JP5321137B2 - Communication device, related device identification method, and network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem wherein an initial setting is conventionally forced on a user in order to recognize an apparatus present in the same room. <P>SOLUTION: A fixed apparatus 200 includes: a light reception element 201 for receiving light; a light reception-side communication part 207 for multicasting a first light reception message showing that the light reception element 201 has received light to a communication network when the light reception element 201 has received light, and receiving a second light reception message showing that another apparatus has received light via the communication network; and a light reception-side determination part 204 determining that the own apparatus and the other apparatus exist in a reaching zone of light received by the light reception element 201 when the difference between the time at which the light reception element 201 has received the light and the time at which the light reception-side communication part 207 has received the second light reception message is in an assumed communication delay period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device connected to a communication network, a network system including the communication device, and the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a technology has been realized in which various devices in a home are connected by a communication network (hereinafter referred to as “home network”) and information held by each device is mutually used. An example of a home network is an Audio Visual (AV) network based on guidelines established by Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).

  According to the DLNA guidelines, a digital media player (DMP) that designates a server and content in the server and reproduces the content, and a digital media server (DMS) that is a server that holds the content and transmits the requested content, In addition, a Digital Media Renderer (DMR) that is a renderer that displays content, and a Digital Media Controller (DMC) that is a controller that controls the DMS and DMR are defined.

  When the DMP is activated, it searches for a DMS connected to the home network, and displays a list of searched DMSs on the user interface. The user selects a desired server from the list, and then selects a desired content included in the server, thereby reproducing the desired content.

  When the DMC is activated, it searches for DMS and DMR connected to the home network, and displays a list of the searched DMS and DMR on the user interface. The user selects the server he / she desires from the list of searched DMSs, selects the desired content included in the server, and further searches the list of DMRs searched for devices to play and display the content. Select from the table. Thus, when the user causes the DMC to output a playback command, the content desired by the user is played back by the DMR desired by the user.

  Since the home network is an Internet Protocol (IP) network based on DLNA, all devices connected to the home network are treated equally, and the list of DMS displayed on the DMP TV is Includes all DMS. The display order of DMS is arbitrarily determined by DMP, such as alphabetical order. The DMR list displayed by the DMC is the same as the DMS list.

  When a user designates a DMR using the DMC to display the content, the user usually displays the content on a DMR installed in a room where the DMC exists. There is little significance in displaying video or outputting sound on a DMR installed in a room different from the room in which the DMC is installed.

  Therefore, the content played on the DMP television is often the content that exists in the DMS recorder installed adjacent to the television, so it is installed in a room different from the room where the television is installed. It is desirable to be able to distinguish it from the contents existing in the server (DMS) being used. That is, when displaying a list of DMS on a television as a DMP, it is possible to give the user a natural feeling of operation by preferentially displaying adjacent recorders separately from servers installed in different rooms. Because.

  However, in a system in which devices are connected to a home network, since the devices are generally connected without a router, the displayed devices cannot be displayed separately for each room. As means for solving the problem, according to Patent Document 1, which device is located at which position in the house by using information on the position of the device in the room, information on the number of the room to which the device belongs, and information on the floor plan. There is disclosed a method for displaying whether or not on a floor plan image.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-198252

  However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user must set the position of the device and the number of the room to which the device belongs as an initial setting when the device is installed. Since the initial setting is generally the most difficult operation among the user operations, it is not preferable to force the user to perform the initial setting.

  An object of this invention is to provide the communication apparatus which recognizes the other apparatus which exists in the room in which it exists, without making a user perform initial setting. It is another object of the present invention to provide a related device specifying method that associates a first fixed device and a second fixed device existing in the same partial space. Another object of the present invention is to provide a network system for associating fixed devices and mobile devices existing in the same partial space.

  In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above object, a communication device of the present invention includes a light receiving element that receives light, and a first light receiving element that receives light when the light receiving element receives light. A receiver that multicasts the received light message to the communication network, a receiver that receives the second received light message indicating that the other device has received light via the communication network, and the light receiving element receives the light. If the difference between the reception time and the time when the reception unit receives the second light reception message is within a communication delay period, the arrival area of light received by the light receiving element between the own device and the other device And a determination unit for determining that it exists in the inside.

  In the related device identification method of the present invention, a predetermined space is physically partitioned into a plurality of partial spaces by a boundary member that shields light, and a fixed device is installed in one of the plurality of partial spaces. When the device is connected to an electrical network that is not affected by the boundary member, a process of causing light emission to be performed in one of the plurality of partial spaces, and light received by the light emission A process of multicasting a light reception message indicating the fact that the fixed device has received light to the network with the identifier of the fixed device that has received the light from the light emission, and a time when the first fixed device has received the light from the light emission Within a communication delay period in which a difference from when the first fixed device receives the light reception message with the identifier of the second fixed device via the network is assumed. That case, and a process of recording in association with said first fixed device and the second fixing device as the device to be in the same subspace.

  The network system of the present invention includes a fixed device and a mobile device, and the fixed device is installed in one of a plurality of partial spaces physically partitioned by a boundary member that shields light, and the boundary member The mobile device is connected to an unaffected electrical network, the mobile device has portability to move across the partial space, and the mobile device is connected to the network, and the mobile device emits light, And a function of multicasting a light-emitting message indicating the fact to the network when the light is emitted, and the fixed device receives a light and a light-receiving message indicating the fact when receiving the light is an identifier of the fixed device. And the network system is further multicast to the network. Using the monitoring function for monitoring the optical message and the received light message and the result of the monitoring, when the mobile device emits light in any partial space, the mobile device and the fixed device receiving the light are the same And a table for recording in association with the device existing in the partial space.

  The present invention can provide a communication device that recognizes other devices existing in a room where the user is present without causing the user to perform initial settings. In addition, the present invention can provide a related device identification method that associates a first fixed device and a second fixed device that exist in the same partial space. Furthermore, the present invention can provide a network system that associates fixed devices and mobile devices existing in the same subspace.

