JP4463868B2 - Network connection device management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a management and operation system for devices connected to a network. More specifically, the present invention can automatically and remotely generate various functions that the device did not originally have, according to the desires of users using the various devices connected to the communication network. It relates to a management operation system.

  The present invention relates to Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-359720 entitled “Centralized Management System and Method for Network Connection Means” filed on December 11, 2002 by the applicant of this patent application (hereinafter simply referred to as “previous application”). The system and method proposed in “Application” is improved and new features are added. Therefore, before describing the present invention, an outline of the invention according to the previous application is desired.

  A router widely used today is a device that interconnects networks and routes packets that pass through. If the router is used for connection between a LAN and the Internet, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) on the LAN side and a telephone line or a dedicated line on the Internet side are connected to terminals provided on the router. However, in order to operate the router, it is not sufficient to connect the cable to an appropriate terminal and turn on the power, and setting (configuration) is necessary. That is, in the router, the initial setting suitable for the individual connection form is made, the setting is changed as necessary even after the operation is started, and the router must be operated while monitoring the operation state. For that purpose, individual work in consideration of individual situations in each router is necessary, and conventionally, a lot of cost and time have been required. Specifically, for setting and maintenance of routers, for example, a communication engineer logs in using, for example, Telnet and makes settings by sending the necessary setting files. The method is taken. However, in such a conventional method, an engineer having specialized knowledge must perform individual work for each of a plurality of target routers, which requires a great deal of labor.

  As a solution to the above problems, the applicant of this patent application has proposed a system and method for centrally managing a large number of routers as described below in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-359720. FIG. 1A shows basic components of the router central management system 100 according to the previous application. Each of the plurality of routers 105 to be managed has a function of connecting a LAN and an external network 106 such as the Internet, and performs routing of data sent from the network 106 to the LAN and from the LAN to the network 106. . Here, the LAN is, for example, a local network that connects a large number of network terminals in one company or public institution.

  The system 100 is provided with two types of servers having different functions, an initial server 102 and a user server 104. In this configuration, a case where a certain router 105 starts to be newly used as a device for connecting the LAN and the network 106 is considered. In the storage device (not shown) in the router 105, only data for connection to the initial server 102 is written at the time of shipment from the factory, except for general security-related data such as encryption and mutual authentication. ing. Further, an identifier (ID) that enables unique identification, such as a serial number, is assigned in advance to all the routers 105. In the initial database 101 connected to the initial server 102, identifier data of all routers 105 used in the system 100 is stored. With such a configuration, in communication between the router 105 and the initial server 102, for example, encryption using SSL or SSH and mutual authentication using an appropriate electronic signature or the like are performed.

  The router 105 to be used is set to automatically access the initial server 102 when an appropriate cable is connected to the terminal and the power is turned on. Upon receiving access from the router 105, the initial server 102 confirms that the access is not unauthorized, recognizes the accessed router 105 using its identifier, and manages the user server 103 responsible for its management. Connection data (for example, URL) is acquired from the initial database 101 and returned to the router 105. The initial server 102 functions as an operation guidance organization for the router 105 that has accessed.

  When the router 105 receives connection data of the corresponding user server 104 from the initial server 102, the router 105 accesses the user server 104 this time. In response to access from the router 105, the user server 104 identifies the router 105 using the identifier, and receives configuration data necessary for the router 105 to actually operate as a router from the user database 103. Obtain it and send it to the server 105. When the router 105 receives the configuration data from the user server 204, the initial setting is automatically made and the operation starts. By such an initial setting procedure, the initial setting by direct login to the router 105 which has been conventionally performed becomes completely unnecessary. The initial setting of the router 105 is completed automatically by simply connecting the cable and turning on the power.

  In this way, the router centralized management system proposed in the previous application eliminates the problem in the prior art that individual settings are required for each router, making many routers much more efficient than before. Easy to manage. Furthermore, the router can operate regardless of the type of communication line connected. Also, in this centralized management system for routers, all routers are automatically configured (auto-configuration), firmware updates and setting changes, and management with operation monitoring is performed using an Internet line or WAN line. Regardless of whether it is, it can be performed intensively.

