JP2015216641A - Communication terminal device, device status checking system, device status checking method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a server to check a change in the status of a display device, which changes with user's operation, via a communication terminal device even when the display device does not comprises a function of detecting and reporting the status of the display device.SOLUTION: A communication terminal device 20 capable of communicating with a server device 2 via a network NW is connected with a television device 10 via an HDMI. With a power on/off operation by a user, the communication terminal device 20 acquires an output from the television device 10 via the HDMI, detects by the change in the content of the acquired output the power on status/power off status of the television device 10, and transmits a result of the detection to the server device 2 via the network NW.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal device, a device state confirmation system, a device state confirmation method, and a computer program that can detect the state of a display device such as a television device or a computer display device used by a user.

  Conventionally, a state of a television device that is used (operated) on a daily basis by a user (a state in which a user performs a power-on operation, a state in which a power-off operation is performed, etc.) has been detected. There are various services that use the results.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 below, it is possible to remotely confirm whether an abnormality has occurred in an elderly person living alone by transmitting a detection result of the state of the television device based on a user operation to the server. Watching service is explained. Further, in the following Patent Document 2, the detection rate of the television device is turned on or off based on the user operation by transmitting the detection result to the audience rating research organization, without installing special equipment or the like. Describes the services that enable investigation.

JP 2011-227699 A JP 2012-105353 A

  The television apparatus used in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above detects the state of the television apparatus that changes due to a user operation and transmits the detection result to the notification destination in addition to the processing according to the normal television function. It is necessary to perform special processing such as to do. For this reason, a normal television device that does not have such a special function cannot detect the state of the television device in the first place, and thus cannot be applied to various services based on the use of detection results.

  In general, when a user performs a power-on operation or a power-off operation, a television apparatus has a specification that can output information corresponding to the operation to the outside. Since the format, contents, etc. are not uniform and differ depending on the manufacturer, model, etc. of the television device, the television device is turned on or off based on information output from the television device to the outside. There is also a problem that it is difficult to uniformly determine whether it is in a state or the like outside. Such problems also occur in display devices other than television devices, such as display devices used as monitors for personal computers.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by using a communication terminal device that can be connected to a display device, the display device has a special function that detects the state of the device that changes due to a user operation. A communication terminal device capable of detecting the state of the device by the communication terminal device or server and applying the display device to various services based on the use of the detection result of the device state, even if not provided It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus state confirmation system, an apparatus state confirmation method, and a computer program.

In addition, the present invention prepares a table storing the contents of detection settings according to the display device model and the like, thereby reliably detecting the state of the device by a communication terminal device or server for various types of display devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication terminal device, a device state confirmation system, a device state confirmation method, and a computer program that can be used.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a communication terminal device, a device state confirmation system, a device state confirmation method, which can detect the state of the device using an external connection unit / communication unit according to various standards included in the display device, And to provide a computer program.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a communication terminal apparatus according to the present invention includes a connection unit capable of connecting to an external display device, and a communication unit capable of performing communication via a network. The information acquisition means for acquiring from the external display device at least one of the output information associated with the power-on operation performed on the external display device or the output information associated with the power-off operation through the connection means; Is provided with a detection setting means for performing processing for specifying a detection setting used for detection from among a plurality of detection settings when detecting the state of an external display device based on the output information acquired.

  The communication terminal device according to the present invention includes a state detection unit that detects a state of an external display device based on output information acquired by the information acquisition unit according to the detection setting specified in the process of the detection setting unit, and the state detection Means for performing a process of transmitting a detection result detected by the means to an external notification destination through the communication means.

  The communication terminal device according to the present invention reads out the screen information stored in the storage unit, storing the screen information corresponding to the screen content that can be displayed on the external display device, and through the connection unit Means for performing output processing, and the storage means stores user instruction screen information corresponding to screen content including instructing the user to perform a power-on operation after a required time after performing a power-off operation. The detection setting means stores the detection setting when the user instruction screen information is output.

  The communication terminal device according to the present invention provides an output indicating at least one of a power-on operation performed on an external display device, a power-off operation performed, or an input system switching operation performed. It is characterized by comprising means for obtaining a message from an external display device through the connection means, wherein the detection setting means performs processing for specifying detection setting when none of the output messages is obtained. To do.

The communication terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that, when an output message is acquired, the state detection means detects a state of an external display device based on the acquired output message.
The communication terminal device according to the present invention includes means for outputting a message request through the connection means, and the detection setting means specifies the detection setting when the response message corresponding to the message request is not acquired through the connection means. It is characterized by performing the process which performs.

  The communication terminal device according to the present invention is a communication terminal device comprising a communication means capable of communicating with an external display device and an external notification destination, and is connected to an external display device through the communication means. Detecting whether the external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on means for receiving and obtaining output information indicating establishment from an external display device and whether the output information has been obtained And a means for performing processing for transmitting a detection result detected by the state detection means to an external notification destination through the communication means.

  A communication terminal device according to the present invention includes a connection unit capable of connecting to an external display device, and a communication unit capable of performing communication via a network. Based on the means for acquiring output information indicating the establishment of a connection with an external display device from the external display device and whether the output information has been acquired, the external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state. It is characterized by comprising state detection means for detecting whether or not there is, and means for performing processing for transmitting the detection result detected by the state detection means to an external notification destination through the communication means.

  An apparatus status confirmation system according to the present invention includes a communication terminal device connectable to an external display device, and a server capable of communicating with the communication terminal device via a network, from the communication terminal device. In the device status confirmation system in which the state of the external display device can be confirmed by the server by notification, the communication terminal device is any one of the communication terminal devices described above, and the detection detected by the status detection unit The result is transmitted to the server through the communication means, and the server stores the received detection result in association with the reception date and time.

  An apparatus state confirmation method according to the present invention is a device state confirmation method for receiving the state of an external display device and confirming the state of an external reception device. In the device state confirmation method, the power-on performed by an external display device is performed from an external display device. A step of acquiring from the external display device at least one of the output information accompanying the operation and the output information accompanying the power-off operation, and a plurality of detection settings for detecting the state of the external display device based on the acquired output information A step of performing a process of specifying a detection setting used for detection, and a step of detecting a state of an external display device based on the acquired output information in accordance with the specified detection setting. .

  A computer program according to the present invention is a computer including a connection unit capable of connecting to an external display device and a communication unit capable of performing communication via a network, and detects the state of the external display device. In the computer program for enabling the external display device to output at least one of the output information accompanying the power-on operation and the output information accompanying the power-off operation performed by the external display device through the connection means in the computer program And a means for performing a process for identifying a detection setting used for detection out of a plurality of detection settings for detecting the state of an external display device based on the acquired output information. It is characterized by that.

  A computer program according to the present invention is a computer including communication means capable of communicating with an external display device and an external notification destination, and performs processing for notifying the external notification destination of the state of the external display device. In the computer program for performing, the computer performs processing for receiving and acquiring output information indicating establishment of communication connection with an external display device from the external display device through the communication means, and the output information. A means for detecting whether the external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on whether or not it is acquired, and transmits the detection result to an external notification destination through the communication means. It functions as a means for performing processing.

  A computer program according to the present invention is a computer comprising a connection means capable of connecting to an external display device and a communication means capable of performing communication via a network. In the computer program for performing the process of notifying to the notification destination, means for performing processing for acquiring output information indicating the establishment of connection with the external display device from the external display device through the connection means; Based on whether or not the output information has been acquired, means for detecting whether the external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state, and an external notification through the communication means of the detection result It is characterized by functioning as means for performing processing to transmit to the destination.

  In the present invention, a communication terminal device that can be connected to the display device is used, and at least the output information accompanying the power-on operation or the output information accompanying the power-off operation performed by the external display device is used by the communication terminal device. In order to detect an external display device, the detection setting used for detection is specified from a plurality of detection settings when detecting the state of an external display device based on the acquired output information. Even if the display device itself does not have a function of detecting its own state, it can be detected.

  In the present invention, the result of detection by the communication terminal device according to the specified detection setting is transmitted to an external notification destination, so that the state of the display device used by the user can be remotely confirmed and detected. The device status can be used for various services.

  In the present invention, since the display device displays that the user is instructed to perform the power-on operation after a required time after performing the power-off operation, the output information accompanying the power-off operation and the power-on operation are displayed. Therefore, the communication terminal apparatus can reliably acquire the output information associated with the above, thereby facilitating the detection setting.

  In the present invention, if an output message indicating the state of the display device cannot be acquired, detection setting is performed based on the output information, so that detection can be performed flexibly according to various output specifications of the display device. Can be set.

  In the present invention, if an output message indicating the state of the display device can be acquired, the device state is detected based on the output message, so that the device state can be detected easily and reliably.

  Even if the output message can be acquired from the display device, the output message may not be output from the display device due to a subsequent change in the setting of the display device. Therefore, in the present invention, the message request is sent to the display device. Whether to output a response message according to the message request or not, whether the display device is simply not outputting an output message or whether an output message is no longer issued due to a setting change Will be able to.

  In the present invention, since the status of the external display device is detected by using the output indicating the establishment of communication connection with the external display device, the device status cannot be detected by an output message or the like. However, since the device state can be detected, and such detection can be performed through communication or connection with the display device, the device state can be detected by various interface standards.

In the present invention, using a communication terminal device connectable to a display device, the communication terminal device acquires output information associated with a power on / off operation of an external display device, and based on the acquired output information Since the detection setting used for detection is specified from among a plurality of detection settings when detecting the state of the external display device, the setting necessary for detecting the external display device can be established. Even when the device does not have a function of detecting its own state, it can detect the state of the apparatus.
In the present invention, since the result detected by the communication terminal device is transmitted to an external notification destination, the state of the display device used by the user can be confirmed remotely, and the display device does not have a device state detection function Even so, it is possible to deal with various services that use the detection result of the apparatus state.

  In the present invention, since the display device displays that the user is instructed to perform the power-on operation after a required time after performing the power-off operation, the output information accompanying the power-off operation and the power-on operation are displayed. The communication terminal device can reliably acquire the output information accompanying the detection, and thereby the detection setting can be specified reliably.

In the present invention, even if an output message indicating the state of the display device cannot be obtained, detection setting is performed based on the output information, so that it can flexibly cope with various output specifications of the display device. Detection settings can be made.
In the present invention, if an output message indicating the state of the display device can be acquired, the device state is detected based on the output message, so the device state can be detected easily and reliably.
In the present invention, when the display device has a specification for outputting a message, even if the message is not output, the display device simply outputs the output message depending on whether or not a response message is acquired in response to the message request. It can be discriminated whether the output message is not issued or the output message is not issued due to the setting change.

  In the present invention, since the status of the external display device is detected by using the output information indicating the establishment of communication connection with the external display device, the device status cannot be detected by an output message or the like. In contrast, the apparatus state can be detected, and further, such detection can be performed through communication or connection with the display apparatus, and the apparatus state can be detected for various interface standards.

It is the schematic which shows the outline | summary of the monitoring service using the apparatus state confirmation system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the main structures of an apparatus state confirmation system. It is a block diagram which shows the main internal structures of a television apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the outline | summary of a remote control device. It is the schematic which shows the outline | summary of a source switching menu screen. (A) It is the schematic which shows the external appearance of a communication terminal device, (b) is a block diagram which shows the main internal structures of a communication terminal device. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a home screen, (b) is a schematic diagram showing a setting screen, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing a user instruction screen. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an on / off setting completion screen, (b) is a schematic diagram showing an on / off setting incomplete screen, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing an on / off setting impossible screen. It is a block diagram which shows the main internal structures of a server apparatus. It is a chart which shows an example of user DB (database). It is the schematic which shows an example of the content of the memory | storage table which stored the detection result. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a 3rd flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. (A) is the schematic which shows an example of the home screen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (b) is the schematic which shows the other example of the home screen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a 4th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a chart which shows an example of a detection setting table. It is a 5th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a 6th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on the modification of 4th Embodiment. It is a 7th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is an 8th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a 9th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a 10th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is an 11th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a 12th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a 13th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a 14th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 9th Embodiment. It is a 15th flowchart which shows the process sequence according to the apparatus state confirmation method which concerns on 10th Embodiment.

  FIG. 1 shows an overall outline when the apparatus status confirmation system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used for a monitoring service. The monitoring service shown in FIG. 1 detects the state of the television device 10 used by the watched person M1 as to whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the person living in the house H1 (the watched person M1 to be monitored). By transmitting to the server device 2, it is possible to monitor remotely.

  The apparatus status confirmation system 1 connects a communication terminal device 20 to a television device 10 (corresponding to an external display device) operated by a user (a person M1 to be watched), and the communication terminal device 20 is connected to the television device 10. To obtain an output from the television device 10 based on the user performing a power-on operation or a power-off operation, and the television device 10 is in a power-on state or turned off from the content of the obtained output. It is detected whether it is in a state, and the detection result is transmitted to the server device 2. The server device 2 stores the transmitted detection result in association with the reception date and time, determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the person M1 to be watched based on the stored content, and determines that an abnormality has occurred. In such a case, an instruction to confirm the situation of the watched person M1 is transmitted to the watchers K1 to K2 who watch over the watched person M1.