1 is a configuration diagram of a home network system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram of fixed equipment. It is a block diagram of a mobile device. It is a 1st flowchart which shows each step of operation | movement of a light-receiving side judgment part. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the light-receiving side judgment part when FixPair Msg is received. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows each step of operation | movement of a light-receiving side judgment part. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the light-receiving side judgment part when a light reception recognition signal and RcvIR Msg are received. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the light-receiving side judgment part when a light reception recognition signal and SndIR Msg are received. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the light-receiving side judgment part when receiving MovPair Msg. It is a flowchart which shows each step of operation | movement of the light emission side judgment part. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the light emission side judgment part when the light emission recognition signal is received. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the light emission side judgment part when SndIR Msg is received. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the light emission side judgment part when receiving MovPair Msg. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the light emission side judgment part when the light emission recognition signal and RcvIR Msg are received. It is a figure which shows the example of UI. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a home network system according to a second embodiment.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated with reference to drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
First, a home communication network system (hereinafter referred to as “home network system”) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a home network system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the home network system according to the first embodiment includes a first television 101, a second television 102, a first recorder 103, a second recorder 104, an IP network 105, The remote controller 106 (hereinafter, referred to as “first remote controller 106”). In the room A, the first television 101, the first recorder 103, and the first remote controller 106 exist, and in the room B, the second television 102 and the second recorder 104 exist.

  The first television 101 and the second television 102 are devices that reproduce and display content, and the first recorder 103 and the second recorder 104 record the content by recording it on a recording medium held by itself. It is a device that holds and sends the requested content. The IP network 105 is an electrical communication network that is arranged in a house and is configured by at least one of wired and wireless. The first remote controller 106 receives a user instruction and uses at least one of the first television 101, the second television 102, the first recorder 103, and the second recorder 104 using infrared rays. It is a device to control. The first television 101, the second television 102, the first recorder 103, the second recorder 104, and the first remote controller 106 are connected to the IP network 105 and thereby connected to each other. The first remote controller 106 is a remote controller having a communication function, and is connected to the IP network 105 via a wireless LAN, and can communicate via the IP network 105.

  The first television 101, the second television 102, the first recorder 103, and the second recorder 104 receive a function of receiving infrared light, and, when receiving the infrared light, a light reception message indicating that the infrared light has been received. 105 has a function of multicasting. The first remote control 106 has a function of emitting infrared rays by a user operation or periodically, and a function of broadcasting a light emitting message indicating that infrared rays are emitted to the IP network 105 when infrared rays are emitted.

  When the first remote controller 106 exists in the room A, the first television 101 and the first recorder 103 installed in the room A receive infrared rays emitted from the first remote controller 106, but are installed in the room B. The second television set 102 and the second recorder 104 that are not receiving the infrared rays emitted from the first remote controller 106. This is because the first remote control 106 exists in the room A, so that the infrared rays emitted from the first remote control 106 reach only the inside of the room A and do not reach the room B due to the wall that separates the room A and the room B. .

  In-home devices connected to the IP network are treated equally. Therefore, in order to identify the room where each device exists, it is effective if a signal transmitted only in the same room can be used. Infrared rays are widely used in home appliance remote controls and mobile phones, and as long as they are optical communications, there is no transmission across the wall, so the purpose is to identify the room where each device is located. It is preferred to use it. Therefore, in the first embodiment, in order to achieve the object, the first television 101, the second television 102, the first recorder 103, and the second recorder 104 having a function of receiving infrared rays emit infrared rays. A first remote controller 106 having a function is used.

  Hereinafter, since the first television 101, the second television 102, the first recorder 103, and the second recorder 104 are fixedly installed devices, they are referred to as fixed devices, and the first remote controller 106 is Since it is a device that may move with the user, it is called a mobile device.

  Below, a fixed apparatus and a mobile apparatus are demonstrated in order.

  First, the fixed device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the fixed device 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fixed device 200 includes a light receiving element 201, a light receiving recognition unit 202, a light receiving unit 203, a light receiving side determination unit 204, a light receiving side storage unit 205, a light receiving side application unit 206, Side communication unit 207 and light receiving side network terminal 208.

  The light receiving element 201 receives the infrared ray and outputs a signal including a manufacturer code, a remote control code, and a command included in the infrared ray to the light receiving unit 203. When the light receiving element 201 receives an infrared ray, the light receiving recognition unit 202 recognizes that the light receiving element 201 has received the infrared ray, and notifies the light receiving side determination unit 204 of the recognition result (hereinafter referred to as a “light reception recognition signal”). Notice.

  The light receiving unit 203 interprets the manufacturer code and the remote control code included in the signal from the light receiving element 201 and notifies the light receiving side application unit 206 of the command. If the signal from the light receiving element 201 does not include a predetermined manufacturer code and remote control code, the light receiving unit 203 does not notify the light receiving side application unit 206 even if the light receiving element 201 receives infrared rays. When the signal from the light receiving element 201 does not include a predetermined manufacturer code and remote control code, for example, the infrared light received by the light receiving element 201 is from a remote controller of a manufacturer different from the manufacturer of the fixed device 200 on which the light receiving element 201 is provided. This is the case of infrared rays. Since the light receiving recognition unit 202 and the light receiving unit 203 have different functions as described above and are displayed in different blocks in FIG. 2, the functions of the light receiving recognition unit 202 and the functions of the light receiving unit 203 are combined into one. If they can be realized by means, they may be combined into one means. Further, when the application in the light receiving side application unit 206 does not require a command, the light receiving unit 203 is unnecessary.

