JP4538894B2 - Network connection device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network connection device for connecting a plurality of network terminals existing in a home or a small office to an external network such as the Internet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the explosive spread of the Internet, there has been a rapid increase in the desire to aggregate and connect a plurality of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs) present in homes and small offices.
[0003]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a conventional network system. In the figure, 101 is the Internet, 102 is a router as a network device used in a small office, 103 is an Ethernet configuring a closed network in the office, and 104a to 104c are connected to the router 102 by the Ethernet 103. A plurality of PCs to be connected.
[0004]
In such a conventional network system, for example, when the PC 104a tries to send an e-mail to the outside, data corresponding to the e-mail from the PC 104a reaches the router 102 via the Ethernet 103, and from there the Internet 101 Data will be sent to At this time, if another PC 104b tries to access the external Internet at the same time, transmission can be performed if the Ethernet 103 which is a transmission line is available, and if the line is used by the PC 104a, it will be available. Waiting for transmission, and when it is confirmed that it is free, access to the external Internet is started.
[0005]
The PCs 104a and 104b, which are clients, can access the external Internet at the same time, but the transmission speed is slower than when using a single computer.
[0006]
On the other hand, a plurality of AV devices in the home, or information devices including telephones, facsimiles, etc. are inherently used independently of each other, but it is desirable that these are also networked. ing.
[0007]
In addition, as one aspect of Internet usage, entertainment information such as music and video is downloaded and played back on a home or mobile terminal.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, especially when a plurality of PCs in a home are aggregated and connected to an external network, it is difficult to extend Ethernet wiring in the home, and a simple and flexible network that has not existed in the past. The system needs to be set up.
[0009]
Also, when entertainment information such as music and video is downloaded and used, since it is provided as digital data, it may be illegally copied after downloading, making it difficult to protect the rights of copyright holders. Was in the situation.
[0010]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a network connection device that can construct a simple and flexible network system and can be used easily. An object of the present invention is to provide a network-connected device that can prevent unauthorized re-copying.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a network connection device including a first interface unit including at least one type of physical layer for connecting to an external network and a plurality of types of physical for connecting to an internal network. A second interface unit composed of layers, a modularized information storage unit that stores information acquired from an external network, and a copyright protection function, and controls the first interface unit and the second interface unit A control unit, and the control unit transmits and receives information between the first interface unit and the second interface unit or between the second interface units. Access to an external network through the interface unit to obtain desired information, Be controlled so as to store the obtained information storage unit was characterized.
[0012]
Further, by providing a connection request information storage unit that stores connection request information from a client connected to the second interface unit, the connection to the external network via the first interface unit is possible regardless of the connection of the client. It is characterized in that control is performed such that desired information is acquired by accessing and stored in the acquired information storage unit.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First The invention of A network connection device, A first interface unit comprising at least one type of physical layer for connection to an external network, a second interface unit comprising a plurality of types of physical layers for connection to an internal network, and the second interface unit A connection request information storage unit that stores connection request information from clients connected to the network and a module that stores information acquired from external networks and has a copyright protection function. Can be inserted into the main body of the network connection device. An acquisition information storage unit; a control unit that controls the first interface unit and the second interface unit; and a display unit, wherein the control unit includes the first interface unit and the second interface unit. While sending and receiving information to and from the interface unit or between the second interface unit, When determining whether the acquired information storage unit is inserted inside the network connection device, and determining that it is inserted, Based on the information stored in the connection request information storage unit at a predetermined timing, the external network is accessed via the first interface unit to obtain desired information, and is stored in the acquisition information storage unit. Furthermore, it is a network connection device that controls to display on the display means that information has been acquired in the acquired information storage unit, and corresponds to a plurality of types of interfaces for an interface connected to an external network and an internal network In addition to being able to build a simple and flexible network system, it is possible to store acquired information and to replay, view, and confirm the acquired information later. The acquisition information storage unit with copyright protection function can prevent unauthorized re-copying, etc. .
[0014]
Second The invention of In the first invention, The information stored in the acquired information storage unit is isochronous data. Ru It is a network connection device that allows smooth playback of isochronous information such as video and audio. Do be able to.
