JP4680172B2 - Service providing system and service providing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data relay device that controls connection between a plurality of in-home devices connected to a home network and the outside network, a service providing device that provides various services from the outside network to the in-home device, and the in-home device services The present invention relates to a service providing system and a service providing method configured with a service server device that stores service information required for receiving the service.

  Conventionally, with the spread of personal computers (PCs) and high-speed Internet lines in society, various services have been provided for PCs. Recently, the spread of information home appliances is expected, and various services for non-PC such as information home appliances are being provided.

  In order to use various services via the Internet in this way, the user needs to search for a service desired to be used in advance or register a user for a service providing apparatus that provides the service. . Generally, a user who uses a PC searches for a service or performs user registration by inputting a long URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into an Internet browser.

  However, it is very time-consuming for a user who does not use a PC to input a long URL to an information home appliance such as WebTV with a remote controller. Thus, various techniques that can easily search for a service or perform user registration even when using an information appliance as well as a PC are disclosed.

  For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for installing a dedicated application in a communication device such as a PC or an information home appliance and searching for a service (content) to be used using the application. Specifically, the communication device is connected to the service providing server by starting the application. Then, the service (content) provided by the service providing server is automatically displayed on the communication device by the application. The communication device can use the service (content) by dragging and dropping the displayed service (content).

“3rd Special Feature: Introduction to Podcasting-Download and Listen Radio”, Nikkei PC, August 8, 2005, p127-132

  By the way, in the above-described conventional technology, this application may not be installed depending on the type of information appliance, and in this case, since it is necessary to use a PC as in the past, it is not always easy to search for a service or register a user. Even if it can be installed, it is necessary to drag and drop the service (content) that you want to use to your device or to input address information. Since it is performed using a remote controller, there is a problem that it takes a lot of time and burden on the user.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and reduces the burden on the user when using the service on the information home appliance via the network, and easily provides the service. It is an object of the present invention to provide a service providing system and a service providing method capable of searching and registering a user.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a data relay device that controls connection between a plurality of in-home devices connected to a home network and an external network, and an external network. A service providing system comprising a service providing device that provides various services to the in-home device, and a service server device that stores service information required for the in-home device to receive the service, When the data relay device receives a dial signal from a home numeric keypad device having a numeric keypad, the data relay device refers to a special number information storage unit that stores a specific number represented by the numeric keypad, and the dial signal is When it is determined by the special number determination unit that determines whether the number is a specific number by the special number determination unit, A service number transmitting means for acquiring a number obtained by removing the specific number from the dial signal as a service number for specifying a service provided by the service providing apparatus, and transmitting the service number to the service server apparatus; When receiving the service information, when receiving a service information storage means for storing the service information in a predetermined service information storage means, and a connection request indicating a use request of the service from the home device, the connection request The service information corresponding to the service information storage means, and using the service information, the service connection control means for controlling the connection between the in-home device and the external network, and the service server device, Service provision information for storing the service information in association with a service number And a service information transmitting unit that, when receiving the service number from the data relay device, acquires service information corresponding to the service number from the service providing information storage unit and transmits the service information to the data relay device. , Provided.

  In the invention according to claim 2, in the above invention, the service providing device stores user information related to a user of the data relay device and the service information in association with the service server device. The data relay device provides an identification number uniquely storing the identification number assigned to the data relay device, and the service server device. Further includes user information storage means for storing the user information in association with the identification number, and the service number transmission means includes the identification number and the service number acquired from the identification number storage means. Is transmitted to the service server device, and the service information transmitting means receives the identification number together with the service number. In this case, service information corresponding to the service number is acquired from the service providing information storage means, transmitted to the data relay device, and the user information associated with the identification number is stored in the user information storage. The service information and the user information are acquired from the means and stored in a predetermined user registration storage means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the service providing apparatus stores user information related to a user of the data relay apparatus in association with service information provided to the data relay apparatus. The data relay device further includes user information storage means for storing user information related to a user of the data relay device, and the service information storage unit stores the service information. The means stores the service information in a predetermined service information storage means when receiving the service information from the service server device, acquires address information of the service providing device from the service information, and receives the address information. To send the user information stored in the user information storage means to the service providing device. Characterized in that it.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the service provision information storage unit stores one or more of a service type, a connection method, connection information, and a connection destination address as the service information. The service information storage means stores the service information in the predetermined service information storage means when the service information is received from the service server device.

  In the invention according to claim 5, in the above invention, the service provision information storage unit stores, as the service information, at least an update frequency indicating a frequency of updating content data provided by the service provision apparatus. When the service information is received, the service information storage means stores the service information in the predetermined service information storage means, and accesses the service providing apparatus according to the update frequency. The content data is acquired and stored in the service information storage means.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 6, in the above invention, the service provision information storage means includes, as the service information, a transmission time indicating a time during which at least network statistics information of the home network is transmitted to the service provision apparatus. The service information storage means stores the service information in the predetermined service information storage means when receiving the service information from the service server device, and according to the transmission time, the service information storage means Network statistics information is transmitted to the service providing apparatus.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data relay device for controlling connection between a plurality of in-home devices connected to a home network and the outside network, and a service provision for providing various services from the outside network to the in-home device A service providing method comprising a device and a service server device for storing service information required for the home device to receive the service, wherein the data relay device includes a home keypad provided with a numeric keypad. Special number determination for determining whether or not the dial signal is the specific number with reference to the special number information storage means for storing the specific number expressed by the numeric keypad when a dial signal is received from the numeric keypad device If the specific number is determined by the step and the special number determination step, the specific number is removed from the dial signal. A service number transmitting step of acquiring a number as a service number for identifying a service provided by the service providing apparatus and transmitting the service number to the service server apparatus; and when the service information is received from the service server apparatus, A service information storage step of storing information in a predetermined service information storage means, and when receiving a connection request indicating a use request of the service from the in-home device, the service information corresponding to the connection request is stored in the service information storage And a service connection control step for controlling connection between the in-home device and the external network using the service information, and the service server device associates the service information with the service number. Service providing information storage means for storing and the data relay device to support the service. When receiving the screws number, it acquires the service information corresponding to the service number from the service provision information storing means, characterized by comprising a service information transmitting step of transmitting the data relay apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 1 or 7, when the data relay device receives a dial signal from an in-house numeric keypad device having a numeric keypad, the data relay device stores a specific number represented by the numeric keypad, and the dial signal is a specific number. It is determined whether or not it is a number, and if it is determined to be a specific number, a number obtained by removing the specific number from the dial signal is acquired as a service number for specifying a service provided by the service providing apparatus, When the service information is transmitted to the service server device and the service information is received from the service server device, the service information is stored. When the connection request indicating the service use request is received from the home device, the service information corresponding to the connection request is displayed. Obtaining and using the service information to control the connection between the in-home device and the outside network, and the service server device corresponds to the service number. In addition, when the service information is stored and the service number is received from the data relay device, the service information corresponding to the service number is acquired and transmitted to the data relay device. When using, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user and easily search for a service or register a user.

  For example, in order to acquire a content list provided by a service server using the Internet on a network-compatible TV, when connecting to the service server, a specific number for acquiring the content list with a numeric keypad such as a telephone (for example, ## 123 etc.), it is not necessary to input a URL from a remote control, etc., information necessary for connection to the service server can be acquired and connected to the service server, and a content list can be easily acquired can do.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the data relay device stores an identification number uniquely assigned to the data relay device, the service server device stores user information in association with the identification number, When the identification number and the service number are transmitted to the service server device and the identification number is received together with the service number, service information corresponding to the service number is acquired, transmitted to the data relay device, and associated with the identification number. Since the obtained user information is acquired and the service information and the user information are stored, the user registration can be easily performed in order to use the service.