  When the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives a light reception recognition signal from the light reception recognition unit 202, the light reception side communication unit 207 broadcasts a first light reception message indicating that the light receiving element 201 has received infrared rays to the IP network 105. . It is assumed that there is a difference between when the light receiving element 201 receives infrared rays and when the light receiving side communication unit 207 receives a second received light message via the IP network 105 indicating that another device has received infrared rays. In the communication delay period, the light receiving side determination unit 204 determines that the fixed device 200 provided with the device and the other device are present in the same room. Note that the assumed communication delay period is a period determined in consideration of the delay of communication data generated in the IP network 105, and is, for example, 1 second or 2 seconds. However, the assumed communication delay period may actually be determined based on the maximum delay period of communication data assumed in each communication network. In addition, the “same room” is an example of the infrared light arrival area received by the light receiving element 201 and the predetermined space is physically divided into a plurality of partial spaces by a boundary member that shields light. It is an example of each partial space. Details of processing performed by the light receiving side determination unit 204 will be described later.

  The light-receiving side storage unit 205 stores an identifier of a device recognized as being present in a room where the fixed device 200 provided with the light-receiving side is installed.

  The light receiving side application unit 206 is a means for performing a process specific to the fixed device 200 provided with the light receiving side application unit 206. Depending on whether the fixed device 200 is a television or a recorder, etc. The contents are different. In addition, the light receiving side application unit 206 obtains an identifier of a device existing in the room where the fixed device 200 is installed from the light receiving side storage unit 205, so that an effective user for displaying the device in a user-friendly manner. Provides an interface (UI). An example of the UI will be described later.

  The light receiving side communication unit 207 is a means for performing IP network communication. For example, when the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives a light reception recognition signal from the light reception recognition unit 202, the light reception side communication unit 207 multicasts a first light reception message indicating that the light receiving element 201 has received infrared rays to the IP network 105. To do. In addition, the light receiving side communication unit 207 receives a second light receiving message indicating that another device has received infrared rays via the IP network 105. Further, the light receiving side communication unit 207 streams the content via the IP network 105 when the application in the light receiving side application unit 206 has a function of streaming the content. Further, the light receiving side communication unit 207 receives the streamed content.

  The light receiving side network terminal 208 is a terminal for communicating data.

  Next, the mobile device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the mobile device 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile device 300 includes a light emitting element 301, a light emitting unit 302, a light emitting side determination unit 303, a light emitting side storage unit 304, a light emitting side application unit 305, a light emitting side communication unit 306, And a light emitting side network terminal 307.

  The light emitting element 301 is an element that emits infrared rays. When emitting light, the light emitting element 301 emits infrared including the manufacturer code and remote control code of the mobile device 300 and the command from the light emitting unit 302. The light emitting unit 302 is a means for sending data such as commands to the light emitting element 301. When the light emitting element 301 emits infrared light, information indicating that the light emitting element 301 emits infrared light (hereinafter referred to as “light emission recognition signal”). Is transmitted to the light-emitting side determination unit 303. The command output by the light emitting unit 302 is an instruction given to the mobile device 300 by the user who uses the mobile device 300.

  When the light emitting side determination unit 303 receives the light emission recognition signal from the light emitting unit 302, the light emitting side communication unit 306 multicasts a light emitting message indicating that the light emitting element 301 has emitted infrared rays to the IP network 105. Details of the processing performed by the light emission side determination unit 303 will be described later.

  The light-emitting side storage unit 304 stores an identifier of a device recognized as being present in a room where the mobile device 300 provided with the light-emitting side storage device 304 is installed.

  The light emitting side application unit 305 is a unit that performs processing unique to the mobile device 300 in which the light emitting side application unit 305 is provided. The light emitting side communication unit 306 is means for performing IP network communication, and multicasts the light emitting message to the IP network 105 and receives the light receiving message.

  The light emitting side network terminal 307 is a terminal for communicating data.

  Each of the fixed device 200 and the mobile device 300 holds a device identifier (ID), which is an identifier unique to the device, in the light receiving side storage unit 205 or the light emitting side storage unit 304. The device ID may be arbitrary as long as each device can be identified. An example of the device ID is EtherNet's Media Access Control address (MAC address) of the device. Since the MAC address differs for each device, it is suitable as a device ID for distinguishing the devices.

  Next, details of processing performed by the light receiving side determination unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG. First, information received by the light receiving side determination unit 204 will be described.

  Information received by the light-receiving side determination unit 204 includes the following five pieces of information (1) to (5).

(1) Light reception recognition signal from light reception recognition unit 202 (2) Light reception multicast IP message from other fixed device (3) Light emission multicast IP message from mobile device (4) Same room pair (fixed) from other fixed device (Device) Multicast IP message (5) Same room pair (mobile device) multicast IP message from other fixed devices Next, each of the five pieces of information (1) to (5) will be described.

  “(1) Light reception recognition signal from light reception recognition unit 202” is information notified from the light reception recognition unit 202, and is a result of the light reception recognition unit 202 recognizing that the light receiving element 201 has received infrared rays. .

  “(2) Received multicast IP message from other fixed device (hereinafter referred to as“ RcvIR Msg ”)” is a second message indicating that the other fixed device has received infrared rays from another fixed device. This is a light reception message and includes the device ID of another fixed device. The light receiving side determination unit 204 receives RcvIR Msg via the light receiving side communication unit 207.

  “(3) Light-emitting multicast IP message from mobile device (hereinafter referred to as“ SndIR Msg ”)” is transmitted from mobile device 300 when mobile device 300 emits infrared light. A light emission message indicating that the message has been issued, and includes the device ID of the mobile device 300. The light receiving side determination unit 204 receives SndIR Msg via the light receiving side communication unit 207.

  “(4) Multi-cast IP message of the same room pair (fixed device) from another fixed device (hereinafter referred to as“ FixPair Msg ”)” indicates that the fixed device is fixed in the room where the other fixed device is installed. When it is recognized that 200 is installed, the message is multicast from another fixed device, and includes a set of the device ID of the other fixed device and the device ID of the fixed device 200. The light receiving side determination unit 204 receives FixPair Msg via the light receiving side communication unit 207.

