JP4814637B2 - Network system and communication destination distribution device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system, and more particularly to a network system suitable for use in improving the operability of information appliances connected to a home network.

  With the spread of the Internet and the advanced development of information processing technology, there is an increasing demand for connecting not only PCs but also home appliances to a network and communicating with home appliances from a remote terminal via the Internet.

  As one of the methods for performing communication between terminals via the Internet, there is a communication method using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) (specifications are summarized in Non-Patent Document 1 below). Communication using SIP performs PtoP (Peer to Peer) communication after negotiation of information necessary for communication between SIP terminals. In particular, SIP is spreading as a connection control technique when performing voice communication on the Internet such as an Internet telephone.

  In communication using SIP, communication between SIP UA (User Agent) uniquely identified by SIP URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is negotiated necessary for communication via SIP proxy, and then PtoP communication is performed. Do it. By intermediating the SIP proxy, the SIP proxy can manage information necessary for communication such as SIP URI and IP address.

  On the other hand, as one of services using SIP, there is a presence service for notifying other SIP UAs of the state of SIP UAs. For example, when notifying the SIP UA1 of the state of the SIP UA1, first, the SIP UA1 registers the state of its own terminal in the presence server. Next, the SIP UA2 who wants to know the state of the SIP UA1 requests the presence server to notify the state of the SIP UA1. Thereafter, when there is a change in the state of the SIP UA1, the presence server notifies the SIP UA2 of the state of the SIP UA1.

  When the SIP UA2 wishes to communicate with the SIP UA1, the SIP proxy makes a connection request to the SIP UA2 with reference to the state of the SIP UA1 obtained by the presence service.

  As a usage method of SIP, not only voice communication but also a usage method of remotely operating a terminal such as a PC or a home appliance is considered.

  Incidentally, there is NAT (Network Address Translation) as a technique for performing communication between a terminal connected to an external network such as the Internet and a terminal connected to a private network. One of the NAT implementation methods is cone-type NAT. In the case of cone-type NAT, a device such as a router connected to both the external network and the private network holds NAT conversion information, and the address and port in the private network assigned to the terminal connected to the private network in the NAT conversion information The number is associated with the external network address and port number. When a terminal connected to an external network accesses a terminal connected to a private network, if the router holds NAT conversion information and the terminal connected to the external network can know the information, the terminal is connected to the private network. Access to the other terminals.

  On the other hand, use of controllers and home servers for managing a plurality of terminals connected to a network has begun. Such a controller or home server once relays access from outside the home to the home terminal. At that time, access control or the like is performed for access to a terminal in the home (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2003-69595 A IETF, RFC3261 SIP: Session Initiation Protocol, Internet <URL: http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc3261.html>

  Generally, when a terminal such as a PC or a home appliance connected to a network is remotely operated by an operator via the network, the operator needs to know the functions of the terminal and send an operation request. There is.

  For example, when an operator wants to record a certain program with high image quality, the operator needs to grasp that the hard disk recorder has a high image quality recording function and transmit a reservation instruction.

  Furthermore, there are a plurality of remotely operated terminals, and these terminals may have the same function. In that case, the operator not only knows the functions of those terminals, but also understands the status of each terminal (load status, presence of failure report, etc.), selects the device according to the status of the terminal, An operation request needs to be sent.

  For example, when an operator wants to record a certain program with high image quality, if the operator has a plurality of hard disk recorders, it is necessary to select which terminal to use. For this purpose, the operator grasps a terminal having a high-quality video recording function, and when there are a plurality of terminals, the operator selects a terminal from the viewpoint of holding more remaining capacity for recording, and makes a reservation instruction. Need to send.

  In the SIP presence service described in the above prior art, the state of a certain SIP UA can be notified to another SIP UA. When remotely controlling home appliances, it is conceivable to present the operator with functions such as the presence service and the current usage status. In that case, every time the number of terminals owned by the operator increases, the information presented to the operator increases, and there is a first problem that the burden for the operator to grasp the information increases. .

  When a SIP UA desires communication with another SIP UA, PtoP communication is performed after a negotiation necessary for communication is established between the SIP UAs. When an operator wants to perform PtoP communication with a remote home appliance, it is necessary to negotiate by changing the conditions until negotiation with the home appliance is established, or to select another home appliance and negotiate again. is there. For this reason, there is a second problem in that the burden on the operator increases or the development load of the developer for developing the negotiation function between SIP UAs increases.

  In addition, among SIP UAs that perform PtoP communication, one SIP UA1 is connected to a private network, the private network and an external network are connected via a router or the like, and the other SIP UA2 is connected to the external network. And At this time, in order for the SIP UA1 to receive communication from the SIP UA2, the SIP UA1 controls the NAT conversion information managed by the router (for example, the NAT conversion information managed by the router is converted into the SIP by the Universal Plug and Play). It is necessary to inform the SIP UA2 of the NAT conversion information. For this reason, there is a third problem in that the development burden for developing the NAT control function of SIP UA is increased.

