KR100606763B1 - Home Network System and Control Method The Same - Google Patents

Abstract

A home network system and a control method thereof for limiting operation control of a slave, the method comprising: at least one slave configured not to execute a command through a key panel and a remote control means of a main body when an operation restriction command is input from the outside; It provides a video interface to receive the operation limitation condition of the slave from the user, and outputs the operation restriction command according to the operation restriction condition input by the user to the corresponding slave, and a communication line for data communication between the slave and the master. It is configured, and the master can limit the operation control of the slave, thereby improving the performance of the home network system and increasing user convenience.

Master / Slave / Restrictions

Description

Home Network System and Control Method The Same

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a home network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a home network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

3A to 3C are views illustrating an example of an operation restriction setting menu screen.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a home network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

-Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawing-

11, 12, 13: slave 20: master

The present invention relates to a home network system and a method of controlling the same, which can limit operation control of a slave device.

Currently, a home network system for automatically controlling home appliances in each home or remote has been commercialized.

In the case of such a home network system, it is essential to establish a communication line for signal exchange during the home appliance and a network controller for controlling the same. A network may be constructed using a separate communication line, It is the most reasonable way to build a network using the connected power lines to supply electricity, and since the technology development in this field has been considerably made in the future, the home network system will adopt a communication method using power lines in the future.

In addition, as a network controller, a separate device may be installed, but in most cases, a device capable of displaying, connecting to the Internet, and installing a network control program among home appliances in the home (for example, an Internet TV, a personal computer, and an Internet refrigerator) ) Is set as a network controller, that is, a master, and other devices are set as slaves.

The home network system configured as described above may control each slave from the master or directly control the slave using a key panel or a remote controller.

At this time, the operation of controlling or directly controlling the slave in the master is independent of each other, and the direct operation control of the slave through the master cannot be restricted.

For example, if you want to limit the indiscriminate viewing of TV while only your children are at home, or restrict the use of refrigerators by obese children, but the direct control of slaves such as the TV or the refrigerator cannot be controlled by the master. There is a problem that results.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a home network system and a method of controlling the same, which are designed to solve the above-mentioned problems.

The home network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention provides at least one slave configured to not execute a command through a key panel of the main body and a remote control means when an operation restriction command is input from the outside, thereby providing a video interface. And a master for outputting an operation restriction command according to the operation restriction condition input by the user to the corresponding slave, and a communication line for data communication between the slave and the master.

In a control method of a home network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a user inputs an operation restriction condition for each slave through a master, and the master issues an operation restriction command to the corresponding slave according to the operation restriction condition input by the user. And a step in which the slave receiving the operation restriction command blocks the progress of the corresponding function according to the operation restriction command.

In the home network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the input operation command corresponds to a previously stored operation restriction condition, the user may input at least one slave and an operation restriction condition of the slave configured not to perform the operation command. It provides a video interface, and the master to transmit and store the operation restriction conditions entered by the user for at least one slave through the interface for each slave, and a communication line for data communication between the slave and the master. It is characterized by.

A control method of a home network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of a user inputting an operation restriction condition for each slave through a master, and storing the operation restriction condition input by the user in a corresponding slave through a master, and operation If the slave stored the constraint condition is satisfied that the control command input to the operation constraint condition, characterized in that it comprises the step of blocking the progress of the function.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a home network system and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a home network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control method of a home network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3A to 3C are 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation restriction setting menu screen, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a home network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

First Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1, the home network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes at least one slave configured not to execute a command through a key panel and a remote control means of a main body when an operation restriction command is input from the outside. 11, 12, 13) provides a video interface, i.e., operation restriction setting menu screen, receives operation restriction conditions of the slaves 11, 12, and 13 from a user and operates according to the operation restriction conditions input by the user. The master 20 outputs a restriction command to the corresponding slave, and a communication line for data communication between the slaves 11, 12, and 13 and the master.

At this time, FIG. 1 is an example in which the TV 11, the refrigerator 12, and the air conditioner 13 are set as slaves and the master is set as a PC 20 as a master, and a network control program can be installed and operated. It has a function, and any device equipped with a communication function such as the Internet can be used as a master.

