile information held by the device C303 and each other. Synchronize content. On the other hand, in step S125, the profile processing unit 353 of the device C303 exchanges profile information with the device A301 using the second communication, and synchronizes the profile information with the device A301.

  Similarly, in step S107, the profile processing unit 334 of the device A301 uses the second communication to exchange profile information with the device B302, and synchronizes the profile information with the device B302. In contrast, in step S149, the profile processing unit 345 of the device B302 uses the second communication to exchange the profile information with the device A301 and synchronizes the profile information with the device A301.

  Through the above processing, the device C303 is added to the second communication network 310 as shown in FIG. 7C, and content data can be distributed from the device A301 to the device C303. Therefore, in step S108, the music player application 212 of the device A301 transmits music data to the devices B302 and C303 for streaming playback using the second communication (streaming playback / transmission). .

  On the other hand, in step S150, the music player application 212 of the device B302 plays the music data supplied from the device A301 while receiving it (streaming playback / reception). Similarly, in step S126, the music player application 212 of the device C303 plays the music data supplied from the device A301 while receiving it (streaming playback / reception).

  By performing the processing as described above, the communication system 300 can easily add a device to the second communication network only by touching (proximity) devices that do not perform the second communication. At this time, the device can be added without interrupting the data transmission / reception in the second communication network that has been performed before the addition. Furthermore, whether or not a device can be added to the second communication network can be easily controlled by a user of a device that has not touched (closed to) the device. In addition, it is possible to easily control the granting of content operation authority to a device added to the second communication network. As described above, the communication system 300 can improve the convenience of an application involving communication between apparatuses.

  Note that the communication system 300 can add a device by a method other than the method described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the device C303 to be added as a receiving device (slave) is touched (closed) to the device A301 that is operating as a communication management device (master), thereby making the device C303 the second communication network. You can also participate in 310.

  In FIG. 18A, as in the case of FIG. 7A, a second communication network 310 is formed in which the device A301 operates as a communication management device (master) and the device B302 operates as a receiving device (slave). In this state, the device C303 is touched (approached) to the device A301 as shown in FIG. 18B, and the first communication is performed between the device A301 and the device C303 as shown by the arrow 322. Then, by the handover process, the second communication is established between the device A301 and the device C303, and the device C303 is added to the second communication network 310 as shown in FIG. 18C. Using the second communication, streaming distribution of content data is performed from the device A301 to the devices B302 and C303 as indicated by arrows 311 and 312. Each of the devices B302 and C303 reproduces the streaming data while receiving it.

  A configuration example of the content cast application 211 of each device in this case is shown in FIG. FIG. 19A shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device A301. FIG. 19B shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device B302. FIG. 19C shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device C303. The same parts as those described with reference to FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19A, the device A301 includes a master additional reception processing unit 410, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. Have.

  The master addition acceptance processing unit 410 performs processing for accepting addition of a device as a master (communication management device) in the second communication network 310. In this case, processing as a device to be touched (closed) to the added device is also performed. The master addition reception processing unit 410 includes an addition instruction reception unit 411, a reproduction control right processing unit 412, a setting information transfer unit 413, an addition confirmation control unit 414, a second communication control unit 415, and a profile processing unit 416.

  The addition instruction reception unit 411 is a processing unit similar to the addition instruction reception unit 341, and receives an apparatus addition instruction from the user. The playback control right processing unit 412 is the same processing unit as the playback control right processing unit 342, and performs processing related to granting of content playback control right to the added device. The setting information exchanging unit 413 is a processing unit similar to the setting information exchanging unit 343, and uses the first communication established with the touched (proximity) device C303 to use device information and capability information (connection information). ) And other various setting information.

  The addition confirmation control unit 414 is a processing unit similar to the addition confirmation unit 332, and performs processing for confirming whether or not addition is possible for the user of the device B302 that is not touched (closed to) the device C303. The second communication control unit 415 is a processing unit similar to the second communication control unit 333, and establishes second communication with the device C303 permitted to be added. The profile processing unit 416 is a processing unit similar to the profile processing unit 334, exchanges profile information with other devices constituting the second communication network 310, and synchronizes each other's information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19B, the device B302 includes a slave addition reception processing unit 420, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. Have.

  The slave additional reception processing unit 420 performs processing related to permission to add a device as a slave (receiving device) in the second communication network 310. As illustrated in FIG. 18B, the slave addition reception processing unit 420 performs processing of a device that is not touched (closed to) the device C303 to be added. The slave addition reception processing unit 420 includes an addition confirmation reception unit 421, an addition confirmation unit 422, and a profile processing unit 423.

  The addition confirmation receiving unit 421 receives an additional confirmation request for the device C303 supplied from the device A301 via the second communication, and makes a response thereto. Similar to the addition confirmation unit 332, the addition confirmation unit 422 performs processing for confirming whether or not the user of the device B 302 can add. The profile processing unit 423 exchanges profile information with other devices constituting the second communication network 310 and synchronizes each other's information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19C, the device C303 includes an additional device processing unit 430, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211.

  The additional device processing unit 430 performs processing as a device added to the second communication network 310. This additional device processing unit 430 is a processing unit similar to the additional device processing unit 350, and includes a setting information exchange unit 431, a second communication control unit 432, and a profile processing unit 433.

  Similar to the setting information transfer unit 351, the setting information transfer unit 431 transfers device information and capability information (connection information) using the first communication established with the touched (proximity) device A301. Do. Similar to the second communication control unit 352, the second communication control unit 432 establishes second communication with the device A301 that is the master. Similar to the profile processing unit 353, the profile processing unit 433 exchanges profile information with other devices constituting the second communication network 310 and synchronizes each other's information.

  Next, an example of the flow of processing in adding the device C303 as shown in FIG. 19 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 22 as needed.

  First, in the state shown in FIG. 18A, the music player application 212 of the device A301 transmits music data (streaming playback / transmission) in step S201. At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being transmitted is displayed on the monitor of the device A301, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In step S251, the music player application 212 of the device B302 plays the music data distributed from the device A301 while receiving it (streaming playback / reception). At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being received / reproduced is displayed on the monitor of the device B302, for example, as shown in FIG. During such streaming playback, when the user instructs to add a device in the device A301, for example, by operating a menu button displayed on the GUI, the addition instruction receiving unit 411 of the device A301 In step S202, the device addition instruction is accepted.

  When a device addition instruction is accepted, the playback control right processing unit 412 displays a GUI for confirming the user with the playback control right as shown in FIG. 13, for example, in step S203.

  When the reproduction control right grant is confirmed, the device A301 is ready for the first communication. In this state, when the device C303 is touched (approached) to the device A301, in step S204, the handover control unit 221 of the device A301 is connected to the touched (approached) device C303 as illustrated in FIG. 18B. 1 Establish communication. At this time, a screen that prompts the user to perform a touch (proximity) operation is displayed on the monitor of the device A301, for example, as illustrated in FIG.

  Corresponding to the processing of the device A301, the handover control unit 221 of the device C303 also establishes the first communication with the touched (closed) device A301 as shown in FIG. 18B in step S231. When the device C303 is touched (approached) to the device A301, a GUI screen for confirming the establishment of the first communication is displayed on the monitor of the device C303, for example, as shown in FIG.

  When the first communication is established, the setting information exchanging unit 413 of the device A301 provides various setting information such as device information, capability information, and content operation authority information to the device C303 in step S205. Corresponding to this process, the setting information sending / receiving unit 431 of the device C303 acquires the provided setting information in step S232.

  The setting information 461 in FIG. 22 shows a configuration example of setting information provided from the device A301 to the device C303. As shown in FIG. 22, the setting information 461 has the same format as the setting information 361, and includes a master address 471 that is device information, master capability information 472, a new master PIN 473, a self address 474 that is device information, and a self capability. Information 475 and content operation authority 476 are included. Of course, other information may be included.

  In this case, since the device itself is the master, in the example of FIG. 22, the master address 471 and the own address 474 that are device information are both A addresses, and the master capability information 472 and the own capability information 475 that are capability information are both. It becomes A capability information.

  At this time, in order to reduce the amount of information, either the master address 471 or the own address 474 and the master capability information 472 or the own capability information 475 may be omitted. However, it is necessary to understand that the values of the master address 471 and the own address 474 are common at the transmission destination, and the values of the master capability information 472 and the own capability information 475 are also common. For example, a value may be assigned to only one and the other may be blank, and in that case, the other device may be referred to in the destination device. Alternatively, a value may be assigned to only one and information specifying the reference destination may be assigned to the other. The transmission destination device specifies an assigned value based on the reference destination information.