  The communication terminal device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to communicate with the server device 2 wirelessly (wireless LAN) via the network NW. In order to perform the wireless communication, the house H1 is for wireless communication. A wireless router 29 is installed. The watchers K1 to K3 have portable communication terminals A1 to A3 so that they can receive instructions from the server apparatus 2, and these communication terminal apparatuses A1 to A3 are relay base stations connected to the network NW. It is possible to communicate with the server device 2 and the like via T1 to T3. In FIG. 1, for the sake of concise representation, only one watch group composed of one watched person M1 and a plurality of watchers K1 to K3 is shown, but the watch service according to the present invention is shown. Of course, the structure can be adapted to a plurality of watching groups. Hereinafter, the apparatus status confirmation system 1 constituting the main part of the watching service shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 shows the main configuration of the apparatus status confirmation system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which the server apparatus 2 and the communication terminal apparatus 20 are communicably connected via a communication medium such as a wireless router 29 and a network NW. Further, the communication terminal device 20 is directly connected to the television device 10 on which various operations are performed by the user. The communication terminal device 20 can use the display function of the television device 10 to present various screen information (screen content) output by the communication terminal device 20 to a user (a person M1 to be watched).

  The television device 10 that is the object of daily use (operation) by the user is provided with a display screen 10a and a speaker 10b on the front surface of the housing, and with a power switch 16a on the housing. In addition, various operations of the user are also accepted by the remote control device 19.

  FIG. 3 shows an outline of the main internal configuration of the television apparatus 10. The television apparatus 10 includes a preprocessing unit 11, a display processing unit 12, an infrared processing unit 13, a control unit 14, a memory 15, an operation unit 16, a first connection unit 17a, a second connection unit 17b, a third connection unit 17c, The wireless connection unit 17d, the wired communication unit 17e, the wireless communication unit 17f, the display output processing unit 18a, the audio output processing unit 18b, and the like are connected by an internal connection line L. Further, each of these units 11 and the like transmit and receive signals to and from the control unit 14 through the internal connection line L. Each unit 11 and the like transmit a signal indicating the current processing status to the control unit 14 and the control unit 14 The current processing status is ascertained based on the processing status transmitted from each section 11 and the like, and a control signal for controlling the next processing according to the grasped status is sent to each section 11 and the like. Hereinafter, each part of the television apparatus 10 will be described.

  The preprocessing unit 11 includes a tuner unit, an A / D conversion unit, a quadrature detection unit, an FFT unit, and a demodulation unit, and an RF signal (digital broadcast signal) acquired by an antenna is input to the input signal. Then, a predetermined process is performed to demodulate the transport stream (TS), and the demodulated data is transmitted to the display processing unit 12 that performs the next process. The display processing unit 12 performs decoding processing on the transport stream demodulated by the preprocessing unit 11 and separates it into video, audio, and other data, and performs video decoding processing on the separated video stream. In addition to outputting to the display output processing unit 18a, the audio decoding process is performed on the separated audio stream to output to the audio output processing unit 18b. The display processing unit 12 also displays video for content acquired from the first connection unit 17a, the second connection unit 17b, the third connection unit 17c, the wireless connection unit 17d, the wired communication unit 17e, and the wireless communication unit 17f. (Image), audio, and other data are separated and output to the display output processing unit 18a and the audio output processing unit 18b. The display processing unit 12 appropriately switches the above-described display processing target (source) in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 14.

  The display output processing unit 18a performs predetermined processing necessary for image display to generate an image signal, and outputs the generated image signal to the display screen 10a. The audio output processing unit 18b performs predetermined processing necessary for audio output such as amplification to generate an audio signal, outputs the generated audio signal to the speaker 10b, and outputs various audio from the speaker 10c. Through the above processing, if the source to be processed by the display processing unit 12 is a broadcast signal received by the tuner unit, a television broadcast program image or the like is displayed on the display screen 10a. In other words, the external signal acquired by the source to be processed by any of the first connection unit 17a, the second connection unit 17b, the third connection unit 17c, the wireless connection unit 17d, the wired communication unit 17e, and the wireless communication unit 17f. If it is, the image according to the source acquired from the outside of the television apparatus 10 will be displayed on the display screen 10a.

  Further, there are an operation unit 16 and an infrared processing unit 13 as a part related to an interface system with the user in the television apparatus 10. The operation unit 16 is a user interface provided in the housing of the television device 10, and in addition to the power switch 16 a that performs power on / off switching, a volume switching button, a channel switching button, a source switching button, and an up / down key. The determination key is provided, and the content operated by the user is transmitted to the control unit 14. The infrared processing unit 13 performs communication processing (signal / data transmission / reception processing) in accordance with a well-known infrared standard (for example, each IrDA-based standard), and basically a remote controller that receives operations from the user. A process of receiving infrared light including an operation signal emitted from the device 19 and transmitting it to the control unit 14 is performed.

  FIG. 4 shows a remote controller 19 that emits infrared rays to the infrared processing unit 13 described above. The remote control device 19 has a power switch 19a for switching the power on / off of the television device 10 on the front end side, a numeric button 19i consisting of a total of 12 buttons, an up / down / left / right key, a decision button 19g, a volume adjustment key. In addition to the channel switch key, the source switch button 19f, the return button, the end button 19h, and the menu button, there are a total of four color buttons (blue button 19b, red button 19c, green button 19d, yellow button 19e). Yes. When an operation from the user is accepted by each of these buttons and switches, an infrared ray indicating the content of the accepted operation is emitted from the remote control device 19. When the user operates either the power switch 16a of the operation unit 16 or the power switch 19a of the remote control device, the power on operation or the power off operation of the television device 10 is performed.

  The power-off operation in the present invention means that the television device 10 is in a so-called standby state from the power supply state (infrared processing unit 13 that performs processing related to reception of infrared rays from the remote control device 19 in the television device 10). And the control unit 14 and the like, and the power is not supplied to other parts). This standby state is defined as a power-off state, and the television apparatus 10 A state in which the power supply to is totally stopped is defined as a complete power-off state. Therefore, in the power-off state (standby state), since power is supplied to the control unit 14, the control unit 14 can perform various processes based on the control. Further, the power-on operation in the present invention means an operation for changing the state of the television device 10 from a complete power-off state or a power-off state (standby state) to a power supply state in which the device is totally activated.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the description of the internal configuration of the television apparatus 10 will be continued. The television apparatus 10 has a plurality of input systems for connection with an external device. As these input systems, a first connection unit 17a, a second connection unit 17b, a third connection unit 17c, a wireless connection unit 17d, A wired communication unit 17e and a wireless communication unit 17f are provided.

  The first connection unit 17a has a connection terminal having specifications according to the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) standard, which is a standard for a communication interface for transmitting video, audio, control signals, and the like as digital signals. The communication terminal device 20 of this embodiment can be directly connected. The second connection portion 17b has a connection terminal having specifications according to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, which is one of serial bus standards for serially connecting various peripheral devices. The third connection portion 17c has a connection terminal conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard, and the third connection portion 17c corresponds to i.LINK (registered trademark), DV terminal, and the like.

  The wireless connection unit 17d wirelessly connects to various peripheral devices. In the present embodiment, a wireless connection unit that conforms to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is used. The wired communication unit 17e performs wired communication via a network. In this embodiment, the wired communication unit 17e has a connection terminal for wired LAN corresponding to Ethernet (registered trademark). The wireless communication unit 17f is a communication unit for wireless communication. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 17f performs wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard (wireless LAN).

  On the other hand, the control unit 14 plays a central role in executing various functions of the television device 10, and is based on various processing contents defined in the basic program P 1 stored in the memory 15. Various processes (television broadcast reception processing, OSD display processing, output processing, communication processing, etc.) are performed. In addition to the basic program P1, the memory 15 stores an OSD display table T1 and the like. The OSD display table T1 stores various display screen data corresponding to a menu screen or the like for OSD display.

  FIG. 5 shows a state where the source switching menu screen 31 corresponding to one of the plurality of display screen data stored in the OSD display table T1 is displayed on the display screen 10a of the television device 10. The source switching menu screen 31 is a menu screen that allows the user to select a source to be displayed on the display screen 10a. The source switching menu screen 31 is controlled by pressing the source switching button 19f of the remote control device 19. It is read from the OSD display table T1 and output to the display screen 10a under the control of the unit 14. The source switching menu screen 31 has a plurality of first selection columns 31a to seventh selection columns 31g and a cursor 32 so that any one of the selection columns 31a to 31g can be selected. The cursor 32 can be moved by operating the up and down keys of the operation unit 16 or the remote control device 19, and the selection field where the cursor 32 is located is selected by performing an operation of pressing the enter key.

  The first selection column 31a is used to select a television broadcast received by the tuner unit of the preprocessing unit 11. Hereinafter, the second selection column 31b is displayed from the first connection unit 17a (HDMI). For input selection, the third selection column 31c is for input selection from the second connection unit 17b (USB), and the fourth selection column 31d is for input selection from the third connection unit 17c (IEEE1394). Yes, the fifth selection column 31e is for input selection from the wireless connection unit 17d (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), and the sixth selection column 31f is for input selection from the wired communication unit 17e (wired LAN). The seventh selection field 31g is for input selection from the wireless communication unit 17f (wireless LAN).

  The basic program P1 stored in the memory 15 corresponds to the firmware and system program of the television device 10, and the television device 10 functions as a television device (for viewing television). Various functions of the control unit 14 necessary for operating various functions, communication functions, etc.), and the control unit 14 performs processing according to the user's operation contents or automatically according to various controls in accordance with the definition of the basic program P1. I do. In particular, when the user performs any operation on the operation unit 16 or the remote control device 19, the basic program P1 indicates that the user operation has been performed via the first connection unit 17a or the like. However, the content to be output differs depending on the manufacturer, model number, model, setting, and the like of the television device 10.

  For example, when the television apparatus 10 has a specification for transmitting a control signal called HDMI-CEC, and the setting is valid, the first connection unit 17a corresponding to HDMI transmits any device to the first connection unit 17a. Is connected, an HDMI-CEC message indicating device identification information for identifying the television device 10 (for example, Device Vender ID indicating the manufacturer, model number (model), etc.) is output.

  When the user performs a power-on operation of the television apparatus, an HDMI-CEC message (information message called “Give Physical Address?”) Indicating that the power-on operation has been performed is output. Further, when the user performs the source switching operation (corresponding to the input switching operation) by displaying the source switching menu screen 31 shown in FIG. 5 described above, the HDMI-CEC indicating that the source switching operation has been performed. A message is output. Furthermore, when the power-off operation is performed and the television apparatus 10 is in a power-off state (standby state), a Stand by message indicating that the power is off is output from the first connection unit 17a. .

  Further, when the first connection unit 17a receives a message (for example, a Get Device Power Status message) for inquiring about the state of the television device 10 according to the HDMI standard, the power state of the television device 10 at that time is indicated. The television apparatus 10 outputs a message (HDMI-CED message indicating a power-on state or a power-off state).

  Note that the various messages described above are not output when the television device 10 does not support the HDMI-CEC specification, or when the HDMI-CEC setting is invalid, even if it is compatible. Therefore, even if the television device 10 supports the HDMI-CEC specification, when the HDMI-CEC setting is changed from the valid state to the invalid state, various messages are output after the change to the invalid state. It will not be done. Further, depending on the model of the television device 10, even if the HDMI-CEC setting is valid, it can be set not to output a message.

  Furthermore, depending on the model of the television device 10, there is a model from which information associated with the user's power-on operation or information associated with the power-off operation is output from the first connection unit 17a.

  For example, in a model of a certain television device 10, when the user performs a power-on operation, the contents of HPD information (Hot Plug Detect information) included in the information output from the first connection unit 17 changes from “0” to “ -1 ". When the content to be output changes in this way, the HPD information whose content has changed to “−1” corresponds to the output information accompanying the user's power-on operation. In addition, there is a model in which the content of HPD information changes from “−1” to “0” when the power is turned off by the user. In such a case, the HPD in which the content has changed to “0”. The information corresponds to output information accompanying the user's power-off operation.

  Furthermore, a television apparatus that exchanges encryption related information of HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection system), which is one of copyright protection technologies, with a device connected to the first connection unit 17a through the first connection unit 17a. There are also ten. In this exchange of encryption-related information, first, in the television device 10, when the user performs a power-on operation, output information for making an inquiry for starting HDCP encryption (the output information associated with the power-on operation). , Corresponding to output information indicating establishment of connection with an external display device) is transmitted from the television apparatus 10 to the connection device of the first connection unit 17a, and the connection device of the first connection unit 17a that has received this output information However, it determines that HDCP encryption can be started by returning information necessary for a response to start HDCP encryption to the television device 10 (status of Start enc). As described above, based on the output information for inquiring for starting HDCP encryption from the television device 10, the connected device of the first connection unit 17a can detect the power-on state of the television device 10. In addition, when the user performs a power-off operation on the television device 10, output information related to HDCP encryption from the television device 10 (corresponding to output information indicating establishment of connection with an external display device) is interrupted. (In the case of Key NG in which the encryption key used for HDCP encryption is inconsistent), the television device 10 is based on the situation in which the connection device of the first connection unit 17a cannot acquire output information related to HDCP encryption. It is possible to detect the power-off state of.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6A shows the appearance of the communication terminal device 20 that can be connected to the connection terminal to the first connection unit 17a (HDMI) of the television device 10 described above. The communication terminal device 20 used in the present embodiment is generally of a type called a smart stick (smart box), a stick computer, a smart computer or the like, does not include a display unit (display unit), and is externally provided. Connected to the display device (the television device 10 in this embodiment).

  The communication terminal device 20 has a stick-shaped housing 26, and a connection terminal of an external device connection portion 22 (corresponding to a connection means) conforming to the HDMI standard protrudes from a longitudinal end portion 28 a of the housing 28. The other end portion 28b is provided with a female terminal of the external interface connection portion 24 according to the USB standard. Further, the communication terminal device 20 includes a wireless communication unit 23 (corresponding to a communication unit) and a wireless connection unit 25 corresponding to the wireless LAN in the housing 28.