In the present invention, it is essential to limit the control operation of the slave, and to allow the user to set the operation restriction condition through the master and to supervise the slave operation restriction accordingly according to the master. Is made to limit.

Therefore, each slave adds a program to comply with the user's control according to the master's command, and hardware configuration can be added as necessary. In other words, in the case of the refrigerator, the software part such as temperature control can be controlled by adding a program only, but it is impossible without a hardware addition such as recognizing the user who wants to use the refrigerator and restricting the opening of the door accordingly. It is necessary to configure the door lock.

At this time, the user recognition device is applied to a variety of already commercialized devices such as input a user number, voice recognition, fingerprint recognition, image recognition, it is preferable to apply a general locking device that also operates by an electrical signal.

Since the above-described user recognition device and lock device are only a part of embodiments of the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the master, that is, the PC 20 is mostly provided in a general home, and basically has operation requirements as a master such as a communication function, a display function, and a program installation function, and in particular, a menu for a user to input a slave operation restriction condition. Provide the screen.

The control method of the home network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 3C.

First, the master 20 determines whether the user requests an operation restriction menu (S21).

Subsequently, if the user requests an operation restriction menu, the operation limitation menu screen is displayed (S22).

3A illustrates an example of an operation restriction menu screen, and the operation restriction of each item (a) for turning on / off the operation restriction function of the entire slave and the slaves (eg, refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.) is turned on. An item (b) for turning on / off, and an item (c) for setting an operation restriction condition of each slave.

Accordingly, the user may input an operation restriction condition through the menu screen of FIG. 3A to turn on / off the entire operation restriction function or to turn on / off the operation restriction function of each slave.

When the user selects an item (c) for setting an operation restriction condition of each slave, a screen in which each slave is listed as shown in FIG. 3B is displayed.

For example, if the TV is selected, a screen listing items that can limit the operation of the TV is displayed as shown in FIG. 3C.

That is, it is possible to set a channel number to be restricted, to cut off the power so that the operation of the TV itself is prohibited, or to input a time for turning off the power.

In addition, when the slave selected in FIG. 3B is the refrigerator, the screen of FIG. 3C may input a user limited to not opening the door and a time for not opening the door. Of course, for this purpose, the above-described installation of the user recognition device and the door lock device must be preceded.

Then, it is determined whether the operation limit condition input is completed (S23). When the operation limit condition input is completed, it is determined whether the operation limit function is 'on' in the input condition (S24).

As a result of the determination (S24), if the operation limitation function is 'on' state, it is determined whether the current operation restriction condition is satisfied for each slave (S25).

That is, for each slave, it is determined whether the current time matches the operation limitation condition, whether the recognized user is the user who restricts the operation restriction condition, and so on.

Subsequently, if at least one of the slaves satisfies the operation limitation condition, the operation limitation command is transmitted to the corresponding slave (S26).

For example, if the usage limit of the TV and the air conditioner of the slave is set from 6 pm to 8 pm, and the current time is 6 pm, the master 20 communicates with the TV and the air conditioner to operate from 6 pm to 8 pm. Will be ignored even if it is entered.

Therefore, the TV and the air conditioner do not operate even if the operation command is input through the corresponding remote control or the key panel of the main body.

As another example, if the operation restriction condition of the refrigerator is set to 8:00 pm to 7:00 am for 'Hong Gil-dong', the master 20 communicates with the refrigerator and sets the user 'Hong Gil-dong' from 8 pm to 7:00 am Is detected, the door is not allowed to open.

Therefore, the refrigerator keeps the door locked when the time when 'Hong Gil-dong' is recognized is between 8 pm and 7 am.

In addition to the above-described slaves (Tive, refrigerator, air conditioner) in the present invention, various slaves connected to the home network have their own functions, so these functions can be limited in software or additionally configured in hardware if necessary. .

