KR20030095798A - Server/Client System For Managing Home Network And That Implementation Method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A home network management server/client system and an embodying method thereof are provided to collectively manage all UPnP(Universal Plug and Play) compatible devices connected to a home network and obtain detailed information about the UPnP compatible devices. CONSTITUTION: A home server(10) connects to a home LAN(Local Area Network) through a network interface, connects to a power line through a power line PC interface(30), and monitors and controls UPnP compatible devices on the network. A remote client(20) connects to the home server(10), performs socket communication, and uses a home network management service of the home server(10) in a remote place.

Description

Server / Client System For Managing Home Network And That Implementation Method

The present invention relates to a home network, and more particularly, to a home network management server / client system and a method of implementing the same, which collectively manage all UPnP compatible devices connected on a home network as a server / client structure.

In general, Plug and Play is a technology that enables the communication of a large number of devices on a network using a standard protocol such as TCP / IP. Recently, Universal Plug and Play is a next generation technology. Plug and Play (hereinafter referred to as 'UPnP') has been developed and used.

Devices that support these UPnP functions (ie UPnP compatible devices) have their own presentation pages, which means that the average user can use a PC in their home network, i.e. a PC with Windows ME or Windows XP. ) Can be used to monitor and control the device.

However, according to the above-described UPnP function, it is only possible to individually control each device connected to the home network, and only the information provided by the presentation page is known.

In addition, the emulator for the UPnP compatible device currently provided on the home network has a problem in that integrated management is difficult because each device has a separate control point.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a home network management server capable of collectively managing all UPnP compatible devices connected to a home network and further obtaining detailed information on the UPnP compatible devices. To provide a client system and its implementation method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a home network service for an internal user through a home server and to provide services for all home networks, and at the same time to a remote client connected to a home server for an external user. It is to provide the corresponding home network service.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a home network service as a home server / client structure, thereby providing a more diverse and high quality service to a user and facilitating device and service scalability.

1 is a view showing the overall connection structure of a home network management server / client system according to the present invention.

2 is a flowchart illustrating an internal operation of a home network server / client according to the present invention.

3 is a diagram illustrating a device arrangement state by setting UPnP compatible devices in the form of icons on the premises structure diagram in the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating a presentation page and a device menu provided when selecting a specific device displayed on an indoor structure diagram in the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

10: home server 11: network protocol

12: UPnP API unit 13, 21: service processing unit

14. 22: communication processing unit 15, 23: GUI interface unit

20: remote client 30: power line PC interface unit

A feature of the present invention for solving the above object is a system for managing a home network in which a plurality of UPnP compatible devices are connected through a home LAN or a power line, and simultaneously connected to the home LAN through a network interface. A home server performing a home network management service for monitoring and controlling UPnP compatible devices on the network while being connected through the powerline and a powerline PC interface; The present invention provides a home network management server / client system including a remote client connected to the home server through a communication processor and using a home network management service of the home server remotely while performing socket communication.

The home server may include a network protocol for providing a network interface function and providing a network connection with a home LAN and a power line in a home; A UPnP API unit providing basic functions of UPnP; A service processing unit for performing discovery / control / event processing of each device existing on the network through the UPnP API unit and providing a home network management function as a home server; A communication processing unit providing a communication interface so that the remote client can use the home network management service of the home server; Characterized in that it has a structure including a GUI interface for providing an internal user with a graphical interface for home network management.

The remote client may include a GUI interface unit that provides an external user with a graphic interface for home network management; A communication processor providing a communication interface for using a home network management service of a home server; And a service processor that provides a home network management function for each device on a corresponding network in association with the home server.