  For example, when using a VOD service or the like that requires user registration, a specific number (for example, ## 789) for using the VOD service is entered with a numeric keypad such as a telephone, so that a URL can be obtained from a remote controller or the like. It is possible to easily register the user to use the service as a result of acquiring the information necessary for connecting to the service server and acquiring and registering user information. It is.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the data relay device stores user information related to the user of the data relay device, and stores the service information when the service information is received from the service server device. Since the address information of the service providing device is obtained from the information and the stored user information is transmitted to the service providing device using the address information, user registration is easy to use the service while maintaining high security. Can be done.

  For example, when using a VOD service or the like that requires user registration, a specific number (for example, ## 789) for using the VOD service is entered with a numeric keypad such as a telephone, so that a URL can be obtained from a remote controller or the like. As a result, user information can be transmitted as necessary, such as obtaining information necessary for connection to the service server and transmitting and registering user information, maintaining high security. However, user registration can be easily performed to use the service.

  According to the invention of claim 4, when any one or a plurality of service types, connection methods, connection information, and connection destination addresses are received as service information from the service server device, the service information is stored. Flexible service connection is possible.

  For example, “DLNA-VOD, VPN, key information, aaa.bbb.ccc”, “DLNS-Music,-,-, xxx.yyy.zzz”, etc. as “service type, connection method, connection information, connection destination address” As a result of storing necessary information according to the service type and using the service, it is possible to perform flexible service connection.

  According to the invention of claim 5, when at least an update frequency indicating the frequency of updating content data provided by the service providing apparatus is received as service information, the service information is stored and provided according to the update frequency. Since content data is acquired and stored by accessing the apparatus, it is possible to use podcasting, Web content using RSS, and the like.

  For example, “Podcasting, http://aaa.bbb.com/podcast.xml, 6 hours” or “Web-RSS, http://aaa.bbb.com/” as “Service type, connection destination information, update frequency” By storing “news.xml, 1 hour” and the like, the update frequency can be determined according to each site. As a result, various services that generate updates can be used.

  According to the invention of claim 6, when the transmission time indicating at least the time when the network statistical information of the home network is transmitted to the service providing apparatus is received as the service information, the service information is stored, and the service information is stored according to the transmission time. Since the network statistical information is transmitted to the service providing apparatus, a home network monitoring service or the like can be used.

  For example, conventionally, after a failure occurred in the home network, the support center was contacted by telephone, but as `` service type, connection destination information, transmission information, transmission time '', `` Upload, http: // aaa. By memorizing “bbb.ddd / send.cgi, network statistics, 0:00 every day”, it is possible to use a home network monitoring service, such as detecting failures in advance at the support center. is there.

  Exemplary embodiments of a service providing system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The main terms used in the following embodiments, the outline and features of the service providing system according to the first embodiment, the configuration and processing procedure of the service providing system according to the first embodiment, and the effects of the first embodiment are described in order. Subsequently, another embodiment will be described.

[Explanation of terms]
First, “HGW (Home GateWay)” used in the present embodiment is a device that controls connection between a plurality of in-home devices connected to a home network and an external network, such as address conversion and data re-loading. By interconnecting information appliances. Specifically, it is arranged between the Internet and a home network, and includes a set-top box such as a home router, protocol conversion, firewall, firewall rule dynamic change function and broadcast reception function. For example, when a content request is received from a network compatible TV installed in a home network, the content is received by connecting to a service providing apparatus that provides the content, and the received content is transmitted to the network compatible TV or connected to the Internet. When the request is received, NAT conversion is performed and the request is transmitted to the Internet network to connect to the Web server.

  This “HGW” is connected to the home network by DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), and upon receiving a DLNA connection request from the home device, a list of various services (contents) stored in the self device is requested. To the device. For example, upon receiving a DLNA connection request from a network compatible TV, “HGW” transmits a list of services (contents) stored or provided by the self apparatus to the network compatible TV. When a service is selected from the transmitted service list, “HGW” transmits the service to a service providing apparatus that provides the service, receives the service from the service providing apparatus, and transmits it to the network compatible TV. In this way, an in-home device such as a network-compatible TV can use various services by connecting to a service providing device connected to an external network.

  The “HGW” has a function as a VoIP-GW (Vice Over Internet Protocol—Gateway) and also has an IP telephone adapter, and connects a home network and an external VoIP network. Furthermore, “HGW” also has a function of connecting a telephone line of a home network and a public switch telephone network (PSTN) which is an external public switched telephone network. In other words, a normal call (call processing) can be performed regardless of whether an IP telephone or an analog telephone is connected. The IP telephone adapter does not necessarily have to be built in the HGW, and may be connected to the home network as another device. The “HGW” corresponds to the “data relay device” recited in the claims.

  Further, as a home device connected to the home network, there are “network compatible TV” and “telephone”. This “network-compatible TV” is connected by DLNA, and is connected to a service provided by another device connected to the home network (for example, recording by HDD (Hard Disk Drive), camera, etc.) or an external network. Various services provided by the provided service providing apparatus can be used. For example, when the power is turned on by the user or the “DLNA” button is clicked, the “network-compatible TV” transmits a DLNA connection request to the home device, and is connected to the home network (device connected to the home network). Other devices) are detected, and a list of services (content list) provided by those devices is displayed on a monitor or the like. When a service to be used is selected from the displayed service list (content list), the “network-compatible TV” is connected to a device that provides the selected service and receives the service. The “network-compatible TV” corresponds to the “home device” described in the claims, but the home device shown here may be another device such as a Web camera or an HDD.

  The “telephone” is a device that transmits a dial signal to the HGW, and may be a normal analog telephone or an IP telephone. For example, when “090-111-1111” is dialed by the user, the “telephone” transmits “090-111-1111” as a dial signal to the HGW, and “## 111” is input. Then, “## 111” is transmitted as a dial signal to the HGW. The “telephone” corresponds to “in-house numeric keypad device with numeric keypad” recited in the claims.

  In addition, there is a “content server” as an apparatus that provides various services via a network such as the Internet. This “content server” provides a service of content (for example, a movie, music, etc.) to be stored to a home device. For example, when a content request is received from a home device such as a network compatible TV via the HGW, the “content server” transmits a content list provided by the device to the home device via the HGW, or similarly a music content request The “content server” provides the music content to the home device.

  In addition to the content server, there are “Web server” and “VOD server” as service providing devices. The “Web server” provides Web content such as a Web page to the in-home device in the same manner as the content server, and the “VOD server” provides VOD (Video On Demand) service to the in-home device. . These “content server”, “Web server”, and “VOD server” all correspond to the “service providing apparatus” recited in the claims. In addition to these devices, the “service providing device” includes various server devices such as “camera server” and “weather server”, and is connected to a home network via a network such as the Internet.

  Also, the “number conversion server” is a device that stores service information required for the in-home device to receive a service in association with a specific number. To give a specific example, the "number conversion server" provides services to the home device such as "service name, connection destination server information, connection destination address, connection form" as information necessary for the home device to receive the service. Information necessary for communication with the apparatus is stored in association with a specific number. The specific number may be designated in advance by the service providing apparatus, and the number notified by a newspaper or the Internet and the service information are stored in association with each other. The user acquires the service name and the specific number corresponding to the service name notified by various methods as described above, and sets them in the HGW. The “number conversion server” corresponds to the “service server device” recited in the claims.

[Outline and features of service provision system]
Next, the outline and characteristics of the service providing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline and features of the service providing system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, this service providing system includes an HGW that controls connection between a plurality of in-home devices connected to the home network and the outside network, and a VOD that provides various services from the outside network to the in-home device. A server, a Web server, a content server, and a number conversion server that stores service information required for the home device to receive the service are connected to each other through a network such as the Internet so that they can communicate with each other. The

  In such a configuration, as described above, in the service providing system according to the first embodiment, the service providing apparatus such as the content server provides various services to a plurality of in-home apparatuses connected to the in-home network via the HGW. In particular, when using services on information appliances over a network, the burden on users can be reduced, and services can be easily searched and user registration can be performed. This is the main feature.