Second Embodiment

First, prior to the description, the home network system and the control method thereof according to the second embodiment of the present invention transmit the operation limit condition set through the master to the corresponding slave, and the operation limit function is performed under the control of the slave. The software and hardware parts other than those of the first embodiment are different from those of the first embodiment of the present invention, and reference numerals of FIG. 1 will be referred to as they are.

At least one slave (11, 12, 13), the slave configured to not perform the operation command when the input operation command corresponds to a pre-stored operation restriction condition according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Provides a video interface that allows a user to input the operation restriction conditions of (11, 12, 13), that is, an operation restriction setting menu screen, and the user inputs at least one slave through the operation restriction setting menu screen The master 20 transmits and stores the restriction condition for each slave, and a communication line for data communication between the slaves 11, 12, and 13 and the master 20 is configured.

The control method of the home network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

First, the master 20 determines whether the user requests an operation restriction menu (S51).

Subsequently, when the user requests an operation restriction menu, the operation limitation menu screen is displayed (S52).

At this time, the operation limitation menu screen is the same as that of FIGS. 3A to 3C.

Accordingly, the user may turn on / off the entire operation restriction function or turn on / off the operation restriction function of each slave through the menu screen as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, and input an operation restriction condition for each slave.

The master 20 determines whether the operation restriction condition input is completed (S53), and when the operation restriction condition input is completed, the master 20 transmits and stores the input operation restriction condition for each slave (S54).

Therefore, each slave determines whether the current state (eg, time) satisfies the stored operation limitation condition, or whether the input control command (eg operation command) satisfies the operation limitation condition, and thus the operation restriction condition. If satisfied, do not execute the function.

That is, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the master 20 receives the operation limitation condition and transmits it to each slave, and the actual operation restriction is made by the determination of each slave.

The home network system and its control method according to the present invention can limit the operation control of each slave through the master, thereby improving the performance of the home network system and increasing user convenience.

Claims (8)

At least one slave configured to not execute a command through a key panel of the main body and a remote control means when a command for limiting the operation of the slave is input from the master; By providing a video interface from the user, if the user is in a specific setting environment, receiving the user-specific option conditions set so that the slave does not perform a specific operation according to the user, and limits the operation of the slave input by the user A master for outputting a command for limiting the operation of the slave according to a condition to the corresponding slave; And And a communication line for data communication between the slave and the master. In a control method of a home network system including a master, at least one slave, and a communication line capable of providing a video interface for inputting a condition limiting the operation of a slave, Inputting, by a user, a condition for limiting an operation for each slave through the master; When the user corresponds to a specific setting environment input by the user, the master transmits a command to limit the operation of the slave to the slave according to an option condition for each user, which is set such that the slave does not execute a specific operation according to the user. Doing; And And controlling the progress of the function by the slave receiving the command for limiting the operation of the slave, according to the command for limiting the operation of the slave. The method of claim 2, The video interface includes an item for selecting whether to operate the operation limit function of all slaves, an item for selecting whether to operate the operation limit function of each slave, and an item for inputting an operation limit condition for each slave. Control method of the system. The method of claim 3, wherein The operation limitation condition is a control method of a home network system, characterized in that configured for each function of the slave. At least one slave configured to not execute the operation command when the input operation command corresponds to a user-specific option condition that is set such that the slave does not execute a specific operation when the input operation command corresponds to a preset configuration environment; Provides a video interface that allows a user to input a condition for limiting the operation of the slave, and transmits and stores a condition that limits the operation of the slave input by the user for at least one slave through the corresponding interface for each slave master; And And a communication line for data communication between the slave and the master. In a control method of a home network system including a master, at least one slave, and a communication line capable of providing a video interface for inputting a condition limiting the operation of a slave, Inputting a user-specific option condition that is set such that a slave does not execute a specific operation according to a user when the user corresponds to a specific setting environment through the master; Storing, by the master, a condition for limiting the operation of the slave input by the user in the slave; And And controlling the progress of the function if the control command inputted to the stored slave by the slave, the condition for limiting the operation of the slave, satisfies the condition for limiting the operation of the slave. Control method of the system. delete delete

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