  As shown in Patent Document 1, in the method in which the controller or home server relays, it is possible for the controller or home server to grasp the functions of the terminal. However, in this case as well, the controller and home server organize the functions for each terminal and present them to the operator, so the information that the operator grasps increases and the burden on the operator increases. Can not be solved. Also, in the case of a method in which the controller or home server relays, the processing load for relay processing is larger in the controller or home server than in the method in which communication is performed directly between terminals, and the controller or home server relays. There is a fourth problem that communication takes time.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to provide a comfortable user without overloading the operator in a network system in which a plurality of terminals such as information appliances are connected. A network system that does not increase the load for communication processing of the controller or home server without selecting the optimal terminal according to the processing request at the interface and performing processing, and without changing the existing communication protocol of the terminal It is to provide.

  In the configuration of the present invention, an operation terminal through which an operator inputs an operation request to another terminal and one or more operated terminals operated by the operation terminal are connected by a network.

  In addition, a connection control device that establishes communication between an operation terminal and an operated terminal, a communication destination distribution device that determines a terminal to be executed in response to an operator's operation request from a plurality of operated terminals, and an operated terminal A terminal information distribution device, which is a device operated by a third party who understands the functions of the device, is connected to the network.

  At this time, the network 10 may be an independently constructed network such as the Internet or a private network in the house, or a mixture of these networks.

  The operation terminal and the operated terminal send the function of each terminal and the current state of the terminal to the communication destination distribution apparatus as terminal information.

  The terminal information distribution device transmits the terminal information of the operation terminal or the operated terminal to the communication destination distribution device. On the other hand, when the terminal information received from the operation terminal or the operated terminal needs supplementation, the communication destination allocation apparatus supplements the terminal information using the terminal information received from the terminal information distribution apparatus.

  Based on the terminal information of the operated terminal, the communication destination distribution device presents the operation terminal as operable content. At that time, the functions that are shared among a plurality of terminals are arranged and the information to be presented is selected and presented.

  The operation terminal creates an operation request based on the selection and instruction made by the operator for the operable content, and sends the operation request to the connection control device. Then, the connection control device transfers the operation request to the communication destination distribution device.

  The communication destination allocating device determines the optimum operated terminal for executing the operation request based on the operation request from the operation terminal and the terminal information of the operation terminal and the operated terminal.

  Further, the communication destination distribution apparatus determines whether to perform communication via the connection control apparatus or the communication distribution apparatus or PtoP communication regarding the communication method between the operation terminal and the operated terminal, and the result of the determination Based on the above, information necessary for connection is calculated and sent to the connection control device.

  In the case where the operation terminal and the operated terminal perform PtoP communication, the communication destination distribution apparatus sets the terminal for PtoP communication from the operation request from the operation terminal and the terminal information of the operation terminal and the operated terminal. Power information is calculated. Further, the communication destination allocation apparatus sends the calculated setting information for PtoP communication to the connection control apparatus. The connection control device distributes the setting information for PtoP communication to the operation terminal and the operated terminal.

  When the operated terminal is connected to a private network and connected to an external network (a network to which a connection control device or an operating terminal is connected) via a router or the like, the communication destination distribution device manages the router Obtain the NAT conversion information or change the NAT conversion information to the router. In addition, the communication destination allocation apparatus sets each terminal for PtoP communication between the operation terminal and the operated terminal from the operation request from the operation terminal, the terminal information of the operation terminal and the operated terminal, and the NAT conversion information. Power information is calculated.

  With the above configuration, the operation terminal, the operated terminal, and the terminal information distribution device can send the terminal information to the communication destination distribution device, and the communication destination distribution device organizes, selects, and presents the terminal information as operable contents. it can. Further, the operation terminal can create an operation request based on the operable content, and the connection control device can accept it. Thereby, when the number of operated terminals increases, it is possible to solve the first problem that the information presented to the operator increases and the burden for the operator to grasp the information increases.

  In addition, with the above configuration, the communication destination allocating device determines the operated terminal, calculates information to be set in each terminal for PtoP communication, and the connection control device distributes the information to each terminal to perform PtoP communication. be able to. As a result, the second problem is that the burden on the operator increases in order to negotiate between the terminals that perform PtoP communication, or the development load increases to develop the negotiation function of the terminal that performs PtoP communication. Can be solved.

  Also, with the above configuration, it is necessary for the terminal connected to the private network to control the NAT conversion information by calculating the information that each terminal should set for PtoP communication in consideration of NAT. Disappear. As a result, the third problem of increasing the development burden for developing the NAT control function of the terminal that performs PtoP communication can be solved.

  Furthermore, with the above configuration, the communication destination distribution apparatus determines the operated terminal, and determines the communication method between the operation terminal and the operated terminal, so that communication via the connection control apparatus and the communication destination distribution apparatus is unnecessarily performed. Can be avoided. As a result, the fourth problem that communication takes time for relay processing of devices on the communication path can be solved.

  According to the present invention, in a network system in which a plurality of terminals such as information appliances are connected, an optimal terminal corresponding to a processing request is selected and processed with a comfortable user interface without imposing an excessive burden on the operator. Can be done. Further, it is possible to provide a network system that does not increase the load for communication processing of the controller and the home server without changing the existing communication protocol of the terminal.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Embodiment 1
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
First, the outline of the configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of various apparatuses according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an operation terminal 1 in which an operator inputs an operation request to another terminal, and one or more operated terminals 4 _i (i = 1,..., N (hereinafter simply referred to as “operated terminal 4”) are connected by a network.