  In the above example, as a means for connecting a plurality of networks, a router that performs routing by connecting an in-house LAN having a large number of geographically dispersed business bases and the Internet or WAN is typical. As an example. However, the object of centralized management according to the invention disclosed in the previous application need not be limited to a router in the sense of a routing device. Hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof that is connected to a network and can change the configuration can be centrally managed. For example, as an example completely different from a router, a personal computer such as a Windows (registered trademark) terminal or a Macintosh (registered trademark) terminal connected to a network, or a workstation such as a UNIX (registered trademark) terminal is also used as a network terminal. Although it can be said to be a network connection means in the sense that it functions and requires some setting, these are the same in that they can be automatically set using the system proposed in the previous application.

  Next, the basic idea of the invention according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as the present invention) will be described. FIG. 1 shows a plurality of service adapters SA1-SA3 connected to the Internet, a location server LS, and a resource server RS. These correspond to the router, initial server, and user server in the above example. The network connection means is not limited to the router as described above in the previous invention. However, in the present invention, it is preferable not to limit the connection to the router. The term service adapter is used in the meaning. The service adapter is referred to as a network connection device in the claims. In addition, a server referred to as an initial server in the sense of accessing first is referred to as a location server (first server in the claims), focusing on its function. And the 2nd server called user server is called a resource server. In the present invention, the second server is referred to as a resource server because the server has various resources to be provided to the service adapter (second server in the claims). The previous invention was characterized by automatic router configuration. In the present invention, the resource server can provide various functions from the resource server to the service adapter in addition to automatically setting the service adapter. Various functions provided to the service adapter are automatically set and physically implemented. This is a feature of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, a system for managing and operating a plurality of network connection devices is provided. The system according to the present invention includes first and second servers connectable to the plurality of network connection devices via a network, identifiers connected to the first server and each of the plurality of network connection devices, A first database storing a correspondence relationship with the second server in charge of the network connection device, and setting data connected to the second server and provided to each of the plurality of network connection devices Is stored in a manner that can be searched using the identifier of the network connection device, and functional data that is connected to the second server and is provided to each of the plurality of network connection devices. A third database stored in a searchable manner using the identifier of the network connection device; It is equipped with a. Further, (a) each of the plurality of network connection devices is turned on with a first storage unit storing first connection data necessary for connection to the first server and a power source. Means for automatically transmitting an identifier of the network connection device to the first server using the first connection data stored in the first storage means, and the network connection device in charge When the second connection data necessary for connection to the second server is received from the first server, the identifier of the network connection device is transmitted to the second server using the received second connection data. Means, upon receiving setting data from the second server, means for automatically setting the network connection device using the setting data, and receives function data from the second server And means for realizing a virtual function included in the function data as a physical function in the network connection device using the function data, and (b) the first server includes Means for receiving identifiers from the plurality of network connection devices, and second connection data necessary for connection to a second server in charge of the network connection devices identified using the received identifiers. Means for acquiring from the database, and means for transmitting the acquired second connection data to the network connection device that has transmitted the identifier, and (c) the second server includes the plurality of network connections. Means for receiving an identifier from the device and setting data provided to the network connection device identified by using the received identifier; Obtaining from the third database, setting data obtained from the second database, and the second data, the function data provided to the network connection device identified using the received identifier, And means for transmitting the function data acquired from the database 3 to the network connection device that has transmitted the identifier, thereby realizing the management operation of the plurality of network connection devices.

  Furthermore, in the system according to the present invention, the second server further includes a fourth database in which functional modules that can be provided to the plurality of network connection devices are stored, and a specific one of the plurality of network connection devices. Specification update interface means for updating specifications that define services to be realized in network-connected devices, and analysis of new specifications updated using the specification update interface means, and all of the new specifications The function data obtained from the fourth database is updated, and the function data provided to the specific network connection device stored in the third database is updated using the function data configured by the acquired function module. And a specification analyzing means for performing the processing.

  Furthermore, in the system according to the present invention, each of the plurality of network connection devices should be provided and physically realized by the function data physically realized in the network connection device. It is possible to further include means for synchronizing the function data stored as a virtual function in the third database.

  Furthermore, in the system according to the present invention, the second server further includes setting update interface means for updating settings of a specific network connection device among the plurality of network connection devices, and the setting update interface means. And means for reflecting the new setting updated by using the setting data provided to the network connection device stored in the second database.

