WO2007043099A1

WO2007043099A1 - Internet home electric appliance, its control method and program, server system, its control method and program, information output device, its control method and program, content delivering system and method, and content receiving system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2007043099A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/018102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsumoto
Original assignee: Tamura Corporation
Priority date: 2005-09-30
Filing date: 2005-09-30
Publication date: 2007-04-19

Abstract

A technique of providing information represented by Internet televisions. An effective commercial message responding to individual specific demand is selected and provided according to the information on an Internet home electric appliance connected to a home network. According to the information representing the status of an Internet home electric appliance (2) in a home network (1), a content with a most suitable commercial message is delivered from a server system (5) to an Internet television receiver (3) serving as an information output unit in the home network (1). The server system (5) has a control section for delivery control such as CPU and specifically can be composed of a plurality of servers. In this example, the server system (5) is composed of a management server (51) for judging the status of an Internet home electric appliance, a content server (53) for storing and delivering a content, a commercial server (54) for storing and delivering commercial message information, and a path switch (52) for controlling replacement of commercial message information.

Description

Specification

Internet home appliance, its control method and program, server system, its control method and program, information output device, its control method and program, content distribution system and method, content reception system and method

Technical field

[0001] The present invention is an information providing technology represented by Internet TV, and selects and provides effective CMs according to individual specific demands based on information on Internet home appliances connected to a home network. To do.

Background art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of mass communication methods and economics, activities to provide various information such as commercial advertisements (hereinafter collectively referred to as “CM”) have become active, and a typical example is television (TV). ) Broadcast CM. Recently, in particular, techniques such as broadcasting programs (streaming so-called Internet TV) via the rapidly developed Internet (so-called Internet TV) and displaying banner advertisements on web pages have also been proposed. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Conventionally, in any of the above-described techniques, a CM is generally sent information uniformly to an unspecified number of people, and even if it classifies viewers, In this time zone of this day, there will be many viewers of this attribute at this age, so you will be interested in this product. " It was a powerful force in classification.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-10-51701

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology as described above, for example, when a washing machine commercial is broadcast even to a home immediately after a new washing machine is purchased, there is a lot of waste. However, there were problems that could not be expected for effective advertising according to the demands of individual viewers such as diversification of events and variations in activity time. [0005] The present invention solves the problems of the prior art as described above, and an object of the present invention is based on information on Internet home appliances connected to a home network in information providing technology represented by Internet TV. Therefore, it is to select and provide effective CMs according to individual specific demands.

Means for solving the problem

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the network home appliance of the present invention includes a mechanism unit as an electrical product, a connection unit with a communication network, and a processing unit that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit. And monitoring each unit by the processing unit, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied for the state of each unit, the connection unit displays notification information indicating the state of the Internet home appliance according to the condition. It is characterized by comprising a judgment notification means for transmitting a predetermined server on the Internet as a transmission destination. This can also be understood as a control method including such a determination notification process and a program for causing a computer to execute this process.

[0007] In these inventions, individual specific information such as the model, remaining life, failure status, usage pattern, etc. is transmitted from individual home appliances connected to the home network to a server on the Internet, and based on the information. By appropriately replacing the CM delivered to the information output device of the in-home network, it is possible to effectively provide optimal information that is truly useful to the user's demand, such as repair, replacement, and purchase, at the optimal timing. Become.

[0008] Furthermore, CM information replacement control in response to notification of net home power is performed on the server side on the Internet, so that the burden on functions, processing load, repair and maintenance, etc. on the home network side is reduced. It becomes unnecessary and easy to implement.

[0009] An Internet home appliance according to another aspect of the present invention includes a mechanism unit as an electrical appliance, a connection unit with a communication network, and a processing unit that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit. In the network home appliance provided, the processing unit monitors each unit, and when a preset condition is satisfied for the state of each unit, notification information indicating the state of the network home appliance according to the condition is sent to the same communication It is characterized by comprising a judgment notification means for transmitting a predetermined information output device connected to the network as a transmission destination. This can also be understood as a control method including each process and a program for causing a computer to execute each process. [0010] In these inventions, individual specific information such as the model, remaining life, failure status, usage pattern, etc. is transmitted from individual home appliances connected to the home network, and based on the information, the information output device of the same home network By appropriately replacing the CMs output in step 1, it is possible to effectively provide optimal information that is truly useful in line with user demand, such as repairs, replacements, and purchases, at the optimal timing.

[0011] In addition, CM information replacement control in response to notification of network home electricity is performed on the home network side, so that the server on the Internet, which is the distribution source, supports individual functions, processing load, and maintenance. The burden of management etc. becomes unnecessary and implementation becomes easy.

[0012] In the network home appliance according to another aspect of the present invention, the processing unit or the connection unit has (1) pre-set or (2) identification information for identifying the transmission destination on the communication network. ) It is characterized in that it comprises means for accepting an input of a predetermined input device force setting operation at the time of connection or after connection of the network home appliance to the communication network or an automatic search using the communication network. This can be regarded as a control method including each process and a program for causing the computer to execute each process.