  FIG. 6B shows a main internal configuration of the communication terminal device 20. The communication terminal device 20 has a kind of computer-like internal structure, and can perform a desired process by installing various application programs. In the present embodiment, the display device of the connection destination (this embodiment) In the embodiment, a detection program P2 for detecting the power-on state or the power-off state of the television device 10) is installed so that information necessary for the watching service provided by the server device 2 can be notified to the server device 2. .

  The communication terminal device 20 has a configuration in which a CPU 21, an external device connection unit 22, a wireless communication unit 23, an external interface connection unit 24, a wireless connection unit 25, a memory 26 (storage means), and the like are connected by an internal connection line 20a. . The CPU 21 performs various control processes for the entire apparatus, and executes various processes in accordance with the regulations of various programs installed in the memory 26. The external device connection unit 22 corresponds to connection means, and is a connection terminal unit conforming to the HDMI standard that can be directly connected to the first connection unit 17a of the television device 10 as described above. The wireless communication unit 23 (corresponding to a communication unit) is an interface for performing wireless communication, and the communication unit 13 of the present embodiment is a wireless LAN communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard (IEEE802.11b / g, a, etc.). I do. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a wireless LAN router 29 is installed in the house H1, and the wireless communication unit 23 can be connected to the network NW via the wireless LAN router 29. Yes.

  The external connection interface connection unit 24 corresponds to a connection means, and can be connected to a user interface such as a mouse or a keyboard, or an external storage medium. In this embodiment, a USB (Universal Serial Bus universal serial bus) is connected. The one according to the standard is adopted. The wireless connection unit 25 also corresponds to a connection unit and is a connection unit that performs wireless communication. In the present embodiment, a wireless communication unit that conforms to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is used.

  The memory 26 stores various programs, information, and the like. In this embodiment, the system program P1, the detection program P2, the display screen table T2, device identification information D1, server information D2, communication setting information D3, user information. D4 and the like are stored. The system program P1 is a basic program corresponding to an OS (operation system), and the detection program P2 is an application program that defines various processes related to the state detection of the display device to which the external device connection unit 22 is connected, The CPU 21 functions as various means according to the specified contents of the detection program P2, and details of the program contents will be described later.

  The display screen table T2 stored in the memory 26 stores screen information corresponding to screen content displayed on an external display device (for example, the television device 10). The screen information is stored in the communication terminal device 20. Is output from the external device connection unit 22 to the television apparatus 10. Specific examples of the screen content include the home screen 34 in FIG. 7A, the setting screen in FIG. 7B, the user instruction screen 36 in FIG. 7C, and the on / off setting completion screen in FIG. 8A. 37, an on / off setting incomplete screen 38 in FIG. 8B, an on / off setting impossible screen 39 in FIG. 8c, and the like.

  FIG. 7A shows a case where the screen information stored in the display screen table T2 corresponding to the home screen 34 is displayed on the display screen 10a of the television device 10. The home screen 34 includes a first selection field 34a for selecting various functions that can be provided by the communication terminal device 20, and a second selection field 34b for performing various settings. Note that such display of the home screen 34 is performed when the communication terminal device 20 is connected to the television device 10, the screen information corresponding to the home screen 34 is read from the memory 26 under the control of the CPU 21, and externally. In addition to being output to the television device 10 through the device connection unit 22, the television device 10 is displayed on the display screen 10a when the input 1 (HDMI) is selected by switching the source (see FIG. 5). (For other screens, screen information corresponding to each screen is read from the memory 26 and displayed). The home screen 34 is also displayed when the user performs an operation for returning to the home screen from another screen.

  FIG. 7B shows a case where the setting screen 35 is displayed on the display screen 10a. This setting screen 35 is stored in the memory when the second selection field 34b is selected by the user on the home screen 34 described above. The screen information corresponding to the setting screen 35 is read out from the 26 display screen tables T2 and displayed. The setting screen 35 includes a first selection column 35a for performing environment settings for the communication terminal device 20 in general, a second selection column 35b for performing various settings related to communication, and the television device 10 based on the processing of the detection program P2. Has a third selection field 35c for specifying the detection setting relating to the detection of the power on / off state. Furthermore, the setting screen 35 also has a fourth selection field 35d for receiving a user operation for returning to the home screen described above. Each of these selection fields 35a to 35d can be selected by the user in the same manner as each of the selection fields 34a and 34b of the home screen 34, and the screen contents are appropriately switched according to the selected field.

  FIG. 7C shows a case where the user instruction screen 36 is displayed on the display screen 10a. This user instruction screen 36 is displayed when the third selection field 35c is selected by the user on the setting screen 35 described above. The screen information (user instruction screen information) corresponding to the user instruction screen 36 is read from the display screen table T2 of the memory 26 and displayed. The user instruction screen 36 includes a screen content 36a of a user instruction for performing a power-off operation on the television apparatus and performing a power-on operation after a predetermined time (10 seconds in the present embodiment). It has become. In the user instruction screen 36 shown in FIG. 7C, 10 seconds is used as the numerical value of the predetermined time. However, the predetermined time is not limited to the time of 10 seconds, and the user turns off the power. Next, when performing the power-on operation, the numerical value is not particularly limited as long as each operation is clearly divided, and a numerical value of 5 seconds or more can be normally used.

  FIG. 8A shows a case where an on / off setting completion screen 37 is displayed on the display screen 10a. This on / off setting completion screen 37 is displayed on the television by the display of the user instruction screen 36 described above. When the detection setting corresponding to the power on / off operation of the apparatus 10 is specified and the detection setting is completed, the screen information corresponding to the on / off setting completion screen 37 is automatically read from the display screen table T2 of the memory 26. Is displayed. The on / off setting completion screen 37 is a first selection field 37a for returning to the display of the home screen 34 in FIG. 7A and a second for returning to the display of the setting screen 35 in FIG. 7B. It has a selection column 37b.

  FIG. 8B shows a case where the on / off setting incomplete screen 38 is displayed on the display screen 10a. The on / off setting incomplete screen 38 displays the user instruction screen 36 described above. When the detection setting is not completed even when the power on / off operation of the television device 10 is performed, a screen corresponding to the on / off setting incomplete screen 37 is automatically displayed from the display screen table T2 of the memory 26. Information is read and displayed. The on / off setting incomplete screen 38 includes screen content 38a in response to a user instruction to perform the power-off operation again and perform the power-on operation after a predetermined time.

  FIG. 8C shows a case where the on / off setting impossible screen 39 is displayed on the display screen 10a. This on / off setting impossible screen 39 is displayed on the television by the display of the user instruction screen 36 described above. Even if the power on / off operation of the device 10 is performed, if the detection setting for the power on / off state cannot be finally determined, the on / off setting cannot be automatically made from the display screen table T2 of the memory 26. The screen information corresponding to the screen 39 is read and displayed. Note that the on / off setting disable screen 39 also includes a first selection field 39a for returning to the display of the home screen 34 in FIG. 7A and a second selection for returning to the display of the setting screen 35 in FIG. 7B. It has a selection column 39b.

  Further, the device identification information D1 stored in the memory 26 is information indicating an identification code of the communication terminal device 20, and is information used for identifying other communication devices or the like when performing communication. . The server information D2 stored in the memory includes information (such as an address on the network of the server device 2) necessary for the communication terminal device 20 to communicate with the server device 2. The communication setting information D3 is information necessary for the communication terminal apparatus 20 to access the Internet via the network NW (the ID of the Internet service provider used by the communication terminal apparatus 20 and the server for accessing the Internet service provider's server). Address).

  The user information D4 stored in the memory 26 is information of a user registered in the watching service (person M1 to be watched), and includes the user's name, nickname, and identification for identifying the user. There is a number (user ID). Such user information D4 includes the necessary items (name, nickname, address, age, gender, contact information of the watcher, etc.) entered by the user according to a predetermined format at the time of user registration for using the watch service. Once the user registration is completed, information including some of the necessary items entered by the user is transmitted as user information D4 from the server device 2 to the communication terminal device 20, The transmitted user information D4 is stored in the memory 26.

Next, details of the detection program P2 will be described. The detection program P2 stored in the memory 26 is used for the CPU 21 for obtaining a detection result of the power-on state or the power-off state of the television device 10 that is a judgment material in performing the watching service provided by the server device 2. And is installed as an application in the memory 26 of the communication terminal device 20 as appropriate (it is of course possible to install in advance in the memory 26 when the communication terminal device 20 is manufactured). .

  The processing contents of the detection program P2 can be roughly divided into two types, and the first is specification of detection settings for specifying detection settings for the television device 10 to be connected to detect a power-on state or a power-off state. The contents of the stage, and the second is the contents of the stage of the actual detection process in which the apparatus state is detected based on the output from the television apparatus 10 according to the specified detection setting and the detected result is transmitted to the server apparatus 2 It is.

  As the processing contents at the specific stage of the detection setting defined by the detection program P2, first, the third selection field 35c corresponding to the on / off detection setting is selected at the stage where the setting screen 35 of FIG. 7B is displayed. Then, in order to display the user instruction screen 36 of FIG. 7C on the television device 10, the screen information corresponding to the user instruction screen 36 is read from the display screen table T 2 of the memory 26, and the external device connection unit It is defined that the CPU 21 performs control processing output from the CPU 22.

  By displaying the user instruction screen 36 on the television device 10, first, the user performs a power-off operation, so that information associated with the power-off operation is output from the first connection unit 17 a of the television device 10. Next, after a predetermined time (for example, after about 10 seconds), the user performs a power-on operation, so that information associated with the power-on operation is received from the first connection unit 17a of the television device 10. Will be output. The detection program P2 causes the CPU 21 to perform a control process in which the output information from the television device 10 is appropriately acquired by the external device connection unit 22 according to the operation timing, and temporarily stored in the memory 26. Stipulate.

  Next, the detection program P2 acquires detection settings used for detection from a plurality of detection settings when detecting the state of the external display device (television device 10) based on each output information acquired and stored. It is defined that the CPU 21 performs the specified process (the CPU 21 functions as a detection setting specifying unit). A plurality of detection settings for detecting the state of the television device 10 include those based on the above-described HPD information of the output information of the television device 10 and those based on the HDCP information (encryption related information) in the output information. There is. The detection determination based on the HPD information is a setting for detecting the power on / off state of the television device 10 based on a change in the content of the HPD information, and the detection setting based on the HDCP information (encryption related information) is HDCP information. Based on whether or not (encryption related information) is acquired, it is determined whether or not HDCP encryption can be started, and the power on / off state of the television apparatus 10 is detected.

  As a specific content of the detection program P2 relating to the detection setting specification, the CPU 21 performs processing for detecting whether the content of the HPD information included in the acquired output information has changed from “−1” to “0”. Is specified. In this process, when it is detected that the content of the HPD information has changed from “−1” to “0”, the CPU 21 turns on the power of the television device 10 to which the external device connection unit 22 is connected by the power-off operation of the user. It is determined that the off state can be detected. On the other hand, if it is not possible to detect that the content of the HPD information has changed from “−1” to “0” despite the power-off operation, the CPU 21 uses the HPD information to detect the external device connection unit 22. It is determined that the power-off state of the connected television device 10 cannot be detected.

  Also, the detection program P2 stipulates that the power-off state is determined also by HDCP information (encryption related information). If the output information acquired for HDCP encryption is interrupted and cannot be acquired, HDCP It can be determined that the encryption key used for encryption is inconsistent (when it is determined as Key NG), and thus it is defined that the CPU 21 detects whether or not output information relating to HDCP encryption can no longer be acquired. When it is detected by this detection process that output information related to HDCP encryption cannot be acquired (in the case of Key NG), the CPU 21 operates the user to turn off the television device 10 to which the external device connection unit 22 is connected. It can be determined that the power-off state can be detected. On the other hand, if it is not detected that the encryption key used for the HDCP encryption is inconsistent despite the power-off operation, the CPU 21 uses the HDCP information (encryption related information) to detect the external device connection unit. It is determined that the power-off state of the connected television device 10 cannot be detected.

  Further, the detection program P2 specifies that the CPU 21 performs processing for detecting whether the content of the HPD information included in the output information has changed from “0” to “−1” for the acquired output information. To do. If it is detected that the content of the HPD information has changed from “0” to “−1” in this process, the CPU 21 turns on the television device 10 to which the external device connection unit 22 is connected by turning on the user power on. It is determined that the on state can be detected. On the other hand, when it is not detected that the content of the HPD information has changed from “0” to “−1” even though the power-on operation has been performed, the CPU 21 uses the HPD information to detect the external device connection unit 22. It is determined that the power-on state of the connected television apparatus 10 cannot be detected.

  Furthermore, the detection program P2 stipulates that the CPU 21 detects whether or not HDCP encryption can be started (whether or not Start enc is reached) based on HDCP information (encryption related information). In this detection process, if it is detected that output information for making an inquiry for starting HDCP encryption (output information indicating establishment of a connection with an external display device) is acquired, it is determined that HDCP encryption processing starts. In this case, the CPU 21 can turn on the television device 10 to which the external device connection unit 22 is connected by turning on the user's power-on operation. It is determined that the on state can be detected. On the other hand, if it is not detected that HDCP encryption can be started despite the power-on operation, the CPU 21 uses the HDCP information (encryption related information) to connect to the external device connection unit 22. It is determined that the power-on state of the previous television apparatus 10 cannot be detected.

  When it is determined that both the power-on state and the power-off state cannot be detected in each process as described above, a process count flag is set in the memory 26, and the on / off setting incomplete screen 38 in FIG. Is read from the display screen table T2 of the memory 26 and is output from the external device connection unit 22 by the CPU 21 such that the CPU 21 reads the screen information corresponding to the on / off setting incomplete screen 38. The detection program P2 defines what to do. Further, by displaying the on / off setting incomplete screen 38, information associated with the power-off operation and information associated with the power-on operation are output from the first connection unit 17a of the television device 10. The detection program P2 defines that each process described above is performed again.