  Furthermore, in the system according to the present invention, at least the setting data of the plurality of network connection devices stored in the second database and the function data of the plurality of network connection devices stored in the third database. There may be further provided update data transmission means for transmitting one of the plurality of network connection device means to the plurality of network connection devices in a push-type manner at any time regardless of the presence or absence of access from the plurality of network connection device means. .

  Furthermore, in the system according to the present invention, each of the plurality of network connection devices includes second storage means for storing second connection data necessary for connection to a second server in charge of the network connection device. In this case, after setting data and function data are transmitted from the second server, the power of at least one network connection device of the plurality of network connection devices is temporarily turned off. When it becomes necessary to turn on again after the network connection device having been turned on again, the first connection data for connecting to the second server in charge of the network connection device is sent to the first connection data. There is no need to obtain it again from the server, and the second connection data stored in the second storage means can be used.

  Although the configuration of the system according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention can also be grasped as a method for controlling a management operation system of a plurality of network connection devices. In addition, it is possible to grasp each step constituting such a method as a program itself that causes a computer to execute, or it can be grasped as a storage medium in which such a program is stored and can be read by a computer. It is.

An overview of the configuration of the system according to the present invention is shown. The layer structure in version 1 (above the dotted line) and the layer structure in version 2 (below the dotted line) are shown. The service adapter settings in version 1 are illustrated. The configuration and function implementation of the service adapter in version 2 is illustrated. Details of the mapping between the virtual service adapter virtually configured on the resource server side and the physical service adapter physically realized at the end user's hand are shown. In the system according to the invention, the software deployed on each of the resource server and the service adapter is illustrated. The configuration in version 1 is shown above the dotted line, and the configuration in version 2 is shown below the dotted line. An example configuration of a set top box is shown. An aspect of specification input to the resource server is shown. The modules required to make the service adapter function as a browsing terminal are shown. The mode of activation of the set top box is shown. The internal operation after the set top box obtains the functional module from the resource server is shown. In order to change the specification, a new specification is shown being input to the specification input interface. The manner in which the function of the set top box is updated is shown. The internal operation after the module information update in the set top box is shown.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described. The invention according to Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-359720 described above will be referred to as version 1, and the invention according to the present patent application will be referred to as version 2.
(1) System components:
FIG. 1 shows the outline of the configuration of the version 2 system according to the present invention as described above. A location server (LS) that provides connection data to the resource server responsible for each service adapter and a resource server (RS) that provides settings and functions to the service adapter are shown. In the system according to the invention, there is only one location server. On the other hand, there may be a plurality of resource servers.

  FIG. 2 shows a layer structure in version 1 (above the dotted line) and a layer structure in version 2 (below the dotted line). In the version 2 system according to the present invention, each service adapter has an Add-On client and an ARMS client. As illustrated, the Add-On client has a function of decomposing and integrating setting data into modules. The ARMS client has a function of transmitting / receiving setting information and module information.

FIG. 3 a illustrates service adapter settings in version 1, and FIG. 3 b illustrates service adapter settings and function implementation in version 2.
FIG. 4 shows the details of the mapping between the virtual service adapter that is virtually configured on the resource server side and the physical service adapter that is physically realized at the end user's hand. .

FIG. 5a illustrates the software deployed on each of the resource server and service adapter in the system according to the invention. In FIG. 5b, the configuration in version 1 is shown above the dotted line, and the configuration in version 2 is shown below the dotted line.
(2) Time series operation of the system:
(2-1) Introduction:
The outline of the components of the communication terminal management operation system according to the present invention has been described above. Then, next, referring to the drawings of FIG. 6 and the subsequent drawings, it is desirable to explain the operation of the entire system according to the present invention in time series while clarifying how the above-described components function.
(2-2) Environment:
First, the environment of network connection equipment managed and operated by the system according to the present invention assumed in the following description will be described. The device referred to as a network connection device here is typically a communication terminal having an Internet connection environment. However, although it is called a terminal, it may be a router. In this application, the network connection device means a general device having an Internet connection environment and realizing some function. The embodiments shown in this specification and the drawings are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. First, the network line can be provided by, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark). Connection to the Internet is possible via this line. It is assumed that an account necessary for connection to the Internet has been acquired in advance. Note that the network line provider and the Internet line provider need not be the same. As an example, a case where “FLET'S ADSL” of NTT Corporation is used as a network line and “IIJ4U” of IIJ Corporation is used as an Internet line can be considered.