[0013] In these aspects, the identification information such as the URL and IP address for specifying the information transmission destination of the net home power has been set in advance by setting at the time of shipment, or the product is set in the home network. By using an automatic search such as a user input operation or referring to an initial setting server at the time of connection or after connection, a particularly excellent usability can be obtained.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the network home appliance monitors the normality of the network home appliance, and sends notification information corresponding to the detected failure when the failure is detected to the destination. It is characterized by transmitting to. This can be regarded as a control method including each process and a program for causing a computer to execute each process.

[0015] In these aspects, it is possible to reliably provide CM information such as repair service and replacement by notification of the troubled part, and it is possible to effectively solve the user's inconvenience due to failure of the Internet home appliance.

[0016] In the Internet home appliance according to another aspect of the present invention, the determination notification unit is provided in advance in the processing unit. The elapsed time of the registered manufacturing date / time is monitored, or the accumulated total operating time is monitored by timely integration, and when the average time defined for the product is within a predetermined range, the above time is reached. The arrival is notified to the transmission destination. This can be regarded as a control method including each process and a program for causing the computer to execute each process.

[0017] In these aspects, notification based on the average life span makes it possible to reliably provide CM information such as inspection and repair services and replacements before the actual end of the life, and sudden failure or accidents of Internet home appliances. Inconveniences such as user inconvenience and loss due to the user can be resolved effectively and easily.

[0018] In the network home appliance according to another aspect of the present invention, the determination notification unit monitors the operation efficiency of the mechanism unit of the network home appliance and detects that the efficiency is lower than a predetermined reference. Notification information corresponding thereto is transmitted to the transmission destination. This can be regarded as a control method including each process and a program for causing a computer to execute each process.

[0019] In these modes, notification of a decrease in operating efficiency makes it possible to reliably provide CM information such as repair services and replacements for not only malfunctions and lifetimes but also aging Internet home appliances. Inconveniences such as inconvenience for users and economic loss due to a decrease in the operating efficiency of home appliances can be effectively resolved and eased.

[0020] A server system according to another aspect of the present invention is provided on the Internet, and includes an information receiving unit, a storage unit for content and CM information, a distribution unit, and a control unit for distribution operation control. In the server system, using the control unit, the information receiving unit receives notification information indicating the state of the net home appliance through the home network and the wide area network to which the net home power is connected and the wide area network. And a means for controlling replacement of CM information to be inserted into the content distributed to a predetermined information output device in the home network by controlling the distribution unit according to the content of the notified information. . This can be avoided as a control method including each process and a program for causing a computer to execute each process.

[0021] Further, a server system according to another aspect of the present invention is provided for determining the state of the Internet home appliance. A management server, a content server for storing and distributing content, a commercial server for storing and distributing CM information, and a path switch for CM information replacement control, wherein the management server includes the network appliance Receiving notification information indicating the status of the network home appliance via the home network and wide area network to which the network home appliance is connected, and determining the status of the network home appliance based on the content of the received notification information. The content server distributes the content via the route switch to a predetermined information output device connected to the home network connected to the network home appliance, and the commercial server connects the home network connected to the network home appliance The CM information is distributed via the route switch to the information output device connected to the Path switch, depending on the state of the Internet home appliance that is determined by the management server, and the content from the container Nssaba, and the CM information from the commercial server, characterized by switching control. This can also be understood as a control method including each process and a program for causing the computer to execute each process.

[0022] In these aspects, the configuration of the whole and functional parts is further simplified by performing status determination of Internet home appliances, content distribution, CM information distribution, and CM information replacement control on separate servers. As a result, the processing load can be distributed and the ease, accuracy, and cost of system construction and partial refurbishment can be improved, and the spillover range can be limited even in the event of a failure, improving operational stability.

[0023] A server system according to another aspect of the present invention receives and downloads CM information as needed from an external information sano provided outside the server system via the wide area network. It is stored in a predetermined storage unit and distributed. This can be avoided as a control method including each process and a program for causing the computer to execute each process.

[0024] In these modes, CM information for distribution is further updated by media delivery, etc., by downloading and distributing CM information from external information such as advertisers. This makes it possible to easily distribute the latest CM information at any time without the hassle and burden of doing so.

[0025] A content distribution system according to another aspect of the present invention provides any of the above-described Internet home appliances And a server system. This can also be understood as a combination of one of the above-mentioned control methods for home appliances and the control method for the server system.

[0026] An information output apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention accesses a predetermined server system via a connection unit for connecting to a wide area network via a home network, an image output unit, and each network. A reception control unit that outputs the content and CM information distributed by the image output unit to the image output unit, and the reception control unit represents the status of the net home power connected to the same home network and the state of the net home appliance The notification information is received by the connection unit, and the CM information inserted into the content to be output to the image output unit is replaced by controlling the reception control unit according to the content of the received notification information. It is characterized by providing the means to do. This can also be understood as a control method including each process and a program for causing a computer to execute each process.