  When it is determined that both the power-on state and the power-off state cannot be detected even after performing the process again, the television device 10 displays the on / off setting impossibility screen 39 in FIG. As described above, the detection program P2 defines that the CPU 21 performs the control process of reading the screen information corresponding to the on / off setting disable screen 39 from the display screen table T2 of the memory 26 and outputting it from the external device connection unit 22. Thus, when it is determined that both the power-on state and the power-off state cannot be detected, the television device 10 to which the external device connection unit 22 is connected is a model that cannot detect the power-on state and the power-off state. Therefore, the detection program P2 stipulates that the subsequent processing relating to the detection of the device state is not performed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that both the power-on state and the power-off state can be detected through the above-described processes, the detection setting can be specified and the setting is completed, and the on / off setting completion screen 37 in FIG. Is read out from the display screen table T2 of the memory 26 and output from the external device connection unit 22 by the CPU 21 so that the information is displayed on the television device 10. The detection program P2 defines this.

  Then, the contents of the specified detection setting are stored in the memory 26 as detection setting information for detection processing. Thereafter, when output information from the television device 10 is acquired via the external device connection unit 22, the detection setting to be stored is stored. The detection program P2 defines that the CPU 21 performs a process of actually detecting the device state as needed based on the acquired output information and transmitting the detected result to the server device 2 through the wireless communication unit 23. When the detection result is transmitted to the server device 2, the device identification information D1 stored in the memory 26 and the user ID in the user information D4 are transmitted together, and the server device 2 transmits the detection result. The origin can be specified.

  FIG. 9 shows a main internal configuration of the server device 2 that provides the watching service, and the server device 2 changes the state of the external display device (television device 10) in accordance with the notification of the detection result from the communication terminal device 20. It can be confirmed remotely. A general server computer is applied to the server device 2 of the present embodiment, and various devices and the like are connected to the MPU 2a that performs overall control and various processes by an internal connection line 2h. Examples of the device include a communication module 2b, a RAM 2c, a ROM 2d, an input interface 2e, an output interface 2f, a mass storage system (HDD system) 2g, and the like.

  The communication module 2b is a communication device corresponding to a connection module with the network NW, and conforms to a required communication standard (for example, a LAN module). The communication module 2b is connected to the network NW via a required communication device (not shown, for example, a router or the like), and is used by the above-described communication terminal device 20, the watchers K1 to K3 and the like. It allows hospital visits with A1-A3 etc.

  The RAM 2c temporarily stores contents, files, and the like accompanying the processing of the MPU 2a, and the ROM 2d stores programs and the like that define the basic processing contents of the MPU 2a. The input interface 2e is connected to a keyboard 2i, a mouse, and the like for receiving an operation instruction from an operator of the watching service, and transmits the operation instruction received from the operator to the MPU 2a. The output interface 2f is connected to a display 2j (display output device), and outputs the contents accompanying the processing of the MPU 2a to the display 2j so that the operator can check the current processing contents and the like.

  The large-capacity storage system 2g (corresponding to a storage device) stores various databases (DB) and programs including data necessary for providing a monitoring service. Specifically, the server program 3, status check The program 4, the watching program 5, the user DB 6, the detection result table 7 and the like are stored.

  The server program 3 defines various processes according to the server operation system. The MPU 2a performs processes based on the specified contents, so that the server apparatus 2 fulfills a basic function as a server computer. . The state confirmation program 4 and the watching program 5 will be described later, and the user DB 6 and the like will be described first.

  FIG. 10 shows an outline of the contents of the user DB 6. The user DB 6 registers a person who uses the watch service as a group of a watched person (user) and a person watching the watched person, and identifies a group of the watched person (user). For each user ID, the name of the person to be watched, the device ID (device identification information) and communication address (from the server device 2 to the communication terminal device 20) of the communication terminal device 20 connected to the television device 10 operated by the watched person. Signals, information, etc.)), watched person's address / phone number / email address, watcher's name / phone number / email address (equivalent to pre-registered watch contact) Stored.

  The server device 2 refers to such a user DB 6 so that a necessary notification can be made by e-mail to a person who needs notification. Note that the above-described information of the user DB 5a is submitted by a user (a watched person and a watched person) who receives the watching service at the preparation stage, and the submitted information is registered in the user DB 5 in advance. Thus, the user can enjoy the watching service.

  Next, the status confirmation program 4 will be described. When the detection result transmitted from the communication terminal device 20 is received by the communication module 2b, the detection result received for each user ID and device identification information D1 associated with the detection result. Is stored in the detection result table 7 stored in the mass storage system 2g.

  FIG. 11 shows a part of the detection result table 7. The detection result table 7 has a table structure for storing a detection result for each user ID and device identification information D1, and FIG. 11 shows a detection result stored in association with a certain user ID and device identification information D1. The detection result is stored together with the reception date and time.

  In addition, the watching program 5 defines a process in which the MPU 2a determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the watched person M1 who is the user of the television device 10 based on the contents stored in the detection result table 7 described above. Is. The watching program 5 of the present embodiment determines that an abnormality has occurred in the person M1 to be watched in the “state where the power is not turned on” and the “state where the power is not turned off for a long time”.

  For the “state where the power is not turned on”, if the power does not turn on even after a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the previous power-off state, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. ing. Also, for the “state where the power is not turned off for a long time”, if the power does not turn off even after a predetermined time (for example, 15 hours) has passed since the power is turned on, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. I am doing so. It should be noted that the determination condition for occurrence of an abnormality as described above is merely an example, and other determination conditions can be used as a matter of course. For example, for a “state where the power is not turned on”, the power is turned on. If the power is not turned on even after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 3 hours) from the average time, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the power is turned off even when “the power is not turned off for a long time”. If the power is not turned on even after a predetermined time (for example, 3 hours) has elapsed from the average time, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred.

  As described above, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the user DB 6 shown in FIG. 10 is referred to, and an email is sent to the watcher associated with the user (user ID) determined to be abnormal. The watching program 5 also prescribes that the MPU 2a performs the notification process. In addition, as an actual service content, the MPU 2a performs a process of notifying a person watching an e-mail saying that “the TV is turned on” every day when the power is turned on for the first time. The watching program 5 also stipulates.

  The first flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is a series of processing flows at the specific stage of detection setting of the communication terminal device 20 that plays a central role in the device status confirmation system 1 described above (according to the contents of the status detection method). It corresponds to the flow of processing). In the first flowchart, the external device connection unit 22 of the communication terminal device 20 is connected to the first connection unit 17a (HDMI) of the television device 10, and the source switching of the television device 10 is switched to the first connection unit. 17a, and the detection program P2 is started and the setting screen 35 shown in FIG. 7B is displayed, and the third selection field 35c is selected.

  First, in the first flowchart, the communication terminal device 20 outputs screen information corresponding to the user instruction screen 36 of FIG. 7C to the television device 10 (S1). By outputting the screen information, the user instruction screen 36 in FIG. 7C is displayed on the display screen 10 a of the television device 10. Further, in accordance with the user instruction shown on the user instruction screen 36, the user performs a power-off operation and a power-on operation, so that the television apparatus 10 can perform information and power-on operation. The accompanying information is sequentially output from the first connection unit 17a, and the communication terminal device 20 acquires the output information via the external device connection unit 22, and stores the acquired output information in the memory 26 (S2 Then, the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) performs detection setting specifying processing.

  That is, the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) detects whether there is HPD information changed from “−1” to “0” in the stored output information (S3). When it is detected that there is a change from “−1” to “0” (S3: YES), a change from “−1” to “0” in the HPD information is detected as a power-off state. This is set and stored in the memory 26 as one piece of detection setting information (S4). If a change from “−1” to “0” in the HPD information cannot be detected (S3: NO), the HDCP information (encryption related information) in the stored output information is stored (output). ) Is interrupted and cannot be acquired, and it is determined whether or not the encryption key used for the HDCP encryption is inconsistent (S5).

  If it is determined that the encryption key has become inconsistent (S5: YES), the fact that the encryption key used for HDCP encryption due to the inability to acquire HDCP information (encryption related information) is in the power-off state It sets so that it may detect, and memorize | stores it as one of detection setting information in the memory 26 (S6). If the encryption keys are not inconsistent (S5: NO), it is next detected whether the stored output information includes HPD information changed from “0” to “−1” (S7). ).

  When it is detected that there is a change from “0” to “−1” (S7: YES), a change from “0” to “−1” in the HPD information is detected as a power-on state. This is set and stored in the memory 26 as one piece of detection setting information (S8). If the change of HPD information from “0” to “−1” cannot be detected (S7: NO), HDCP information (encryption related information) is HDCP encrypted in the stored output information. It is determined whether or not HDCP encryption can be started by detecting that the inquiry information for starting is included (S9).

  When it is determined that the HDCP encryption can be started (S9: YES), the fact that the HDCP encryption can be started is set to be detected as a power-on state, and this is indicated in the memory. 26 is stored as one piece of detection setting information (S10). Whether or not the detection setting information capable of detecting both the power-on state and the power-off state is stored in the memory 26 through the processes of S3 to S10 as described above, and whether or not the detection setting is specified and the setting is completed. The communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) determines (S11).

  When it is determined that the setting has not been completed (S11: NO), it is determined whether or not the detection process related to S3 to S10 is the first time (S12). If it is determined that the above detection processing is the first time (S12: YES), the communication terminal device 20 sends screen information corresponding to the on / off setting incomplete screen 38 of FIG. 8B to the television device 10. Output (S13). By outputting the screen information, the on / off setting incomplete screen 38 of FIG. 8B is displayed on the display screen 10a of the television device 10.

  Further, according to the user instruction shown on the on / off setting incomplete screen 38, the user performs the power-off operation and the power-on operation again, and accordingly, the television apparatus 10 is accompanied by the power-off operation. Information and information associated with the power-on operation are sequentially output from the first connection unit 17a, and the communication terminal device 20 acquires the output information by the external device connection unit 22 and stores the acquired output information in the memory 26. After storing (S2), the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) determines whether or not the setting is completed again through the above-described steps S3 to S10 (S11).

  If it is determined that the setting has not been completed even after performing the steps S3 to S10 again (S11: NO), the determination step (S12) of whether or not the detection process is the first time is the second time. If determined (S12: NO), the communication terminal device 20 outputs screen information corresponding to the on / off setting impossible screen 39 of FIG. 8C to the television device 10 (S14). Due to the output of the screen information, an on / off setting impossible screen 39 is displayed on the display screen 10a of the television device 10, and the television device 10 detects the power on / off state from the display content. The user knows that the model is not possible, and the detection setting process ends at this stage. After the display of the on / off setting disable screen 39, the user selects either the first selection field 39a or the second selection field 39b, and the home screen 34 in FIG. 7A or FIG. ) To display the setting screen 35.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the setting is completed by the above-described processing (S11: YES), the communication terminal apparatus 20 displays screen information corresponding to the on / off setting completion screen 37 in FIG. 10 (S15). By the output of this screen information, an on / off setting completion screen 37 is displayed on the display screen 10a of the television device 10, and the television device 10 detects the power on / off state from the display content. The user will know that the process has been completed. At this stage, the detection setting specifying process ends, and then the process proceeds to the process of the second flowchart shown in FIG. As for the display contents, the user selects either the first selection field 37a or the second selection field 37b on the on / off setting completion screen 37, and the home screen 34 in FIG. 7A or FIG. ) To display the setting screen 35.

  The second flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is performed when the detection setting is completed through the process of the first flowchart of FIG. 12 described above (S11: YES), and the television device is output by the output from the television device 10. 10 shows a flow of processing for detecting whether 10 is in a power-on state or a power-off state, and a series of operations performed by the communication terminal device 20 on the back without being particularly linked to the display content on the television device 10. The process of is shown. First, the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) determines whether or not output information from the first connection unit 17a (HDMI) of the television device 10 has been acquired via the external device connection unit 22 (S20). When output information is not acquired (S20: NO), it waits for output information acquisition. When the output information is acquired (S20: YES), the state of the television device 10 (power on) is determined based on the acquired output information in accordance with the detection setting information stored in the memory 26 through the processing of the first flowchart described above. State or power-off state) is detected (S21).

  And the communication terminal device 20 (CPU21) performs the process which transmits a detection result to the server apparatus 2 with the apparatus identification information D1 and user ID (S22). Then, the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) determines whether or not the activation of the detection program P2 is stopped (S23). If the activation is not stopped (S23: NO), it is determined whether the first output information has been acquired. The process returns to the determination step (S20), and thereafter, the above-described processing is repeated until the activation of the detection program P2 is stopped. Further, when the activation of the detection program P2 is stopped (S23: YES), the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) ends the detection process.

  On the other hand, the server device 2 receives the detection result as needed by the communication terminal device 20 performing the process shown in the second flowchart of FIG. 13 described above, and the received detection result is stored in the detection result table 7 shown in FIG. , And stored together with the reception date. When the server device 2 determines from the detection result table 7 that the power is turned on for the first time in the day, the server device 2 sends an e-mail indicating that “the TV is turned on” to the determination. It transmits to the person who watches the user ID according to the detection result. Furthermore, the server device 2 checks the contents of the detection result table 7 at any time, detects whether “the power is not turned on” and “the power is not turned off for a long time”, and any of the above states Is detected, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the person being watched, and an e-mail describing the occurrence of the abnormality is transmitted to the person watching the user ID corresponding to the detection result relating to the determination.