[0015]
Third The invention of In the first invention, When sending information stored in the acquired information storage unit to the second interface unit, if there is an instruction to prevent re-copying in the information stored in the acquired information storage unit, the second interface unit Information is transmitted to the information storage unit and the information stored in the acquired information storage unit is controlled to be erased. Ru It is a network connection device, and it is possible to prevent illegally copying stored information.
[0016]
4th The invention of In the first invention, The acquired information storage unit is an SD card. Ru It is a network connection device, and unauthorized copying and the like can be prevented by the copyright protection function of the SD card.
[0017]
5th The invention of In the first invention, Display means for displaying on the display means whether or not information has been acquired in the acquired information storage unit; Ru It is a network connection device and can grasp at a glance whether there is information acquired by automatic download.
[0018]
6th The invention of In the fifth invention, The display means displays whether or not the information stored in the acquired information storage unit prohibits digital re-copying. Ru It is a network connection device, and the user can grasp at a glance whether or not the acquired information prohibits re-copying.
[0019]
7th The invention includes a first interface unit including at least one type of physical layer for connecting to an external network, a second interface unit including a plurality of types of physical layers for connecting to an internal network, A connection request information storage unit that stores connection request information from a client connected to the interface unit 2; a module information storage unit that stores information acquired from an external network and has a copyright protection function; First of Interface part and second of A control unit that controls the interface unit, and the control unit is provided between the first interface unit and the second interface unit, or a second unit. of Information is transmitted and received between the interface units, and the desired information is acquired by accessing an external network via the first interface unit based on the information stored in the connection request information storage unit. Control to save in the information storage Ru It is a network connection device that can support multiple types of interfaces for interfaces connected to external networks and internal networks, and can construct a simple and flexible network system. It can be saved, and once acquired information can be reproduced / browse / confirmed later. More For example, it is possible to receive data without automatically acquiring data or starting up the computer itself at a time when the connection fee is low.
[0021]
The eighth invention is the 1 In the invention, the acquired information storage unit and the connection request information storage unit are integrated into a module. Has been The network connection device according to claim 7, wherein the connection request information and the acquisition information can coexist in one memory card or the like.
[0025]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
[0026]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network connection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 is a management part, 2 is a control part, 3 is a display part, 4 is a memory | storage part, 5-1 to 5-N WAN interface part which consists of at least 1 or more types of physical layer for connecting to an external network, Reference numerals 6-1 to 6-N denote one or more LAN interface units including at least two types of physical layers for connecting to an internal network.
[0027]
The display unit 3 includes a display device such as an LCD, an LED, and the like, and the storage unit 4 includes a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, a magneto-optical memory, and the like.
[0028]
The physical layer of the WAN interface part is selected from Ethernet, telephone line, optical fiber, power line, coaxial cable, wireless, etc. The physical layer of the LAN interface part is Ethernet, telephone line, optical fiber, power line, coaxial cable, wireless, etc. Selected from. As radio, radio waves, infrared rays, and the like are used.
[0029]
Data transmitted from the slave units connected to the respective LAN interface units 6-1 to 6-N can go out to the external network through the WAN interface units 5-1 to 5-N. Data from the external network that has passed through the interface unit 5-1 through 5-N arrives at the handset connected to the LAN interface unit 6-1 through 6-N. At this time, the control unit 2 has a routing function and performs protocol conversion, address conversion, and the like.
[0030]
In addition, for example, data can be exchanged between the slave unit connected to the LAN interface unit 6-1 and the slave unit connected to the LAN interface unit 6-N. In this case, the LAN interface units 6-1 and 6-N may be interface units having the same physical layer or different physical layers. In the case of an interface unit having the same physical layer, the control unit 2 may be a hub. In the case of an interface unit that functions and has different physical layers, the control unit 2 also functions as a bridge.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the storage unit of the network connection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0032]
In the figure, the storage unit 4 is composed of two blocks, a connection request information storage unit 41 and an acquired information storage unit 42. In the connection request information storage unit 41, information (URL, address, etc.) of a connection request to the external network from a client connected to the LAN interface units 6-1 to 6-N of the network connection device is transmitted via the control unit 2. Saved. The acquired information storage unit 42 stores the information automatically downloaded by the network connection device based on the information stored in the connection request information storage unit 41.