  Also, a new master PIN 473 similar to the new master PIN 373 and the like, which is a pass key for confirming the session, is set by the device A301 and is set to, for example, “1234”. The content operation authority 476 is the same information as the content operation authority 376, and indicates whether or not to grant the operation authority of the content of the device A301 to the device C303. In the case of the example in FIG. 22, “with playback control” is set.

  Returning to FIG. 20, the setting information transfer unit 431 of the device C303 provides setting information such as device information, capability information, and content operation authority information to the device A301 in step S233. Corresponding to this processing, the setting information exchanging unit 413 of the device A301 acquires the provided setting information in step S206.

  The setting information 462 in FIG. 22 is the same information as the setting information 362, and shows a configuration example of the setting information provided from the device C303 to the device A301. As shown in FIG. 22, the setting information 462 includes a self address 477 that is device information, a self capability information 478 that is capability information, and a new master PIN 479. Of course, other information may be included.

  The own address 477 is own address information (identification information), and a C address is provided in the example of FIG. The own capability information 478 is own capability information, and in the case of the example of FIG. 22, C capability information is provided. The new master PIN 479 is a new master PIN supplied from the first communication connection destination. In the case of the example of FIG. 22, the same value “1234” as the new master PIN 473 is provided. Since the value of the new master PIN is common, it is indicated that the setting information 462 is information corresponding to the setting information 461. The new master PIN 479 may have any value, and the data length is also arbitrary.

  By exchanging this information, the device A301 acquires device information (address) and capability information of the device C303. In addition, the device C303 acquires device information (address) and capability information of the device A301, and information indicating presence / absence of content operation authority.

  Returning to FIG. 20, when the exchange of device information, capability information, and the like by the first communication is completed, the addition confirmation control unit 414 of the device A301 makes an addition confirmation request for the device C303 using the second communication in step S207. This is performed for the device B302. The addition confirmation request 463 in FIG. 22 indicates information provided by the device A301 at this time.

  In the example of FIG. 22, the addition confirmation request 463 includes an addition confirmation request command 480, an additional device address 481, additional device capability information 482, and an additional device content operation authority 483. Of course, other information may be included.

  The addition confirmation request command 480 is a command for causing the device B302 to confirm addition of the device C303 to the second communication network 310. The additional device address 481 is address information of a device to be added to the second communication network 310. In the case of the example in FIG. 22, a C address is provided. The additional device capability information 482 is capability information of a device to be added to the second communication network 310. In the case of the example of FIG. 22, C capability information is provided.

  Unlike the case of FIG. 17, since the device touched (approached) to the device C303 is the master (device A301) itself, the new master PIN, own address, own capability information, and the like are omitted.

  The additional device content operation authority 483 is information indicating whether or not to grant the content operation authority to the device to be added, and is the same information as the additional device content operation authority 386. In the case of the example in FIG. 22, the information “with playback control” is provided as the additional device content operation authority 483.

  In step S252, the addition confirmation receiving unit 421 of the device B302 to which the addition confirmation request as described above is provided acquires it. In step S253, the addition confirmation unit 422 causes the monitor of the device A301 to display a GUI screen for allowing the user to confirm the addition of the device, for example, as illustrated in FIG.

  If the user selects “Yes”, in step S254, the addition confirmation receiving unit 421 responds to the device A301 with respect to the addition confirmation request via the second communication, and permits the addition of the device C303. The response 464 in FIG. 22 shows a configuration example of information provided from the device B302 to the device A301 at this time.

  In the example of FIG. 22, the response 464 includes an additional confirmation permission response 485, own address 486, and own capability information 487. Of course, other information may be included.

  The addition confirmation permission response 485 is a response to the addition confirmation request command 480 and indicates that addition is permitted. The own address 486 is own address information (identification information), and in the case of the example of FIG. 22, the B address is provided. The own capability information 487 is own capability information. In the case of the example in FIG. 22, B capability information is provided as the own capability information 487.

  In step S208, the addition confirmation control unit 414 of the device A301 acquires the response.

  By this information exchange, the device B302 not touching (approaching) the device C303 can know that the device C303 is touched (approaching) in the device A301. Further, whether or not the device C303 can be added can be controlled.

  When the user of the device B302 selects “No” in step S253 and rejects the addition of the device C303, the addition confirmation reception unit 421 sends the second communication to the device B302 in step S254. , Send a reply indicating rejection. With this rejection response, a series of processing ends. That is, in this case, the device C303 cannot participate in the second communication network 310.

  In the above, communication between the device A301 and the device B302 can be performed using the second communication in which streaming playback is performed. That is, the device A301 and the device B302 can perform the above-described information exchange without interrupting streaming playback.

  When the above processing is completed, the second communication is enabled between the device A301 and the device C303, but the subsequent processing shown in FIG. 21 is executed in the same manner as in the case shown in FIG.

  That is, the second communication control unit 415 of the device A301 establishes the second communication with each other in step S209 of FIG. 21, and the second communication control unit 432 of the device C303 establishes the second communication with each other in step S234 of FIG.

  When the second communication is established, the profile processing unit 416 of the device A301 exchanges profile information with each other in step S210 and the profile processing unit 433 of the device C303 uses the second communication in step S235. , Synchronize.

  Similarly, the profile processing unit 414 of the device A301 exchanges and synchronizes profile information with each other using the second communication in step 211, and the profile processing unit 423 of the device B302 uses the second communication in step S255.

  As a result of the above processing, the device C303 is added to the second communication network 310 as shown in FIG. 18C, and content data can be distributed from the device A301 to the device C303. Therefore, in step S212, the music player application 212 of the device A301 transmits music data for streaming playback to the devices B302 and C303 using the second communication (streaming playback / transmission). .

  On the other hand, the music player application 212 of the device B302 reproduces the music data supplied from the device A301 while receiving the music data (streaming reproduction / reception) in step S256 and the music player application 212 of the device C303 in step S236, respectively. ).

  By performing the processing as described above, the communication system 300 can easily add the devices to the second communication network even if the devices performing the second communication are touched (close to each other). That is, a device can be added to the second communication network regardless of which device forming the second communication network is touched (closed). That is, it becomes easier to add the device to the second communication network.

  Also in this case, it is possible to add a device without interrupting data transmission / reception in the second communication network that has been performed before the addition. Furthermore, also in this case, whether or not the device can be added to the second communication network can be easily controlled by the user of the device that has not touched (closed to) the device. Also in this case, it is possible to easily control the granting of the content operation authority to the device added to the second communication network. As described above, the communication system 300 can improve the convenience of an application involving communication between apparatuses.

  The number of devices constituting the communication system 300 is arbitrary, and may be four or more, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, a new device can be added to the second communication network formed by three devices.

  In FIG. 23A, as in the case of FIG. 7C, the second communication network 310 is formed in which the device A301 operates as a communication management device (master) and the devices B302 and C303 operate as receiving devices (slave). Yes. In this state, a new device D304 is added to the second communication network 310.

  Therefore, the device D304 is touched (approached) to the device C303 as shown in FIG. 23B, and the first communication is performed between the device C303 and the device D304 as shown by the arrow 323. Then, by the handover process, the second communication is established between the device A301 and the device D304, and the device D304 is added to the second communication network 310 as shown in FIG. 23C.

  Using the second communication, streaming distribution of content data is performed from the device A301 to the devices B302 to D304 as indicated by arrows 311 to 313. Each of the devices B302 to D304 reproduces the streaming data while receiving it.

  In other words, in this case, the device D304 performs the same processing as the device C303 in FIG. 7 that is touched (closed) to the receiving device, and the device C303 is a receiving device to which the added device is touched (closed). The same processing as that of the device B302 of FIG. The device B302 performs the same processing as the device B302 of FIG. 18 which is a receiving device to which the device to be added is not touched (closed). The device A301 is a communication management device that processes an addition request from a receiving device to which the device to be added is touched (closed) and the receiving device to which the device to be added is not touched (closed). The processing of both of the devices A301 in FIG. 18, which is a communication management device that performs addition confirmation, is performed.

  Therefore, the configuration example of the content cast application 211 of each device in this case is as shown in FIGS. FIG. 24A shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device A301. FIG. 24B shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device B302. FIG. 25A shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device C303. FIG. 25B shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device D304. The same parts as those described with reference to FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As illustrated in FIG. 24A, the device A301 includes a master additional reception processing unit 510, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. Have.

  The master addition acceptance processing unit 510 performs processing for accepting addition of a device as a master (communication management device) in the second communication network 310. The master addition reception processing unit 510 includes an addition request reception unit 511, an addition confirmation unit 512, an addition confirmation control unit 513, a second communication control unit 514, and a profile processing unit 515.