  By transmitting the e-mail to the person watching the above, the person watching can know that an abnormality has occurred in the person being watched, and can quickly take action such as rushing to the person being watched over. As described above, in the first embodiment, the user instruction screen 36 shown in FIG. 7C and the on / off setting incomplete screen 38 shown in FIG. 8B are displayed to allow the user to perform the power off / on operation. Since the detection setting is performed, there is an advantage that the setting can be surely performed in a short time.

  In addition, the invention which concerns on 1st Embodiment is not limited to the content mentioned above, Various modifications can be considered. For example, the network communication of the communication terminal device 20 has been described so that the wireless communication unit 23 performs wireless communication. However, the communication terminal device 20 includes a wired communication unit that performs wired communication according to Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like. Alternatively, communication with the server device 2 may be performed by wired communication.

  Moreover, the apparatus state confirmation system 1 according to the present embodiment can be used for other services other than the watching service. As services other than the watching service, a TV broadcast viewing status confirmation service, a maintenance time confirmation service, a network communication service, and the like can be assumed. When the device status confirmation system 1 is used for each of these services, the processing of the communication terminal device 20 is the same as that described above. In the server device 2, the detection result transmitted from the communication terminal device 20 is stored in the detection result table. The process is the same until it is stored in the table 7, and what kind of processing is performed on the detection result stored in the detection result table 7 is different for each service.

  For example, when the apparatus status confirmation system 1 is used for a television broadcast viewing status confirmation service, the detection result table 7 shown in FIG. 11 indicates that the server apparatus 2 (MPU 2a) indicates the power-on time as a detection result. And the calculated power-on time is provided to a business entity (such as a server that manages the business entity) that investigates the viewing situation. Note that the entity that conducts surveys on viewing conditions will eventually calculate audience ratings, market research (such as surveys on which hours the power will be turned on, that is, who will be watching TV broadcasts) The power-on time provided is used for calculation and the like.

  Further, when the apparatus status confirmation system 1 is used for the maintenance time confirmation service, the server apparatus 2 (MPU 2a) stores the power-on time together with the detection result from the detection result table 7 shown in FIG. The calculated power-on time is provided to a business entity (such as a server managed by a television device manufacturer) that confirms the device maintenance time. The business entity that confirms the maintenance time stores the provided power-on time for each device identification information D1 and user ID, and the total time of the stored power-on time is an inspection time or an inspection standard. Judgment is made on whether or not the life time that is the standard of equipment life has been exceeded, and if it has been exceeded, contact the contact person corresponding to the user ID that the inspection time has come or the life time has come. To do.

  In the case of using the network communication service for the device status confirmation system 1, the network communication service is a service based on an application that realizes real-time communication through a computer network (mainly the Internet). Since this service can be used when it is in a state, the service is provided as “contactable” if the power is on, and “unresponsive” if the power is off. The server will be notified. Note that the communication terminal device 20 is not used for the various services described above but the user himself / herself uses the present invention for purposes such as checking his / her own TV usage status, etc. It is not necessary to transmit the detection result to the server device 2, but the detection result is stored in the communication terminal device 20, and the detection result stored in response to a user request is read and output to the television device 10, The detection result may be displayed on the television device 10 so that the user can check it.

  FIG. 14 shows a third flowchart used in the invention according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and this third flowchart corresponds to the first flowchart of FIG. 12 in the first embodiment described above. 8A to 8C described in the first embodiment is characterized in that the setting relating to the detection of the apparatus state can be automatically performed on the back side. In the invention according to the second embodiment, the basic hardware configuration and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment will be described below. The embodiment will be described.

  In the communication terminal device 20 used in the second embodiment, the specified content of the detection program P2 stored in the memory 26 includes the processing of the third flowchart shown in FIG. That is, the setting stage processing relating to the detection defined by the detection program P2 of the second embodiment is the same for the setting contents relating to the detection of the power-on state and the power-off state, but FIG. It stipulates that the detection setting specifying process is continued at any time until the detection setting can be specified based on the output information from the television device 10 without performing the process related to the display of each screen shown in (c). . Further, the second detection program P2 detects the home screen 34 shown in FIG. 7A in the first embodiment on the television device 10 by a series of processes shown in the third flowchart of FIG. If the setting is completed, a process for displaying the home screen 134 shown in FIG. 15A is performed. If the detection setting is not completed, a process for displaying the home screen 234 shown in FIG. 15B is performed. .

  The home screen 134 in FIG. 15A is basically the same as the home screen 34 in FIG. 7A, and a new display field 134c indicating that the power on / off setting is completed is newly provided. Is a feature. Also, the home screen 234 of FIG. 15B is basically the same as the home screen 34 of FIG. 7B, and a new display field 234c indicating that the power on / off setting is not completed is newly added. The feature is that it was provided. Therefore, when the user performs the home screen display, the display field 134c indicating the completion of the power on / off setting in FIG. 15A or the fact that the power on / off setting is not completed in FIG. Whether or not the detection setting is completed can be confirmed by any one of the display columns 234c shown. In addition, in order to be able to display the home screen 134 in FIG. 15A and the home screen 234 in FIG. 15B as appropriate, the communication terminal device 20 of the second embodiment displays screens corresponding to the home screens 134 and 234. Information is stored in the memory 26.

  Next, according to the third flowchart of FIG. 14, processing related to the detection setting specification of the second embodiment will be described. Note that the processing of the third flowchart is performed in parallel with other processing, and the processing of the third flowchart is performed behind the other processing by the communication terminal device 20 without being conscious of the user. It will be. First, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether or not output information from the television device 10 has been acquired (S30). In this case, when the user performs a power-on operation or a power-off operation on the television device 10, at least one of information associated with the power-on operation or information associated with the user's power-off operation is output. become.

  When the output information from the television apparatus 10 is not acquired (S30: NO), it waits for output information acquisition. When the output information is acquired (S30: YES), the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) performs the same processing content as the steps S3 to S10 in the first flowchart of FIG. 12 described above for the acquired output information. Steps S31 to S38 are performed. Through such processes of S31 to S38, detection setting information that can detect both the power-on state and the power-off state is specified and stored in the memory 26, and whether or not the setting is completed. The communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) determines (S39).

  If it is determined that the setting has not been completed (S39: NO), the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) returns to the first stage (S30), and thereafter, the process of each stage from S30 to S39 until the setting is completed. Will be repeated. When the user performs an operation for displaying the home screen in a situation where the setting is not completed as described above, the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) displays the home screen 234 shown in FIG. Process to be displayed.

  If it is determined that the setting has been completed (S39: YES), the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) ends the detection setting specifying process at this stage, and next, as in the first embodiment, FIG. The process of the second flowchart shown in FIG. When the user performs an operation for displaying the home screen in the situation where the setting is completed in this way, the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) displays the home screen 134 shown in FIG. Will be processed.

  Except for the contents described above, the invention of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and various modifications described in the first embodiment can be applied. As described above, the second embodiment has an advantage in that the detection setting can be performed only by using the television device 10 normally without performing the operation by the user for detection setting. In addition, it is also possible to combine the detection setting process of the first embodiment and the detection setting process of the second embodiment described above. In this case, for example, the communication terminal device 20 is connected to the television device 10 for the first time. In this case, the detection setting process of the first embodiment is performed, and then the setting of the television device 10 is changed by the user and the content of the output information is changed, the detection setting process of the second embodiment is performed. Can be considered.

  FIG. 16 shows a fourth flowchart used in the invention according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This fourth flowchart is the first flowchart of FIG. 12 in the above-described first embodiment relating to specification of detection setting. The feature is that the state of the television device 10 can be detected immediately without performing steps S3 to S10. In the invention according to the third embodiment, the basic hardware configuration and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used for the same parts, and the third embodiment will be described below. The embodiment will be described.

  In the communication terminal device 20 used in the third embodiment, the specified content of the detection program P2 stored in the memory 26 includes the process of the fourth flowchart shown in FIG. The detection program P2 of the third embodiment corresponds to a case where the transmission setting of the control signal HDMI-CEC is enabled in the television device 10 (hereinafter referred to as “HDMI-CEC enabled”). When HDMI-CEC is valid, a message indicating whether the television device 10 is in a power-on state or a power-off state is output from the first connection unit 17a. Therefore, at least one of the output messages is transmitted to the external device. The content is defined to detect and determine whether the television apparatus 10 is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on the content of the output message obtained through the connection unit 22.

  In addition, when HDMI-CEC is enabled and the source switching operation is performed by the user, the television apparatus 10 outputs a message indicating that the source switching operation has been performed from the first connection unit 17a. The detection program P2 according to the third embodiment is at least one of an output message indicating whether the power is on or off, and an output message indicating that a source switching operation is performed. , And based on the acquired output message, the contents of the television apparatus 10 (the power on / off state, the state where the source switching operation is performed) are detected. The detection program P2 of the third embodiment also defines that when the state of the television device 10 is detected based on the acquired output message, the CPU 21 performs a process of transmitting the detection result to the server device 2.

  Furthermore, even if the HDMI-CEC is valid, the television device 10 may be switched to HDMI-CEC invalidity later depending on the user's operation setting. Therefore, the detection program P2 of the third embodiment is a television program. When a message output from the television device 10 is acquired, a message (for example, for inquiring about the state of the television device 10) after a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the device state was detected based on the output message. It is defined that the CPU 21 performs a process of outputting the Get Device Power Status message) from the external device connection unit 22 to the television device 10.

  Furthermore, the detection program P2 of the third embodiment also defines that when the inquiry message request is output, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the response message indicating the power state at that time is acquired from the television device 10. doing.

  On the other hand, when none of the above-described output messages can be acquired, the detection program P2 of the third embodiment specifies that the detection setting is specified and the detection process is performed with the processing content described in the first embodiment. Yes.

  FIG. 16 is a fourth flowchart showing a series of processing contents (contents of the apparatus state confirmation method) of the communication terminal apparatus 20 of the third embodiment in a state where the external apparatus connection section 22 is connected to the first connection section 17a of the television apparatus 10. Based on Note that at the start of the fourth flowchart, the television apparatus 10 is in a state where it can output messages according to HDMI-CEC.

  First, the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) determines whether an output message corresponding to the HDMI-CEC from the television device 10 has been acquired (S40). When the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) has not acquired the output message (S40: NO), the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) enters an output waiting state. When the output message is acquired (S40: YES), the television is based on the content of the acquired message. The state of the device 10 is detected (S41). At this time, the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) also starts timing processing.

  Then, the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) performs processing for transmitting the detection result to the server device 2 (S42), and determines whether or not the required time (5 minutes) has elapsed since the start of time measurement (S43). . If the required time has not elapsed (S43: NO), it is determined whether or not a new output message has been acquired (S44). When a new output message is acquired (S44: YES), the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) resets the time that has been counted (S45), and returns to the stage of detecting the device state (S41). The device status is detected based on the content of the output message. If a new output message has not been acquired (S44: NO), the process returns to the required time elapse determination step (S43). Thereafter, if a new output message is not acquired, the processing in steps S43 and S44 is performed. Repeat until the required time has elapsed.

  When the required time has elapsed (S43: YES), the communication terminal device 20 (CPU 21) resets the time that has been counted and also sends a message for inquiring about the state of the television device 10 (for example, Get Device Power). (Status message) is output to the television device 10 (S46), and it is determined whether or not a response message to this inquiry has been acquired (S47).

  When the response message is acquired (S47: YES), the television device 10 still knows that HDMI-CEC is still valid and the message can be output. Therefore, the process returns to the first step S40, and the above-described processing is performed. Will be repeated again.

  On the other hand, when the response message is not acquired (S47: NO), the television apparatus 10 is in a state where the HDMI-CEC is invalidated or changed to a setting that does not output a message by a user setting change operation or the like. Since the output message from the television apparatus 10 cannot be expected thereafter, the detection setting specifying process and the detection process described in the first embodiment (the first flowchart in FIG. 12 and the second flowchart in FIG. 13). (Refer to S48).

  As described above, in the invention of the third embodiment, since the device state is detected by the output message from the television device 10, the device state can be grasped quickly and surely without performing the detection setting specifying process. There are benefits. Except for the contents described above, the invention of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and various modifications described in the first embodiment can be applied. In the step of S48 in the fourth flowchart of FIG. 16, it has been described that the process of the first embodiment is used for the detection setting specifying process. However, instead of using the detection setting specifying process of the first embodiment, the second embodiment is used. It is also possible to use the detection setting specifying process (see the third flowchart in FIG. 14) described in the embodiment, and further, as described in the modification of the second embodiment, the first embodiment and the second embodiment. It is also possible to use a combination of forms.

  FIG. 17 shows the detection setting table 8 used in the invention according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This detection setting table 8 detects the state of a display device based on the release time and the output from the display device for each model (device identification information) indicating the manufacturer and model number for a plurality of display devices (television devices). The detection setting information is associated with each other, and the invention according to the fourth embodiment is characterized in that the detection setting can be easily and reliably specified based on the detection setting table 8. In the invention according to the fourth embodiment, the basic hardware configuration and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment. The embodiment will be described.

  The server device 2 (see FIG. 9) used in the fourth embodiment has a detection setting table 8 stored in a mass storage system 2g. As shown in FIG. 17, the detection setting table 8 stores detection setting information for each of a plurality of display devices (television devices). The detection setting information uses a change in HPD information in output information or an encryption key based on HDCP information (encryption related information) to detect whether HDMI-CEC is enabled by default or the power on / off state The information indicates whether it can be done.