  In addition, the connection control device 2 that establishes communication between the operation terminal and the operated terminal, the communication destination distribution device 3 that determines a terminal to be executed in response to an operator's operation request from a plurality of operated terminals, A terminal information distribution device 5, which is a device operated by a third party who grasps the function of the operation terminal, is connected to the network 10.

  In this embodiment, the operation terminal 1, the connection control device 2, the communication destination distribution device 3, and the operated terminal 4 are examples connected to the same network.

  The operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 send the function of each terminal and the current state of the terminal to the communication destination distribution device 3 as terminal information. Here, when the operated terminal 4 is a hard disk recorder, the terminal functions include various condition recording setting functions, recording image quality, encoding method, and the like, and the current state is the free space of the hard disk A state such as whether recording is currently in progress or a recording reservation, a load state of the CPU, and the like can be considered.

  The terminal information distribution device 5 transmits the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 or the operated terminal 4 to the communication destination distribution device 3. On the other hand, the communication destination distribution device 3 supplements the terminal information using the terminal information received from the terminal information distribution device 5 when the terminal information received from the operation terminal 1 or the operated terminal 5 needs to be supplemented. .

  The terminal information distribution device 5 is a device that holds information regarding the function of the operated terminal 4, and is operated by, for example, the manufacturer of the operated terminal 4 or an associated organization, and distributes information regarding the latest function.

  Based on the terminal information of the operated terminal 4, the communication destination distribution device 3 presents the operation destination content as operable content. At that time, the functions that are shared among a plurality of terminals are arranged and the information to be presented is selected and presented. For example, the operated terminal 4 displays items such as reserved time, image quality, and recording time of the hard disk recorder.

  The operation terminal 1 creates an operation request based on the selection and instruction made by the operator for the operable content, and sends the operation request to the connection control device 2. Then, the connection control device 2 transfers the operation request to the communication destination distribution device 3.

  Based on the operation request from the operation terminal 1 and the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4, the communication destination distribution device 3 determines the operated terminal 4 that is optimal for executing the operation request.

  Furthermore, the communication destination distribution device 3 determines whether to perform communication via the connection control device or the communication distribution device, or to perform PtoP communication, regarding the communication method between the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4. Based on the determined result, information necessary for connection is calculated and sent to the connection control device 2.

  When the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication, the communication destination distribution device 3 performs the PtoP communication based on the operation request from the operation terminal 1 and the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4. The information to be set in each terminal is calculated.

  Further, the communication destination distribution apparatus sends the calculated setting information for PtoP communication to the connection control apparatus 2. The connection control device 2 distributes setting information for PtoP communication to the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4.

  In addition, each apparatus of the operation terminal 1, the connection control apparatus 2, the communication destination distribution apparatus 3, the operated terminal 4, the terminal information distribution apparatus 5, the router 6, and the terminal information collection and distribution apparatus 7 shown in this embodiment is shown in FIG. An arithmetic device, a memory, an external storage device such as a hard disk, a communication device for communicating with other devices via a network, an input device such as a keyboard and buttons, and an output device such as a monitor. And an electronic computer or home appliance having an interface for transmitting and receiving data between these devices. Then, the CPU performs processing by executing a predetermined program loaded on the memory.

Next, the detailed configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the operation of each unit will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The operation terminal 1 is a mobile phone or PC, the connection control device 2 is a SIP proxy, the communication destination distribution device 3 is a computing device having a network function, and the operated terminal 4 is a plurality of hard disk recorders, terminal information Examples of the collection / delivery device 7 include a device operated by a hard disk recorder manufacturer and a device operated by a mobile phone manufacturer, and these are connected to a network 10 such as the Internet.

  The operation terminal 1 includes an interface 101, a terminal information generation unit 102, a terminal registration unit 103, an operation request generation unit 104, and a communication unit 105.

  The interface 101 presents information to the operator and obtains input from the operator. The terminal information generation unit 102 generates terminal information from the function of the terminal itself and the current state. The terminal registration unit 103 registers information necessary for communication with the terminal itself in the connection control device 2. The operation request generation unit 104 generates an operation request for the operated terminal 4. The communication unit 105 communicates with devices on the network.

  The connection control device 2 includes a terminal reception unit 201, an operation request transfer unit 202, a PtoP communication setting information distribution unit 203, and a communication unit 204.

  The terminal reception unit 201 receives a registration request from the operation terminal 1. The operation request transfer unit 202 transfers the operation request to the communication destination distribution device 3. The PtoP communication setting information distribution unit 203 distributes the PtoP communication setting information to the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal. Here, the PtoP communication setting information is information necessary for PtoP communication between the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4. The communication unit 204 communicates with devices on the network.

  The operated terminal 4 includes a terminal information generation unit 201, a terminal registration unit 202, and a communication unit 203.

  The terminal information generation unit 201 generates terminal information from the function of the terminal itself and the current state. The terminal registration unit 202 registers information necessary for communication with the terminal itself in the connection control device 2. The communication unit 203 communicates with devices on the network.