[0033]
Next, the automatic download operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of automatic download of the network connection device in the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0034]
In the figure, the management unit 1 first checks whether information is stored in the connection request information storage unit 41 (S1), and if there is setting information, the external unit connected to the WAN interface unit 5 at a predetermined timing. The automatic operation is executed so as to automatically acquire data from the network, and the requested address and URL information is acquired (S2). Next, it is checked whether there is information to be acquired as a result of automatic driving. If the information has not been acquired due to some error or the like, the automatic driving is repeated again (S3). When the information is acquired, the acquired data is stored in the storage unit 4 (S4), and the display unit 3 has a function of displaying the presence / absence of the acquired data as required (S5). As a result, for example, data can be automatically received during a time when the connection fee is low, or data can be received without starting up the computer itself.
[0035]
In addition, by temporarily storing isochronous data such as audio and video in the storage unit 4, the user can reproduce the data without being affected by data delay caused by communication. Become.
[0036]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a network connection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 51 is a management unit, 52 is a control unit, 53 is a display unit, 54 is a storage unit, 55 is an Ethernet interface unit, 56 is an Ethernet interface unit, 57 is a telephone line interface unit, and 58 is a wireless interface unit described later. It is the connection connector part for doing. The management part 51, the control part 52, the display part 53, and the memory | storage part 54 are the same as that of 1st Embodiment.
[0037]
In the present embodiment, by adopting an Ethernet interface as a WAN interface unit, a connected device such as a cable modem or an ADSL modem can be freely selected. In addition, wireless, Ethernet, and telephone lines are used as LAN interface units, but each LAN interface unit has a data transfer rate of 10 Mbps or more, which is an Ethernet transfer rate. Can be performed without any data delay, and is very effective for transmitting isochronous data such as moving images and audio data.
[0038]
59 is a connection connector part of the wireless LAN unit, 60 is a module control part, 61 is a wireless interface part, 62 is an antenna, and 63 is a wireless LAN unit.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, a part or all of the LAN interface unit is modularized so as to be detachable. As an example, a configuration in which the wireless LAN unit 63 is detachable is shown. In this way, by making the LAN unit detachable, even if the interfaces necessary for connecting various kinds of information devices arranged in the home are not prepared in the first stage, they can be prepared later. It is possible to use it flexibly. In addition, a necessary LAN interface unit can be selected, and an expensive interface such as the wireless LAN unit 63 is used as an option to reduce the cost of the network connection device main body. Further, for example, by making the connection connector portions 58 and 59 compliant with the PC card standard, the modularized wireless LAN unit 63 can be used in a device having a PC card slot, for example, a notebook computer, thereby increasing versatility. There is also.
[0040]
Further, by providing the control unit 60 on the wireless LAN unit 63 side as in the present embodiment, the processing load can be distributed, and the processing load of the control unit 52 of the network connection device main body can be reduced.
[0041]
FIG. 5 is an external view of a network connection device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, 53 is a display section, 55 is an Ethernet interface section on the WAN side, 56 is an Ethernet interface section on the LAN side, 57 is a telephone line interface section, 58 is a connection connector section of the main body, and 59 is a connection of a wireless LAN unit. A connector unit, 63 is a wireless LAN unit, 24 is an eject button for the wireless LAN unit, 25 is a cover for the wireless LAN unit cover, and 26 is a changeover switch, and switches a PC or a hub as a connection destination. Normally, the user must use either a straight cable or a cross cable depending on the connected device, but the same cable can be used by the changeover switch 26.
[0042]
When the user wants to connect in a transmission-reception relationship such as connecting the terminal and the network connection device directly, the changeover switch 26 is set to “PC side”. Further, when connecting a network connection device to a hub, it is not necessary to prepare two types of cables of a cross type and a straight type by setting the changeover switch 26 to “hub side”, which is convenient for the user.
[0043]
Reference numeral 27 denotes a memory card, which is modularized and is detachable from the main body. Reference numeral 28 denotes a memory card slot into which the memory card 27 can be inserted. Reference numeral 29 denotes an eject button of the memory card 27, and the inserted memory card 27 can be separated by pressing this button.