  The addition request reception unit 511 is a processing unit similar to the addition request reception unit 331 (FIG. 8), and performs a process for an addition request for the device D304 supplied from the device C303 touched (closed) to the device D304. The addition confirmation unit 512 is a processing unit similar to the addition confirmation unit 332 (FIG. 8), and performs processing for confirming whether or not the device D304 can be added to the user of the device A301. The addition confirmation control unit 513 is a processing unit similar to the addition confirmation control unit 414 (FIG. 19), and confirms whether or not the device D304 can be added to the user of the device B302 that has not touched (closed to) the device D304. Perform the process.

  The second communication control unit 514 is a processing unit similar to the second communication control unit 333 (FIG. 8) and the second communication control unit 415 (FIG. 19), and performs the second communication with the device D304 permitted to be added. Establish. The profile processing unit 515 is the same processing unit as the profile processing unit 334 (FIG. 8) and the profile processing unit 416 (FIG. 19), exchanges profile information with other devices constituting the second communication network 310, and exchanges profile information with each other. Synchronize information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 24B, the device B302 includes a slave addition reception processing unit 520, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. Have.

  The slave addition acceptance processing unit 520 performs processing for accepting addition of a device as a slave (receiving device) in the second communication network 310. As illustrated in FIG. 24B, the slave addition reception processing unit 520 performs processing of a device that is not touched (closed to) the device D304 to be added. The slave addition reception processing unit 520 has basically the same configuration as the slave addition reception processing unit 420 (FIG. 19), and includes an addition confirmation reception unit 521, an addition confirmation unit 522, and a profile processing unit 523.

  The addition confirmation accepting unit 521 is a processing unit similar to the addition confirmation accepting unit 421 (FIG. 19), accepts an additional confirmation request for the device D304 supplied from the device A301 via the second communication, and makes a response thereto. . The addition confirmation unit 522 is a processing unit similar to the addition confirmation unit 422 (FIG. 19), and performs processing for confirming whether or not addition is possible for the user of the device B302. The profile processing unit 523 is a processing unit similar to the profile processing unit 423 (FIG. 19), exchanges profile information with other devices constituting the second communication network 310, and synchronizes each other's information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 25A, the device C303 includes a slave addition reception processing unit 530, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. Have.

  The slave addition acceptance processing unit 530 performs processing for accepting addition of a device as a slave (receiving device) in the second communication network 310. As illustrated in FIG. 25A, the slave additional reception processing unit 530 performs processing of a device to be touched (closed to) the device D304 to be added. The slave additional reception processing unit 530 has basically the same configuration as the slave additional reception processing unit 340 (FIG. 8), and includes an additional instruction reception unit 531, a reproduction control right processing unit 532, a setting information transmission / reception unit 533, An add request processing unit 534 and a profile processing unit 523 are included.

  The addition instruction receiving unit 531 is a processing unit similar to the addition instruction receiving unit 341 (FIG. 8), and receives an apparatus addition instruction from the user. The reproduction control right processing unit 532 is a processing unit similar to the reproduction control right processing unit 342 (FIG. 8), and grants a reproduction control right that is a right to control the reproduction (distribution) of content to the added device. Process related to. The setting information exchanging unit 533 is a processing unit similar to the setting information exchanging unit 343 (FIG. 8), and uses the first communication established with the touched (adjacent) device D304 to obtain device information and capabilities. Exchange of setting information such as information.

  The addition request processing unit 534 is a processing unit similar to the addition request processing unit 344 (FIG. 8), and performs processing for requesting the device A301 to add the device D304. The profile processing unit 535 is a processing unit similar to the profile processing unit 345 (FIG. 8), exchanges profile information with other devices constituting the second communication network 310, and synchronizes each other's information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 25B, the device D304 includes an additional device processing unit 540, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211.

  The additional device processing unit 540 performs processing as a device added to the second communication network 310. The additional device processing unit 540 basically has the same configuration as the additional device processing unit 350, and includes a setting information transmission / reception unit 541, a second communication control unit 542, and a profile processing unit 543.

  The setting information exchanging unit 541 is a processing unit similar to the setting information exchanging unit 351 (FIG. 8), and uses the first communication established with the touched (closed) device C303 to use the device information and capabilities. Exchange of setting information such as information. The second communication control unit 542 is a processing unit similar to the second communication control unit 352 (FIG. 8), and establishes second communication with the device A301 that is a master. The profile processing unit 543 is a processing unit similar to the profile processing unit 353 (FIG. 8), exchanges profile information with other devices constituting the second communication network 310, and synchronizes each other's information.

  Next, an example of the flow of processing in adding the device D304 as shown in FIG. 23 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 28 as needed.

  First, in the state shown in FIG. 23A, the music player application 212 of the device A301 transmits music data (streaming reproduction / transmission) in step S301. At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being transmitted is displayed on the monitor of the device A301, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The music player application 212 of the device B302 plays the music data distributed from the device A301 while receiving it (streaming playback / reception) in step S371 and the music player application 212 of the device C303 in step S321, respectively. At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being received / reproduced is displayed on the monitors of the devices B302 and C303, for example, as shown in FIG. The addition instruction receiving unit 531 of the device C303 receives a device addition instruction from the user, which is input by operating the GUI.

  When the device addition instruction is received, the playback control right processing unit 532 displays a GUI as shown in FIG. 13 on the monitor in step S323, for example, and gives the user the playback control right to the device to be added. Confirm whether to grant.

  When the reproduction control right grant is confirmed, the handover control unit 221 of the device C303 establishes the first communication with the touched (adjacent) device D304 as shown in FIG. 23B in step S324. At this time, a screen that prompts the user to perform a touch (proximity) operation is displayed on the monitor of the device C303, for example, as illustrated in FIG.

  Corresponding to the processing of the device C303, the handover control unit 221 of the device D304 also establishes the first communication with the touched (closed) device C303 as shown in FIG. 23B in step S351. At that time, a GUI screen for confirming the establishment of the first communication with the user as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the monitor of the device D304.

  When the first communication is established, the setting information sending / receiving unit 533 of the device C303 provides the setting information to the device D304 in step S325. Corresponding to this process, the setting information sending / receiving unit 541 of the device D304 acquires the provided setting information in step S352.

  The setting information 561 in FIG. 28 shows a configuration example of setting information provided from the device C303 to the device D304. As shown in FIG. 28, the setting information 561 includes a master address 571, master capability information 572, new master PIN 573, own address 574, own capability information 575, and content operation authority 576. Of course, other information may be included.

  The master address 571 is device information and is the same information as the master address 371. In the case of the example of FIG. 28, the A address is provided as the master address 571. The master capability information 572 is capability information and is the same information as the master capability information 372. In the case of the example of FIG. 28, the A capability information is provided as the master capability information 572.

  The new master PIN 573 is the same information as the new master PIN 373. In the case of the example in FIG. 28, the new master PIN 573 is generated by the device C303. Here, it is assumed that the value “1234” is provided as the new master PIN 573. The new master PIN 573 may have any value, and the data length is also arbitrary.

  The own address 574 is device information and is the same information as the own address 374. In the case of the example of FIG. 28, the C address is provided as the own address 574. The own capability information 575 is capability information and is the same information as the own capability information 375. In the case of FIG. 28, B capability information which is capability information of the device B302 is provided as the own capability information 575. The content operation authority 576 is the same information as the content operation authority 376. In the case of the example of FIG. 28, information “with playback control” is provided as the content operation authority 576.

  Returning to FIG. 26, this time, the setting information sending / receiving unit 541 of the device D304 provides the setting information to the device C303 in step S353. Corresponding to this processing, the setting information sending / receiving unit 533 of the device C303 acquires the provided setting information in step S326.

  The setting information 562 in FIG. 28 shows a configuration example of setting information provided from the device D304 to the device C303. As shown in FIG. 28, the setting information 562 includes its own address 577, its own capability information 578, and a new master PIN 579. Of course, other information may be included.

  The own address 577 is device information and is the same information as the own address information 377. In the case of the example of FIG. 28, the address (D address) of the device D304 is provided as the own address 577. The own capability information 578 is capability information and is the same information as the own capability information 378. In the case of FIG. 28, capability information (D capability information) of the device D304 is provided as the own capability information 578.

  The new master PIN 579 is the same information as the new master PIN 379. In the example of FIG. 28, “1234” is provided as the new master PIN 579. Since the value of the new master PIN 579 is common, it is indicated that the setting information 562 is information corresponding to the setting information 561. The new master PIN 579 may have any value, and the data length is arbitrary.

  By exchanging this information, the device C303 acquires device information (address) and capability information of the device D304. In addition to the device information (address) and capability information of the device C303, the device D304 acquires device information (address) and capability information of the device A301, and information indicating the presence / absence of the content operation authority.

  Returning to FIG. 26, when the exchange of the setting information by the first communication is completed, the addition request processing unit 534 of the device C303 uses the second communication to send an addition request request of the device D304 to the device A301 in step S327. Do it. The addition request 563 in FIG. 28 indicates information provided to the device A301 at this time.