  Further, the state confirmation program 4 stored in the large-capacity storage system 2g defines a process related to the detection setting table 8 in addition to the process described in the first embodiment. Specifically, when the device identification information (manufacturer and model number) is received by the communication module 2b, the MPU 2a performs processing for specifying the detection setting information associated with the device identification information from the detection setting table 8. It prescribes. For example, when the information that the manufacturer is “A” and the model number is “AA1” is received as the received device identification information, the MPU 2a is set as detection setting information, HDMI-CEC is “valid”, The detection setting information is specified as “Permitted” for the HPD information regarding the detection of the on state, “Permitted” for the HDCP information, “Disabled” for the HPD information regarding the detection of the power off state, and “Permitted” for the HDCP information. .

  And the state confirmation program 4 of 4th Embodiment has prescribed | regulated that MPU2a performs the process which transmits the specified detection setting information from the communication module 2b to the transmission source of apparatus identification information. Since the detection setting table 8 is updated each time a new display device (television device) is sold, the server device 2 receives a table update notification from the external server that is the distribution source of the detection setting table 8. Then, the updated detection setting table 8 is downloaded, replaced with the existing one, and stored in the mass storage system 2g.

  On the other hand, the communication terminal device 20 used in the fourth embodiment inquires the server device 2 about the device identification information of the external display device that is the connection destination, and downloads the detection setting information corresponding to the external display device. It is defined that the device state detection processing is performed based on the stored detection setting information. Specifically, when the external device connection unit 22 is connected to a connection terminal of an external display device (for example, the first connection unit 17a of the television device 10), the external display device has specifications according to HDMI-CEC. If there is, an HDMI-CEC message indicating device identification information for identifying the device (for example, Device Vender ID indicating the manufacturer, model number (model), etc.) is output, so an output message including such device identification information is output. The detection program P2 stipulates that the CPU 21 performs a process for determining whether or not it has been acquired.

  If the device identification information can be acquired, the detection program P2 transmits the acquired device identification information to the server device 2, downloads the detection setting information corresponding to the device identification information, and then downloads the detected detection setting information. Stipulates that the device state detection processing is performed based on the above. Regarding the detection setting information to be downloaded, the detection program P2 defines that settings used for detecting the device state are specified in the priority order of “HDMI-CEC”, “HPD”, and “HDCP”.

  That is, if the content of the detection setting information includes “HDMI-CEC enabled”, the detection setting is preferentially the same as in the case of the process described in the third embodiment, and according to this detection setting, A device state detection process is performed based on an output (output message) from the display device. If the content of the detection setting information is “HDMI-CEC invalid” and “HPD is possible” or “HDCP is possible”, the detection setting is the same as in the case of the process described in the first embodiment. The detection program P2 stipulates that the device state detection processing is performed based on the output (output information) from the display device in accordance with the contents of the detection setting. If the device identification information cannot be acquired or the device identification information cannot be downloaded, the detection setting identification and detection processing is performed based on the processing content described in the first embodiment described above. Program P2 defines.

  The fifth flowchart shown in FIG. 18 is a summary of the flow of a series of processing (processing of the device status confirmation method) performed by the communication terminal device 20 according to the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, processing of the communication terminal device 20 will be described according to the fifth flowchart. First, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether or not device identification information has been acquired from an external display device (television device 10) (S50). When the device identification information is acquired (S50: YES), the communication terminal device 20 transmits the acquired device identification information to the server device 2 (S51). In addition, by transmitting the device identification information to the server device 2, the server device 2 identifies and identifies the detection setting information using the detection setting table 8 described above for the transmitted device identification information. Although the detection setting information is transmitted, the detection setting information may not be transmitted for some reason (for example, there is no corresponding detection setting information in the detection setting table 8).

  After transmitting the device identification information, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether or not the detection setting information has been downloaded from the server device 2 (S52). When the download is successful (S52: YES), the downloaded detection setting information is stored and saved, and the device status detection process and the detection result are transmitted based on the detection setting information (S53 will be described in the first to third embodiments). Refer to the processing details).

  On the other hand, when the device identification information cannot be acquired (S50: NO) and when the detection setting information cannot be downloaded (S52: NO), the communication terminal device 20 performs the detection setting described in the first embodiment. After performing the specific process and the detection process (see the first flowchart in FIG. 12 and the second flowchart in FIG. 13) and setting for detecting the state of the television device 10, the state is actually detected and detected. The result is transmitted to the server device 2 (S54).

  As described above, in the invention according to the fourth embodiment, the detection setting information used for the detection process is specified using the detection setting table 8 of FIG. 17, and thus smooth and reliable without detecting the output from the television device 10. There is a merit in that the detection setting can be performed. Except for the contents described above, the invention of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and various modifications described in the first embodiment can be applied. In addition, although it demonstrated that the process of 1st Embodiment was used in the step of S54 of the 5th flowchart of FIG. 18, instead of using the process of 1st Embodiment, the process (2nd process of FIG. 14) was demonstrated. 3 flowchart) can be used, and as described in the modification of the second embodiment, the processes of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be used in combination.

  In the above description, the communication terminal device 20 downloads the detection setting information from the server device 2 that is the transmission destination of the detection result. However, an external server different from the server device 2 holds the detection setting table 8. In this case, the device identification information may be transmitted to the external server, and the detection setting information may be downloaded from the external server.

  Further, in the above description, the detection setting information is downloaded to the communication terminal device 20 and the state of the television device 10 is detected by the communication terminal device 20, but the detection setting information is not downloaded and the communication terminal device is detected. A modification in which the server device 2 detects the state of the television device 10 by transmitting the output from the television device 10 to the server device 2 can be assumed.

  In this modification, the communication terminal device 20 performs the steps up to S51 in the fifth flowchart of FIG. 18 in the specific stage of detection setting, and does not perform the processing of S52 to S54. Based on the device identification information transmitted from the communication terminal device 20, the detection setting information is specified from the detection setting table 8.

  Further, at the detection processing stage, every time the communication terminal device 20 acquires an output other than the device identification information from the television device 10, the communication terminal device 20 always performs a process of transmitting the acquired output to the server device 2 through the network NW. . On the other hand, if the server device 2 receives an output (an output other than the device identification information) transmitted from the communication terminal device 20, the server device 2 detects the state of the television device 10 based on the received output according to the specified detection setting information. The detection result is stored in the storage table 7 of the mass storage system 2g in association with the detected process date and time. In such a modification, the detection program P2 of the communication terminal device 20 defines processing according to the above-described modification, and similarly, the state confirmation program 4 of the server apparatus 2 is also in the above-described modification. The corresponding processing will be specified.

  FIG. 19 shows a sixth flowchart in which a series of processing flows (part of the processing flow of the device state confirmation method) performed by the server device 20 in the modification of the fourth embodiment described above is arranged. In the sixth flowchart, the server device 20 first determines whether or not device identification information transmitted from the communication terminal device 20 has been received (S55). If not received (S55: NO), the server device 20 receives it. When it is in a waiting state and received (S55: YES), detection setting information associated with the received device identification information is specified from the detection setting table 8 (S56). Then, the server device 2 determines whether or not an output other than the device identification information transmitted from the communication terminal device 20 has been received (S57). If not received (S57: NO), the server device 2 is in a reception waiting state. If received (S57: YES), the state of the television device 10 is detected based on the received output in accordance with the detection setting information specified in S56 (S58), and the detection result is stored in the storage table 7 together with the detection date and time. Store (S59).

  In such a modification of the fourth embodiment, since it is not necessary to download the detection setting information to the communication terminal device 20, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of downloading the detection setting information, and the communication terminal device 20 is in the device state. Therefore, the server apparatus 2 can complete the processing related to the detection of the device state by itself until the storage of the detection result. There are merits in each point that reliable detection processing can be performed.

  FIG. 20 shows a seventh flowchart used in the invention according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The invention according to the fifth embodiment uses the detection setting table described in the fourth embodiment. However, the detection setting table is not downloaded, but stored in the communication terminal device to detect the device state. It is characterized by doing. The invention according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in the basic hardware configuration and the like, and therefore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The fifth embodiment will be described.

  In the communication terminal device 20 used in the fifth embodiment, the detection setting table 8 having the contents shown in FIG. The detection setting table 8 may be stored in the memory 26 in advance at the manufacturing stage of the communication terminal device 20, or may be downloaded from the distribution server of the detection setting table 8 and stored in the memory 26 by a user operation after manufacture and sale. You may let them. In addition, when the contents of the detection setting table 8 are updated due to the release of a new model or the like, the updated detection setting table 8 can be downloaded from the distribution server. When downloaded, the previous detection setting table 8 is replaced and stored in the memory 26.

  Further, the detection program P2 stored in the memory 26 of the communication terminal device 20 is such that the processing performed by the server device 2 in the above-described fourth embodiment is performed on the communication terminal device 20 side, Specifically, it is specified that detection setting information is specified using the detection setting table 8 stored in the memory 26, and detection processing or the like is performed based on the specified detection setting information.

  The processing procedure of the communication terminal device 20 according to the fifth embodiment (processing of the device state confirmation method) will be described according to the seventh flowchart of FIG. 20. First, the communication terminal device 20 is connected to an external display device (television device 10). ) To determine whether or not the device identification information has been acquired through the external device connection unit 22 (S60). When the device identification information is acquired (S60: YES), it is determined whether or not the detection setting information corresponding to the acquired device identification information can be specified from the detection setting table 8 stored in the memory 26 (S61). When the detection setting information can be specified (S61: YES), the device state detection processing and the detection result are transmitted based on the output acquired from the television device 10 in accordance with the specified detection setting information (S62 first to second). (See the processing content described in the third embodiment).

  On the other hand, when the device identification information cannot be acquired (S60: NO) and when the detection setting information cannot be specified (S61: NO), the communication terminal device 20 performs the detection setting described in the first embodiment. The identification process and the detection process (refer to the first flowchart in FIG. 12 and the second flowchart in FIG. 13) are performed, and the setting for detecting the state of the television apparatus 10 is identified, The output is acquired, the state is actually detected, and the detection result is transmitted to the server device 2 (S63).

  As described above, in the invention according to the fifth embodiment, since the communication terminal device 20 stores the detection setting table 8 and performs the detection process, it is advantageous in that the detection process can be performed simply and smoothly compared to the fourth embodiment. There is. Except for the contents described above, the invention of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and various modifications described in the first embodiment can be applied. In addition, although it demonstrated that the process of 1st Embodiment was used in the step of S63 of the 7th flowchart of FIG. 20, of course, it is also possible to apply the modification as demonstrated in 4th Embodiment.

  21, 22, and 23 show eighth, ninth, and tenth flowcharts used in the invention according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The invention according to the sixth embodiment is related to the above-described invention according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the communication terminal device side performs the specific process and the detection process related to the detection setting. It is characterized in that the identification process and the detection process related to the detection setting are performed on the side. In the invention according to the sixth embodiment, since the basic hardware configuration and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like below. The sixth embodiment will be described.

  In the communication terminal device 20 used in the sixth embodiment, first, since the specific process related to the detection setting is not performed, the output information acquired from the television device 10 is transmitted to the server device 2. If the notification of setting completion can be received from the server apparatus 2 in response to the transmission of the output information, the communication terminal apparatus 20 performs processing for displaying the on / off setting completion screen 37 of FIG. On the other hand, if the setting completion notification is not received but the setting impossible notification is received, the processing for displaying the on / off setting incomplete screen 38 in FIG. 8B is performed, and the same processing is performed again. If a notification indicating that the setting is not possible is received, processing for displaying the on / off setting impossible screen 39 in FIG. 8C is performed.

  Also, in the processing related to detection after specifying the detection setting, the communication terminal device 20 does not perform the processing itself, but when the output from the television device 10 is acquired, the processing for transmitting the output to the server device 2 as it is is performed. . Except for the points described above, the communication terminal device 20 according to the sixth embodiment performs the same processing as in the first embodiment.

  Further, the server device 2 used in the sixth embodiment performs a specific process related to the detection setting performed by the communication terminal device 20 in the first embodiment, and stores and sets the detection setting information when the setting is completed. A notification of completion is transmitted to the communication terminal device 20, and if setting is not possible, a notification that setting is not possible is transmitted to the communication terminal device 20. Further, in the detection process after the detection setting, if output information is received from the communication terminal device 20, the apparatus state is detected based on the stored detection setting information, and the detection result is stored together with the date and time of detection.

  The eighth flowchart shown in FIG. 21 is a summary of the flow of a series of processes performed by the communication terminal device 20 at the detection setting specific stage, and the ninth flowchart shown in FIG. 22 is also the server apparatus 2 at the detection setting specific stage. The processing contents at the specific stage of the detection setting in the sixth embodiment (contents of the apparatus state confirmation method) will be described below with reference to the eighth and ninth flowcharts.

  First, in the eighth flowchart of FIG. 21, the communication terminal device 20 outputs screen information corresponding to the user instruction screen 36 of FIG. 7C to the television device 10 (S70), and is output from the television device 10. The information accompanying the power-off operation and the information accompanying the power-on operation are sequentially obtained, and the obtained output information is stored in the memory 26 (S71). Then, the communication terminal device 20 transmits each stored output information to the server device 20 (S72).

  On the other hand, in the ninth flowchart of FIG. 22, the server device 2 determines whether or not the output information from the communication terminal device 20 has been received (S80), and if not received (S80: NO), Become. If received (S80: YES), the server device 2 performs the processing in the steps S81 to S88 with the same processing contents as the steps S3 to S10 in the first flowchart of FIG. 12 described above for the received output information. Do. Through such processes of S81 to S88, it is determined whether or not the setting relating to the detection of the apparatus state has been completed (S89).