[0027] An information output apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the replacement control by the reception control unit is performed according to an insertion frequency instructed by the server system power. This can be avoided as a control method including each process and a program for causing the computer to execute each process.

[0028] In these aspects, by performing replacement control to CM information suitable for individual viewers at a frequency instructed by the server system, a more optimal and effective advertising effect is realized, and Therefore, the replacement control pattern using the latest marketing technology can be easily applied only by changing or modifying data on the server side only.

[0029] An information output apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is an Internet television receiver that receives and outputs IP network content. This can also be understood as a control method using such an Internet television receiver as the information output device.

[0030] In these aspects, by using Internet television as an information output terminal, it is possible to view high-quality content even in remote locations or in bad weather by digital transmission, and CM for individual distribution destination viewers. Replacement can be realized flexibly and smoothly.

[0031] A content receiving system according to another aspect of the present invention provides any one of the above-described Internet home appliances And an information output device. This can be regarded as a content reception method that combines one of the above-mentioned control methods for home appliances and the control method for the server system.

The invention's effect

[0032] In the present invention as described above, in the information providing technology represented by Internet TV, an effective CM according to individual specific demand based on the information of Internet home appliances connected to the home network. Can be selected and provided.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in an Internet home appliance in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the server system in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing CM replacement in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the Internet television receiver in the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0034] 1 ... Home network

2, 20 ... net appliances

3, 30 ... Internet TV receiver

4 ... Internet

5 ... Server system

6 ... External information server

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (first embodiment and second embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, each embodiment is a net home appliance as a single unit, It can be grasped not only as a server system and information output device (Internet TV receiver) but also as a content distribution system as a total system combining these, as a content reception system. However, it is also possible to grasp. The assumptions common to the prior art described in Background Art and Issues are not repeated.

[1. Configuration of First Embodiment]

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the first embodiment relates to a content distribution system (hereinafter referred to as “the present system”) including an Internet home appliance and a server system.

Based on information from the home appliances 2 in the home network 1, the server system 5 delivers content including the optimal CM to the Internet TV receiver 3, which is an information output device in the home network 1. To do.

[0037] [1 1. Internet appliances]

In other words, the net home appliance 2 in the first embodiment means all electric appliances with an internet connection function such as washing machines and refrigerators, including those used not only for general households but also in business establishments. Part (for example, a water injection valve or motor for a washing machine, a compressor for a refrigerator, etc.) 21 and a connection part 22 (for example, a network connection circuit such as a 100BASE-TX equipped with an RJ45 jack) And a processing unit 23 such as a one-chip microcomputer that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit.

[0038] Then, in the network home appliance 2, when the built-in program or the like monitors each part (mechanism part 21, connection part 22 etc.) by the processing part 23 and satisfies a preset condition for the state of each part In addition, according to the conditions, a notification notification such as a report alert indicating the state of the Internet home appliance 2 is transmitted as a determination notification means for transmitting the predetermined server system 5 on the Internet 4 as a transmission destination through the connection unit 22. Realize part 24. Here, specifically, the judgment determination unit 24 includes a self-diagnosis unit 11, a cumulative operation time counting unit 12, and an operation efficiency monitoring unit 13. An Internet TV receiver 3 is also connected as an information output terminal to the home network 1 to which such Internet home appliances 2 are connected.

[0039] [1-2. Server system]

A service that distributes information such as programs to information output terminals such as the Internet TV receiver 3. The server system 5 is provided on the Internet 4 as a content distribution server, an information providing server, a management server, etc. by an ISP (Internet 'service provider) or other information provider, for example, Although not shown as an element common to the server, the information receiving unit, content (for example, broadcast programs such as videos such as dramas, movies, news, etc., web pages, images, etc.) and CM information storage unit and distribution A part.

[0040] Such a distribution unit is a part for distributing contents to an information output device connected to the home network 1 to which the network home appliance 2 is connected, in this case, the Internet television receiver 3 by streaming or the like.

[0041] Further, the server system 5 in the first embodiment includes a control unit for distribution operation control such as a CPU, and can be specifically configured by a plurality of servers. Here, the management server 51 for determining the status of the network home appliance 2 (corresponding to the information receiving unit), the content server 53 for storing and distributing content, and the commercial server 54 for storing and distributing CM information (the storing unit) And a route switch 52 for CM information replacement control (which constitutes the delivery unit together with the servers 53 and 54 and also serves as the control unit).

[0042] [1 3. Network]

The home network 1 that is a LAN (local area network) is connected to the Internet 4 that is a WAN (wide area network). The connection configuration between each device and the network is free. It can be connected to the home network 1 with a wireless LAN adapter, etc., and connected to the Internet 4 via a router that is the gateway of the home network 1, or it can be connected to an independent WAN that is separate from the LAN port. The port may be connected to the WAN.