  In the example of FIG. 28, the addition request request 563 includes an addition request request command 580, an additional device address 581, additional device capability information 582, new master PIN information 583, and additional device content operation authority 584. Of course, other information may be included. For example, a self address or self capability information may be added. However, since these data are transmitted using the existing second communication, the device A301 can identify the transmission source without the own address indicating the transmission source or the own capability information.

  The addition request request command 580 is a command similar to the addition request request command 380, and requests the device A301 to add the device D304 to the second communication network 310. The additional device address 581 is the same information as the additional device address 381. In the case of the example of FIG. 28, the D address is provided as the additional device address 581. The additional device capability information 582 is the same information as the additional device capability information 382. In the case of the example in FIG. 28, D capability information is provided as the additional device capability information 582. The new master PIN 583 is the same information as the new master PIN 383. In the case of the example of FIG. 28, the value “1234” is provided as the new master PIN 583.

  The additional device content operation authority 584 is the same information as the additional device content operation authority 386. In the case of FIG. 26, the information “with playback control” is provided as the additional device content operation authority 586.

  In step S302, the addition request reception unit 511 of the device A301 acquires such an addition request request. In step S303, the addition confirmation unit 512 displays, for example, a GUI screen as illustrated in FIG. 16 on the monitor of the device A301, and confirms whether or not the user is permitted to add.

  When the user selects “Yes”, the addition request receiving unit 511 responds to the addition request request to the device C303 via the second communication in step S304 and permits the addition of the device D304. A response 564 in FIG. 28 shows a configuration example of information provided from the device A301 to the device C303 at this time.

  In the example of FIG. 28, the response 564 includes an addition request permission response 585 and a new master PIN 586. Of course, other information may be included.

  The addition request permission response 585 is the same information as the addition request permission response 387, is a response to the addition request request command 580, and indicates that addition is permitted. The new master PIN 586 is the same information as the new master PIN 388, and the value “1234” is provided.

  In step S328, the addition request processing unit 534 of the device C303 acquires the response.

  By this information exchange, the device A301, which is a communication management device that is not touching (adjacent to) the device D304, can also acquire the device information (address) and capability information of the device D304. Further, the device C303 can know that the addition of the device D304 is permitted in the device A301.

  When the user of the device A301 selects “No” in step S303 and rejects the addition of the device C303, the addition request reception unit 511 sends a request to the device C303 via the second communication in step S304. A response to the request for addition is made, and the addition of the device D304 is rejected. With this rejection response, a series of processing ends. That is, in this case, the device C303 cannot participate in the second communication network 310.

  Here, the device A301 further causes the device B302, which is a receiving device to which the device D304 has not been touched (closed), to confirm the addition of the device. That is, in step S305 in FIG. 27, the addition confirmation control unit 513 of the device A301 requests the device B302 to confirm the addition of the device D304 using the second communication. The addition confirmation request 565 in FIG. 28 indicates information provided by the device A301 at this time.

  In the example of FIG. 28, the addition confirmation request 565 includes an addition confirmation request command 587, an additional device address 588, additional device capability information 589, and an additional device content operation authority 590. Of course, other information may be included.

  The addition confirmation request command 587 is the same information as the addition confirmation request command 480. The additional device address 588 is the same information as the additional device address 481. In the example of FIG. 28, the D address is provided. The additional device capability information 589 is the same information as the additional device capability information 482, and in the case of the example of FIG. 28, D capability information is provided.

  The additional device content operation authority 590 is the same information as the additional device content operation authority 483. In the example of FIG. 28, the information “playback control is provided” is provided as the additional device content operation authority 590.

  In step S372, the addition confirmation receiving unit 521 of the device B302 to which the addition confirmation request 565 as described above is provided acquires it. In step S373, the addition confirmation unit 522 displays a GUI screen as shown in FIG. 16, for example, on the monitor of the device B302, and accepts a user instruction. If the user selects “Yes”, the addition confirmation accepting unit 521 responds to the addition confirmation request to the device A301 via the second communication in step S374 and permits the addition of the device D304. A response 566 in FIG. 28 shows a configuration example of information provided from the device B302 to the device A301 at this time.

  In the example of FIG. 28, the response 566 includes an addition confirmation permission response 591. Of course, other information may be included. The addition confirmation permission response 591 is the same information as the addition confirmation permission response 485. In step S306, the addition confirmation control unit 513 of the device A301 acquires the response.

  By this information exchange, the device B302 that has not touched (closed to) the device D304 can know that the device D304 has been touched (closed). Further, whether or not the device D304 can be added can be controlled.

  That is, in step S373, when the user of the device B302 selects “No” and rejects the addition of the device C303, in step S374, the addition confirmation accepting unit 521 transmits the second communication to the device A301. , Send a reply indicating rejection. With this rejection response, a series of processing ends. That is, in this case, the device C303 cannot participate in the second communication network 310.

  In the above, communication between the device A301 and the device B302 can be performed using the second communication in which streaming playback is performed. That is, the device A301 and the device B302 can perform the above-described information exchange without interrupting streaming playback.

  When the above processing is completed, the second communication is enabled between the device A301 and the device C303, but the subsequent processing shown in FIG. 27 is executed in the same manner as in the case shown in FIG.

  That is, the second communication control unit 514 of the device A301 establishes the second communication with each other in step S307 in FIG. 27 and the second communication control unit 542 of the device D304 in step S354 in FIG.

  When the second communication is established, the profile processing unit 535 of the device A301 exchanges and synchronizes profile information with each of the devices B302 to D304 using the second communication in step S308. In response to this processing, the profile processing unit 523 of the device B302 in Step S375 of FIG. 27, the profile processing unit 535 of the device C303 in Step S329 of FIG. 27, and the profile processing unit 543 of the device D304 in Step S355, respectively. The second communication is used to exchange and synchronize profile information with the device A301.

  Through the above processing, the device D304 is added to the second communication network 310 as shown in FIG. 23C, and content data can be distributed from the device A301 to the device D304. Therefore, in step S309, the music player application 212 of the device A301 transmits music data for streaming playback to the devices B302 to D304 using the second communication (streaming playback / transmission). .

  On the other hand, the music player application 212 of the device B302 is supplied from the device A301 in step S376, the music player application 212 of the device C303 in step S330, and the music player application 212 of the device D304 in step S356, respectively. Play while receiving data (streaming playback / reception).

  By performing the processing as described above, the communication system 300 can easily add a new device even when there are three or more devices forming the second communication network 310. That is, it becomes easier to add the device to the second communication network.

  Also in this case, it is possible to add a device without interrupting data transmission / reception in the second communication network that has been performed before the addition. Furthermore, also in this case, whether or not the device can be added to the second communication network can be easily controlled by the user of the device that has not touched (closed to) the device. Also in this case, it is possible to easily control the granting of the content operation authority to the device added to the second communication network. As described above, the communication system 300 can improve the convenience of an application involving communication between apparatuses.

  In addition, in the communication system 300, when a device A301 is distributing data to three or more receiving devices, a new receiving device is added, such as a device B302 in FIG. 23. There are a plurality of devices that are not touched (closed). The device A301 makes an addition confirmation request as described above to all such “receiving devices that are not touched (closed to) the device to be added”. That is, each of the “receiving devices that are not touched (closed to) the device to be added” has the same configuration as the device B302 of FIG. 23 and performs the same processing.

  It is also possible for the device D304 to participate in the second communication network 310 by touching (approaching) the device D304 to the device A301. In this case, both the device B302 and the device C303 that are receiving devices are “receiving devices that are not touched (closed to) the device to be added”, and thus have the same configuration as the device B302 in the example of FIG. Then, the same processing is performed. The same applies when the communication system 300 is composed of five or more units.

  Next, a case will be described in which a device forming the second communication network is deleted from the second communication network. For example, assume that the second communication network 310 is formed by the devices A301 to D304 as shown in FIG. 29A. Then, the device A301 operates as a communication management device, the devices B302 to D304 operate as receiving devices, and the device A301 performs streaming distribution of music data to the devices B302 to D304 using the second communication. To do.

  From this state, for example, when the device D304 that is the receiving device is sufficiently separated from the device A301 that is the communication management device, as shown in FIG. 29B, it is possible that the device D304 goes out of the communicable range of the second communication. . In such a case, since the second communication (arrow 313) between the device D304 and the device A301 cannot be continued, the device D304 is deleted from the second communication network 310. However, when the other receiving apparatuses B302 and C303 can communicate with the apparatus A301, the apparatus A301 performs data distribution (arrow 311 and arrow 312) to these apparatuses as shown in FIG. 29C. continue.