  This main feature will be specifically described. When the HGW receives a dial signal from the telephone, the HGW stores a specific number represented by a numeric keypad in the special number information DB. As a specific example, the special number DB stores “##”, “**”, and the like as “special number indicating a specific number represented by a numeric keypad”.

  The number conversion server stores the service information in the service provision information DB in association with the service number. To give a specific example, the service providing information DB includes “123, connection service, content server address” as “service number for specifying service,“ service information ”required for receiving service provision”. , “Connection information”, “789, VOD service, VOD server address, connection information” and the like.

  In such a state, the telephone transmits a dial signal input by the user to the HGW. When the HGW receives the dial signal from the telephone, the HGW refers to the special number information DB and the dial signal is transmitted with the numeric keypad. It is determined whether or not the specific number is expressed (see (1) in FIG. 1). Specifically, when the telephone transmits a dial signal “## 123” input by the user to the HGW, and the HGW receives the dial signal “## 123” from the telephone, the special number information Referring to the DB, it is determined that “##” of the dial signal “## 123” is a specific number because it is stored in the special number information DB.

  Then, when the HGW determines that the received dial signal is a specific number, the service number for specifying a service provided by a service providing apparatus such as a content server is a number obtained by removing the specific number from the dial signal. And transmitted to the number conversion server (see (2) in FIG. 1). Specifically, when the HGW determines that the dial signal “## 123” has a specific number, the HGW removes the specific number “##” from the dial signal “## 123”. Is acquired as a service number “123” for specifying a service provided by a service providing apparatus such as a content server, and the service number “123” is transmitted to the number conversion server.

  Then, the number conversion server acquires service information corresponding to the service number received from the HGW from the service provision information DB and transmits it to the HGW (see (3) in FIG. 1). Specifically, in the above example, when the number conversion server receives the service number “123” from the HGW, the service information corresponding to the service number “123” is “connection service, content server address, connection information”. Is obtained from the service provision information DB and transmitted to the HGW. Note that the connection information shown here is information for connecting to the content server, for example, key information and port number for using the VPN, and information such as the protocol to be used.

  The HGW stores (registers) the service information received from the number conversion server in a predetermined service information DB (see (4) in FIG. 1). Specifically, in the above example, when the HGW receives the service information “connection service, content server address, connection information” from the number conversion server, the HGW sends the service information “connection service, content server address, connection information”. Store (register) in the service information DB. Here, after storing in the service information DB, the HGW may transmit a registration completion response to the telephone using voice information.

  After the service information is stored in the HGW in this way, the network compatible TV transmits a content list request (server list request) to the HGW, and the HGW transmits the content list (server list) to the network compatible TV. (Refer to (5) and (6) in FIG. 1). Specifically, in the above example, a network-compatible TV connected to a DLNA in the home network is requested to be a content list when the user turns on the power or clicks the “DLNA” button after the power is turned on. (Server list request) is transmitted to the HGW. When the HGW receives the content list request (server list request), the HGW transmits the content list (server list) stored in the own device to the network compatible TV.

  Then, when the connection service is selected by the user from the received content list, the network compatible TV transmits a connection service request to the HGW, and the HGW acquires service information corresponding to the connection service request from the service information DB. The connection between the network compatible TV and the outside network is controlled using the service information (see (7) and (8) in FIG. 1). Specifically, in the above example, when the connection service is selected from the content list (see FIG. 6), the network compatible TV transmits a connection service request to the HGW. The HGW that has received the connection service request obtains “connection service, content server address, connection information”, which is service information corresponding to the connection service request, from the service information DB, and connects to the content server and sends the content request to the content server. Send to server.

  Then, the content server connected to the home network and receiving the content request transmits the content list provided by itself to the HGW, and the HGW transmits the received content list to the network compatible TV (FIG. 1). (See (9) and (10)). After that, the network compatible TV that has received the content list provides the content by being connected to the content server via the HGW by selecting the content to be used from the content list by the user, as in a general method. Is done.

  As described above, the service providing system according to the first embodiment uses a numeric keypad such as a telephone to connect to a content server in order to acquire a content list provided by the content server using the Internet on a network compatible TV. By inputting a specific number (for example, ## 123) for acquiring a list, it is not necessary to input a URL from a remote controller or the like, and information necessary for connection to the content server is acquired and stored in the content server. As a result of being able to connect, as described above, the burden on the user when using the service on the information home appliance via the network is reduced, and the service is easily searched and the user is registered. It is possible.

[Service providing system configuration]
Next, the configuration of the service providing system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the service providing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the service providing system includes an HGW 10 connected to a home network, a number conversion server 30, a content server 40, a Web server 50, and a VOD server 60. Among these, the content server 40, the Web server 50, and the VOD server 60 have the same functions as the normal content server, Web server, and VOD server as described above, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be given here. Is omitted.

(Configuration of HGW)
The HGW 10 includes a telephone I / F unit 11, an internal network communication unit 12, an external network communication unit 13, a storage unit 14, a call processing unit 17, and a control unit 20. The telephone I / F unit 11 controls communication with a telephone connected to the home network. For example, when the telephone I / F unit 11 receives a dial signal “03-XXX-XXXX” of an analog signal from the telephone, the telephone I / F unit 11 transmits the dial signal to the PSTN processing unit 18 described later, or the digital signal dial signal “050”. When “-XXX-XXXX” is received, it is transmitted to the VOIP processing unit 19 to be described later, or when “## 123” or the like as a specific number is received, it is transmitted to the special number determination unit 21 to be described later.

  The internal network communication unit 12 controls communication with a home device connected to the home network. For example, the internal network communication unit 12 receives a DLNA connection request from a home device such as a network compatible TV or PC connected by DLNA, and stores or provides the DLNA connection request as shown in FIG. A list of services (contents) to be transmitted is transmitted to the network compatible TV, and content received from a service providing apparatus such as the content server 40 is transmitted to the network compatible TV. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a service (content) list output to the network compatible TV.

  The external network communication unit 13 controls communication with a device connected to the outside network. For example, the external network communication unit 13 transmits a content request received by the internal network communication unit 12 to a service providing apparatus such as the content server 40 outside the home, or receives content from the content server 40 or the like. To do.

  The storage unit 14 stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 20, address information for communicating with an outside network, and the like, and particularly as closely related to the present invention, the special number information DB 15 And a service information DB 16.

  The special number information DB 15 is a specific number for determining whether or not the dial signal is a specific number when the dial signal is received from the home ten-key device provided with the numeric keypad when the dial signal is received from the telephone. Remember. As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 3, the special number information DB 15 stores “##”, “**”, and the like as “special number” indicating a specific number expressed by a numeric keypad. To do. The information including various data and parameters can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified, and can be freely set, for example, “*” or “##”. The special number information DB 15 corresponds to “special number information storage unit” described in the claims. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the special number information DB.

  The service information DB 16 stores the service information when the service information is received from the number conversion server 30. Specifically, from the number conversion server 30, “service name indicating service name”, “service type” indicating service type, “connection information” indicating information necessary for connection, connection destination When “connection service, VPN, key A, xxx.yyy.zzz” is received as “connection destination address” indicating the address information, the service information DB 16 receives the received “connection service, VPN” as shown in FIG. , Key A, xxx.yyy.zzz ”. Information including various data and parameters can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. The “key information” and “VPN” shown here are merely examples, and are used for connection. Any necessary information may be used. The service information DB 16 corresponds to “service information storage unit” recited in the claims. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the service information DB.

  The call processing unit 17 controls communication with a telephone connected to an outside network, and includes a PSTN processing unit 18 and a VOIP processing unit 19 that are particularly closely related to the present invention.