  The terminal information distribution device 5 includes a terminal information storage unit 501, a terminal information management unit 503, and a communication unit 504. The terminal information storage unit 501 collects information such as terminal functions from device manufacturers and stores the information as a terminal information list 502. The terminal information management unit 503 acquires terminal information to be sent to the communication destination distribution device 3. The communication unit 504 communicates with devices on the network.

  The communication destination distribution device 3 includes a terminal information acquisition unit 301, a terminal information storage unit 302, an operable content generation unit 304, an operated terminal determination unit 305, a communication method determination unit 306, and an operation content generation unit 307. , A PtoP communication setting information generation unit 308 and a communication unit 309.

  The terminal information acquisition unit 301 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1, the operated terminal 4, and the terminal information distribution device 5. The terminal information storage unit 302 stores the acquired terminal information as a terminal information list 303. The operable content generation unit 304 organizes the functions that are common among the plurality of operated terminals 4 and sorts the information to be presented to generate an operable request. The operation terminal determination unit 305 determines the operated terminal from the operation request transferred from the connection control device 2 and the terminal information. The communication method determination unit 306 determines whether to perform communication via the connection control device 2 or the communication distribution device 3 or PtoP communication as a communication method between the operated terminal 1 and the operated terminal. If the operation content generation unit 307 determines that communication is to be performed via the connection control device 2 or the communication distribution device 3 in the determination made by the communication method determination unit 306, the operation content generation unit 307 determines from the operation request and the terminal state of the operated terminal. Generates operation details to be sent to the operation terminal. When the PtoP communication setting information generation unit 308 determines that the PtoP communication is to be performed in the determination made by the communication method determination unit 306, the operation information and the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 are used to perform an operation. Information to be set in each terminal for PtoP communication between the terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 is calculated. The communication unit 309 communicates with devices on the network.

  Next, the operation when the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 under the system configuration of FIG. 2 will be described.

  As operations of the communication destination distribution device 3 at this time, terminal information is acquired from the operation terminal 1, the operated terminal 4, and the terminal information distribution device 5 when acquiring terminal information from the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4. There are two cases.

First, a case where the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart when the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4.

  In the operated terminal 4, the terminal information generation unit 401 collects the function information of the own terminal (step 3301), next grasps the current state of the device (step 3302), and generates terminal information (step 3303). The terminal information is sent to the communication destination distribution device 3 (step 3304).

  At this time, when a hard disk recorder is considered as the operated terminal 4, as the function information of the own terminal, the image quality that the hard disk recorder can record and the content stored in the hard disk recorder can be viewed from outside the house. Whether or not, setting of conditional recording, codec and encryption algorithm that can be used at that time are considered.

  Further, the current state of the terminal corresponds to the remaining capacity of the storage area of the hard disk recorder, the operation status such as recording / idle / recording reservation, the load state of the CPU, and the like.

  Also in one operation terminal 1, the terminal information generation unit 102 collects the function information of the own terminal (step 3101), next grasps the current state of the device (step 3102), and generates the terminal information (step 3102). 3103), terminal information is sent (step 3104).

  At this time, when a mobile phone is considered as the operation terminal 1, the function information of the own terminal includes whether or not the content stored in the hard disk recorder can be viewed from outside the house, and the codec that can be used at that time Or encryption algorithm.

  The current state of the terminal corresponds to resources required for viewing (temporary storage area, etc.), radio wave reception status, and the like.

  Then, in the communication destination distribution device 3, the terminal information acquisition unit 301 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 (step 3201). Next, based on the acquired terminal information, the terminal information storage unit 302 updates the terminal information list 303 (step 3202).

Next, an operation when the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1, the operated terminal 4, and the terminal information distribution device 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart when the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1, the operated terminal 4, and the terminal information distribution device 5.

  In the operated terminal 4, the terminal information generation unit 401 collects the function information of the own terminal (step 4301), next grasps the current state of the device (step 4302), and generates terminal information (step 4303). The terminal information is sent to the communication destination distribution device 3 (step 4304).

  In one operation terminal 1, the terminal information generation unit 102 collects the function information of the terminal itself (step 4101), next grasps the current state of the device (step 4102), and generates the terminal information (step 4101). 4103), the terminal information is sent to the communication destination distribution apparatus 3 (step 4104).

  Further, in the communication destination distribution device 3, the terminal information acquisition unit 301 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 (step 3201). Next, the terminal information acquisition unit 301 inquires the terminal information distribution device 5 about additional terminal information based on the terminal information acquired from the operation terminal 1 or the operated terminal 4 (step 4202).

  The terminal information distribution device 5 receives an inquiry from the communication destination distribution device 3 (step 4401). Next, the terminal information management unit 503 acquires necessary information from the terminal information list 502 (step 4402), and sends the terminal information to the communication destination distribution apparatus 3 (step 4403).

  At this time, when considering a hard disk recorder as the operated terminal 4 and a device operated by the manufacturer of the hard disk recorder as the terminal information distribution device 5, the function information sent by the hard disk recorder includes the model name and serial number of the hard disk recorder, etc. Can be considered.