  “(5) Multi-cast IP message of the same room pair (mobile device) from another fixed device (hereinafter referred to as“ MovPair Msg ”)” indicates that the other fixed device has moved to the room where it is installed. When it is recognized that 300 exists, the message is multicast from another fixed device, and includes a set of the device ID of the other fixed device and the device ID of the mobile device 300. The light receiving side determination unit 204 receives MovPair Msg via the light receiving side communication unit 207. When the pair of the device ID of the other fixed device and the device ID of the mobile device 300 is included in the MovPair Msg, the device ID of the other fixed device is arranged in front of the set and the mobile device 300 The device ID is arranged behind. For example, when the device ID of another fixed device is “P” and the device ID of the mobile device 300 is “Q”, the MovPair Msg is expressed as “MovPair Msg [P, Q]”.

  Next, the operation of the light receiving side determination unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a first flowchart showing the steps of the operation of the light receiving side determination unit 204.

  The light reception side determination unit 204 determines whether or not the received information is a light reception recognition signal from the light reception recognition unit 202 (S1). When it is determined that the information received by the light receiving side determination unit 204 is a light reception recognition signal (Yes in S1), the first light reception message indicating that the light receiving element 201 has received infrared rays, including the device ID of the fixed device 200 Is multicast to the IP network 105 by the light receiving side communication unit 207 (S2). The first light reception message is a second light reception message (RcvIR Msg) for other devices.

  In general, when the user performs an operation for changing the volume on the mobile device 300 (the first remote controller 106), since the operation is continuously performed, the mobile device 300 is frequently used. That is, infrared rays are emitted at very short time intervals. If the first light reception message is multicast to the IP network 105 in all cases where the light reception side determination unit 204 receives the light reception recognition signal, the IP network 105 is congested. In order to solve the problem, the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives the first light reception message by the light receiving side communication unit 207 in all cases where the light reception recognition signal is received, that is, in all cases where the light receiving element 201 receives infrared rays. The IP network 105 may not be multicast. In other words, when the light receiving side determination unit 204 multicasts the first light receiving message once by the light receiving side communication unit 207, the time until the congestion relieving period elapses from when the first light receiving message is multicast. For the infrared rays received by the light receiving element 201, the first light receiving message need not be multicast. Thereby, even if the mobile device 300 emits infrared rays at a high frequency, that is, at a very short time interval, the IP network 105 is not congested. The period for reducing congestion is a period determined in consideration of reducing congestion of communication data in the IP network 105, and is, for example, 1 second or 2 seconds. However, the congestion mitigation period may be determined based on the maximum mitigation period of communication data congestion actually assumed in each communication network.

  When the first light reception message (RcvIR Msg) is multicast (S2), the light reception side determination unit 204 turns on the light reception timer to hold the information that the light reception element 201 has received infrared rays for a short period (S3).

  When the light reception side determination unit 204 receives the RcvIR Msg that is the second light reception message via the light reception side communication unit 207 (Yes in S4), the second light reception message includes the device ID of another fixed device. Then, the device ID of the other fixed device is stored in the light-receiving side storage unit 205, and the Rec timer is turned on to hold the device ID of the other fixed device for a short period (S5).

  When the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives SndIR Msg via the light receiving side communication unit 207 (Yes in S6), since the SndIR Msg includes the device ID of the mobile device 300, the mobile device 300 has its own device (the fixed device 200). ) Is stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205 to recognize that the mobile device 300 is present in the room where the mobile device 300 is present, and an Snd timer is set to hold the device ID of the mobile device for a short period of time. Turn on (S7).

  When the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives FixPair Msg via the light receiving side communication unit 207 (Yes in S8), the light receiving side determination unit 204 determines whether FixPair Msg includes the device ID of the own device (fixed device). If it is determined that the own device ID is included (Yes in S9), the device ID of the other fixed device included in FixPair Msg is present in the room where the own device exists. It is registered and stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205 as the ID of the same room device indicating this (S10).

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the device ID of the fixed device 200 is “C”, the device ID of the other fixed device is “A”, and the light receiving side determination unit 204 displays “FixPair Msg [A, C”. ] ”Is received via the light receiving side communication unit 207, the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives“ A ”which is the device ID of the other fixed device included in the FixPair Msg, and the other fixed device has its own device. It is stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205 as the ID of the same room device indicating that it exists in the room where the (fixed device 200) exists. In the following description, FIG. 4 is used again.

  When the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives MovPair Msg via the light receiving side communication unit 207 (Yes in S11), the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives the MovPair Msg in order to execute the same room determination process (S14) described later. Is temporarily stored (S12). Next, the light receiving side determination unit 204 updates the created timer and deletes the timer that has passed the specified time in order to hold the MovPair Msg for a short time (S13). Thereafter, the light receiving side determination unit 204 executes the same room determination process (S14).

  Next, the same room determination process (S14) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the steps of the same room determination process performed by the light receiving side determination unit 204, and is a second flowchart showing the steps of the operation of the light receiving side determination unit 204.

  The light receiving side determination unit 204 determines whether or not the difference between the time when the light receiving recognition signal is received and the time when the second light receiving message RcvIR Msg is received is within an assumed communication delay period (S21). ). When it is determined that the difference between the time when the light reception recognition signal is received and the time when RcvIR Msg is received is within the assumed communication delay period (Yes in S21), the light reception side determination unit 204 determines that the fixed device 200 and the RcvIR Msg It is determined that another fixed device having the device ID included in is present in the same room. Then, the light receiving side determination unit 204 temporarily stores the device ID included in the RcvIR Msg in the light receiving side storage unit 205 (S22).

  The light receiving side determination unit 204 receives the light reception recognition signal when the light receiving timer is turned on, and the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives RcvIR Msg when the Rec timer is turned on. . Further, when the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives the light reception recognition signal, it is substantially the same as when the light receiving element 201 receives infrared rays, and when the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives RcvIR Msg, This is the same time as when the communication unit 207 receives the RcvIR Msg.