  FIG. 6 shows a home set-top box and various devices connected to the set-top box as examples of service adapters. A set-top box (STB) is a small computer for home use placed on a television, for example, and has a lower degree of freedom of user operation than an ordinary personal computer. It is a device that can use services with a simple interface. In the description here, an infrared remote controller often used in a television or the like is assumed as an example of a simple interface. Further, it is assumed that the following devices are connected to the set top box as shown in the figure. In this patent application, the term device is used to refer to a specific function of hardware, as is common to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. For example, television hardware can be divided into a video output device, an audio output device, a radio wave receiving device, and the like.

  Next, various devices connected to the service adapter will be described. The first device is a display that outputs video, such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display (LCD) for a television or a personal computer. The second device is a speaker that outputs sound. It may be a single speaker or a speaker built in a television, CRT, or liquid crystal display. The third device is a microphone that outputs sound. A single unit or a microphone built into the camera or the like may be used. The fourth device is a general purpose port. A general-purpose port is general-purpose hardware that provides an interface with a device that is not included in the set-top box as standard. Typical examples include a USB port, an IEEE 1394 port, and an RS232-C port. The fifth device is a camera that is not included in the set-top box as standard but can be connected via a general-purpose port. It is generally called a web camera. As a sixth device, an unknown product that does not exist at the present time but will appear in the future is considered. It is assumed that it can be connected via a general-purpose port.

  The set top box includes the following software in advance. First, it is base firmware that provides a minimum connection function for network lines supported by the set-top box. If this connection function is used, an Internet line can be used. The base firmware also provides an operating environment for ARMS client software and Add-On client software. Here, ARMS means an automatic resource management system. Add-On is software that performs the operations described below for setting and updating functions. There are no additional or other additional functions. The ARMS client software provides communication according to the ARMS protocol, and exchanges various information with the resource server. For communication, an Internet line with the base firmware function is used. This is the same as version 1 of the previous application. The ARMS client software operates without user configuration as in version 1. In version 1, service adapter setting information such as a router is acquired. On the other hand, in version 2, the ARMS client software acquires module information and passes the acquired module information to the Add-On client software. The Add-On client software interprets the module information and creates a software package by combining a plurality of modules. This software package provides services equivalent to traditional firmware.

The set top box includes the following data in advance. First, in the version 2 system according to the present invention, a distribution ID, which is an identifier that uniquely associates a virtual service adapter with a physical service adapter (here, a set-top box), is included. Next, the location server access information for the ARMS client software to access the location server immediately after the power is turned on. This includes location information of the location server, account information for using the Internet line, and the like (even in version 1, it was included in the firmware).
(2-3) Set-top box specification input:
Next, input of specifications to the set top box in the environment described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the specification means the role played by the set-top box. In the following, as an example of the specification, the set-top box operates as a web browsing terminal (specification 1) and operates as an Internet videophone. Example (specification 2) is used.

  As specification 1, an end user who uses a general set-top box for cable TV or online karaoke at home wants to use the set-top box as a web browsing terminal. . An outline of the process for newly inputting the specification of the web browsing terminal in such a case is shown in FIG. As shown, the specification of the web browsing terminal desired by the end user is input to the resource server. The sheet-like material written as specification 1 is as shown. Note that there are various methods for the end user to transmit desired specifications to the resource server. For example, the end user can access a web site where a list of specifications that can be provided is provided and specify the specifications he desires. Or you can use a method that you can use even if you are not familiar with the Internet, such as mailing a letter or sending a fax. The system according to the present invention is not limited to a particular method of communicating the specifications desired by the end user to the resource server. Further, the end user does not need to have any expertise in communication technology, and it is sufficient to communicate his / her wishes to the resource server manager using daily terms.