  By doing so, even when the device D304 is deleted from the communication network 310, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary processing such as temporarily stopping all streaming distribution, and increase the influence of the deletion of the device D304. Can be suppressed. That is, the communication system 300 can improve the convenience of an application involving communication between apparatuses.

  This will be specifically described below. FIG. 30 shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of each device in this case. FIG. 30A shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device A301. FIG. 30B shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device B302 and the device C303. The same parts as those described with reference to FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As illustrated in FIG. 30A, the device A301 includes a master deletion processing unit 610, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. .

  The master deletion processing unit 610 performs device deletion processing as a master (communication management device) in the second communication network 310. The master deletion processing unit 610 includes a deletion unit 611, a deletion report unit 612, and a deletion confirmation control unit 613.

  The deletion unit 611 detects a receiving device that has become unable to perform the second communication, and performs processing for deleting the device information and the user's profile information. The deletion report unit 612 notifies the user that the device has been deleted by displaying a GUI screen on the monitor. The deletion confirmation control unit 613 notifies each user of deletion of information related to a receiving apparatus that has become unable to communicate with other receiving apparatuses.

  As illustrated in FIG. 30B, the device B302 includes a slave deletion processing unit 620, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. .

  The slave deletion processing unit 620 performs device deletion processing as a slave (receiving device) in the second communication network 310. The slave deletion processing unit 620 includes a deletion confirmation receiving unit 621 and a deletion reporting unit 622.

  The deletion confirmation receiving unit 621 performs processing for the deletion confirmation request supplied from the device A301. The deletion report unit 622 notifies the user that the device has been deleted by displaying a GUI screen on the monitor.

  The function that the device C303 has as the function of the content cast application 211 is the same as that of the device B302 shown in FIG.

  Next, an example of the flow of processing in adding the device D304 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In addition, it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 as needed.

  First, in the state shown in FIG. 30A, the music player application 212 of the device A301 transmits music data to the devices B302 to D304 (streaming playback / transmission) in step S401. At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being transmitted is displayed on the monitor of the device A301, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The music player application 212 of the device B302 receives the music data distributed from the device A301 in step S421, the music player application 212 of the device C303 in step S441, and the music player application 212 of the device D304 in step S461, respectively. Play while playing (streaming playback / reception). At this time, GUIs indicating that the music data is being received / reproduced are displayed on the monitors of the devices B302 to D304, for example, as shown in FIG.

  At this time, when the device D304 moves outside the communicable range (out of service area) of the second communication, the deletion unit 611 of the device A301 detects that fact and deletes information related to the device D304 such as device information and profile information.

  In step S402, the deletion confirmation control unit 613 of the device A301 supplies information such as that shown in the deletion confirmation request 661 in FIG. 33 to the remaining devices B302 and C303 using the second communication. , Request confirmation of deletion of the device D304.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the deletion confirmation request 661 includes a deletion confirmation request command 671, a deletion device address 672, deletion device capability information 673, and a deletion device profile 674. Of course, other information may be included.

  The deletion confirmation request command 671 is a command for requesting deletion of information related to the device D304 held by each receiving device. The deleted device address 672 is an address (identification information) of a device to be deleted. In the case of the example of FIG. 33, the D address is provided as the deletion device address 672. Deletion device capability information 673 is capability information of a device to be deleted. In the case of the example of FIG. 33, D capability information is provided as the deletion device capability information 673. The deleted device profile 674 is profile information of a device to be deleted. In the case of the example of FIG. 33, the D profile is provided as the deletion device profile information 674.

  When such a request is transmitted, the deletion report unit 612 of the device A301 displays a GUI screen as shown in FIG. 32, for example, and notifies the user that the device D304 has been deleted from the second communication network 310. In FIG. 32, the GUI screen for reporting the deletion shows a message notifying the user of the deletion, such as “Communication with device D (device to be deleted) has been disconnected”.

  In step S422, the deletion confirmation receiving unit 621 of the device B302 acquires the device deletion confirmation request transmitted from the device A301, and deletes device information and profile information related to the device D304 according to the request. In step S423, the deletion report unit 622 of the device B302 displays a GUI screen as shown in FIG. 32, for example, and notifies the user that the device D304 has been deleted from the second communication network 310. In step S424, the deletion confirmation receiving unit 621 of the device B302 supplies a deletion confirmation response as illustrated in the response 662 of FIG. 33 to the device A301 as a response corresponding to the request.

  The response 662 includes a deletion confirmation response 675 as shown in FIG. The deletion confirmation response 675 is response information that reports that the user has been notified of the deletion. In step S404, the device A301 acquires the response 662 supplied from the device B302.

  Similarly, in step S442, the deletion confirmation receiving unit 621 of the device C303 acquires the device deletion confirmation request transmitted from the device A301, and deletes device information and profile information related to the device D304 according to the request. In step S443, the deletion report unit 622 of the device C303 displays a GUI screen as shown in FIG. 32, for example, and notifies the user that the device D304 has been deleted from the second communication network 310. In step S444, the deletion confirmation receiving unit 621 of the device C303 supplies a deletion confirmation response as illustrated in the response 662 of FIG. 33 to the device A301 as a response corresponding to the request. In step S405, the device A301 acquires the response 662 supplied from the device C303.

  The device D304 is deleted from the second communication network 310 through the above processing. Therefore, thereafter, the device A301 distributes the music data only to the device B302 and the device C303.

  That is, the music player application 212 of the device A301 transmits the music data to the devices B302 and C303 in step S406 (streaming reproduction / transmission). At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being transmitted is displayed on the monitor of the device A301, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In response to this transmission, the music player application 212 of the device B302 reproduces the music data distributed from the device A301 while receiving it (streaming reproduction) in step S425 and the music player application 212 of the device C303 in step S445, respectively.・ Reception). At this time, GUIs indicating that the music data is being received / reproduced are displayed on the monitors of the devices B302 and C303, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Each process described above is performed between transmission and reception of data in streaming reproduction. That is, the communication system 300 can easily delete the device D304 from the second communication network 304 while continuing to distribute data to the devices B302 and C303 by the device A301.

  Even when a plurality of devices that are slaves (reception devices) are deleted, the communication system 300 can be easily deleted by performing the above-described processing for each device to be deleted. Further, when the device A301 that is the master (communication management device) moves out of the service area, all the slaves are moved out of the service area as viewed from the master, so all the slaves are deleted from the second communication network 310. The second communication network 310 is eliminated. That is, the communication system 300 can easily eliminate the second communication network 310 by repeating the above-described processing.

  As described above, the communication system 300 can improve the convenience of an application involving communication between apparatuses.

  In the above, the grant of the playback control right has been described. However, for example, a device that is not granted the playback control right by not giving the playback control right at the time of adding the device or deleting the playback control right that has been given. In addition, a playback control right may be granted again. In other words, a device with “no playback control right” may be promoted to “with playback control right”.

  For example, in the state shown in FIG. 7C, it is assumed that the playback control right is not granted to the device C303. A case where the playback control right is given (promoted) to the device C303 from this state will be described.

  FIG. 34 shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of each device in this case. FIG. 34A shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device A301. FIG. 34B shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device B302. FIG. 34C shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 of the device C303. The same parts as those described with reference to FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As illustrated in FIG. 34A, the device A301 includes a playback control right processing unit 710, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. .

  The reproduction control right processing unit 710 performs a process related to granting a reproduction control right as a master (communication management apparatus) in the second communication network 310. The reproduction control right processing unit 710 includes a reproduction control right management unit 711, a control right grant confirmation unit 712, and a control right grant confirmation control unit 713.

  The reproduction control right processing unit 711 performs processing for a reproduction control right grant request. The control right grant confirmation unit 712 confirms the user with playback control right grant by displaying a GUI screen on the monitor. The control right grant confirmation control unit 713 allows each user to confirm whether or not to grant a playback control right to a receiving device other than the receiving device that has requested the grant of the playback control right.

  As illustrated in FIG. 34B, the device B302 includes a playback control right processing unit 720, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. .

  The reproduction control right processing unit 720 performs processing for controlling the granting of the reproduction control right as a receiving device other than the receiving device that has requested the reproduction control right. The reproduction control right processing unit 720 includes a confirmation request handling unit 721 and a control right grant confirmation unit 722.

  The confirmation request handling unit 721 acquires or responds to a control right grant confirmation request supplied from the master device A301. The control right grant confirmation unit 722 confirms with the user whether or not to grant the control right.

  As illustrated in FIG. 34C, the device C303 includes a playback control right processing unit 730, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. .

  The reproduction control right processing unit 730 performs processing as a receiving device that requests the provision of reproduction control right. The reproduction control right processing unit 730 includes a promotion instruction receiving unit 731, a reproduction control right requesting unit 732, and a promotion processing unit 733.