  The light receiving side determination unit 204 stores the device ID included in the RcvIR Msg in the light receiving side storage unit 205 (S22), and then stores the device ID of the own device (fixed device 200) and the light receiving side storage unit 205. The device ID included in the RcvIR Msg made is paired, and the FixPair Msg including the pair is multicast by the light receiving side communication unit 207 (S23).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the device ID of the own device (fixed device 200) is “A” and the device ID of the other fixed device is “B”, and a light reception recognition signal is received, When the difference from the time when “RcvIR Msg [B]” including the device ID “B” is received is within the assumed communication delay period, the light receiving side determination unit 204 executes the following operation. That is, the light receiving side determination unit 204 determines that the own device and another fixed device having the device ID “B” exist in the same room, and stores the device ID “B” in the light receiving side storage unit 205. . At the same time, the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives “RcvIR Msg [A]” including the device ID “A” of the own device as a first light receiving message indicating that the light receiving element 201 has received infrared rays. 207 is multicast. Further, the light receiving side determination unit 204 causes the light receiving side communication unit 207 to multicast “FixPair Msg [A, B]” including the device ID “A” of the own device and the device ID “B” of another fixed device. In the following description, FIG. 6 is used again.

  When it is determined that the difference between the time when the light reception recognition signal is received and the time when the SndIR Msg is received is within the assumed communication delay period (Yes in S24), the light reception side determination unit 204 determines that the fixed device 200 and the SnDIR Msg It is determined that the mobile device 300 having the device ID included in the same room exists in the same room, and the device ID included in the SndIR Msg is temporarily stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205 (S25). The light receiving side determination unit 204 receives SndIR Msg when the Snd timer is substantially turned on. Further, the time when the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives the SndIR Msg is the same time as when the light receiving side communication unit 207 receives the SndIR Msg.

  Then, the light receiving side determination unit 204 sets the device ID of the own device (fixed device 200) and the device ID included in the SndIR Msg stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205, and includes the set MovPair. Msg is multicast by the light receiving side communication unit 207 (S26). This operation is performed in order for the mobile device 300 to reliably recognize the device ID of the fixed device installed in the room where the mobile device 300 exists when the mobile device 300 emits infrared rays.

  In addition, when the device ID different from the device ID included in the SndIR Msg has already been stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205, the light receiving side determination unit 204 is included in the other device ID and the SndIR Msg. The device ID is paired, and FixPair Msg including the set is multicast by the light receiving side communication unit 207.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the device ID of the own device (fixed device 200) is “D”, the device ID of the mobile device 300 is “X”, and the device ID “B” of another fixed device. Is assumed to be already stored in the light-receiving side storage unit 205, and a communication delay in which a difference between when a light reception recognition signal is received and when “SndIR Msg [X]” including the device ID “X” is received is assumed If it is within the period, the light receiving side determination unit 204 performs the following operation. That is, the light receiving side determination unit 204 stores the device ID “X” in the light receiving side storage unit 205 and multicasts “RcvIR Msg [D]” including the device ID “D” of the own device by the light receiving side communication unit 207. Let In addition, the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives “FixPair Msg [B, X]” including a set of the device ID “B” already stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205 and the device ID “X” of the mobile device 300. Multicasting is performed by the light receiving side communication unit 207. Further, the light receiving side determination unit 204 causes the light receiving side communication unit 207 to multicast “MovPair Msg [D, X]” including a set of the device ID “D” of the own device and the device ID “X” of the mobile device 300. . In the following description, FIG. 6 is used again.

  When the mobile device 300 moves from the room where the fixed device 200 is installed to another room, it is necessary to delete the device ID of the mobile device 300 from the light receiving side storage unit 205. Accordingly, when the light receiving side determination unit 204 receives the MovPair Msg via the light receiving side communication unit 207 (Yes in S27), the device ID of the fixed device included in the MovPair Msg is stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205. It is determined whether or not the device ID of the current device (fixed device 200) matches another device ID (S28). When the light receiving side determination unit 204 determines that the ID of the fixed device included in the MovPair Msg does not match either the device ID of the own device stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205 or the device ID (No in S28). ), It is determined whether or not the device ID of the mobile device 300 included in the MovPair Msg is stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205 (S29). When it is determined that the device ID of the mobile device 300 is stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205 (Yes in S29), the light receiving side determination unit 204 deletes the device ID of the mobile device 300 from the light receiving side storage unit 205 ( S30). Thereby, when the mobile device 300 moves from the room in which the fixed device 200 is installed to another room, the fixed device 200 does not already exist in the room in which the mobile device 300 is installed. It can be recognized that 300 has moved to another room.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the device ID of the own device (fixed device 200) is “E”, the device ID of the other fixed device is “D”, and the device ID of the mobile device 300 is “Z”. When the device ID “D” and the device ID “Z” are already stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205 and “MovPair Msg [A, Z]” is received, the light receiving side determination unit 204 The following operations are executed. That is, the device ID “A” of the other fixed device included in “MovPair Msg [A, Z]” is not the device ID of the own device or the device ID of the other device stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205, Since the device ID “Z” of the mobile device 300 included in “MovPair Msg [A, Z]” is stored in the light receiving side storage unit 205, the light receiving side determination unit 204 has the mobile device 300 installed therein. It is determined that the room has moved to another room, and the device ID “Z” of the moving device 300 is deleted from the light receiving side storage unit 205.

  Since the light receiving side determination unit 204 may receive FixPair Msg including the device ID of the own device (fixed device 200) from another fixed device immediately after receiving the MovPair Msg, the step immediately after receiving the MovPair Msg. Rather than executing S27, Step S28, Step S29, and Step S30, Step S27, Step S28, Step S29, and Step S30 are executed after the determination waiting period has elapsed after receiving the MovPair Msg. The determination standby period is a period determined in consideration of communication data delay in the IP network 105, and is, for example, 1 second or 2 seconds. However, the determination waiting period may actually be determined based on the maximum communication delay period in each communication network.