  The terminal information sent by the terminal information distribution device 5 includes whether or not the content stored in the hard disk recorder based on the model name and serial number can be viewed from outside the house, and the codec that can be used at that time Or encryption algorithm.

  According to this method, since the terminal information distribution device 5 holds the detailed information of the terminal inside the operated terminal 4, the device of the operated terminal 4 is simplified, and the terminal information There is a merit that maintenance such as renewal and addition becomes easy.

  The communication destination distribution device 3 receives the terminal information from the terminal information distribution device 5 (step 4203). Next, based on the terminal information acquired in step 4201 and step 4203, the terminal information storage unit 302 updates the terminal information list 303 (step 4204).

Next, the operation for determining the operated terminal will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation for determining the operated terminal.

  In the operation terminal 1, the terminal registration unit 103 sends information necessary for communication to the terminal itself to the connection control device 2 (step 5101), and the terminal reception unit 201 in the connection control device 2 accepts registration. (Step 5201). On the other hand, in the operated terminal 4, the terminal registration unit 402 sends information necessary for communication to the own terminal to the connection control device 2 (step 5401). The registration is accepted (step 5201).

  Then, the operation terminal 1 inquires of the communication destination distribution device 3 about the contents that can be operated with respect to the operated terminal 4 (step 5103). The communication destination distribution device 3 receives the inquiry (step 5301), and the information that the operable content generation unit 304 organizes and presents the functions that are common among the plurality of operated terminals 4 from the terminal information list 303. Is selected to generate operable contents (step 5302) and sent to the operation terminal 1 (step 5303). Then, the operation terminal 1 receives the operable content to be sent (step 5105).

  The operable content generating unit 304 generates the operable content in order from the content important to the operator of the operation terminal 1 so that the operation request can be generated without the operator operating the last content. To.

  For example, a hard disk recorder at home can view recorded and stored content from outside the house, and another hard disk recorder at home has a recording function, but the stored content can be viewed from outside the house. If this is not possible, the operator can first select the basic function for recording or viewing, and then for recording, the recording quality can be selected. Specify a hard disk recorder for the. When the operator wants to specify exactly, he / she designates the contents as the operable contents step by step.

  Next, in the operation terminal 1, the operation request generation unit 104 generates an operation request based on the operable content and sends it to the connection control device 2 (step 5105). The connection control device 2 receives the operation request (step 5205), and the operation request transfer unit 202 transfers it to the communication destination distribution device 3 (step 5205). The communication destination distribution device 3 receives the transferred operation request (step 5304).

  In the communication destination distribution device 3, the operated terminal determination unit determines the operated terminal from the received operation request and the terminal information of the operated terminal 4 (step 5305). At this time, the communication method determination unit 306 determines whether the communication method is to simply transfer the operation request to the operated terminal or the communication method in which the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication with the operation request as a starting point. Then, the communication method is determined (step 5306).

  An index for determining the operated terminal is whether the function or current state of the operated terminal 4 satisfies the operation request requested from the operation terminal 1, and when the operation request is not satisfied. May be distributed to the operated terminals 4 that satisfy other operation requests. For example, in the case of a recording instruction to a hard disk recorder, the remaining capacity of the hard disk recorder is used as an index, and those having insufficient capacity are not regarded as operated terminals. Further, when determining the communication method, it is determined in association with the function to be used. For example, when viewing the contents of the hard disk recorder from outside the house, PtoP communication is performed, and in the case of a recording instruction to the hard disk recorder, the operated terminal is operated only with the content of the operation request.

  In the operation of determining the operated terminal as described above, two cases are selected as communication methods in step 5306. In Step 5306 No, the connection control device 2 simply performs an operation of transferring the operation request received from the operation terminal to the operated terminal 4, and the connection control device 2 communicates between the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4. There is no mediation regarding the operation.

  In Yes at step 5306, the connection control device 2 mediates the communication operation between the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4, and the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication. The operation requested from the operation terminal 1 to the operated terminal 4 is executed in this PtoP communication.

First, the communication operation of only the operation request transfer will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the communication operation of only the operation request transfer.

  In the communication destination distribution device 3, the operation content generation unit 307 converts the operation request so that the operated terminal can process it, and generates the operation content for the operated terminal (step 6201). Next, the operation content is sent to the connection control device 2 (step 6202).

  The connection control device 2 receives the operation content (step 6101) and transfers it to the operated terminal (step 6102).

  The operated terminal receives the transferred operation content (step 6301) and executes the operation content (step 6302).

Next, a communication operation in which the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a communication operation in which the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication.

  The PtoP communication between the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 starts with an operation request from the operation terminal 1 shown in FIG.

  In the communication destination distribution device 3, the PtoP communication setting information generation unit 308 performs each PtoP communication between the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal from the operation request and the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal. As information to be set in the terminal, PtoP communication setting information for each terminal is calculated (step 7301). Next, the setting information for PtoP communication for each terminal is sent to the connection control device 2 (step 7302).

  For example, when viewing content stored in a hard disk recorder from a mobile phone outside the home, the communication destination allocation device calculates the codec and encryption method that can be processed by the terminals at both ends of the communication as setting information for PtoP communication To do.