  The administrator of the resource server or the provider providing the specification to the set top box creates the specification 1 in response to a request from the end user of the set top box. An actual example of specification 1 is shown in FIG. The created specification 1 and set-top box distribution ID are input to the resource server through the specification input interface of the resource server. These data input to the resource server are sent to a specification analyzer (actually implemented as software), and the specification is analyzed by the specification analyzer. The specification analyzer analyzes the specifications that define the services desired by the end user and “functions” necessary to provide the services, and actually operates those functions on the end user's set-top box. Create the "settings" necessary for

  FIG. 8 shows details of the specification analysis. As mentioned above, specification 1 was to operate the set-top box as a web browsing terminal. Suppose that the set-top box is given a distribution ID by company A to use the line. In order to browse the web, the first process is to connect to the Internet using the line of company A, and the second process is to use the input device such as a remote control to connect to the Internet using a browser of company B, for example. The third process is realized through a plurality of step-by-step functions such as outputting the access result using the browser to the device 1 (display) or the device 2 (speaker). The module necessary for the first process needs to have a function of terminating the line of company A and a function of setting a line account of company A. The modules necessary for the second process require the web browser function of company B and the web browser setting function of company B. The third process requires the control functions and settings of devices 1 and 2 respectively. The specification analyzer makes it clear that a specification that defines a service that an end user using a set-top box wants to realize in the home set-top box is composed of a plurality of functional modules. The resource server registers such analysis results in the virtual service adapter database. The functional module group in the virtual service adapter database is identified by the distribution ID of the set top box.

In this way, a virtual service adapter corresponding to the specification desired by a specific end user is created in the resource server. This virtual service adapter is actually data registered on the database, and is mainly composed of the following two pieces of information. In other words, first is a distribution ID, and second is a list of functional modules indicating what functional modules the virtual service adapter is configured with.
(3-4) Activation of set-top box and acquisition of module information:
When the end user turns on the power of the set-top box, the base firmware starts operating in the set-top box. The base firmware activates the ARMS client software as part of the activation process. The ARMS client software uses the access information to the location server in the set top box to access the location server. First, a state where the Internet line can be used is created by using the account information for using the Internet line and the network line connection function of the base firmware. In this state, connection is made to the location server based on the location information of the location server. The ARMS client software notifies the location server of the distribution ID. The location server searches the database using the notified distribution ID, and reports access information to the resource server to the ARMS client software.

The set top box connects to the resource server using the resource server access information. The ARMS client software notifies the resource server of the distribution ID. The resource server searches the virtual service adapter information using the notified distribution ID, and reports the module information to the ARMS client software. The ARMS client software passes the module information received from the resource server to the Add-On client software.
(3-5) Generation of software package in set-top box:
FIG. 10 shows how the software package is generated in the set-top box. The Add-On client software included in the set-top box interprets module information received from the resource server, and acquires software components corresponding to the module information via the network if necessary. In order to realize the “function” included in the module information, additional software may be required or may be realized without adding software. Therefore, a new software component is not necessarily acquired.

The Add-On client software performs the same operation on all the module information passed from the ARMS client, and collects parts necessary for the operation of all the modules via the network . Next, these components are assembled so that they can operate as one software package. When assembling parts, the interference between parts and the use of hardware resources in the set-top box are taken into account.

  The software package created by the above procedure provides functions equivalent to the virtual service adapter. That is, the virtual service adapter obtained as a result of the specification analysis by the specification analyzer in the resource server is reproduced in the set-top box, which is a physical service adapter in the end user's home, etc., and is defined by the specification 1. A software package that provides end users with the services they provide.

  At the time the end user made a request, the set-top box consisted of only base firmware, ARMS client software, and Add-On client software. Such a set-top box has been transformed into a set-top box that can provide services to end users by adding and reconfiguring software through the above-described procedure. Become. In the system according to the present invention, this operation is also referred to as service adapter automatic generation (SA Auto Generation).

  The ARMS client software continues to operate in the operational state inside the set-top box that has successfully generated the service adapter automatically. The active ARMS client software reports its own operating status to the resource server. The report contents include operation status such as resource utilization rate and set top box position information. The resource server saves this information received from the ARMS client software to grasp the operating status of the set-top box, and if necessary, can access the set-top box using location information It becomes. This report can be made periodically at predetermined time intervals so that the records about the set-top box activity stored on the resource server are always up-to-date. .