  Next, details of processing performed by the light-emitting side determination unit 303 of the mobile device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing each step of the operation of the light emission side determination unit 303.

  Information received by the light emitting side determination unit 303 includes a light emission recognition signal from the light emitting unit 302, (2) RcvIR Msg, (3) SndIR Msg, (4) FixPair Msg, and (5) from the light emitting side communication unit 306. MovPair Msg.

  When the light emission side determination unit 303 receives a light emission recognition signal, which is a result of recognizing that the light emitting element 301 emits infrared rays, from the light emission unit 302 (Yes in S31), all of the light emission side storage unit 304 stores them. Is deleted (S32). This is because the mobile device 300 cannot recognize that the mobile device 300 has moved from the room, and it is necessary to initialize the device ID of the fixed device installed in the room where the mobile device 300 exists every time infrared rays are emitted. Because there is. Then, the light emission side determination unit 303 multicasts the SNDIR Msg including the device ID of the mobile device 300 by the light emission side communication unit 306 (S33), and turns on the light emission timer (S34).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the device ID of the own device (mobile device 300) is “Y”, and the device ID “B” and the device ID “C” are already stored in the light-emitting side storage unit 304. When the light emission recognition signal is received, the light emission side determination unit 303 deletes the device ID “B” and the device ID “C” from the light emission side storage unit 304. In addition, the light emitting side determination unit 303 causes the light emitting side communication unit 306 to multicast “SndIR Msg [Y]” including the device ID “Y” of the own device. In the following description, FIG. 10 is used again.

  When the light emission side determination unit 303 receives RcvIR Msg via the light emission side communication unit 306 (Yes in S35), since the RcvIR Msg includes the device ID of the other fixed device, the light emission side determination unit 303 emits the device ID of the other fixed device. The Rec timer is turned on in order to store the device ID of the other fixed device for a short period of time while storing it in the side storage unit 304 (S36).

  Even if the light emitting side determination unit 303 receives SndIR Msg via the light emitting side communication unit 306 as shown in FIG. 12 (Yes in S37), nothing is executed. Even if the light emission side determination unit 303 does not receive the SndIR Msg (No in S37), nothing is executed. This is because the mobile device 300 having the light emitting element 301 does not need to process a message related to another mobile device.

  Even if the light emitting side determination unit 303 receives FixPair Msg via the light emitting side communication unit 306 (Yes in S38) or does not receive FixPair Msg (No in S38), nothing is executed.

  Even if the light emitting side determination unit 303 receives MovPair Msg via the light emitting side communication unit 306 as shown in FIG. 13 (Yes in S39), nothing is executed. Even if the light emitting side determination unit 303 does not receive MovPair Msg (No in S39), it does not execute anything.

  Next, the light emitting side determination unit 303 updates all timers (S40).

  Thereafter, the light emission side determination unit 303 determines whether or not the difference between the time when the light emission recognition signal is received and the time when the RcvIR Msg is received is within an assumed communication delay period (S41). When it is determined that the difference between the time when the light reception recognition signal is received and the time when the RcvIR Msg is received is within an assumed communication delay period (Yes in S41), the light-emitting side determination unit 303 determines that the self-device (the mobile device 300). ) And another fixed device having the device ID included in RcvIR Msg are present in the same room, and the device ID included in RcvIR Msg is temporarily stored in the light-emitting side storage unit 304. Store (S42).

  Note that when the light emission side determination unit 303 receives a light emission recognition signal, the light reception timer is turned on, and when the light emission side determination unit 303 receives RcvIR Msg, it is when the Rec timer is turned on. . Further, when the light emission side determination unit 303 receives the light emission recognition signal, it is substantially the same time as when the light emitting element 301 emits infrared rays, and when the light emission side determination unit 303 receives RcvIR Msg, This is the same time as when the communication unit 306 receives the RcvIR Msg.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the device ID of the own device (mobile device 300) is “Y”, and the device ID “B” and the device ID “C” are already stored in the light-emitting side storage unit 304. When it is determined that the difference between the time when the light emission recognition signal is received and the time when “RcvIR Msg [D]” is received is within the assumed communication delay period, the light emission side determination unit 303 performs the following operation. Run. That is, the light emission side determination unit 303 deletes the device ID “B” and the device ID “C” from the light emission side storage unit 304 and emits the device ID “D” included in “RcvIR Msg [D]”. The data is stored in the side storage unit 304. In addition, the light emitting side determination unit 303 causes the light emitting side communication unit 306 to multicast “SndIR Msg [Y]” including the device ID “Y” of the own device.

  As described above, when the mobile device 300 emits infrared rays, the fixed device 200 and the mobile device 300 can recognize a device that exists in the room in which the mobile device 300 exists. Accordingly, when the user uses the fixed device 200, another device installed in the room where the fixed device 200 is installed is installed in a room different from the room where the fixed device 200 is installed. It is possible to display it separately from the existing device, and to give the user a natural feeling of operation. Similarly, when the user uses the mobile device 300, another device installed in the room where the mobile device 300 exists is separated from the device installed in a room different from the room where the mobile device 300 exists. It is possible to display separately, and a natural operation feeling can be given to the user.

  Therefore, next, other devices installed in the room where the fixed device 200 is installed are displayed separately from the devices installed in a room different from the room where the fixed device 200 is installed, A UI for displaying other devices installed in a room where the mobile device 300 is present separately from devices installed in a room different from the room where the mobile device 300 exists will be described with reference to FIG. .

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI. FIG. 15A shows an example of the UI of the first television 101 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 15A, in the room where the first television 101 is installed as the top of the selectable server. The installed first recorder 103 is displayed large. By viewing the UI shown in FIG. 15A, the user can immediately recognize that the first television 101 and the first recorder 103 are installed in the same room. That is, the UI shown in FIG. 15A can give the user a natural feeling of operation.