  Next, the connection control device 2 receives PtoP communication setting information for each terminal from the communication destination distribution device 3 (step 7201). Then, the PtoP communication setting information distribution unit 203 transfers the PtoP communication setting information for the operation terminal to the operation terminal 1 (step 7202), and transfers the PtoP communication setting information for the operation terminal to the operation terminal 4 ( Step 7203).

  Next, the operation terminal 1 receives setting information for PtoP communication for the operation terminal from the control control device 2 (step 7101). Similarly, the operated terminal 4 receives setting information for PtoP communication for the operated terminal from the control control device 2 (step 7401). Thereafter, the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal perform PtoP communication according to the setting information for PtoP communication (steps 7102 and 7402).

  In the present embodiment, the communication destination distribution device 3 and the connection control device 2 are connected via a network to which the operation terminal 1 and the like are connected, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication destination distribution device 3 and the connection control device 2 may be connected by a communication means different from the network, and may send and receive operation requests, operation details for the operated terminal, and the like.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the operation terminal 1 has produced | generated the operation request based on the communicable content which the communication destination distribution apparatus 3 produced | generated, this invention is not limited to it. For example, the communication destination distribution device 3 may not present the operable content to the operation terminal 1, and may generate an operation request using information on the operated terminal 4 grasped by another means by the operator.

[Embodiment 2]
The second embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which the operation terminal 1, the connection control device 2, the communication destination distribution device 3, and the operated terminal 4 are connected to the same network has been described.

  In the network system of the present embodiment, the communication destination distribution device 3 and the operated terminal 4 are connected to a private network, and the operation terminal 1 and the connection control device 2 are connected to each other via a router connected to the private network. It is configured to be connected to the network.

First, with reference to FIG. 9, the detailed configuration of the network system and the operation of each unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration of the network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the network system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, an operation terminal 1, a connection control device 2, a terminal information collection / delivery device 7, and a router 6 are connected to an external network 11. Further, the communication destination distribution device 3, one or more operated terminals 4 _i (i = 1,..., N, hereinafter, simply “operated terminal 4”) and the router 6 are connected to the private network 12. . The external network 11 and the private network 12 are connected via the router 6.

  As specific examples, the operation terminal 1 may be a mobile phone or PC, the connection control device 2 may be a SIP proxy, and the terminal information collection and distribution device 7 may be a device operated by a hard disk recorder manufacturer or a device operated by a mobile phone manufacturer. These are connected via the Internet. The communication destination distribution device 3 may be a computing device having a network function such as a home server, and the operated terminal 4 may be a plurality of hard disk recorders, which are connected by a home network in the house.

  The configuration of the operation terminal 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The configuration of the connection control device 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The configuration of the operated terminal 4 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The communication destination distribution device 3 includes a terminal registration unit 310 and a router cooperation unit 311 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

  The terminal registration unit 310 registers information necessary for communication with the terminal itself in the connection control device 2. The router cooperation unit 310 exchanges communication information with the router 6.

  The router 6 includes a NAT conversion information management unit 601 and a communication unit 603.

  The NAT conversion information management unit 601 manages the NAT conversion information 602. The communication unit 603 communicates with other devices on the network.

  The terminal information collection / distribution device 7 includes a terminal information acquisition unit 701, a terminal information distribution unit 702, and a communication unit 703.

  The terminal information acquisition unit 701 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1 and the communication destination distribution device 3. The terminal information distribution unit 702 distributes terminal information in response to a terminal information acquisition request. The communication unit 703 communicates with other devices on the network.

Next, under the system configuration in FIG. 9, the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires terminal information of the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 using FIG. 10, and the operation terminal 1 receives the operable content. Will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 and the operation terminal 1 receives the operable content.

  In the operated terminal 4, the terminal information generation unit 401 collects the function information of the own terminal (step 9401), next grasps the current state of the device (step 9402), and generates terminal information (step 9403). Terminal information is sent (step 9404).

  In the communication destination distribution device 3, the terminal information acquisition unit 301 acquires terminal information from the operated terminal 4 (step 9301). Next, based on the acquired terminal information, the terminal information storage unit 302 updates the terminal information list 303 (step 9302). Next, the operable content generation unit 304 organizes the functions that are commonly held among the plurality of operated terminals 4 from the terminal information list 303 and selects the information to be presented to generate the operable content. (Step 9303), the information is sent to the terminal information collection and delivery device 7 (Step 9304).

  On the other hand, in the operation terminal 1, the terminal information generation unit 102 collects the function information of the terminal itself (step 9101), next grasps the current state of the device (step 9102), and generates terminal information (step 9103). ), Terminal information is sent (step 9104).

  In the terminal information collection / delivery device 7, the terminal information acquisition unit 701 acquires the terminal information from the operation terminal 1 and the operable content from the communication destination distribution device 3 (step 9201).

  In the communication destination distribution apparatus 3, the terminal information acquisition unit 301 requests terminal information of the operation terminal 1 from the terminal information collection and delivery apparatus 7 (step 9305). The terminal information collection / delivery device 7 receives the request for the terminal information of the operation terminal from the communication destination distribution device 3 (step 9202), and returns the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 (step 9203). In the communication destination distribution device 3, the terminal information acquisition unit 301 receives the returned terminal information of the operation terminal 1 (step 9306).