  The PSTN processing unit 18 controls a call connection with a telephone connected by the PSTN. Specifically, the telephone I / F unit 11 receives the dial signal “03-XXX-XXXX” as an analog signal. Then, the PSTN processing unit 18 connects to a telephone to which “03-XXX-XXXX” is assigned via an exchange or the like connected to an outside network, and controls voice calls and the like. The VOIP processing unit 19 controls a call connection with a telephone connected by VOIP. Specifically, the telephone I / F unit 11 receives a dial signal “050-YYY-YYYY” as a digital signal. Then, the VOIP processing unit 19 connects to a telephone set to which “050-YYY-YYYY” is assigned via a base station connected to the outside network, and controls voice calls and the like.

  The control unit 20 has a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program defining various processing procedures, and an internal memory for storing required data. The determination part 21, the service number transmission part 22, the service information storage part 23, and the service connection control part 24 are provided, and various processes are performed by these.

  When the special number determination unit 21 receives a dial signal from a ten-key device with a numeric keypad, the special number determination unit 21 refers to the special number information DB 15 that stores a specific number represented by the numeric keypad, and the dial signal is a specific number. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, in the example described above, when “## 123” is received as a dial signal, the special number determination unit 21 stores “##” as “special number” in the special number information DB 15, so The signal is determined to be a specific number and notified to a service number transmission unit 22 described later. On the other hand, when “03-XXX-XXXX” or “050-YYY-YYYY” is received as the dial signal, the special number determination unit 21 determines that the dial signal is not a specific number, and the PSTN processing unit 18 or the VOIP processing unit Notification to the unit 19. The special number determination unit 21 corresponds to the “special number determination unit” recited in the claims.

  When the special number determination unit 21 determines that the service number transmission unit 22 is a specific number, the service number transmission unit 22 specifies a service provided by a service providing apparatus such as a content server, by subtracting the specific number from the dial signal. Obtained as a service number and sent to the number conversion server 30. Specifically, in the example described above, when the dial signal “## 123” is received from the telephone and is determined by the special number determination unit 21 to be a specific number, the service number transmission unit 22 transmits the dial signal. “123” excluding a specific number “##” is extracted from “## 123”, and the extracted “123” is transmitted to the number conversion server 30 as a service number. The service number transmission unit 22 corresponds to “service number transmission unit” recited in the claims.

  When the service information is received from the number conversion server 30, the service information storage unit 23 stores the service information in a predetermined service information DB 16. Specifically, the service information storage unit 23 receives “connection service, VPN, key A, xxx.yyy.zzz” as service information from the number conversion server 30 as shown in FIG. The service information is stored in the service information DB 16. The service information storage unit 23 corresponds to “service information storage unit” recited in the claims.

  When the service connection control unit 24 receives a connection request indicating a service use request from a home device, the service connection control unit 24 acquires service information corresponding to the connection request from the service information DB 16 and uses the service information to connect the home device and the home device Control connection to the network. Specifically, in the above example, when a connection request indicating a use request for a connection service is received from a home device such as a network compatible TV, the service connection control unit 24 is service information corresponding to the connection service. The connection service, VPN, key A, xxx.yyy.zzz ”is acquired from the service information DB 16, and the address“ xxx.yyy.zzz ”is connected by VPN using the key A. The “key information” and “VPN” shown here are merely examples, and any information may be used as long as it is necessary for connection. For example, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is stored. If so, make an FTP connection. The service connection control unit 24 corresponds to “service connection control means” recited in the claims.

(Number conversion server configuration)
The number conversion server 30 includes a communication control I / F unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 34. The communication control I / F unit 31 controls communication with a home network, the content server 40, and the like via a network such as the Internet. For example, the communication control I / F unit 31 receives a service number from the HGW 10 of the home network and transmits service information to the HGW 10.

  The storage unit 32 stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 34, address information for communicating with other devices, and the like. DB33 is provided.

  The service provision information DB 33 stores service information in association with the service number. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the service providing information DB 33 includes a “service number indicating a service number”, a “service name” indicating a service name, a “service type” indicating a service type, “123, connection service, VPN, key A, xxx.yyy.zzz” and “789, VOD” as “connection information” indicating information necessary for connection and “connection destination address” indicating connection destination address information Service, DLNA-VOD, key B, aaa.bbb.ccc ", etc. Information including various data and parameters can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. The “key information” and “VPN” shown here are merely examples, and are used for connection. Any necessary information may be used. Further, the specific number and the service number stored in the service providing information DB 33 are notified to the user by a newspaper or the Internet by various companies providing the service. The service provision information DB 33 corresponds to “service provision information storage unit” recited in the claims. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the service provision information DB.

  The control unit 34 has an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program that defines various processing procedures, and necessary data, and is particularly closely related to the present invention. An information transmission unit 35 is provided, and various processes are executed by these.

  When the service number is received from the HGW 10, the service information transmission unit 35 acquires service information corresponding to the service number from the service provision information DB 33 and transmits the service information to the HGW 10. Specifically, in the above example, when the service information transmission unit 35 receives the service number “123” from the HGW 10, the service information “connection service, VPN, key A, xxx corresponding to the service number“ 123 ”is received. .Yyy.zzz ”is acquired from the service providing information DB 33 and transmitted to the HGW 10. When the service number “789” is received from the HGW 10, the service information “VOD service, DLNA-VOD, key B, aaa.bbb.ccc” corresponding to the service number “789” is acquired from the service provision information DB 33. To the HGW 10. The service information transmission unit 35 corresponds to “service information transmission unit” recited in the claims.

[Processing by service providing system]
Next, processing by the service providing system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of service registration and connection processing in the service providing system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when a dial signal is received from the telephone (step S701), the special number determination unit 21 of the HGW 10 determines whether or not the dial signal is a special number. 22 extracts the service number from the dial signal and transmits the service number to the number conversion server 30 (step S702).

  Subsequently, when the service information transmission unit 35 of the number conversion server 30 receives the service number from the HGW 10, the service information corresponding to the service number is acquired from the service provision information DB 33 and transmitted to the HGW 10 (Step S703). Step S704).

  Then, when receiving the service information from the number conversion server 30, the service information storage unit 23 of the HGW 10 stores the service information in the service information DB 16 (step S705).

  Thereafter, when the power is turned on by the user or the power is turned on and the “DLNA” button is clicked, the network-compatible TV transmits a server list request to the HGW 10 (step S706), and the HGW 10 receives the service information. A server list is acquired from the DB 16 (step S707), and the server list (see FIG. 6) is transmitted to the network compatible TV (step S708).

  When the content server connection is selected from the received server list by the user, the network compatible TV transmits a content server connection request to the HGW 10 (step S709).

  The service connection control unit 24 of the HGW 10 that has received the content server connection request acquires service information corresponding to the connection request from the service information DB 16 (step S710), and uses the service information to connect the network compatible TV and the content server 40. Are connected (step S711), and a content list request is transmitted to the content server 40 (step S712).

  Then, the content server 40 transmits the content list to be stored to the HGW 10 (step S713), and the HGW 10 transmits the received content list to the network compatible TV (step S714).

  Thereafter, when the user selects content to be used from the received content list, the network compatible TV transmits a content request for requesting use of the selected content to the HGW 10 (step S715), and the HGW 10 The request is transferred to the content server 40 (step S716).

  Then, the content server 40 transmits the content corresponding to the content request to the HGW 10 (step S717), and the HGW 10 transmits the content to the network compatible TV (step S718).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the HGW 10 receives a dial signal from a telephone equipped with a numeric keypad, the HGW 10 refers to the special number information DB 15 that stores a specific number represented by the numeric keypad, and then transmits the dial signal. Is determined to be a specific number, and if it is determined to be a specific number, a number obtained by excluding the specific number from the dial signal is acquired as a service number for specifying a service provided by the service providing apparatus. When the service information is transmitted to the number conversion server 30 and the service information is received from the number conversion server 30, the service information is stored in the service information DB 16, and the connection request indicating the service use request is received from the network compatible TV. In addition, service information corresponding to the connection request is obtained from the service information DB 16, and the service information is used to connect the network information. The connection between the TV and the content server 40 is controlled, and the number conversion server 30 stores the service information in the service provision information DB 33 in association with the service number, and corresponds to the service number when the service number is received from the HGW 10. The service information obtained from the service provision information DB 33 and transmitted to the HGW 10 reduces the burden on the user and easily searches for the service when using the service on the information home appliance via the network. User registration is possible.