  FIG. 15B shows an example of the UI of the first remote controller 106 in FIG. The first remote controller 106 is a DMC, and the UI is configured so that a server that is a DMS and a display device that is a DMR can be designated. As for the server, as in FIG. 15A, the first recorder 103 installed in the room where the first remote controller 106 exists is displayed in large size. As for the display device, the first television 101 installed in the room where the first remote controller 106 is present is displayed as the first selectable hand, and when the user selects another display device, “Others” is displayed. The UI is configured so that another display device can be designated by pressing the button "". The user usually displays content on a display device installed in a room where the first remote control 106 exists, and displays content on a display device installed in a room where the first remote control 106 does not exist. Because it is rare.

  By looking at the UI shown in FIG. 15B, the user can immediately recognize that the first remote controller 106, the first television 101, and the first recorder 103 exist in the same room. it can. That is, the UI shown in FIG. 15B can give the user a natural feeling of operation.

  Thus, when using another fixed device when using one fixed device, when the two fixed devices are stored in the storage unit as devices existing in the same partial space, the two fixed devices are stored. By selecting from among the fixed devices stored in the unit, it is possible to give the user a natural feeling of operation.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a UI, and the UI is not limited to that shown in FIG. The UI only needs to be able to distinguish and display whether or not each device has another device in the room where the device exists.

  As described above, when the light receiving side determination unit 204 of the fixed device 200 determines that the difference between the time when the light reception recognition signal is received and the time when the RcvIR Msg is received is within the assumed communication delay period, It is determined that 200 and another fixed device having the device ID included in RcvIR Msg exist in the same room. As a result, the fixed device 200 can recognize other devices in the room in which the fixed device 200 receives the infrared rays emitted from the mobile device 300 when the mobile device 300 receives the infrared rays without causing the user to perform initial settings. it can. Based on the recognition, the fixed device 200 can display other devices existing in the room where the fixed device 200 is installed separately from the other devices, and the display gives the user a natural feeling of operation. Can do.

  If the light emitting side determination unit 303 of the mobile device 300 determines that the difference between the time when the light emission recognition signal is received and the time when the RcvIR Msg is received is within the assumed communication delay period, the light emitting side determination unit 303 It is determined that another fixed device having the device ID included in Msg exists in the same room. Thereby, the mobile device 300 can recognize the fixed device existing in the room in which the mobile device 300 exists. Based on the recognition, the mobile device 300 can display the fixed device existing in the room in which the mobile device 300 exists separately from the other devices, and the display can give the user a natural feeling of operation.

  In the first embodiment described above, it is monitored whether the fixed device 200 has received a light emission message and a light reception message from another fixed device, and whether the mobile device 300 has received a light reception message. However, a monitoring device is connected to the IP network 105, and the monitoring device monitors whether the fixed device 200 receives the light emission message and the light reception message, and monitors whether the mobile device 300 receives the light reception message. May be. In short, a function (monitoring function) for monitoring whether the fixed device 200 has received the light emission message and the light reception message and monitoring whether the mobile device 300 has received the light reception message may be provided in the home network system. That's fine.

  Similarly, in the first embodiment, the fixed device 200 stores the device ID of the device existing in the room where the fixed device 200 is installed, and the mobile device 300 is the device of the device present in the room where the mobile device 300 exists. Store the ID. However, these device IDs may be recorded in a table connected to the IP network 105. In short, the device ID of the device existing in the room where the fixed device 200 is installed and the device ID of the device existing in the room where the mobile device 300 exists are storage means such as a table provided in the home network system. What is necessary is just to be distinguished and recorded.

  In the first embodiment described above, the first television 101 and the second television 102 are used as devices for displaying content. However, the device that displays the content may be a personal computer, a set-top box, a digital media player, a disk player with a network function, or the like as long as it is a device that receives and displays the content from the communication network. In addition, the first recorder 103 and the second recorder 104 of the first embodiment can be replaced with a network disk, an audio device with a storage device, a personal computer, an AV server, or the like as long as it transmits content to a network. May be.

  Further, the home network system may be expressed as follows. That is, the network system includes a mobile device that can be moved and a fixed device that is fixedly installed. The mobile device includes: a light emitting element that emits light; and a light emitting side transmission unit that multicasts a light emitting message indicating that the light has been emitted to the communication network, including an identifier of the mobile device when the light emitting element emits light. Receiving the first light reception message including the identifier of the fixed device indicating that the fixed device has received light via the communication network, and including the identifier of the other device A light-emitting side receiving unit that receives a second light-receiving message indicating that the light-emitting device has been received via the communication network; a time when the light-emitting element emits light; and a light-emitting side receiving unit that receives the first light-receiving message. When the difference from the received time is within an assumed communication delay period, the identifier of the fixed device is held, and when the light emitting element emits light, the light emitting side receiving unit receives the second light receiving A light emitting side identifier holding unit that holds an identifier of the other device when the difference from the time when the message is received is within the assumed communication delay period, and the light emitting side identifier holding unit includes the light emitting side When the element emits light, the held identifier is deleted. The fixed device includes a light receiving element that receives light, and, when the light receiving element receives light, a first pair message including the first light receiving message, the identifier of the mobile device, and the identifier of the fixed device; A light receiving side transmitting unit that multicasts the communication network to the communication network, the light emitting message, the second light receiving message, a second pair message including an identifier of the mobile device and an identifier of the other device. When the light receiving side receiving unit and the light receiving side receiving unit receive via the network receive the light emitting message, the identifier of the first communication device is held, and when the light receiving element receives light and the light receiving Receiving side identifier holding for holding an identifier of the other device when a difference from the time when the side receiving unit receives the second light receiving message is within the assumed communication delay period The light receiving side identifier holding unit does not hold the identifier of the other device when the light receiving side receiving unit receives the second pair message, and the first communication When the device identifier is held, the held first communication device identifier is deleted.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the home network system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of the home network system according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the home network system of the second embodiment includes a first television 101, a second television 102, a first recorder 103, a second recorder 104, an IP network 105, And a second remote controller 406. In the room A, the first television 101, the first recorder 103, and the second remote controller 406 exist, and in the room B, the second television 102 and the second recorder 104 exist.