In addition, the home server has an indoor device arrangement function for showing and storing each device arrangement state on a corresponding indoor structure diagram after creating a diagram showing the structure of a home network where a home network is implemented, and controlling at the home server. Device management function to directly control and monitor by device and group by possible devices in the form of menu, user management function to manage the profile of a user who can log in to the home server, and each home in the home network It provides a home network service for controlling and monitoring a device, and additional services for home shopping, internet connection and email, device A / S, account book and financial management.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in a method of implementing a home network in which a plurality of UPnP compatible devices are connected through a home LAN or a power line, an indoor structure diagram corresponding to the home network after the drawing of the home network is constructed. Setting and storing each device arrangement state on the device; When the home network management program is driven, displaying a pre-stored indoor structure and device arrangement state after performing user authentication and providing a management menu for each home network function; According to a home network management request from a user who has successfully authenticated, there is provided a home network implementation method comprising executing home network management for controlling or monitoring a specific device or providing device detailed information.

In this case, the process of setting and storing each device arrangement state on the indoor structure diagram may include storing the corresponding device arrangement state by setting UPnP compatible devices which are actually arranged in a specific position on the indoor structure diagram in the form of an icon. By using the search function, registration information for each device, a service provided by the device, and action information on the service are stored together.

The home network management may include executing detailed information about the selected device and action information for device control when selecting a specific device displayed on an indoor structure diagram and requesting home network management. Providing in the form of a device menu; When a specific action is selected on the presentation page or the device menu, after executing control of the corresponding device by using a function for invoking the selected action, the service state change associated with the executed action is read and the execution result is output. And it characterized in that it comprises a step for doing, On the other hand, if you request a home network management by selecting a specific management menu is characterized in that it provides detailed information on the corresponding management function.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The home network management server / client system according to the present invention integrates a home network connecting a plurality of UPnP compatible devices through a home LAN or a power line, as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the home server 10 monitors and controls the UPnP compatible devices on the network while being connected to the home LAN through the network protocol 11 and also connected to the power line through the power line PC interface unit 30. The home network management service is performed, and the remote client 20 is connected to the home server 10 through the communication processor 22 to use the home network management service of the corresponding home server 10.

In more detail, the home server 10 provides a network interface function in a functional aspect, while providing a network connection with a home LAN and a power line in the home, and UPnP providing basic functions of UPnP. The home network management as the home server 10 is performed through the application programming interface (API) unit 12 and the UPnP API unit 12 to perform discovery / control / event processing of each device existing on the network. A service processor 13 providing a function, a communication processor 14 providing a communication interface so that the remote client 20 can use the home network management service of the home server 10, and a home network management to an internal user. It has a structure including a GUI (Graphic User Interface) interface unit 15 for providing a graphical interface for.

In addition, the remote client 20 may include a GUI interface unit 23 that provides an external user with a graphical interface for home network management, and a communication processor that provides a communication interface for using a home network management service of the home server 10. And a service processor 21 that interoperates with the home server 10 and provides a home network management function for each device on a corresponding network.

Referring to the functions of the home server 10 and the remote client 20 having such a structure, first, the home server 10 includes an in-house device layout management function, a device management function, a user management function, a home network service, and an addition. Provide service.

Here, the indoor device arrangement function creates a drawing (plan view, three-dimensional view, etc.) showing the basic structure of the indoor premises, and shows the state of each device arrangement on the corresponding indoor structure diagram, and sets the position of the corresponding devices. It also provides a function to modify various rights and information, and the device management function provides a function of directly controlling and monitoring devices that can be controlled by the home server 10 by device and group by menu, wherein the devices are TVs. Group of AV equipment including VTRs, DVDs, audio, set-top boxes, game machines, etc .; Group of kitchen appliances including coffee makers, lighting equipment including indoor lights, exterior lights, porches, blinds, etc. Groups of security devices including loops, front doors, doors, doors, windows, garage shutters, security devices, fire alarms, surveillance cameras, etc., office device groups such as PCs, telephones, fax machines, printers, scanners, and other groups. It can be divided into a charger or a cleaner.

In addition, the user management function provides a function of managing a profile of a user who can log in to the home server 10. In this case, the user who can log in can be configured within the authority set in the device access management according to the access right. Superusers who can control and monitor the devices and change the home server settings using the remote client 20 can control and monitor all devices within the authority set in the device access management, and the home server 10 can be controlled only locally. Family adult users who can change function settings, family child users who can monitor all devices and control only limited devices, general users who can monitor the devices and allowed information allowed by users with higher authority, Control of devices that are mandatory for governments to manage power, gas and water It can be classified as including a feature to the user state.