  The promotion instruction receiving unit 731 receives an instruction to acquire a playback control right that is input by a user operation or the like, for example. The reproduction control right request unit 732 requests the master to give the reproduction control right based on the instruction acquired by the promotion instruction reception unit 731. The promotion processing unit 733 performs promotion processing for granting the playback control right when the grant of the playback control right is permitted.

  Next, an example of the flow of processing related to promotion of the device C303 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In addition, it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 as needed.

  First, in step S501, the music player application 212 of the device A301 transmits music data to the devices B302 and C303 (streaming reproduction / transmission). At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being transmitted is displayed on the monitor of the device A301, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In step S521, the music player application 212 of the device B302 and the music player application 212 of the device C303 in step S541 respectively reproduce the music data distributed from the device A301 while receiving (streaming reproduction / reception). At this time, GUIs indicating that the music data is being received / reproduced are displayed on the monitors of the devices B302 and C303, for example, as shown in FIG.

  At this time, when the user operates the GUI screen and inputs an instruction (elevation instruction) for granting the playback control right to the apparatus C303 in the device C303, the promotion instruction receiving unit 731 receives the promotion instruction in step S522. . In step S523, the reproduction control right request unit 732 requests a reproduction control right from the master device A301 based on the instruction. The reproduction control right management unit 711 of the device A301 acquires the request in step S502. In step S503, the control right grant confirmation unit 712 uses a GUI screen as a monitor for confirming whether or not to grant the playback control right to the device C303, as shown in FIG. By displaying, the user's intention of apparatus A301 is confirmed.

  As shown in FIG. 36, “Yes” and “No” are displayed on the GUI screen, along with a message “Do you want to grant playback control right to device C (the device that requested the playback control right?)”? The options are displayed. The user controls the granting of the reproduction control right by selecting “Yes” or “No”.

  In step S504, the control right grant confirmation control unit 713 requests the device B302, which is a receiving device other than the device that has requested control right grant, to confirm whether or not the user grants the reproduction control right. To do. When there are a plurality of “reception devices other than the device that has requested control right grant”, the control right grant confirmation control unit 713 causes each device to perform confirmation.

  The confirmation request handling unit 721 of the device B302 acquires the request in step S542. In step S543, the control right grant confirmation unit 722 uses a GUI screen as a monitor for confirming whether or not to grant the playback control right to the device C303, for example, as shown in FIG. By displaying, the intention of the user of the device B302 is confirmed.

  If the user selects “Yes” and the grant of the playback control right is permitted, the confirmation request handling unit 721 supplies a response permitting the grant of the playback control right to the device A301 in step S544. The control right grant confirmation control unit 713 of the device A301 acquires the response in step S505.

  When the response is acquired, in step S506, the playback control right management unit 711 of the device A301 supplies a response permitting the grant of the playback control right to the device C303 that is the request source of the playback control right grant. In step S524, the reproduction control right request unit 732 of the device C303 acquires the response.

  Upon obtaining the response, the promotion processing unit 733 grants the playback control right to the device C303 in step S525, and displays a screen for notifying the user that the playback control right has been granted, for example, as shown in FIG. Display. In FIG. 37, for example, a message indicating that the playback control right is granted is displayed on the screen.

  If the user of apparatus A301 refuses grant of the playback control right of apparatus C303 in step S503, or if the user of apparatus B302 refuses the grant of playback control right of apparatus C303 in step S543, playback of apparatus A301 is performed. In step S506, the control right management unit 711 supplies a response rejecting the grant of the playback control right to the device C303 that is the request source for the grant of the playback control right. With this rejection response, a series of processing ends. That is, in this case, the device C303 is not promoted to have the playback control right.

  The above processing is performed between streaming playback processing. As a result, the communication system 300 can more easily grant the playback control right to the apparatus while suppressing an increase in the influence on the other processing due to the grant of the playback control right.

  That is, the communication system 300 can improve the convenience of an application involving communication between apparatuses.

  Note that the reproduction control right may be removed (demotion). In that case, in the above-described promotion process, the control right may be deprived instead of giving the control right.

  In each of the above examples, after updating the second communication network 310, each device has been described to exchange and synchronize profile information (for example, step S106, step S107, step S125, and step S149 in FIG. 10). At that time, not only the profile information but also other information may be exchanged and synchronized. For example, each device may exchange or synchronize device information and capability information of each device.

  As described above, these pieces of information are exchanged by the first communication or the second communication when the device configuration of the second communication network 310 is updated. Therefore, at the end of the update of the second communication network 310, each device acquires information on other devices. However, after the second communication network 310 is updated, the device information and capability information of each device may be updated, for example, when the user changes the setting of the device. In this case, there is a possibility that the mutual information of each device is not the latest information due to transmission / reception when the second communication network 310 is updated. Since the device information and capability information can be used even after the second communication network 310 is updated, if these pieces of information are not up-to-date, there is a possibility that a malfunction may occur when the information is used.

  Therefore, as described above, by exchanging and synchronizing not only the profile information but also device information and capability information, each device can always have the latest information.

  By the way, information (device information, capability information, profile information, etc.) belonging to each device shared by each device constituting the second communication network 310 after this update is the following addition or deletion of the device as described above. For example, it is possible to change (roll switch) a communication management apparatus that is a content distribution source.

  The roll switch will be described below.

  Next, in the second communication network generated as described above, the second communication network that distributes content data from one device to another device by an application, a roll switch that switches the device that distributes the data. The case of performing will be described.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

  As illustrated in FIG. 38A, in the communication system 300, it is assumed that the device A301, the device B302, and the device C303 establish the second communication network 310 and are in the state illustrated in FIG. 7C. That is, as indicated by the arrow 311 and the arrow 312, the device A301 performs streaming reproduction (data distribution) of content data such as music and video, for example, toward the device B302 and the device C303. The devices B302 and C303 reproduce the data while receiving it.

  As shown in FIG. 38B, the second communication network 310 is changed to a communication network in which the device C303 is a communication management device. That is, the device C303 performs streaming reproduction (data distribution) of content data such as music and video, for example, toward the device A301 and the device B302 as indicated by arrows 314 and 315. The devices A301 and B302 operate as receiving devices and reproduce data while receiving data transmitted from the device C303.

  When switching such a communication management apparatus (streaming data distribution source) to another apparatus, the method described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 allows the apparatus C303 to communicate with the apparatus A301 or the apparatus B302. However, communication between the device A301 and the device B302 cannot be controlled. Further, even if the device A301 is controlled to communicate with the devices B302 and C303 by establishing the connection by the method described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the communication between the devices B302 and C303 is possible. Communication cannot be controlled.

  As described above, when there are three or more devices forming the second communication network, it is difficult to switch the communication management device by the method described with reference to FIGS.

  Therefore, the communication system 300 performs the following process. That is, as indicated by an arrow 324 in FIG. 38A, the device C303 issues a roll switch command for requesting switching of the communication management device to the device A301 that is the current communication management device.

  The device A301 that has acquired the roll switch command disconnects the second communication connection with the device B based on the request. Furthermore, the device C303 establishes a second communication connection with the device B302. As a result, the second communication network 310 centering on the device C303 is formed, so that the device C303 starts distributing streaming data to the device A301 and the device B302 as indicated by arrows 314 and 315 in FIG. 38B. To do.

  In this way, the communication management device can be easily switched from the device A301 to the device C303. That is, the distribution source of the content data can be easily changed, and the convenience of the application involving communication between apparatuses can be improved.

  The specific method will be described below.

  FIG. 39 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the content cast application 211 included in the devices A301, B302, and C303 in FIG. FIG. 39A shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 included in the device A301. FIG. 39B shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 included in the device B302. FIG. 39C shows a configuration example of the content cast application 211 included in the device C303. The same parts as those described with reference to FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  That is, as illustrated in FIG. 39A, the device A301 includes a master change processing unit 810, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211. Have.

  The master change processing unit 810 is a processing unit that performs processing for the current master (communication management device) in the second communication network 310, and performs processing related to the change of the master (communication management device). The master change processing unit 810 includes a promotion permission unit 811, a change confirmation unit 812, a second communication control unit 813, and a profile processing unit 814.

  The promotion permission unit 811 accepts a request for a master (communication management device) promotion request from the receiving device, grants a permission for the request, or rejects the request. The change confirmation unit 812 confirms the master change with respect to a receiving device other than the request source. When changing the master, the second communication control unit 813 disconnects the second communication with the device B302 that is a receiving device that is not promoted to the master. After changing the master, the profile processing unit 814 exchanges profile information with other devices forming the second communication network 310, and synchronizes the contents. That is, processing for sharing each other's profile information is performed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 39B, the device B302 includes a master change processing unit 820, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211.