[0044]
The memory card 27 preferably has a copyright protection function. If the stored information is flagged as “re-copy prohibited”, and the data is copied from the memory card 27 to another device (not shown), the original information stored in the memory card 27 is automatically Will be erased.
[0045]
Alternatively, if the saved information is flagged as “Limited number of copies”, digital copying up to the number of times specified on the flag is allowed, and the count number on the flag is decremented each time copying is performed. It is also possible to perform control so that the original information is erased in the same manner as described above when 0 becomes 0.
[0046]
At this time, a unique ID is given to the memory card 27 in order to prevent unauthorized copying, and by using this unique ID, information with the flag “recopy prohibited” is encrypted. Copying of original data can be prevented. In this case, the information copied without taking proper means remains encrypted, and meaningless information is obtained.
[0047]
The memory card 27 may include the two blocks of the connection request information storage unit 41 and the acquisition information storage unit 42 described in the first embodiment, or may include only the acquisition information storage unit 42. .
[0048]
In the case of a memory card 27 having two blocks of the connection request information storage unit 41 and the acquired information storage unit 42, for example, the memory card 27 is first inserted and connected to a notebook PC or the like not connected to the network connection device of the present invention. Information is written in the connection request information storage unit 41, this is ejected and this time inserted into the memory card slot 28 of the network connection device to execute autopilot, and the acquired information is stored in the acquisition information storage unit 42, The information can be reproduced by inserting it into a notebook PC or the like not connected to the network connection device again.
[0049]
In the case of the memory card 27 in which only the acquired information storage unit 42 exists, the memory card 27 can be inserted into another portable music player or portable video player according to the acquired information to reproduce the information. . In this case, since the connection request information storage unit 41 does not exist in the memory card 27, more information can be stored efficiently.
[0050]
The memory card 27 may be a memory card that conforms to the PC card standard, or a compact flash card, smart media, SD card, or the like can be used as appropriate. In addition to a semiconductor, an ultra-small removable hard disk drive or optical Although a magnetic disk or the like can be used, an SD card having a copyright protection function is particularly preferable.
[0051]
The display unit 53 is configured to blink while each interface is operating. In addition, when the acquired information is stored in the memory card 27, the display unit 53 is turned on, and thereby it is possible to determine whether desired information is stored in the memory card 27 at a glance. Is possible.
[0052]
Further, the display unit 53 also displays whether or not the acquired information has a “recopy prohibited” flag.
[0053]
In addition, when the acquired information has a “copy number limit” flag, the number of times designated on the flag is displayed on the display unit 53 and the count number to be reduced for each copy is displayed on the display unit 53. It has become so.
[0054]
A display device such as an LCD can be used as the display device, and the display information can be increased accordingly.
[0055]
As can be seen in the figure, all the interfaces except for the interface of the wireless LAN unit 63 prepared as an option are arranged on one side of the network connection device main body. This is considered so that connection environments used in a network can be easily bundled together so that the environment used is a home or a small office, and the network connection lines to be connected are not disturbed.
[0056]
Further, the cover 25 for the wireless LAN unit cover is provided to avoid an inadvertent impact on the wireless LAN unit 63.
[0057]
FIG. 6 is an external view of a wireless LAN unit attached to a network connection device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, the modularized wireless LAN unit 63 has the connection connector part 59 of the wireless LAN unit conforming to the PC card standard, so that it can be used in a device having a PC card slot, for example, a notebook computer, and versatility is increased. There is also an effect.
[0058]
Of course, the wireless LAN unit 63 on the module side can be configured not to include a control unit.
[0059]
Further, the present invention does not limit the LAN interface unit to this embodiment, and does not define the type and number of physical layers of the interface.
[0060]
Next, the automatic download operation will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of automatic download of the network connection device in the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0061]
In the figure, the management unit 11 first checks whether or not the memory card 27 is inserted in the memory card slot 28 (S11). If it is inserted, whether or not the setting information is stored in the connection request information storage unit 41. (S12), if there is information, automatic operation is executed so that data is automatically acquired from an external network connected to the WAN interface unit 15 at a predetermined timing. URL information is acquired (S13). Next, it is confirmed whether or not there is acquisition information as a result of automatic driving. If the information is not acquired due to some error or the like, the automatic driving is repeated again (S14). When the information is acquired, the acquired data is stored in the memory card 27 (S15) and the display unit 13 has a function of displaying the presence / absence of the acquired data (S16). As a result, for example, data can be automatically received during a time when the connection fee is low, or data can be received without starting up the computer itself.