In addition, the home network service is a service that enables the control and monitoring of each device in the home where the home network is implemented, and the home network service is a kind of energy management. There may be temperature management, security management, lighting management, schedule management, and the like.

Here, the energy management service displays the information on the power / water / gas usage used by month / day and the amount of power currently being used in graphic form for all or specific devices, and the energy through the operation mode and on-off control for each device It helps to minimize consumption, supports temperature setting in conjunction with temperature management, and provides services that enable integrated energy management in the future by remotely connecting with individual energy providers and government agencies. The temperature management service displays the external temperature and the indoor temperature in a graphic form, and provides a service that enables the control of the necessary devices such as a boiler and a window to maintain the temperature set by the user. The security management service includes security devices, security cameras, and fire surveillance cameras included in security devices according to the security standards set by the user and alarm notification information (such as telephone numbers or e-mails for the user to be notified of the alarm, a neighboring police station, or a security company). It provides a service that notifies alarm status such as invasion of outsider by controlling and monitoring. Lighting management service is to maintain the brightness of the user's desired light by using blinds and light sensors of lighting equipment, windows, etc. This is an activity mode that manages the maximum brightness and manages the brightness of light for TV watching or relaxing. It can be managed in the sleep mode, the sleep mode to maintain the minimum brightness suitable for bedtime, and automatically turn off after a set time, go out mode to turn off all the lights. The schedule management service is a service that automatically turns on and off devices used according to a user's life pattern (ie, daily life, weekend holiday, user defined mode, etc.), and more specifically, morning mode and activity mode according to each life pattern. The device is monitored and controlled according to the outing mode, the sleep mode, the user defined mode, and the like.

Finally, additional services include home shopping, internet connection and e-mail, device A / S, household accounting and financial management, and home shopping and internet connection and e-mail service provide a function of connecting a corresponding website. Device A / S provides the function of receiving device A / S online or reporting abnormality to each A / S company through device-specific self-diagnosis, and household account book and financial management can be connected to each card company and bank. Provides support for online banking.

In addition, the home server 10 includes various data classes to provide the above-described functions. The data class includes a CLogInfo class for log information, a CUserInfo class for user management, a CSceduleInfo class for a scheduling service, The CUHome class for the indoor structure diagram and the arrangement status information (location information) of the device, the CDevInfo class for each device information, the CSvcInfo class for service information of each device, and the like are included.

Next, the remote client 20 performs the socket communication with the home server 10 through the communication processor 22 to provide the same function as the corresponding home server 10, but access to the corresponding home server 10. You need to log in using ID and password.

In this case, in order to provide the same function as the above-described home server 10, the remote client 20 needs to receive and store various information of UPnP compatible devices from the home server 10. Property) UDevice class that implements device by declaring object to store point of type and multiple service type variables, UDN, type, presentation URL, manufacturing URL, model name, model number, model URL, Declaring a variable to store information such as serial number and implementing the property of the relevant device, Declaring service ID and service type of each device, and Declaring service class and implementing services of the device , String name, string type and string to store the name, type and value of each device variable Declaring the ring value respectively, and the like having an implement is that the device class variable.

The internal operation of the home network server / client as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 2 as follows, where the home server 10 and the remote client 20 basically perform the same home network management operation. However, since the remote client 20 performs a corresponding management operation through communication with the home server 10, the following description will focus on the overall home network management operation. In addition, since the communication between the remote client 20 and the home server 10 may be implemented in the same manner as in the general server / client structure, description thereof will be omitted.

First, in order to manage the home network in the home server 10 and / or the remote client 20, the home server 10 and / or the remote client 20 should store the arrangement of the indoor devices in which the corresponding home network is configured (step S21).