  In addition, the operation terminal 1 inquires the terminal information collection and delivery device 7 about the operable content as operable content (step 9105). The terminal information collection / delivery device 7 receives the inquiry (step 9204) and returns the operable content (step 9205). Then, the operation terminal 1 receives the transmitted operable content (step 9106).

Next, the operation | movement which determines an operated terminal is demonstrated using FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation for determining the operated terminal.

  In the operation terminal 1, the terminal registration unit 103 sends information necessary for communication to the own terminal to the connection control device 2 (step 10101), and the terminal reception unit 201 in the connection control device 2 accepts registration. (Step 10201). On the other hand, also in the communication destination distribution device 3, the terminal registration unit 310 sends information necessary for communication to the own terminal to the connection control device 2 (step 10301). The registration is accepted (step 10201).

  Next, in the operation terminal 1, the operation request generation unit 104 generates an operation request based on the operable content, and sends it to the connection control device 2 (step 10102). The connection control device 2 receives the operation request (step 10202), and the operation request transfer unit 202 transfers the operation request to the communication destination distribution device 3 (step 10203). The communication destination distribution device 3 receives the transferred operation request (step 10302).

  Next, in the communication destination distribution device 3, the operated terminal determination unit determines the operated terminal from the received operation request and the terminal information of the operated terminal 4 (step 10303). At this time, the communication method determination unit 306 determines whether the communication method is to simply transfer the operation request to the operated terminal or the communication method in which the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication with the operation request as a starting point. Then, a communication method is determined (step 10304). This part is the same as the processing in step 5306 of the first embodiment.

  In the operation of determining the operated terminal, there are two communication methods, and the connection control device 2 only performs the operation of transferring the operation request received from the operating terminal to the operated terminal 4. As in the first embodiment, the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 may perform PtoP communication.

First, the communication operation of only the operation request transfer will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a communication operation of only operation request transfer.

  In the communication destination distribution device 3, the operation content generation unit 307 converts the operation request so that the operated terminal can process it, and generates the operation content for the operated terminal (step 11101). Next, the operation content is sent to the operated terminal (step 11102).

  The operated terminal receives the operation content (step 11201) and executes the operation content (step 11202).

Next, a communication operation in which the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a communication operation in which the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication.

  In the communication destination distribution device 3, the router cooperation function 311 requests sending of NAT conversion information related to the operated terminal among the NAT conversion information 602 managed by the router 6 (step 12301). The router 6 receives the NAT conversion information sending request (step 12502), and returns the requested NAT conversion information (step 12503). The communication destination allocation device 3 receives the NAT conversion information (step 12302), and changes the NAT conversion information so that communication between the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 can be established (step 12303).

  For PtoP communication for each terminal as information set in each terminal for PtoP communication between the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 from the operation request, the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal, and the NAT conversion information Setting information is calculated (step 12304). Next, the setting information for PtoP communication for each terminal is sent to the connection control device 2 (step 12305).

  Specifically, the setting information is calculated because the operated terminal 4 is connected to the private network and is connected to the external network 12 via a router or the like. The conversion information is acquired or the NAT conversion information is changed for the router 6. In addition, the communication destination distribution device 3 uses each terminal for PtoP communication between the operation terminal and the operated terminal from the operation request from the operation terminal 1, the terminal information of the operation terminal and the operated terminal, and the NAT conversion information. Calculate the information to be set.

  More specifically, the communication destination distribution device 3 obtains the port number associated with the operated terminal as NAT conversion information from the router 6 and indicates it in the setting information for PtoP communication. It is possible to acquire the status of conversion and access the operated terminal from the Internet.

  The connection control device 2 receives the PtoP communication setting information for each terminal from the communication destination distribution device 3 (step 12201). Next, the setting information distribution unit for PtoP communication 203 transfers the setting information for PtoP communication for the operating terminal to the operating terminal 1 (Step 12202), and transfers the setting information for PtoP communication for the operated terminal to the operated terminal 4. (Step 12203).

  The operation terminal 1 receives the transmitted setting information for PtoP communication for the operation terminal (step 12101). The operated terminal 4 also receives the transmitted setting information for PtoP communication for the operated terminal (step 12401). Thereafter, the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4 execute PtoP communication according to the setting information for PtoP communication (steps 12102 and 12402).

  In the present embodiment, the terminal information acquired by the communication destination distribution device 3 is acquired from the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, terminal information may be acquired from another device such as the terminal information distribution device 5 as in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires the terminal information of the operated terminal 4 before registering its own terminal in the connection destination control device 2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. is not. For example, after the communication destination distribution device 3 registers its own terminal in the connection control device 2 and the operation terminal 1 receives an operation request generated from operable contents acquired in the past, the terminal information is inquired of the operated terminal 4 Terminal information may be acquired.