[0043] The type and configuration of the communication network and communication protocol are also free. For example, when using IP (Internet Protocol), a DHCP client function for the WAN side can be used for modems such as ADSL and optical. With both DHCP server functions for the LAN side, one or a few global IP addresses assigned from the WAN side are converted to the number of local IP addresses required for each home appliance 2 by the IP masquerade NAT function and assigned. This You can also get (global) IP addresses such as IPv6 from the WAN side at any time by using the DHCP client function that the Internet home appliance 2 itself has!

[2. Actions and effects of the first embodiment]

The first embodiment configured as described above operates as follows.

[2—1. Preparation of identification information]

First, with respect to the identification information for identifying the transmission destination on the communication network from the judgment notification unit 24, the connection unit 22 and the processing unit 23 (1) maintain the factory shipping power as set in advance. Yes, or (2) When the Internet home appliance 2 is connected to the home network 1 or after connection, it is possible to accept input of setting operations such as a switch by a predetermined input device or automatically using the home network 1 Obtain by search.

[0045] In this way, identification information such as a URL or IP address that specifies the information transmission destination of Internet home power has been set in advance by setting at the time of shipment, or when the product is connected to a home network. And after that, by using an automatic search such as a user input operation or referring to an initial setting server, a particularly excellent usability can be obtained.

[0046] [2-2. Detection and Notification of Conditions]

Next, the flowchart of Fig. 2 shows the operation procedure when the Internet home appliance 2 tries to start the operation according to the user's instructions. That is, when the judgment notifying unit 24 monitors each unit such as the mechanism unit 21 by the processing unit 23 and satisfies a preset condition for the state of each unit (steps 12, 14, and 16), the network home appliance according to the condition. Notification information such as a report or alert indicating the status of 2 is transmitted by the connection unit 22 to a predetermined server system 5 on the Internet 4 (steps 13 and 17).

[0047] [2-3. Notification of trouble]

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, first, the self-diagnosis unit 11 starts self-diagnosis (step 11), monitors the normality of the network home appliance 2 by sensor output, etc., and detects troubles. Then, (Step 12) A report of the location and fault code corresponding to the detected trouble is created (Step 13), and it is transmitted as notification information to the server system 5 as the transmission destination (Step 17).

[0048] CM notifications such as repair services and replacements are ensured by notification of troubles. This makes it possible to effectively eliminate the user's inconvenience due to the failure of the internet home appliance.

[0049] [2-4. Notification regarding service life]

In addition, the cumulative operation time counting unit 12 of the judgment notifying unit 24 monitors the elapsed period based on the manufacturing date and time registered at the time of manufacturing in the processing unit 23, and monitors the cumulative total operation time etc. from time to time. Even if no trouble is detected (step 12), the product's elapsed time and cumulative total operating time are compared to the average life, etc. (Step 14), the connection unit 22 notifies the management server 51 of information such as the predicted lifetime (average life expectancy as an electrical appliance) (Step 17).

[0050] This notification based on the average lifespan makes it possible to reliably provide CM information such as inspection and repair services and replacements before the actual end of the service life. Inconveniences such as loss and loss can be effectively eliminated easily.

[0051] [2-5. Notification of decrease in operating efficiency]

In addition, during operation after the Internet home appliance 2 starts operation (Step 15), the operation efficiency monitoring unit 13 monitors the operation efficiency such as the relationship between the compressor work amount of the air conditioner and the room temperature change range, etc. At the same time, when it is detected that the efficiency is lower than the predetermined standard (step 16), notification information corresponding to the efficiency is transmitted to the server system 5 as the transmission destination (step 17).

[0052] By notification of such a decrease in operating efficiency, it is possible to reliably provide CM information such as repair services and replacements for not only malfunctions and lifespans, but also repair services and replacements. Inconveniences such as user inconvenience and economic loss due to the decrease can be effectively resolved easily. In addition, notification of information based on the above conditions may be performed independently each time! However, it may be notified together with a request for content distribution such as a program! / ヽ (Step 17).

[0053] [2-6. Distribution of contents]

On the other hand, in the server system 5 configured as shown in FIG. 1, the content server 53 distributes the content via the route switch 52 to the Internet television receiver 3 connected to the home network 1 to which the network home appliance 2 is connected. In addition, the commercial sano 54 distributes the CM information to the same Internet TV receiver 3 via the same route switch 52. To do. The replacement of CM information is performed as follows, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0054] [2-7. CM switching on server]

In other words, information transmitted from the home appliance 2 to the home appliance 2 via the home network 1 and the Internet 4 includes the notification information as described above for the home appliance 2, the content distribution request, and the like. There is. Then, in the server system 5, the management server 51, which is the information receiving unit, determines the type of information transmitted in this way (step 31), and when it is notification information indicating the state of the internet home appliance 2, In the case of a distribution request with notification information, or when there is already received notification information for the network home appliance 2 connected to the distribution request source's home network 1, the route switch 52, which is the control unit, acquires the notification information. (Download) (Step 33).