That is, after creating a drawing (plan view, three-dimensional view, etc.) showing the structure of the home where the home network is configured, each device arrangement state must be set and stored on the corresponding indoor structure diagram. It is possible to provide the drawing creation program to allow the user to create the structure of the house by themselves, and to provide convenience of use, various types of example structures are provided through the initial setting window screen so that the user can match the structure of the house. It is possible to select a structural diagram to be made, or to select a structural diagram that is close to the structure of the home and modify it so that a corresponding indoor structure is prepared.

After the drawing of the indoor structure is completed, the internal structure is stored in the internal memory, and the UPnP compatible devices actually arranged in the home are attached to a specific location on the indoor structure as illustrated in FIG. In this case, the device deployment status is stored. The device search function is used to register information (device name, device type, manufacturer, device description, version information, serial number, etc.) of each device, and services provided by the device. Action information about the service is stored together.

When the user of the home server 10 or the remote client 20 runs the home network management program in the state in which the arrangement state of the devices is stored on the premises structure diagram as described above (step S22), first after initializing communication In order to authenticate the current user, the user receives a predetermined ID and password by performing a login procedure, and performs authentication on whether the user has home network management authority using the input ID and password (step S23). .

At this time, if the authentication is successful, that is, if the user who is currently running the management program is confirmed to be a user with the home network management authority, the pre-stored home structure and device arrangement status is displayed on the screen in a graphic form, At the same time, a management menu for each home network function (menu of comprehensive management, device management, energy management, security management, options, etc.) is provided on the corresponding screen (step S24).

Thereafter, whether the home network management request is received from the user, that is, whether the specific device or the specific management menu displayed on the indoor structure diagram are selected (step S25), the corresponding home network management function is provided.

That is, as a result of checking the home network management request from the user, when a specific device displayed on the premises structure diagram is selected, the presentation of the selected device as illustrated in (a) and (b) of FIG. A presentation page or a device menu is provided. At this time, detailed information about the device and action information for controlling the device are provided through the corresponding presentation page or device menu (step S26). ). Here, the device menu illustrated in (b) of FIG. 4 includes three items of device state, device properties, and device information. The device state item is a menu for general users. It shows device information (device name, short description, information, etc.) and provides general control and monitoring function through action interface that can control the device at the same time. Tree View). The device information item provides detailed information about the device, that is, device name, device type, manufacturer, device description, version information, serial number, and the like, and at the same time, a device manufacturer's website connection function is provided.

When a user selects a specific action on the presentation page or the device menu after providing the presentation page or the device menu, the control message is transmitted to the corresponding device by using a function for invoking the selected action. As a result, the control of the device is executed, and the result of the execution of the desired device control is shown to the user by reading and displaying the service state change associated with the subsequently executed action (step S27).

As a result of checking the home network management request from the user in step S25, when a specific management menu is selected, detailed information on the corresponding management functions, that is, device management, energy management, security management, and the like is displayed (step S28). In this case, the device management menu lists icons, names, and status information of devices connected to the home network, and provides a simple remote control interface for controlling the main functions of each device. It provides information on the operation and the running macro. The energy management menu monitors the current power consumption of each connected device and provides information on the total power consumed from the reference date and the estimated power consumed in the future. And, through the security management menu, the current status is displayed along with the registered information such as the icon and the name of the door or the window, and the security setting and management function according to the security level or the security status of the home is provided. .

Additional functions of the home server according to the present invention include a user management, a log management, a schedule management function, and the like. When the user management function is selected in the program menu of the home server, the user name, ID, gender, age, etc. A user management window for displaying a user list including the information of the user is displayed. At this time, buttons for deleting, adding, and closing the user list are configured at the bottom of the user management window.

In other words, if you press the add button in the user management window, a user information input window appears where you can enter the user name, ID, password, age, gender, etc.If you press the input button after entering the corresponding user information, the user management window The newly entered user information is added to the user list, and all of the user information is stored in the home server and used for user authentication at login.

When the log management function is selected in the home server's program menu, the log management function includes information such as the execution time of the action executed by the user, the executed user ID, the IP address, the executed device, the executed content, and the execution result. A log management window will be displayed to display a list of log information. The log information is recorded on the home server regardless of the termination of the program.