  For example, in order to acquire a content list provided by a service server using the Internet on a network-compatible TV, when connecting to the service server, a specific number for acquiring the content list with a numeric keypad such as a telephone (for example, ## 123 etc.), it is not necessary to input a URL from a remote control, etc., information necessary for connection to the service server can be acquired and connected to the service server, and a content list can be easily acquired can do.

  Also, according to the first embodiment, when service information is received from the number conversion server, the service information is stored in a predetermined service information DB, so that the service type, connection method, connection information, and connection destination address are stored as service information. When one or more of them are stored, a flexible service connection can be performed.

  For example, “DLNA-VOD, VPN, key information, aaa.bbb.ccc”, “DLNS-Music,-,-, xxx.yyy.zzz”, etc. as “service type, connection method, connection information, connection destination address” As a result of storing necessary information according to the service type and using the service, it is possible to perform flexible service connection.

  In the first embodiment, the HGW receives and stores a connection service (connection with a content server) as service information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the service information is Web. You may make it receive and memorize | store a bookmark service (connection with a web server).

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, the HGW receives and stores a connection service (connection with a content server) as service information, and provides the service to the network compatible TV using the service information. Will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of service registration and connection processing in the service providing system according to the second embodiment.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the HGW stores a specific number expressed by a numeric keypad. As a specific example, the HGW stores “##”, “**”, and the like as “a special number indicating a specific number represented by a numeric keypad”.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the number conversion server stores the service information in association with the service number. As a specific example, the number conversion server has “110, Web bookmark service, Bookmark, HTTP, http://someservice.com” as “service number, service name, service type, connection information, connection destination address”. Remember. Here, a case where there is one connection destination address will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and address information of a plurality of Web servers may be stored.

  In such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, when a dial signal is received from the telephone (step S801), the HGW determines whether or not the dial signal is a special number. A number excluding a specific number is acquired as a service number, and the service number is transmitted to the number conversion server (step S802).

  Specifically, in the above example, when the dial signal “## 110” is received from the telephone, the HGW determines whether or not the dial signal is a special number, and if the dial signal is determined to be a special number, the dial signal “##” is determined. “110” excluding a specific number “##” is acquired from “110”, and “110” is transmitted to the number conversion server as a service number.

  Subsequently, when the service number is received from the HGW, the number conversion server acquires service information corresponding to the service number from the service provision information DB and transmits the service information to the HGW (steps S803 and S804).

  Specifically, in the above example, when the number conversion server receives the service number “110” from the HGW, the service information “Web bookmark service, Bookmark, HTTP, http: //” corresponding to the service number “110” is received. /someservice.com "is acquired from the service provision information DB and transmitted to the HGW.

  Then, when the service information is received from the number conversion server, the HGW stores the service information in the service information DB (step S805). Specifically, in the above example, when the HGW receives service information “Web bookmark service, Bookmark, HTTP, http://someservice.com” from the number conversion server, the service information “Web bookmark service, Bookmark” , HTTP, http://someservice.com ”is stored in the service information DB.

  Thereafter, when the web browser is activated or the web access button is clicked by the user, the network compatible TV performs web access to the HGW (step S806).

  Then, the HGW acquires a connection destination server list from the stored service information “Web bookmark service, Bookmark, HTTP, http://someservice.com” (step S807), and transmits it to the network compatible TV as a bookmark (step S807). Step S808).

  Thereafter, when the connection destination is designated from the received bookmark, the network compatible TV transmits a server connection request to the Web server (step S809), and the Web server transmits the Web content to the network compatible TV (step S810). .

  Here, the network compatible TV transmits the server connection request to the Web server when the connection destination is designated by the user from the received bookmark, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of If each web server is stored as a separate service, that is, if the address information of one web server is stored in one bookmark, etc., when a bookmark is received, a server connection request is automatically issued by redirection. You may make it transmit to a web server.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is not necessary to bookmark each home device by registering a Web server that is normally used in advance in the HGW, and it can be easily used from any home device. It is possible to reduce the burden on the user.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the number conversion server transmits the service information when receiving the service number from the HGW has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the service number is obtained from the HGW. When received, the service information may be transmitted after storing (registering) the user information of the home network.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, when the number conversion server receives the service number from the HGW, it stores (registers) the user information of the home network and transmits the service information. Will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the service providing system according to the third embodiment, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the user information DB, and FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of the information memorize | stored in user registration DB.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the service providing system according to the third embodiment is similar to FIG. 1 in that the HGW that controls the connection between a plurality of in-home devices connected to the home network and the outside network, and the outside network VOD server, Web server, and content server that provide various services to home devices from the Internet, and number conversion servers that store service information required for the home devices to receive the services are respectively connected to networks such as the Internet. It is configured to be communicable with each other.

  As in the first embodiment, the HGW stores a specific number expressed by the numeric keypad as “special number” as “##” in the special number information DB. In addition, the number conversion server associates the service information with the service number as “123, connection service, content server address, connection information”, “789, VOD service, VOD server address, connection information”, and the like as service provision information. Store in DB.

  And as a different point from Example 1, HGW memorize | stores the identification number allocated uniquely. As a specific example, the HGW stores “ID = 01” as an identification number in the identification number DB. Further, the number conversion server stores user information related to the HGW user in the user information DB in association with the identification number. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the user information DB includes “01, Patent Taro, 03− as“ identification number indicating identification number ”and“ user information ”regarding the user”. XXX-XXXX, credit number (1111222) "," 02, Hanako, 06-YYY-YYYY, credit number (99001111) "and the like. Here, the information listed as stored information is merely an example, and may be information specifying a user such as an address and age. In addition to the identification number, authentication information such as an electronic certificate or key information for authenticating the HGW may be used. The identification number DB corresponds to the “identification number storage means” described in the claims, and similarly, the user information DB corresponds to the “user information storage means” described in the claims. .

  With this configuration, the telephone transmits a dial signal input by the user to the HGW, and the HGW stores a specific number expressed by a numeric keypad when the dial signal is received from the telephone. Referring to the information DB, it is determined whether or not the dial signal is a specific number (see (1) in FIG. 9). Specifically, when the telephone transmits a dial signal “## 789” input by the user to the HGW, and the HGW receives the dial signal “## 789” from the telephone, the special number information With reference to the DB, “##” of the dial signal “## 789” is stored in the special number information DB, so that it is determined to be a specific number.

  And when it determines with it being a specific number, HGW transmits the identification number acquired from identification number DB, and the service number extracted from the dial signal to a number conversion server (refer (2) of FIG. 9). . Specifically, the HGW transmits the identification number “01” acquired from the identification number DB and the service number “789” acquired from the dial signal “## 789” to the number conversion server.

  Subsequently, when the identification number is received together with the service number, the number conversion server acquires service information corresponding to the service number from the service provision information DB, transmits it to the HGW, and uses the information associated with the identification number. User information is acquired from the user information DB, and service information and user information are stored in a predetermined user registration DB (see (3) and (4) in FIG. 9). The number conversion server may transmit the user information stored (registered) here to an apparatus (here, a VOD server) that provides a service corresponding to the received service number as necessary. .

  Specifically, in the above example, when the number conversion server receives the identification number “01” together with the service number “789”, the service information corresponding to the service number “789” is “789, VOD service, “VOD server address, connection information” is acquired from the service provision information DB, transmitted to the HGW, and user information associated with the identification number “01” is “patent Taro, 03-XXX-XXXX, credit number” (1111222) "is acquired from the user information DB, and as shown in FIG. 11," VOD service, patent Taro, 03-XXX-XXXX, credit number (11112222) ", etc. as" service information, user information " And stored in the user registration DB.