[0055] When the notification information received as described above exists (step 32), the route switch 52 further determines the state of the network home appliance 2 if necessary according to the contents of the notification information passed. In addition, for the content distributed to the Internet TV receiver 3 in the home network 1, replacement of the CM information to be inserted, such as by inserting and inserting a video in the middle or before or after the broadcast program, or by inserting a banner advertisement on the web page Control is performed (steps 35 and 36).

[0056] Here, the specific algorithm and contents of the replacement are free. For example, by searching for CM information of products and services that are likely to meet the demands of users of Internet home appliances 2, such as repair shops and new products. You can list multiple candidates and replace them with CM parts that are represented in advance in the form of content such as the time frame and instruction data at the insertion location!

[0057] In this case, the state determination of the network home appliance 2 may be performed on the management server 51 side. In this case, the route switch 52 determines whether the content of the network home appliance 2 is determined by the management server 51. The contents from 53 and the CM information from the commercial server 54 are switched and controlled.

[0058] In this way, the status determination of the Internet home appliance 2 (management server 51), content distribution (content server 53), CM information distribution (commercial server 54), CM information replacement control (path switch 52), respectively. By using separate devices, the entire and functional parts The configuration is simple and the processing load can be distributed, the system construction and partial refurbishment, accuracy, and cost are improved, and the spillover range is limited even when a failure occurs, and the operational stability can be improved.

[0059] [2-8. Control of replacement frequency]

For example, the replacement of CM information as described above is actually a request for distribution (broadcasting) of a TV program from an Internet TV receiver 3 built in the same home network 1 as the network home appliance 2 that has notified the information. Applies to distribution when is sent to server system 5. For example, the frequency at which the CM portion in the video program from the content server 53 is replaced with the CM information as described above is determined and set by the management server 51 or the route switch 52 based on the notification information in the server system 5. (Step 34)

[0060] What kind of replacement is to be performed in any case, including such replacement frequency, is free, and at the timing when the information from the commercial server 54 is inserted into the content from the content server 53 by the path switch 52. In other words, the audience may be analogized and adjusted based on the operating status of the Internet home appliance 2. For example, in a case where the Internet home appliance 2 is an old washing machine and the operation start time is often close to the Internet TV receiver 3, the user can do the laundry while watching the Internet TV receiver 3. The management server 51 sends commercial information such as new product information for washing machines to the nearest mass retailer and special sale information while the Internet home appliance 2 is in operation. 54 and route switch 52 will be instructed.

[0061] [2- 9. Use of External Information Server]

Further, the server system 5 and the commercial sano 54 as described above are provided externally separately from the server system 5 through the CM 4 via the Internet 4, such as the manufacturer and dealer of the Internet home appliance 2, etc. If necessary, it may be downloaded from an external information server 6 as an information source operated by the user, stored in a predetermined storage unit, and distributed.

[0062] In this way, by downloading and distributing CM information from external information servers such as advertisers and other manufacturers, dealers, etc., there is no troublesome burden and burden such as media delivery.

, V, and the latest CM information can be distributed easily. [0063] [3. Main effects of the first embodiment]

As described above, individual specific information such as model, remaining life, failure status, usage pattern, etc. is transmitted from individual home network 2 connected to a communication network such as home network 1 to a server on the Internet 4 Based on this, by replacing CMs to be delivered to the Internet TV receiver 3 that is the information output device of the in-home network 1 as appropriate, optimal information that is truly useful to meet the user's demand, such as repairs, replacements, and purchases. It can be effectively provided with optimal timing.

[0064] In this way, shopping information and repair information that are suitable for situations such as troubles and aging obtained by the self-diagnosis function of Internet home appliances in the home network 1 that is a LAN are automatically selected and acquired. By doing so, marketing that is significantly more effective than before can be achieved. For example, it is not necessary to simply insert commercial information for an unspecified number of people in a program. Recommend new models of existing equipment, or recommend DVD recorders to TV owners. In addition, specific one-to-one marketing, such as a repairer's CM and new product bargain information, can be realized depending on the location and type of trouble that has been diagnosed.

[0065] In particular, in the first embodiment, by using an Internet TV as an information output terminal, it is possible to view excellent quality content even in remote locations and in bad weather by digital transmission, and to individual distribution destination viewers. CM replacement can be implemented flexibly and smoothly. Here, the conceptual diagram of FIG. 4 shows that the data stream transmitted in packetized form on the Internet TV is replaced with the original CM partial replacement data and then the Internet. It seems to be provided to TV.