[0062]
Further, by storing data in the removable memory card 27, the downloaded information can be taken out of the portable music player or video player so that the information can be reproduced. become.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the first interface unit composed of at least one type of physical layer for connecting to the external network and the second unit composed of a plurality of types of physical layers for connecting to the internal network. An interface unit, a modularized information storage unit that stores information acquired from an external network, and has a copyright protection function; and a control unit that controls the first interface unit and the second interface unit. The control unit transmits and receives information between the first interface unit and the second interface unit, or between the second interface units, and externally through the first interface unit. Control to access the network to acquire desired information and store it in the acquired information storage unit. Because it is a network connection device characterized by this, it can support multiple types of interfaces for interfaces connected to external networks and internal networks, and it is possible to construct a simple and flexible network system The acquired information can be saved, and the acquired information can be reproduced / browse / confirmed later.
[0064]
Further, by providing a connection request information storage unit that stores connection request information from a client connected to the second interface unit, the connection to the external network via the first interface unit is possible regardless of the connection of the client. It is possible to access and acquire desired information, for example, to automatically acquire data during a time when the connection fee is low, or to receive data without starting up the computer itself.
[0065]
In addition, it is possible to smoothly reproduce isochronous information such as video and audio.
[0066]
Furthermore, by storing the downloaded information in the memory card, it is possible to reproduce the information by inserting it into a portable music player or portable video player according to the acquired information.
[0067]
In addition, the information downloaded to the memory card is protected by the copyright protection function, and unlimited digital copying can be prevented. Therefore, the rights of the copyright holder can be protected, and music and video distribution systems can be configured. And can build a highly reliable system.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a storage unit of the network connection device in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of automatic download of a network connection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a network connection device in a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an external view of a network connection device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an external view of a wireless LAN unit attached to a network connection device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of automatic download of a network connection device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a conventional network system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 management department
2 Control unit
3 Display section
4 storage
5 WAN interface section
6 LAN interface
24 Wireless LAN unit eject button
25 Cover for wireless LAN unit cover
26 changeover switch
27 Memory card
28 Memory card slot
29 Eject button on memory card
41 Connection request information storage unit
42 Acquisition information storage
58 Main unit connector
59 Wireless LAN unit connection connector
60 module controller
61 Wireless interface
62 Antenna
63 Wireless LAN unit

Claims (6)

A network connection device, a first interface unit comprising at least one physical layer for connection to an external network, and a second interface unit comprising a plurality of types of physical layers for connection to an internal network the connection request information storage unit in which the second save the connection request information from a client connected to the interface unit, the modular stores the information obtained from the external network, have a copyright protection function, the network An acquisition information storage unit that can be inserted into a connected device; a control unit that controls the first interface unit and the second interface unit; and a display unit, wherein the control unit includes the first interface unit. Between the interface unit and the second interface unit, or the second interface unit Via performs transmission and reception of information, the acquisition information storage unit determines whether it is inserted into inside of the network connection device, when it is determined to have been inserted, the connection request at a timing predetermined Based on the information stored in the information storage unit, the external network is accessed via the first interface unit to acquire desired information, stored in the acquired information storage unit, and information is stored in the acquired information storage unit. A network-connected device that controls to display the acquired information on the display means. The network connection device according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the acquired information storage unit is isochronous data. When sending the information stored in the acquired information storage unit to the second interface unit, if there is an instruction to prevent re-copying in the information stored in the acquired information storage unit, the second interface unit 2. The network connection device according to claim 1, wherein the network connection device is controlled so as to transmit information to the network and to delete information stored in the acquired information storage unit. The network connection device according to claim 1, wherein the acquired information storage unit is an SD card. The network connection device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays whether the information stored in the acquired information storage unit prohibits digital re-copying. Network connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that are integrally modularized and the said acquisition information storage unit connection request information storage unit.

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