  By doing so, the VOD server registers “Taro Tokkyo” who is a user of the HGW as a user of the VOD service. The user registration DB corresponds to the “user registration storage means” described in the claims, and the information including various data and parameters can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. Can do.

  When the service information is received from the number conversion server, the HGW stores (registers) the service information in a predetermined service information DB (see (5) in FIG. 9). Specifically, in the above example, when the HGW receives the service information “VOD service, VOD server address, connection information” from the number conversion server, the HGW sends the service information “VOD service, VOD server address, connection information”. Store (register) in the service information DB.

  After the service information is stored in the HGW in this way, the network compatible TV transmits a content list request (server list request) to the HGW, as in the first embodiment, and the HGW receives the content list (server list). Is transmitted to the network compatible TV (see (6) and (7) in FIG. 9).

  Then, when the VOD service is selected by the user from the received content list, the network compatible TV transmits a VOD service request to the HGW, and the HGW acquires service information corresponding to the connection service request from the service information DB. The connection between the network compatible TV and the VOD server is controlled using the service information (see (8) and (9) in FIG. 9).

  Thereafter, the VOD server transmits the content list to the HGW (see (10) in FIG. 9), and the HGW transmits the received content list to the network compatible TV (see (11) in FIG. 9).

  Then, when the content used from the received content list is selected by the user, the network compatible TV transmits a content request for requesting the use of the content to the HGW (see (12) in FIG. 9). Then, the content request is transferred to the VOD server (see (13) in FIG. 9).

  Then, the VOD server transmits the content corresponding to the content request to the HGW (see (14) in FIG. 9), and the HGW transfers the content to the network compatible TV (see (15) in FIG. 9). ), The network-compatible TV can use the content.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the HGW stores the identification number uniquely assigned to the HGW, the number conversion server stores the user information in association with the identification number, and the acquired identification number When the service number is transmitted to the number conversion server and the identification number is received together with the service number, the service information corresponding to the service number is acquired from the service provision information DB, transmitted to the HGW, and associated with the identification number. The obtained user information is acquired from the user information DB, and the service information and the user information are stored in the predetermined user registration DB. Therefore, the VOD server can store the user information and the service information about the HGW user. When the service is provided to the home network only when is stored in association with the number conversion server, the user is required to use the service. It is possible to perform the recording easily.

  For example, when using a VOD service or the like that requires user registration, a specific number (for example, ## 789) for using the VOD service is entered with a numeric keypad such as a telephone, so that a URL can be obtained from a remote controller or the like. As a result of acquiring information necessary for connection of a service providing apparatus (for example, a VOD server) and acquiring and registering user information, user registration is required to use the service. Can be easily performed.

  In the third embodiment, the case where the number conversion server registers (stores) user information has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a service providing apparatus such as a VOD server stores user information. You may make it register (store).

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, with reference to FIG. 12, the VOD server registers (stores) user information by the service providing apparatus and associates the user information with respect to the user of the HGW in association with the service information provided to the HGW. A case where a service is provided to a network-compatible TV only in the case of storing the information will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the service providing system according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the service providing system according to the fourth embodiment is similar to FIG. 1 in that the HGW that controls connection between a plurality of in-home devices connected to the home network and the outside network, and the outside network VOD server, Web server, and content server that provide various services to home devices from the Internet, and number conversion servers that store service information required for the home devices to receive the services are respectively connected to networks such as the Internet. It is configured to be communicable with each other.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the HGW stores “##”, “**”, and the like as “special numbers” indicating specific numbers in the special number information DB, and is provided from a service providing apparatus such as a VOD server. The service information is stored in the service information DB as “VOD service” or the like. In addition, the number conversion server associates the service information with the service number as “123, connection service, content server address, connection information”, “789, VOD service, VOD server address, connection information”, and the like as service provision information. Store in DB.

  Then, the difference from the first embodiment is that the HGW stores the user information of the HGW user (for example, an administrator of the home network) in the user information DB. Specifically, the user information DB stores “user name, telephone number, credit number” and the like as user information. For example, the user information DB stores “Jiro Jiro, 090-AAA-AAAAA, 12345789” as “user name, telephone number, credit number”.

  With this configuration, the telephone transmits a dial signal input by the user to the HGW, and the HGW stores a specific number expressed by a numeric keypad when the dial signal is received from the telephone. Referring to the information DB, it is determined whether or not the dial signal is a specific number (see (1) in FIG. 12). Specifically, when the telephone transmits a dial signal “## 789” input by the user to the HGW, and the HGW receives the dial signal “## 789” from the telephone, the special number information Referring to the DB, it is determined that “##” of the dial signal “## 789” is a specific number from being stored in the special number information DB.

  And when it determines with it being a specific number, HGW transmits the service number extracted from the dial signal to a number conversion server (refer (2) of FIG. 12). Specifically, the HGW transmits the service number “789” acquired from the dial signal “## 789” to the number conversion server.

  Then, the number conversion server acquires service information corresponding to the service number from the service provision information DB and transmits it to the HGW (see (3) in FIG. 12). Subsequently, when the service information is received from the number conversion server, the HGW stores the service information in a predetermined service information DB, acquires the address information of the VOD server from the service information, and uses the address information to use the service information. The user information stored in the user information DB is transmitted to the VOD server, and the VOD server stores the received user information in the user registration DB (see (5) and (6) in FIG. 12).

  Specifically, in the above example, the number conversion server acquires service information “VOD service, VOD server address, connection information” corresponding to the service number “789” from the service provision information DB, and transmits it to the HGW. . Subsequently, the HGW stores the service information “VOD service, VOD server address, connection information” in the service information DB and obtains the VOD server address information from the service information “VOD service, VOD server address, connection information”. Using the address information, the user information “Kojiro, 090-AAA-AAAAA, 12345789” stored in the user information DB is transmitted to the VOD server. Then, the VOD server stores the received user information “Patent Jiro, 090-AAA-AAAAA, 12345789” in the user registration DB. In this way, the VOD server registers “Joji Jiro” who is a user of the HGW as a user of the VOD service.

  The subsequent processing until the network-compatible TV transmits the content list request and receives the content (see (7) in FIG. 12 to (16) in FIG. 12) in FIG. Since this is the same as the processing of 6) to (15), detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the HGW stores the user information related to the user of the HGW, and stores the service information in the predetermined service information DB when the service information is received from the number conversion server. Since the address information of the VOD server is acquired from the service information and the user information stored in the user information DB is transmitted to the VOD server using the address information, the VOD server corresponds to the service information provided to the HGW. In addition, only when storing user information regarding HGW users, when providing a service to a network-compatible TV, user registration can be easily performed in order to use the service while maintaining high security. Is possible.

  For example, when using a VOD service or the like that requires user registration, a specific number (for example, ## 789) for using the VOD service is entered with a numeric keypad such as a telephone, so that a URL can be obtained from a remote controller or the like. As a result, user information can be transmitted as necessary, such as obtaining information necessary for connection to the service server and transmitting and registering user information, maintaining high security. However, user registration can be easily performed to use the service.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the number conversion server has described the case where any one or a plurality of service types, connection methods, connection information, and connection destination addresses are stored as service information. The present invention is not limited, and at least an update frequency indicating the frequency of updating the content data may be stored.

  Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, a case where the number conversion server stores an update frequency indicating the frequency of updating at least service information as service information will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the service provision information DB, and FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of service registration and connection processing in the service provision system according to the fifth embodiment.

  The service providing system according to the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). Also, like the third embodiment, the HGW stores “ID = 01” as an identification number, and the number The conversion server stores the user information in association with the identification number in the user information DB such as “01, Taro Patent, 03-XXX-XXXX, credit number (11112222)”.