  When it is determined that the setting has not been completed (S89: NO), the server device 2 transmits a notification that setting is not possible to the communication terminal device 20 (S90), and when it is determined that the setting has been completed (S89: YES) ), The detection setting information is stored in the mass storage system 2g (S91), and a notification of the completion of setting is transmitted to the communication terminal device 20 (S92).

  Returning to the eighth flowchart of FIG. 21, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether or not a setting completion notification is received from the server device 2 (S73). If a notification indicating that setting is not possible is received without receiving a notification of completion of setting (S73: NO), it is determined whether or not the processing up to step S73 is the first time (S74). When it is determined that the processing up to the stage of S73 is the first time (S74: YES), the communication terminal device 20 displays the screen information corresponding to the on / off setting incomplete screen 38 of FIG. 10 (S75), the process returns to S71, and the above-described processing is repeated.

  Further, even if the process is repeated, if a notification indicating that the setting is not possible is received without receiving the setting information (S73: NO), the process up to the stage of S73 is the second time (S74: NO). Then, the screen information corresponding to the on / off setting impossible screen 39 in FIG. 8C is output to the television apparatus 10 (S76). On the other hand, when the notification of setting completion is received (S73: YES), the communication terminal device 20 outputs screen information corresponding to the on / off setting completion screen 37 to the television device 10 in FIG. S77).

  The 10th flowchart of FIG. 23 shows the flow of processing of the communication terminal device 20 and the server device 2 regarding the detection of the device state, and when the detection setting is completed in the processing of the 8th and 9th flowcharts described above. The possible processing is shown. First, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether or not the output information of the television device 10 has been acquired (S100). When output information is not acquired (S100: NO), it waits for output information acquisition. Moreover, when output information is acquired (S100: YES), the acquired output information is transmitted to the server apparatus 2 (S101), and then the communication terminal apparatus 20 determines whether or not the activation of the detection program P2 is stopped. If the activation is not stopped (S102: NO), the process returns to the step of determining whether or not the first output information has been acquired (S100), and thereafter, until the activation of the detection program P2 is stopped. When the process is sequentially repeated and the activation of the detection program P2 is stopped (S102: YES), the detection process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the server device 2 determines whether or not output information has been received from the communication terminal device 20 (S105). If not received (S105: NO), the server device 2 waits for reception of output information and receives it (S105). : YES), the state (power-on state or power-off state) of the television device 10 is detected based on the received output information in accordance with the stored detection setting information (S106). Then, the server device 2 stores the detection result together with the detection date and time in the storage table 7 (S107), and thereafter returns to the first step of S105 and repeats the above-described processing.

  As described above, in the invention according to the sixth embodiment, the server apparatus 2 plays a central role in performing the process related to the detection setting specification and the detection process, and therefore, compared to the case of the first embodiment, the communication terminal apparatus 20. There is a merit in that the processing load can be reduced. Except for the contents described above, the invention of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and various modifications described in the first embodiment can be applied.

  24 and 25 show eleventh and twelfth flowcharts used in the invention according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The invention according to the seventh embodiment is related to the invention according to the second embodiment described above. In the second embodiment, the process related to detection setting and the detection process are performed on the communication terminal device side. Similar to the embodiment, the server is characterized in that the specific process and the detection process related to the detection setting are performed. In the invention according to the seventh embodiment, since the basic hardware configuration and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and the like below. The seventh embodiment will be described.

  In the communication terminal device 20 used in the seventh embodiment, first, since the specific processing related to the detection setting is not performed, the output information acquired from the television device 10 is transmitted to the server device 2. If the notification of the completion of setting can be received from the server device 2 in response to the transmission of the output information, the stage of the detection setting specifying process ends. Note that the processing related to the detection of the device state of the communication terminal device 20 after the detection setting is the same as in the case of the sixth embodiment described above (see the tenth flowchart in FIG. 23).

  In addition, the server device 2 used in the seventh embodiment performs a specific process related to the detection setting performed by the communication terminal device 20 in the second embodiment, and when the setting is completed, the setting information is stored and the setting is completed. Is sent to the communication terminal device 20, and if the setting cannot be made, the detection setting is repeated. The processing related to the detection of the device state of the server device 2 after the detection setting is the same as that in the sixth embodiment described above (see the tenth flowchart in FIG. 23).

  The eleventh flowchart shown in FIG. 24 is a summary of the flow of a series of processes performed by the communication terminal device 20 at the detection setting specific stage, and the twelfth flowchart shown in FIG. 25 is also the server apparatus 2 at the detection setting specific stage. Hereinafter, the contents of the specific stage of detection setting in the seventh embodiment will be described using these eleventh and twelfth flowcharts.

  First, in the eleventh flowchart of FIG. 24, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether or not output information (information associated with the power-off operation, information associated with the power-on operation, etc.) has been acquired from the television device 10 ( S110). When the output information is not acquired (S110: NO), it is in a waiting state for acquisition, and when the output information is acquired (S110: YES), the acquired output information is transmitted to the server device 20 (S111).

  On the other hand, in the twelfth flowchart of FIG. 25, the server device 2 determines whether or not the output information from the communication terminal device 20 has been received (S120), and if not received (S120: NO), Become. If received (S120: YES), the server device 2 performs the processing in steps S121 to S128 with the same processing contents as the steps S81 to S88 in the ninth flowchart of FIG. 22 described above for the received output information. Do. Through such processes of S121 to S128, it is determined whether or not the setting relating to the detection of the apparatus state is completed (S129).

  If it is determined that the setting has not been completed (S129: NO), the server device 2 transmits a notification indicating that the setting is not possible to the communication terminal device 20 (S130), and then returns to the stage of S120 to repeat the above-described processing. If it is determined that the setting has been completed (S129: YES), the server device 2 transmits a notification of the completion of setting to the communication terminal device 20 (S131), and ends the process of the specific stage of detection setting.

  Returning to the eleventh flowchart of FIG. 24, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether or not a notification of setting completion has been received from the server device 2 (S112). When a notification indicating that setting is not possible is received without receiving a notification of completion of setting (S112: NO), the process returns to the first step S110, and the above-described processing is repeated. When the notification of setting completion is received (S112: YES), the communication terminal device 20 ends the process of the detection setting stage.

  As described above, in the invention according to the seventh embodiment, the server device 2 plays a central role in performing the specific process and the detection process related to the detection setting, so that the communication terminal device 20 can be compared with the second embodiment. There is a merit in that the processing burden can be reduced. Except for the contents described above, the invention of the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and various modifications described in the first embodiment can be applied.

  FIG. 26 shows a thirteenth flowchart used in the invention according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The invention according to the eighth embodiment is characterized in that the output relating to the specification of the detection setting or the like is transmitted by wireless communication (for example, wireless LAN). In the invention according to the eighth embodiment, since the basic hardware configuration and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and the like below. The eighth embodiment will be described.

  In the invention according to the eighth embodiment, the communication terminal device 20 uses the external device connection for screen information (video information, etc.) corresponding to the content to be displayed on the television device 10 as in the first to seventh embodiments. The output from the unit 22 to the first connection unit 17a of the television apparatus 10 is received by wireless communication with respect to the processing related to the detection setting specification and the output related to the detection processing. Therefore, the communication terminal device 20 performs wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 17f of the television device 10 using the wireless communication unit 23 (communication means).

  In order to perform wireless communication, it is necessary to establish a connection for wireless communication between the two, and the communication terminal device 20 performs a process according to device discovery in accordance with UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) of wireless communication, so that the communication terminal device 20 can be a television device. It is detected whether 10 is in a power-on state or a power-off state. In establishing a wireless communication connection, a UPnP signal (output indicating that a communication connection with the television apparatus 10 has been established) corresponding to device discovery that conveys identification information, specifications, and the like of the apparatus from the television apparatus 10 to a communication destination. Therefore, if the communication terminal apparatus 20 can receive and acquire this UPnP signal, the communication terminal apparatus 20 recognizes the television apparatus 10 as a wireless communication destination and places the television apparatus 10 on the wireless communication destination device list. Will do.

  After the connection is established, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether the connection is maintained by the UPnP signal transmitted from the television device 10 by wireless communication, and the UPnP signal from the television device 10 is determined. When the communication is interrupted, it is determined that the television apparatus 10 has been turned off. As described above, in the eighth embodiment, the CPU 21 determines whether the television device 10 (external display device) is in the power-on state or the power-off state based on whether the UPnP signal has been acquired by reception. Is detected as the state detection means, and the detection result is transmitted to the server device 2 through the wireless communication unit 23 as in the above embodiments. Therefore, in the detection program P2 of the communication terminal device 20 according to the eighth embodiment, the CPU 21 performs the processing described in the above-described content and the thirteenth flowchart, and the CPU 21 transmits the signal acquisition unit, the state detection unit, and the detection result transmission process. The contents are defined to function as a means.

  The above-described content will be described with reference to the thirteenth flowchart of FIG. 26. At the connection confirmation stage, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether or not a UPnP signal corresponding to device discovery has been received from the television device 10 through wireless communication. (S140). When the UPnP signal is not received (S140: NO), the communication terminal device 20 detects that the television device 10 is in a power-off state (S141), and transmits the detection result to the server device 2 (S142). Returning to the step of S140, the apparatus waits for reception of the UPnP signal.

  On the other hand, when the UPnP signal is received (S140: YES), the communication terminal apparatus 20 places the television apparatus 10 on the wireless communication device list (S143), and detects that the television apparatus 10 is in the power-on state (S143). S144), the detection result is transmitted to the server device 2 (S145). Thereafter, it is determined whether the UPnP signal is continuously received from the television apparatus 10 (S146). If the reception is continued (S146: YES), the process returns to the stage of S144, while the UPnP signal is received. If not received (S146: NO), the communication terminal device 20 detects that the television device 10 is in a power-off state (S141). The invention according to the eighth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the contents described above, and the use for each service described in the first embodiment can be similarly applied to the eighth embodiment. The invention according to the eighth embodiment can be suitably used for the case where the device state cannot be detected based on the contents described in the first to seventh embodiments (contents detected by HDMI connection). .

  If the television apparatus 10 has a specification according to DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), the power may not be turned off due to waiting for connection. Similarly, the communication terminal device 20 outputs the user instruction screen 36 shown in FIG. 7C to the television device 10 and causes the television device 10 to display the user instruction screen 36, so that the user performs a power-off operation and a power-on operation. It may be determined in advance whether or not the UPnP signal accompanying each of these operations can be received and whether or not the apparatus state can be detected.

  Further, as a path for outputting screen information to be displayed on the television apparatus 10 by the communication terminal apparatus 20, in addition to using a transmission path according to HDMI, composite, component, MHL (Mobile High-definition Link), IEEE 1394, VGA (Video Graphics Array), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), and other transmission paths according to standards can be used. In that case, the communication terminal device 20 and the television device 10 are connected to the connection units according to the respective standards. Will be provided.

  Furthermore, when the communication terminal device 20 can send screen information to be displayed on the television device 10 via wireless communication, the connection via the transmission path described above can be omitted. It is also possible to use wired communication (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) such as wired LAN) instead of wireless communication. In this case, communication interfaces corresponding to the wired communication are used as the communication terminal device 20 and the television. It will be provided in both devices 10.

  Furthermore, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, in the items of the detection setting table 8 in which detection setting information indicating whether the power on / off state of the television device 10 can be detected is stored for each model, An item indicating whether the power ON / OFF by the UPnP signal by wired / wireless LAN communication can be detected is provided, and it is determined whether the apparatus state can be detected based on the UPnP signal based on the detection setting table 8 of such a modification. It is also possible to make it a specification. In this case, in the above-described fourth embodiment, for example, the setting used for detecting the device status is specified in the priority order of “HDMI-CEC”, “HPD”, “HDCP”, and “UPnP”. Accordingly, when any of “HDMI-CEC”, “HPD”, and “HDCP” cannot be detected, if “UPnP is possible”, it is possible to easily determine that the detection can be performed using the UPnP signal.

  FIG. 27 shows a fourteenth flowchart used in the invention according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The invention according to the ninth embodiment is characterized in that an output related to detection setting or the like is sent by wireless connection (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark)). In the invention according to the ninth embodiment, since the basic hardware configuration and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and the like below. The ninth embodiment will be described.

  The invention according to the ninth embodiment is basically the same as the eighth embodiment described above, and the wireless communication of the eighth embodiment is replaced with a wireless connection. Specifically, in the communication terminal device 20, the screen information (video information and the like) corresponding to the content displayed on the television device 10 is transmitted from the external device connection unit 22 to the television as in the first to eighth embodiments. Output to the first connection unit 17a of the John apparatus 10, but the process related to the detection setting specification and the output related to the detection process are acquired by wireless connection. Therefore, the communication terminal device 20 performs wireless connection with the wireless communication unit 17d of the television device 10 using the wireless connection unit 25 (connection means).

  In order to establish a wireless connection, it is necessary to establish a connection between the two, and the communication terminal device 20 is either in a power-on state or in a power-off state through processing according to device discovery of the wireless connection. Will be detected. In establishing a wireless connection, a device discovery signal (corresponding to an output indicating the establishment of a communication connection with the television apparatus 10) is transmitted from the television apparatus 10 to the communication destination. If the destination (communication terminal apparatus 20) can acquire the device discovery signal, the destination recognizes the television apparatus 10 as a wireless connection and performs a process of placing the television apparatus 10 in the wireless connection destination device list.