If the ARMS client software fails to report the operating status, the ARMS client software will detect that it is out of synchronization with the resource server. If this condition persists for a long time, there may be a gap between the set-top box and the virtual service adapter. If it is determined that this is the case, i.e., if the failure continues for a long time, the ARMS client software queries the resource server again for module information to correct the discrepancy. Thus, the ARMS client software in the operational state always operates to synchronize the specifications of the virtual service adapter and the set-top box. For this reason, even when a communication failure or the like occurs, a specification shift that may occur between the virtual service adapter and the set-top box is automatically corrected.
(3-6) Change in specifications for set-top boxes:
Next, consider a case where the end user desires to change the set top box currently used as a web browsing terminal to the specifications of the Internet videophone. In FIG. 7 referred to above, a state in which the specification 1 of the web browsing terminal is input via the specification input unit of the resource server is shown. 2 is input. Upon receiving the request from the end user, the set-top box provider inputs the Internet videophone specification (Specification 2) to the resource server through the specification input interface. When specification 2 is input, the resource server changes the virtual service adapter in the same procedure as in specification 1 described above. Since a virtual service adapter with the same distribution ID already exists in the virtual service adapter database, this work is not a new creation of a virtual service adapter, but a change of the virtual service adapter. is there.

FIG. 11 shows how the specification 2 of Internet / videophone is analyzed and a functional module group is created. In order to realize an Internet videophone service, firstly, it is connected to the Internet using a line of a VoIP (Voice over IP) provider (Company C) that realizes a voice call on an IP network. Second, make a call in response to the input from the set top box remote control, and third, input your own image from device 5 (camera), input your own voice from device 3 (microphone), Is output to the device 1 (display), and the other party's voice is output to the device 2 (speaker). The functional modules corresponding to these are shown in FIG.
(3-7) Notification of specification change to set-top box:
Next, FIG. 7 shows a state in which communication necessary for the specification change is performed between the resource server and the set top box. When the virtual service adapter is changed, the resource server notifies the ARMS client software operating on the set-top box using the distribution ID. Since the location information notified from the ARMS client software in the operating state is stored in the resource server, this notification is possible.

The content of the change is expressed as module information in the same manner as at startup. If there are a variety of changes, it is possible to notify only that there has been a change and execute the process corresponding to the start process again. Regardless of the process, the ARMS client software finally obtains module information corresponding to the specification 2. The ARMS client software that has acquired the module information passes the module information to the Add-On client software.
(3-8) Realization of specification 2 in the set-top box:
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show how the software package corresponding to the specification 2 is automatically generated in the set-top box. The Add-On client software interprets the module information passed from the ARMS client software, deletes the software component related to the unnecessary module information, and obtains the newly required software component. Parts that have not been changed from before are used as they are.

Next, a software package is generated by the same operation as at the time of activation. With this software package, a service corresponding to the specification 2 is provided in the set-top box.
(3-9) Summary of differences from version 1:
In the system (version 2) according to the present invention, module information can be arbitrarily added. Therefore, it is flexible even for a device that is unknown at the present time and may be used in the future, such as the device 6 in FIG. Correspondence is possible. By selecting the most suitable module based on the specification information input at a certain point in time, the set-top box can always provide a service based on the latest specification with the minimum resources. Even if the device itself is not added, a new service can be provided by combining existing devices in another manner.

  In the system according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently use the resources of the set-top box by deleting unnecessary parts when updating the specifications. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, four function modules (mod 1 to mod 4) are required before the specification update, and six function modules (mod 3 to mod 8) are required after the specification update. Suppose that Here, it is assumed that mod3 and mod4 are necessary both before and after the update. In the system according to the present invention, mod 1 and mod 2 that are unnecessary by updating are deleted at the time of updating. That is, in the past, it was necessary to retain all eight functional modules from mod 1 to mod 8, but the system according to the present invention does not need that. Note that the fact that parts can be deleted and added at the time of updating corresponds to rewriting a part of the conventional (version 1) firmware without restarting. Conventionally, there was no method other than rewriting the entire firmware, and restarting was also essential. The system according to the invention differs significantly from version 1 in this respect. Conventionally, there has been no method other than providing firmware that provides both specification 1 and specification 2 simultaneously. However, it is often not possible due to set top box resource limitations. In the system according to the invention, the possibilities are expanding due to the new configuration.