  Furthermore, the system forms of the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be appropriately combined.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the network system which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the various apparatuses which concern on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the network system which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart in a case where the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4. 10 is a flowchart in a case where the communication destination distribution device 3 acquires terminal information from the operation terminal 1, the operated terminal 4, and the terminal information distribution device 5. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which determines a to-be-operated terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the communication operation | movement only of operation request transfer. It is a flowchart which shows the communication operation | movement in which the operating terminal 1 and the to-be-operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the network system which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart in case the communication destination distribution apparatus 3 acquires the terminal information of the operation terminal 1 and the operated terminal 4, and the operation terminal 1 receives the operable content. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which determines a to-be-operated terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the communication operation | movement only of operation request transfer. It is a flowchart which shows the communication operation | movement in which the operating terminal 1 and the to-be-operated terminal 4 perform PtoP communication.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 0 ... Network, 1 ... Operation terminal, 2 ... Connection control apparatus, 3 ... Communication destination allocation apparatus, 4, 41-4n ... Operated terminal, 5 ... Terminal information distribution apparatus, 6 ... Router, 7 ... Terminal information collection / delivery apparatus, 10 ... Network, 11 ... External network, 12 ... Private network.

Claims (11)

Is operated operating device from the operating device, in a network system in which one or more of the operating devices are connected by a network to perform the process,
A connection control unit to establish a connection between the operated device and the operating device,
Wherein among the operated device, further comprising a communication destination distribution apparatus for determining an operated device for performing a process in response to an operation request of the operating device,
The communication destination distribution device is
Functions and information about the current state of the operating device, as well as to obtain information about capabilities and the current state of the operated device before carrying out the operation from the operating device,
Narrowing down the operation contents that can be operated by the operating device from information on the function and the current state of the operating device;
Narrowing down as operation contents that each operated device is currently accepted from information on the function of the operated device and the current state;
The operation content that can be currently operated by the operating device is used to narrow down the operation content that can be currently operated on the operated device group by using the operation content that is currently accepted by the operated device.
An operation that presents to the operating device what is currently operable on the group of operated devices, determines one or more operated devices that satisfy the operation request in response to the operation request of the operating device, and executes the operation determined as an apparatus, send the information on the operated device is determined to perform the connection control device,
Network system, wherein the connection control unit, for establishing a connection between the operating device the determined operating device and performing the operations. The operating device and the operated device are:
Information about the capabilities and current state of the device, and transmitted to the communication destination distribution device,
The communication destination distribution device is
Network system according to claim 1, characterized in that from the operated device and the operating device, to receive information about the capabilities and current state of the device. Comprising a device information distribution device that holds information about the capabilities of the operating device or the operated device,
The communication destination distribution device is
The information about the function of the operated device, queries the device information distribution device, the network system according to claim 1, wherein the acquiring the information about the function of the operated device. The communication destination distribution device is
As information about the function and current state of the operating device and the operated device, for each operating device and the operated device, the codec that can be processed by the operating device and the operated device or the encryption method currently used , Calculate the settings required for communication, send to the operating device and the operated device,
The operating device and the operated device are:
4. The network system according to claim 1, wherein a setting necessary for the communication is received. The communication destination distribution device calculates a setting necessary for the communication based on NAT conversion information when NAT (Network Address Translation) is performed for communication between the operation device and the operated device. Item 5. The network system according to Item 4. The network system according to claim 5, wherein the NAT conversion information is a port number associated with the operated device. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the operation device is a mobile terminal, and the operated device is a video recording device. An operating device, one or more operated devices that are operated from the operating device and perform processing, and a connection control device that establishes a connection between the operating device and the operated device are connected to a network. A communication destination distribution device,
The communication destination distribution device is
Obtaining information on the function and current state of the operating device, and information on the function and current state of the operated device before performing an operation from the operating device,
Narrowing down the content that can be operated by the operating device from the information on the function and current state of the operating device;
Narrowing down the contents that can be currently operated on the group of operated devices, using the operation contents that each operated device currently accepts from the information on the functions and current state of the operated devices;
Of the operation contents that can be currently operated by the operation device, using the operation content that is currently accepted by the operated device, narrowing down the content that can be currently operated on the operated device group, and
An operation that presents to the operating device what is currently operable on the group of operated devices, determines one or more operated devices that satisfy the operation request in response to the operation request of the operating device, and executes the operation A communication destination allocating apparatus, characterized in that information relating to an operated apparatus determined to be executed as an apparatus is sent to the connection control apparatus. The communication destination distribution device is
9. The communication destination distribution apparatus according to claim 8, wherein information relating to a function and a current state of the apparatus is received from the operation apparatus and the operated apparatus. A communication destination distribution device that acquires information from a device information distribution device that holds information about the function of the operation device or the operated device,
The communication destination distribution device is
9. The communication destination distribution apparatus according to claim 8, wherein information relating to the function of the operated device is inquired of the apparatus information distribution device, and information relating to the function of the operated device is acquired. The communication destination distribution device is
As information about the function and current state of the operating device and the operated device, for each operating device and the operated device, the codec that can be processed by the operating device and the operated device or the encryption method currently used , Calculate the settings required for communication, send to the operating device and the operated device,
The operating device and the operated device are:
11. The communication destination distribution apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a setting necessary for the communication is received.

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