  As different from the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the service providing information DB includes “a service number for identifying a service, a“ service type ”for indicating a service type, and information necessary for connection. “111, Podcasting, http: //aaa.bbb.ccc/podcasting.xml, 6 hours” as “connection destination information” and “update frequency” indicating the frequency of updating content data provided by the service providing device Or “222, Web-RSS (Web-Rich Site Summary), http: //aaa.bbb.ccc/news.xml, 1 hour”.

  Under such a configuration, the telephone transmits a dial signal input by the user to the HGW (step S1401). When the HGW receives the dial signal from the telephone, the HGW receives a specific number represented by a numeric keypad. When the dial signal is determined to be a specific number with reference to the special number information DB storing the service number, the service number is acquired from the dial signal and the identification number and the service number are transmitted to the number conversion server. (Step S1402).

  More specifically, the telephone transmits a dial signal “## 111” input by the user to the HGW. Then, the HGW determines that “##” of the dial signal “## 111” is stored in the special number information DB, and determines that it is a specific number, and the specific number from the dial signal “## 111”. “111” excluding “##” is acquired as the service number “111”, and the identification number (01) and the service number (111) are transmitted to the number conversion server.

  Then, the number conversion server acquires service information corresponding to the service number from the service provision information DB, transmits the service information to the HGW, acquires user information associated with the identification number from the user information DB, and Service information and user information are stored in a predetermined user registration DB (steps S1403 and S1404). The number conversion server may transmit the user information stored (registered) here to an apparatus (here, a VOD server) that provides a service corresponding to the received service number as necessary. (Step S1405).

  More specifically, the number conversion server uses the service information “Podcasting, http: //aaa.bbb.ccc/podcasting.xml, 6 hours” corresponding to the service number “111” as the service provision information DB. And the user information “Patent Taro, 03-XXX-XXXX, credit number (11112222)” associated with the identification number “01” is acquired from the user information DB, Service information and user information are stored in a predetermined user registration DB.

  The HGW stores the received service information in a predetermined service information DB, acquires service information from the service providing apparatus according to the update frequency, and stores the service information in the service information DB (steps S1406 to S1410). Specifically, in the above example, the HGW stores the received service information “Podcasting, http: //aaa.bbb.ccc/podcasting.xml, 6 hours” in a predetermined service information DB and updates the update frequency. According to “6 hours”, it connects to the service providing apparatus, acquires information such as content information, and stores it in the service information DB.

  After that, when a content list request or the like transmitted by the same method as in the first embodiment is received from the network compatible TV, the HGW acquires a content list to be stored and transmits the content list to the network compatible TV (steps S1411 to S1411). Step S1413).

  When the content request transmitted by the same method as in the first embodiment is received from the network compatible TV, the HGW acquires the content corresponding to the content request and transmits the content request to the network compatible TV (steps S1414 to S1416). ).

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, when at least the update frequency indicating the frequency of updating the content data provided by the service providing apparatus is received as the service information, the service information is stored and the service is provided according to the update frequency. Since content data is acquired and stored by accessing the apparatus, it is possible to use podcasting, Web content using RSS, and the like.

  For example, “Podcasting, http://aaa.bbb.com/podcasting.xml, 6 hours” or “Web-RSS, http://aaa.bbb.com/” as “Service type, connection destination information, update frequency” By storing “news.xml, 1 hour” and the like, the update frequency can be determined according to each site. As a result, various services that generate updates can be used.

  In the sixth embodiment, the case where the update frequency is received has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the update time may be received. In that case, the service providing device may have “Service type, connection destination information, transmission information, update time” as “Upload, http: //aaa.bbb.ccc/send.cgi, network statistics, daily at 0:00”, etc. Remember. The HGW receives and stores “Upload, http: //aaa.bbb.ccc/send.cgi, network statistics, 0:00 every day” as service information, and according to the update time “0:00 every day” Access the service providing apparatus to acquire and store the content data.

  Incidentally, in the fifth embodiment, the case has been described where the number conversion server stores at least the update frequency indicating the frequency of updating the service information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least the network statistics of the home network You may make it memorize | store the transmission time which shows the time which transmits information to a service provision apparatus.

  Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, a case will be described in which the number conversion server stores a transmission time indicating a time for transmitting at least the network statistical information of the home network to the service providing apparatus, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the service provision information DB, and FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of service registration and connection processing in the service provision system according to the sixth embodiment.

  The service providing system according to the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). Similarly to the third embodiment, the HGW stores “ID = 01” as an identification number and converts the number. The server stores the user information in association with the identification number in the user information DB such as “01, Taro Patent, 03-XXX-XXXX, credit number (11112222)”.

  As different from the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the service providing information DB includes “a service number for identifying a service, a“ service type ”for indicating a service type, and information necessary for connection. "999, Upload, http: //aaa.bbb.ccc/send.cgi", network statistics information as "connection destination information" to indicate, "transmission information" to be transmitted to the connection destination, and "transmission time" to indicate the transmission time , 0:00 every day ".

  Under such a configuration, the telephone transmits a dial signal input by the user to the HGW (step S1601), and the HGW receives a dial signal from the telephone and receives a specific number represented by a numeric keypad. When it is determined whether or not the dial signal is a specific number, the service number is acquired from the dial signal and the identification number and the service number are converted into a number conversion server. (Step S1602).

  More specifically, the telephone transmits a dial signal “## 999” input by the user to the HGW. Then, the HGW determines that “##” of the dial signal “## 999” is stored in the special number information DB, and determines that it is a specific number, and the specific number from the dial signal “## 999”. “999” excluding “##” is acquired as the service number “999”, and the identification number (01) and the service number (999) are transmitted to the number conversion server.

  Then, the number conversion server acquires service information corresponding to the service number from the service provision information DB, transmits the service information to the HGW, acquires user information associated with the identification number from the user information DB, and Service information and user information are stored in a predetermined user registration DB (steps S1603 and S1604). The number conversion server may transmit the user information stored (registered) here to an apparatus (here, a VOD server) that provides a service corresponding to the received service number as necessary (step). S1605).

  More specifically, in the above example, the number conversion server uses service information “Upload, http: //aaa.bbb.ccc/send.cgi, network statistical information, 0:00 every day” corresponding to the service number “999”. Is acquired from the service provision information DB and transmitted to the HGW, and the user information “Taro Taro, 03-XXX-XXXX, credit number (11112222)” associated with the identification number “01” is stored in the user information DB. And the service information and the user information are stored in a predetermined user registration DB.

  The HGW stores the received service information in a predetermined service information DB, monitors the home network, and transmits network statistical information to the service providing apparatus according to the transmission time (steps S1606 to S1612). Specifically, in the above example, the HGW stores the received service information “Upload, http: //aaa.bbb.ccc/send.cgi, network statistical information, 0:00 every day” in a predetermined service information DB. To do. Then, since the service information is “Upload, network statistical information”, the home network is periodically monitored, the network statistical information is stored, and the network statistical information is transmitted to the service providing apparatus every day at 0:00.

  When a network support request is transmitted to the service providing apparatus by the user of the home network (step S1613), the service providing apparatus selects various maintenance processes from the received and stored network statistical information (step S1614). ), And transmits the maintenance process as a process response to the home network (step S1615).

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the service information is received from the number conversion server when at least the transmission time indicating the time for transmitting the network statistical information of the home network to the service providing apparatus is stored as the service information. Then, the service information is stored in a predetermined service information DB, and the network statistical information is transmitted to the service providing apparatus according to the transmission time, so that a home network monitoring service or the like can be used.

  For example, conventionally, after a failure occurred in the home network, the support center was contacted by telephone, but as `` service type, connection destination information, transmission information, transmission time '', `` Upload, http: // aaa. By memorizing “bbb.ccc / send.cgi, network statistics, 0:00 every day”, it is possible to use a home network monitoring service, such as detecting failures in advance at the support center. is there.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the embodiments described above. Therefore, as shown below, (1) In-home numeric keypad, (2) Dial signal, (3) Service server device and service providing device, (4) System configuration, etc. An example will be described.