Finally, the schedule management function selects schedule management from the program menu of the home server. The schedule management function displays a schedule list including information such as a reservation time, a device to be executed, and a name and additional description of an action to be serviced. A window will appear, and this schedule list can be added and deleted as in the user management function.

In other words, when the Add button is pressed in the schedule management window, a schedule information input window for inputting a reservation time, a device to be reserved and an action name corresponding to the device is displayed, and after inputting corresponding schedule information, the schedule information is inputted. If you press the Done button, the newly entered schedule information is added to the schedule list in the schedule management window in order and the corresponding action is executed according to the rescheduled schedule.

In addition, the embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various alternatives, modifications, and changes can be made within the scope apparent to those skilled in the art.

As described above, according to the home network management server / client system of the present invention and its implementation method, in providing a home network service, a remote client connected to a home server through an home server for an internal user and a home server for an external user Through the integrated management of all UPnP compatible devices connected to the home network, you can also get detailed information about UPnP compatible devices.

In addition, the present invention provides a home network service as a home server / client structure, thereby facilitating device and service scalability while providing various and high quality services to the user.

Claims (8)

In a system for managing a home network in which a plurality of UPnP compatible devices are connected through a home LAN or a power line, A home server that performs a home network management service for monitoring and controlling UPnP compatible devices on the network while being connected through the home LAN and a network interface and simultaneously connected through the power line and a power line PC interface; And a remote client connected to the home server through a communication processing unit and using a home network management service of the home server remotely while performing socket communication. The method of claim 1, The home server may include a network protocol for providing a network interface function and providing a network connection with a home LAN and a power line in a home; A UPnP API unit providing basic functions of UPnP; A service processing unit for performing discovery / control / event processing of each device existing on the network through the UPnP API unit and providing a home network management function as a home server; A communication processing unit providing a communication interface so that the remote client can use the home network management service of the home server; Home network management server / client system, characterized in that it has a structure including a GUI interface for providing an internal user with a graphical interface for home network management. The method of claim 1, The remote client may include a GUI interface unit that provides an external user with a graphic interface for home network management; A communication processor providing a communication interface for using a home network management service of a home server; And a service processing unit which provides a home network management function for each device on a corresponding network in association with the home server. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The home server comprises a device configuration function for indoor devices for storing and displaying respective device arrangement states on a corresponding indoor structure diagram after creating a diagram illustrating a structure of a home network where a home network is implemented, and a device that can be controlled by the home server. In the form of a menu, device management function for direct control and monitoring by device and group, user management function for managing a profile of a user who can log in to a home server, and a device in a home network where a home network is implemented. A home network management server / client system for providing home network services for control and monitoring, and additional services for home shopping, internet connection and e-mail, device A / S, account book and financial management. In a method for implementing a home network connecting a plurality of UPnP compatible devices through a home LAN or a power line, Creating a diagram illustrating a structure of a home configured with the home network, and setting and storing each device arrangement state on a corresponding structure of a home; When the home network management program is driven, displaying a pre-stored indoor structure and device arrangement state after performing user authentication and providing a management menu for each home network function; And controlling or monitoring a specific device or performing home network management for providing device detailed information according to a home network management request from a user who has successfully authenticated. The method of claim 5, The process of setting and storing each device arrangement state on the indoor structure diagram may include storing a corresponding device arrangement state by setting UPnP compatible devices which are actually arranged in a specific position on the indoor structure diagram in the form of an icon. And storing registration information about each device, a service provided by the device, and action information about the service. The method of claim 5, The home network management may include displaying detailed information about the selected device and action information for device control when a specific device displayed on the premises structure is requested for home network management. Providing in form; When a specific action is selected on the presentation page or the device menu, after executing control of the corresponding device by using a function for invoking the selected action, the service state change associated with the executed action is read and the execution result is output. Home network implementation method comprising the step of doing. The method of claim 5, The process of executing home network management may include providing detailed information on a corresponding management function when requesting home network management by selecting a specific management menu.