[0066. Second Embodiment]

In the above first embodiment, the replacement of CMs in the main program is shown on the network side, that is, in the server system on the Internet. As in the second embodiment, it may be performed on the Internet television side on the home network. For example, it is possible to use a cable TV, etc. to send CMs on multiple channels and switch on the receiving side. Here, an example using an Internet TV receiver is shown. [0067] [4 1. Configuration]

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the network home appliance 20 in the second embodiment is similar to the network home appliance 2 in the first embodiment, and is a connection portion between a mechanical unit 21 as an electrical product and a communication network. 22 and a processing unit 23 that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit, and also monitors each unit by the processing unit 23 and satisfies a preset condition for the state of each unit In this case, notification information indicating the state of the Internet home appliance is transmitted according to the condition.

[0068] However, in the network home appliance 20 in the second embodiment, unlike the network home appliance 2 in the first embodiment, the destination of the notification information as described above is an information output device connected to the same communication network, specifically Specifically, it is an Internet television receiver 30 that receives and outputs IP network content.

[0069] The Internet television receiver 30 includes a connection unit 33 for connecting to a communication network (here, home network 1), an image output unit 32, a communication network (here, home network 1 and WAN: wide area network). A reception control unit 31 that outputs content and CM information distributed by streaming or the like to the image output unit 32 by accessing a predetermined server system (53, 54) via the Internet 4).

[0070] [4-2. Actions and effects]

In such a second embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the reception control unit 31 sends notification information indicating the status of the network home appliance 2 from the network home appliance 2 connected to the same home network 1. In accordance with the content of the received notification information (step 51), the CM information to be inserted into the content to be output to the image output unit 32 is replaced (steps 55 to 60).

[0071] As a more specific example, the reception control unit 31 sets the commercial server 54, which is a server system that stores in advance the latest CM information corresponding to the content of the received notification information (step 51). Access to external information server 6 or other dedicated CM information server prepared by the manufacturer or mass retailer, etc., download it, and store it appropriately in the storage section such as Noffer 33 (step 52). The replacement frequency indicated by commercial sano 54 is also set (step 53). [0072] After that, when waiting for a program (step 54) and starting to receive a program due to a distribution request (step 55), a predetermined part or a predetermined CM part before or after the program as a content, for example, a predetermined It is detected based on the eye-catching marking data (step 56), and when it is determined that the object is to be replaced based on the frequency (step 57), it is replaced with the CM image as described above (step 58). When one CM ends, the replacement is repeated according to the set frequency until the program ends (step 60) (steps 56 to 60).

[0073] [5. Other embodiments]

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes other embodiments including those exemplified below and others. For example, the information output device that outputs information such as CM in the home network 1 is not limited to the Internet television receiver, and may be a personal computer that displays a WWW web page. Banner advertisements and animation (animation) advertisements in the display window by the browser are subject to replacement control.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An Internet home appliance comprising a mechanism unit as an electrical appliance, a connection unit with a communication network, and a processing unit that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit,

The processing unit monitors each unit and, when a condition set in advance for the state of each unit is satisfied, notification information indicating the state of the Internet home appliance according to the condition is sent to the predetermined unit on the Internet by the connection unit. Notification to send a server as a destination

Internet home appliances characterized by comprising.

[2] A network home appliance including a mechanism unit as an electrical appliance, a connection unit with a communication network, and a processing unit that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit.

The processing unit monitors the respective units, and when a condition set in advance for the state of each unit is satisfied, notification information representing the state of the network home appliance is connected to the same communication network according to the condition. Judgment notification means for transmitting a predetermined information output device as a transmission destination

Internet home appliances characterized by having.

[3] The processing unit or the connection unit is configured to identify the transmission destination on the communication network.

(1) Pre-set

Or

(2) When the network home appliance is connected to the communication network or after connection, a predetermined input device power is also provided by receiving an input of a setting operation or by an automatic search using the communication network.

The internet home appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

[4] The determination notifying means monitors the normality of the Internet home appliance and transmits notification information corresponding to the detected failure to the transmission destination when the failure is detected. 2. Internet appliances listed.

[5] The judgment notifying means monitors the elapsed time from the manufacturing date and time registered in advance in the processing section, or monitors the accumulated total operating time by integration from time to time and 3. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein when the time reaches a predetermined average life and a predetermined range, the arrival is notified to the transmission destination.

[6] The determination notification unit monitors the operation efficiency of the mechanism unit of the Internet home appliance, and when detecting that the efficiency has decreased below a predetermined standard, transmits the notification information corresponding to the efficiency to the transmission destination. The internet home appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

[7] In a server system that is provided on the Internet and includes an information receiving unit, a storage unit for content and CM information, a distribution unit, and a control unit for distribution operation control, the control unit is used to The information receiving unit receives notification information indicating the state of the Internet home appliance via the home network and the wide area network to which the network home electric power is connected, and controls the distribution unit according to the content of the received notification information. Thus, means for replacing and controlling CM information inserted into the content distributed to a predetermined information output device in the home network

A server system comprising:

[8] The server system includes a management server for determining the status of the Internet home appliance, a content server for storing and distributing content, a commercial server for storing and distributing CM information, and CM information replacement control. And a route switch for

The management server receives notification information representing the status of the network home appliance via the home network to which the network home appliance is connected and the wide area network, and based on the content of the received notification information. Judging the state of internet appliances,

The content server distributes the content via the route switch to a predetermined information output device connected to a home network to which the network home appliance is connected, and the commercial server is connected to the home network to which the network home appliance is connected. The CM information is distributed to the connected information output device via the route switch,

The path switch performs switching control between the content from the content server and the CM information from the commercial server according to the state of the Internet home appliance determined by the management server.