(1) Home numeric keypad For example, in the first to sixth embodiments, the case where a telephone is used as the home numeric keypad has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a remote control using infrared rays or the like. There may be. In that case, the HGW has an infrared receiving function for receiving infrared rays.

(2) Dial signal Moreover, in Examples 1-6, although HGW demonstrated the case where "##" and "**" were beforehand memorize | stored as a specific number, this invention is limited to this. Instead of a specific number, a specific number may be formatted and stored. To give a specific example, the HGW designates “X” as “any number (0 to 9),“ specific number ”as“ ## ”,“ ## XXX ”,“ XX ### XXX ”, and the like. Remember the format. Then, the HGW determines whether the number is a specific number by comparing the received dial signal with this format. For example, when “## 123” is received, the HGW determines that the dial signal is a specific number because the format is “## XXX”, and acquires “123” as the service number. When “12 ## 345” is received, the HGW determines that the dial signal is a specific number because the format is “XX ## XXX”, and acquires “12345” as a service number. To do.

  Further, when such a format is not stored, the HGW can obtain a number obtained by removing a specific number from the dial signal as a service number, regardless of what dial signal is received. For example, even if the HGW receives a dial signal in which a specific number and a service number are mixed, such as “1 ## 23”, the HGW uses a number obtained by removing the specific number from the dial signal as a service. Since it is acquired as a number, the service number can be acquired without being mistaken for “123”.

(3) Service Server Device and Service Providing Device In Embodiments 1 to 6, the case where the service server device (number conversion server) and the service providing device (content server, etc.) are separate devices has been described. The invention is not limited to this, and the functions of the two devices may be realized by a single device.

(4) System configuration, etc. The processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. (For example, FIGS. 3-5, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 15, FIG. 15 etc.).

  Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. The service information storage unit 23 and the service connection control unit 24 may be integrated. Further, all or any part of each processing function performed in each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.

(5) Program The various processing procedures described in the above embodiments can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD and being read from the recording medium by the computer.

  As described above, the service providing system and the service providing method according to the present invention are useful for a service providing apparatus to provide various services to a plurality of in-home devices connected to a home network via a data relay device. In particular, when using a service on an information appliance via a network, it is suitable for reducing the burden on the user and easily searching for the service or registering the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview and characteristics of a service providing system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a service providing system according to a first embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the information memorize | stored in special number information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in service information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in service provision information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of the service (content) list output to TV corresponding to a network. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of service registration and connection processing in the service providing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of service registration and connection processing in the service providing system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an overall configuration of a service providing system according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in user information DB. It is the figure which showed the example of the information memorize | stored in user registration DB. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an overall configuration of a service providing system according to a fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in service provision information DB. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of service registration and connection processing in a service providing system according to a fifth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in service provision information DB. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the service registration in the service provision system which concerns on Example 6, and a connection process.

Explanation of symbols

10 HGW
11 Telephone I / F unit 12 Internal network communication unit 13 External network communication unit 14 Storage unit 15 Special number information DB
16 Service information DB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 Call processing part 18 PSTN processing part 19 VOIP processing part 20 Control part 21 Special number determination part 22 Service number transmission part 23 Service information storage part 24 Service connection control part 30 Number conversion server 31 Communication control I / F part 32 Storage part 33 Service Provided information DB
34 Control unit 35 Service information transmission unit 40 Content server 50 Web server 60 VOD server

Claims (7)

A data relay device that controls connection between a plurality of in-home devices connected to the home network and the outside network, a service providing device that provides various services from the outside network to the in-home device, and the in-home device has the service A service providing system comprising a service server device for storing service information required for receiving provision,
The data relay device
Whether or not the dial signal is the specific number with reference to the special number information storage means for storing the specific number represented by the numeric keypad when a dial signal is received from the home numeric keypad device provided with the numeric keypad Special number determination means for determining
When it is determined by the special number determining means that the number is a specific number, a number obtained by removing the specific number from the dial signal is acquired as a service number for specifying a service provided by the service providing apparatus, and the service Service number transmitting means for transmitting to the server device;
Service information storage means for storing the service information in a predetermined service information storage means when the service information is received from the service server device;
When a connection request indicating a use request for the service is received from the in-home device, the service information corresponding to the connection request is acquired from the service information storage unit, and the in-home device and the Service connection control means for controlling connection with an external network;
The service server device includes:
Service provision information storage means for storing the service information in association with the service number;
Service information transmitting means for acquiring service information corresponding to the service number from the service providing information storage means and transmitting the service information to the data relay apparatus when the service number is received from the data relay apparatus;
A service providing system characterized by comprising: The service providing apparatus provides the service to the home network only when user information about the user of the data relay apparatus and the service information are stored in association with the service server apparatus. Because
The data relay device
An identification number storage means for storing an identification number uniquely assigned to the data relay device;
The service server device includes:
User information storage means for storing the user information in association with the identification number;
The service number transmission means transmits the identification number and the service number acquired from the identification number storage means to the service server device,
When the service information transmitting unit receives the identification number together with the service number, the service information transmitting unit acquires service information corresponding to the service number from the service providing information storage unit, transmits the service information to the data relay device, and The user information associated with an identification number is acquired from the user information storage means, and the service information and the user information are stored in a predetermined user registration storage means. The service providing system according to 1. The service providing device provides the service to the in-home device only when storing user information related to the user of the data relay device in association with service information provided to the data relay device. And
The data relay device
Further comprising user information storage means for storing user information relating to a user of the data relay device;
When the service information is received from the service server device, the service information storage unit stores the service information in a predetermined service information storage unit, and acquires address information of the service providing device from the service information. 2. The service providing system according to claim 1, wherein the user information stored in the user information storage means is transmitted to the service providing apparatus using the address information. The service providing information storage means stores one or more of a service type, a connection method, connection information, and a connection destination address as the service information,
The service information storage means stores the service information in the predetermined service information storage means when the service information is received from the service server device. Service providing system described in 1. The service providing information storage means stores, as the service information, at least an update frequency indicating a frequency of updating content data provided by the service providing device,
When the service information is received, the service information storage means stores the service information in the predetermined service information storage means, and accesses the service providing apparatus according to the update frequency to acquire the content data The service providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the service information is stored in the service information storage means. The service provision information storage means stores, as the service information, a transmission time indicating at least a time for transmitting network statistical information of the home network to the service provision apparatus,
The service information storage means stores the service information in the predetermined service information storage means when receiving the service information from the service server device, and provides the network statistical information according to the transmission time. The service providing system according to claim 1, wherein the service providing system transmits the information to a device. A data relay device that controls connection between a plurality of in-home devices connected to the home network and the outside network, a service providing device that provides various services from the outside network to the in-home device, and the in-home device has the service A service providing method comprising a service server device for storing service information required for receiving provision,
The data relay device
Whether or not the dial signal is the specific number with reference to the special number information storage means for storing the specific number represented by the numeric keypad when a dial signal is received from the home numeric keypad device provided with the numeric keypad A special number determination process for determining
If it is determined by the special number determination step that the number is a specific number, a number obtained by removing the specific number from the dial signal is acquired as a service number for specifying a service provided by the service providing apparatus, and the service A service number transmission step to be transmitted to the server device;
A service information storage step of storing the service information in a predetermined service information storage means when the service information is received from the service server device;
When a connection request indicating a use request for the service is received from the in-home device, the service information corresponding to the connection request is acquired from the service information storage unit, and the in-home device and the A service connection control process for controlling connection with an external network;
The service server device includes:
Service provision information storage means for storing the service information in association with the service number;
A service information transmission step of acquiring service information corresponding to the service number from the service provision information storage unit and transmitting the service information to the data relay device when the service number is received from the data relay device;
A service providing method characterized by including:

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