  After the connection is established, the communication terminal device 20 determines whether or not the connection is maintained by a device discovery signal sent from the television device 10 by wireless connection, and the signal from the television device 10 When the communication is interrupted, it is determined that the television apparatus 10 has been turned off. Thus, in the ninth embodiment, the CPU 21 determines whether the television device 10 (external display device) is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on whether a device discovery signal has been acquired. Detection is performed as a state detection unit, and the detection result is transmitted to the server device 2 through the wireless communication unit 23 as in the above embodiments. Therefore, in the detection program P2 of the communication terminal device 20 according to the ninth embodiment, the CPU 21 performs the processing shown in the above-described content and the 14th flowchart, and the CPU 21 transmits the signal acquisition unit, the state detection unit, and the detection result transmission process. The contents are defined to function as a means.

  The processing contents of S150 to S156 in the 14th flowchart of FIG. 27 are the same as the processing flow of S140 to S146 in the 13th flowchart of FIG. 26, and the power-on state or the power supply depends on whether or not the device discovery signal is acquired. The communication terminal device 20 detects the off state. In the invention according to the ninth embodiment, the apparatus state cannot be detected based on the contents described in the first to eighth embodiments (contents detected by HDMI connection, contents detected by wireless / wired LAN), etc. Can be suitably used.

  In the ninth embodiment, the various modifications described in the eighth embodiment can be applied. For example, as a transmission path used for transmitting screen information, in addition to HDMI, composite, component, MHL (Mobile It is also possible to apply a transmission path according to standards such as High-definition Link), IEEE 1394, VGA (Video Graphics Array), and DVI (Digital Visual Interface). Similarly to the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, Bluetooth is included in the items of the detection setting table 8 in which detection setting information indicating whether the power on / off state of the television device 10 can be detected is stored for each model. Whether or not the device state can be detected based on the device discovery signal based on the detection setting table 8 of such a modification by providing an item indicating whether the power on / off can be detected by the device discovery signal of (registered trademark) It is also possible to make the specification identifiable. In this case, in the fourth embodiment described above, for example, the setting used for detecting the device status is specified in the priority order of “HDMI-CEC”, “HPD”, “HDCP”, “UPnP”, and “device discovery signal”. As a result, if any of “HDMI-CEC”, “HPD”, “HDCP”, and “UPnP” cannot be detected, and “device discovery signal is acceptable”, it is detected by “device discovery signal”. Can be easily determined.

  FIG. 28 shows a fifteenth flowchart used in the invention according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The invention according to the tenth embodiment is characterized in that the output related to the detection setting or the like is sent through a connection path according to the USB standard. In the invention according to the tenth embodiment, since the basic hardware configuration and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and the like below. The tenth embodiment will be described.

  The invention according to the tenth embodiment is basically the same as the eighth and ninth embodiments described above, and the wireless communication of the eighth embodiment is replaced with a USB connection. Specifically, the communication terminal device 20 uses the external device connection unit 22 to transmit the screen information (video information and the like) corresponding to the content displayed on the television device 10 from the external device connection unit 22 as in the first to eighth embodiments. Although it outputs to the 1st connection part 17a of the apparatus 10, the signal regarding the process regarding specification of a detection setting and a detection process is transmitted / received through the transmission path | route of USB connection.

  Therefore, it is assumed that the communication terminal device 20 is connected to the second connection unit 17b of the television apparatus 10 using the external interface connection unit 24 (connection unit) using a USB cable. In this example, the external interface connection unit 24 of the communication terminal device 20 has a USB host specification, and the second connection unit 17b of the television device 10 has a USB device specification. To do. In addition, a USB cable used for USB connection includes a plurality of transmission lines, one of which is a “D + / D−” signal line.

  In the USB connection in the above case, the presence / absence of a signal transmitted through the “D + / D−” signal line indicates whether or not a communication connection with the connection destination is established. Is detected, and when there is a signal on the “D + / D−” signal line (corresponding to an output indicating establishment of connection with the television device), the television device 10 is in the power-on state, When there is no signal on the “D + / D−” signal line, the television apparatus 10 is in a power-off state. Detection is performed, and the detection result is transmitted to the server apparatus 2 through the wireless communication unit 23 as in the above embodiments. Therefore, also in the detection program P2 of the communication terminal device 20 according to the tenth embodiment, the CPU 21 performs the processing described in the above-described content and the 15th flowchart, and the CPU 21 transmits the signal acquisition unit, the state detection unit, and the detection result. It is specified to function as a processing means or the like.

  Further, the communication terminal device 20 which is a USB host can acquire the model information (vendor ID, product ID) of the television device 10 and if the command of the television device 10 is known in advance, the communication device 20 of the television device 10 There is a possibility that control can be performed through a USB connection. Furthermore, there is a possibility that a standard framework for controlling the television apparatus 10 will be standardized in the future, and information such as source switching and viewing time of the television apparatus 10 can be acquired via USB. Can be obtained when it is used for the watching service (for example, no operation for 24 hours, etc.).

  The processing content of S160 to S166 in the 15th flowchart of FIG. 28 is basically the same as the processing flow of S140 to S146 in the 13th flowchart of FIG. 26. As described above, “D + / D−” The communication terminal device 20 detects the power-on state or the power-off state based on the presence / absence of a signal on the signal line. The invention according to the tenth embodiment includes the contents described in the first to ninth embodiments (contents detected by HDMI connection, contents detected by wireless / wired LAN, contents detected by Bluetooth (registered trademark)). ) Can be suitably used when the apparatus state cannot be detected.

  In the tenth embodiment, the various modifications described in the eighth and ninth embodiments can be applied. For example, as a transmission path used for transmitting screen information, in addition to HDMI, composite, component, It is also possible to apply a transmission path according to standards such as MHL (Mobile High-definition Link), IEEE 1394, VGA (Video Graphics Array), DVI (Digital Visual Interface).

  When the television device 10 has a function as a USB video card, screen information (video signal) can be transmitted from the communication terminal device 20 via USB. In this case, a transmission path other than USB It is also possible to omit connection by (HDMI etc.). Further, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, the detection setting information indicating whether the power-on / off state of the television device 10 can be detected is included in the items of the detection setting table 8 storing each type of USB. An item indicating whether the power on / off can be detected by the signal on the “D + / D−” signal line is provided on the basis of the detection setting table 8 of such a modification, and the signal on the “D + / D−” signal line It is also possible to make a specification that can specify whether the apparatus state can be detected based on the above. In this case, in the above-described fourth embodiment or the like, for example, the device states in the priority order of “HDMI-CEC”, “HPD”, “HDCP”, “UPnP”, “device discovery signal”, “D + / D−” If the setting used for detection of the device cannot be detected by any of “HDMI-CEC”, “HPD”, “HDCP”, “UPnP”, and “device discovery signal”, “D + / D If it is “Yes”, it can be easily determined that detection can be performed using the signal of the “D + / D−” signal line.

  Furthermore, contrary to the above-described specification, the external interface connection unit 24 of the communication terminal device 20 can be a USB device, and the second connection unit 17b of the television device 10 can be a USB host. Also in this specification, the communication terminal device 20 can detect the power on / off state of the television device 10 based on the presence / absence of a signal transmitted through the “D + / D−” signal line. It is possible for the communication terminal device 20 to detect the power on / off state of the television device 10 by confirming whether or not the power feeding is performed via USB (in the case of a power feeding ant, the power on state is established. If no power is supplied, the power is turned off.)

  The invention according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which a communication terminal device and a television device are connected by a video transmission line and a serial cable. As a video transmission path, in addition to the connection path according to the above-mentioned HDMI, it complies with standards such as composite, component, MHL (Mobile High-definition Link), IEEE 1394, VGA (Video Graphics Array), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), etc. A transmission line that conforms to a standard such as RS-232C is applied as a serial connection with a serial cable. For this reason, in the eleventh embodiment, the communication terminal device and the television device are provided with a connection unit according to the above-described standard.

  The communication terminal device detects the power on / off state of the television device through a serial connection. In this case, it is necessary to know in advance all types of serial commands for the television device 10. Therefore, the communication terminal device stores a command table storing all such serial commands, and sequentially sends the commands stored in the command table to the television device via serial connection. Whether or not the device state can be detected is determined based on whether or not a predetermined response is returned from the device. Even if all commands are sent in sequence, if the predetermined response is not returned, the connected television device becomes a model that cannot be detected, while it can be detected for the television device that has returned the predetermined response It becomes the model of.

  In the present invention, even when a display device (for example, a television device) itself does not have a function of detecting its own operation state, the communication terminal device is connected to the display device and the display device is operated by the communication terminal device. Since the state is detected and notified to the server, it can be suitably used for various services using the operation state of the display device.

1 device status confirmation system 2 server device 2a MPU
4 Status Check Program 7 Storage Table 8 Detection Setting Table 10 Television Device 14 Control Unit 17a First Connection Unit 19 Remote Control Device 20 Communication Terminal Device 21 CPU
29 Wireless router P2 detection program K1-K3 Watcher M1 Watcher H1 House NW network

Claims (14)

In a communication terminal device comprising a connection means capable of connecting to an external display device and a communication means capable of performing communication via a network,
Information acquisition means for acquiring, from the external display device, at least one of output information associated with a power-on operation or output information associated with a power-off operation performed on the external display device through the connection means;
Detection setting means for performing processing for specifying detection settings used for detection from among a plurality of detection settings when detecting the state of an external display device based on the output information acquired by the information acquisition means. A characteristic communication terminal device. In a communication terminal device comprising a communication means capable of communicating with an external display device and an external notification destination,
Means for receiving and obtaining an output indicating establishment of communication connection with an external display device from the external display device through the communication means;
State detection means for detecting whether the external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on whether or not acquisition of the output is interrupted;
A communication terminal device comprising: a process for transmitting a detection result detected by the state detection unit to an external notification destination through the communication unit.   The communication terminal device according to claim 2, further comprising a unit that performs processing for transmitting screen information that can be displayed on an external display device to the external display device through the communication unit. In a communication terminal device comprising a connection means capable of connecting to an external display device and a communication means capable of performing communication via a network,
Means for obtaining from the external display device an output indicating connection establishment with an external display device through the connection means;
A state detecting means for detecting whether the external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on whether the output is acquired;
A communication terminal device comprising: a process for transmitting a detection result detected by the state detection unit to an external notification destination through the communication unit.   The communication terminal device according to claim 4, further comprising a unit that performs processing for transmitting screen information that can be displayed on an external display device to the external display device through the connection unit. Means for outputting screen information that can be displayed on an external display device to an external display device;
When the screen information including an instruction to the user to perform the power-on operation after the power-off operation is output to an external display device, the state detection unit detects the power-on state from the power-off state. 6. The communication terminal apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not it can be performed. A communication terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, and a server capable of communicating with the communication terminal device via a network, and externally notified by a notification from the communication terminal device In the device status confirmation system in which the status of the display device can be confirmed by the server,
When the server receives a detection result transmitted from the communication terminal device, the server stores the received detection result in association with a reception date and time. In the device status confirmation method in which the communication terminal device receives the status of the external display device and confirms the status of the external reception device,
The communication terminal device
Acquiring from the external display device at least one of output information associated with the power-on operation performed on the external display device and output information associated with the power-off operation;
A step of performing a process of identifying a detection setting used for detection from a plurality of detection settings when detecting the state of an external display device based on the acquired output information;
Detecting the state of an external display device based on the acquired output information in accordance with the specified detection setting. In the device status confirmation method in which the server device receives the status of the external display device and confirms the status of the external reception device,
The server device is
Acquiring from the external display device at least one of output information associated with the power-on operation performed on the external display device and output information associated with the power-off operation;
A step of performing a process of identifying a detection setting used for detection from a plurality of detection settings when detecting the state of an external display device based on the acquired output information;
Detecting the state of an external display device based on the acquired output information in accordance with the specified detection setting. In a communication terminal device having a communication means capable of communicating with an external display device and an external notification destination, in a device status confirmation method for detecting the state of the external display device and notifying the external notification destination ,
The communication terminal device
Receiving and obtaining an output indicating the establishment of communication connection with an external display device from the external display device through the communication means;
Detecting whether the external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on whether or not the acquisition of the output is interrupted;
And a process of transmitting the detected detection result to an external notification destination through the communication means. A communication terminal device comprising a connection means capable of connecting to an external display device and a communication means capable of performing communication via a network, and detecting the state of the external display device and providing an external notification destination In the device status confirmation method to notify
The communication terminal device
Obtaining from the external display device an output indicating connection establishment with an external display device through the connection means;
Detecting whether the external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on whether the output is acquired; and
And a process of transmitting the detected detection result to an external notification destination through the communication means. Computer program for enabling detection of the state of an external display device by a computer comprising a connection means capable of connecting to an external display device and a communication means capable of communicating via a network In
The computer,
Means for performing processing for acquiring, from the external display device, at least one of output information associated with a power-on operation performed on the external display device or output information associated with a power-off operation through the connection means;
A computer program that functions as means for performing a process of specifying a detection setting used for detection from a plurality of detection settings when detecting the state of an external display device based on acquired output information. In a computer program for performing processing for notifying an external notification destination of the state of the external display device, in a computer comprising a communication means capable of communicating with an external display device and an external notification destination,
The computer,
Means for performing processing for receiving and acquiring an output indicating establishment of communication connection with an external display device from the external display device through the communication means;
Means for detecting whether the external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on whether or not acquisition of the output is interrupted;
A computer program for causing a detection result to function as a means for performing a process of transmitting a detection result to an external notification destination through the communication means. Processing for notifying an external notification destination of the state of an external display device by a computer comprising a connection means capable of connecting to an external display device and a communication means capable of communicating via a network In a computer program to do
The computer,
Means for performing processing to acquire an output indicating establishment of connection with an external display device from the external display device through the connection means;
Means for detecting whether an external display device is in a power-on state or a power-off state based on whether the output is acquired;
A computer program for causing a detection result to function as a means for performing a process of transmitting a detection result to an external notification destination through the communication means.

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