  As described above, in the system according to the present invention, when providing a service at a network terminal using a set-top box as an example, the extent to which the availability of the service depends on the resource of the network terminal is minimized. Can be Since it is not limited to a specific network terminal, it is possible to provide services in a very wide variety of network terminals. At present, there are various home appliances having a function of connecting to the Internet. In the system according to the present invention, there is a possibility that not only the set-top box but also home appliances in their Internet connection environment may be used as a physical service adapter. From the end user's point of view, this means that the system according to the present invention is not restricted by the type or type of network terminal used by the user. That is, even if the end user does not use a specific network terminal, the user may use the desired service in his / her network terminal by subscribing to the network terminal management and operation system according to the present invention. Therefore, when the system according to the present invention is used, the end user does not need to purchase new specific hardware or software every time he / she wants to receive a new specific service.

  The manner in which the Internet is used is inherently different for each organization or individual. The Internet is considered to have spread to such a wide range because it has a high degree of freedom that it is not limited to specific hardware and software. The independence, i.e. versatility, of the present invention on a specific model has a very consistent relationship with the high degree of freedom of the Internet. For example, when considering a special function that operates only on a specific game machine, the superiority of the present invention is clear.

  As described above, in the system according to the present invention, there are few restrictions required for the network terminal, and the communication line is not limited to a specific one. That is, the system according to the present invention only provides a mechanism described in the claims of this application between various communication lines and terminals. Due to the significant versatility of the system according to the present invention, if an end user wishes to provide a service at a network terminal connected to a line, the end user, communication line provider, terminal equipment manufacturer, service provider, etc. On the other hand, a significant economic effect is expected in that the amount of money required for the burden is extremely small. For end users, various services can be easily used with minimal economic burden. Even for communication line operators, terminal device manufacturers, and service providers, due to the presence of a wide range of end users, a substantial economic effect can be expected as a whole even if the revenue per case is small. The system according to the present invention has excellent economic effects as described above.

Claims (1)

A plurality of network connection devices (SA), a first server (LS) connectable to the plurality of network connection devices via a network, and a plurality of first devices connectable to the plurality of network connection devices via a network. Two servers (RS), a first database connected to the first server, and a plurality of second databases (virtual SA DBs) connected to each of the plurality of second servers, A correspondence relationship between the plurality of network connection devices and the plurality of second servers is stored in the first database, and each of the second databases includes a plurality of network connection devices. In the network connection device corresponding to the second server to which the second database is connected, the software package conforming to the desired specification is used. A system for managing a plurality of network-connected devices in which one or a plurality of module information corresponding to one or a plurality of software components for creating a package is stored,
(A) Each of the plurality of network connection devices is
(A1) first storage means for storing first connection data necessary for connection to the first server;
(A2) transmitting means for automatically transmitting an identifier of the network connection device to the first server using the first connection data stored in the network connection device when the power is turned on;
(A3) receiving means for receiving second connection data required for connection to the corresponding second server from the first server,
(A4) The transmission unit includes a unit that transmits the identifier of the network connection device to the corresponding second server using the second connection data received by the reception unit, and the plurality of network connection devices include: , Each
(A 5 ) receiving one or more module information from the corresponding second server , interpreting the received one or more module information , and acquiring and combining software components corresponding to the module information via the network Further comprises means for creating a software package that conforms to the desired specification,
(B) The first server is
(B1) means for receiving identifiers from the plurality of network connection devices;
(B2) Second necessary for connection to the second server corresponding to the network connection device identified by using the received identifier by referring to the correspondence relationship stored in the first database Means for obtaining the connection data of the first database from the first database;
(B3) means for transmitting the acquired second connection data to the network connection device that has transmitted the identifier;
With
(C) Each of the plurality of second servers is
(C1) When the desired specifications of the software package created have you to each of the plurality of network-connected equipment is desired is input, in response to the input, to analyze the desired specifications entered, One or a plurality of module information including information for identifying a software component and information regarding setting of the software component necessary for creation of the software package compliant with a desired specification is created, and the second database is created. Means for storing;
(C2) means for receiving an identifier from the plurality of network connection devices;
(C3) means for acquiring one or more module information provided to the network connection device identified by using the received identifier from the second database;
(C4) means for transmitting one or more pieces of module information acquired from the second database to the network connection device that has transmitted the identifier;
Each of the plurality of network connection devices receives the one or more pieces of module information by using means (a 5 ) for creating a software package compliant with the desired specification. A system that automatically creates a software package that complies with a desired specification by interpreting one or a plurality of modules , and acquiring and combining software parts corresponding to the module information via a network .

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