8. The server system according to claim 7, wherein:

[9] The server system sends CM information to the server system via the wide area network. Claims are further received from an external information server provided externally separately from the system and downloaded as needed, stored in a predetermined storage unit, and distributed.

7. The server system according to 7.

[10] A content distribution system comprising a combination of the home electric appliance according to any one of claims 1 and 3 and the server system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

[11] A connection unit for connecting to a wide area network via a home network, an image output unit, and content and CM information distributed by accessing a predetermined server system via each network to the image output unit An information output device including a reception control unit for outputting,

The reception control unit receives notification information indicating the status of the network home power network home appliance connected to the same home network, and the reception control unit according to the content of the received notification information. Means for controlling replacement of CM information to be inserted into the content to be output to the image output unit

An information output device comprising:

12. The information output device according to claim 11, wherein the replacement control by the reception control unit is performed according to an insertion frequency instructed by the server system power.

13. The information output device according to claim 11, wherein the information output device is an Internet television receiver that receives and outputs content with an IP network capability.

[14] A content receiving system comprising a combination of the internet home appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 6 and the information output device according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

[15] According to a control method for an Internet home appliance comprising a mechanism unit as an electrical appliance, a connection unit with a communication network, and a processing unit that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit, The processing unit monitors each unit and, when a condition set in advance for the state of each unit is satisfied, notification information indicating the state of the Internet home appliance according to the condition is sent to the predetermined unit on the Internet by the connection unit. Notification processing to send a server as the destination A method of controlling an internet home appliance characterized by comprising:

[16] A network home appliance comprising a mechanism unit as an electrical appliance, a connection unit to a communication network, and a processing unit that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit,

The processing unit monitors the respective units, and when a condition set in advance for the state of each unit is satisfied, notification information representing the state of the network home appliance is connected to the same communication network according to the condition. Judgment notification process for sending a specified information output device as a destination

A method of controlling an internet home appliance characterized by comprising:

[17] The processing unit or the connection unit, for the identification information for identifying the transmission destination on the communication network,

(1) Pre-set

Or

(2) When the network appliance is connected to or after connection to the communication network, a predetermined input device force is also received by accepting a setting operation or by an automatic search using the communication network.

17. The method for controlling an internet home appliance according to claim 15 or 16, wherein:

18. The determination notification process monitors the normality of the Internet home appliance, and transmits a notification information corresponding to the detected failure to the transmission destination when a failure is detected. 16. A method for controlling an internet home appliance according to 16.

[19] The judgment notification process monitors the elapsed time from the manufacturing date and time registered in advance in the processing unit, or monitors the accumulated total operation time by integration as needed, and defines a predetermined average life and a predetermined value for the product. 17. The method for controlling an Internet home appliance according to claim 15, wherein when the time reaches within a range, the arrival is notified to the transmission destination.

[20] The determination notification process monitors the operating efficiency of the mechanism unit of the network home appliance, and transmits notification information corresponding to the monitoring information to the transmission destination when it detects that the efficiency is lower than a predetermined standard. 17. The method for controlling an internet home appliance according to claim 15 or 16, wherein:

[21] A method for controlling a server system provided on the Internet, including an information receiving unit, a storage unit for content and CM information, a distribution unit, and a control unit for distribution operation control. And

Using the control unit, the information receiving unit receives notification information indicating the state of the net home appliance through the home network and the wide area network to which the net home power and the net home appliance are connected, and the content of the received notification information. Accordingly, by controlling the distribution unit accordingly, a process for controlling replacement of CM information to be inserted into the content to be distributed to a predetermined information output device in the home network

A control method for a server system, comprising:

[22] The server system includes a management server for determining the status of Internet home appliances, a content server for storing and distributing content, a commercial server for storing and distributing CM information, and a CM information replacement control. A route switch,

22. The server system control method according to claim 21, wherein

[23] The server system receives CM information via an external information server provided externally separately from the server system via the wide area network as needed, and receives a predetermined storage unit. 22. The method for controlling a server system according to claim 21, wherein the server system is stored and distributed.

[24] A method for controlling an internet home appliance according to any one of claims 15, 17 to 20 and a method for controlling a server system according to any one of claims 21 to 23 may be combined. A content distribution method characterized by the above.