  The home network system according to the first embodiment includes the first remote controller 106, but the home network system according to the second embodiment includes the second remote controller 406 instead of the first remote controller 106. This is the difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  The second remote controller 406 does not have a communication function and is therefore not connected to the IP network 105. However, the second remote control 406 has a function of emitting at least one infrared ray to control at least one of the first television 101, the second television 102, the first recorder 103, and the second recorder 104. Have. The operation of fixed device 200 after second remote controller 406 emits infrared light is the same as the operation described in the first embodiment. That is, when the second remote controller 406 emits infrared rays, the fixed device 200 has a communication delay period in which a difference between when the light reception recognition signal is received and when the RcvIR Msg that is the second light reception message is received is assumed. It is judged whether it is in. If it is determined that the difference between the time when the light reception recognition signal is received and the time when RcvIR Msg is received is within the assumed communication delay period, the fixed device 200 is included in the fixed device 200 and the RcvIR Msg. It is determined that another fixed device having the device ID exists in the same room.

  Note that the second remote controller 406 may simply be replaced with a device that emits infrared rays at an appropriate interval. That is, the second remote controller 406 may be a pendant (beacon device) that emits infrared rays at an appropriate interval. When the user hangs the pendant (beacon device) from the neck and walks around the house, the device connected to the IP network 105 can recognize other devices in the room where the device exists.

  Since the second remote controller 406 and the pendant (beacon device) are not IP-connected, they can be manufactured small and inexpensively.

  The fixed device 200 is an example of the communication device of the present invention. The light receiving side communication unit 207 is an example of a transmission unit and a reception unit of the communication device of the present invention. Infrared rays are an example of light described in the communication device, the related device identification method, and the network system of the present invention.

  In addition, the fixed device 200 performs processing for determining whether the fixed device 200 and another fixed device exist in the same room at a predetermined interval such as once a day or once a month. You may go. Similarly, the mobile device 300 may perform the process of determining whether the mobile device 300 and another device exist in the same room at a predetermined interval such as once every half day or once a day. Good. This is because, once the fixed device is installed, it is installed at that position for a long time. Therefore, once the above determination is made, the determination result can be used for a long time. Also, mobile devices are often located in the same room for several hours, and once the above determination is made, the determination result can be used for a long time.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 1st television, 102 2nd television, 103 1st recorder, 104 2nd recorder, 105 IP network, 106 Remote control, 200 Fixed apparatus, 201 Light receiving element, 202 Light receiving recognition part, 203 Light receiving part, 204 Light receiving Side determination unit, 205 light reception side storage unit, 206 light reception side application unit 206, 207 light reception side communication unit, 208 light reception side network terminal, 300 mobile device, 301 light emitting element, 302 light emission unit, 303 light emission side determination unit, 304 light emission side Storage unit, 305 light emitting side application unit, 306 light emitting side communication unit, 307 light emitting side network terminal.

Claims (5)

A light receiving element for receiving light;
When the light receiving element receives light, a transmission unit that multicasts a first light reception message indicating that the light receiving element has received light to a communication network;
A receiving unit that receives a second received light message indicating that another device has received light via the communication network;
When the difference between the time when the light receiving element receives light and the time when the receiving unit receives the second light reception message is within a communication delay period, the own device and the other device receive the light. A communication device comprising: a determination unit that determines that the element is within the reach of light received by the element. The transmission unit, once multicasting the first light reception message, with respect to the light received by the light receiving element from the time when the first light reception message was multicast until the period for congestion alleviation has passed The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first light reception message is not multicast. A predetermined space is physically partitioned into a plurality of partial spaces by a boundary member that shields light, and a fixed device is installed in one of the plurality of partial spaces, and the fixed device is affected by the boundary member. If connected to no electrical network,
A process of performing light emission in one of the plurality of subspaces;
A process of multicasting a light reception message indicating the fact that the fixed device that has received the light by the light emission has received light to the network with an identifier of the fixed device that has received the light by the light emission;
A difference is assumed between when the first fixed device receives light from the light emission and when the first fixed device receives a light reception message with an identifier of the second fixed device via the network. And a process of recording the first fixed device and the second fixed device in association with each other as a device existing in the same partial space when the communication time is within the communication delay period . With fixed equipment and mobile equipment,
The fixed device is installed in any of a plurality of partial spaces physically partitioned by a boundary member that shields light, and is connected to an electrical network that is not affected by the boundary member,
The mobile device has portability to move across the partial space, and is connected to the network;
The mobile device has a function of emitting light, and a function of multicasting a light emitting message indicating the fact when emitting light to the network,
The fixed device has a function of receiving light, and a function of multicasting a light reception message indicating the fact when receiving light with the identifier of the fixed device to the network,
The network system further includes
A monitoring function for monitoring light emitting messages and light receiving messages multicasted to the network;
A table that records the mobile device and the fixed device that receives the light in association with each other as a device existing in the same partial space when the mobile device emits light in any partial space using the monitoring result And a network system. The monitoring function and the table are provided in a first fixed device which is the fixed device,
The first fixed device is :
When the front Symbol first fixing device is subjected to light, as well as multicast to the network also subjected identifier of the mobile device in addition to the identifier of the first pinned equipment receiving the message, to the mobile device and the light receiving While recording the second fixed device, which is another fixed device that multicasts the received light message in response, as a device existing in the same partial space as the first fixed device, on the table of the first fixed device ,
When receiving the multicasted received message from the previous SL second fixing device,
When the received light message includes the identifier of the mobile device and the identifier of the fixed device not recorded in the first fixed device table, the first fixed device and the mobile device are the same. The network system according to claim 4 , wherein the identifier of the mobile device is deleted from the table of the first fixed device as not existing in the partial space.

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