  In the second communication network 310, the master change processing unit 820 performs processing related to a change of a receiving device that is not promoted (not requested) as a master, that is, a master (communication management device) as a receiving device that is not a request source of the master promotion. The master change processing unit 820 includes a change permission unit 821, a second communication control unit 822, and a profile processing unit 823.

  The change permission unit 821 accepts a master change (confirmation) request supplied from the device A301 that is the master before the change, determines whether or not the change can be made, and responds with the determination result. The method for determining whether or not the change is possible is arbitrary, but is determined based on a user instruction, for example. The second communication control unit 822 establishes a second communication connection with the device C303, which is the receiving device promoted to the master. After changing the master, the profile processing unit 823 exchanges profile information with other devices that form the second communication network 310, and synchronizes the contents. That is, processing for sharing each other's profile information is performed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 39C, the device C303 includes a master change processing unit 830, a handover control unit 221, an application control unit 223, a GUI control unit 224, and a memory access processing unit 225 as functions of the content cast application 211.

  The master change processing unit 830 performs processing related to the change of the master (communication management device) as the receiving device that is the request source of the master change. The master change processing unit 830 includes a change instruction receiving unit 831, a promotion request unit 832, a promotion processing unit 833, a second communication control unit 834, and a profile processing unit 835.

  The change instruction accepting unit 831 accepts a master change instruction from a user or the like, for example, by displaying a GUI screen on a monitor, for example. The promotion request unit 832 requests the device A301, which is the current master, to promote to the master (switching of the master). When the request is accepted, the promotion processing unit 833 performs a process of promoting the device C303 to the master. That is, the device C303 is changed from the receiving device to the communication management device 301. The second communication control unit 834 establishes a second communication connection with the device B302 that is the receiving device that has not been promoted to the master. After changing the master, the profile processing unit 835 exchanges profile information with other devices that form the second communication network 310, and synchronizes the contents. That is, processing for sharing each other's profile information is performed.

  Next, an example of the flow of processing in the master promotion of the device C303 as shown in FIG. 38 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Note that description will be made with reference to FIG. 42 as necessary.

  First, in the state shown in FIG. 38A, in step S601, the application of apparatus A301 transmits content data for streaming playback of content data (streaming playback / transmission). In the following, a case will be described in which music data is used as an example of content data and the music data is streamed. That is, a music player application 212 will be described as an example of the application. Of course, the content to be streamed may be any content such as a moving image, a still image, and multimedia content, and the application is arbitrary.

  At this time, a GUI indicating that music data is being transmitted is displayed on the monitor of the device A301.

  In step S641, the music player application 212 of the device B302 plays the music data distributed from the device A301 while receiving it (streaming playback / reception). At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being received / played is displayed on the monitor of the device B302.

  In step S621, the music player application 212 of the device C303 plays the music data distributed from the device A301 while receiving it (streaming playback / reception). At this time, a GUI indicating that music data is being received / played is displayed on the monitor of the device C303.

  In this state, in the device C303, it is assumed that the user displays a predetermined GUI screen on a monitor and operates the GUI screen to display a song name list of song data stored in the device C303. When the user selects to reproduce any of them, the change instruction accepting unit 831 of the device C303 accepts the selection as a master change instruction in step S622.

  In the system as shown in FIG. 38, the music data can be distributed only by the master device A301. That is, the device C303 cannot distribute the music data that the device C303 has. In order to distribute the music data that the device itself has, the device C303 can only be promoted to the master. Therefore, the change instruction accepting unit 831 considers that the request for the promotion of the master has been made when the user selects the reproduction of the music data stored in the device C303, and responds to the request in step S623. Then, a master promotion request is made to the device A301. The promotion permission unit 411 of the device A301 acquires the request in step S602.

  The master promotion request 851 in FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a request transmitted from the device C303 to the device A301 in step S623. In FIG. 42, a master promotion request 851 includes a master promotion request command 861, a new master address 862, a new master PIN (Personal Identification Number) 863, and new master capability information 864.

  The master promotion request command 861 is a request command for requesting promotion from the master. The new master address 862 is device information. When the request is permitted, the new master address 862 is an address (identification information) of a device that becomes a new master after the master update. In the case of FIG. 42, the C address that is the address of the device C303 is provided as the new master address 862. The new master PIN 863 is a pass key for confirming the session. This is identification information for confirming which request the response is based on the value of the new master PIN 863. In the case of FIG. 42, the new master PIN 863 is generated by the device C303 that requests the promotion. Here, it is assumed that the value “1234” is provided as the new master PIN 863. The new master PIN 863 may have any value, and the data length is also arbitrary. The new master capability information 864 is capability information of a device that operates as a new master after updating the master. In the case of FIG. 42, C capability information that is capability information of the device C303 is provided as the master capability information 864.

  Returning to FIG. 40, in step S603, the change confirmation unit 812 determines whether or not the master may be changed to the device C303 by transmitting a master change request to the device B302 that is a receiving device that is not promoted to the master. Confirm.

  The master change request 852 in FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a request transmitted from the device A301 to the device B302 in the step S603. In FIG. 42, a master promotion request 851 includes a master change request command 865, a new master address 866, a new master PIN 867, and new master capability information 868. That is, the format of the master change request 852 is the same as the format of the master promotion request 851.

  The master change request command 865 is a command for requesting confirmation of whether or not master change is possible. The new master address 866 is device information, and is an address (identification information) of a device that becomes a new master after the master update. In the case of FIG. 42, the C address that is the address of the device C303 is provided as the new master address 866. The new master PIN 867 is a pass key for confirming the session. In the case of FIG. 42, the new master PIN 867 is provided with the same value “1234” as the new master PIN 863. The new master capability information 868 is capability information of a device that operates as a new master after updating the master. In the case of FIG. 42, C capability information is provided as master capability information 868.

  Returning to FIG. 40, the change permission unit 821 of the device B302 obtains the request in step S642. When the change permission is determined, the change permission unit 821 supplies a master change permission response to the device A301 as a response to the request in step S643.

  The master change permission response 853 in FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a request transmitted from the device B302 to the device A301 in step S643. In FIG. 42, a master change permission response 853 includes a master change permission response 869, a master change acceptance address 870, a new master PIN 871, and master change acceptance capability information 872.

  The master change permission response 869 is a response that permits master change. The master change acceptance address 870 is device information, and is an apparatus (master information) for which master change is permitted, that is, an address (identification information) of a transmission source of this master change permission response 853. In the case of FIG. 9, a B address that is the address of the device B302 is provided as the master change acceptance address 870. The new master PIN 871 is a pass key for confirming the session. In the case of FIG. 42, the new master PIN 871 is provided with the same value “1234” as the new master PIN 863. Master change acceptance capability information 872 is capability information of a device that operates as a new master after the master update. In the case of FIG. 42, C capability information is provided as the master change acceptance capability information 878.

  The change confirmation unit 412 of the device A301 acquires the response in step S604.

  When acquiring the master change permission response that permits the change of the master, the second communication control unit 813 of the device A301 receives the first communication with the device B302 that is the receiving device that is not promoted to the master (not the request source of the master promotion) in step S605. 2 Disconnect communication. In step S606, the promotion permission unit 811 supplies a master promotion permission response to the device C303 which is the requesting receiving device.

  The master promotion permission 454 in FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a response transmitted from the device A301 to the device C303 in step S606. 42, the master promotion permission 854 includes a master promotion permission response 873, a master change acceptance address 874, master change acceptance capability information 875, a new master PIN 876, a master change acceptance address 877, a master change acceptance capability information 878, and a new master PIN 879. Is included.

  The master promotion permission response 873 is a response that permits promotion to the master. The master change acceptance address 874 is device information, and is an address (identification information) of a device that has permitted master change. In the case of FIG. 42, the B address is provided as the master change acceptance address 874. The new master PIN 876 is a pass key for confirming the session. In the case of FIG. 42, the new master PIN 876 is provided with the same value “1234” as the new master PIN 863. The master change acceptance capability information 475 is capability information of a device that is permitted to change the master. In the case of FIG. 42, B capability information is provided as master change acceptance capability information 875.

  In the master change acceptance address 877, the master change acceptance capability information 878, and the new master PIN 879, information of another receiving device that has permitted the master change is input. In the case of FIG. 42, information on apparatus A is input. That is, the address, capability information, and master PIN are stored in the master promotion permission 854 for all receiving devices of the second communication network 310. However, since the device A301 is a master, the new master PIN can be omitted.

  When the user of the device B302 rejects the master change, in step S643, instead of the master change permission response, a master change rejection response indicating rejection of the master change is transmitted to the device A301. When this response is acquired in the device A301, in step S606, the promotion permitting unit 811 supplies a master promotion rejection response to the device C303 that is the requesting receiving device. With this rejection response, a series of processing ends. That is, in this case, the device C303 cannot be promoted to the master.

  The promotion request unit 832 of the device C303 acquires the response in step S624.