[25] A connection unit for connecting to a wide area network via a home network, an image output unit, and content and CM information distributed by accessing a predetermined server system via each network to the image output unit In a control method of an information output device comprising a reception control unit for outputting,

The reception control unit receives notification information indicating the status of the network home power network home appliance connected to the same home network, and the reception control unit according to the content of the received notification information. By controlling replacement of CM information to be inserted into the content to be output to the image output unit

The control method of the information output device characterized by performing this.

26. The method of controlling an information output device according to claim 25, wherein the replacement control by the reception control unit is performed according to an insertion frequency instructed from the server system.

27. The method for controlling an information output device according to claim 25, wherein an Internet television receiver that receives and outputs content also for IP network capability is used as the information output device.

[28] A method for controlling an Internet home appliance according to any one of claims 16 to 20 and a method for controlling a server system according to any one of claims 21 to 23 are combined. Content receiving method.

[29] In a control program for an Internet home appliance comprising a mechanism unit as an electrical appliance, a connection unit with a communication network, and a processing unit that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit. The program monitors the respective units in the processing unit, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied for the state of each unit, the program displays notification information indicating the state of the Internet home appliance according to the condition on the Internet. Judgment notification process that sends a specified server as the destination

A control program for internet home appliances characterized in that

[30] In a control program for an Internet home appliance comprising a mechanism unit as an electrical appliance, a connection unit with a communication network, and a processing unit that electronically performs information processing including control of each unit. The program monitors the respective units in the processing unit, and when a condition set in advance for the state of each unit is satisfied, notification information indicating the state of the network appliance according to the condition is sent to the same communication network. Judgment notification processing for transmitting a specified information output device connected as a destination

A control program for internet home appliances characterized in that

[31] The program uses the identification information that identifies the transmission destination on the communication network to the processing unit or the connection unit,

(1) Read and access preset identification information

Or

(2) When the network home appliance is connected to the communication network or after the connection, the predetermined input device power is also input by accepting the setting operation, or the processing acquired by the automatic search using the communication network is executed.

The control program for an Internet home appliance according to claim 29 or 30, wherein

[32] The determination notification process monitors the normality of the Internet home appliance and transmits notification information corresponding to the detected failure to the transmission destination when the failure is detected. 30 is a control program for internet home appliances.

[33] The judgment notification process monitors the elapsed time from the manufacturing date and time registered in advance in the processing unit, or monitors the accumulated total operation time by integration as needed, and defines a predetermined average life and a predetermined value for the product. 31. The network appliance control program according to claim 29 or 30, wherein when the time reaches within a range, the arrival is notified to the transmission destination.

[34] The determination notification process monitors the operation efficiency of the mechanism unit of the Internet home appliance, and when the efficiency is detected to be lower than a predetermined reference, transmits notification information corresponding to the efficiency to the transmission destination. 31. The control program for an Internet home appliance according to claim 29 or 30,

[35] In a control program for a server system provided on the Internet, including an information receiving unit, a storage unit for content and CM information, a distribution unit, and a control unit for distribution operation control. The program receives notification information indicating the status of the network home appliance via the home network and the wide area network connected to the network home power network home appliance and the content of the received notification information to the control unit. The process of controlling replacement of CM information to be inserted into the content to be distributed to a predetermined information output device in the home network by controlling the distribution unit according to

A control program for a server system, characterized in that

[36] Management server process for determining the status of Internet home appliances, content server process for storing and distributing content, commercial server process for storing and distributing CM information, and path switch process for CM information replacement control By controlling the above-mentioned servo system comprising:

The management server process receives notification information indicating the status of the Internet home appliance through the home network and the wide area network to which the Internet home appliance is connected, and based on the content of the received notification information. Judge the status of internet appliances,

The content server process distributes the content via the route switch process to an information output device connected to a home network connected to the network home appliance,

The commercial server process distributes the CM information through the route switch process to an information output device connected to a home network connected to the network home appliance,

The path switch process is configured to switch and control the content of the content server process power and the CM information of the commercial server process power according to the state of the Internet home appliance determined by the management server process. 36. The server system control program according to claim 35.

[37] CM information is received by the server system from the external information server provided outside the server system via the wide area network as required, and downloaded to the server system as necessary. 36. The server system control program according to claim 35, wherein the server system control program is stored and distributed.

[38] A connection unit for connecting to a wide area network via a home network, an image output unit, and content and CM information distributed by accessing a predetermined server system via each network to the image output unit In a control program of an information output device comprising a reception control unit for outputting,

The program receives, to the reception control unit, notification information indicating the status of the network power, the home appliance connected to the same home network, and the reception according to the content of the received notification information. A control program for an information output apparatus, characterized in that, by controlling a control unit, a process of controlling replacement of CM information to be inserted into the content output to the image output unit is executed.

39. The information output device control program according to claim 38, wherein the replacement control by the reception control unit is performed according to an insertion frequency instructed from the server system.