  Upon obtaining the master promotion permission, the promotion processing unit 833 of the device C303 promotes the device C303 to the master in step S625 of FIG. When promoted to the master, the second communication control unit 834 of the device C303 establishes a second communication connection with the device B302, which is the receiving device from which the second communication with the device A301 is disconnected, in step S626. In response to this process, the second communication control unit 822 of the device B302 also establishes a second communication connection with the device C303 in step S644.

  When the second communication network with the device C303 as a master is established, the profile processing unit 823 of the device C303 exchanges and synchronizes profile information with the devices A301 and B302 in step S627. Corresponding to this process, the profile processing unit 814 of the device A301 exchanges and synchronizes profile information in step S607. In step S645, the profile processing unit 835 of the device B302 exchanges and synchronizes profile information.

  In step S628, the music player application 212 of the device C303, which is the new master, transmits music data for streaming playback of content data (streaming playback / transmission). At this time, a GUI indicating that music data is being transmitted is displayed on the monitor of the device C303.

  In step S646, the music player application 212 of the device B302 plays the music data distributed from the device C303 while receiving it (streaming playback / reception). At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being received / played is displayed on the monitor of the device B302.

  In step S608, the music player application 212 of the device A301 plays the music data distributed from the device C303 while receiving it (streaming playback / reception). At this time, a GUI indicating that the music data is being received / played is displayed on the monitor of the device A301.

  As described above, the device A301 that was the master before the change disconnects the second communication with the device B302 based on the master promotion request acquired from the device C303 that is the requesting device for master promotion. As a result, the communication between the device A301 and the device B302, which could not be controlled by the device C303, can be disconnected, and the roll switch described with reference to FIG. Can be realized. Thereby, the convenience of the application accompanying communication between apparatuses can be improved.

  At this time, as described above, by sharing the device information and capability information of each device by the processing at the time of updating the second communication network, the role switch described with reference to FIG. Some of the information exchanged with can be omitted. For example, if the information has already been acquired, there is no need to acquire it again. Therefore, each device need only transmit information that the partner does not have in the information shown in FIG. In this way, the amount of information exchanged can be reduced, and the load on each device and communication network related to roll switch processing can be reduced.

  In addition, as described above, when each device synchronizes device information and capability information and shares the latest information, when performing a roll switch using information shared by each device The occurrence of defects can be suppressed.

  In the above description, the case where the number of devices forming the second communication network 310 is three has been described. However, the number of devices is not limited to this, and the number of devices is arbitrary. For example, it may be four or more.

  In the above description, the functional blocks included in each device in various cases of the communication system 300 have been described. However, only the functions related to processing have been described, and the functional blocks included in each device are not limited thereto. For example, each device of the communication system 300 may have a functional block of another device or a functional block of another case at the same time.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the recording medium includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (including a CD-ROM and a DVD), a magneto-optical disk on which a program is recorded, separately from the apparatus main body. (Including MD) or included in the removable medium 131 made of a semiconductor memory or the like, as well as included in the ROM 112 in which the program is recorded and the storage unit 123 provided in a pre-installed state in the apparatus main body Hard disk.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of devices (apparatuses).

  In the above, the configuration described as one device may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices. Conversely, the configurations described above as a plurality of devices may be combined into a single device. Of course, configurations other than those described above may be added to the configuration of each device. Furthermore, if the configuration and operation of the entire system are substantially the same, a part of the configuration of a certain device may be included in the configuration of another device. That is, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  300 communication system, 301 device A, 302 device B, 303 device C, 304 device D, 310 second communication network, 330 additional reception processing unit for master, 331 additional request reception unit, 332 additional confirmation unit, 340 additional reception for slave Processing unit, 341 Additional instruction receiving unit, 342 Playback control right processing unit, 343 Setting information transfer unit, 344 Additional request processing unit, 350 Additional device processing unit, 351 Setting information transfer unit, 410 Additional instruction receiving unit, 412 Playback control right Processing unit, 413 Setting information sending / receiving unit, 414 Additional confirmation control unit, 420 Slave additional reception processing unit, 421 Additional confirmation receiving unit, 422 Additional confirmation unit, 430 Additional device processing unit, 431 Setting information sending / receiving unit, 510 Addition for master Reception processing unit, 511 addition request reception unit, 512 Addition confirmation unit, 513 addition confirmation control unit, 520 slave addition reception processing unit, 521 addition confirmation reception unit, 522 addition confirmation unit, 530 slave addition reception processing unit, 531 addition instruction reception unit, 532 reproduction control right processing unit, 533 Setting information sending / receiving unit, 534 Addition request processing unit, 540 Additional device processing unit, 541 Setting information sending / receiving unit, 610 Deletion processing unit for master, 611 Deletion unit, 612 Deletion report unit, 613 Deletion confirmation control unit, 620 Deletion for slave Processing unit, 621 deletion confirmation receiving unit, 622 deletion reporting unit, 710 reproduction control right processing unit, 711 reproduction control right management unit, 712 control right grant confirmation unit, 713 control right grant confirmation control unit, 720 reproduction control right processing unit, 721 Confirmation request responding unit, 722 Control right grant confirming unit, 730 Raw control authority processing unit, 731 upgrading instruction receiving unit, 732 playing control authority requesting unit, 733 upgrading processing unit

The present technology relates to an information processing device and method, and a program , and more particularly, to an information processing device and method, and a program that can improve the convenience of an application that involves communication between devices.

An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology is configured such that the first information processing apparatus plays a first role in a communication network based on wireless communication via a short-range wireless communication, and is first in the communication network based on wireless communication. of the role and the different second role second other information processing device receives the first connection information useful for connecting by wireless communication via the short-range wireless communication, the second Short-range wireless communication means for transmitting connection information to the first other information processing apparatus, and communication with the second other information processing apparatus by the wireless communication based on at least the first connection information An information processing apparatus including wireless communication means for performing .
The first role may be a role as a slave, and the second role may be a role as a master.
The wireless communication means receives first user information, which is information related to a user of the second other information processing device, transmitted from the second other information processing device by the wireless communication, and The second user information regarding the user can be transmitted to the second other information processing apparatus.
The wireless communication may be established when connection with the information processing apparatus is permitted by the second other information processing apparatus.
The wireless communication can be established only when the user of the second other information processing apparatus is permitted to connect to the information processing apparatus.
The short-range wireless communication means can receive third connection information from the first information processing apparatus via the short-range wireless communication.
The wireless communication means receives a confirmation request transmitted from the second other information processing apparatus to delete the third other information processing apparatus from the wireless communication network, and receives the confirmation request. The information processing apparatus may further include notification means for transmitting a corresponding permission response and notifying the user that the third other information processing apparatus is to be deleted from the communication network based on the confirmation request.
The wireless communication may be Bluetooth communication or WiFi communication.
A display can further be provided.
The information processing method according to an embodiment of the present technology is configured such that the first other information processing apparatus that plays a first role in a communication network using wireless communication via a short-range wireless communication is first connected to the communication network using wireless communication. The first connection information useful for connecting by wireless communication with a second other information processing apparatus that plays a second role different from the role of the first role is received, and the second connection information is received via the short-range wireless communication, An information processing method for transmitting connection information to the first other information processing apparatus and communicating with the second other information processing apparatus by the wireless communication based on at least the first connection information. .
The program of the present technology allows a computer to be transmitted from a first other information processing apparatus that plays a first role in a wireless communication network that is in close proximity via short-range wireless communication through the wireless communication network. The first connection information useful for connecting to the second other information processing apparatus that plays a second role different from the role of the first wireless communication is received, and the second connection information is received via the short-range wireless communication, Communication with the second other information processing apparatus by the wireless communication based on at least the first connection information, and short-range wireless communication means for transmitting the connection information of the first information processing apparatus to the first other information processing apparatus It is a program that functions as a wireless communication means for performing the above.

The present technology differs from the first role in the communication network by wireless communication from the first other information processing apparatus that plays the first role in the communication network by wireless communication that is close by short-range wireless communication. The first connection information useful for connecting to the second other information processing apparatus that plays the second role by wireless communication is received, and the second connection information is received through the short-range wireless communication. Communication with the second other information processing apparatus is performed by wireless communication based on at least the first connection information that is transmitted to the other information processing apparatus.

Claims (1)

Device information of a second other information processing apparatus different from the first other information processing apparatus and different from the first communication from the first other information processing apparatus via the first communication. First receiving means for receiving first connection information useful for connecting to the second other information processing apparatus by second communication;
First transmission means for transmitting second connection information useful for connecting to itself via the first communication to the first other information processing apparatus via the first communication;
Second receiving means for receiving content data transmitted from the second other information processing apparatus through the second communication based on the first connection information and the second connection information. Information processing device.

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